SATS, Air China Cargo expand strategic cooperation across global air cargo markets

Singapore-based air cargo and ground handling major SATS and Air China Cargo have agreed to significantly deepen their collaboration across major global markets, including North America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, as both companies seek to strengthen their international air cargo and logistics capabilities.

Announcing the development in a LinkedIn update, SATS said the expanded partnership will focus on joint growth opportunities in cargo handling, cargo terminal operations and integrated logistics solutions. The move follows a recent high-level strategic meeting held in China, led by SATS President and Chief Executive Officer Kerry Mok and Air China Cargo Chairman Chen Song.

During the discussions, the two sides reaffirmed strong alignment on several strategic priorities. These include closer cooperation in air cargo transportation and cargo terminal services, the joint development of integrated and intelligent cargo handling solutions, and the use of advanced digital technologies such as artificial intelligence to enhance operational efficiency, service reliability and cargo visibility across the supply chain.

The companies also agreed to explore opportunities for strategic investments and network development to support long-term growth and to better serve evolving global trade flows. By combining SATS’ expertise in ground handling and airport services with Air China Cargo’s international network, the partnership aims to deliver more seamless and resilient logistics solutions for customers worldwide.

Commenting on the collaboration, SATS noted that the engagement marks an important milestone for Air China Cargo in building a secure and dependable international air cargo supply chain. As China’s national flag cargo carrier, Air China Cargo is focused on improving safety standards, expanding its global network and enhancing capacity to support China’s broader “transportation power” and “logistics power” strategies, as well as the development of more resilient supply chains.

SATS added that the strengthened partnership underscores its commitment to deepening relationships with key airline partners and to building a safe, reliable and resilient global air cargo ecosystem that can support international trade and meet customers’ changing logistics needs.

The announcement comes close on the heels of another strategic development for SATS. In June, its parent company entered into a new agreement with Switzerland-based logistics group Kuehne+Nagel to further strengthen their long-standing strategic partnership in air logistics, highlighting SATS’ broader push to expand global collaboration across the air cargo value chain.