New Deal for Freight Forwarding and Logistics Group with Aircraft Operators

SWITZERLAND – US – WORLDWIDE – Freight forwarding and third party logistics operator Panalpina has strengthened its long standing air cargo partnership with Atlas Air with the introduction of a new five year agreement which will see the Swiss group switch one of its wet-leased aircraft to more than 200 scheduled charters per year, thereby expanding its air freight network. As of March, Panalpina will operate flights from Hong Kong to Huntsville, Alabama with dedicated scheduled charters using Atlas Air 747-400 freighters.

Matthias Frey, Global Head of Panalpina’s controlled air freight network said the new deal would not only maintain scheduled capacity on the transpacific route but enable expansion of services with Atlas Air. Lucas Kuehner, Global Head of Air Freight at Panalpina commented:

“The new long-term agreement with Atlas Air will intensify our cooperation and increase our joint business. The switch from one of our wet-leased 747-8Fs to more than 200 scheduled full charters per year as part of this agreement equals a change in our procurement strategy and prepares the ground for the continued expansion of our controlled air freight network.”

As part of the five-year agreement, Panalpina is extending its operation of the wet-leased 747-8F on the transatlantic route, which includes calls in Mexico and the UK. The newly expanded controlled air freight network already accounts for 15% of Panalpina’s air freight volumes each year and the company claims is unique in the industry. Within this network, Panalpina controls a series of scheduled charters using different leading air cargo carriers, leased aircraft, ground handling and flight operations. William J. Flynn, President and CEO of Atlas Air Worldwide, commented:

“The new agreement, which now includes scheduled charters, enhances our service offering for Panalpina, and we look forward to expanding our relationship with Panalpina as the company’s network grows further.”