Airlines

Uncovering the History of ANA Cargo: How All Nippon Airways Became One of the World's Largest Cargo Airlines





ANA Cargo, also known as All Nippon Airways Cargo, is a cargo airline based in Japan. It is a subsidiary of All Nippon Airways and is one of the largest cargo airlines in the world.

The airline was established in 1952 as the air cargo division of All Nippon Airways. Initially, the service was only available to domestic customers. However, in the late 1960s, ANA Cargo began offering international cargo services, expanding its reach throughout the Asia-Pacific region. The airline began using its own fleet of cargo planes in the 1970s, including the Boeing 727, 747, and McDonnell Douglas DC-10.

Throughout the 1980s, ANA Cargo continued to expand its fleet and services. The airline began operating its first wide-body aircraft, the Boeing 747, in 1988. This allowed ANA Cargo to transport larger amounts of cargo and expand its services to new markets.

One of the most important milestones in ANA Cargo's history happened in 1995. That year, the airline became the first Japanese cargo carrier to join the International Air Transport Association (IATA). This allowed ANA Cargo to actively participate in the global air freight industry and establish relationships with international airlines and cargo handlers.





In 1998, ANA Cargo became the first Japanese cargo carrier to receive the ISO 9001 certification. This certification is awarded to organizations that demonstrate a commitment to quality and customer service. As part of its continued commitment to quality, ANA Cargo also became the first Japanese cargo carrier to join the International Air Transportation Association's Safety Audit Program in 2000.

In 2001, ANA Cargo began offering its customers expanded services, such as door-to-door delivery, electronic data interchange, and web-based tracking of cargo shipments. The following year, the airline established its first cargo hub at Narita Airport. This hub allowed the airline to more efficiently manage its cargo shipments and expand its services to new markets.

In the 2000s, ANA Cargo continued to expand its fleet and services. In 2006, the airline added its first Boeing 777 freighter to its fleet. Later, in 2013, the airline added its first Boeing 767 freighter to its fleet.

Despite its success, ANA Cargo has not been without incident. In 2009, one of its aircraft, a Boeing 747, was involved in an air crash in Narita Airport in Tokyo. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair and all eight crew members were injured. In 2011, the airline was also the subject of a federal investigation in the United States for alleged price fixing of international air cargo services.





Today, ANA Cargo operates a fleet of more than 30 cargo aircraft, including the Boeing 727, 747, 767, and 777 freighters. The airline serves more than 50 destinations worldwide and has become one of the world's largest cargo airlines. With its commitment to quality, safety, and customer service, ANA Cargo is well-positioned to meet the demand for air cargo services in the future.