Tampa Cargo, the Colombian all-cargo airline, has awarded an exclusive general sales agency contract for the whole of Europe, Scandinavia and Dubai to European Cargo Services (ECS).

The contract takes effect from September 1st 2009 and covers Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Holland, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland and Ukraine. The ECS office in Dubai will also market Tampa Cargo's extensive network across South America.

ECS forecasts it will generate 10,000 tons of cargo per annum for Tampa Cargo.

From its Miami hub, Tampa Cargo ' working closely with its sister airline, Avianca - operates Boeing 767 freighter and Airbus A330 and B767-200/300 passenger flights to Bogot', Cali, Medell'n, Barranquilla, Lima, Caracas, Valencia, Quito and Manaos. From its Bogot' hub, the airline's network serves Santiago, Lima, Caracas, San Juan, Panama, Mexico, Buenos Aires, Madrid, Barcelona.

Tampa Cargo

ECS will market Tampa Cargo's network using Avianca's online capacity from Barcelona and Madrid in Spain as well as through interline partners, providing easy access to the Tampa Cargo route system from Europe, North America and Asia.

For the future, Tampa is evaluating a direct cargo flight from a major airport in Europe to Bogot'.

Carlos Arango, Commercial Director, North America of Tampa Cargo, said: 'Tampa Cargo will benefit from ECS' proven experience and coverage of Europe, Scandinavia and Dubai. ECS has committed to grow our business throughout Europe and its extensive freight forwarder customer base means they will help us increase our revenues, build our presence in Europe ahead of the launch of direct flights and establish a link with other markets in Asia and Africa.'

Jesus Escolar, Managing Director of General Airline Services, a wholly-owned subsidiary of ECS in Spain, said: 'We are delighted to be extending our working relationship with Tampa Cargo's parent, Group Synergy, having represented Avianca in Spain and France for many years. This is an important new contract for ECS as it offers the opportunity to access an extensive sales network covering South America. In addition, we see significant future growth opportunities as Group Synergy has big development plans for its airfreight business.'

Avianca, founded in 1919, is the oldest commercial airline in Latin America and the second oldest in the world. Tampa Cargo, founded in 1973, is one of the leading cargo airlines to the Americas.