Atlas Air and DHL Express will end their joint venture, Polar Air Cargo, after 18 years, as it no longer fits the strategic direction of either shareholder company.

Despite this, Atlas Air will maintain its air transport services for DHL through traditional vendor agreements; meanwhile, both companies anticipate that some operations will transition to Atlas while others will remain with DHL.

Representatives from both Atlas Air and DHL confirmed their plans to Asia Cargo News, providing nearly identical statements.

"Polar has been a very successful commercial joint venture of Atlas and DHL since it was established in 2007. We are proud of what the Polar team has accomplished over the years as a leader in scheduled express service," the statement from both Atlas Air and DHL said.

"As we considered the evolution of our respective companies, Atlas and DHL have mutually decided that the joint venture no longer aligns with the strategic direction of either shareholder company."

The Atlas spokesperson noted that the decision is "very much a part of our continued transformation and is in full alignment with our One Atlas Strategy."

"We expect certain operations and positions to shift to Atlas and others to DHL and will ensure continued outstanding service to Polar's strong roster of customers. Atlas will continue to hold the Polar certificate."

"We are very pleased to extend our valuable partnership with DHL Express and continue as a carrier within their global aviation network. Atlas will continue to provide DHL outsourced CMI service on the two 777F aircraft currently operated by Polar for an extended term."

The Atlas spokesperson further said that the company will redeploy the four 747-8F aircraft currently in service for DHL through Polar with other Atlas customers under long-term agreements.

The DHL spokesperson confirmed that the company will continue to partner with Atlas Air.

"Moving forward, DHL will continue to partner with Atlas as a carrier within its global aviation network."

Atlas Air has earlier introduced its "One Atlas" strategy, aimed at transforming and diversifying its operations to enhance its position as a leader in outsourced aviation logistics. Its strategic focus is broadening its customer base and concentrating on high-margin, long-haul flights.

The company operates approximately 14% of all global widebody freighter capacity across the supply chain.

Polar Air Cargo specializes in providing scheduled express services, and Atlas Air operates the aircraft. The majority of the cargo space is allocated to DHL, which also sets the flight network, while Atlas markets the remaining capacity to freight forwarders.

The major American cargo airline, passenger charter operator, and aircraft lessor is the largest operator of Boeing 747 freighters globally. It has a total of 121 Boeing aircraft of various types that it operates or leases.