China Cargo extends WFS partnership for Miami launch

China Cargo Airlines is extending its relationship with Worldwide Flight Services (WFS), a member of the SATS Group, in North America with a new handling contract to mark the start of the first services by a Chinese airline to Miami.

The airline will launch three Boeing 777 freighter flights a week to Miami in January 2024 from Shanghai Pudong International Airport, says a release from WFS. "China Cargo has awarded WFS a three-year contract to handle its cargo including high volumes of e-commerce traffic, perishables, seafood and general cargo."

WFS has supported China Cargo’s growth in Los Angeles since 2006, the release added. "It now handles 18 freighter services a week for China Cargo in Los Angeles Airport. The airline also partnered with WFS again in November 2022 when it commenced all-cargo services to New York JFK, now served by seven freighter flights per week."

The partnership also extends to Seattle, a technical stop for China Cargo flights, the release added. "WFS has provided ground handling for more than 20 flights between Pudong and Seattle every week for the last 10 years as well as an extra 30 to 50 charter services annually during the peak season for cherry exports."

Jose Canales, Senior Vice President, Commercial & Business Development, Americas, WFS says: “WFS is proud to be a trusted and growing partner of China Cargo Airlines, testament to the reliability of our freighter and cargo handling services in North America. We greatly value the loyalty of China Cargo Airlines to our warehouse and ramp operations.

“In fact, this year we celebrate our 25th anniversary of supporting China Eastern/China Cargo and its clients, which began in 1998 with our first contract in Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. As the airline’s flight frequencies and network expand, we are confident that our collaboration will lead to further growth prospects in the future."