In an increasingly interconnected world, the efficient movement of goods across continents has become more crucial than ever. Whether it's pharmaceuticals that need precise temperature control, high-value art pieces, or live animals requiring safe passage, ensuring timely and secure delivery is no longer a luxury. As globalisation reshapes markets and raises expectations, freight forwarders who want to remain competitive face the ongoing challenge of adapting and innovating to stay ahead of the game.

We recently caught up with Mario Debono, General Manager at BAS Ltd, to discuss how the company navigates the complexities of air freight, the challenges they face, and the exciting innovations in the pipeline.

To start with, what does BAS Ltd do, and what services does it offer? With a long-standing presence in the freight forwarding industry, BAS Ltd is clearly not new to the game. Its roots go all the way back to 1946 as part of the Cassar & Cooper Group, a well-established Maltese company that initially dealt with travel, insurance, and real estate. Over time, BAS carved out its niche in freight forwarding and, by the year 2000, became the exclusive agent for DHL Global Forwarding in Malta. This partnership gave BAS access to the world’s largest freight-forwarding network, significantly expanding its reach and capabilities.

Mario explains that BAS handles much more than the usual cargo. Their services range from managing general cargo, personal effects, and perishables, to handling fragile or hazardous goods, biological substances, and even live animals.

When asked what distinguishes BAS from other airfreight providers, the General Manager highlights their ability to offer tailored solutions. “We make it a point to really listen to our clients, so we can deliver bespoke services that fit like a glove,” he says. BAS also takes great pride in its flexibility. “Some customers come to us with special requests and detailed instructions. Since we know the ropes, we can jump right in and work as a team to make sure those needs are met, even if they’re new to us,” Mario adds with confidence. The company also offers a start-to-finish service. “Our clients don’t need to juggle multiple companies for different legs of their shipment. We take care of everything.”

Thanks to its partnership with DHL, BAS benefits from industry-specific expertise, which is especially useful when handling delicate shipments like pharmaceuticals. “We have a trained team that knows exactly how to manage sensitive items like temperature-controlled medicines. We’re trained to make sure everything runs smoothly,” Mario explains. This attention to detail helps ensure that even the most delicate goods are transported safely.

Handling complex shipments requires not just expertise but also proper training. “The first step to safely transporting sensitive cargo is getting the right training,” Mario emphasises. BAS invests in its people by providing International Air Transport Association (IATA)-approved training for handling air cargo. Their team, especially those managing live animals and temperature-sensitive goods, receives specialised certification and training through DHL’s platform.

This commitment to ongoing staff education is integral to upholding the company’s high standards. As Mario explains, “For temperature-sensitive cargo, we get our training through DHL, which earns us our Good Distribution Practice (GDP) certification.” BAS also uses DHL’s Thermonet Service to keep the cool chain intact during pharmaceutical shipments and follows a strict quality assurance programme for its trucks involved in these operations.

Thanks to its long-standing partnership with DHL Global Forwarding, BAS can offer a variety of services, including the efficient Air Freight Plus. Mario describes the service as a straightforward, door-to-door air freight option for shipments of 75 kilos and above within Europe. A major selling point is its transparent pricing structure: “There are no hidden fees; no confusing tariffs that tend to catch customers off guard with other providers. It’s a no-nonsense, hassle-free service,” the General Manager assures us.

Partnering with DHL Global Forwarding gives BAS a strategic edge, allowing the company to offer a range of logistical solutions at different price points. From 24-hour express services to road and sea freight or a combination of both, BAS has pretty much every client covered. “Being able to tap into DHL’s network makes us flexible and helps us create bespoke solutions for our customers,” Mario explains. This global reach isn’t just about convenience—it’s about ensuring reliability at every step of the supply chain.

While handling intricate and specialised cargo can be challenging, Mario shares some of the most demanding and rewarding operations they’ve managed, including temperature-sensitive shipments that require perfect timing and coordination. “We regularly handle temperature-sensitive cargo through DHL’s hub in Milan,” he explains, noting how the operation involves coordination between multiple service providers to keep the cool chain intact—a must when dealing with pharmaceuticals.

Transporting live animals is another challenge, one that BAS has mastered. “There’s nothing quite like reuniting a customer with their pet, knowing we took every measure to ensure its safety,” Mario recalls, noting that such jobs, while tricky, provide a great sense of satisfaction.

As the air freight industry continues to evolve, so does BAS Ltd. Mario sees a trend toward even more advanced solutions. “Customers are asking for more complex transport services, and we’re positioning ourselves to meet those needs,” he says. One trend they’re preparing for is zero-emission deliveries, with BAS already testing electric vehicles as part of their eco-friendly strategy. Along with its plans for innovation, BAS is also modernising its operations, with a major office upgrade set to wrap up by the end of the year.

With decades of experience, a strategic partnership with DHL Global Forwarding, and a strong focus on innovation, BAS Ltd. is well-equipped to tackle the challenges of global freight forwarding. As Mario puts it, "It’s our reliability, flexibility, and forward-thinking approach that keeps our clients coming back. We make it a point to be consistent in delivering top-notch service, reflecting our genuine commitment to keeping our clientele competitive and satisfied."