Airbus and Neste join forces on SAF development to decarbonise aerospace

Airbus and Neste, a world-leading producer of renewable fuels, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly advance the production and uptake of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Both parties share a vision that SAF is a key solution to helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions of air travel. This collaboration aims to accelerate the aviation sector’s transition to SAF.

Neste and Airbus recognize that one of the biggest challenges in accelerating SAF use is the ramp-up of SAF production. This collaboration is laying the foundation for both Airbus and Neste to drive SAF development across the global aviation industry.

It will allow the partners to explore business opportunities together and jointly promote the production and use of sustainable aviation fuel. The focus will be on the technical development of SAF, fuel approval and testing of current and future production technologies, and investigating how “100% SAF” use can be enabled.

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Airbus, Renault sign deal for research on electrification

Airbus and Renault Group have signed a research and development agreement which aims at enhancing synergies to accelerate both companies’ electrification roadmaps and improving their range of products.

“This partnership will help Airbus mature technologies associated with future hybrid-electric aircraft,” says an official release.

The engineering teams of Airbus and Renault will join forces to mature technologies related to energy storage, which remains one of the main roadblocks for the development of long-range electric vehicles. “The cooperation agreement will notably cover technology bricks related to energy management optimisation and battery weight improvement, and will look for the best pathways to move from current cell chemistries (advanced lithium-ion) to all solid-state designs which could double the energy density of batteries in the 2030 timeframe.”

The joint work will also study the full lifecycle of future batteries from production to recyclability in order to prepare the industrialisation of these future battery designs while assessing their carbon footprint across their entire lifecycle, the release added.

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'Hellmann Smart QR' digitizes passive data tracking

The monitoring and transparency of global supply chains are becoming increasingly important. This is where Hellmann Worldwide Logistics and Finnish startup Logmore come in the picture: Jointly, they are launching a passive dynamic QR data tracker named “Hellmann Smart QR”.

It measures temperature, humidity, light as well as shocks and generates a new QR code with each measurement, which is displayed on the device and can be downloaded via cell phone camera upon cargo arrival. By integrating this additional data into the already established platform-based Hellmann tracking systems SmartAir! and Smart Ocean, each deviation can be directly associated with a specific point in the cargo’s journey.

“Hellmann Smart QR” enables cost-efficient and user-friendly visibility along the entire supply chain for sensitive cargo such as perishable goods or pharmaceuticals. With the help of push notifications, deviations become visible at a single glance and available directly after scanning both via cell phone or the cloud-based platforms SmartAir! and Smart Ocean. This makes it easy to track and assign responsibilities within the supply chain.

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Tata Group, SIA to merge Vistara with Air India

The Tata Group today announced the consolidation of its airlines Vistara and Air India.

“With this consolidation, Air India shall be India’s leading domestic and international carrier with a combined fleet of 218 aircraft, making it India’s largest international carrier and second largest domestic carrier,” says a release from Tata Group.

Air India, an airline fully owned by Tata Sons, has been the flag carrier of India. Tata Sons, via its fully owned subsidiary Talace Private (Talace), had acquired 100 percent stake in Air India on January 27, 2022.

Vistara, a 51:49 joint venture between Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines (SIA), was established in 2012, and shall be merged with Air India after requisite approvals. As part of the merger transaction, SIA will invest Rs 2,059 crore ($257 million) in Air India and will hold a 25.1 percent equity stake.

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Miguel Rodríguez is Cool Chain Association treasurer

U.K.-based Cool Chain Association (CCA) has appointed Miguel Rodríguez, Senior Manager, Climate Control Products, Qatar Airways, as treasurer and welcomed Brussels Airport, Boeing, Singapore Airport Terminal Services (SATS) and Validaide as members.

“CCA is focused on finding new ways to collaborate and back initiatives that deliver tangible results,” says Stavros Evangelakakis, Chairman, Cool Chain Association. “Our ideas are striking a chord with the industry, and we are pleased to welcome our four new members as part of our movement for change.”

Boeing has been working closely with CCA members and recently participated in the CCA’s pharma event in Athens, Greece, presenting a case study on the performance of its aircraft’s temperature-controlled capabilities for a consignment of flowers from South America to Europe, says a release from CCA.

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Etihad Cargo bags IATA CEIV Pharma recertification

Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics arm of Etihad Aviation Group, has been awarded Center of Excellence for Independent Validators (CEIV) Pharma recertification by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The carrier is one of only 37 airlines to hold IATA CEIV Pharma certification globally.

