Jetstar Asia appoints ECS as its GSA

Singapore-headquartered low-cost carrier (LCC) Jetstar Asia has appointed ECS Group Asia Pacific as its general sales agent (GSA) for the airline’s freight business through Singapore Changi Airport and the 25 stations across its network in Asia.
Effective as of 22 October, ECS will look to boost Jetstar Asia’s freight sales to existing and new customers. The GSA will also manage freight enquiries, reservations and processes on behalf of the LCC.
The appointment by Jetstar Asia of ECS as its new GSA is timely, with increased intra-Asia cross-border trade driven by a growing middle-class holding out the potential for a growth in cargo business, explained Francis Loi, the carrier’s head of commercial.
“The rapid growth of the e-commerce marketplace in Asia is shaping the demand for airfreight as e-sellers and e-buyers prefer airfreight for expedited deliveries,” he continued.
Plus, “Demand for fresh perishables and special cargo across the region is expected to grow as consumption in Asia Pacific rise(s),” Loi added.
“Existing freight customers can expect more of the reliable scheduled services across the network via Singapore and beyond, while the new capabilities from ECS will allow us to tap on new cargo business segments.”
Australia’s Qantas holds a 49% stake in Jetstar Asia, and Loi noted: “Our partnership with ECS will be built on the solid base of customers already established with Qantas Freight since 2011.”
Jetstar Asia confirmed that it will continue its partnership with Qantas Freight in regard to interline arrangements for cargo through the Jetstar network across the Asia-Pacific region. And Qantas Freight will continue to market the freight capacity of Australia-based Jetstar Airways.
ECS Group chief executive Bertrand Schmoll pointed out: “ECS has an established strong and reliable sales and distribution network worldwide.
“With operations in more than 10 countries in the region, ECS is equipped to deliver the network and support for the final mile distribution for freight customers today.”
Jetstar Asia currently has 18 A320 aircraft in its fleet, operating more than 600 weekly return flights across 25 destinations in 13 countries.
Global GSA ECS Group has a total of 118 offices across 42 countries. It has been building up its Asian footprint, in June acquiring Asian specialist AVS in a deal signed at the latter’s Singapore regional office.