The Airforwarders Association (AfA) has welcomed new airline member Icelandair Cargo to its 200-strong member base, as the association focuses on extending its membership to include Europe-based companies with a US office.

The move comes as the carrier embarks on the strategic expansion of its cargo network in the US, adding dedicated freighters to multiple cities in North America as of September, from Liege, in Belgium, via Keflavik.

“As Icelandair Cargo enters the airfreight market in North America, we want to be part of the business community here and we see AfA as the ideal platform to establish close relationships with forwarders working in the same market,” said Gunnar Mar Sigurfinnsson, managing director at Icelandair Cargo.

“We are all part of the same supply chain, serving the same client, and we see it as our duty to connect with the community and to align with the AfA on its strategic objectives, aiming to be a partner of choice for forwarders in the region.”

AfA acts as air freight’s voice in the US transport and logistics sector working closely with other industry associations to ensure a sustainable future for the sector. With the entry of Icelandair the group looks to make ground with its European representation.

“With its strategic position midway between North America and Europe, the addition of Icelandair Cargo to the AfA community represents an important development for our global representation and strengthens our efforts to present a united front for the worldwide transport industry,” said Brandon Fried, Executive Director, AfA.

AfA has lobbied to the US Congress about making critical investment in air cargo infrastructure at the country’s airports and helping shippers prepare for imminent changes to cargo screening requirements.