Alaska Airlines appoints Global GSA Group as partner for Italy cargo launch

Alaska Airlines has appointed Global GSA Group as its general sales & service agent (GSSA) for the Italian market. The partnership comes just ahead of the airline’s expected direct service between Rome-Fiumicino (FCO) and its primary hub in Seattle (SEA), launching in late April.

According to the press release, the collaboration aims to position Seattle as a gateway for Italian exports moving into North America and the Pacific. As one of Europe’s premier GSSAs, Global GSA Group will oversee the commercial development and sale of cargo capacity, leveraging its deep ties with the Italian freight forwarding community.

Starting in late April, Alaska Airlines will operate daily flights using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. Beyond the immediate Seattle market, the service unlocks a network of over 100 destinations across the United States, Asia Pacific, and Latin America.

“Rome-Seattle is a particularly attractive routing,” said Aytekin Saray, CEO of Global GSA Group. “It offers a direct link for the high-value, specialised goods that Italy is famous for exporting.”

The new route is expected to serve as a primary for several key Italian industries. Global GSA Group and Alaska Airlines have identified high-growth opportunities, particularly in the transport of High Fashion & Accessories, which is vital for Italy’s luxury sector.

Pharmaceuticals will also benefit, utilising the dreamliner’s modern climate-control capabilities. Additionally, the route is crucial for moving aerospace & machinery, including aircraft spare parts and industrial components. Finally, it will streamline the export of Italian Perishables, particularly foodstuffs, to the West Coast and Hawaii.

"Our partnership with Global GSA Group allows us to establish exciting new shipping connections between Rome and Seattle—and up and down the West Coast, where we serve more destinations than any other carrier," Ian Morgan, Vice President of Cargo at Alaska Airlines.