Atlas Air Inc. announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SATS Limited and Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) to expand their global cooperation and leverage each other's networks.

The MoU aims to build on the strong working relationships between SATS, WFS, and Atlas Air, particularly in North America where WFS provides handling for the airline at eight major airport gateways: Chicago, Dallas Fort Worth, Denver, Houston, Indianapolis, Miami, New York JFK, and Seattle.

In addition, the agreement will expand cooperation in Singapore, the headquarters of the SATS Group, and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, including strengthening relationships for warehouse services, freighter ramp handling, and crew transport solutions.

"The MoU is the first of its kind between Atlas Air, which operates the world's largest fleet of B747 freighters, and SATS, one of the world’s largest providers of air cargo handling services," the announcement said.

It added that the MoU also expands the relationship between the partners to work together on a fully integrated ground and cargo handling model to address the growing demands of ecommerce as well as network solutions to facilitate growth in air cargo volumes, including perishables, pharmaceuticals, and other high-value shipments.

The partners will also collaborate on developing digital and automation solutions to expand supply chain visibility and cargo traceability throughout the combined networks.

Atlas Air, SATS, and WFS have also pledged to achieve further collaboration on major international airfreight trade lanes and cooperate on green and low-carbon initiatives that minimize the environmental impact of air cargo.

"This expanded partnership with SATS and WFS is a testament to our shared vision for the future of air cargo," said Martin Drew, chief strategy and transformation officer of Atlas Air Worldwide.

"By combining SATS and WFS' extensive ground handling expertise with Atlas Air's global network and commitment to innovation, we can unlock new opportunities for growth and efficiency," he added.

Drew noted that the collaboration will deliver significant benefits to its customers by enhancing visibility, service quality, and reliability. It will also drive meaningful progress across the industry by promoting sustainability and spearheading digital transformation.

"We are confident this partnership will provide exceptional value and further strengthen our position as a global leader in the air cargo market," Drew said.

Kerry Mok, SATS president and chief executive officer, noted that the partnership with Atlas Air and WFS will drive efficiencies in the air cargo supply chain.

"Our worldwide network, combined with Atlas Air's fleet of freighters and global presence, offers immense opportunities to develop value-added and specialized services that deliver speed and traceability to enhance our customers' competitiveness," Mok added.

SATS and WFS handle over 237,800 tonnes of airfreight annually for Atlas Air at these locations, carried onboard some 5,300 freighter flights.