Challenge Group has extended its GSSA partnership with ECS Group, adding seven Eastern European countries – Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Ukraine – to an existing network that already includes Germany, France, Scandinavia, Singapore and Vietnam. This enlarged remit, managed through ECS subsidiary Globe Air Cargo, expands the feeder catchment into Challenge Group’s Liège hub and strengthens links to major global gateways. Operating a dense Boeing freighter network from Liège to the U.S., China, the Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific, Challenge Group is preparing to add Boeing 777-300ERSF aircraft to its current 747-400F and 767-300BDSF fleet, opening the door to new routes to Asia and South America and supporting charter activities. The partnership focuses on high-value verticals such as pharmaceuticals, automotives, aerospace, perishables and live animals, with bookings and customer service processed via Challenge Group’s own IT platforms. These are further supported by digital tools from CargoTech, including Apollo for business intelligence, SkyPallet for capacity optimization and Rotate for market analysis, all under the shared “one team, one aim, one drive” philosophy.
Challenge Group’s Chief Commercial Officer, Or Zak, stated: “Challenge Group is unique because we take on the logistics challenges that standard cargo service providers reject. Every transportation project is different, demanding flexibility, speed, an agile way of thinking, and – above all – professionalism, expertise, and trust. In ECS Group, we know that we have a partner capable of matching our corporate mission and network, and we are delighted to have kicked off the next step in our strategic expansion.” Jean Ceccaldi, Chief Executive Officer of ECS Group, added: “Where there is Challenge, there is always opportunity. At ECS Group, we believe in one team, one aim, one drive, and have successfully risen together with Challenge Group to transform complex cargo challenges into sustainable business opportunities across France, Germany, Scandinavia, and Asia. We are confident that our GSSA teams in Eastern Europe will also achieve significant market expansion and commercial growth for Challenge Group – particularly within its core target industries such as industrial machinery, engines, spare parts, and drilling equipment.”
