Stronger together is the modus operandi of three leading cargo stakeholders who signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 19FEB25, that will see them “expand their global cooperation and leverage each other’s networks.” Atlas Air WorldWide Holdings, Inc.’s subsidiary, Atlas Air Inc., Singapore’s SATS Limited, and SATS Group member, Worldwide Flight Services, agreed to develop their business relationships – particularly in North America. Here, WFS is already Atlas Air’s handling provider at eight key airport gateways: Chicago, Dallas Fort Worth, Denver, Houston, Indianapolis, Miami, New York JFK, and Seattle. Other areas of focus are Singapore, and Riyadh in Saudi Arabia.
This is the first time that Atlas Air and SATS have officially signed a MoU though, together, SATS and WFS handle more than 237,800 tons of airfreight each year for the cargo carrier and its circa 5,300 freighter flights. The partners intend to ensure a fully integrated ground and cargo handling model with regard to e-commerce growth and the additional requirements it brings, and establish network solutions to support other growing commodity segments such as perishables, pharmaceuticals, and high value products. The MoU covers improved warehouse services, freighter ramp handling, and crew transport solutions. Digitalization to maximize automation and tracking and transparency is planned, and Sustainability figures, too. According to the press release: “Atlas Air, SATS and WFS have also pledged to achieve further collaboration on major international airfreight trade lanes and cooperate on green and low-carbon initiatives which minimize the environmental impact of air cargo.”
Martin Drew, Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer, Atlas Air Worldwide, stated: “This expanded partnership with SATS and WFS is a testament to our shared vision for the future of air cargo. 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. This collaboration will deliver significant benefits to our customers by enhancing visibility, service quality, and reliability. It will also drive meaningful progress across the industry by promoting sustainability and spearheading digital transformation.”
Kerry Mok, SATS President and Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are pleased to […] work together to drive efficiencies in the air cargo supply chain to better serve our customers. 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.”
