ECS Group on course for a record year in 2011

Strong performance across Europe, expansion into new markets, new customers and contracts extensions are all contributing towards a record year for ECS Group in 2011.

The global cargo general sales and service agent reported sales of €456 million in 2010, its previous highest result and up from €344 million in 2009. Bertrand Schmoll, who took over as CEO of the Group at the start of this year, says this upward trend has continued in 2011 and is supporting the growth of its international network.

India is the latest country to be added to the ECS network. New offices in Mumbai and Delhi are in addition to 47 offices in 30 countries that already make up the group’s business.

“Enlarging our network is a strategic priority, particularly in Asia. We have already opened in Hong Kong, Vietnam and Singapore this year and expect to be operational in China in the next few weeks. Investing in India is another logical step given its current and forecast growth and in 2012 we will establish the ECS brand in more new markets around the world.

“2011 will be another year of significant growth for ECS as we continue to realise the benefits that come from the size and scope of our business. There are considerable advantages for airlines to work with a large, financially strong GSSA and this is winning us new contracts and increasing the breadth of our relationships with existing airline customers. We are in a results-driven business and we are committed to helping our airline customers maximise the income potential of their cargo capacity,” Bertrand Schmoll said.

This year alone ECS has won a series of new contracts including Hainan Airlines and Etihad in Switzerland, Indigo in Singapore, worldwide agreements with Camair and Senegal Airlines, SAS, Czech Airlines and Ceiba Cargo in Germany, Icelandair in Italy, DHL Aviation in Bulgaria and Jade Cargo in Vietnam.

Strong growth by global customers such as Brussels Airlines and Ukraine International Airlines has also contributed to ECS Group’s 2011 result.

Bertrand Schmoll added: “Our size is a positive factor. We have a large, experienced sales organisation and we are able to deliver important economies of scale as well as cross-trading opportunities between our office locations and airline customer base. Airlines appreciate that our expertise, innovative approach and strong financial position enables ECS to create and implement tailor-made solutions for their businesses that go beyond the traditional role of the GSSA partner.”

Source: ECS