Astral Aviation and Airlink Cargo South Africa sign interline agreement

 Astral Aviation and Airlink Cargo South Africa sign interline agreement

Airlink Cargo South Africa and Astral Aviation have signed a broad interline agreement connecting the networks of the two companies. This new commercial partnership is bound to boost airfreight cargo logistics in Africa, providing more options and access to the Sub-Saharan market through the two airlines’ hubs in Johannesburg and Nairobi.

Thanks to the interline agreement, that was effective from 1st August 2021, Airlink Cargo is widening its network with Astral Aviation to include Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.

According to the Chief Executive Officer of Astral Aviation, Sanjeev Gadhia, "The interline agreement will offer new opportunities and connectivity into Airlink’s network, which comprises various points in South Africa, Mozambique, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Lesotho, Madagascar and Namibia."

Recently, Airlink and Emirates announced the expansion of their existing partnership into a unilateral codeshare agreement, giving travellers to and from South Africa convenient access to more than 40 domestic and regional destinations across 12 African countries.

Furthermore, Astral Aviation will also have access to many services operated by Airlink Cargo beyond Johannesburg to: Beira, Tete, Pemba and Maputo (Mozambique); Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and Durban (South Africa); Lubumbashi (Congo DRC); Gaborone (Botswana); Victoria Falls and Harare (Zimbabwe); Ndola and Livingstone (Zambia); Maseru (Lesotho); Antananarivo and Nosy Be (Madagascar); Walvis Bay and Windhoek (Namibia).

Cargo continues to boost airlines

 Cargo continues to boost airlines

Air cargo demand continued to be strong in July, data from International Air Transport Association (IATA) show.

Global demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTKs), was up 8.6 percent compared to July 2019. While the pace of growth slowed slightly compared to June, which saw demand increase 9.2 percent (against pre-Covid-19 levels), capacity continues to recover but is still 10.3 percent down compared to July 2019, according to data from IATA.

Rates are also zooming - August rates increased 112 percent, Clive Data Services reported.

Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (BLR Airport) handled 37,319 metric tonnes (MT) of cargo in August —the highest ever since the airport commenced operations in 2008.

The data supports inputs from Airport Authority of India (AAI) and Etihad Airlines, which also witnessed a boom period.

Overall cargo movements across Indian airports increased 35 percent to 259.19 thousand tonnes in July 2021  from 191.74 thousand tonnes in July 2020. Across January-July, cargo movements increased to 997.71 thousand tonnes from 497.91 thousand tonnes.

“The recovery in cargo volumes has been broad based with volumes rising in almost all categories compared to the lows experienced during 2020,” said Saurabh Kumar, CEO, GMR Hyderabad Air Cargo. “In particular, exports of perishables, especially agricultural produce such as fruits and vegetables and marine produce are seeing strong traction and recovery from last year’s levels. There is also a significant improvement in volumes of engineering goods and textiles, which is aiding the growth & recovery in cargo traffic. At GMR Hyderabad Air Cargo, in the last year, we have put in place the necessary infrastructure and facility upgrades to support the growth in demand from these commodities. Going forward, we see this trend sustaining through the year.”

“Overall demand during Q2 increased by eight per cent compared to Q1 on an essentially flat capacity profile, putting belly capacity at around 11 per cent below pre-pandemic levels,” said Leonard Rodrigues, Head of Revenue Management and Network Planning, Etihad Airways.

Toll Group completes Global Express sale to Allegro Funds

 Toll Group completes Global Express sale to Allegro Funds

Toll Group, an Australian transportation and logistics company, announces the completion of the sale of the Global Express business to Australian private equity fund manager, Allegro Funds.

Toll Managing Director, Thomas Knudsen, said the sale marks a new chapter in Toll’s history. “The divestment is consistent with our strategy to drive Asia-Pacific growth through our global contract logistics and freight forwarding solutions.”

“Over the past three years the Global Express team have done a fantastic job transforming and improving the business. We are grateful for the Global Express employees who have made this journey a success and wish them all the very best for their future under Allegro’s ownership,” said Mr. Knudsen.

Under the terms of the sale, Allegro will operate the Global Express business under the Toll brand for a two-year transitional period. The Global Express business provides express parcel, freight delivery and domestic forwarding services in Australia, and transport and contract logistics services in New Zealand.

