Bollore Logistics Singapore transported pharmaceutical in two part-charter flights

Bollore Logistics Singapore transported pharmaceutical in two part-charter flights

Bolloré Logistics Singapore arranged two part-charter flights holding eight temperature-controlled ULDs of pharmaceutical drugs weighing over 13,000 kg to Australia. Operational flexibility, teamwork, and partnerships with key industry players were key factors to success.

Faced with air capacity shortage and restrictions on flow of goods across borders in times of Covid-19, reliability and flexibility is more crucial than ever in logistics. This is particularly true in the case of pharmaceutical products, which are temperature sensitive and require greater care and quality assurance during transportation.

In this context, one of the customer faced a challenge to ship directly from USA to Australia. It was understood that any delay would cause additional strain to the supply chain down the pike, ultimately impacting the patients.

Bolloré Logistics Singapore devised and proposed a customized part-charter flight solution with eight temperature controlled ULDs for the shipment of temperature sensitive pharmaceutical drugs. A solution made possible with the involvement of Bolloré Logistics Healthcare Hub that is located in the Free Trade Zone (FTZ) of Singapore. 

Expedited Delivery with Seamless Connectivity

With lockdowns in place, affected countries had no direct flight options. Our team thus proposed a transit solution via Singapore.

Within our Healthcare Hub, the team of pharma experts with full on knowledge were tasked to handle the goods with extra care to ensure product safety and integrity for the rest of the journey. To further reduce turnaround time, the committed operations and healthcare teams expedited clearance through the preparation of accurate and thorough paperwork.

“Thanks to our global competency in the healthcare industry, strategic worldwide office structure and the seamless collaboration between the healthcare teams in Bolloré Logistics Singapore and the USA, over 13,000 kg of pharmaceutical drug were successfully delivered within the customer’s expected timeline,” the official release stated. 

“We understand the need for speed in transporting medical supplies, and we are more than happy to step forward to provide quick and effective solutions. We will continue to be flexible and remain the trusted solution provider for our clients in the healthcare industry.” said Lim Zhi Wei, Head of Air Freight at Bolloré Logistics Singapore.

DHL delivers 1 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses since 2020

 DHL delivers 1 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses since 2020

Since the global vaccine campaign began in December 2020, DHL has delivered over 1 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses to more than 160 countries, playing a key role in the global vaccination roll-out.

“Looking back at the state of emergency these past nine months, we are honored to be playing our part, seamlessly managing and executing multiple supply chain set-ups without cold chain interruptions or security incidents. We are working across multiple supply chain set-ups and managing direct distributions in certain countries. We implemented new, dedicated, and reliable services at an accelerated speed to ship the highly temperature-sensitive vaccines, as well as ancillary supplies and test kits. In line with our purpose of ‘Connecting people, Improving Lives’, we will continue tapping into our cold chain infrastructure, resilient global network, and deep pharmaceutical logistics knowledge and experience of our people,” says Katja Busch, chief commercial officer DHL.

“The global vaccination campaign represents a crucial instrument in the fight against the virus, and it is essential for containing further virus variants. To reach high immunization levels, around 10 billion vaccine doses will be required worldwide by the end of 2021. The global distribution of these doses is necessary to ensure that as many people as possible have access to vaccines. Besides managing various and complex supply chain set-ups, the sensitive temperature requirements have been a major challenge for logistics experts. We are glad that DHL has played a critical role as part of the solution,” says R S Subramanian, SVP and MD, DHL Express India. 

“Our advantage is that we already had a sophisticated network in place with the necessary healthcare expertise. This allowed us to react swiftly”, explains Claudia Roa, President of Life Sciences and Healthcare at DHL Customer Solutions and Innovation. “We ship the vaccines in special active thermal containers equipped with state-of-the-art GPS temperature trackers to ensure consistent temperatures and provide full transparency throughout the entire journey.”

DHL Global Forwarding and DHL Express have been tasked with transporting COVID-19 vaccines on multiple routes from Europe and other origins to countries across Asia Pacific, South America, and Europe. DHL Supply Chain is responsible for the proper storage and local distribution of the vaccines in several German states.

Boeing sees huge potential for P2F over next 2 decades

 Boeing sees huge potential for P2F over next 2 decades

Replacement of aging airplanes and freighters in-demand for e-commerce and other services is likely to create a demand for 2,610 freighters in the next two decades, according to the new Boeing Commercial Market Outlook.

“Of these, 890 planes will be production freighters. The remaining 1,720 freighters are forecast to be passenger-airplane conversions. The freighter fleet will increase by 70 percent from 2,010 airplanes in 2019 to 3,435 airplanes by 2040,” the report said.

Air cargo traffic declined 9 percent in 2020 following a 3 percent decline in 2019 due to the economic downturn and disruptions caused by the pandemic, Boeing said in its statement. “Air cargo traffic is now above 2019 levels. Accelerated e-commerce growth, supply chain disruptions, and severe maritime challenges are contributing to a robust air cargo market recovery.”

Boeing, which has a near monopoly in the production freighter market, has a plan for a freighter version of its yet to be operational passenger jet B777X. 

