Singapore-based air cargo and ground handling specialist SATS and Air China Cargo have agreed to significantly expand their strategic cooperation across key global markets, including North America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, as both companies seek to strengthen their international air cargo and logistics capabilities amid evolving global trade dynamics.
The expanded partnership was confirmed following a recent high-level strategic meeting in China, led by SATS President and Chief Executive Officer Kerry Mok and Air China Cargo Chairman Chen Song. The discussions reaffirmed strong alignment between the two organisations on long-term growth priorities and their shared ambition to enhance the resilience, efficiency and reach of global air cargo supply chains.
Under the renewed collaboration, SATS and Air China Cargo will focus on joint growth opportunities spanning cargo handling, cargo terminal operations and integrated logistics solutions. A key area of emphasis will be closer cooperation in air cargo transportation and airport-based cargo services, aimed at delivering more seamless and reliable end-to-end solutions for customers operating across multiple regions.
The partnership will also prioritise the joint development of integrated and intelligent cargo handling capabilities. Both companies plan to leverage advanced digital technologies, including artificial intelligence and data-driven systems, to improve operational efficiency, service reliability and cargo visibility throughout the supply chain. These initiatives are intended to address growing customer expectations for transparency, speed and resilience in international logistics.
In addition to operational collaboration, SATS and Air China Cargo have agreed to explore opportunities for strategic investments and network development to support sustainable, long-term growth. By aligning SATS’ global expertise in ground handling, cargo terminals and airport services with Air China Cargo’s expanding international network, the partnership aims to better serve shifting global trade flows and support the increasing complexity of cross-border supply chains.
SATS noted that the strengthened engagement represents an important milestone for Air China Cargo as it continues to build a secure and dependable international air cargo network. As China’s national flag cargo carrier, Air China Cargo is focused on enhancing safety standards, expanding global connectivity and increasing capacity in support of China’s broader “transportation power” and “logistics power” strategies, as well as the development of more resilient global supply chains.
For SATS, the expanded cooperation underscores its commitment to deepening strategic relationships with key airline partners and to building a safe, reliable and resilient global air cargo ecosystem. The company highlighted the importance of collaboration across the value chain to support international trade and respond effectively to customers’ rapidly evolving logistics requirements.
The announcement follows closely on the heels of another strategic development for SATS. In June, its parent company entered into a new agreement with Switzerland-based logistics group Kuehne+Nagel to further strengthen their long-standing partnership in air logistics, reflecting SATS’ broader strategy to expand global collaboration and reinforce its position across the international air cargo landscape.
