ECS Group has significantly expanded its General Sales and Service Agent (GSSA) coverage for Challenge Group, extending the partnership to seven additional Eastern European markets and strengthening Challenge Group’s access to key regional feeder traffic into its European hub operations.
Under the expanded agreement, Globe Air Cargo, an ECS Group subsidiary, will provide full commercial representation and customer service for Challenge Group across Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Ukraine. The expansion builds on ECS Group’s existing GSSA role for Challenge Group in Germany, France, Scandinavia, Singapore and Vietnam, following an open-ended contract signed earlier this year.
The addition of Eastern Europe broadens the feeder catchment area into Challenge Group’s primary European hub at Liège Airport (LGG), enhancing connectivity to major global gateways. From Liège, Challenge Group operates an extensive Boeing freighter network linking Europe with the United States, China, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific, serving core markets including Hong Kong, India, Kenya, China and the US.
Challenge Group’s airline operations are continuing to scale, supported by an expanding widebody freighter fleet. In addition to its existing Boeing 747-400F and 767-300BDSF aircraft, the group is preparing to induct Boeing 777-300ERSF freighters, which are expected to enable new routings to Asia and South America in the coming years. The group also maintains a strong presence in international charter operations, particularly for complex and non-standard cargo movements.
Or Zak, Chief Commercial Officer of Challenge Group, said the expanded partnership reflects a shared approach to handling complex logistics requirements. “Challenge Group is unique in that we take on transportation projects that standard cargo service providers often decline. Each project demands flexibility, speed and an agile mindset, underpinned by professionalism, expertise and trust,” he said. “In ECS Group, we have a partner that aligns with our corporate mission and network, and we are pleased to take the next step in our strategic expansion together.”
Jean Ceccaldi, Chief Executive Officer of ECS Group, highlighted the commercial potential of the expanded GSSA coverage. “At ECS Group, our philosophy is ‘one team, one aim, one drive’. Together with Challenge Group, we have successfully transformed complex cargo challenges into sustainable business opportunities across France, Germany, Scandinavia and Asia,” he said. “We are confident that our Eastern European teams will deliver strong market expansion and commercial growth for Challenge Group, particularly in key verticals such as industrial machinery, engines, spare parts and drilling equipment.”
Beyond industrial cargo, Challenge Group’s product portfolio spans pharmaceuticals, automotive and aerospace shipments, perishables and live animals, areas in which ECS Group brings established expertise. Bookings and customer service will be managed through Challenge Group’s internal IT systems, while commercial processes and operational planning are supported by CargoTech software solutions, including Apollo for business intelligence reporting, SkyPallet for optimised capacity utilisation and Rotate for detailed market intelligence.
The expanded GSSA footprint marks another step in Challenge Group’s international growth strategy, reinforcing its position as a specialist provider of complex air cargo solutions while deepening its commercial reach across Europe and beyond.
