AirNet Systems, Inc. expands express cargo operations

In a move to realign its business focus, AirNet Systems, Inc. express air cargo airline announced the launch of AirNet Cargo Charter Services.

According to spokesmen, this will enhance the company’s operation of its express cargo charter airline throughout North America.

“To better communicate AirNet’s’ unique express charter capabilities to our customers, we will be changing our brand name to AirNet Cargo Charter Services and introducing new and improved products to support the expansion of the company’s airline operational expertise,” said Frank C. DiMaria, AirNet’s Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing,

“This rebranding sharpens our focus around key market segments that require the services of our high performance airline in the Life Sciences, Banking, Security Sensitive and High Value sectors,” continued DiMaria. “This positions us for growth, and leverages our fleet of aircraft.”

Spokesmen added that this change was recently demonstrated by AirNet selling its Same Day Express (SDX)/ Next Flight Out (NFO) courier business to MNX, announced earlier this week.

As noted in our sister publication – Supply Chain Management Review – shippers generally examine freighters, passenger planes or integrated courier companies based purely on “up front” costs.
But Airnet’s value proposition of leveraging speed-to-market, risk mitigation, and customer service can be persuasive.

“We know we can’t be right for everyone,” said DiMaria in an interview.  “The shipper who needs time-critical transportation of small packages, or highly specialized cargo is going be coming to us when other solutions don’t fit. And once they’ve tried us, they generally come back.”

The image of exclusivity and class can be an obstacle, admitted DiMaria, who emphasized that this is not just a service “for the rich and famous.”

“When many shippers hear the word ‘charter,’ they immediately think ‘luxury,’” he said. “And that’s really not the case. Often times, we can work with customers to save both time and money. It’s all about how the deal is structured.”

AirNet Cargo Charter Services provides scheduled and on-demand charters utilizing its fleet of more than 130 aircraft, including Bombardier Learjets, Cessna Caravans, Cessna 210’s, and other small, fixed-wing aircraft, strategically positioned throughout the United States. The company is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio and operates almost 200 flights a night.