Wallenborn will provide a full distribution package out of the six hubs AirBridgeCargo serves with Boeing 747-400 freighter services in Europe. ABC connects Europe with China. Hong Kong and Japan via Moscow with 28 flights a week, offering the most efficient transit times over Russian airspace. Its strategically-placed hub operations mean full coverage and optimization across the network it is developing in Europe. Wallenborn operates scheduled road transport services reaching some 100 airports in Europe and has developed a dedicated Service Center Concept at major airports to serve all of the operational requirements of its key accounts.

Wolfgang Meier, Executive Senior Vice President Sales of AirBridgeCargo, stated: 'In order to ensure we deliver the quality standards required by our customer base, we must have the right partners on the ground. Wallenborn, with its recent acquisitions, is now a true pan European player that covers all points in Europe and provides the quality and security our clients require in accordance with Cargo 2000 and TAPA industry standards.

'We look forward to integrating these benchmarks into our company and offering a seamless product from quotation to proof of delivery. This is a commercial decision based on service and will play a key role in our development as a network carrier over the next few years.'

Dr Ludwig Bertsch added: 'We are delighted with that AirBridgeCargo has chosen Wallenborn for its entire European network. This is an airline instigating new distribution products and a collaboration business model, and one that is able to realize its strategy for success in the most difficult circumstances as well noted last year. Its growing network and fleet expansion programme makes AirBridgeCargo a most innovative partner to work with for now and the future. The concept of Wallenborn Transports is based on 4PL models and operational dedication to cover large distribution networks requiring trucking, handling and customer service. Our key account management concepts are based on strategic and operational motivation and interests. This is a unique approach and we are proud that the management team of AirBridgeCargo has recognized this. Both parties are fully committed to delivering consistently high standards to the end customer.'