Kales expands into Iceland with new JV

GSSA Kales Group has expanded into the Icelandic market through a new partnership with forwarder and logistics service provider TVG-Zimsen.

The Kales Iceland business is launching on the back of a contract with Air China to provide the carrier with GSSA services covering the country, including the commercial development of its cargo business in Iceland.

“The establishment of Kales Iceland represents an exciting new chapter for airline representation in Iceland. By combining TVG-Zimsen’s understanding of the Icelandic market with Kales’ international GSSA expertise and airline network, we are creating a strong foundation for airlines looking to develop their business in Iceland,” said  Raffaele Manna, managing director of TVG-Zimsen.

Sebastiaan Scholte, chief executive of Kales Group, added: “By combining Kales’ international experience and airline network with TVG-Zimsen’s local market knowledge, we have a strong foundation for developing Kales Iceland.

“Our ambition is to build a professional, independent and commercially focused GSSA organisation that creates value for our airline principals and for the entire Icelandic cargo community.”

Kales Iceland will provide commercial and operational support to international airlines and help develop their cargo business by connecting them with freight forwarders, exporters and importers in Iceland.

The Air China contract comes as the airline is preparing to commence a new service between Beijing and Keflavík via Copenhagen on 26 October, operating three times per week with Airbus A330-300 aircraft carrying both passengers and cargo.

“Icelandic exporters, particularly those shipping fresh seafood and other time-sensitive products, gain a new route to reach customers in the Chinese market,” said Kales Iceland in a press release.

“At the same time, importers benefit from a new scheduled freight connection and greater access to goods and suppliers in China.”

“It is exciting to see Iceland and China becoming more closely connected. Direct air connectivity creates opportunities that go far beyond the flight itself, strengthening trade, relationships and cooperation between our two countries. We are proud that Kales Iceland can contribute to building on those opportunities,” added Manna.