Airbus, one of the world's largest airplane manufacturers, has firmed up plans for the freighter version of its successful passenger jet A350 with interest from the likes of global cargo giants DHL and UPS. 

In the latest development, Mammoth Freighters, a Florida-based company founded in December 2020, is promising to offer a P2F conversion programme for both Boeing 777-200LR and 777-300ER.

With continued lockdowns and uncertainties over reopening of the global economies, the airline industry continues to face new challenges. And cargo is turning out to be a saviour for the industry. Airline chief financial officers and cargo chiefs are positive on cargo demand for the rest of the current financial year and the next year, according to an International Air Transport Association (IATA) survey done last month.

The survey found 72 percent respondents expecting cargo demand to increase for the coming 12 months, an improvement compared with the previous survey (56 percent).

Leipzig/Halle Airport annual freight volume exceeds 1 million tonne in August

 Leipzig/Halle Airport annual freight volume exceeds 1 million tonne in August

The volume of freight handled at Leipzig/Halle Airport (LEJ) reached the figure of 1,025,187 tonnes and already exceeded the 1 million mark in the month of August since the beginning of the year. This represents an increase in the amount of cargo of 18.4 percent compared to the same period in the previous year.

Approximately 125,050 tonnes were processed at the airport in August alone this year. That represents an increase of 15.1 percent in comparison with the same month in the previous year.

The total amount of freight handled in the previous year set a new record at more than 1.38 million tonnes. The number of air cargo flights rose by 25.8 percent to more than 40,000 during the first eight months of the year.   

Leipzig/Halle Airport is one of the cargo airports with the dynamic growth rates in the world. LEJ is the first airport in Germany to have registered more flights in August than before the Covid-19 crisis (August 2019). 

Overall, more than 80 cargo airlines fly to the airport and operate a network of routes, which covers more than 270 destinations around the globe. The airport registers as many as 1,300 take-offs and landings for cargo flights every week.

More than 10,800 people are currently employed at Leipzig/Halle Airport or at local companies and public authorities based there. This figure includes about 8,200 working in the freight handling, cargo airline, logistics and freight forwarding segments alone.

MASkargo and cargo.one announce global partnership

 MASkargo and cargo.one announce global partnership

As part of its digitalization agenda, MASkargo, a Malaysian Cargo Airline, has entered into a distribution agreement with e-booking platform cargo.one. The aim is to bring a smooth digital booking experience to MASkargo’s customers and to expand its presence in key cargo markets. 

 “At MASkargo, our strategy is to deliver a first-class customer experience by way of a continuous innovative digital solutions cycle. We are delighted to partner with cargo.one to augment our domestic digital offering to a premium global presence by bringing our real-time rates and capacities to this innovative and rapidly growing online booking platform”, Mark Jason Thomas, chief commercial officer at MASkargo, explains. 

Freight forwarders using cargo.one will soon have access to MASkargo’s real-time rates and capacity at the click of a button and receive immediate confirmation of their bookings. cargo.one will benefit from MASkargo’s network into Asia and Australia, as it delivers on its global expansion strategy. 

“Over the past months, cargo.one has already helped shape our strategy and I believe the team’s expertise and analytics will be crucial in supporting our shift towards a digital-first business model going forward. The platform will increase the airline’s service quality and efficiency, and the ongoing partnership support and access to data will also enhance MASkargo’s ability to manage digital sales channels and drive market relevance”. 

“Not only will we reach a larger booking audience by extending our network visibility to cargo.one’s strong global user base, but we are also keen to benefit from being at the forefront of the platform’s imminent expansion into new markets, particularly within Asia”, Mark Jason Thomas confirms. 

“In line with our Asia expansion strategy, we aim to partner with forward-thinking and customer-centric airlines. We are therefore especially pleased to welcome MASkargo as our latest airline partner, with its strong Asia and Oceania network,” says Moritz Claussen, Managing Director of cargo.one. 

“We look forward to working with the MASkargo team in serving their customers’ needs in the best way possible and developing the future of digital cargo in Asia together.”

MASkargo and cargo.one are now working on integrating their systems and look forward to bringing MASkargo capacities to forwarders before the end of 2021.

Tim Strauss leaves Amerijet, Vic Karjian returns as interim CEO

 Tim Strauss leaves Amerijet, Vic Karjian returns as interim CEO

In a major development in the air-cargo industry, Vic Kajian, Amerijet International Inc’s Executive Chairman will be taking over as the interim CEO replacing incumbent chief executive Tim Strauss from September 18.

Strauss will be hanging up his boots after just a year of his appointment to the role and is expected to serve as an advisor to the company through the balance of the year until a new CEO is found. The change at the top hasn’t been without controversy after the Miami-based airline that is owned by private equity firm ZS Fund did not give any reason for the replacement. A report in FreightWaves claimed, citing unnamed sources, that the move could be owing to Karijian’s encroachment into Strauss’s area of responsibility which prompted Strauss’s pushback and may have resulted in his exit from the company.

Incidentally, Strauss’s appointment as CEO last year on August 17, along with the carrier’s Europe expansions were seen as the first step to Amerijet’s long term vision to becoming a global air cargo carrier of choice for its customers.

