Cargolux has appointed EFC Aviation to handle its weekly 747-8F service at Calgary, effective 1 February, following market shifts at YYC
Cargolux has selected Executive Flight Center Aviation (EFC Aviation) to provide cargo handling services at YYC Calgary International Airport.
The new ”long-term” contract will begin on 1 February and has renewal options. The deal covers cargo handling on Cargolux’s weekly Boeing 747-8 freighter service between either Luxembourg or Seattle and the Canadian airport.
EFC Aviation will utilise specialist handling equipment, including a maindeck loader capable of handling 60,000 Ibs, to meet the requirements of the services.
Types of cargo being carried on the flights include oil industry equipment, food supplies, general cargo and livestock – pigs and horses.
The company has also invested in other ground support equipment (GSE), including cargo loaders, push back tractors and cargo dollies, tailored for both widebody and narrowbody freighter aircraft, making EFC the only cargo ground handler at YYC capable of handling heavy and oversized cargo.
The company said it was approached to take up the contract following “recent changes in the air cargo handling landscape at YYC” as Swissport decided to cease operations at the airport.
EFC Aviation has until now been a niche handler that focuses on handling all aircraft types. It was the primary handler during the recent G7 summit held in Calgary.
"Our reputation led Calgary International Airport to approach us and connect Cargolux with our company,” EFC said.
EFC Aviation chief executive Ryan Albizzati said: “This agreement reflects our commitment to bringing trusted and efficient ground handling expertise and supporting the long-term growth of air cargo operations at YYC.
“We also look forward to expanding our wide and narrowbody handling services to support other carriers seeking reliable, high-quality ground handling in Calgary.”
Piergiorgio Curci, vice president, the Americas, at Cargolux Airlines, added: “EFC’s operational expertise and commitment to service excellence make them an ideal partner to support our Calgary operations.”
