Mondial Airline Services, and AEGEAN Airlines have signed an agreement making the GSA responsible for the Greek carrier’s cargo business in Germany. Thanks to the collaboration, shippers and forwarders will gain full access to the Greek cargo market, including 80+ international destinations, serviced by the Athens-based Star Alliance member. CargoForwarder Global (CFG) spoke with Ismail Durmaz (ID), Chairman of Global GSA Group, about the implications of this partnership.
CFG: How much (total) belly hold capacity does AEGEAN offer weekly to/from the German market?
ID: AEGEAN Airlines offers a weekly belly hold capacity of around 80 tons or approximately 500 cubic meters between Germany and Greece. The airline operates 80 weekly flights from Germany to Greece, connecting multiple German cities with Athens (ATH) and Thessaloniki (SKG), with even more flights expected during the busy summer season.
CFG: Which German airport stands at the top of AEGEAN’s cargo operations list, and which is ranked second?
ID: Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is the leading hub for AEGEAN’s cargo operations in Germany, offering daily flights to both Athens and Thessaloniki. Hamburg (HAM) and Dusseldorf (DUS) rank second, with strong and growing connections. The presence in these strategic locations enables AEGEAN to maximize reach across Germany and seamlessly link shipments to Greece and beyond.
CFG: Does AEGEAN fly imports into Germany?
ID: Negative. Currently, AEGEAN Airlines focuses exclusively on export cargo from Germany to Greece and beyond. The airline specializes in transporting general cargo, ship spare parts, and machinery components – commodities that are vital for the shipping, manufacturing, and industrial sectors. These products are critical to the industries served by AEGEAN’s German-Greek network. They are either delivered to Greek importers or transited through Greek hubs to other important markets. AEGEAN’s reliable and frequent flight schedule ensures that these time-sensitive and high-value goods reach their destinations quickly and efficiently.
CFG: Which are the three most utilized final destinations for cargo transiting Athens or Thessaloniki?
ID: The top three destinations for cargo transiting through Greece are: Yerevan (EVN), Larnaca (LCA), and Tbilisi (TBS).
CFG: Why should a Germany-based forwarder or shipper choose AEGEAN to transport its goods and not AF-KLM, Lufthansa Cargo or Swiss WorldCargo, to name but three?
ID: AEGEAN’s reliable and frequent flight schedule ensures that these time-sensitive and high-value goods reach their destinations quickly and efficiently. Germany-based forwarders and shippers benefit from AEGEAN’s high-frequency, reliable, and flexible services. With double daily flights from Frankfurt (FRA) to Athens and Thessaloniki, AEGEAN offers excellent recovery options in case of offloads, minimizing delays and disruptions. Additionally, AEGEAN’s use of a modern and efficient fleet ensures high service quality and optimized cargo handling. Supported by Mondial GSA’s strong market presence and expert cargo management, AEGEAN is uniquely positioned to offer personalized, responsive, and efficient airfreight solutions that major global carriers cannot always match.
CFG: Which special and targeted service can Mondial offer AEGEAN and its customers, that stands out compared to contributions delivered by others?
ID: Mondial GSA offers a unique combination of experience, market expertise, and innovation that sets it apart in the air cargo industry. With over 30 years of experience as a leading General Sales and Services Agent (GSSA), Mondial has built a powerful reputation for excellence in cargo sales and operational support. Now, as the newly appointed GSA for AEGEAN Airlines in Germany, Mondial brings unmatched market connectivity and extensive industry know-how to the partnership. The team’s deep-rooted relationships with German freight forwarders and shippers ensure a strong commercial performance from day one. In addition to its sales strength, Mondial leverages the extensive global network and advanced digital tools of Global GSA Group, offering real-time data analytics, booking optimization, and digital transparency. These tools not only make cargo management more efficient but also give AEGEAN Airlines a competitive edge in customer service, responsiveness, and market reach. Through this collaboration, Mondial guarantees a dynamic, reliable, and innovative cargo operation, helping AEGEAN Airlines to strengthen its brand and expand its footprint in one of Europe’s key cargo markets. Its commitment to outstanding service delivery, combined with strategic vision and digital innovation, makes Mondial a partner that goes far beyond traditional GSSA services.
CFG: Ismail, thank you for your time and the information shared.
