Atlas Air has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Singapore-based SATS Limited and its ground handling subsidiary Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) to expand their global cooperation and to leverage each other’s networks.
The MoU aims to build on the strong working relationships between SATS, WFS and Atlas Air, particularly in North America where WFS provides handling for the airline at eight major airport gateways: Chicago, Dallas Fort Worth, Denver, Houston, Indianapolis, Miami, New York JFK, and Seattle.
In addition, the agreement will also expand cooperation in Singapore, the headquarters of the SATS Group, as well as in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This includes strengthening relationships for warehouse services, freighter ramp handling, and crew transport solutions.
The MoU is the first of its kind between Atlas Air, which operates the world’s largest fleet of B747 freighters and SATS, one of the world’s largest providers of air cargo handling services. It expands the relationship between the partners to work together on a fully integrated ground and cargo handling model to address the growing demands of e-commerce as well as network solutions to facilitate growth in air cargo volumes, including perishables, pharmaceuticals, and other high value shipments. The partners will also collaborate on the development of digital and automation solutions to provide expanded supply chain visibility and traceability of cargo throughout the combined networks, reads a joint statement.
Reflecting their shared commitments, Atlas Air, SATS and WFS have also pledged to achieve further collaboration on major international air freight trade lanes and cooperate on green and low-carbon initiatives which minimize the environmental impact.
“Our worldwide network, combined with Atlas Air’s fleet of freighters and global presence, offers immense opportunities to develop value-added and specialized services that deliver speed and traceability to enhance our customers’ competitiveness,” commented Kerry Mok, SATS President and Chief Executive Officer.
SATS and WFS handle over 237,800 tons of cargo annually for Atlas Air at these locations, carried onboard some 5,300 freighter flights.
At the same time, Atlas Air and DHL Express announced the termination of their Polar Air Cargo Joint Venture in which Atlas Air held 51% and DHL 49%. This marks the end of their 18 year-long contractually agreed collaboration to mutual benefit, as confirmed by U.S. Portal FreightWaves. “The joint venture no longer aligns with the strategic direction of either shareholder company. This decision is very much a part of our continued transformation and is in full alignment with our One Atlas Strategy,” Atlas Air told author Eric Kulisch from FreightWaves upon inquiry.
