Sats and WFS clinch 14 new cargo and ground handling contracts from Air India

SINGAPORE – In-flight caterer and ground handler Sats and its wholly owned subsidiary Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) have been awarded 14 new contracts from Indian flag carrier Air India in major airports around the world, the group said in a bourse filing on Jan 9.

The Sats group landed these contracts in a global tendering process, which also saw Air India renew 11 existing contracts with Sats and WFS.

The new cargo handling and ground handling stations are in North America, the UK, Europe and Asia, “significantly” expanding Air India’s partnership with Sats and WFS, the group noted.

They include, but are not limited to, stations such as Chicago, Washington Dulles, London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Birmingham, Frankfurt, Milan, Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong.

Mr Bob Chi, chief executive of Sats’ Asia-Pacific Gateway Services, said: “Our extensive capabilities and global network, along with the exceptional service our teams provide, uniquely position us to offer unparalleled international coverage to our airline partners.

“We highly value our partnership with Air India and are excited to represent the airline at these locations.”

Sats’ Gateway Services provides airfreight and ground handling services, which include passenger services, ramp and baggage handling, aviation security services, aircraft cleaning and aviation laundry.

Mr Ramesh Mamidala, head of cargo at Air India, said streamlining Air India’s logistics processes and enhancing service levels across passengers and cargo were key to the airline’s ongoing transformation.

“By strengthening our partnership with Sats and WFS, we look forward to delivering a world-class operation for our customers around the world.”

Shares of Sats closed unchanged at $3.62 on Jan 10. THE BUSINESS TIMES