Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) – the world’s largest air cargo handler and one of the leading providers of airline ground handling and technical services – has continued its expansionist bent with an agreement to acquire New York-based Consolidated Aviation Services (CAS) for an undisclosed price. CAS is one of the leading cargo handlers in the US, serving over 250 airline customers.

WFS, which was acquired by Platinum Equity in September 2015, is present at over 145 major airports in more than 22 countries on five continents, serving 300 airlines globally, including the handling of over four million tonnes of cargo and 50 million airline passengers per annum.

Olivier Bijaoui, executive chairman, president and CEO of WFS, said: “The proposed acquisition will not only create a unique organisation in the United States that combines the best of both companies, but will also reinforce WFS’ position as one of the world’s premier cargo handlers. The success of CAS is a testament to the hard work of its employees, and the combination will create one of the most knowledgeable and experienced teams in this industry.”

In November 2015, WFS also completed its acquisition of a 51 per cent shareholding in Fraport Cargo Services, confirming its strategic partnership with Fraport AG for airfreight handling at Frankfurt Airport, one of the world’s most important cargo gateways. FCS is the largest airline-independent cargo handling provider at the airport and handles about 500,000 tonnes of airfreight per year for some 40 airline customers.