Toll Group, an Australian transportation and logistics company, announces the completion of the sale of the Global ExprToll Group, an Australian transportation and logistics company, announces the completion of the sale of the Global Express business to Australian private equity fund manager, Allegro Funds.

Toll Managing Director, Thomas Knudsen, said the sale marks a new chapter in Toll’s history. “The divestment is consistent with our strategy to drive Asia-Pacific growth through our global contract logistics and freight forwarding solutions.”

“Over the past three years the Global Express team have done a fantastic job transforming and improving the business. We are grateful for the Global Express employees who have made this journey a success and wish them all the very best for their future under Allegro’s ownership,” said Mr. Knudsen.

Under the terms of the sale, Allegro will operate the Global Express business under the Toll brand for a two-year transitional period. The Global Express business provides express parcel, freight delivery and domestic forwarding services in Australia, and transport and contract logistics services in New Zealand.

ess business to Australian private equity fund manager, Allegro Funds.

Toll Managing Director, Thomas Knudsen, said the sale marks a new chapter in Toll’s history. “The divestment is consistent with our strategy to drive Asia-Pacific growth through our global contract logistics and freight forwarding solutions.”

“Over the past three years the Global Express team have done a fantastic job transforming and improving the business. We are grateful for the Global Express employees who have made this journey a success and wish them all the very best for their future under Allegro’s ownership,” said Mr. Knudsen.

Under the terms of the sale, Allegro will operate the Global Express business under the Toll brand for a two-year transitional period. The Global Express business provides express parcel, freight delivery and domestic forwarding services in Australia, and transport and contract logistics services in New Zealand.

BlueBoxSystems launches BlueBoxAir for data from airlines and airports

 BlueBoxSystems launches BlueBoxAir for data from airlines and airports

BlueBoxSystems GmbH announces the launch of BlueBoxAir with an aim for worldwide unique system to retrieve up-to-the-minute data from over 130 airlines and more than 1,600 airports. This allows not only the answer to the question where a specific shipment is exactly at this moment, but also if it is delayed, why and where the delay has occurred. 

BlueBoxAir offers much more information: ATA/ETA, Chargeable weight, Delay, Airline, Aircraft type, Henning Flaspöler BlueBox: Paket#2-Content Osnabrück, 02.04.2021 Transshipment Port, Split Shipment are just a few examples of information you get per shipment.

Additionally, one can create detailed reports based on all data: Get an up-to-the-minute overview of chargeable weight, performance of the respective airlines and/or tradelanes, best in class. The perfect basis to not only optimize your supply chains, but to establish the best supply chains.

The globally active full-service provider Hellmann Worldwide Logistics also takes advantage of this. Their product Hellmann SmartAir! is based entirely on BlueBoxAir. “SmartAir! is a real novelty in the tracking of air freight shipments, which has not previously existed on the market in this form. In times of digitalization and ever-smaller time windows for decisions, quickly available real-time data is becoming increasingly important within global supply chains,” says Henning Pottharst, Smart Visibility Product Manager at Hellmann.

BlueBoySystems GmbH is a spin-off of Business-Code GmbH, a successful software company from Germany that has specialized in logistics digitization for more than 20 years. In the product BlueBoxAir are therefore two decades of development experience, which is noticeable in performance, stability and intuitive operation.

CSafe Global triples the size of operation in Chicago to meet customer demand

 CSafe Global triples the size of operation in Chicago to meet customer demand

CSafe Global, the innovation leader in temperature-controlled container solutions for the transport of pharmaceuticals, continues expanding to meet demand with a move to a new location in Chicago that more than triples the size of their former location in the area. 

The Chicago facility provides 23,000 square-feet of newly constructed warehouse space for CSafe RKN and RAP storage and operations. “Chicago is a crucial hub for a number of air cargo lanes internationally and domestically. Expanding from 7,000 to 23,000 square-feet allows us to hold and service significantly more active containers to meet current and future customer demand,” noted Tom Weir, CSafe COO.

The new Chicago service center – now the largest CSafe Global location in the United States – is fully operational and serving CSafe customers from 07:30 to 16:00 daily. CSafe continues expanding its presence worldwide by investing in best-in-class facilities to provide the best service possible to customers in their local area.

