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TIACA / IATA – Aviation Associations appoint new leaders – PART 2

Heiner Siegmund
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TIACA / IATA – Aviation Associations appoint new leaders – PART 2

Mammen Tharakan becomes new Director General of The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA). He will officially assume his new role in AUG2026, succeeding Glyn Hughes, who headed the cargo association since 2021. With this personnel decision, TIACA has filled its leadership positions noiselessly within nine months, following the departure of Honorary Chairman Steven Polmans in November 2025, with Roos Bakker taking his position. Under the stewardship of Polmans and Hughes, TIACA underwent a significant transformation, focusing on digitalization, sustainability, and innovation. It is now up to Bakker and Tharakan to continue and intensify this course, despite global macroeconomic hiccups and trade disruptions.

Mammen Tharakan was unanimously nominated following a rigorous selection process led by the TIACA Executive Committee and Board of Directors, with leaders considered from across the global air cargo community.   In a press release, TIACA emphasizes that Tharakan, who has more than 25 years of international leadership experience across multiple countries, brings a unique combination of strategic vision, commercial expertise, and operational excellence. His career spans the breadth of the aviation ecosystem; airports, airlines, ground handling, ecommerce, route development, infrastructure, tourism, investment attraction; giving him a distinct perspective on the forces shaping air cargo. His interest in air cargo was sparked during his early career with Air France-KLM, and has carried through other senior leadership roles, including at Edmonton International Airport and King Salman International Airport in Riyadh.

Mammen Tharakan will succeed Glyn Hughes as TIACA Director General – photo: courtesy of TIACA

Wide range of tasks

As Director General, Mammen Tharakan will lead the Association’s Secretariat and work closely with the TIACA Board of Directors to advance its vision of a safe, profitable, and united air cargo industry, representing members across every sector of the global air cargo supply chain.
“After an extensive global search, the Board is delighted to welcome Mammen as TIACA’s next Director General. His exceptional leadership experience, deep understanding of the global air cargo ecosystem, and proven ability to build meaningful partnerships make him the ideal person to lead TIACA into its next chapter. Our industry continues to evolve at pace, creating both exciting opportunities and complex challenges. Mammen brings the strategic vision, commercial acumen, and collaborative leadership that will ensure TIACA continues to grow its influence, deliver value for our members, and unite the global air cargo community,” states Roos Bakker, TIACA Chair.
“Serving as TIACA’s Director General over the past five years has been one of the greatest privileges of my career. Together with our Board, members, partners, and the Secretariat team, we have strengthened TIACA’s position as the global voice of air cargo, expanded our programs, grown our events, and reinforced our relevance across every sector of the industry. I am delighted to hand over the leadership of the Association to Mammen. His experience, energy, and passion for aviation make him exceptionally well suited to build on the strong foundation that has been created. I look forward to watching TIACA continue to thrive under his leadership,” shared, Glyn Hughes, outgoing TIACA Director General.

Leadership transition

“It is a tremendous honor to be entrusted with leading TIACA at such an important time for our industry. Air cargo is critical to global trade and economic development, but its greatest impact is human. It improves lives and livelihoods around the world every day. TIACA plays a unique role in bringing together every sector of that ecosystem and championing its people. I step into this role with great respect for what Glyn, the team, and the Board have achieved. The path forward is clear – grow our membership, deepen the value we deliver, and strengthen our visibility globally,” said Mammen Tharakan.
The manager went on to say: “I am excited to work alongside our Board, our members, our industry partners, and the dedicated Secretariat team to foster even greater collaboration across the air cargo value chain. Together, we have a remarkable opportunity to shape the future of our industry. Above all, this industry is powered by passionate people – I am eager to get to work, meet our members, and build together.”
The appointment marks the beginning of a carefully planned leadership transition, with Glyn Hughes working closely alongside Mammen Tharakan to ensure a seamless handover of responsibilities before assuming his planned retirement.

