**London**: Atlas Air signs a Memorandum of Understanding with Singapore’s SATS and Worldwide Flight Services to expand global cooperation, aiming to improve air cargo handling and sustainability, particularly focusing on services across North America, Singapore, and Riyadh.
Atlas Air has formalised a new collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Singapore-based SATS and Worldwide Flight Services (WFS), with the intention of expanding their global cooperation and maximising their respective networks. The announcement was made by the companies amid ongoing developments in the air cargo sector.
The MoU is aimed at further strengthening the existing relationships between Atlas Air, SATS, and WFS, particularly focusing on North America. In this region, WFS provides handling services for Atlas Air at eight major airport gateways, which include Chicago, Dallas Fort Worth, Denver, Houston, Indianapolis, Miami, New York JFK, and Seattle. Furthermore, the agreement is set to enhance collaboration in Singapore, the home of the SATS Group, as well as in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Areas of focus will also include warehouse services, freighter ramp handling, and crew transport solutions.
This agreement marks a significant milestone, being the first of its kind between Atlas Air—an operator of the largest fleet of B747 freighters worldwide—and SATS, one of the preeminent providers of air cargo handling services globally. The partnership aims to implement a fully integrated ground and cargo handling model designed to accommodate the increasing demands associated with e-commerce and facilitate growth in air cargo volumes, which include perishables, pharmaceuticals, and high-value shipments. Moreover, the collaboration will look towards developing digital and automation solutions to enhance supply chain visibility and traceability of cargo across the integrated networks.
Atlas Air, SATS, and WFS have also voiced their commitment to enhancing cooperation in significant international airfreight trade lanes, alongside initiatives that focus on green and low-carbon strategies to reduce the environmental impact of air cargo operations.
Martin Drew, Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer at Atlas Air Worldwide, expressed that this partnership exemplifies a shared vision for the future of air cargo. He stated, “By combining SATS and WFS’ extensive ground handling expertise with Atlas Air’s global network and commitment to innovation, we can unlock new opportunities for growth and efficiency.” Drew further emphasised that the partnership would yield substantial advantages for customers by improving visibility, service quality, and reliability, while also contributing positively to sustainability and the digital evolution of the industry.
Similarly, Kerry Mok, President and Chief Executive Officer of SATS, remarked on the collaboration, saying, “We are pleased to have Atlas Air partner with SATS and WFS as we work together to drive efficiencies in the air cargo supply chain to better serve our customers.” Mok highlighted the tremendous potential for developing specialised services that will enhance competitiveness through improved speed and traceability, thanks to the combined resources of their worldwide networks.
Currently, SATS and WFS handle over 237,800 tonnes of airfreight annually for Atlas Air across the noted locations, supported by approximately 5,300 freighter flights.
Source: Noah Wire Services
Subscribe to Industry Updates
