Lufthansa Cargo and United Cargo have signed a joint venture agreement on routes between Europe and the US.

Under the JV, the two carriers will coordinate their available capacity and align their booking and handling processes.

“The Lufthansa-United cargo joint venture will generate numerous benefits for our customers because our continental and trans-Atlantic networks, our hubs and our fleet complement each other effectively,” said Peter Gerber, CEO of Lufthansa Cargo.

According to the two companies, the JV route network will offer thousands of new combinations and more than 600 direct connections every week between Europe and the US, providing customers with greater flexibility and time savings.

“We are excited about the benefits that will be generated by our teams’ cooperation and our combined capacities,” said Jan Krems, president of United Cargo. “Cargo customers will appreciate the opportunities for quicker and easier shipping between key locations in the US and Europe.”

During the implementation phase of the project, Lufthansa Cargo and United Cargo will align their cargo IT systems and business processes, and aim to implement Business Day 1 later this year, according to the two carriers.

Lufthansa Cargo and United Cargo first announced their intention to enhance cargo cooperation in December 2015.

The two carriers also have their own JVs with ANA Cargo.