The UAE’s national carrier first achieved IATA CEIV Pharma certification in 2019 in conjunction with its hub at Abu Dhabi International Airport and Etihad Airport Services Cargo. Etihad Cargo went on to become the first airline in the Middle East and only the third globally to hold the trilogy of CEIV Pharma, CEIV Fresh, and CEIV Live Animals certifications.

Etihad Cargo achieved IATA CEIV Pharma recertification following an audit by independent validators that assessed the carrier’s capacity to control and enhance its processes through a checklist that focused on Etihad Cargo’s Quality Management System that incorporates supplier management, training programmes, processes and procedures, audit programmes, and quality enhancement, among others. Achieving recertification demonstrates Etihad Cargo’s and its dedicated pharmaceutical transportation product PharmaLife’s full compliance with specific pharmaceutical regulations, including IATA Temperature Control Regulations (TCR), Good Distribution Practices (GDP), a quality system for warehouses and distribution centres dedicated to medications and life sciences products.

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Rolls-Royce, easyJet complete 1st run of aero engine on hydrogen

Rolls-Royce and easyJet set a new aviation milestone with the world’s first run of a modern aero engine on hydrogen.

The ground test was conducted on an early concept demonstrator using green hydrogen created by wind and tidal power. “It marks a major step towards proving that hydrogen could be a zero carbon aviation fuel of the future and is a key proof point in the decarbonisation strategies of both Rolls-Royce and easyJet.”

The test took place at an outdoor test facility at MoD Boscombe Down, U.K., using a converted Rolls-Royce AE 2100-A regional jet engine. Green hydrogen for the tests was supplied by European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC), generated using renewable energy at their hydrogen production and tidal test facility on Eday in the Orkney Islands, U.K.

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Lufthansa Cargo doubles capacity to Vietnam

Lufthansa Cargo has announced the addition of Hanoi to its worldwide B777F route network for the winter flight schedule 2022/2023. The first flight took off on November 2 in Frankfurt. The Boeing 777F arrived in Hanoi on time on November 3 after a stop in Mumbai. Since then, Lufthansa Cargo has been flying to Hanoi twice a week

Given its current twice-weekly flights to Ho Chi Minh City, the cargo airline is effectively doubling its capacity to Vietnam and is the only carrier connecting the capital Hanoi to Frankfurt. The largest hub in Germany will provide consumers with numerous connections throughout Europe and to the rest of the world via air and road feeder services.

On the occasion of the station’s opening in Hanoi, Lufthansa Cargo management welcomed local media representatives and customers to the site to celebrate. In recent years, both Ho Chi Minh City, the country’s largest city and economic center in the south, and Hanoi, the capital in the north, have seen remarkable economic progress.

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Dronamics awarded grant from the European Innovation Council

The European Commission has granted Dronamics a €2.5 million grant under the coveted European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator program. The EIC has also stated a financial commitment to Dronamics’ future Series A financing.

The grant will fund the development and deployment of Dronamics’ cargo drone fleet, as well as the establishment of the company’s first droneports and operations throughout Europe.

Millions of people live in the European Union, in places that are typically days away by traditional freight. Dronamics seeks to democratize air freight by making same-day delivery cheap and sustainable for businesses and communities worldwide, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

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Menzies Aviation expands board with 3 new members

Menzies Aviation, the global aviation logistics specialist, announced the expansion of its board with the appointment of three new members, Ehab Aziz, Cheryl Martin and Thomas Plenborg.

The new board, chaired by Hassan El-Houry, was established following the acquisition of Menzies by Agility, a supply chain services, infrastructure and innovation company, says a release from Menzies.

“Aziz is the Group Chief Financial Officer for Agility. His financial acumen and extensive M&A experience will support Menzies’ growth ambitions to become the undisputed number one in aviation services.

“Martin is founder of Harwich Partners, working with public and private sector entities to identify drivers to accelerate the adoption of new technologies into key markets. Alongside innovation, Martin will focus on sustainability in support of Menzies’ All In strategy as it works towards becoming carbon neutral by 2033.

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Turkish Cargo selects cargo.one to help fuel global growth

cargo.one announced a global partnership with Turkish Cargo, the Turkish national carrier’s cargo division, for digital air cargo bookings.

“Flying to more countries than any other cargo airline, the combination of Turkish Cargo’s capacities and cargo.one’s seamless digital booking experience now offers freight forwarders worldwide a valuable new proposition,” says a release from cargo.one.

With 40 bookable airlines on board, cargo.one has now secured close to 50 percent of global air cargo capacity for instant booking on its platform, the release added.