Polmans and Hughes have taken TIACA to a whole new level

Under Glyn Hughes’ five-year tenure and Steven Polmans’ role as dynamic chair, TIACA strengthened its position as the leading global association representing every sector of the air cargo industry. During their leadership, the Association expanded its global membership, launched new sustainability initiatives and industry research, enhanced member engagement, and elevated flagship events including the Executive Summit and Air Cargo Forum while strengthening TIACA’s financial position and international influence.
With Mammen Tharakan’s appointment, TIACA remains firmly committed to supporting, leading, and uniting the global air cargo industry while continuing to advocate for innovation, sustainability, collaboration, and the long-term success of its members worldwide.

IATA / TIACA – Aviation Associations appoint new leaders – PART 1

Heiner Siegmund
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IATA / TIACA – Aviation Associations appoint new leaders – PART 1

Early last week, TIACA introduced Mammen Tharakan as its new Director General. He succeeds Glyn Hughes, who is retiring (see PART 2).
On Friday (24JUL26), IATA followed suit, announcing that Saadia Zahidi will be heading the association come November 2026. She will be IATA’s ninth Director General and the first woman appointed to hold the leading position. Zahidi takes over from Willie Walsh, who has headed IATA since April 2021.
By promptly filling two leadership positions that were soon to become vacant, both associations have demonstrated their ability to take decisive action.

The Swiss Pakistani economist, Saadia Zahidi, joins IATA from the World Economic Forum (WEF), where she is a Managing Director and Member of the Managing Board. She will succeed Willie Walsh effective 01NOV26. The former CEO of Aer Lingus and British Airways will leave IATA on July 31, 2026, to take over as CEO of the Indian airline IndiGo in New Delhi. From that date until Mrs. Zahidi takes office on 01NOV26, IATA will be temporarily led by Chief Financial Officer, Sandrine Le Borgne.

Saadia Zahidi is the first woman to head IATA, courtesy of IATA

Bringing a fresh perspective to IATA

“Saadia’s appointment comes at a moment of significant change in the international environment. Technology and geopolitics, among others, will reshape the industry in the future and Saadia brings the right skills to effectively articulate what our industry needs to continue connecting people and economies safely, efficiently, and sustainably. She’ll bring a fresh perspective to IATA that will grow its support for the airline industry on the foundations of IATA’s well-established technical, financial, and data capabilities,” states Roberto Alvo, Chair of the IATA Board of Directors and CEO of LATAM Airlines Group.

IATA’s role “has never been more important”

“I am honored to help advance IATA’s mission to represent, lead, and serve the airline industry at this pivotal moment. Aviation is critical infrastructure for economic growth, trade, tourism, jobs, investment, and opportunity. In a rapidly changing world, IATA’s role in bringing the industry together to collaborate through trusted standards, essential services, and advocacy has never been more important. I look forward to working closely with our member airlines, governments, and the ecosystem of partners to build on IATA’s remarkable foundation, ensuring aviation continues to connect the world while embracing innovation, strengthening resilience, and advancing sustainable growth. Together, we can expand the benefits of connectivity to more people and economies around the world. My top priority will be working with the IATA team and with the industry to build aviation’s future together,” replies Zahidi.

The WEF has shaped Zahidi, Zahidi has shaped the WEF

Zahidi spent more than two decades at the World Economic Forum, where she founded and currently heads the Center for the New Economy and Society. Previously she has led the WEF’s Global Communications Group, Global Programming Group, and WEF’s engagement with academics, civil society, and international organizations. Zahidi founded and co-authors WEF’s Future of Jobs Reports, the Future of Growth Reports, the Global Gender Gap Reports, and Chief Economist Outlooks. She has served on the UN Secretary-General’s panel for Women’s Economic Empowerment and the European Space Agency’s High-Level Advisory Group. She is also the author of Fifty Million Rising, tracking the rise of working women in the Muslim world. Zahidi holds a BA in Economics from Smith College, an MPhil in International Economics from The Graduate Institute, and an MPA from Harvard University.

DHL Group weathers the storm

Heiner Siegmund
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DHL Group weathers the storm

In Q2 2026, DHL Group revenue increased by more than 10% in a year-over-year comparison, following a growth of 2% in Q1, 2026. EBIT reached around €1,850 million (prior year: €1,429 million), corresponding to a year-over-year increase of around 29%. Compared to the previous year’s results and despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainties, the figures now presented by management show a clear upward trend. Consequently, the Deutsche Post logistics arm has adjusted the earnings outlook for the full year 2026.

