At the interface

Network Airline Services (NAS) are a Cargo General Sales agent based in Shannon Airport, NAS handle for a number of airlines including Delta Air Lines, DAS Air, Avianca, Yemenia, Air Gabon, Sudan Airways, Oman Air and will soon represent Thai Airways. We spoke with NAS sales manager in Ireland, Barbara Jordan.Based at Shannon Airport with sales representation in Dublin, NAS is a small but dynamic GSA. NAS acts as an interface between Airlines and Freight Forwarders. The function of the GSA is to take cargo reservations, provide post flight information, negotiate rates/transits etc and provide professional customer service to both airlines and freight forwarders.

According to Barbara, this is a highly competitive industry and one which requires the highest level of service in all aspects of its sales and service to maintain business levels. The freight forwarding industry in Ireland has changed dramatically over the past number of years, freight forwarders and their customers in Ireland have specific needs which must be achieved, because of these needs NAS will often meet with the freight forwarder and their customer to discuss requirements for each contract and particular lane segments which may require specific attention. NAS believes that attention to detail is vital in this industry and can mean the difference in how a GSA performs for an airline and freight forwarders. Customer orientation is one of the cornerstones of the company’s success.

Early 2001 NAS will begin acting as the GSA for Thai Airways, this is a contract that NAS are very excited about and one which will open up new opportunities to the Far East/Japan and Australia. NAS will be busy in the New Year promoting Thai Airways with Irish freight forwarders providing rate and service information to all concerned, they will also seek additional airlines who may need representation in Ireland due to the current economic boom which is being experienced in Ireland.

With the exception of Delta Airlines who have daily service to Atlanta and New York, all other freight is trucked to the UK using a number of sub-contracted hauliers, these hauliers as well as the Ground Handling agents play a vital role in the chain. Only reliable companies will be used to ensure shipments arrive in time for booked flights which is imperative in the Airline industry.

NAS have a comprehensive computer system which enables them to provide reports and figures for each airline which helps them to stay in touch with the highly competitive industry that is freight forwarding, for some airlines they also have the airlines own computer systems in place which provides both NAS and their customers with the most up to date information on each shipment.

After sales service and back up are integral components in Network Airlines Services success story, Barbara and the NAS team believe that strong customer service and careful attention to customers requirements are vital in the role of a professional General Sales Agent.

NAS have a very dedicated staff who are very experienced and customer service orientated, then try pre-empt their customers needs and believe that the professional service they provide has provided them with the constant support they receive from a broad spectrum of Irish Freight Forwarders.