ECS Group Becomes Exclusive Global Partner to Manage Asiana Airlines’ International Belly Cargo Operations

A Strategic Turning Point for Asiana Airlines

Asiana Airlines has officially appointed ECS Group as its exclusive global partner to manage all international belly cargo operations. This strategic move comes as Asiana completed the divestment of its freighter business to comply with regulatory requirements from European and Japanese authorities.
The new partnership not only reflects Asiana’s strong confidence in ECS Group’s capabilities but also paves the way for a sustainable and competitive future in the global air cargo industry.

Details of the GSSA Agreement

Effective August 1, ECS Group is responsible for managing Asiana Airlines’ cargo activities across multiple functions, including sales, reservations, customer service, and ground handling coordination.
The collaboration covers 33 key locations across 9 countries in Europe, the Americas, China, Japan, and Southeast Asia. Through this extensive network, ECS Group will act as an extension of Asiana Airlines, ensuring the airline maintains a strong global presence while optimizing operational efficiency.

The Role and Strengths of ECS Group

ECS Group operates in more than 60 countries and partners with over 100 airlines worldwide. With its deep local expertise, strong operational excellence, and global scale, ECS Group is regarded as the ideal partner to support Asiana Airlines’ logistics transformation.
Jean Ceccaldi, CEO of ECS Group, emphasized: “We are honored to partner with Asiana Airlines. With our worldwide expertise and extensive network, ECS Group is committed to delivering reliable, efficient, and tailor-made cargo solutions that meet the unique demands of each market.”

Asiana Airlines’ Belly Cargo-Only Model

Following the divestment of its freighter operations, Asiana Airlines has fully transitioned to a belly cargo-focused business model, leveraging the cargo capacity of its passenger fleet. Among its aircraft, the Airbus A350-900 plays a central role, offering up to 18 tons of cargo capacity per flight.
Strategically, Asiana is focusing on high-demand and time-critical shipments, such as:

Semiconductor components – vital to South Korea’s core industry.
Fresh food – requiring speed and strict temperature management.
Small express cargo – supporting e-commerce and cross-border logistics.
An Asiana Airlines spokesperson stated: “By combining ECS Group’s global network with Asiana’s expertise, we are prepared to respond proactively to changes in the international air cargo market. We will continue to provide systematic and specialized services going forward.”

The Significance of the Exclusive Partnership

This exclusive agreement delivers several strategic advantages for Asiana Airlines:

Maintaining international competitiveness despite no longer operating dedicated freighters.
Leveraging ECS Group’s global reach to expand into new markets and strengthen customer relationships.
Achieving operational efficiency through seamless, end-to-end logistics solutions.
In 2024, Asiana Airlines carried approximately 158,000 tons of international belly cargo. With ECS Group now powering its cargo strategy, this figure is expected to grow steadily, enhancing the airline’s overall position in the global market.

Future Outlook

The partnership between Asiana Airlines and ECS Group is seen as a milestone for the air cargo industry, highlighting the increasing importance of belly cargo in global supply chains.
As demand for fast, high-value shipments continues to rise, this collaboration is set to create long-term value and open new opportunities for Asiana to expand its international footprint. At the same time, it further strengthens ECS Group’s standing as one of the world’s leading air cargo management specialists.