Brussels Airlines Cargo has switched its GSSA from European Cargo Services (ECS) to Air Logistics Group for belly-hold space on its passenger services.
The carrier said the decision to break with its representative of 13 years was part of “an ambitious strategic plan to further grow its cargo business.”
It said it marked “a new era in which Brussels Airlines wishes to get even closer to the customer” in its freight activities.
Cargo has become an increasingly important activity for the Belgian carrier, with over 41,000 tonnes transported on its routes, which major on Africa but also include the US and the rest of Europe.
Freight volumes have grown by double digits over the last five - and by 34% on North Atlantic routes and 8% in revenue terms on African routes.
Brussels Airlines vice president sales Africa and cargo, Philippe Saeys-Desmedt explained: “Brussels Airlines Cargo is more than ever a strategic revenue contributor of our business and we foresee a further growth of our tonnage by 6 percent in 2016.”
ALG will represent Brussels Airlines Cargo worldwide from September 1 except for Africa, where the carrier will continue to represent itself.
The carrier already offers a ‘Fresh-to-shelf’ service for perishable goods from Africa and to launch new products to serve other market segments in the next few months.
Saeys-Desmedt added: “This cooperation will allow us to continue to raise Brussels Airlines Cargo’s unique cargo brand to our customers, thanks to a dedicated sales team in Brussels and a vast worldwide network of agencies.”
ALG’s chief operating officer Stephen Dawkins said: “Together we are very complementary, as we have extensive experience in the Asian and US markets, while Brussels Airlines is the Africa expert, with their unique and comprehensive network of destinations on the continent.
"We will work together very closely to meet their customer’s high expectations, so as Brussels Airlines Cargo can build an even stronger market position.”
