[030719.EN.BIZ] Volga-Dnepr Reverses Itself On Refusing to Work With Air Charter Brokers

RUSSIA's Volga-Dnepr Airlines (VDA) has reversed itself on not working with charter brokers to attract more business, reports London's Loadstar.

"It is correct, we are friends again," said Chapman Freeborn CEO Russi Batliwala. "We most certainly will work together, and are already working with them as opportunities arise.

"VDA is without doubt a major player in the ad hoc charter market and, quite honestly, we need them to support our clients' needs everywhere," he said.

It has also been offering customers improved terms on charters, such as no cancellation fees, as well as credit.

One source close to the company said: "VDA is desperate for revenue, and will not be so arrogant anymore."

Other charter brokers said they were approached by Volga-Dnepr at the recent Transport Logistic event in Munich and told they were no longer blacklisted by the company.

Air Charter Service cargo chief Dan Morgan-Evans said that while he had not missed Volga-Dnepr's capacity, "we need to offer a range of solutions to our customers, so we will continue to get as many price options as possible".

Brokers reported that the carrier had not apologised for what, at the time, was a controversial decision -made worse by some finding out via what’s app.

The move triggered concerns from the forwarding community that they too may be cut out - and the market predicted that [VDA group's] AirBridgeCargo (ABC) and Cargologicair (CLA) would also lose business as a result.

Despite the reconciliation, Mr Morgan-Evans said: "Relations could take time to heal.

"There is an element of caution among all brokers about VDA now. It does leave a bad taste in your mouth when a supplier cuts off a customer, thinking they can go it alone - and then they reverse that. Anyone would be a bit put off."

Source : HKSG.