In an exclusive chat with STAT Media Group this June in an episode of Cargo Masterminds, Strauss called his appointment ‘a unique and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity’. He said, “The opportunity with Amerijet came forward and it was unique and it had an opportunity to take everything I have learnt over my 36 years in the industry and put it together in a spot that was ready to boom and in a company that was ready to renew itself and look at a long-term focus.”

He had also indicated that the role as Amerijet CEO had meant a bigger chance at turning things around as compared to his old role as he said, “As the head of cargo at a passenger airline, you’re 2 percent to 4 percent of the revenue of the company, so you don’t always get to pull the trigger on decision you’d like to make and push the company where you want to go even though we were very fast growing. We grew 80% in my time there at Air Canada, but you still don’t quite have your hands on the controls.”

Interestingly, Vic Kajian was Amerijet’s CEO before Strauss and led the company through its receipt of Extended-range Twin-engine Operational Performance Standards (ETOPS) certification in March 2020 and expansion into ACMI and CMI charter operations. ETOPS is a certification that permits twin engine aircraft to fly routes which may, at the time, be 60 minutes flying time from the nearest airport that is suitable for an emergency landing.

SAL and Gulf Air sign cargo logistics partnership agreement

 SAL and Gulf Air sign cargo logistics partnership agreement

SAL Saudi Logistics Services Company has joined hands with Gulf Air – the Kingdom of Bahrain’s national carrier – to provide ground handling solutions to their fleet at all KSA main airports. The Saudi company said that this 7-year agreement is another step towards enhancing the expansion plans and strategic relations with diverse airlines with high cargo operational capacity.

SAL’s CEO Hesham Alhussayen noted that the agreement represents years of mutual cooperation in both passenger and cargo flights with Gulf Air, and that the Bahraini leading airline will benefit from SAL’s wide range of logistics services and offerings. He highlighted the pivotal role SAL plays in facilitating cargo movement at all main airports where the company utilizes its full logistic capacity to effectively serve airlines through its full-fledged modern facilities according to high international standards. 

Gulf Air’s Acting chief executive officer Captain Waleed AlAlawi welcomed the partnership and noted that such agreements will strengthen its presence and expansion into important markets such as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 

SAL is a specialized ground handling company and in 2020 only it handled a total of 900,000 kg for Gulf Air in all main airports in KSA. SAL provides premium ground handling services for multiple airlines at Saudi Arabia’s local airports and logistic support with cargo chain solutions.

Emirates SkyCargo upgrades booking experience with CargoWise

 Emirates SkyCargo upgrades booking experience with CargoWise

Emirates SkyCargo is taking the digital way for customer satisfaction experience. Working with WiseTech Global, a leading provider of software solutions to the logistics industry, Emirates SkyCargo will be providing direct access to its flights and inventory for cargo customers through the CargoWise platform. 

Customers will now be able to make cargo bookings direct on the platform for a majority of their cargo requirements after completing a short registration process.

"At Emirates SkyCargo, we are always looking at ways to make every stage of the transportation process more efficient – from the time of booking the shipment to the delivery of the cargo to the consignee. We are delighted to work with WiseTech to connect the CargoWise platform to our own Emirates SkyChain system, allowing customers enhanced direct access to search for flights and make bookings directly with Emirates SkyCargo without requiring any other touchpoints. This will save time and effort for our customers and for our global teams and at the same time help avoid any unnecessary confusion and inefficiencies in the booking process," said Nabil Sultan, Emirates divisional senior vice president, Cargo.

Scott McCorquodale, chief automation officer, Air Cargo at WiseTech, said: "As the platform of choice for many of Emirates SkyCargo’s major customers, this connection is a testament to CargoWise’s penetration in the market. Adding to our growing number of airline-direct ebooking connections on the CargoWise platform, over time, all CargoWise users will have access to Emirates SkyCargo’s flight schedules, rates, availability and real-time eBooking functions. Working together, this connection provides ease of access to timely data at the user’s fingertips, translating to increased efficiencies and productivity, and importantly, informed decision making."

Emirates SkyCargo has commenced roll out of customer access to the CargoWise platform in a phased manner from September 1 2021. By the end of September, the majority of Emirates SkyCargo’s global customers using CargoWise will be able to make bookings on Emirates SkyCargo through the platform.

Adrien Thominet is the new Executive Chairman of ECS Group

 Adrien Thominet is the new Executive Chairman of ECS Group

ECS Group announces Adrien Thominet as the new Executive Chairman. He has been with ECS Group for more than 25 years, becoming its COO in 2011 and then CEO in 2017. 

The world’s largest integrated GSSA which is driven by its credo to be “more than a GSSA”, has worked to disrupt and reinvent the traditional GSA concept, and to future-proof the ECS Group service portfolio. In this regard, it offers airline customers a Total Cargo Management (TCM) concept, alongside a wide range of “à la carte” services and abilities. By investing in digitalisation, successfully introducing and adapting a range of in house business intelligence and training platform tools, ECS Group ensures complete alignment with the evolving needs of its airline customers. 

“I am honoured to have been appointed Executive Chairman,” Adrien Thominet, ECS Group Executive Chairman, states. Given the disruption and challenges the aviation industry has recently faced with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is an acute need for flexible, resource-efficient, expert business management solutions. 

