WFS acquires RA Hand to grow handling services in France

Worldwide Flight Services (WFS), the world’s largest air cargo handler, has acquired Paris-based R.A.HAND, extending its specialist handling services to freight forwarders in France.

Formed in 2010 and based at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, R.A.HAND works exclusively with French and international freight forwarding companies, providing cargo handling services, storage, distribution and deliveries to airlines for some 60 cargo agency clients. It employs a team of over 50 staff at its 6,800m² warehouse facility in Paris and generates revenues of €6.2 million annually.

“R.A.HAND is a well-respected and professional company with a strong customer base in the freight forwarding sector,” said Hugo Rodrigues new R.A.HAND Vice President. “This is a strategic investment which supports WFS’ development plan in France and our own growth in providing handling expertise directly to freight forwarding clients, including those currently operating regular air cargo charter flights to provide the capacity and network their customers need. This is an important and growing part of our business in Europe, which R.A.HAND will seamlessly fit into.”

The R.A.HAND handling services operation at Paris CDG will work closely with WFS’ existing freight forwarder assistance team based in Roissy.

Hugo Rodrigues has more than 26 years’ experience in the airfreight industry as part of the WFS group of companies. He initially served as Managing Director SFS and then as Vice President Cargo France before taking his most recent WFS post as Vice President Business Development EMEAA. “In this new role, I look forward to continuing the successful work carried out by Peter, alongside R.A.HAND’s experienced team of handling specialists. Our priority will always be the satisfaction of our customers,” he stated.

Peter Caff former R.A.HAND President commented: “With WFS as majority shareholder and the leadership of Hugo Rodrigues, R.A.HAND can look forward to an exciting future. The operations of the two companies are very complementary and will create a strong platform for growth.”