Kuehne+Nagel, SATS deepen partnership for air logistics

Advancing the strategic objectives of their 2023 memorandum of understanding (MoU) focused on value chain optimisation and sustainability, Kuehne+Nagel and SATS have introduced an expedited delivery service for urgent aircraft parts in Singapore.

The two companies are also expanding their partnership to strengthen resilience and enhance efficiency in global air cargo logistics supply chains, says an official release from Kuehne+Nagel.

"SATS and Sterling, a Kuehne+Nagel company, have launched the new solution at Singapore Changi Airport to address aircraft-on-ground (AOG) emergencies - critical situations where aircraft are grounded due to technical or mechanical issues. These disruptions can result in significant operational and financial impacts, making quick access to spare parts a high priority for the aviation industry. The new solution reduces delivery times and provides enhanced real-time shipment visibility, enabling faster return to service."

The companies have launched sea-air logistics in Los Angeles and Singapore hubs, which offers faster connectivity, reducing transit time, costs and carbon emissions by streamlining shipment handling directly from port to airside facilities, the release added.

"Worldwide Flight Services (WFS), a SATS company, and Kuehne+Nagel have also successfully launched a service at Frankfurt Airport to accelerate import cargo clearances. The initiative aims to optimise operational capacity and reduce delays by streamlining cargo pick-up and delivery by truck. Further joint projects are planned at Frankfurt Airport to improve airfreight processes at the hub."

Yngve Ruud, EVP, Air Logistics, Kuehne+Nagel says: "Our partnership with SATS proved vital during the Red Sea crisis, supporting our sea-air solutions to mitigate disruptions to our customers’ supply chains. We’re excited to expand this collaboration with SATS to enhance value in supply chains through trucking, warehousing, and time-critical shipment solutions."

Francois Mirallie, Deputy CEO, Gateway Services Global, SATS adds: "This expanded collaboration with Kuehne+Nagel underscores our shared commitment to building smarter, more resilient global supply chains. By combining SATS’ deep expertise in air cargo handling with Kuehne+Nagel’s global logistics network, we are accelerating innovation across critical touch points. Together, we are delivering agile, customer-centric solutions that meet the evolving needs of our ecosystem partners."

The companies are planning to expand their global collaboration to include solutions for the healthcare and aerospace sectors, the release added.