As of November 1, the Spanish operator Air Europa has taken on responsibility for their own cargo business, terminating a long-standing contract with general sales agent Leisure Cargo. In a statement the carrier’s management announces they will establish an own network of GSAs responsible for marketing the lower decks of the passenger fleet.
Air Europa’s step is seen by leading freight managers as a blow for sales agent Leisure Cargo that’s been responsible for filling the holds of the carrier’s passenger fleet with air freight
consignments for many years. What’s even worse: It is the GSA’s second loss of an important mandate airline within twelve months following last year’s insolvency of former Leisure parent Air
Berlin.
“We have to respect our customer’s decision but will compensate the Air Europa generated share in Leisure Cargo’s turnover,” reasoned managing director Wolfram Simon-Schroeter of Berlin,
Germany-based forwarding agent Zeitfracht in a short notice.
His company acquired Leisure Cargo from the wreckage of collapsed Air Berlin in October 2017.
Strong presence in Latin America
SkyTeam Alliance member Air Europa is operating a widebody passenger fleet of 17 A330s and 2 B787s, offering ample capacity for freight transports on intercontinental routes. In addition to these
twin-aisle aircraft, 21 B737-800s and 11 Embraer 195s belong to the fleet of the 1984 founded Spanish carrier.
The airline’s home base is Palma de Mallorca Sant Joan Airport, but the intercontinental flights are operated out of Madrid Barajas. Their key market is Latin America which they frequently serve
– among other destinations – Havana, Bogota, Lima, Asuncion, Montevideo, Sao Paulo and Buenos Aires. Air Europa’s main domestic competitor is the IAG Group member Iberia that offers their
passengers and cargo clients a dense network to and from Latin America as well.
Heiner Siegmund
Write a comment