Davies Turner Air Cargo has upgraded its Heathrow logistics hub by replacing its material handling equipment (MHE) fleet with 11 new vehicles from the Bobcat range. The investment includes seven electric forklift trucks, three reach trucks, and one battery-changing truck, all equipped with advanced batteries and chargers. The equipment, procured through a lease agreement with long-term partner Rushlift, aims to boost operational efficiency and safety. 

Key safety features include perimeter proximity lights for enhanced visibility, LED chevron strip lights, and progressive directional arrow lights that offer clear guidance by projecting onto the floor. Fork cameras improve visibility during elevated operations, while pedestrian detection cameras slow trucks when people are nearby. RFID beacons detect potential truck collisions, triggering red flashing alerts in blind spots to prevent accidents. 

These upgrades ensure the hub operates at peak performance while meeting growing demand and maintaining high safety standards. This investment reflects Davies Turner Air Cargo’s ongoing commitment to health, safety, and operational excellence.

Oliver Simmons, General manager – Heathrow Services at Davies Turner Air Cargo, stated: “[…] Davies Turner Air Cargo is always striving to improve our operational capabilities and the safety of our workforce. This investment in cutting-edge MHE technology at our Heathrow facility is a testament to our commitment to innovation and excellence in the logistics industry. We are confident that these upgrades will enhance our service delivery, ensuring that we continue to meet and exceed the expectations of our clients.”

Andrew Gazzard, Key Account manager at Rushlift, said: “[Davies Turner]’s commitment to ensuring it has the most up-to-date reliable and safe equipment, along with around the clock support has meant that with our flexible and consultative approach to business, our long partnership continues to thrive. We are pleased to introduce the new Bobcat range of forklift trucks along with recently launched safety innovations from our partners FTC […].”

Menzies Aviation is set to expand its presence in Southeast Asia with the announcement of a new ground handling license at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL), Malaysia’s largest and busiest airport. Through its joint venture with Malaysian supply chain management company MMAG Holdings, Menzies Aviation Malaysia will begin offering passenger, ramp, and cargo services at KUL starting JAN25 under a 12-month license. The company’s first customer at KUL will be private aviation provider MJets, with operations commencing in January, supporting more than 30 flights per week.

KUL, operated by Malaysia Airports (MAHB), is recognized as a mega hub and ranks as the 35th-busiest airport globally by passenger traffic. In 2023, it handled 47.2 million passengers, nearly 1 million tons of cargo, and over 800,000 aircraft movements. This milestone marks Menzies Aviation’s entry into Malaysia, significantly enhancing its footprint across Southeast Asia and underscoring its commitment to expanding operations in key global markets.

Philipp Joeinig, Group CEO, Menzies Aviation, said: “We’re very excited to begin operations at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, a key hub serving Malaysia’s capital. Menzies Aviation Malaysia will quickly become a key part of operations at the airport, serving more than 30 flights a week by early 2025. This underscores Menzies’ determination to increase our presence across Southeast Asia while delivering aviation services that meet the very highest quality and safety standards.”

Azipods were first developed and launched by a Finnish collaboration in 1989. Their meanwhile registered brand name is short for ‘azimuthing electric podded drive’. (If you think ‘azimuthing’ sounds like a made-up word, ‘azimuth’ is a term in physics which means: ‘horizontal direction expressed as the angular distance between the direction of a fixed point [such as the observer’s heading] and the direction of the object’.)

The brand name is now also used as a generic name for marine propulsion units produced by other companies. The unit consists of a fixed pitch propeller which is mounted on a steerable gondola or ‘pod’ that houses the electric motor driving the propeller. Azipods not only allow ships to be more maneuverable (forwards AND backwards), but they also help to reduce fuel consumption and increase a ship’s icebreaking capabilities.