This is precisely the kind of support that ECS Group strives to provide, Adrien Thominet underlines in his new function as Executive Chairman: “Today, more than ever, the air cargo industry is at a crossroads, and our ambition as the leading worldwide GSSA, is to provide the optimum support to our customers in this changing environment. We are therefore committed to continuously improving and developing innovative, sustainable, high value-added solutions and services to best serve them.” ECS Group’s intense digital, commercial, administrative, and organisational transformations over the past few years have culminated in a revised and enhanced product offering, along with an increased focus on sustainability going forward. “We will soon be publishing the results of our revised commercial direction with the launch of our Augmented GSA concept in the coming weeks,” he discloses.

Today, it represents over 150 quality airlines of all sizes across the globe, and provides capacity support to around 10,000 freight forwarders. The Group has seen development on all continents, and now numbers more than 1,200 employees across 167 subsidiaries in 50 countries within APAC, Europe, North America, and Latin America.

ECS Group announces Adrien Thominet as the new Executive Chairman. He has been with ECS Group for more than 25 years, becoming ECS Group announces Adrien Thominet as the new Executive Chairman. He has been with ECS Group for more than 25 years, becoming its COO in 2011 and then CEO in 2017. 

The world’s largest integrated GSSA which is driven by its credo to be “more than a GSSA”, has worked to disrupt and reinvent the traditional GSA concept, and to future-proof the ECS Group service portfolio. In this regard, it offers airline customers a Total Cargo Management (TCM) concept, alongside a wide range of “à la carte” services and abilities. By investing in digitalisation, successfully introducing and adapting a range of in house business intelligence and training platform tools, ECS Group ensures complete alignment with the evolving needs of its airline customers. 

“I am honoured to have been appointed Executive Chairman,” Adrien Thominet, ECS Group Executive Chairman, states. Given the disruption and challenges the aviation industry has recently faced with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is an acute need for flexible, resource-efficient, expert business management solutions. 

This is precisely the kind of support that ECS Group strives to provide, Adrien Thominet underlines in his new function as Executive Chairman: “Today, more than ever, the air cargo industry is at a crossroads, and our ambition as the leading worldwide GSSA, is to provide the optimum support to our customers in this changing environment. We are therefore committed to continuously improving and developing innovative, sustainable, high value-added solutions and services to best serve them.” ECS Group’s intense digital, commercial, administrative, and organisational transformations over the past few years have culminated in a revised and enhanced product offering, along with an increased focus on sustainability going forward. “We will soon be publishing the results of our revised commercial direction with the launch of our Augmented GSA concept in the coming weeks,” he discloses.

Today, it represents over 150 quality airlines of all sizes across the globe, and provides capacity support to around 10,000 freight forwarders. The Group has seen development on all continents, and now numbers more than 1,200 employees across 167 subsidiaries in 50 countries within APAC, Europe, North America, and Latin America.

ts COO in 2011 and then CEO in 2017. 

The world’s largest integrated GSSA which is driven by its credo to be “more than a GSSA”, has worked to disrupt and reinvent the traditional GSA concept, and to future-proof the ECS Group service portfolio. In this regard, it offers airline customers a Total Cargo Management (TCM) concept, alongside a wide range of “à la carte” services and abilities. By investing in digitalisation, successfully introducing and adapting a range of in house business intelligence and training platform tools, ECS Group ensures complete alignment with the evolving needs of its airline customers. 

“I am honoured to have been appointed Executive Chairman,” Adrien Thominet, ECS Group Executive Chairman, states. Given the disruption and challenges the aviation industry has recently faced with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is an acute need for flexible, resource-efficient, expert business management solutions. 

This is precisely the kind of support that ECS Group strives to provide, Adrien Thominet underlines in his new function as Executive Chairman: “Today, more than ever, the air cargo industry is at a crossroads, and our ambition as the leading worldwide GSSA, is to provide the optimum support to our customers in this changing environment. We are therefore committed to continuously improving and developing innovative, sustainable, high value-added solutions and services to best serve them.” ECS Group’s intense digital, commercial, administrative, and organisational transformations over the past few years have culminated in a revised and enhanced product offering, along with an increased focus on sustainability going forward. “We will soon be publishing the results of our revised commercial direction with the launch of our Augmented GSA concept in the coming weeks,” he discloses.

Today, it represents over 150 quality airlines of all sizes across the globe, and provides capacity support to around 10,000 freight forwarders. The Group has seen development on all continents, and now numbers more than 1,200 employees across 167 subsidiaries in 50 countries within APAC, Europe, North America, and Latin America.

ECS Group announces Adrien Thominet as the new Executive Chairman. He has been with ECS Group for more than 25 years, becoming its COO in 2011 and then CEO in 2017. 

The world’s largest integrated GSSA which is driven by its credo to be “more than a GSSA”, has worked to disrupt and reinvent the traditional GSA concept, and to future-proof the ECS Group service portfolio. In this regard, it offers airline customers a Total Cargo Management (TCM) concept, alongside a wide range of “à la carte” services and abilities. By investing in digitalisation, successfully introducing and adapting a range of in house business intelligence and training platform tools, ECS Group ensures complete alignment with the evolving needs of its airline customers. 