Turkish Cargo is ranked 5th globally, and investments in state-of-the-art SMARTIST, its Istanbul mega cargo hub, sustainability programmes and a comprehensive digitalisation strategy has helped Turkish Cargo increase business volumes to 9.1 million tonne kilometres during 2021.

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DB Schenker supports Porsche GT4 e-Performance Tour

DB Schenker and Porsche Motorsport will launch a global demonstration tour for the electrically powered GT4 e-Performance race car prototype.

“DB Schenker has organised a complete sustainable logistics solution for the electric race car’s trip around the world, which will include stops at select racing locations,” says a release from DB Schenker.

“Among other things, only the most environmentally friendly modes of transport will be used for the tour, which will cover a total of 13,000 kilometres. The GT4 e-Performance Tour will kick off at the end of January with the legendary GP Ice Race in Zell am See in Austria. After that, the electric race cars will be transported in a sustainable manner by ship, rail, and trucks to other events in Europe, the U.S., and Asia.”

Jochen Thewes, CEO, DB Schenker says: “This partnership is enabling us to take a major step forward together on the road to green mobility — we’re very much looking forward to addressing this challenge, and we have the right solutions to ensure we’ll be successful. During the tour, we will be able to highlight the progress we’ve made with the development of environmentally friendly transport and logistics solutions around the world.”

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Cathay Pharma: a refreshed temperature-sensitive solution

Cathay Pacific Cargo is consolidating and refreshing its comprehensive solution for pharmaceutical customers under a new name, Cathay Pharma, and making it easier to identify all of the possible options for pharma shipments in a more streamlined way.

“The refresh follows several busy years in which Cathay Pacific Cargo has brought its innovation and expertise to meet the evolving needs of the pharmaceutical and biotech industries,” says an official release.

This has resulted in advances including Ultra Track, the Vaccine Solution and a revamped priority solution, the release added.

“With these developments, we felt this was the ideal time to refresh our specialist shipment solution for our pharmaceutical customers,” says Tom Owen, Director, Cargo, Cathay Pacific Cargo. “We understand all too well the potential costs in lives and dollars if pharmaceutical shipments don’t arrive in perfect condition, and want to ensure that we continuously improve and adapt to industry trends and developments as they happen.”

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Challenge Airlines MT brings back Flemish tapestries to Malta

The transport of priceless Flemish tapestries signifies both a celebration of history as well as the creation of a historic moment for Challenge Airlines MT: the valuable cargo was the first to be carried by the airline on its inaugural flight, having been awarded its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) by Transport Malta on November 1, 2022.

“As a mark of respect and in honour of the occasion, Challenge Airlines MT provided both the flight as well as logistical support,” says an official release.

Yossi Shoukroun, CEO, Challenge Group says: “320 years ago, these valuable Flemish tapestries made their way by ship from Belgium to Malta. Today, we are honoured and delighted to have been chosen to return them again to their home in St John’s Co-Cathedral, Valletta.”

The Flemish tapestries were welcomed at Malta from Liège, Belgium where the historic masterpieces had undergone meticulous and careful restoration on November 15, 2022, the release added.

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Sustainability is important in eCommerce: FedEx research

 New research commissioned by FedEx Express shows that small- and medium-enterprises (SMEs) that embraced e-commerce during the COVID pandemic are underestimating the importance consumers now place on sustainability in their purchase decision-making.

85% of Indian SMEs surveyed said their customers are more interested in receiving their goods as quickly as possible rather than in sustainable shopping. A similar number, 80%, thought that receiving goods as cheaply as possible is more important to customers. Insights from consumers show the reality is very different.

The What’s Next in E-Commerce survey polled SMEs and consumers in India, and 10 other markets in the Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa region (AMEA) in July 2022. The poll explored the continuing evolution of e-commerce in the region and identified trends that could fuel their future growth.

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Amazon expands capacity in Brazil with Azul Cargo

Amazon and Azul Linhas Aéreas Brasileiras signed an agreement to increase package delivery capacity in Brazil’s north. Amazon customers in local metropolises such as Manaus and Belém will begin to receive orders transported on Azul planes within two days, and in Macapá, within up to three days, thanks to this project with the largest company in terms of commercial flights and cities served in the national territory.

According to a survey conducted by the real estate consulting firm Cushman & Wakefield, one of the trends for the Brazilian logistics sector in the next months is a focus on delivery in the shortest time and at the lowest cost feasible. This requires a strategic redesign of companies’ operations, which includes investments not only in warehouses but also in the whole logistics network.

