Adolfo MoralesUnited Cargo, Air Canada and US Airways have awarded three-year handling contracts to Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) in Boston.

The new contracts, effective from September 1, 2009, mark the launch of WFS's own cargo handling operation at the airport. Under the agreement, WFS will take over the lease of United Airlines' 28,000 square feet warehouse in Boston. Air Canada and US Airways' cargo will also continue to be handled in the building.

The WFS team in Boston will provide full cargo handling services, including warehousing, build and break services, customer service, documentation, security screening, customs clearance and other support as required. Seafood represents a high percentage of cargo that will be handled.

These latest contracts extend the close business partnerships between WFS, United Cargo, Air Canada and US Airways. In North America, WFS already provides handling at 13 airports for United Cargo, at 12 stations for US Airways and at four airports for Air Canada.

From Boston, the airlines operate narrow-bodied flights and trucking services to destinations within the USA and Canada as well as connections to Europe and the Caribbean.

Adolfo Morales, WFS's Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, North America, said: 'We have a strong relationship with United Cargo in North America and Europe and have continued to offer quality services at competitive prices. We understand the need to share risks with our customers and believe this new venture with WFS as the leaseholder in Boston will provide significant opportunities for growth ' in Boston, throughout North America and through our relationships with United, Air Canada, US Airways and other potential customers.'