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Goodbye GSS, hello Qatar for IAG Cargo
[ January 17, 2014 // Chris ]IAG Cargo – the joint freight business of British Airways and Iberia – has signed a long-term commercial to purchase capacity on Qatar Airways-operated air cargo freighters from 1 May. It will also end its agreement with Global Supply Systems (GSS) under which it has leased three B747-8 freighter aircraft, from the end of April.
Qatar Airways will operate five B777F flights a week between Hong Kong and London on behalf of IAG Cargo.
IAG CEO, Willie Walsh, CEO of IAG, commented:”This agreement ensures our customers in Hong Kong will see a smooth transition from the current arrangements to the Qatar Airways flights. Customers will now benefit from increased belly-hold capacity as well as the deployment of freighter services on capacity constrained routes.”
Qatar Airways is already a partner with IAG through the oneworld global alliance which it joined in October 2013. The airline is taking delivery of a further three B777F aircraft during 2014.
Steve Gunning, CEO of IAG Cargo, commented: “We have reviewed our long haul freighter programme following the merger of British Airways and Iberia freight businesses to create IAG Cargo. The review took account of the growing cargo capacity available to us from our passenger fleet as well as the outlook for the air freight industry overall and we have made the strategic decision to significantly revise our longhaul freighter programme. I would also add that we greatly value the support we have received from GSS over the years.”
Rod Lynch, chairman & CEO of GSS added: “GSS is proud of its twelve years of freighter operation for British Airways World Cargo then IAG Cargo. Although we are sorry to see the relationship end we understand IAG Cargo’s decision and will now direct GSS towards new opportunities”
Tags: British Airways, Global Supply Systems, IAG, Iberia, Steve Gunning