Neutral Air Partner (NAP), a network for airfreight and logistics providers, has launched a Global Airline Partner Programme. The Programme offers airline partnership options including preferred carrier status, marketing, PR and communications, global or regional BSA/CPA agreements, charter deals, special cargo offerings, as well as target and volume incentives on a regional or global scale.
The Global Airline Partner Programme will be led by newly appointed Sam Okpro, who has previously held senior management roles at Air Canada, BWIA, Gulf Air, Etihad Airways, Air Seychelles and IATA.
Christos Spyrou, chief executive of NAP, commented: “We are proud that an experienced and well reputed person like Okpro is joining our team. He brings his rich airline experience and a strong track record in achieving substantial growth to the table. “The Covid-19 pandemic has caused disruptions to global supply chains due to airfreight capacity shortage arising from global lockdowns and passenger flight suspensions. As a result, forwarders and consolidators had to rethink promptly their entire supply chain products and services, while airlines need to properly plan their capacity, and diversify their global customer base, by including smaller but dynamic cargo sales agents into the game.
“Small- and medium-sized enterprise forwarders and consolidators represent over 45 % of the global air freight business volumes and it is now a great opportunity for carriers to attract new global clients. “Our collaboration with participating airlines, will enable NAP partners to enhance their airfreight products on a global scale and the carriers will benefit by our global support, tonnage commitment, and flexible approach in creating opportunities amidst the new normal in the air cargo industry.”
Okpro, head of NAP airline relationships, added: “The survival of the air cargo industry will depend on the successful resurrection of passenger aircraft that are parked in various locations around the world taking up to the air in the future as circa 80% of international cargo is carried in the belly of passenger flights. “We are now seeking to implement our Global Airline Partner Program as part of our post-Covid-19 plans. “Our NAP partners can play a significant contributing role assisting airlines to fill the belly capacity of passenger aircraft as they get back to the air. We are already discussing with selected carriers in each region, and we are planning to approach others to further strengthen our strategic airline network.”
