Saudia Cargo has awarded a multi-station contract to Worldwide Flight Service (WFS), which significantly extends cargo handling services across major key airport gateways in Europe and the United States of America.

In a statement, WFS said it will now be handling over 160,000 tonnes of cargo annually for Saudia Cargo, in addition to providing ramp handling services for air cargo shipments onboard over 5,000 passenger and freighter flights per year.

 (L-R) Teddy Zebitz, Saudia Cargo CEO and John Batten, executive vice president of WFS EMEAA (Source: WFS)

"WFS is a global leader in providing cargo handling services, and by awarding this contract to them, we are certain that our operations in pivotal stations on the European and American continent that are part of WFS' network will considerably benefit from their highly reliable expertise," said Teddy Zebitz, CEO of Saudia Cargo.

He added that Saudia Cargo would continue to form "strategic partnerships" with other logistics providers, both in the public and private sectors, ultimately supporting the creation of a more cohesive and efficient logistics ecosystem in the Kingdom and beyond.

John Batten, executive vice president of WFS EMEAA, also welcomed the company's expanded partnership with Saudia Cargo.

"We are honored by Saudi Cargo's trust and confidence in WFS and to be extending our partnership with one of the leading air cargo carriers in the logistics industry. Together, we will combine our efforts to provide the very best service experience for the airline's customers," Batten said.

"Our strategic operations in the Eastern hemisphere are exceptionally advanced and well-equipped to meet the needs of Saudia Cargo's services and we look forward to achieving many new milestones together over the course of our partnership," he added.

The contract with WFS covers its services at several important stations, including Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Paris, London, Manchester, Brussels, New York, and Washington.

The responsibilities, contractually agreed upon, will commence from February 1, 2023 onwards.

Mohanned Badri, vice president of operations at Saudia Cargo, said this partnership would contribute to the growth of both Saudia Cargo and WFS.

"Both companies are also exploring future opportunities for furthering their partnership by expanding to new destinations where WFS possesses cargo handling capabilities," Badri added.

WFS noted that the contract was formally signed by Zebitz, chief executive of Saudi Cargo, and Batten of WFS at a ceremony held in Saudia Cargo's Jeddah Headquarters to inaugurate new agreement.