MSC Air Cargo, the dedicated air freight carrier of the MSC Group launched in late 2022, has formalized a strategic partnership with Neutral Air Partner (NAP), connecting its expanding freighter network with NAP's global community of freight forwarders, consolidators and specialized logistics providers across more than 150 countries.

The agreement strengthens engagement between the carrier and independent air cargo professionals, opening direct access to MSC Air Cargo's capacity, specialist products and route network. For forwarders and consolidators managing diverse client portfolios, the partnership widens the pool of carrier options and specialized solutions available across key global markets.

The collaboration supports industry dialogue, commercial engagement and cooperation across a full range of shipment types. These include regular air freight, specialised cargo, charter movements and project-driven logistics. NAP said the agreement further strengthens its airline partner portfolio, linking members with carriers, capacity and tailored capabilities that support their operational and commercial goals.

The formal deal builds on an existing relationship between the two organisations. MSC Air Cargo participated in OPENAP25 in Khao Lak, Thailand, where it served as a major sponsor. Jannie Davel, Chief Executive Officer of MSC Air Cargo, and Alexander Padmore, Global Managing Director, joined NAP's executive panel and conference stage to discuss the challenges facing independent freight forwarders and consolidators.

Davel said the relationship developed through direct engagement with NAP members and a shared understanding of dependable partnerships.

"Our relationship with Neutral Air Partner has developed through direct engagement with its members and a shared understanding of the value of strong, dependable partnerships," he said. "Formalising this collaboration gives us an important platform to stay close to a highly experienced global forwarding community, better understand its evolving requirements and explore new opportunities together."

Christos Spyrou, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Neutral Air Partner, said the carrier's presence at OPENAP25 allowed members to engage directly with its leadership and understand its ambitions, capabilities and approach to collaboration. He added that the experience built trust between the two organisations, and that the partnership marks the next step in connecting NAP members with MSC Air Cargo's growing capacity, specialist products and global network.

MSC Air Cargo currently operates seven Boeing 777 freighters and provides more than 50 scheduled and ad hoc connections across the Americas, Europe and Africa, with wider connectivity spanning the Americas, Asia Pacific and EMEA.

The carrier began operations under an ACMI agreement with Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, which operated four Boeing 777-200 freighters on its behalf. In 2023, MSC acquired Milan-based all-cargo carrier AlisCargo Airlines and secured an Italian Air Operator's Certificate. The carrier launched its first fully owned and operated Boeing 777 production freighter from Milan Malpensa in October 2024. By March 2026, its owned-and-operated fleet had grown to three Italian-registered Boeing 777-200 freighters, alongside four Atlas Air-operated Boeing 777 freighters.

Fleet growth continues. In July 2026, MSC Air Cargo ordered five Boeing 777-8 freighters at the Farnborough International Airshow, its first order for the aircraft. The freighters, expected to enter service in 2028, will add efficiency, range and capacity to the carrier's all-Boeing 777 fleet as it develops its global network.

The carrier has also expanded its presence in Asia and Europe. In March 2026, MSC Air Cargo launched a scheduled freighter service between Milan Malpensa and Shanghai Pudong using a Boeing 777-200 freighter, establishing a direct connection between the two airports. Shanghai Pudong remains a strategic gateway for the carrier, which signed agreements with SF Express and Shanghai Airport Authority Logistics Development Co in late 2025 to support cooperation and develop the airport as a core hub in its Asia-Pacific network.

Beyond general freight, MSC Air Cargo offers a range of specialized products. Shipped Fresh covers perishables, Shipped Pharma covers pharmaceuticals, and Shipped Special serves aerospace components, aircraft engines, helicopters, vehicles and other high-value cargo. The carrier's operations are certified under IATA CEIV Fresh and IATA CEIV Pharma, giving forwarders assurance for temperature-sensitive and high-value shipments.

The partnership positions both organizations to connect experienced forwarding professionals with a carrier expanding its fleet, routes, and specialist capabilities across the world's major trade lanes.