He said that it was the first time that Expo Aviation giving the awards to its cargo agents for their sales support for the year for 2003-4. Mr Shah said that although it was a small gathering but he hoped to invite more people the next time. He said that it was crucial time for airlines industry as fuel prices had gone so high and they had to charge the extra in the freight rates as fuel surcharges, from the exporters/shipper. The freight rates have been increased due to fuel price which has badly effected the export by air. He thanked the cargo agents to co-operate in the previous years since the airline operates its flights and hoped to continue it in the future.
The Consul General of Sri Lanka Ms Manel De Salva also addressed on the occasion and highlighted about the relations and trade between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. She said that the cargo agents were playing a vital role in promoting the trade. She endorsed Mr Shah's point that there would be big gathering in the next award giving ceremony of Expo Aviation as the trade between two countries was growing fastly. She also hoped to increase the frequencies of flights of the airlines between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
The following cargo agents were awarded with trophies/certificate of appreciation are UFS, Care Logistics, world Linker, Inter Frt, Pakistan Cargo Services, Combined Freight Sys. Pioneer Express Razzak International and Gulsons Group. The special awards were also given to its interline partners and its ground handling agents are British Airways world cargo Alitalia Cargo, KLM Cargo and Gerry's Data (ground handling Agent).
Mementos were also presented to Ms Manel De Salva Consul General of Sri Lanka, Mr Sabri Marikar CEO, Expo Aviation and Mr Mansoor Shahid, Chairman ACAAP Region 'A'.
A lavish dinner was served to the guests and the beautiful gifts were given to all the guests on the occasion.