Antonov Airlines and First Class Freight BV recently cooperated to transport an Azipod, along with other equipment, from Hong Kong to Houston, USA. Though Azipods normally travel as sea freight, given their awkward shape and size, this unit was required quickly for an Arctic cruise ship operation, to ensure the ship’s safe journey around the Arctic under extreme conditions. Thus, the customer could not afford to risk delayed shipping schedules due to weather or other factors.

Olha Danylova, Commercial Executive, ANTONOV Airlines, revealed: “We had only three weeks to design and build the frame and complete the transportation. The quick and efficient communication of First Class Freight BV played a key role. Thanks to the dedication and high professionalism of the involved teams, we were able to safely and timely complete this complex transport.”

Oscar Swidens, Managing Director of FCF BV, explained: “Unlike sea transport, the airlines provided the necessary speed, although it posed unique challenges with frame design, fittings suitable at each stage of transportation, weight distribution in the aircraft cargo cabin, and loading planning, which was successful thanks to close cooperation with experienced engineers and the airline crew.”

Bob Swildens, Director of Special Projects, FCF BV, commented: “We are very pleased with the dedication and support of ANTONOV Airlines. Their team worked effectively with our engineers, adjusting loading protocols and providing the necessary equipment to make this mission possible. This operation set a new standard for cooperation in air cargo transport, and we look forward to future opportunities to jointly expand the boundaries of logistics.”

CargoAi has had a fruitful week when it comes to partnerships. It first announced its strategic alliance with German GSSA, Aircargonet International GmbH, which represents airlines such as Amerijet International, Middle East Airlines, Uzbekistan Airways, and Royal Jordanian. With their real-time rates and capacities coming online, CargoAi’s CargoMART and APIs CargoCONNECT now feature more than 40 airlines in the German market. Philipp Gladigau, Business Development Manager of Aircargonet International, said: “Our commercial partnership with CargoAi marks a key advancement in our digital strategy at Aircargonet International. By integrating our own freight capacities into the platform, we’re not just adopting new technology; we’re enhancing our ability to respond even faster and more efficiently to market demands. This partnership is particularly valuable as it aligns with our commitment to offering top-tier services.”

Matthieu Petot, CEO of CargoAi, stated: “At CargoAi, we are proud to announce this transformative partnership that elevates airfreight logistics to new heights. By providing real-time rates and capacity for Aircargonet International GmbH’s represented airlines, we empower our users with the tools needed to navigate the dynamic airfreight landscape seamlessly.”

Next up was an official signing ceremony at the TIACA Air Cargo Forum event in Miami, USA, on 12NOV24, between Matt Petot, CEO CargoAi and Kunal Maheshwari, CGO, Softlink Global, and the announcement that Softlink’s TIMS, Logi-Sys, would be integrating with CargoAi through a secure API, to give users access to real-time bookings, tracking, and pricing information, among other things.

Amit Maheswari, CEO Softlink Global, underlined: “Our focus has always been on delivering value-driven solutions that enhance operational efficiencies while fostering successful customer partnerships. The strategic collaboration with CargoAi is a welcome move towards that vision and will enable our customers to manage their logistics operations with greater precision, supporting them in achieving sustainable growth and success in an evolving market.”

Matt Petot, CEO CargoAi, commented: “We’re excited to partner with Softlink Global to bring our innovative air cargo solutions to Logi-Sys users. This integration will provide customers with a comprehensive and efficient platform to manage their logistics operations. By combining our strengths, we’re delivering a powerful solution that sets a new standard for the industry.”

CFG was unable to attend the Air Cargo Forum, this year, however, reports of its success are visible across LinkedIn. TIACA’s own press release claims: ‘ACF 2024 a Resounding Success’ – or should that be ‘re-sanding’, given that – for the first time, the event planners also offered sunrise yoga on the beach. That goes well in line with its Sustainability push – which also featured, since the 6^th Sustainability awards ceremony took place there and – more recently – the 5^th Sustainability Survey has also just been launched.