Skyports and Kencoa Aerospace to implement cargo drone deliveries in South Korea

 Skyports and Kencoa Aerospace to implement cargo drone deliveries in South Korea

Skyports and Kencoa Aerospace, a global aerospace solution supplier and manufacturer, have announced a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to implement cargo drone deliveries to and on South Korea’s Jeju Island.

The project aims to significantly enhance logistics capabilities on Jeju Island, South Korea’s largest island. The agreement will initiate the development of cargo drone delivery capabilities to enable the carriage of critical supplies, including medical provisions, across the island.

As part of the project, Skyports will undertake a proof-of-concept to demonstrate the benefits and capabilities of beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations on Jeju Island. In addition, the company will also conduct a feasibility assessment of setting up a cargo drone vertiport and accumulate critical eVTOL operations data ahead of the commencement of commercial operations.

Duncan Walker, CEO of Skyports, said: “South Korea is ripe with opportunity in the advanced air mobility space, and Jeju Island’s specific volcanic and island geography provides a unique backdrop on which to demonstrate the benefits of drone logistics. With our BVLOS cargo drone operations, delivery services on the island will be up to six times faster, with carbon emissions reduced by up to 90%. Drone deliveries have the potential to totally transform services for residents and healthcare providers, and we’re excited to be amongst the first movers in South Korea – and globally.”

Kenny Lee, CEO of Kencoa Aerospace, said: “Through this partnership with Skyports, a global technology leader in the AAM industry, we will commence drone deliveries in Jeju Province before establishing AAM infrastructure and expanding into the air taxi industry. Jeju’s excellent tourist resources will promote the commercialisation of our AAM services. The strength of this partnership will enable the fastest commercial launch in Korea.”

ATSG subsidiary PEMCO Conversions deliver second Passenger-to-FlexCombi to Bahrain

 ATSG subsidiary PEMCO Conversions deliver second Passenger-to-FlexCombi to Bahrain

Air Transport Services Group, Inc. subsidiary PEMCO Conversions, global leader in narrow-body passenger-to-freighter aircraft conversions, has delivered a second Passenger-to-FlexCombi converted aircraft to Bahrain-based Chisholm Enterprises, an internationally recognized provider of tailored aviation and business solutions in the Middle East. Chisholm subsidiary Texel Air, a non-scheduled cargo airline, will operate the Boeing 737-700FC (FlexCombi) from Bahrain International Airport.

“We have shared a very successful history with PEMCO Conversions,” said John Chisholm, chairman and owner of Chisholm Enterprises, “having received and deployed the first B737-700 FlexCombi in August 2020, as well as four previous B737-300 converted freighters.”

The PEMCO B737-700FC currently offers three configurations: a 24-seat cabin plus a 2,640-cubic-foot cargo hold for up to 30,000 pounds of payload in six pallet positions; a 12-seat cabin plus a 3,005-cubic-foot cargo hold for up to 35,000 pounds of payload in seven pallet positions; or full-freighter mode consisting of a 3,370-cubic-foot cargo hold for up to 40,000 pounds of payload in eight pallet positions. The available positions will accommodate 88-inch by 125-inch or 88-inch by 108-inch pallets, with the eighth position accommodating a slightly reduced height pallet in full cargo mode.

The Chisholm aircraft include enhancements to increase operational flexibility including head-up displays (HUD), enhanced vision systems (EVS), medevac capability, and emergency vision assurance systems (EVAS).

“The FlexCombi’s range is ideal for supporting Texel Air’s operation with up to six-hour non-stop routes,” said Mike Andrews, director of conversion programs for PEMCO. “We are proud that Chisholm Enterprises continues to trust PEMCO to deliver a high-quality conversion that incorporates a customer-focused design supported by long-term operational reliability.”

Aircraft lessor Griffin Global Asset Management orders five Boeing 737-8 Jets

 Aircraft lessor Griffin Global Asset Management orders five Boeing 737-8 Jets

Boeing and Griffin Global Asset Management’s aircraft lessor is expanding its commercial aircraft portfolio with five new 737-8 jets. The purchase is Griffin’s first direct order with Boeing as it sees strategic opportunities to place the airplanes during the market recovery.

“As market conditions rebound, we are finding opportunities to serve our airline customers in innovative ways. An important component of this strategy is providing balanced capacity that meets returning passenger demand. The 737-8 is well-positioned to support this objective, and this order lays a strong foundation for more to come with Boeing and Griffin on future opportunities,” said Ryan McKenna, founder and CEO of Griffin.

