Brussels/Amsterdam, Dec. 8, 2008 — AirBridgeCargo Airlines (ABC) has signed a major cargo handling contract with Aviapartner Cargo in Amsterdam Schiphol for the provision of full cargo and ramp handling services, effective January 1, 2009.
Aviapartner Cargo will provide AirBridgeCargo with a comprehensive range of services at the airport, including loading and unloading of aircraft, pushback and towing, headset, ground power, de-icing, crew transport, freight transfer, flight documentation and planning, crew briefing, weight and balance, load-plan and load-sheet. Cargo handling services will incorporate warehousing, ULD build-up and breakdown, inventory control, documentation for import and export, customs clearance, tracing, and dangerous goods handling. It will also support ABC’s specialist requirements for the handling of vulnerable products, live animals and perishable shipments.
Amsterdam Schiphol is key to AirBridgeCargo’s growth strategy. It operates Boeing 747 freighters from the airport to Russia and Asia, providing direct services to Moscow, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing almost daily and has plans to increase frequencies. AirBridgeCargo has positioned itself as a niche carrier to Russia and through the continued development of high levels of service intends to attract more local and networked support to both Russia and Asia.
Ludwig Hamburger, regional director Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) of AirBridgeCargo, said: “This decision is in line with our growth strategy that will ensure our product matches our customers’ needs and it is part of the drive to support the next stage of the company’s development.” Neil Nagarkar, ABC’s sales and operations director EMEA, added: “We consider Aviapartner the ideal choice to support our development plans and product requirements. I expect continuous measurable quality from a handling partner as well as full dedication in a secured location. This move will ensure we can further development our customer partnerships by delivering the high standards and transparency required by our customers today and in the future. Aviapartner and my team will work hard together to ensure this.”
Heath White, chief operating officer of Aviapartner Cargo, commented: “We are delighted that AirBridgeCargo has chosen us as their business partner in Amsterdam. We are thrilled to be able to cooperate with one of the fastest growing cargo airlines in the market and we strongly believe in their future. This new contract also illustrates the longstanding and excellent relationship Aviapartner Cargo has with the Volga-Dnepr Group, ABC’s parent. It also confirms our strong quality position in Amsterdam. We look forward to this excellent cooperation and would like to thank AirBridgeCargo for their openness and sincere support of our operations.”
