Virgin Atlantic Cargo and cargo.one have announced a global partnership to bring the carrier's capacity to the real-time digital booking platform.

The partnership aims to deliver a "best-in-class proposition" with instant bookings 24/7 for Virgin Atlantic Cargo's latest range of products for forwarders.

"Customers can customize the right handling, speed, priority, and price for their needs by choosing from Classic, Priority, and Express rates. cargo.one will offer freight forwarders the most user-friendly access to Virgin Atlantic Cargo capacity, along with many speed and efficiency benefits, enabling them to win more shipments," the announcement said.

"In partnering with cargo.one enables the airline to expand its customer base and booking channels with forwarders globally to improve digital access to its services," it added.

Virgin Atlantic Cargo's network serves 400 destinations worldwide including daily services to key locations across the United States, India, China, Nigeria, South Africa, Israel and the Caribbean.

Online bookings seen set for further growth

Meanwhile, through the partnership, the airline would gain a digital distribution channel chosen by a global user base of 15,000 freight forwarders across 75+ countries.

It added that by leveraging cargo.one's customer-centric booking process, Virgin Atlantic Cargo can guarantee an "intuitive and authentic booking experience for its external bookings."

 Source: cargo.one

"We are delighted to have partnered with cargo.one. As customer requirements and digital experiences evolve, we anticipate that by 2025, a significant proportion of bookings will be completed online. This meant it was important for us to partner with the leading marketplace that continues to expand the choice for our customers, so they can book cargo their way," said Phil Wardlaw, managing director at Virgin Atlantic Cargo.

"Above all else, every digital booking with Virgin Atlantic Cargo comes with expert support and a human touch at every step," he added.

Moritz Claussen, founder & co-CEO of cargo.one, for his part, said both Virgin Atlantic Cargo and cargo.one share a passion and "uncompromising dedication" to customer experience.

"We will work together to build digital journeys that fully capitalize on Virgin's attractive offers while guaranteeing customers experience the care and expert support they value for their shipments. It is the very best of circumstances in which to return the Virgin team’s prized primate," Claussen added.

Digitalization at Virgin Atlantic Cargo

Virgin Atlantic Cargo noted that it is at the "forefront of applying systemic digitalization to both raise efficiencies and elevate customer experiences."

In the next step towards multi-channel distribution, it added that the airline chose cargo.one based on its industry strength and ability to deliver forwarders a truly intuitive, human and seamless digital booking experience. 

"Teams from Virgin Atlantic Cargo and cargo.one will combine expertise and tailor cargo.one's technology to the airline’s exact needs. With 40+ bookable airline partners, cargo.one is uniquely positioned to support airline teams with building the optimal setup to achieve maximum airline agility and value from digital distribution," it added.

Freight forwarders will be able to book Virgin Atlantic Cargo capacity using the cargo.one marketplace.

The announcement said the partnership would provide additional access to sought-after destinations such as New York, Johannesburg, Shanghai, and Mumbai.