Atlas Air, SATS Limited and Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand global cooperation and to leverage each other’s networks.

The MoU is the first of its kind between Atlas Air, which operates the world’s largest fleet of B747 freighters, and SATS, one of the world’s largest providers of air cargo handling services.

It is expected that the MoU will expand the relationship between the partners to work together on a fully integrated ground and cargo handling model to address the growing demands of e-commerce as well as network solutions to facilitate growth in air cargo volumes, including perishables, pharmaceuticals, and other high value shipments.

The MoU aims to build on the strong working relationships between the three firms particularly in North America where WFS provides handling for the airline at eight major airport gateways: Chicago, Dallas Fort Worth, Denver, Houston, Indianapolis, Miami, New York JFK, and Seattle.

The agreement will also expand cooperation in Singapore, the headquarters of the SATS Group, as well as in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This includes strengthening relationships for warehouse services, freighter ramp handling, and crew transport solutions.

The partners will also collaborate on the development of digital and automation solutions to provide expanded supply chain visibility and traceability of cargo throughout the combined networks.

Martin Drew, chief strategy and transformation officer at Atlas Air Worldwide, said: “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.

“We are confident this partnership will provide exceptional value and further strengthen our position as a global leader in the air cargo market.”

The three firms have also pledged to achieve further collaboration on major international air freight trade lanes and cooperate on green and low-carbon initiatives which minimise the environmental impact of air cargo.

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