LUG Aircargo handling has added South African Airways (SAA) Cargo to its Munich customer portfolio effective July 1. Lug is one of the most innovative, independent ground service companies which has operated at Frankfurt/Main airport for more than 40 years and is also one of the leading ground handlers in Munich. The cargo division of the South African national carrier is a long standing customer of LUG at Frankfurt/Main airport.

The airline offers daily flights from Munich to Johannesburg with A340 aircraft. 'We are delighted to serve SAA Cargo now also in Munich. We expect to handle some 10,500 tons p.a. there, outgoing a lot of car parts and components, incoming mainly skins and leather products,' says Wolfgang Korte, CEO, LUG Aircargo handling GmbH.

South African Airways, founded in 1934 and headquartered at OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, is one of Africa's leading airlines and also an important cargo carrier. It transports over 130,000 tons of freight annually. SAA Cargo markets belly space of SAA's passenger flights for cargo carriage and also runs a fleet of four dedicated cargo aircraft (for medium and short haul). It leverages the passenger network, interlines, partnerships and its freighters in accessing key markets to provide customers with wider reach and seamless connectivity worldwide.

'SAA offers fast logistics solutions for small and medium sized consignments from Frankfurt and Munich to Southern Africa. The Republic of South Africa is Germany's most important economic partner on the African continent with a trading volume totalling ZAR14.8 billion in 2011. We also expect to handle some transit cargo from neighbouring Austria and Switzerland in Munich,' says Patrik Tschirch, Key Account Manager, LUG Aircargo handling GmbH.

'In the current economic environment it is good to know that the scope, reliability and quality of our services and the experience of our personnel are appreciated. We are very pleased that we have been able to expand our services for SAA Cargo from Frankfurt to Germany's the second biggest airport, Munich,' adds Wolfgang Korte.