ASKY appoints APG as its GSA in France and Monaco

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APG, a global leader in airline representation, is delighted to announce its appointment as the General Sales Agent (GSA) for ASKY in France and Monaco. This strategic alliance highlights APG’s dedication to broadening its global presence and delivering exceptional services to airlines worldwide.

As part of this partnership, APG will manage comprehensive sales and marketing efforts, aimed at enhancing sales and market presence for ASKY.

“We are honored to represent ASKY in France and Monaco. Our experienced team is committed to providing unparalleled service and fostering growth for ASKY in these key markets,” stated Mr. Oumar Kouyate, Director of APG CWA.

“We are delighted to appoint APG as our General Sales Agent in France and Monaco. This partnership marks a significant step in enhancing our presence in these key markets. We are confident that APG’s extensive network and expertise will drive growth and offer our customers superior service,” said Mr. Daté D. TEVI-BENISSAN, Commercial Director of ASKY.
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About ASKY                                                                                                                                                 ASKY, The Pan-African Airline, is a 100% privately owned airline created by regional banking institutions in Africa that includes The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), The West African Development Bank (BOAD) and ECOBANK Group (ETI) in partnership with Ethiopian Airlines. ASKY is a commercial company under private law and is managed by experienced African aviation professionals, with Ethiopian airlines as its strategic partner. ASKY currently operates a fleet of fourteen (14) aircraft: Nine (09) Boeing 737-800s and Two (2) Boeing 737-700s, and Three (3) Boeing 737 MAX 8, serving twenty-height (28) cities in twenty-six (26) countries within West, East, Central, and Southern Africa and working on reopening Pointe Noire as the 29th destination from October 2024 ASKY’s focus is to develop a strong intra-Africa network that foster regional development, tourism, economic growth and regional integration as a major economic catalyst

About APG:                                                                                                                                                                         www.apg-ga.com
With over 30 years’ experience in airline distribution and over 100 offices globally, APG is the world’s largest and most successful airline representation network, partnering with over 200 valued airline clients. APG offers a holistic approach to airline distribution, offering not only airline representation but also interline e-ticketing solutions, fare filing and settlement support services, all aimed at maximising an airline’s revenue potential. APG is always at the forefront of distribution development and our latest APG NDC Platform will assist airlines unlock the benefits of NDC distribution.
Our new APG Cargo services are also gaining worldwide interest from airlines including our APG Cargo Interline solution (Cargo IET), cargo GSSA services  and total cargo management solutions.
The APG Network is indeed, “The World’s Leading Network for Airline Services.”

If you are one of the few airlines who do not currently partner with APG today, we would welcome the opportunity to talk with you about how we can help increase your revenue levels worldwide.

Please visit our website www.apg-ga.com or follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook @APGNetwork.

For media enquiries please contact APG Media Relations, Mr Frederick Despreaux  Email: f.despreaux@apg-ga.com

ANIMAWINGS appoints APG as its online GSA in France and Sweden

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AnimaWings, a Romanian airline headquartered in Bucharest, Romania has appointed APG as its online General Sales Agent (GSA) in France and Sweden. Under the agreement, APG will be providing the airline with sales development and wide-ranging marketing activities, as well as reservation and ticketing services.

AnimaWings is based at Henri Coandă International Airport in Bucharest and operates regular and charter commercial flights. From summer of 2024, the airline serves business and leisure destinations from 10 cities across Romania.

The new route Paris – Bucharest will be a regular route, with a weekly frequency of 4 flights (days 1, 3, 5, 7) and will take off from Charles de Gaulle International Airport.

The new route  Stockholm – Bucharest will be a regular route, with a weekly frequency of 2 flights (days 4, 7) and will take off from Arlanda International Airport.

All flights will be operated starting March 2025 with new Airbus 220-300 aircraft purchased by the airline this year.

“We are particularly pleased about the new routes to Paris (CDG) and Stockholm (ARN), highly demanded destinations by the Romanian market, and the collaboration with APG as online GSA for France and Sweden gives us total confidence that we will have a successful operation. AnimaWings is a Romanian project based on quality; a company appreciated for the special way passengers feel even before stepping on board. With the new aircraft that we will operate for the first time for the Romanian market – Airbus A220-300, we will be a company that offers flights and travel experiences, positioned correctly in the price range vs. quality offered, with various routes to business and leisure destinations.” said  Mr Marius Pandel, President of the Board of AnimaWings.

“We are delighted to be partnering with AnimaWings and supporting the airline’s launch of its new routes to Paris and Stockholm with our GSSA services. We are confident that the new markets will welcome  AnimaWings and our teams in France and Sweden are looking forward to maximising the airline sales.” adds Ms Sandrine de Saint-Sauveur, CEO APG.

About Animawings 
www.animawings.com
Established in 2019, AnimaWings is a Romanian airline part of the Memento Group, with a team of professionals who offer passengers quality services, on regular or charter flights, implementing systems, procedures and safety protocols to an exceptional standard. Constantly expanding, the airline will increase its fleet this year with 2 Airbus A220-300, and next year with 4 more, out of a total purchase plan of 12 aircraft of this type.