“I am honoured to have been appointed Executive Chairman,” Adrien Thominet, ECS Group Executive Chairman, states. Given the disruption and challenges the aviation industry has recently faced with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is an acute need for flexible, resource-efficient, expert business management solutions. 

This is precisely the kind of support that ECS Group strives to provide, Adrien Thominet underlines in his new function as Executive Chairman: “Today, more than ever, the air cargo industry is at a crossroads, and our ambition as the leading worldwide GSSA, is to provide the optimum support to our customers in this changing environment. We are therefore committed to continuously improving and developing innovative, sustainable, high value-added solutions and services to best serve them.” ECS Group’s intense digital, commercial, administrative, and organisational transformations over the past few years have culminated in a revised and enhanced product offering, along with an increased focus on sustainability going forward. “We will soon be publishing the results of our revised commercial direction with the launch of our Augmented GSA concept in the coming weeks,” he discloses.

Today, it represents over 150 quality airlines of all sizes across the globe, and provides capacity support to around 10,000 freight forwarders. The Group has seen development on all continents, and now numbers more than 1,200 employees across 167 subsidiaries in 50 countries within APAC, Europe, North America, and Latin America.

IATA shifts World Cargo Symposium from Istanbul to Dublin for same dates

 IATA shifts World Cargo Symposium from Istanbul to Dublin for same dates

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has shifted the World Cargo Symposium (WCS) venue to Convention Centre Dublin, Ireland from Istanbul, Turkey and it will be held on October 12-14, 2021.

The original 14th IATA WCS event was scheduled to be held in Hilton Istanbul Bomonti, Turkey from March 10 to 12, 2020 but it was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Then it was rescheduled for March 9 - 11, 2021 at the same venue.

IATA global head of cargo Brendan Sullivan has confirmed the decision taken with The STAT Trade Times.  He also said that it will be held as a physical event with some virtual elements. “But we are excited to meet face to face,” he said.

The updated website doesn’t show any host airline or any platinum sponsor as the original event in Istanbul was supposed to be hosted by Turkish Airlines. Traditionally, all IATA events were hosted by an airline of the host country.

The World Cargo Symposium is the largest annual air cargo event of its kind that brings together key stakeholders from the entire supply chain.

Attended by airlines, solution providers, freight forwarders, airports, ground handlers, regulators, and media, “the symposium will feature plenary sessions, specialized tracks, workshops and executive summits, tackling aspects related to technology and innovation, security and customs, cargo operations and sustainability,” the website reads.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has shifted the World Cargo Symposium (WCS) venue to Convention Centre Dublin, Ireland from Istanbul, Turkey and it will be held on October 12-14, 2021.

The original 14th IATA WCS event was scheduled to be held in Hilton Istanbul Bomonti, Turkey from March 10 to 12, 2020 but it was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Then it was rescheduled for March 9 - 11, 2021 at the same venue.

IATA global head of cargo Brendan Sullivan has confirmed the decision taken with The STAT Trade Times.  He also said that it will be held as a physical event with some virtual elements. “But we are excited to meet face to face,” he said.

The updated website doesn’t show any host airline or any platinum sponsor as the original event in Istanbul was supposed to be hosted by Turkish Airlines. Traditionally, all IATA events were hosted by an airline of the host country.

The World Cargo Symposium is the largest annual air cargo event of its kind that brings together key stakeholders from the entire supply chain.

Attended by airlines, solution providers, freight forwarders, airports, ground handlers, regulators, and media, “the symposium will feature plenary sessions, specialized tracks, workshops and executive summits, tackling aspects related to technology and innovation, security and customs, cargo operations and sustainability,” the website reads. 

GEODIS in Hong Kong is accredited as an Authorized Economic Operator

 GEODIS in Hong Kong is accredited as an Authorized Economic Operator

GEODIS Hong Kong division has been accredited as an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) by the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department. With the accreditation, GEODIS in Hong Kong will now be given access to priority customs facilitation and inspection, allowing the logistics provider to optimize its local operations, delivering agile, secure, and reliable solutions for customers. AEO status recognizes security and safety procedures amongst those within the supply chain industry.

The need for such efficient systems has become more vital than ever, given ongoing supply chain disruption to shipping schedules and factory production across Asia. These delays have also been accompanied by a continuing surge in consumer demand for Asian goods, challenging logistics partners to cope with an increasingly volatile supply chain ecosystem. As a key link between Mainland China and the rest of the world, these service providers in Hong Kong, in particular must work to keep processes up-and-running in the most seamless way possible.

“By achieving AEO accreditation we are helping to strengthen Hong Kong’s logistics credentials as a major international trading center and regional hub,” said Onno Boots, president and chief executive officer, Asia Pacific, GEODIS. “AEO status reflects the team’s commitment to providing our clients with best-in-class services and expertise to not only navigate, but thrive, amidst the challenges brought about by the pandemic.”

“This initiative affirms our continuous efforts to reinforce the infrastructures, processes and information systems required to ensure the most advanced and reliable security measures within the current dynamic environment,” said Christopher Cahill, Managing Director, North Asia Sub-Region. “GEODIS will continue to innovate, leveraging on new technology and automation to keep our operations in Hong Kong scalable and efficient.”

