BACA, the worldwide air charter association, has urged Volga-Dnepr Airlines to"re-think" its decision to stop using charter brokers for its fleet of An-124-100 and IL-76TD-90VD freighters.
The Russian carrier has written to brokers informing them that in future it will be dealing with clients directly only, cutting out the role of the broker.
In a statement, BACA said that it was "disappointed to hear of this decision", adding: "Specialist brokers play a vital role in arranging complex cargo flights, improving efficiency and the customer experience to the benefit of all concerned.
"Choice is also being taken away from the customer, who may prefer to use a broker with whom they already have an established relationship."
The statement continued: "Throughout its nearly 70 year history, BACA has seen cycles in which certain operators cut broker relationships, only to re-open them once the shortcomings of doing so have manifested themselves.
"On behalf of our members, we would urge Volga Dnepr to re-think this course of action and instead to work openly with brokers to ensure that the valuable services our brokers provide are efficiently meshed with Volga Dnepr’s cargo operations. In that way, all involved can best represent the interests of the market customers."
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