About APG:
www.apg-ga.com
With over 30 years’ experience in airline distribution and over 100 offices globally, APG is the world’s largest and most successful airline representation network, partnering with over 200 valued airline clients. APG offers a holistic approach to airline distribution, offering not only airline representation but also interline e-ticketing solutions, fare filing and settlement support services, all aimed at maximising an airline’s revenue potential. APG is always at the forefront of distribution development and our latest APG NDC Platform will assist airlines unlock the benefits of NDC distribution.

Our new APG Cargo services are also gaining worldwide interest from airlines including our APG Cargo Interline solution (Cargo IET), cargo GSSA services  and total cargo management solutions.

The APG Network is indeed, “The World’s Leading Network for Airline Services.”

If you are one of the few airlines who do not currently partner with APG today, we would welcome the opportunity to talk with you about how we can help increase your revenue levels worldwide.

Please visit our website www.apg-ga.com or follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook @APGNetwork.

For media enquiries please contact APG Media Relations, Mr Frederick Despreaux  Email: f.despreaux@apg-ga.com

Back to basics

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Over the past 25 years, we have seen a huge wave of outsourcing in air transport. This allowed them to grow faster without incurring the associated fixed costs. As a result, airlines have gradually abandoned a large part of their activities such as catering, aircraft cleaning, ramp handling, check-in counters, and even airport lounges. However, they were not allowed to handle security operations, which were outsourced to airports. To mention only the carriers, we must add the massive use of computer possibilities, which has enabled them to transfer a large part of the operations to passengers. In other words, customers are now asked to do the work that has been done by the companies until now. This strategy has also been very effective because it has allowed operators to continue their growth while significantly reducing their payroll.

I am not sure that this approach, which is largely prompted by the famous “Cost Killers”, is beneficial to air transport. First of all, let’s note that customers, even if they appreciate being able to make their own reservation, issue their ticket and issue their boarding pass, are frustrated not to meet any agent of the company when they have a question to ask. They are then directed to impersonal telephone platforms, which are not able to answer passengers’ questions. It should be noted that almost all the sales and information desks of the airlines at the airport have simply disappeared. And not all air transport users are equipped with the latest technological tools: phones, computers or tablets with which carriers think they can regulate their relations with their customers.

This is how, gradually, air transport lost its magic to become nothing more than a machine for creating turnover. The dematerialization of services, as they say, is certainly not progress for this activity, which is gradually losing its prestige to the point that recruitment has become difficult, especially since the end of Covid.

Airlines are not the only ones to make massive use of subcontracting. Manufacturers have long since abandoned the manufacture of devices to become only assemblers. If we are to believe the statements of the Airbus President, no less than 400 subcontractors contribute to the manufacture of the aircraft. However, each of them can be a bottleneck. Each piece is essential in the assembly of the formidable puzzle that is aircraft construction, and it only takes one of the 400 subcontractors to fail to call into question the entire manufacturing chain. As a result, Airbus is unable to deliver the aircraft at the planned rate. We are talking about 770 aircraft against the 800 planned. Let’s keep in mind that on average an aircraft is worth $100 million.

On Boeing’s side, it’s no better. All the difficulties facing the American manufacturer come from its strategy of massive subcontracting which has escaped the control of both the manufacturer and the American authorities. The price to pay is staggering to the point of even endangering the American giant, which would have a hard time getting by without its military and space branch. So the two major manufacturers decided to take the bull by the horns by buying their major subcontractor Spirit AeroSystems. This company, created in 2004 to take over the activities of Boeing’s Wichita plant, had become an essential partner not only of the American manufacturer, which accounted for 60% of its turnover, but also of Airbus, which entrusted it with part of the fuselage of its planes. In total, Boeing will have to pay $4.7 billion and take over a debt of $3.6 billion and Airbus, which does not want to depend on its direct competitor, is also forced to put its hand in its pocket.

So gradually we see common sense regaining its place, at least among aircraft manufacturers. Let’s hope that carriers will take a step back by replacing or supplementing everything subcontracted and digitalized with a human relationship that customers, always a little stressed at each trip, need so much.

AFRIJET appoints APG as its GSA in South Africa

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APG is pleased to announce its appointment as the General Sales Agent (GSA) for Afrijet in South Africa. This strategic partnership will bolster Afrijet’s presence in the South African market and support its ambitious expansion plans.

As the GSA, APG will be responsible for all sales and marketing activities in South Africa, ensuring comprehensive and dedicated representation of Afrijet’s services. Afrijet, renowned for its reliable and customer-centric approach, operates a robust network across Africa, and this new partnership is set to enhance connectivity and travel options for South African passengers.