DHL’s supply chains keep running, despite blocked sea routes and narrowed airspace availability. This is illustrated by the Group’s business development in the second quarter which shows continued growth in demand and, consequently, positive earnings momentum, particularly in the DHL Express division. Compared with Q2, 2025, which had been impacted by political and structural upheavals caused by the Trump administration’s customs policy, the Group records a return to significant revenue growth. In addition, the reduced cost base resulting from the DHL Group’s “Fit for Growth measures continued to have a positive effect across all DHL divisions, leading to Q2 earnings rising more strongly than market expectation. The 2024-launched program is part of the 2030 strategy, by which the company aims to become leaner and more efficient overall, structurally improving its cost base across all divisions by more than €1 billion.

All business units are reporting growth, except for Mail

Compared to the other business units, DHL Express’s quarterly figures really stand out. The division reports EBIT of EUR 1,195 in Q2, 2026, versus EUR 730 million in Q2, 2025. This result is further supported by around EUR 150 million driven by capacity constraints in the global air freight market.

DHL Global Forwarding generated EBIT of around EUR 240 million, including an estimated positive effect of low-to-mid double-digit million from successfully managing market disruptions (prior year: EUR 196 million).

DHL Supply Chain reports earnings of EUR 305 million. The prior-year result of EUR 348 million included positive non-recurring effects of EUR 54 million.

 DHL eCommerce generated EBIT of around EUR 50 million, slightly below the prior-year level (EUR 56 million). In the Q2 EBIT, a non-recurring positive effect of around EUR 20 million related to M&A in Iberia was offset by other negative non-recurring items.

Post & Parcel Germany achieved EBIT of around EUR 135 million (prior year: EUR 166 million). This figure confirms a long-standing trend that once again demonstrates the continuing decline in traditional mail due to the rise of electronic communication. 

Management raises outlook

In light of the recent earnings momentum and assuming no further worsening of the geopolitical situation, management has decided to raise its outlook for the full year 2026 as follows: Reported Group EBIT is now expected to exceed EUR 6.5 billion (previously: above EUR 6.2 billion). Expected EBIT for the DHL divisions has been increased to more than EUR 5.9 billion (previously: above EUR 5.6 billion).
CFO Melanie Kreis commented: “In the second quarter, trade conflicts and geopolitical tensions affected global economic dynamics. We anticipate continued volatility in the global economy in the second half of the year. Our focus on efficiency improvements and growth markets is paying off in this situation.”
The full Q2 2026 report will be published as scheduled on August 5, 2026.

One step closer to decarbonizing operations

On Thursday (16JUL26), DHL and Statkraft have signed a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) for renewable electricity from an onshore wind farm in northern Germany. Under the ten-year agreement, Statkraft will supply around 35 GWh annually of renewable electricity, covering roughly 8% of DHL Group’s current electricity demand in Germany. The electricity is generated by a newly constructed onshore wind park in the State of Schleswig-Holstein, northern Germany, which has an installed capacity of 13.2 MW.
By partnering with DHL Group, Statkraft is expanding its renewable energy solutions into the logistics sector. The agreement strengthens the Norwegian energy group’s position as a leading provider of tailored PPA models.  Patrick Koch, Head of German Origination at Statkraft stated on the occasion of the signing of the accord: “Our PPA model combines several advantages: long-term price security, access to renewable electricity from new wind turbines, and a tailor-made solution adapted to DHL Group’s specific preferences.”
Anna Spinelli, Chief Procurement Officer and Head of Mobility at DHL Group noteds: “By adding our first onshore wind PPA, we are strengthening the resilience of our energy supply and directly supporting new, renewable capacity in Germany. Together with our offshore PPAs, this takes us another major step closer to decarbonizing our operations.”

Cargo Rates are falling again…

Anastasia Kazantzis
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Cargo Rates are falling again…

… but nobody expects the calm to last.Three consecutive weeks of declining air freight rates would normally be seen as a clear sign that the market is returning to normal. This year, however, the picture is more complicated.

