JEDDAH — Alpha Cargo Services Company Ltd, which had introduced the city check-in services for Hajis in the year 2012, have been lauded by their airline partners for a streamlined and commendable job the two years this system has been place. Following the successful operation with Air India last year (2013), Bangladesh Biman Airways have announced that they would be availing Alpha's services for the Hajis being transported back home by the carrier. Biman have signed a contract with Alpha to this effect. Alpha's City check-in services, like in ‘12, proved a boon for the Hajis, who were able to go back home in a near hassle-free mode. The system was fine-tuned this year to be more resourceful and methodical to augment the comfort for Hajis, who were able to get their baggage in a systemized manner on arrival at their hometown. The modus operandi pioneered by Alpha through the “City Check In” considerably reduced overcrowding at the airport as well as ensured a smooth and on time departure of flights during the Haj season. Alpha Cargo was instrumental in helping the Hajis from following countries, Cote d'Ivoire, Niger, Ghana, Mali, Guinea, Chad, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Sierra Leone that were carried by Nas Air. The guests of God too expressed happiness over Alpha Cargo's services throughout Haj season as the company made their return journey comfortable, as Alpha delivered their baggage to concerned airlines check-in counters in airports prior to their departure. The systematic approach sees Alpha staff members picking up the pilgrims' baggage right from their rooms in Makkah and Madinah to ensure security until the baggage is delivered to the airline in a professional way. In order to ensure a smooth operation, sufficient workers and trucks were used in this mammoth operation where everything is linked into the network system to track the movement of baggage from the building till the X-ray counter at the airport in coordination with concerned consulate and airlines staff. The support and guidance from concerned consulates was exemplary during the operation in order for Alpha to achieve the desired target. Alpha Cargo Management has promised to continue serving the guests of God in the coming year with increased and streamlined services. With Alpha's successful run over the last two years, other airlines are approaching them in order to avail their services for the coming year. Alpha extends air, sea freight, door to door, freight forwarding, transport, customs clearance, packing, and insurance, city check-in, moving services and storage services through its offices in Jeddah, Makkah and Madinah. Alpha Cargo, an IATA certified agent, having the latest X Ray facilities, is scheduled to open branches in Riyadh and Dammam. It also intends to expand its check-in and cargo handling facilities in the coming years to support the Saudi government's endeavors to improve services being rendered to the guests of God. — SG
