Chinese Authorities Grant Conditional Approval for ANAHD’s Full Acquisition of Nippon Cargo Airlines

The State Administration for Market Regulation of China has conditionally approved ANA Holdings’ full acquisition of Nippon Cargo Airlines (NCA).

The conditions set by the authorities include: (1) Continued provision of cargo ground handling services at Narita International Airport and Kansai International Airport for Chinese airlines operating Japan-China route scheduled flights, and agreement not to refuse contract renewals; (2) Provision of cargo ground handling services at Narita International Airport and Kansai International Airport if Chinese airlines newly enter or increase flights on Japan-China route scheduled services; (3) Transfer of ANA’s cargo flight slot used on the Narita-Shanghai route (one round-trip per day) if requested by new entrants.

Originally planned for full acquisition by October 1, 2023, the date was postponed to February 1, 2024, in consideration of the time required to complete the authority’s merger examination, and further delayed to April 1, July 1, 2025, March 31, May 1, 23, July 1, and August 1.

ANA Holdings announced on July 10, 2023, its intention to acquire all shares of Nippon Cargo Airlines from Nippon Yusen. The Fair Trade Commission approved the share acquisition by ANA Holdings in January.