According to the latest figures from TAC Index, the global Baltic Air Freight Index (BAI00) fell another 2.5% in the week ending 13JUL, marking its third consecutive weekly decline. At first glance, this suggests that the extraordinary pricing pressure seen earlier this year is finally easing. Yet global rates remain more than 20% above last year’s levels, a clear reminder of the effects of months of geopolitical disruption on the market.
The recent decline reflects a familiar seasonal pattern, demand has softened as industry enters the traditional summer lull, while lower jet fuel prices have gradually filtered through into carrier pricing. But neither development tells the whole story.

Image: CargoForwarder Global

A market finding its balance

Only a few months ago, the air cargo industry was facing one of its most volatile periods since the pandemic. Earlier this year, the conflict in the Gulf disrupted established trade flows, increased operational uncertainty and temporarily pushed jet fuel prices up sharply. Although an easing of tensions in June helped lower fuel costs, the geopolitical situation remains fragile and continues to weigh on market sentiment.
Market conditions, however, have started to stabilize.
Lower fuel costs have gradually filtered through into carrier pricing, while the traditional summer slowdown has softened demand across several major export markets, particularly in Asia. Together, these factors have contributed to three consecutive weeks of declining air freight rates. Yet, despite improvements, the situation is still far from stable. The more recent increases in fuel prices have so far had little impact on rates, but they illustrate how quickly operating costs and freight prices could rise again should tensions in the Gulf escalate.

Regional markets tell very different stories

One of the defining characteristics of today’s air freight market is its lack of uniformity.
While outbound rates from China and much of Southeast Asia continue to soften, other regions are moving in the opposite direction.
India has shown renewed strength on several trade lanes, supported by resilient export demand and continued sensitivity to developments in the Gulf region. Northern Asian markets such as Taiwan and South Korea have also demonstrated selective resilience, particularly on routes into Europe. Meanwhile, European export markets remain comparatively firm, with pricing holding up on corridors to North America, India and the Middle East.
This fragmented picture highlights a broader structural change.
Global air cargo no longer moves as one synchronized market. Regional disruptions, geopolitical developments, and changing manufacturing patterns increasingly create multiple markets operating at different speeds.
For shippers and freight forwarders, that means broad market averages reveal only part of the story.

Geopolitics still sets the tone

If there is one lesson the industry has learned over the past two years, it is that geopolitical events can reshape air freight markets almost overnight.
The easing of rates does not mean those risks have disappeared.
Although the immediate pressure from the Gulf conflict has moderated, airlines continue to monitor developments closely. Any renewed escalation affecting regional airspace, fuel prices, or cargo hubs could quickly tighten available capacity and reverse the current pricing trend.
The industry has become increasingly accustomed to operating in an environment where disruption is no longer the exception but part of normal business planning.
Whether the trigger is armed conflict, sanctions, extreme weather, or trade policy, logistics networks are now expected to absorb shocks far more frequently than in the past.
This reality makes today’s lower rates appear less like a return to normality and more like a temporary pause between periods of volatility.

Looking beyond the summer

Peak season planning has started earlier than usual, particularly as retailers continue to diversify sourcing strategies and manufacturers adjust inventories in response to an uncertain geopolitical environment. Some shippers are also securing capacity earlier to reduce exposure to potential disruptions later in the year.
At the same time, digitalization and AI-driven forecasting are giving airlines and freight forwarders far greater visibility into booking patterns and capacity utilization. That improved transparency may help smooth future market fluctuations, but it is unlikely to eliminate volatility altogether.
External events continue to influence pricing far more quickly than technology can compensate.

A new definition of “Normal”

The latest TAC Index figures suggest that the exceptional pricing seen earlier this year is beginning to return to normal.
That is good news for shippers facing rising transportation costs and for supply chains seeking greater predictability.
Yet the broader market has fundamentally changed.
Rate movements are no longer driven solely by supply and demand. They increasingly reflect geopolitics, energy markets, regulatory developments, and the resilience of global logistics networks.
The recent decline therefore signals something different from traditional market correction: It suggests that air cargo is entering a new operating environment where volatility has become permanent, stability has become temporary, and market participants must remain prepared for sudden shifts in both capacity and pricing.
Three weeks of falling rates may indicate that the market is cooling.
Few in the industry, however, expect the story to end there.

