WORLDWIDE Flight Services (WFS) has inked a strategic partnership agreement with Etihad Cargo for cargo handling services at twelve major international airports in Europe, Scandinavia, North America, India, and Asia Pacific.

The agreement is for a three-year period and will see SATS Group-owned WFS handling over 150,000 tonnes of cargo annually for the Abu Dhabi-headquartered airline, reports London's Air Cargo News.

In the EMEAA region, the airports covered by the agreement are Amsterdam, Bangkok, Barcelona, Bengaluru, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, London Heathrow, Madrid, and Paris CDG.

And in North America, the agreement includes WFS' existing handling operations for Etihad in New York JFK and Washington Dulles, and the new award of Boston and Chicago.

Thomas Schurmann, head of cargo operations & delivery at Etihad Cargo, said: "Etihad Cargo's long-standing partnership with WFS and addition of new stations are a direct reflection of a shared commitment to consistently delivering high-quality air cargo solutions globally.

"The combination of Etihad Cargo's expertise in transporting general and specialized cargo and the capabilities of WFS give partners and customers the confidence that their air cargo needs are in the best hands, regardless of where they are in the world."

Mohammed Esa, global head, gateway services key accounts & strategy, SATS Group, said: "As well as renewing existing contracts with WFS, this new agreement adds more key airport stations to the important work we do for the airline, including Amsterdam, Bengaluru, Barcelona, Boston, Copenhagen and Chicago.

"We value Etihad cargo's partnership approach and their confidence in our ability to consistently deliver the high levels of service the airline's award-winning reputation is founded on."