PRESS RELEASE
Singapore, 20 March 2024 – Sterling, a leader in global aviation logistics and part of Kuehne+Nagel, has teamed up with SATS Ltd. (SATS) to accelerate first- and last-mile airside services for time-sensitive Aircraft-on-Ground (AOG) shipments.
Initially focusing on Singapore and London Heathrow airports for a trial run, the collaboration between Sterling and SATS aims to expand these services to other airports within Sterling’s network in the near future. The partnership will prioritize optimizing handling processes to meet the urgent demands of the aviation industry and speed up the delivery of aircraft components to resolve AOG incidents promptly. By leveraging Sterling’s expertise in critical logistics and the enhanced visibility offered by SATS for express shipments booked with airlines, the joint effort will provide specialized handling at both the origin and destination points to manage AOG shipments effectively and offer real-time updates on the status of the shipments on the ground.
These enhanced services are the outcome of the strategic partnership between SATS and Kuehne+Nagel, solidified by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed last October to enhance value chain efficiencies and sustainability initiatives within the air logistics sector. Building on the successful implementation of several Proof of Concepts aimed at optimizing ground handling for e-commerce shipments and air charter hub and spoke operations, as well as improving shipment visibility and cargo processing speeds for time-sensitive deliveries, this airside service collaboration further reinforces the commitment of both companies to driving innovation in the industry.
Rob Broderick, Executive Vice President for Sterling, emphasized the company’s dedication to assisting customers in minimizing downtime in AOG situations and ensuring the reliability of their commercial aircraft fleets. He highlighted that the partnership with SATS will facilitate faster first- and last-mile support, reducing delivery timelines and enabling aircraft to return to service promptly.
Henry Low, Chief Operating Officer for SATS, expressed excitement about the potential of this collaboration and its ability to develop innovative solutions that can be scaled across their global network. He underscored the commitment to working closely with Sterling and Kuehne+Nagel to create new services that provide value to customers and enhance operational efficiencies.