Since its incorporation in 1989, GEODIS in Hong Kong has expanded its presence, investing in an Air Export warehouse at the world-class Airport Freight Forwarding Centre (AAFC) within the Hong Kong International Airport (60,000 sqf) in addition to a Contract Logistics Warehouses located at Tuen Mun, Tsuen Wan, and Yuen Long (630,000 sqf).

GEODIS Hong Kong division has been accredited as an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) by the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department. With the accreditation, GEODIS in Hong Kong will now be given access to priority customs facilitation and inspection, allowing the logistics provider to optimize its local operations, delivering agile, secure, and reliable solutions for customers. AEO status recognizes security and safety procedures amongst those within the supply chain industry.

The need for such efficient systems has become more vital than ever, given ongoing supply chain disruption to shipping schedules and factory production across Asia. These delays have also been accompanied by a continuing surge in consumer demand for Asian goods, challenging logistics partners to cope with an increasingly volatile supply chain ecosystem. As a key link between Mainland China and the rest of the world, these service providers in Hong Kong, in particular must work to keep processes up-and-running in the most seamless way possible.

“By achieving AEO accreditation we are helping to strengthen Hong Kong’s logistics credentials as a major international trading center and regional hub,” said Onno Boots, president and chief executive officer, Asia Pacific, GEODIS. “AEO status reflects the team’s commitment to providing our clients with best-in-class services and expertise to not only navigate, but thrive, amidst the challenges brought about by the pandemic.”

“This initiative affirms our continuous efforts to reinforce the infrastructures, processes and information systems required to ensure the most advanced and reliable security measures within the current dynamic environment,” said Christopher Cahill, Managing Director, North Asia Sub-Region. “GEODIS will continue to innovate, leveraging on new technology and automation to keep our operations in Hong Kong scalable and efficient.”

Since its incorporation in 1989, GEODIS in Hong Kong has expanded its presence, investing in an Air Export warehouse at the world-class Airport Freight Forwarding Centre (AAFC) within the Hong Kong International Airport (60,000 sqf) in addition to a Contract Logistics Warehouses located at Tuen Mun, Tsuen Wan, and Yuen Long (630,000 sqf).

CHAMP develops cargo app for Swissport

 CHAMP develops cargo app for Swissport

Swissport introduces a new mobile cargo application Cargospot cargo app, developed by CHAMP Cargosystems to streamline and digitise its air cargo business. It will allow Swissport to record every step of the warehousing process. With these process steps in future supported with real-time visibility, customers can keep track of their shipment status according to Cargo iQ standards.

The implementation is set to reach 76 facilities in Swissport’s cargo network by the end of 2022. The mobile cargo application has already been rolled out at Swissport’s cargo operations in Helsinki, Basel, Hamburg, Manchester and Frankfurt. Next, the app will be introduced at locations across Africa, the US, the UK, and in Ireland, Spain, Belgium and the Netherlands. 

“Our new cargo app enables us to take the digitization of our air cargo business to the next level.” says Hendrik Leyssens, VP Global Operations Cargo. "The improved visibility of every individual shipment will benefit airlines, forwarders and our own workers alike. Beyond that, this new way of working delivers a wealth of data, clearing the way for further optimization and streamlining the cargo flow at Swissport warehouses."

The cargo app will enable Swissport workers to monitor and steer the warehousing process with real-time visibility, in a user-friendly and highly efficient way and offers advanced data-insights into air cargo flows. Cargo will be traceable through timestamps with exact locations, further improving the security of the supply chain.

The app also features built-in safety mechanisms, which create an additional barrier to make sure incompatible shipments, such as specific dangerous goods, remain separated at all times. As staff monitors and registers the flow of air cargo, several manual processes can be eliminated, and the administration is simplified. 

cargo-partner renews contract with CHAMP’s Traxon cargoHUB

 cargo-partner renews contract with CHAMP’s Traxon cargoHUB

cargo-partner has renewed its contract with CHAMP for its Traxon cargoHUB community. The forwarder has benefitted from access to the largest air cargo community, with digital access to thousands of stakeholders throughout the supply chain, enabling doing business with all community players via a single system regardless of message format or protocol.

In a move for further operational excellence, the forwarder has also implemented Traxon Quality. Rather than waiting for monthly reports to measure internal efficiencies, cargo-partner will now get the most up-to-date insights sourced from data from its Traxon cargoHUB solution.

“With new data insights we will be able to further optimize our business and operations, and ultimately further improve our customers’ experience with us,” says Jo Feiks, Corporate Director Product Management Air Cargo, at cargo-partner. “We are pleased to renew for Traxon cargoHUB and implementing data insights solutions that will be of boundless benefits to our operations.”

cargo-partner recently began with weekly charter flights from Asia to Europe.

As of 4 June 2021, forwarders are required to submit Advance Customs Information for all shipments entering Canada. As a longtime customer, cargo-partner chose CHAMP for its new compliance needs. The solution adapts quickly to the latest country customs requirements and enables efficient, secure, and accurate information exchange in line with the customs authorities’ requirements - regardless of format, communications protocols and processing rules.

Also, Gulf Air renewed multi-year agreement for CHAMP Cargospot Suite.