Keeping in mind the goal of providing the finest shopping experience to its consumers while ensuring the safety and health of its workers, Amazon’s operations in Brazil are innovative. Through a network of people, facilities, trucks, logistical partners, air transport, vans, motorbikes, and other connections, the firm extends its network across the country, allowing for rapid and effective deliveries to its customers.

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Boeing reorganises defence, space & security business unit

 Effective immediately, Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) will consolidate its eight divisions into four including:

* Vertical Lift, led by Vice President and General Manager Mark Cherry.

* Mobility, Surveillance & Bombers, led by Vice President and General Manager Dan Gillian, which will include KC-46, SAOC, E-7, VC-25B, P-8, Bombers, AWACS/AEW&C, 777X components and all executive transport programmes.

* Air Dominance, led by Vice President and General Manager Steve Nordlund, which will include classified programmes; the F/A-18, F-15, T-7, MQ-25 and MQ-28 programs and the non-space Phantom Works portfolio, including the Virtual Warfare Centers. “Steve will also become the senior site executive for the St. Louis region,” says an official release.

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Qatar Airways Cargo enhances winter schedule for 2022

Qatar Airways Cargo is poised and ready following the COVID outbreak, with plans in place to respond to the new climate and customer demands. The cargo airline has expanded its growing network by increasing flight frequency to several major locations in the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas, which will benefit its clients’ businesses internationally and help them meet growing demand this winter season.

Guillaume Halleux, Chief Officer Cargo said, “We are always ready to adapt to our customer needs and there is a great potential for growth in many regions as our winter schedule changes indicates. We are happy to introduce frequency upgrades and give our customers access to more direct capacity which will ultimately benefit their business. In line with our Next Generation strategy, we will always put customer at the heart of everything we do by continuing to invest in our fleet, infrastructure, network, products, service and technology.”

Qatar Airways Cargo serves over 20 Middle Eastern passenger and cargo destinations. The carrier just began a new freighter service to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s capital and largest city, operating Boeing 777 freighters twice a week with a cargo capacity of 100 tonnes each way, every trip. Cargo capacity will also rise to and from other Middle Eastern locations as the airline expands its flights from two to four per week to Kuwait and from one to three per week to Muscat by adding two A310 freighters per week to each of these destinations.

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STIHL, Hellmann open new central warehouse in Voelklingen, Germany

STIHL opened a new central warehouse in Voelklingen, Germany on November 14, 2022. “The logistics site was built by Dietz AG as the investor and is operated by Hellmann Worldwide Logistics,” says a release from Hellmann.

With the new building, the STIHL Group is not only increasing its capacities but also improving its logistical efficiency and speed, the release added. “Battery products and all STIHL tools manufactured at the Tirol production site are stored at the new logistics and distribution location from where they are delivered to all STIHL sales companies and STIHL dealers worldwide — mainly in Germany, France and the Benelux countries. In addition, products ordered directly from STIHL’s own online store are supplied from Voelklingen. While the first deliveries have already been handled from Voelklingen since August of this year, the warehouse will be fully operational from January 2023.”

Nikolas Stihl, Chairman, STIHL Advisory Board and Supervisory Board, says: “With the central warehouse in Voelklingen, we are not only eliminating existing and foreseeable capacity bottlenecks but are also optimally positioning ourselves with a view to targeted growth, especially in the future field of batteries. After all, you can only remain a market leader in our industry if speed and cost efficiency in logistics are also internationally competitive in the long term.”

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IndiGo CarGo commences operations with A321F

India’s leading carrier IndiGo has commenced operations of its first A321 Freighter aircraft between Delhi and Mumbai, effective November 15, 2022.

“The aircraft converted from passenger jet to a full freighter configuration will be used for general freight on the inaugural Delhi-Mumbai flight while carrying general and e-commerce CarGo on the return leg. These inaugural flights will carry a payload of more than 20 tonnes on each leg,” says an official release.

IndiGo welcomed its first 321F last month and the next aircraft, which is expected to arrive later this year, will also be deployed on international routes.

“We are excited at kicking off a new chapter in IndiGo’s journey with the inaugural CarGo flights,” says Mahesh Malik, Chief Commercial Officer — CarGo, IndiGo. “Delhi and Mumbai are the two biggest commercial hubs in the country, and the response we have received from customers for our service offering is very encouraging. We expect the business to grow over the coming few months as we expand our fleet of freighters and add new destinations to our CarGo network.”

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Skye Air Mobility collaborate with Vegrow for green grocery delivery

Skye Air Mobility conducts a three-day drone delivery trial with Vegrow in Himachal Pradesh to deliver over 100 kgs of apples from farmland to the Vegrow Hub, therefore addressing a larger transportation problem that exists today.

