Time flies when you’re having fun, they say. It also flies when you’re focused on building up a solid cargo presence in Europe – which is why Virgin Atlantic Cargo opted to partner with specialist air cargo operations and compliance partner, TCE, last year. In the first 12 months of collaboration which the airline and TCE recently celebrated with customers at an exclusive event in Amsterdam, the partners have seen commercial growth and improved process efficiency. The partners have also entered into a unique joint sponsorship, electing to support Dutch darts player, Gian Van Veen on his professional journey.
24-year-old Gian Van Veen, known as ‘The Giant’ (he is 1.93 m/6’ 4” talls), who was 8 when he first picked up a dart, also has a connection to the air cargo industry. Alongside his first forays into youth darts competitions from the age of 13 on, his career interests led him to study aviation operations at the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (he completed his bachelor’s in the subject), and subsequently work in logistics for a Global GSA Group subsidiary at Hoofddorp, close to Schiphol Airport. Two years ago, he decided to put that career on hold and focus fully on professional darts. Since then, his calm, analytical and fearless approach has resulted in him being ranked World Number 3. Sarah Scheibe, Managing Director of TCE, explained: “At TCE, we go far beyond what is expected of a traditional GSA. Not only is our product portfolio unique in the air cargo industry, but we also take our partnerships to another level. Together with Virgin Atlantic Cargo, we began sponsoring Gian Van Veen this year. Gian is currently the world’s Number 3 and Dutch Number 1 professional darts player, following his impressive games in the 2026 World Championship Finals. And he is a true aviation enthusiast, having studied aviation in Amsterdam and even worked within AERION before focusing on the sport as a professional. That we can support Gian together with our Virgin Atlantic Cargo partner, is particularly meaningful for us. And we are keen to see what the future holds, both for Gian, and, of course, for Virgin Atlantic Cargo’s ongoing European expansion. Our first year has resulted in a strong partnership, a broad network, and exciting growth ahead. We’re proud that TCE now represents Virgin Atlantic Cargo across 14 European countries and manages a fully integrated trucking network into the UK’s London Heathrow airport. May we chalk up many more successes together.”
