FAI announces DHL as new Official Logistics Partner

The FAI and DHL signed a four-year agreement today, naming DHL as the Official Logistics Partner of the FAI.

The agreement was signed on Friday 16 September 2016 in Gladbeck Germany, prior to the launch of the 60th Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett balloon race, the most prestigious balloon competition in the world.

Announcing the new partnership, Vincenzo Scrudato (right), the Global Managing Director of DHL Trade Fairs & Events, said: “We are happy to become part of the world air sport community which includes fantastic competitions and activities. With our global network of transportation specialists we are able to provide the best solutions for the air sport persons as well as to the FAI Members, the local organisers and the whole Federation. DHL will assist in transport and also in questions on customs, dangerous goods handling and packaging through its specific knowledge of air sports."

FAI President Dr John Grubbström (left) said: "We welcome this four-year commitment from DHL, which we see as a natural fit for the world of air sports. Like DHL, we are always moving in our sports – whether on the ground or in the air. As these balloons lifted off on Sunday in Gladbeck, we look forward to working together closely."

DHL is part of the worldwide leading logistics provider Deutsche Post DHL Group and provides a comprehensive range of services in the field of logistics, haulage and storage. DHL Trade Fairs & Events is a specialised subsidiary with a global network and extensive experience in all matters of logistics. The unit takes care exclusively of reliable and on-time logistics of trade fairs and event goods. Its qualified and dedicated employees offer individual solutions for any logistics requirement and are available 24/7 in 24 branches worldwide. With its experienced team, technology and tools DHL Trade Fairs & Events executes all sorts of event logistics in the most professional way.

The FAI and DHL will work together primarily in the area of event logistics. The agreement has been signed for an initial period of four years.

As well as providing full logistics support services to the FAI head office, the FAI and DHL will work together to promote new business, through the FAI’s Commission meetings, National Air Sport Controls (NACs), event organisers and others within the air sport community.

Markus Haggeney (FAI Sports & Events Director); Susanne Schödel (FAI Secretary General); Vincenzo Scrudato (Global Managing Director of DHL Trade Fairs & Events); Dr John Grubbström (FAI President); Robert Knestele (Area Sales Manager DHL Trade Fairs & Events GmbH); Tony Webb (FAI Marketing Consultant)

About DHL

DHL is the leading global brand in the logistics industry. Our DHL family of divisions offer an unrivalled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management. With about 340,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global trade flows. With specialized solutions for growth markets and industries including technology, life sciences and healthcare, energy, automotive and retail, a proven commitment to corporate responsibility and an unrivalled presence in developing markets, DHL is decisively positioned as “The logistics company for the world”.

DHL is part of Deutsche Post DHL Group. The Group generated revenues of more than 59 billion euros in 2015.

Photo credit: FAI / Marcus King