Sandrine de Saint Sauveur, Head of APG Inc., and an ERA Board member, leads the company’s commercial division and plays a pivotal role in shaping APG Airlines, a French carrier within the APG Network. We spoke to her about the airline’s operations and its broader role within the company.
Established in 2016, APG Airlines operates out of Toulouse Blagnac Airport, offering a unique business model focused on providing scheduled flights between Toulouse, in the heart of south-west France, and Lorient, in southern Brittany. This route, though thin, is essential for corporate clients who need a fast and efficient travel option.
“APG Airlines is quite unique,” explains de Saint Sauveur. “Operating in a niche market for corporate clients, we are the only airline providing daily scheduled services between Toulouse and Lorient. Additionally, having renewed our International Air Transport Association (IATA) Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certificate in 2024, we are the only IATA-certified airline operating a Beech 350 with a full VIP configuration and service.”
With the route being underserved by other modes of transport, the twin-turboprop aircraft is an ideal choice for this service. De Saint Sauveur continues: “By car or train, this route takes between 7–9 hours, whereas we offer a convenient 1 hour 20 minute flight. Every passenger also enjoys fast-track boarding and lounge access, as well as excellent quality catering.”
The importance of IATA codes
For airlines to operate within global distribution systems and be recognised by travel agents, they must possess an IATA code. This unique identifier is crucial for flight bookings, schedule management and ensuring compliance with international regulations. Smaller or regional carriers, like APG Airlines, often rely on companies such as APG Network to help them access these vital distribution channels.
“The code enables us to offer our interline solution to assist airlines in growing their global revenue,” says de Saint Sauveur. “It allows our partner airlines to benefit from important revenue streams in many more markets, including non-billing and settlement plan (BSP) markets, China, as well as all new BSPs.”
Global reach
With over 100 offices across more than 170 countries, APG is the world’s largest and most successful passenger and cargo general sales agent (GSA) network.
“The company has been providing commercial and distribution services for over 250 airlines for more than 30 years, positioning itself as a reliable and trusted partner,” says de Saint Sauveur.
“Our unique selling point and strength is our local presence in more than 130 countries and our close face-to-face relationships with the trade, underpinned by strong quality control across our network. This local focus has been essential in building long-term trust. Today, we are proud to have almost 150 interline partnerships and we see this number continuing to increase as airlines seek to maximise every revenue stream.”
“The company has been providing commercial and distribution services for over 250 airlines for more than 30 years, positioning itself as a reliable and trusted partner.”
Innovative distribution solutions
In November 2024, APG Network introduced a new benefit for passengers holding a 275 (airline code) ticket. If their baggage is not located within 96 hours of their flight’s arrival, they are eligible for compensation of up to US$1,000 per delayed or lost bag, with a limit of two bags per passenger. This initiative is part of APG’s broader commitment to reliable travel solutions.
“All APG Airlines tickets include BlueRibbonBags service,” confirms de Saint Sauveur. “This covers baggage tracing and up to $1,000 compensation for bags not located within 96 hours.”
Through a formalised global partnership, BlueRibbonBags (BRB) offers Delayed Baggage Protection, providing not only a satisfaction guarantee payment if the bag is not returned within the 96-hour period, but real-time push notifications via email, SMS and WhatsApp as well, reinforcing APG’s commitment to customer service.
One of APG’s most innovative offerings is its Interline E-Ticketing (APG IET) product, which has revolutionised how airlines distribute their flights across global networks. By integrating their services into APG’s ticketing platform, airlines can access a vast distribution network without the need for time-consuming bilateral agreements. This simplifies the process and increases sales potential.
APG Airlines was also the first carrier to connect to the APG New Distribution Capability (NDC) Platform, a cutting-edge distribution network now connected to over 35 major airlines worldwide. “In addition, APG Airlines is a Universal Air Travel Plan (UATP) issuer, and we are always looking for opportunities to enhance the customer experience,” de Saint Sauveur says.
Customer satisfaction at its core
Looking to the future, APG Airlines plans to continue evolving to meet the needs of its customers. “The strategy is always to maintain a high standard, so that passengers continue to enjoy the service,” says de Saint Sauveur. “Additionally, APG Airlines will continue to be a key component of our distribution solutions. With airlines seeking lower costs and more revenue streams, we will continue to serve our airline clients in an efficient and effective way.”
As customer expectations shift towards greater environmental responsibility, sustainability has become a growing priority. APG Airlines recognises this shift and is committed to meeting these demands. “We are part of the United Nations Global Impact,” explains de Saint Sauveur. “We also participate in all initiatives in the Toulouse region regarding the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and closely monitor how to save energy and fuel in terms of procedures on the ground.”
Having recently updated their livery and refurbished the aircraft’s interior, she also emphasises the importance of continued comfort and customer relations, concluding: “Nothing replaces a smile and the personal greetings of our crew when they recognise a frequent traveller – which happens often!”
