Following the end of the general sales and service agent (GSSA) agreement with UK-based Dreamlifts, Antonov Airlines has confirmed that these tasks will be handled in-house at its headquarters in Ukraine, according to Air Cargo News sister title Heavy Lift and Project Forwarding.
As reported last week, Dreamlifts will no longer act as the worldwide GSSA for Antonov Airlines, as of March 1, 2020. The company had represented Antonov since 2016, following the dissolution of Ruslan International – the joint venture between Antonov and Volga-Dnepr.
Antonov Airlines said that it plans to develop its business using internal sources and its team in Kiev will lead the global sales and operation efforts of aircraft. The airline added that it would expand its international presence with experienced experts from the outsize and heavy lift cargo industry.
Andriy Blagovisniy, Antonov Airlines’ commercial director, said: “An experienced team of Ukraine sales professionals will lead the global sales activities for its fleet of AN-124-100s, AN-225, AN-22, AN-26 and AN-74 aircraft.
“Antonov’s customers will continue to receive high-quality services based on knowledge and deep expertise of the sales team. We expect a seamless transition for our customers and a continuation of flexible and personal service as per the current and future contracts.”
Dreamlifts said it had been proud to represent Antonov since 2016, but “having failed to reach an acceptable agreement, Dreamlifts has, with great regret, decided not to renew its agreement with Antonov”.
The decision affects the UK office, based in Stansted, as well as the Dreamlifts’ US office in Houston, “Antonov Airlines Inc”.
Graham Witton, Managing Director of Dreamlifts Ltd said: “This has been an extremely difficult decision. A number of our staff have been representing Antonov in the worldwide market since the establishment of the airline in 1989.
“Since setting up Dreamlifts in 2016, and subsequently the US office, Antonov Airlines Inc, we have helped strengthen the Antonov Airlines brand globally and have been very proud in doing so.
“Therefore, this has been an extremely difficult decision to take.
“The decision will not affect any projects that are currently ongoing. The customers have been contacted and we will ensure that they continue to receive the service they deserve from our team.”
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