AIA Cargo has won two new GSSA contracts. It will provide services for Hainan Airlines and Air Peace on their flights out of the UK and Ireland.
The Hainan Airlines deal will see AIA become the airline’s exclusive partner for the UK and Ireland starting on April 1.
READ: Twin airport strategy poised to strengthen India’s aviation sector
“This partnership will provide customers with a range of new opportunities, as it opens up multiple routes from London Heathrow, Dublin, Manchester, and Edinburgh to various destinations in China,” the GSSA said.
The carrier also flies to Beijing from Dublin, Manchester and – from May 17 – Edinburgh. All flights are twice weekly.
“This a new and exciting milestone for AIA’s expansion to work with one of the leading Chinese carriers. The team is looking forward to working closely with Hainan Airlines
with more to come with our Europe offices in the future,” said Nina Bruce, Far East commercial and network development manager, AIA Cargo.
AIA added that there is a range of onward options for shipments to other destinations via China and Asia. The number of flights is also expected to increase for the summer season.
READ: Hainan Airlines to resume Brussels to Shanghai route
The company has also won a contract to provide GSSA service to Air Peace on flights from London to Lagos.
The airline offers six widebody flights per week between the two airports.
“AIA Cargo is proud to have been selected to represent Air Peace in the UK as Air Peace becomes our first African carrier into our group of companies.
“Air Peace’s six weekly flights offer welcomed capacity not just to Lagos but onward to some major West African hubs for air cargo. We are sure our clients will be happy with the competitive rates,
schedule and capacity that Air Peace cargo will offer to the UK market,” said Mark Andrew, chief executive of AIA Cargo.
The two companies said they plan to explore new business opportunities, expand their customer base and diversify their service offering.