 “As a longtime stakeholder in the air cargo industry, cargo-partner understands the benefits of using data to its advantage,” says Nicholas Xenocostas, Vice President Commercial and Customer Engagement at CHAMP Cargosystems. “The data already collected in Traxon cargoHUB is brought together for simple and straightforward insights that can help make vital business decisions. We are pleased to support them in their pursuit of operational excellence.”

All Nippon Airways and SkyCell to support Japan import needs

 All Nippon Airways and SkyCell to support Japan import needs

Japan’s largest airline All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Skycell, the manufacturer of innovative hybrid pharmaceutical containers, partner to support pharmaceutical customers shipping in and out of Japan in a safe, secure, and sustainable way. 

This announcement came right after ANA partnered with the global transport and logistics provider Scan Global Logistics for the international transportation of COVID-19 vaccines manufactured in Japan.

The partnership with SkyCell will also see the airline reach more of its sustainability goals. ANA expects there to be stronger demand for sustainability in the future, and can offer its customers more sustainable shipping options through SkyCell.

Chiara Venuti, business development director and Airline Partners, SkyCell, comments: “We at SkyCell are proud to partner with ANA to show our commitment to supporting the Japanese market, and ensure vital medicines reach their destinations fast and without spoilage. When shipping vital pharmaceutical products, there is no room for error. We have created a complete solution that ensures shipments can be safely transported from production to patients around the world.”

SkyCell will be supporting ANA with its dedicated pharmaceutical containers across different temperature ranges to cover customers’ various needs. SkyCell containers maintain internal temperature stability in external conditions from as low as -30°C to as high as +70°C. 

Dai Yuasa, senior vice president of Global Marketing, ANA Cargo, comments: “We are very glad to announce our new partnership with SkyCell. As the first Japanese IATA CEIV Pharma certified airline since 2017, we have been expanding our capabilities to transport temperature-controlled pharmaceuticals at the global standard and beyond. Especially through this COVID-19 situation, now more than ever, transporting pharmaceuticals safely is a social mission for every process involved in the chain. We want to provide every customers’ needs for various pharmaceuticals including vaccines. The addition of SkyCell to our product lineup is our commitment to our valued customers.”

Caribbean Airlines Cargo expands in China with Megacap Aviation Service

 Caribbean Airlines Cargo expands in China with Megacap Aviation Service

Caribbean Airlines Cargo will be expanding its footprint in China with Megacap S.A. Limited as its General Sales and Service Agent (GSSA), an aviation services company in China. The GSSA agreement has been effective from August 30. 

Through this partnership, Caribbean Airlines will facilitate cargo shipments from several cities in China to the Caribbean via Megacap’s six hubs including Beijing City Office, Beijing Airport Office, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Dalian. 

Marklan Moseley, Caribbean Airlines general manager Cargo and New Business commenting on the partnership stated, “The appointment of Megacap comes at an opportune time, giving freight forwarders and shippers in China access to the Caribbean, with real-time, customized logistic solutions.” 

Allan Tam, CEO of Megacap S.A. Limited, “Megacap is proud to be the GSA of Caribbean Airlines.  Caribbean Airlines provides many niche destinations which can fulfill the current market vacuum in China; and our team is very excited about this cooperation.”  

Caribbean Airlines operates an all-cargo schedule of 14 weekly Boeing 767 flights. This service facilitates shipments between the carrier’s Miami hub and Trinidad, Kingston, Montego Bay, Guyana and Barbados. The airline also transports cargo in the belly hold of its Boeing 737 and ATR aircraft on select passenger routes between Trinidad and New York, Toronto, Barbados, St. Vincent, Grenada and St Lucia.  

Ethiopian Airlines and Boeing join hands to make Ethiopia as Africa’s Aviation Hub

 Ethiopian Airlines and Boeing join hands to make Ethiopia as Africa’s Aviation Hub

Ethiopian Airlines Group sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Boeing to position Ethiopia as Africa’s aviation hub - “Ethiopia for Africa”.  

Boeing has recognized Ethiopian as a global aviation leader in the continent. The MoU is  indicative of Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines interest to establish a mutually beneficial  world class aviation partnership. To realize their shared vision, Ethiopian and Boeing have agreed to work in partnership in four areas of strategic collaboration namely: Industrial Development, Advanced Aviation Training, Educational Partnership, and Leadership Development in a span of three years. 

Tewolde GebreMariam, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines said, “I am very much thrilled not only to sign this historic MoU with our long-standing aviation partner, Boeing but also to the implementation of milestones. We have been working in collaboration with Boeing on different large-scale projects in aviation for more than 70 years to serve the continent of Africa and this partnership expands and builds our capability in multiple fields. I have firm conviction that with our dedication in its implementation, the MoU will successfully attain its goal of positioning Ethiopia as the continent’s aviation hub. We highly value the critical role of our American partner companies in accomplishing our goals and we will continue to work with key American aviation players like Boeing, GE, Pratt and Whitney and Collins Aerospace etc… in our journey towards excellence in aviation” 

Ethiopian and Boeing desire Ethiopian Aviation Academy to be recognized as a global standard for aviation training. Boeing is committed to developing Ethiopia’s manufacturing capability and aftermarket aviation service. 

