Asiana Airlines announced on August 6 that it will continue its air cargo business in partnership with ECS Group. The company will transport cargo using the 'belly cargo' method, which utilizes the lower deck space of passenger aircraft.
Starting from August 1, Asiana Airlines began receiving from ECS Group all services necessary for belly cargo transportation, including sales, reservations, customer support, and ground handling coordination. ECS Group is the largest global air cargo sales and transportation agency (GSSA) in the industry, collaborating with more than 100 airlines in over 60 countries worldwide.
On August 1, Asiana Airlines completed the sale of its cargo division in accordance with the requirements of the European Union (EU) and Japanese competition authorities, who were concerned about monopoly issues. However, the company will continue its logistics services through the belly cargo business. The belly cargo business offers the advantage of high on-time performance and fast delivery services by utilizing existing passenger routes. Asiana Airlines plans to actively respond to logistics demand that requires high punctuality and urgency, such as semiconductor parts, fresh food, and small express cargo. Its main aircraft model, the A350-900, can carry up to 18 tons of cargo and baggage in the lower deck compartment.
Meanwhile, Asiana Airlines transported approximately 158,000 tons of international belly cargo last year. A representative from Asiana Airlines stated, "By combining ECS Group's global network with Asiana's expertise, we will proactively respond to the global air logistics market."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
