Atlas Air and DHL Express are set to end their joint venture, Polar Air Cargo, after 18 years, as reported by multiple media outlets.

Despite this, Atlas Air will maintain its air transport services for DHL through traditional vendor agreements.

The reports said the joint venture no longer aligns with the strategic direction of either Atlas Air or DHL. 

It also reflects Atlas Air's revised strategic focus: broadening its customer base and concentrating on high-margin, long-haul flights.

Atlas Air has introduced its "One Atlas" strategy, aimed at transforming and diversifying its operations to enhance its position as a leader in outsourced aviation logistics.

Michael Steen, CEO of Atlas Air Worldwide, said earlier this year that 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.

Cargo Facts broke the news of the end of the Atlas Air and DHL Express joint venture on Friday.