Turkish Cargo’s SMARTIST 2.0 supported by Lödige

Brigitte Gledhill
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Turkish Cargo’s SMARTIST 2.0 supported by Lödige
Integrating the latest automation and technology into SMARTIST 2.0 Image: Turkish Cargo

Istanbul’s SMARTIST cargo hub is about to get a lot bigger. Turkish Cargo has again appointed Lödige Industries as its technology partner to expand the facility, which already ranks among the world’s largest cargo hubs at 370,000 m² of closed area. The upgrade, called SMARTIST 2.0, will more than double annual handling capacity from 2.0 million to 4.5 million tons.

Lödige previously equipped the terminal with fully automated systems during Phase 1 in 2021, laying the technological groundwork that helped establish Istanbul as Europe’s leading air cargo gateway and a global benchmark for automation. Building on that foundation, SMARTIST 2.0 will introduce the latest automation and digital technologies, enabling seamless storage and retrieval of ULDs and in-house pallets for faster turnaround times. The investment reinforces Istanbul’s status as a top global cargo gateway while helping Turkish Cargo meet rising demand with fast, efficient, high-quality service.

Murat Yalçın KIRCA, Cargo Operations (Global) Vice President at Turkish Cargo, said: “With SMARTIST 2.0, Turkish Cargo’s ambition goes far beyond adding capacity. We continue to strengthen our role in global air freight through intelligent infrastructure. The next-generation cargo facility allows us to manage growing volumes without disrupting our operational flow, ensuring an uninterrupted service quality for our customers worldwide. This approach is supported by Lödige Industries’ expertise in advanced cargo handling systems.”

Björn Ussat, Director Airport Logistic Solutions at Lödige Industries, stated: “With this flagship project, Turkish Cargo is further strengthening its cargo capabilities at what is likely the world’s most dynamically growing airport. We are extremely proud that they have placed their trust in our expertise once again. This project underlines our commitment to supporting Turkish Cargo’s growth while ensuring the highest standards of automation and operational excellence.”

Chapman Freeborn Group fly 121 Mongolian horses

Brigitte Gledhill
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Chapman Freeborn Group fly 121 Mongolian horses
Transporting 121 horses requires incredible attention to detail. Image: Chapman Freeborn Group

Three back-to-back B757F charter flights, one 38-hour window, 121 horses: Chapman Freeborn Group recently carried out a specialist live animal charter operation transporting Mongolian horses between Ulaanbaatar and Hanoi, delivered through its Asia Pacific team working alongside Intradco Global, its dedicated live animal transport brand. The single, coordinated rotation saw 51 horses flown outbound, 20 flown home, and a further 50 flown outbound. Many factors come into play when live animals require transportation. The animals’ welfare comes first, so extra care is taken when it comes to aircraft suitability, loading, documentation, and proper handling, backed by close coordination between origin and destination teams. “The project required detailed planning, bilateral coordination and specialist equine transport expertise to ensure every stage of the movement was managed with animal welfare, timing and operational precision at its center,” the release underlines. This particular operation formed part of a broader bilateral initiative: some of the horses were returning after several years and others travelling onward in the same rotation. Several members of the original animal care team were reunited for the operation, adding continuity to a sensitive project.

Latha Narayan, President APAC at Chapman Freeborn, emphasized: “This was a very special movement and a strong example of what can be achieved when specialist teams work closely together across the group. Projects of this nature require more than aircraft capacity alone. They rely on trust, detailed planning, specialist knowledge and continuous coordination to make sure every stage of the operation is handled with care. For our Asia Pacific team, this operation also reflects the importance of combining regional market understanding with global specialist capabilities. By working closely with Intradco Global, we were able to support a complex live animal movement with the care, agility and expertise required.”

Charlie McMullen, CEO – Intradco Global, added: “Horse movements are among the most sensitive live animal transport projects, and every detail matters. From preparation to loading and arrival, our priority is always the welfare of the animals and the smooth delivery of the operation. We are pleased to have contributed our specialist live animal logistics experience to this complex movement.”