Designed and built in Renton, Washington, the 737 MAX family delivers superior efficiency, flexibility and reliability while reducing fuel use and carbon emissions by at least 14 percent compared to the airplanes they replace. 

"Griffin Global Asset Management is building a first-class aircraft leasing business, and we are delighted that they have selected the 737-8 for their single-aisle portfolio. As Griffin places its first direct order with Boeing, we welcome them to the 737 family and look forward to working with the team in the future," said Ihssane Mounir, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing.

As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing’s diverse team is committed to innovating for the future and living the company’s core values of safety, quality and integrity. 

Backed by Bain Capital Credit, Griffin provides commercial aircraft leasing and alternative asset management with offices in Dublin and Los Angeles. The team is staffed by experienced aviation professionals who work closely with airlines, aircraft manufacturers and investors to provide custom fleet solutions and innovative financing products to airlines around the world. 

Eastern Airlines expands into cargo market with the launch of Eastern Air Cargo

Eastern Airlines expands into cargo market with the launch of Eastern Air Cargo 

Eastern Airlines has secured the acquisition of 35 B777 aircraft as feedstock for the first-ever P2F (Passenger to Freighter) conversion of the B777 aircraft into a true, Class-E cargo aircraft. The Eastern B777 Express Freighter is designed to serve the e-commerce express freight market. Accelerated growth of this market has created excess demand for the service.

"We are thrilled to offer this service to customers who have struggled to find capacity in the cargo market and to offer a nimble aircraft solution to serve customer needs," said Steve Harfst, Eastern Airlines president and CEO.  "This move is not just a game changer for Eastern, it will also transform the industry."

Subject to STC approvals, the Eastern B777 Express Freighter will be a fully certified cargo aircraft with a "Class-E" main deck capable of carrying a full load of volumetric express cargo non-stop between Asia and the US.  The Eastern Express Freighter will not be subject to the restrictions on cargo commodities that are imposed on conventional passenger aircraft used as freighters. 

Due to enter service in Q1 2022, the Eastern B777 Express Freighter will be first to market.  The innovative design converts the main deck cabin of the widebody B777, the -200, -200ER and -300 series, into a true cargo aircraft.  This allows the entire volume of the main deck cabin to hold low-density, express freight cargo.

"Our pioneering conversion method is tailored specifically to meet the needs of express package freight customers," said Harfst.  "It is more efficient and cost effective allowing us to better serve the exact needs of our customers at a competitive price."  Future derivative plans for the design include a palletized loading system and an Express Main Deck cargo door.

CELEBI Delhi Cargo Terminal achieves IATA CEIV Pharma Certification

CELEBI Delhi Cargo Terminal achieves IATA CEIV Pharma Certification 

Celebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management, the joint venture between DIAL and Celebi Ground Handling announced that it has been accredited with IATA CEIV Pharma certification for its cargo and warehouse operations. The companies are making use of technological advancements to bring in higher efficiency. 

Given the current scenario, the air cargo industry is calling for higher standards when transporting temperature sensitive pharmaceuticals. To cope with the growing expectation for standardization, the certification ensures international and national compliance to safeguard product integrity to its destination.

From the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Celebi has been working dedicatedly on preparing proficient handling scenarios for the import and export of various types of vaccines, pharma, medical aid, and oxygen containers in a safe and efficient way. Vaccines, in general, must be handled in line with international regulatory requirements at a controlled temperature and without delay to ensure the quality of the product. 

Commenting on this, Kamesh Peri, CEO, Celebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management said, “This is a prestigious certification to have, especially in present times with the highest standards expected in handling temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals. We have achieved it after a thorough audit process performed by IATA who assessed and found our quality systems, infrastructure, procedures, and policies to be in absolute compliance. This was made possible by our committed team and I am very proud of their tireless and brilliant efforts.”

Celebi is working closely with its customers to understand their specific requirements and is more than ready to meet expectations with a state-of-the art Pharmaceutical Logistics Centre spread over 1200 sqm area. The Centre has a pre-cool facility and four chambers within the range of +15?c and -20?c, with a capacity of 72,000 MT annually. Recently, Celebi also achieved GDP (Good Distribution Practice) certification for its Exports Pharma Logistics Centre and Pharma Processing Facility in Import for Celebi Delhi Cargo Terminal.