Global cargo sales and services specialist Wexco Cargo and Taiwan-based carrier China Airlines have agreed to extend their long-standing UK general sales and service agent (GSSA) partnership for an additional two years, reinforcing a collaboration that has supported the airline’s cargo operations in the British market since 2012.
The renewed agreement, which takes effect this month, ensures Wexco will continue managing China Airlines’ cargo sales activities in the UK across a wide operational scope. The mandate includes belly-hold cargo capacity on passenger flights, dedicated freighter services, and road feeder operations, maintaining vital cargo links between the United Kingdom and major Asian markets.
Strengthening a long-standing partnership
Over the past decade, Wexco has played a central role in developing and managing China Airlines’ cargo footprint in the UK. Working closely with airline teams at London Heathrow Airport, Luxembourg Airport and Taipei Taoyuan International Airport, the company has overseen a wide range of sales, operational coordination and customer service activities.
The extended agreement reflects China Airlines’ continued confidence in Wexco’s expertise in the UK market and its ability to manage increasingly complex cargo flows linking Europe and Asia.
“China Airlines and Wexco truly define how tangible collaboration delivers optimal performance and success,” said Des Vertannes, Managing Director of Wexco Cargo, which is part of the Netherlands-based Kales Group B.V..
Vertannes emphasised that the partnership’s longevity is rooted in a shared focus on delivering solutions-driven outcomes for customers.
“A shared focus on solutions-driven outcomes and a customer-first approach have enabled us to deliver a consistently high standard of service for the UK market, both companies are extremely proud of,” he said.
Key cargo links between the UK and Asia
Currently, China Airlines operates five direct passenger flights per week between London and Taipei, providing belly-hold cargo capacity from Heathrow to Taiwan. In addition, the airline runs freighter operations routed through Luxembourg, with road feeder services connecting UK cargo shipments into the wider network.
Through these integrated services, cargo originating in the UK can access key Asian destinations including Hong Kong, Bangkok and Manila.
Alan Price, Cargo Sales and Services Head of Europe for China Airlines based in Luxembourg, highlighted the airline’s strong relationship with its UK partner.
“We have always felt that China Airlines is excellently represented by Wexco in the UK and that our customers are in very good hands,” Price said. “We value Wexco as a trusted partner on both a professional and personal level and expect the relationship to continue to grow and succeed for many years to come.”
Navigating industry challenges together
Since the partnership began in 2012, both companies have collaborated through a series of significant industry disruptions and structural changes.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Wexco supported China Airlines’ cargo operations by helping coordinate “preighter” flights, passenger aircraft temporarily converted to carry cargo in the cabin to address the sharp reduction in global belly-hold capacity.
The partners also worked together to adjust operational processes and road feeder services in response to new customs procedures introduced following the UK’s exit from the European Union, ensuring cargo flows remained efficient.
Mandy Kwok, London Airport Manager for China Airlines, said the close cooperation between the teams has been essential to maintaining service standards in the UK.
“China Airlines London is proud to work closely with Wexco. Their exceptional support enables us to provide seamless and dependable cargo operations to the markets we serve,” she said, adding that the relationship continues to deliver a high-quality service to UK customers.
Looking beyond 15 years of cooperation
The newly signed extension will push the partnership beyond the 15-year milestone, underscoring the strength of the long-term collaboration between the two companies.
Vertannes noted that the agreement reflects the dedication shown by both organisations and China Airlines’ ongoing trust in Wexco to represent its cargo brand in the UK market.
“This extension will see us beyond the 15-year mark during its term and reflects the diligence and commitment shown by both teams and the continued confidence China Airlines places in Wexco to safeguard and enhance the airline brand,” he said.
Both companies said they now look forward to further strengthening the partnership while continuing to expand cargo connectivity between the United Kingdom and Asia.
