The sheer volume of emails received makes it clear: invitations to cargo and logistics conferences have now reached tsunami-like proportions. The abundance of offers alone makes it difficult to choose which events are a must and which should be dumped directly into the waste bin. Not only industry experts are constantly facing these decisions but also the trade media. Among the multitude of events, the Air Cargo Conference, organized by the Air Cargo Community Frankfurt, now stands out clearly due to its wealth of topics and networking opportunities. For CargoForwarder Global (CFG), participation in last week’s anniversary event was therefore a matter of fact.
CFG has compiled a series of articles on the event. Here is PART 1.
New technologies and creative approaches
The ACCF has become a must-attend event for industry and is probably the second most important in Europe after the bi-annual Air Cargo Europe conference in Munich. This was emphasized in a statement delivered by Frank Bauer, Chief Operating Officer, Lufthansa Cargo, who points out the special value of the Frankfurt gathering for the cargo and logistics industry: “Since its founding more than ten years ago, the Air Cargo Community Frankfurt has pursued the goal of sustainably strengthening Frankfurt as an air freight hub. The intensive exchange between the more than 400 participants and the resulting ideas and initiatives impressively demonstrate how vibrant and effective this community is. Innovation plays a key role in this: In an industry that is rapidly digitizing and facing global challenges, new technologies and creative approaches are crucial for future viability and competitiveness. That’s why I was particularly pleased about the Innovation Pitch as part of the Lufthansa Cargo Innovation Award – because it is precisely formats like this that create space for fresh ideas and promote young entrepreneurs who actively contribute to the further development of air freight with their initiatives.”
Two stages combined with an exhibition area
For the first time, there were two separate stages for keynotes, presentations, and discussions. Also, there was an exhibition area where companies such as Wallenborn Transports S.A., ATC Aviation Services, time:matters GmbH, Loedige, webcargo and some others, as well as charity organizations such as Cargo Human Care, could present themselves to the audience and draw attention to their special services. However, not all messages were positive; experts also gave critical assessments concerning the economic perspectives of most EU countries.
PACTL delivered e-commerce insights
Unsurprisingly, most of the experts emphasized that e-commerce, as the current main driver of air freight volumes, will become even more important in the future. This was confirmed by Carsten Hernig, Managing Director of ground handling agent, PACTL, who delivered an overview of the processes at Shanghai Airport for this product segment. Following their arrival at PACTL’s warehouse by truck, all parcels are x-rayed since, unlike in Europe or North America, there are no regulated agents in China. Hernig emphasized that the data quality is very high. Batteries and cosmetics are often safety-relevant, which is why compliance with regulations is essential. Whereas freighters used to be the preferred means of transport in the past, Chinese e-commerce exporters are increasingly relying on the belly-hold capacity of passenger airlines as their route network is larger in comparison.
The future is e-commerce!
When asked how e-commerce demand will change in the near future, Carsten replied: “That’s difficult to predict, but the trend is steadily upward. This year alone, we had an incredible tonnage in August, which is normally the weakest month, indicating unabated growth for this commodity.”
In conclusion, Murat Odabas, Managing Director of CB Customs Broker GmbH, explained: “We continue to see significant differences in the interpretation of EU-wide regulations by different countries and even customs offices. What works at one airport may not work at another nearby.”
These differing, sometimes very lax interpretations of EU regulations by member states and local authorities are a constant annoyance for those who consistently comply with legal requirements. In this case, compliance with the law translates into competitive disadvantages for law-abiding companies and airports.
