Globe Air Cargo UK signs GSSA deal with airBaltic in UK

Globe Air Cargo UK, a subsidiary of ECS Group, has entered into a GSSA partnership with airBaltic to manage cargo capacity from the United Kingdom. The agreement covers flights departing London Gatwick, Manchester, and Aberdeen to Riga and Tallinn, with a focus on improving load factors and expanding routing options to the Baltics and other European markets.

From 6 March 2026, Globe Air Cargo UK assumed commercial responsibility for the belly capacity of 17 weekly flights from London Gatwick to Riga and Tallinn. Additional capacity will be introduced with two weekly services from Aberdeen to Riga starting 2 June 2026, while Manchester services are scheduled to resume on 13 December 2026. The airline operates a fleet of A220-300 aircraft, which support mail, e-commerce shipments, general cargo, and live animal transport.

“This new GSSA contract with airBaltic offers a true win-win situation. It opens up cargo capacities to key destinations in Europe and, in particular, the Baltic regions, which were previously not served from the UK. So, Globe Air Cargo UK’s freight forwarding customers across the UK now have increased global access,” says Jean Ceccaldi, Chief Executive Officer of ECS Group. “At the same time, airBaltic stands to benefit from Globe Air Cargo UK’s digital framework when it comes to simple and efficient booking processes or AI-supported shipment documentation, for example. And above all, the people aspect played a significant part in airBaltic’s tender decision. Globe Air Cargo UK’s expansive customer base and market knowledge will soon bring a positive turnaround for airBaltic, in line with its strategic growth plans.”

The partnership builds on an existing relationship between the two companies in the UK market. Globe Air Cargo UK has supported airBaltic’s operations for seven years through handling and sales activities.

“In the seven years that airBaltic has been serving the UK, we have built up a strong personal relationship, managing its handling, supporting growth, promoting its product and providing high load factors and strong revenues out of the UK,” Steve Hughes, Managing Director of Globe Air Cargo UK, adds: “We thank Ilja Seliverstovs, Irina Podzuka and Vladislavs Pecevics for the trust and faith they now place in Globe Air Cargo to represent them as GSSA in the UK. We aim to build on this excellent rapport and leverage digital efficiencies going forward.”

airBaltic said the agreement aligns with its logistics strategy centred on Latvia as a regional hub. The airline has invested in fleet renewal and cargo infrastructure to support this plan.

“At airBaltic, we are on a mission to position Latvia as a key strategic logistics gateway in Northern Europe and have invested not only in the youngest and greenest fleet in Europe but also have a new modern cargo handling facility in Riga,” states Ilja Seliverstovs, Vice President Cargo at airBaltic. “Our partnership with Globe Air Cargo UK now adds the much-needed people factor into this success equation. The team’s expertise will help redirect the focus onto our cargo business once more and enable airBaltic to grow as intended.”

The contract was signed on 4 February 2026 at the Baltic Cargo Centre at Riga Airport. The facility has capacity to handle up to 45,000 tonnes of cargo per year and includes infrastructure for temperature-sensitive goods, high-value shipments, and live animals.

ECS Group operates across 59 countries with 181 offices and a workforce of more than 1,700 employees. The company provides GSSA services to airlines and supports cargo sales, distribution, and operational processes across international markets.