Following the opening of its jointventure, Bangkok Freight Services(BFS) at the new international airportin Bangkok in October 2006, WFS islooking for opportunities in new marketssuch as China and other large aircargo hubs in Asia.

According to WFS president OlivierBijaoui, the new 55,000 m2 handlingterminal in Bangkok now handles600-800 tonnes of cargo a day, andthe company sees this as the start of a growing WFS presence in Asia.WFS’ cargo handling businessincorporates 27 locations in Europe,36 stations in North America andBangkok. In 2006, the companyhandled more than three milliontonnes of cargo.

The company’s 2007-2008 strategyhas the support of its new parent, LBOFrance, which acquired WFS at the endof October 2006.

Prior to LBO’s takeover, WFS hadinvested almost 100 million euros inbuildings and acquisitions, notablythe purchase of France Handling, newfacilities to support the long-term cargohandling concessions in Copenhagenand Bangkok and the purchase ofthe EFS ground handling business inParis. The company also expanded itsUS network to 38 cargo stations, andreported growth in other key stationssuch as London and Frankfurt.

Outside Asia, Bijaoui says WFS willcontinue to look for new business opportunitiesin Western and EasternEurope as well as in markets such asIndia, Argentina, Brazil and Mexico.