After intense negotiations AirBridgeCargo (ABC) decided in favor of the Fraport subsidiary. Fraport Cargo Services (FCS) will provide the physical and document handling of the flights of the Russian airline within the scope of a long-term handling contract starting August.

Ludwig Hamburger, Regional Director Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) of AirBridgeCargo, sets the course for the future handling concept of the airline: 'As the largest B747-operator at Frankfurt Airport we evaluated FCS as an ideal partner for our strategy which focuses on quality and growth. I expect a continuous measurable quality from a handling partner as well as dedicated staff. Together with FCS my team will work intensely on implementing the ABC-standards.'

Winfried Hartmann, Managing Director of FCS, is pleased about the new customer. 'In view of the pricing pressure on this market, it can be highlighted that an airline decides to move to the first row. Especially freighter airlines value our direct access to the apron. We are very pleased about the partnership with AirBridgeCargo. Together with the Fraport Aviation Ground Services we can now deliver all handling services out of one hand.'

AirBridgeCargo's present schedule offers 16 flights per week ex-Frankfurt, Germany, and six services a week ex-Amsterdam in the Netherlands to Russia, providing daily and twice daily services to Moscow (SVO), two services a week to St. Petersburg and six flights a week to Krasnoyarsk. As well as its current three flights a week to and from Japan, AirBridgeCargo operates seven services a week to and from Shanghai and four flights a week to and from Beijing (China). It also serves Hong-Kong with seven flights each week.