A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between Kuehne+Nagel and SATS to enter into a strategic collaboration to drive value chain improvements and sustainability efforts within the air logistics industry.

The two companies have initially collaborated on several successful Proofs of Concept to optimise ground handling for e-commerce shipments, air charter hub and spoke operations, as well as to improve shipment visibility and cargo processing speeds for time-critical shipments.

The aim of the collaboration is to co-develop and implement solutions for customers throughout Asia, Europe and North America.

The companies state that the first Proofs of Concept have produced encouraging results, demonstrating time savings and reducing touchpoints for Kuehne+Nagel shipments at SATS’ airside facilities.

Yngve Ruud, member of the management board of Kuehne+Nagel responsible for air logistics, said: “Collaboration is at the heart of what we do at Kuehne+Nagel and we are very excited to partner with SATS.

“By leveraging our combined expertise and global footprints we improve our service offering and continue to create value for customers around the world.”

Kerry Mok, president and chief executive of SATS, added: “We are always looking at ways to bring extra value to our customers to serve them better, and to benefit from the new opportunities our growing global network offers.

“Kuehne+Nagel shares this progressive approach and this is why our companies are moving from a conventional customer-vendor relationship to a strategic collaboration to drive improvements and efficiencies in the supply chain.”

READ MORE NEWS: Lufthansa Cargo and Kuehne+Nagel go paperless between Europe and Asia