“We are thrilled to be appointed as the GSA for Afrijet in South Africa. This partnership presents a significant opportunity for us to develop and grow Afrijet’s sales in this market. We are particularly excited about their planned expansion into South Africa and look forward to playing a key role in their success” said Greg Fuller, Director of APG South Africa.

“We are delighted to announce this partnership aimed at developing routes between Southern and Central Africa. J7 counts on APG’s distribution and market expertise to help us achieve our ambition to reinforce connectivity within the continent. Our FOP application is still under process however sales will start as soon as authorization will be granted.“ said Marc GAFFAJOLI, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Afrijet Business Service. 

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About Afrijet   
www.afrijet.com
Founded in 2004, Afrijet is a Gabonese airline known for its efficiency and reliability in Central Africa. Starting with private flights, Afrijet expanded to regional and international markets, serving destinations across Central and West Africa.
In 2016, Afrijet began regular domestic flights within Gabon and expanded in the following years to Cameroon, The Republic of Congo, São Tomé, Benin and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Under CEO Marc Gaffajoli, Afrijet became the leading airline in the CEMAC zone by 2019.

Afrijet achieved IOSA certification in 2020, renewed in 2022 and 2024, confirming its commitment to international safety standards. Focused on safety, quality of service, and customer satisfaction, Afrijet continues to expand its network and fleet, aiming to enhance the travel experience for all passengers.

About APG: 
www.apg-ga.com
With over 30 years’ experience in airline distribution and over 100 offices globally, APG is the world’s largest and most successful airline representation network, partnering with over 200 valued airline clients. APG offers a holistic approach to airline distribution, offering not only airline representation but also interline e-ticketing solutions, fare filing and settlement support services, all aimed at maximising an airline’s revenue potential. APG is always at the forefront of distribution development and our latest APG NDC Platform will assist airlines unlock the benefits of NDC distribution.
Our new APG Cargo services are also gaining worldwide interest from airlines including our APG Cargo Interline solution (Cargo IET), cargo GSSA services  and total cargo management solutions.
The APG Network is indeed, “The World’s Leading Network for Airline Services.”

If you are one of the few airlines who do not currently partner with APG today, we would welcome the opportunity to talk with you about how we can help increase your revenue levels worldwide.

Please visit our website www.apg-ga.com or follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook @APGNetwork.

For media enquiries please contact APG Media Relations, Mr Frederick Despreaux  Email: f.despreaux@apg-ga.com

AIR TANZANIA extends its partnership with APG to cover 13 further markets

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APG is delighted to announce it is expanding its longstanding GSSA partnership with Air Tanzania to 13 further markets following an official RFP process by the carrier. This development will significantly increase Air Tanzania’s global footprint, opening up new markets for sales on Air Tanzania’s extensive network.

Effective immediately, APG will represent Air Tanzania as their GSA in Austria, Belgium, Egypt, Ivory Coast, Kuwait, Nigeria, Pakistan, Portugal, Qatar, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and Ukraine. This strategic expansion not only strengthens Air Tanzania’s market presence but also reinforces APG’s position as a leading provider of airline representation and distribution services globally.

“We are delighted to extend our partnership with Air Tanzania into these key markets,” said Richard Burgess, President of APG Network. “This collaboration aligns perfectly with APG’s mission to deliver easy accessibility to global markets for our airline partners. We look forward to leveraging our extensive network and expertise to support Air Tanzania’s sales growth and enhance customer service across these regions.“
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About Air Tanzania
www.airtanzania.co.tz
Established to serve as Tanzania’s national carrier, Air Tanzania has a rich history dating back to its inception in 1977. The airline plays a pivotal role in connecting Tanzania with key regional and international destinations, offering reliable and comfortable air travel experiences. With a fleet that includes modern aircraft equipped to meet global standards of safety and efficiency, Air Tanzania is committed to enhancing connectivity across Africa and beyond. Known for its warm hospitality and customer-centric approach, Air Tanzania continues to expand its network while upholding its dedication to quality service and passenger satisfaction

About APG:         
www.apg-ga.com
With over 30 years’ experience in airline distribution and over 100 offices globally, APG is the world’s largest and most successful airline representation network, partnering with over 200 valued airline clients. APG offers a holistic approach to airline distribution, offering not only airline representation but also interline e-ticketing solutions, fare filing and settlement support services, all aimed at maximising an airline’s revenue potential. APG is always at the forefront of distribution development and our latest APG NDC Platform will assist airlines unlock the benefits of NDC distribution.
Our new APG Cargo services are also gaining worldwide interest from airlines including our APG Cargo Interline solution (Cargo IET), cargo GSSA services  and total cargo management solutions.
The APG Network is indeed, “The World’s Leading Network for Airline Services.”

If you are one of the few airlines who do not currently partner with APG today, we would welcome the opportunity to talk with you about how we can help increase your revenue levels worldwide.

Please visit our website www.apg-ga.com or follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook @APGNetwork.

For media enquiries please contact APG Media Relations, Mr Frederick Despreaux  Email: f.despreaux@apg-ga.com