TCE renews Air Transat deal, expands cargo reach into Brazil

TCE has renewed its cargo management agreement with Canadian carrier Air Transat and expanded its role under the airline's cargo operations as the carrier launches services to Brazil, marking a new phase in a partnership that began in 2019.

The renewed contract sees TCE taking full responsibility for Air Transat's cargo business under its Total Cargo Management (TCM) model, broadening the scope of services provided to the airline across multiple international markets. The agreement also supports Air Transat's entry into Brazil, a market expected to provide additional cargo capacity and connectivity for a range of industries.

Sarah Scheibe, Managing Director of TCE, said the company delivers a broad portfolio of services focused on air cargo safety, security and quality. She said, "We have been working with Air Transat since 2019, but in 2026 we are now fully leading the carrier under our Total Cargo Management concept with an expanded cargo management scope. The renewed agreement further strengthens our long-term collaboration and expands the scope of services with a comprehensive cargo management approach.

“Together with our partner GSAs from Global GSA Group and ECS Group, we provide Air Transat cargo services across multiple markets worldwide, including France, the Netherlands, Spain, and the UK. New countries added this year include Brazil, Iceland, Morocco, and Senegal, further expanding the global cargo network.”

The expansion into Brazil adds a new cargo corridor to Air Transat's network. The operation currently consists of three weekly flights operated by Airbus A330 aircraft, with each flight offering more than 12 tonnes of cargo capacity. The route is designed to accommodate a range of shipments, including general cargo, automotive freight and perishable goods.

The development reflects Air Transat's efforts to strengthen its cargo presence beyond its established transatlantic markets while creating new opportunities for freight movement between Brazil, Canada and other international destinations served through its network.

Scheibe said the relationship between the two companies has developed significantly over the past several years, moving beyond a conventional service arrangement toward a more integrated operating model. She said: “Since the beginning of the collaboration, the partnership has evolved into a much closer and more integrated cooperation. Increased transparency, stronger operational insights, and excellent teamwork between all companies involved have been key drivers of the partnership's success.

“The renewed agreement focuses on strengthening the partnership, growing together strategically, expanding the cargo network, and further developing special commodity segments.”

The agreement also highlights the role of collaboration between TCE, Global GSA Group and ECS Group in managing Air Transat's cargo activities across multiple regions. By extending coverage into additional countries, the partners aim to support network growth while maintaining operational oversight and service consistency.

TCE's Total Cargo Management model combines commercial cargo management with operational supervision, customs support and reporting functions. The company says the approach is intended to provide airlines with end-to-end visibility and coordination across cargo operations while supporting regulatory compliance and cargo traceability.

The company currently maintains a presence at more than 230 airports worldwide and oversees more than 150,000 tonnes of cargo annually. Through its expanded mandate with Air Transat, TCE is expected to play a larger role in supporting the airline's cargo growth strategy as it develops new markets and commodity segments.