WFS scoops Cape Town cargo deal from United

United Airlines has awarded cargo handler Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) with the contract to handle cargo in Cape Town on the first-ever nonstop service from a US carrier between New York/Newark and the South African city.

WFS in Cape Town has been awarded a three-year contract by United Airlines to serve its three-times weekly Boeing 787 Dreamliner flights, which will depart South Africa every Monday, Thursday and Saturday. The new route is a seasonal service, commencing December 15 through to March 28.

Malcolm Tonkin, general manager-cargo for WFS in South Africa, said: “For WFS to be selected as United’s partner in Cape Town is testament to the high service standards we strive to achieve. The WFS team in Cape Town take great pride in the quality of service we deliver for our airline customers and look forward to contributing to the success of United’s new route. The airline is a welcome addition to our growing business in South Africa and this direct cargo capacity to and from New York will be a great boost for the local cargo community.”

WFS handles over 65,000 tonnes of cargo a year in South Africa at its handling operations in Johannesburg and Cape Town.

Earlier this month, WFS became the first air cargo handling company in South Africa to be awarded Good Distribution Practice (GDP) certifications for its temperature-controlled pharma facilities in Johannesburg and Cape Town.