Exactly one year after our last interview, we decided to meet again with Mr. Roberto Melis, of Freedom In Sales S.r.l., a young and dynamic company certified by IATA (International Air Transport Association), set up in 2012 to offer shippers, airlines, handling agents and their local representatives its high added-value services (from the sale and management of dedicated air space following ‘follow-up’, to ad hoc accessory services, from assistance to airports that are experiencing some critical issues in this last period, to the management of special cargo). “Cargo traffic at Italian airports has recorded a significant drop compared to the previous year,” says the owner of this all-Italian excellence in this lengthy interview; one of the most important companies active in air transport, which has managed to impose its leadership in a highly competitive market thanks to the expertise gained over many years of activity and the high professionalism of its specialised and qualified staff.
by Roberta Imbimbo
Dr Melis, can you update us on the current situation in air transport?
With the pandemic now behind us, the global air transport market finally seems to be showing signs of stabilisation. Data released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) indicate that the number of passengers transported has grown with renewed vigour: at Italian airports alone, 89,303,818 passengers transited in the first six months of 2023, of which 31.9 million related to domestic traffic and 57.4 million to international traffic, with an increase of +12 per cent and +41.5 per cent respectively compared to 2022. As far as the cargo sector is concerned, on the other hand, it must be pointed out that Italian exports unfortunately dropped considerably: 508,992 tonnes of goods were handled, with a drop of -6 per cent compared to the previous year, and even more accentuated in air transport; a drop caused without a shadow of a doubt by the current scenario of geopolitical uncertainty recorded worldwide. The long wave of the Covid, the Russian invasion in Ukraine, and the recent war in the Middle East have in fact caused a sudden change in the global macroeconomic scenario, which is still grappling with the consequent critical supply situation of certain raw materials.
In this global scenario, how has your business evolved?
During this period, we have worked hard to continue the virtuous path we have been following for several years, to innovate strategically, and not to lose the important business opportunities offered by a market that, despite the strong world instability caused precisely by wars and the consequent new geopolitical risks, looks to the future with optimism (Italy is the second largest market in Europe in terms of volumes of goods transported by air after Germany, and estimates predict a doubling of its international trade in the next two decades). Despite the collapse in airfares caused by the increase in global air capacity, we managed to record significant growth in terms of tonnage transported, while turnover obviously dropped significantly compared to previous years. Nevertheless, we have managed to remain proactive and positive in the market, increase our brand reputation and position ourselves among the leading companies in the industry. Today, Freedom in Sales is in fact an important link between airlines, their local representatives and freight forwarders and handling agents, especially airlines and gssa, who increasingly choose it as a qualified and reliable sales partner. Thanks to its strategic vision, the company has managed to significantly increase its customer base and strengthen a number of strategic partnerships, in order to be increasingly attractive and competitive in the global market. It is no coincidence that today it is considered one of the main references in Italy for the export of goods to North America. Despite its achievements to date, the company aims to grow further, focusing on what it already excels in, without neglecting new avenues and opportunities.
For more info (http://www.freedominsales-fis.it)
