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Alaska Airlines taps PrimeFlight to provide cargo service in London. Eric Kulisch Alaska Airlines has selected PrimeFlight Aviation Services to handle cargo for the carrier at London Heathrow International Airport ahead of the May 21 launch of daily nonstop widebody service from Seattle to London. Alaska Airlines (NYSE: ALK) will carry cargo to London in the bellyhold of Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft inherited in the acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines. Alaska began service between its Seattle hub and Tokyo and Seoul, South Korea last year, marking the company's entry into long-haul international flying, and this spring will also add service from Seattle to Rome. PrimeFlight Aviation Services said in a news release on Friday that it will load and unload Alaska aircraft, build and breakdown pallets, and receive ground shipments from freight forwarders. PrimeFlight has a pre-existing relationship with Alaska Air, providing cargo support services at airports in Columbus, Ohio; Milwaukee; Omaha, Nebraska; Ontario, California; San Francisco; and Orange Country, California. The February acquisition of airline caterer GAT also means PrimeFlight serves Alaska Air on the passenger side at 11 domestic airports. "This appointment represents another important milestone in the continued growth of our cargo division, reflecting the increasing confidence airlines place in PrimeFlight's operational capability, service quality, and customer-focused delivery model," said Sascha von Wolfersdorf, vice president of operations for PrimeFlight's Europe operations. "Our cargo operation at LHR continues to expand, supported by ongoing investment in people, equipment and infrastructure to meet the demands of our cargo customers." PrimeFlight also has ground handling operations in Italy. It entered the European market through the 2025 acquisition of Airworld. It also picked up an air container maintenance and cabin maintenance business at London Heathrow and Frankfurt airport in Germany last year. Alliance Ground International. In related news, Alliance Ground International, the largest American-owned cargo handling agent for airlines, has a new owner. Lone Star Funds, based in London, announced last week that it has acquired Miami-based AGI from private equity firms Audax Group and Greenbrier Equity Group. AGI provides cargo, ground and mail handling, security and hospitality services at more than 60 airports in the United States and Canada, and employs more than 12,000 people. "We are excited to partner with the AGI management team to drive the business forward," said Lone Star CEO Donald Quintin. "The company has a superior service offering and a track record of success across its integrated operations. We see opportunities to continue to invest in the business and its people to continue to grow its capabilities and ensure it remains best-in-class in delivering for the aviation industry."

Audax raises $2.66bn for third direct lending fund. The third vintage is more than halfway to its $5bn target fundraise, filings show. In a series of filings with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, Boston-based Audax Group has reportedly raised $2.66 billion of its $5 billion target for Audax Direct Lending Solutions Fund III. The fund, which launched in December 2024, is still currently in its fundraising stage and, according to Private Debt Investor's website, has secured hefty commitments from US-based government pension funds. Gain instant access to its expert editorial analysis and in-depth insight. Already have an account? Sign in.