Coming back to the ACF, held in Miami, Florida, from 11-14NOV24: This year, more than 3,500 delegates from over 80 countries came together to network and share ideas on air cargo. More than 300 companies had booths at the event – a good spread of supply chain stakeholders from trucking providers, ULD managers and producers, IT companies, airports, to airlines. Panel discussions and presentations featuring more than 85 industry experts, were held on a Main Stage and an Air Cargo Spotlight Stage. Topics included: airports, regulatory and business challenges, creating new opportunities, network expansion, digital innovation, people in the workplace, pharma, sustainability, and the air cargo industry’s outlook.

Steven Polmans, Chair, TIACA, summarized: “The Air Cargo Forum has once again proved itself to be a must attend event. The Board developed a set of key principles that TIACA events needed to meet, and the team delivered. We are very pleased that this event has set such a high bar for future ACFs. We look forward to continuing to grow and develop this brand as the premier global event of the industry.”

The next global Air Cargo Forum will take place in Abu Dhabi, 04-07NOV25.

The now established Sustainability Awards also took place at the ACF. Chris McDermott, CEO of Award sponsor, CHAMP Cargosystems, congratulated the finalists and announced the winners: “I’d like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to AAT who won the Corporate category, and Alpha Augmented Services who won the Startup/Small Business category.” AAT was commended for its deployment of autonomous electric tractors in air cargo terminal operations, whilst Alpha Augmented Services won USD 10,000 for its concept to reduce cost, waste and CO₂ emissions. Runners up, CargoClub and ReverseMi, each won USD 2,500 for their SAF incentivization concept and Global Logistics Network supporting various sustainable logistics initiatives, respectively.

Glyn Hughes, TIACA Director General, stated: “Every year our industry submits so many innovative applications for the Air Cargo Sustainability Awards. The industry truly has taken this challenge to heart and is seeking unique ways to make air cargo more sustainable. It gives me great pleasure to congratulate Asia Airfreight Terminal (AAT) for being selected as the overall Corporate Winner and Alpha Augmented Services as the Start-up/Small Business winner.”

TIACA’s 5th Annual Air Cargo Sustainability Survey has also just been launched, and the industry is invited to take part on: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TIACAsustainabilitysurvey2024

Within two years, Azerbaijan’s Alat Free Economic Zone will develop into a state-of-the art transit hub with an integrated logistics infrastructure that feeds into the Baku International Sea Trade Port, national railway and motorway networks, and a brand-new airport. Plans for the airport were unveiled at the recent COP29, where Silk Way Alat Free Economic Zone Company and ICAO also signed a strategic agreement, committing to a green airport and cargo village. They plan to develop environmentally sustainable airport operations in compliance with national regulations, international environmental standards, and best practices, aiming for ICAO’s Green Airport certification. Going operational in 2026, the cargo airport will include 18 aircraft stands, a 4,000-meter runway, individual forwarder warehouses, state-of-the-art perishables airside facilities, and modern office buildings, alongside the usual required amenities and be constructed in such a way as to minimize environmental impact: integration of low-carbon technologies, advanced waste management systems, and sustainable energy solutions. The new airport will operate under the Silk Way Alat Free Economic Zone Company, a registered entity established to advance Silk Way Group’s logistics and infrastructural initiatives in the region.

Nicolas Rallo, Regional Director for the ICAO Europe and North Atlantic Area, outlined: “ICAO’s collaborations with the Silk Way Alat Free Economic Zone on the establishment of a green airport, reflects our shared commitment to advancing sustainable aviation infrastructure, fostering economic growth, and setting new standards for environmental responsibility in the region.”

Zaur Akhundov, President of Silk Way Group, added: “We are proud to join forces with ICAO at such a significant forum as COP29, furthering our vision for a greener future in aviation.” The new cargo airport: “represents a significant milestone in the country’s history, signifying a shift towards new opportunities that will effectively address the increasing local and global demand for freight transport. This initiative not only bolsters our standing within the Middle Corridor but also opens up new avenues for growth, offering promising prospects for our business, as well as for our valued partners and investors.”