Through this MoU, Boeing and Ethiopian will partner to advance capabilities to compete globally. They seek to build a 21st century pipeline for aviation careers in Ethiopia. They will collaborate with highly qualified educational institutions and aviation industry partners to create specialized learning and development programs to meet workforce demands. 

American Airlines and My Pet Cab offer Front-Door Pet Delivery Service

 American Airlines and My Pet Cab offer Front-Door Pet Delivery Service

American Airlines partners with animal transportation expert My Pet Cab and offer pet owners a safe and seamless home delivery service. Starting September 1, 2021, customers booking travel for their cat or dog through American can add a delivery ground transportation service to their reservation through an American Airlines Cargo dedicated pet booking agent. 

When customers contact American to make a travel reservation for a pet, a booking agent can help them opt into the ground transportation service. Agents will provide an exact price quote for My Pet Cab’s services using the delivery address. 

“Pet owners have depended on our animal transportation expertise for 65 years, and we’re excited to combine our experience with My Pet Cab to offer this first ever front-door delivery service to our customers,” said Roger Samways, Vice President, Commercial for American Airlines Cargo. “Not only will this new add-on service save our customers time, but it also gives their pets a safe and comfortable ride home on the final leg of their journey.”

“My Pet Cab is excited to join American Airlines in bringing this new service to the customers of the nation's largest airline,” said Brett Furlong, CEO of My Pet Cab. “At My Pet Cab, we have combined industry leaders in transportation and pet handling, and we have invested heavily in vehicles and infrastructures to make sure our customers’ pets are transported in the ways we would want our own pets transported.”  

Known for their compassionate and individualized approach to animal transportation, My Pet Cab will work directly with American to coordinate and complete the final miles of each pet’s trip. 

Titan Aviation Holdings welcomes Eamonn Forbes as Senior VP and CCO

 Titan Aviation Holdings welcomes Eamonn Forbes as Senior VP and CCO

Titan Aviation Holdings, Inc., a subsidiary of Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc. appointed Eamonn Forbes as the senior vice president and chief commercial officer of Titan Asset Management Ireland Limited, effective August 23, 2021.

Forbes will lead all sales and marketing activities for Titan and directly report to Michael Steen, President and chief executive officer of Titan Aviation Holdings and chief commercial officer of Atlas Air Worldwide. Forbes will direct Titan’s global sales team and will be based in Dublin, Ireland.

“We are delighted that Eamonn will be joining our team as we continue to expand Titan’s portfolio and global footprint,” said Steen. “With his strong experience and track record in the aviation leasing industry, Eamonn is perfectly positioned to lead our global sales and marketing activities, as we further leverage our strategic joint venture with Bain Capital Credit.”

Forbes joins Titan with over 15 years of aviation leasing, legal, and finance experience. Most recently, Forbes served as Chief Commercial Officer of FPG Amentum. Previously, he has held senior positions at SMBC Aviation Capital and Goshawk.

“I am thrilled to join the Titan team at this important stage of growth and development,” said Forbes. “Titan is widely recognized as an industry leader, with a superior customer portfolio, an unparalleled depth of freighter experience and a unique position within the marketplace.  I look forward to working with the team to leverage the strength of the Atlas Air Worldwide companies, while further building the strategic joint venture with Bain Capital Credit.”

Chapman Freeborn Australia charters AN124 to deliver helicopters in Greece

 Chapman Freeborn Australia charters AN124 to deliver helicopters in Greece

Chapman Freeborn Australia has chartered an Antonov AN124 aircraft to transport four Bell 214B helicopters from Australia to Athens. The purpose was to aid in fighting wildfires in Greece. The fires have been spreading throughout the Euboea, Peloponnese and Attica regions of Greece since the start of August, with over 287,000 acres impacted. 

Australian helicopter operator, McDermott Aviation Heli-Lift Australia, has transferred their helicopters and crew and is supporting emergency response and fire suppression operations.

Due to the rapidly spreading fires, the operation was time-sensitive and required exceptional cooperation between all associated parties, with Chapman Freeborn, Volga-Dnepr Airlines, McDermott Aviation, the airports, handling agents, freight forwarders, and government authorities working together seamlessly and efficiently.

It is rare for AN124 aircraft to be mobilised on such a compact timescale; there are usually approximately 10 days to prepare the aircraft and cargo for the flight, but in this instance, there was just 72 hours.

Within less than 24 hours of receiving the request, preparation had begun, and just two days after that loading commenced onto the AN124s at Wellcamp and Perth. Permits and documentations can take several days to receive, however thanks to the expertise and teamwork of everyone involved, the helicopters arrived at their destination in Athens less than one week after the initial request came in.

This was the first time that four helicopters have ever been transported in Volga-Dnepr’s AN124s in a single operation, and the success and efficiency of the movement highlights the expertise of everyone involved. From the planning and preparation to the loading and unloading, the collaborative effort resulted in the helicopters arriving promptly in Athens alongside the rest of their fleet of Bell 214Bs.

Chapman Freeborn has decades of expertise in transporting a wide array of cargo to aid in humanitarian crises, including vaccines, medication, food, mobile hospitals and, indeed, helicopters.