IAG Cargo is launching a new service on Wednesday that it hopes will increase utilization of cargo space on its narrow-body aircraft on its short-haul network in Europe. The service, called EuroConnector, will allow customers to connect to IAG Cargo’s 114 European destinations within either 24 or 28 hours. The carrier said the launch is timed to coincide with peak business demand in the run up to Christmas.
All routings are via London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Madrid or Barcelona and are serviced by more than 6,000 weekly flights. The service is available for shipments of less than 300kg (661 pounds). Booking cut-off times range from two to six hours depending on whether the cargo is loose or intact.
“We took internal and external views when thinking about this service,” said Camilo Garcia, head of global key accounts for IAG Cargo (pictured right).
“We talked with customers around the globe and discussed how we can help them obtain financial benefits by placing their freight at their destinations at the time they need it.”
Garcia said IAG sees EuroConnector as an alternative to trucking. He expects some of the larger European airfreight hubs to be the largest users of EuroConnector.
“We clearly see some of the hubs in Germany, Italy and France taking advantage of this service, as well as hubs in some of the Eastern European countries,” Garcia said.
Garcia said the timing is right for the new service as IAG is already seeing increased volume.
“We are seeing the beginning of the high season in volume out of Europe. We anticipate this will continue and increase a bit more with a tendency toward smaller service. This service fits well into that with the size of shipments becoming smaller.”