Business-class airline La Compagnie steps into air cargo

Business-class airline La Compagnie has appointed Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) as its cargo handler as it enters the air cargo market.

The airline has awarded WFS a three-year contract to handle cargo onboard its Airbus A321LR services from Paris Orly to New York’s Newark International Airport, which will increase from the current four flights a week to seven in September.

WFS already provides ground handling services to La Compagnie in Newark for its passenger and ramp services to Paris Orly and Nice.

Depending on the number of passengers, each flight is expected to carry up to 3.5 tonnes.

Damien Paries, vice president ground operations, La Compagnie-Dreamjet, said: “WFS is the perfect partner to support the launch of our first-ever freight service. We are confident they will provide the same high-quality experience for our cargo customers as our passengers enjoy when they choose La Compagnie.”

John Batten, executive vice president cargo – Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia at WFS, added: “La Compagnie has recognised the significant business opportunity of carrying cargo on this prime route connecting Paris and New York and, by choosing to partner with WFS, can be assured of the highest standards of cargo safety and security operations, as well as proactive customer service.

“We are confident companies moving cargo between Europe and North America will welcome another choice of capacity in the market and we look forward to contributing to La Compagnie’s success.”

The transatlantic trade has seen a steady increase in rates since the covid outbreak due to the loss of belly capacity. In June, prices from Frankfurt to North America stood  at $4.07 per kg – almost double the 2019 pre-Covid level.

Meanwhile, business class services face a potentially difficult future, with the rise of video calling raising questions in some circles as to how long it will take business-class travel to reach previous levels.