Jawad Dbila, CEO of Silk Way Alat Free Economic Zone Company, stated that it would: “serve as a pillar of the Alat Free Economic Zone, transforming our vision for Azerbaijan’s logistics and transportation capabilities into reality. […] our focus is on integrating sustainable practices and advanced infrastructure to enhance connectivity, attract international partnerships, and reinforce Azerbaijan’s role as a transit logistics hub.”

Customs management can be very time-consuming and can detract from daily business, so one wise consideration is to place it into the hands of experts well-versed in the processes, freeing your own employees up for sales and operations. WestJet Cargo has done just that be opting for ECS Group’s Total Cargo Expertise (TCE) Ability. The airline and its customers will now feel the benefit from TCE’s dedicated 24/7 customs reporting team. Under Sarah Scheibe’s management, the TCE team ensures customs and operational compliance, overseeing WestJet Cargo’s customs operations and related activities such as planning, day-to-day management, documentation, and regulatory adherence. TCE uses advanced technology and automation to accelerate processes by minimizing manual labor, and at the same time, enhancing processing accuracy. The team arranges for data corrections, liaises directly with customs authorities, and handles any cargo held at initial ports of entry.

WestJet Cargo and its customers will experience fewer delay risks and errors, and instead enjoy a smoother, more efficient process. The partnership results from WestJet Cargo’s strategic focus on operational excellence and continuous improvement.

Kirsten de Bruijn, Executive Vice President at WestJet Cargo, said: “TCE brings a wealth of experience in customs reporting and management, which will be invaluable in optimizing our customs processes. This partnership will help us ensure our customs procedures are handled with accuracy and efficiency, allowing us to focus on delivering top-tier cargo services to our customers.”

Sarah Scheibe, Managing Director of TCE, stated: “Partnering with WestJet Cargo is an exciting opportunity for TCE. It allows us to further expand our expertise in customs reporting while providing WestJet Cargo with the support needed to enhance operations and maintain compliance with all customs regulations. We’re confident that our advanced technology and experienced team will bring real value to WestJet Cargo.”

… could be the press release headline instead of the original ‘Dachser establishes a Corporate IT hub in Porto’. Why? Because the logistics provider already operates a number of IT locations across Germany, France, Spain, Hong Kong, and the U.S., employing around 750 IT specialists to develop and improve its integrated core systems for transport and warehouse management. The largest of these IT centers is located in Kempten, in the Allgäu region in the south of Germany. Porto in Portugal is now set to become its second largest IT operation. Dachser’s Portuguese footprint began in 1999. It offers transportation and contract logistics services in overland transport as well as in air and sea freight, and has about 200 staff working in six Portuguese locations. The seventh is now its new IT hub in Porto. By the end of 2026, Dachser will have created around 100 IT jobs there, expanding its total global IT capacity. The Corporate IT Hub Portugal has been launched with a small team to begin with, which Dachser plans to move to a larger location at the start of the second quarter of 2025. Interlinked with the rest of Dachser’s IT structure, the Porto team will be instrumental in developing innovative digital solutions to optimize the company’s logistics services. Focus points include transport and warehouse management, IT security, and implementing Dachser’s digitalization strategy.

Stefan Hohm, Chief Development Officer (CDO) at Dachser, explained: “We’ve relied on tightly integrated systems and transparent data exchange for many years. In today’s dynamic and volatile business environment, however, we need to digitalize even faster and more thoroughly so we can meet the increasing demands for transparency, adaptability, security, efficient use of resources and, last but not least, sustainability. With the Corporate IT hub in Portugal, we’re strengthening our digital capabilities and supporting the future growth of the company. To achieve our goal of becoming the most integrated logistics provider worldwide, we must also become the most digitalized logistics provider.”

