Active Airline Representatives ' the exclusive Dutch member of the EGSAC Cargo GSSA network ' has been appointed to represent Saudi Airlines Cargo Company in the Netherlands with effect from August 16th. The airline previously handled its own sales in Holland.

Saudi Airlines Cargo Company 'operates up to eighteen B747-400F flights per week from Brussels to Saudi Arabia. Active will connect to these using express road feeders to Brussels. Active will have online access to capacity, and will be able to block space for regular customers and secure ad hoc space.

In addition to Jeddah, Riyadh and Damman, which Active estimates will account for some 70% of traffic from the Netherlands, it is keen to promote other destinations beyond Saudi Arabia. Says Active MD Ton Smulders (also President of EGSAC): 'Saudi's transhipment services to Khartoum, Lagos, Bombay, Delhi and many other destinations in Africa, the Middle East and Asia will all be attractive to our market. We expect significant support from the computer component and offshore equipment sectors, as well as general cargo.'

He adds: 'We are delighted to have won the contract to represent such a large and prestigious carrier; Saudi Airlines' network is an ideal complement to our existing coverage. Although the Dutch market is fiercely competitive, local agents have already reacted very positively to the news that we are now Saudi's service partner here. With effective marketing and additional focus on customer service, we are very optimistic that we can help to boost the airline's profile and business in the Netherlands.'

Michael Meagher, Executive Vice President, Saudi Airlines Cargo Company says: 'I am very pleased that Active Airline Representatives are representing us in the Netherlands. We selected them following a full analysis of the market and all the options available to us.'Our sales strategy throughout Europe is undergoing significant change to reflect the changing dynamics in the marketplace. Our medium- and long term strategy is to expand our range of freighter destinations, increase our market share and expand our product range. This appointment fits in very well with this strategy and I am confident it will be successful.'