Vegrow is the top fruit business in India. The company is in the business of selling fresh fruits and vegetables, with a $43 billion addressable market. Through partnerships, the tech platform collaborates with farmers by aggregating supply and selling to organized demand.

The 3-day trials began at Nichar in Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, from 11th November to 14th November. Skye Air has used its most reliable UAV, Skye Ship One, to facilitate real-time deliveries. For the trials, Skye Ship One carried a payload of 5 kg per flight and 4–8 flights were scheduled for every day. Following the completion of these three days of trials, Vegrow shall be building up a business case to roll out drone deliveries at scale within the region.

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Cathay Pacific Services opens pharma handling centre

Cathay Pacific Services Ltd (CPSL) opened its newest facility at the Cathay Pacific Cargo Terminal, a fully temperature-controlled area of over 1,250 square metres dedicated to the handling of pharmaceutical products, earlier this month.

“The purpose-built pharma handling centre was designed and built with unique pharma-handling requirements in mind, taking advantage of the latest technologies and designs to offer peace of mind temperature-sensitive cargo solutions for customers,” says a release from Cathay.

Features include:

Real time temperature monitoring
The web-based monitoring system facilitates real-time temperature and humidity management (with over 60 temperature sensors) to ensure all handling is under the controlled ambient temperature (15C to 25oC).

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Wiremind appoints Guillermo Medina Moralejo as VP, Biz Development

Guillermo Medina Moralejo will join Wiremind Cargo on December 1, 2022 as Vice President, Business Development, responsible for sales, commercial strategy and marketing functions.

“Since establishing Wiremind Cargo as a separate air cargo focused entity in November 2021 and subsequently launching CargoStack, we are on a rapid growth path that necessitates professional and stable customer focus. Hence, the expansion of Wiremind Cargo’s leadership team to include a Vice President Business Development,” says Nathanaël de Tarade, Chief Executive Officer, Wiremind Cargo. “With Guillermo Medina Moralejo, Wiremind Cargo is gaining a commercial leader with a track record in implementing customer strategies and driving business growth, spanning air cargo and last mile logistics. Guillermo brings both airline and logistics tech startup experience and we are delighted to welcome him on our growth journey.”

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Boeing, Silk Way West Airlines announce order for 2 777-8 freighters

Boeing and Silk Way West Airlines have finalised an order of two 777–8 freighters with options for two additional airplanes. The companies announced the agreement at a signing ceremony at Boeing Commercial Airplanes’ Seattle Delivery Centre.

The Azerbaijani cargo carrier, which serves 40 destinations around the world, is the first customer in the Eurasia region to order the fuel-efficient twin-engine freighter, says a release from Boeing.

“We are pleased to announce this order with our longstanding partner Boeing and become one of the world’s first customers for the newest freighter,” says Zaur Akhundov, president, Silk Way Group. “This year Silk Way West Airlines celebrates its 10th anniversary, and over the past decade the carrier has been operating an all-Boeing fleet. Today’s agreement reflects our ongoing investment in Boeing’s market-leading freighters. Our fleet renewal plans will help to further reduce our operating costs and enhance fuel efficiency as well as make air freight services in our region more sustainable.”

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Cathay, Unilode extend ULD partnership till 2027

 Cathay Pacific and Unilode Aviation Solutions, the market leader in outsourced unit load device (ULD) management, repair and digital services, have renewed their full-service ULD management agreement until 2027. "Cathay Pacific and Unilode have partnered on a wide range of ULD-related services and innovation projects since 2014 including the integration of Unilode readers into stations across the Cathay Pacific route network as part of the successful rollout of Unilode's IATA Cargo Innovation Award-winning digitalisation solution. This has resulted in full coverage of Cathay Pacific's ULD fleet and worldwide network of 120 stations, creating the world's largest digital ULD solution utilised by an airline," says a release from Unilode.

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AeroLogic management team announces several new appointments

 There has been a spate of personnel changes announced at the management level at AeroLogic, the joint venture between DHL Express and Lufthansa Cargo. As of October 1, 2022, Katharina Prost is the new Managing Director responsible for Finance and Administration at AeroLogic. 

Previously, she served as Managing Director at Aeromar, a joint venture between Aeroflot and LSG SkyChefs in Russia. She succeeds Martin Hirsch, who joined Austrian Airlines as Head of Finance in June. Thanks to a contract extension, Joe Moser, Managing Director Operations and Accountable Manager of AeroLogic GmbH, will remain active in his existing role, which he has held since March 2017. Previously, he led Flight Operations and Crew Training at AeroLogic.

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