Virgin Atlantic Cargo capacity will be available on the cargo.one digital platform following the completion of a deal at last week’s Air Cargo Europe trade show in Munich.
The digital distribution channel gives Virgin Cargo access to 15,000 freight forwarders in more than 75 countries. The airline serves 400 destinations globally.
Cargo.one said the partnership will deliver a “best-in-class proposition” with instant bookings 24/7 for Virgin Atlantic’s range of products optimising choice for forwarders.
Customers can customise the right handling, speed, priority, and price for their needs by choosing either Classic, Priority, or Express rates.
The cargo.one platform was developed to offer freight forwarders user-friendly access to carriers’ capacity to help them to win more shipments.
Phil Wardlaw, managing director at Virgin Atlantic Cargo, said: “We are delighted to have partnered with cargo.one.
“As customer requirements and digital experiences evolve, we anticipate that by 2025, a significant proportion of bookings will be completed online.
“This meant it was important for us to partner with the leading marketplace that continues to expand the choice for our customers, so they can book cargo their way.
“We always strive to create brilliantly different experiences for our customers, which is why we’re pleased that cargo.one shares our commitment to exceeding customer expectations, making air cargo easier for everyone and ensuring that every touchpoint is not only optimal but also meaningful.
“Above all else, every digital booking with Virgin Atlantic Cargo comes with expert support and a human touch at every step.”
Partnering with cargo.one is expected to enable Virgin to expand its customer base and booking channels with forwarders globally to improve digital access to its services.
Virgin Atlantic Cargo is seen as a digital pioneer as it seeks to raise efficiencies and elevate customer experiences.
It chose cargo.one based on its industry strength and ability to deliver forwarders for its “intuitive, human and seamless digital booking experience”.
The partnership provides additional access to sought-after destinations such as New York, Johannesburg, Shanghai, and Mumbai.
Moritz Claussen, founder and co-chief executive of cargo.one, said: “Both Virgin Atlantic Cargo and cargo.one share a passion and uncompromising dedication to customer experience and have won freight forwarders’ love and loyalty as a result.
“We will work together to build digital journeys that fully capitalize on Virgin’s attractive offers while guaranteeing customers experience the care and expert support they value for their shipments.”
The signing of the deal saw the return of Virgin’s golden guerrilla mascot which was taken captive during ACE by a member of the cargo.one team. An incident apparently caught on camera.
Claussen said: “It is the very best of circumstances in which to return the Virgin team’s prized primate.”
Wardlaw added: “We’re also relieved to be rightfully reunited with our treasured mascot — that cargo.one brazenly bagged, in full view of the cameras.”
