Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) has been awarded a cargo handling licence at Oslo Airport, subject to conditions being fulfilled, as airport operator Avinor looks to increase cargo capacity and competition.
The addition of WFS will give Oslo Airport three cargo handling providers for the first time, expanding the choice available to airlines, freight forwarders and cargo owners at Norway’s largest international airport.
Avinor, which operates 43 airports across Norway, said the additional capacity will support the growth of the country’s import and export trade while strengthening Oslo Airport’s position as a Northern European freight hub.
Eva Beate Lande, head of cargo at Avinor, said: “This is very good news for Oslo Airport and the cargo community. We have never previously had three cargo handlers at the airport, and a third operator will increase capacity, and provide an even better offering for airlines, freight forwarders and cargo owners.
“A new operator is an important milestone in our cargo strategy and will help strengthen the resilience of the cargo supply chain and facilitate further growth in both Norwegian and international air freight. It highlights Oslo Airport’s current position as an important air freight hub, while laying a solid foundation for the further development of Cargo West.”
Oslo Airport at Gardermoen is Northern Europe’s largest full-freighter hub and serves as an important departure point for time-critical and perishable exports, including Norwegian seafood.
The Oslo operation will also extend WFS and SATS' global cargo handling network, which currently covers more than 225 stations across 27 countries and trade routes responsible for more than 50% of global air cargo volumes.
John Batten, chief executive officer, Gateway Services Europe, Middle East and Africa at WFS, said: “Norway is an exciting market for air cargo. We look forward to working with Avinor and the airport community to develop a competitive and customer-focussed service offering, which will be linked to SATS’ global air cargo network across 27 countries.”