Ralf Morawietz, Corporate Director IT (CIO) at Dachser, added: “The city of Porto has several competitive advantages, starting with its international environment, which is very technology oriented. Porto offers a high level of innovation and cybersecurity expertise and offers access to excellent IT talent, partly due to its proximity to several universities. It is definitely on its way to becoming one of the most important technology centers in Europe.”

Hermes Logistics Technologies (HLT) and CACC Cargolinx reported the successful implantation of a large digitalization project at Cairo International Airport, completing a major milestone for the cargo handling company. Hermes’ SaaS ecosystem has now gone live, and CACC Cargolinx will benefit from a far more fully automated and integrated cargo handling operation. It has been upgraded from its original Cargo Management System and migrated to Hermes’ latest Cloud-based SaaS service. Using HLT’s custom-built APIs, all the Hermes Ecosystem solutions were integrated to existing systems at Cairo International Airport. Training is being carried out online on Hermes’ Learning Management System (LMS), bringing staff up to date quickly on the new functionalities and capabilities the system now offers. “The final stage of the project sees the launch of the Hermes Business Intelligence and Track & Trace apps. These add-on apps from the Hermes Ecosystem will provide valuable data insights and detailed shipment information for agents and shippers, in real time, with extensive drill-down options,” the release concludes.

Yuval Baruch, CEO of Hermes Logistics Technologies, stated: “This project is an excellent example of how the Hermes SaaS Ecosystem works to enhance operations and drive digitalization in the air cargo industry. CACC Cargolinx has demonstrated tremendous commitment to digitalization, and the Hermes SaaS Ecosystem will empower them to operate with greater efficiency, agility, and visibility, ultimately providing a better experience for their customers.”

Ahmed Fahmy, CTO of CACC Cargolinx, emphasized: “We have worked with HLT for over a decade, and this shift to the Hermes SaaS Ecosystem marks a significant milestone in our digital transformation journey. Hermes 5 SaaS will streamline our operations, enhance efficiency, and provide valuable insights to drive future growth. The upcoming launch of the Hermes Business Intelligence and Hermes Track & Trace apps will further solidify our position as an industry leader. We are committed to leveraging technology to deliver exceptional service to our customers and partners.”

Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK) and Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) used the occasion of The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA)’s Air Cargo Forum in Miami, last week, to announce and officially sign a joint development agreement. Their partnership plans to facilitate and improve cargo transportation between Scotland and the U.S., with a particular focus on the aerospace and e-commerce industries, initially. The move “could significantly boost the Scottish economy,” the press release forecasts.

The two airports are very similar in their benefits: neither suffers from a night flight ban or any kind of curfew. Therefore, full-service operations are possible, 24/7, which are perfect for supporting continuous cargo operations at both ends.

The partnership aims to strengthen the air cargo trade lane connecting PIK and RFD, and to facilitate the sharing of information between the airports, bolstering the air cargo pull factors to each. Both have a number of high-value aerospace manufacturers operating within their catchment areas, hence the initial focus on the aerospace industry. E-commerce, too, is no stranger to either hub. PIK was recently selected as Royal Mail Group’s international e-commerce gateway to the UK, and RFD is already established as a U.S. e-commerce hub.

Nico Le Roux, Business Development Director, PIK, stated: “We are looking forward to getting underway with this new partnership with RFD, and working with another regional cargo hub to grow this high-potential trade lane. Our initial focus will be on aerospace cargo, as both PIK and RFD are positioned within large aerospace industry clusters.”

Zack Oakley, Executive Director, RFD, said: “The Chicago-UK air cargo market flow amounts to over 26,000 tons annually and is currently underserved by direct air cargo routes to Scotland. Developing the air cargo connections between PIK and RFD aims to rectify this, while supporting the emerging growth factors for air cargo across the perishables, automotive, pharma, and e-commerce sectors. The partnership also allows us to help shippers secure significant cost savings and CO₂ reductions, aligning with both airports’ sustainability goals.”