Under the name 1GSA, the new network aims to enable independent GSSAs to compete more effectively against the major GSSA companies.
1GSA already covers Bangladesh, the Czech Republic, India, Madagascar, Mauritius, Pakistan, Singapore, Spain, Sri Lanka, Turkey and the UK, with plans already under way to develop 1GSA’s geographic coverage.
1GSA is the brainchild of Select Airline Management founders David Lee and Colin Brett, and Pilot Marketing MD Derek Jones. Lee has taken the role of the organisation’s first President, while Derek Jones is Managing Director. Says Lee: “There are many highly professional, independent GSA companies around the world. But the modern economics of running a GSA company mean that professional sales and marketing have become unaffordable for many. This provides the major multi-nationals with an undue visual dominance, which we now intend to challenge.”
Lee goes on to say that 1GSA will provide independent GSSAs with the chance to be part of a bigger organisation and enjoy the same economies of scale in sales, marketing and other areas, whilst retaining their independence.
There are estimated to be over 300 independent cargo GSA companies in existence, though not all be joining 1GSA, says Lee. “Firstly, we work on an exclusive territory basis; only in the event of a potential conflict between carriers will we appoint a secondary member in any region.
“Secondly, our membership criteria include proof of financial stability, high standards of service and excellent reputation. We will not compromise the image of 1GSA and its carefully-chosen founder members by admitting new companies that do not meet our exacting requirements.”
For airlines, 1GSA aims to take the challenges and uncertainty out of appointing GSAs, by offering pre-validated members, and the option to deal directly with individual members, or control multiple stations through a single 1GSA contract - supported by bank guarantees or CASS membership.
Concludes Lee, “1GSA is about choice: for GSAs, it’s the choice to become more competitive without losing independence. And for carriers, it’s the choice of highly-motivated local heroes as an alternative to centrally-controlled multi-nationals.”