Menzies Aviation brings fuel to Aberdeen

Brigitte Gledhill
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Menzies Aviation brings fuel to Aberdeen
Aberdeen joins a UK fuel farm portfolio of 11 airports. Image: Menzies Aviation

Menzies Aviation announced a new into-plane fueling and fuel farm operations launch at Aberdeen International Airport (ABZ) this week, bringing its UK fuels network total to 11 airports. It officially began delivering full, end-to-end fuel services at what it classes as one of the UK’s key energy hubs, on 01JUL26. The speed of execution is impressive as Menzies only needed 75 days to build a new team from the ground up, train them, roll out operational systems, and complete a smooth transition of fuel services. Menzies now oversees everything from fuel storage and distribution infrastructure to into-plane fueling, offering airlines at ABZ a safe, reliable, and efficient fueling partner. The latest development is a further addition to Menzies’ fuel portfolio and aids in strengthening long-term relationships with airports and fuel suppliers.

With operations spanning three continents, Menzies handles the full fueling journey – from receipt and storage through to aircraft delivery – helping airlines stay operationally reliable while keeping airports and suppliers compliant. It is already the world’s largest independent aviation fuel services provider, and while Aberdeen marks the latest milestone, the company continues to steadily expand its global fuels portfolio.

Marco di Mario, Executive Vice President Fuels, Menzies Aviation, commented: “Bringing a fuel operation of this scale into service in just 75 days is a remarkable accomplishment and a testament to the expertise, dedication and collaboration of everyone involved. Mobilizations are among the most complex activities in our industry, requiring the right people, processes and safety culture to be in place from day one. Aberdeen is an important airport within the UK aviation network and a key gateway for the energy sector. We look forward to working closely with the airport, airlines and fuel partners to deliver safe, dependable fuel services while continuing to invest in the long-term growth of our fuels business.”

Daniel Anderson, Airside Operations Manager, Aberdeen International Airport announced: “The safe and efficient management of fuel operations is essential to supporting the airlines and passengers who rely on Aberdeen International Airport every day. We welcome Menzies Aviation to this important role and look forward to working together to ensure a seamless transition and the continued delivery of reliable fuel services across the airport.”

AA Cargo establishes transatlantic pharma corridor

Heiner Siegmund
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AA Cargo establishes transatlantic pharma corridor
AA Cargo’s new dedicated pharma route: Graph: AA Cargo

The corridor leverages American Airlines Cargo’s extensive daily transatlantic flight services connecting key European life sciences hubs (AMS + BRU) with major U.S. destinations via London Heathrow (LHR), one of AA Cargo’s largest international gateways. The solution is based on validated temperature-controlled trucking services operated in partnership with FlyUs Aviation Group (FlyUs) with American’s ExpediteTC℠ offering to ensure seamless, end-to-end cold chain protection. Designed specifically for pharmaceutical and healthcare shipments, the service supports defined temperature ranges of 2°C to 8°C and 15°C to 25°C in both directions, helping ensure product integrity throughout the ground portion of the journey between the Benelux states and the UK.

According to a release aired by AA Cargo, “the corridor brings together standardized processes across ground handling, transfer and air transport to ensure consistent temperature control and compliance throughout the journey.” By connecting leading European pharmaceutical gateways with the strength of American’s global network, it creates a reliable, scalable solution for moving temperature-sensitive healthcare shipments, reads the announcement.“The launch of this pharma corridor, [which officially took place on 01MAY26, but was announced only now, HS] represents a strategic step in strengthening our pharmaceutical and healthcare network across Europe and the United States,” said Eric Mathieu, Managing Director of Customer Experience at American Airlines Cargo. “Built on standardized, end-to-end processes and supported by validated ground solutions and our global air network, this initiative enables a consistent, reliable and fully compliant experience for customers moving temperature-sensitive shipments.”

Customers can book shipments through aacargo.com, where additional details are available.

Seven successful years so far for PIK

Brigitte Gledhill
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Seven successful years so far for PIK
(l > r): Sonia Rafferty, Human Resources Director; Jules Matteoni, CEO; Stephen Flynn, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport; Sheena Beckwith, CFO; Dr Willie Mackie, Chairman; Zoe Kilpatrick, Commercial Director; Nico Le Roux, Business Development Director.

Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK) has turned a profit for seven years running, with earnings up 11% to GBP 3.9 million in the twelve months to MAR26. Behind these numbers is a rapidly expanding cargo network: PIK now hosts 15 weekly freighter services from mainland China alongside three from Hong Kong, cementing its reputation as one of the UK’s least congested cargo gateways. Annual tonnage has climbed past 46,000, while its purpose-built e-commerce terminal, Terminal E, has processed a remarkable 33+ million-plus parcels to date, with Royal Mail and Evri both running operations directly from the airport for faster last-mile delivery.

The airport hasn’t neglected the cold chain either. Investments in temperature-controlled handling – including 87 tons of chiller space and specialist staff – has turned PIK into a serious player in perishables, helping export nearly 1.8 million kilograms of Scottish salmon in just the first half of 2026. More than 250 jobs have followed this expansion, all supported by PIK’s in-house model covering everything from ground handling to air traffic control. The momentum earned recognition too, with the airport claiming Air Freight Business of the Year at the Logistics UK Awards. PIK’s plans for the future include further freighter and e-commerce growth and new infrastructure for perishables, pharma, aerospace, energy, and high value freight.

Jules Matteoni, Chief Executive Officer, Glasgow Prestwick Airport, revealed: “Freight volumes quadrupled over the last year, reflecting the successful execution of our strategy to position the airport as a leading UK cargo gateway. The development of long-haul scheduled cargo connectivity, particularly with Asian markets, has driven both import and export growth, supported by investment in cold storage facilities, enhanced handling capabilities, and bonded warehouse infrastructure.”

(Image – full caption: Sonia Rafferty, Human Resources Director; Jules Matteoni, Chief Executive Officer; Stephen Flynn, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport; Sheena Beckwith, Chief Financial Officer; Dr Willie Mackie, Chairman; Zoe Kilpatrick, Commercial Director; Nico Le Roux, Business Development Director.)

ECS Group prepares CORSAIR for pharma audit

Brigitte Gledhill
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ECS Group prepares CORSAIR for pharma audit
Implementing an audit-ready end-to-end pharma solution. Image: CORSAIR

Aero Cargo International France, the ECS Group subsidiary that has served as CORSAIR’s GSSA partner for four decades, pharma logistics specialist Healthc’Air, and CORSAIR have teamed up for 20 weeks, to establish an end-to-end pharmaceutical shipment management. The initiative kicked off with a detailed lane risk assessment covering quoting, booking, and ground handling processes, aimed at identifying and eliminating deviations that could compromise shipment integrity. Pharmaceutical cargo has become a strategic priority across the logistics industry, particularly as shipments shift rapidly from sea to air during crises, relying on partners capable of adapting capacity offers and routings, accordingly. For CORSAIR, staying flexible while meeting rigorous pharma compliance standards is critical to breaking into high-value segments such as oncology treatments and human organ transport. The rollout follows three pillars: mapping existing network, station, and fleet capabilities; building an operational database that bridges theory and practice; and implementing and fine-tuning processes as the product goes live.

Guillaume Tourneret, Managing Director France of Aero Cargo International explained: “Pharmaceutical cargo is a high-yield, strategic growth driver for CORSAIR. It already exceeds 4% of annual tonnage and more than doubles on exports to the French Overseas network, with rates 15–20% above General Cargo. Our focus is to convert that potential into revenue by maximizing load factors, tightening operational control, and securing a stronger position in pharma tenders. Through our collaboration with CORSAIR and Healthc’Air, we are delivering an audit-ready, end-to-end solution that strengthens competitiveness and positions the airline as a trusted partner for high-value pharmaceutical flows.”

Yulia Celetaria, Global Director Pharma of Healthc’Air, detailed: “We kicked-off the implementation with the pharma training of the commercial team, followed by the discussions and meetings to better understand day-to-day processes and how communication with CORSAIR is structured. […] Being pharma-audit ready at any given moment increases customers’ trust [allowing CORSAIR to] steadily increase volumes.” Jean Ceccaldi, Chief Executive Officer of ECS Group, concluded: “Collaboration creates the strongest solutions, and on behalf of ECS Group, I would like to thank the CORSAIR, Healthc’Air and Aero Cargo teams, for their key contributions to this success.”

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