Search
Home Blog Page 134

Kales buys Turkish GSA

Heiner Siegmund
-
0
Kales buys Turkish GSA

Amsterdam, Netherlands-based Kales Group has acquired the Turkish General Sales Agent, ACT Global. Kales is thus expanding its international footprint as the company did not operate any own offices in Türkiye until now.

The airline brand names listed on ACT Global’s website, promise good business. Most of them are well-known actors such as Astral Aviation, Philippine Airlines, RwandAir or Cebu Pacific. Kales’ CEO, Sebastiaan Scholte has added China Southern to this list; a long-term customer of the Dutch GSA and by far the most prominent and important one in terms of transport capacity offered to the Turkish market. China Southern operates a thrice-weekly service on the sectors Istanbul – Beijing-Daxing International (PKX) and Istanbul – Guangzhou (CAN). There is also a weekly Istanbul-Urumchi (URC) flight, which – in combination – translates into daily operations on sectors between China and Türkiye.

Image: CargoForwarder Global

Cargo-friendly passenger aircraft
China Southern utilizes Airbus A330s on the Beijing route, while B787s are deployed on the Guangzhou-Istanbul sector. Urumchi is served with either A330s or B787s, depending on availability and passenger demand.
All of them are passenger aircraft. However, their cargo holds can accommodate 20+ tons of freight per flight, which roughly corresponds to a weekly capacity of 280 tons on in and outbound services.
In addition, Kales brings in offline carriers such as Oslo, Norway-based Norse (Athens) or Aerolíneas Argentinas (Madrid), feeding their long-distance flights across the Atlantic with goods stemming from the Turkish market.
“We are really proud to be part of such a professional global group as Kales”, comments Selcuk Yeginer, Managing Director of ACT Global. “We do share the same entrepreneurial, agile, customer-centric mentality, and we look forward to a bright future together full of growth.”
His company was incepted in 2020, and provides comprehensive air cargo solutions to international and regional carriers.

Looking beyond Turkey
The acquisition of ACT Global reinforces Kales’ strategic goal of enhancing its presence in high-growth regions. “As Türkiye continues to serve as a critical hub for air cargo between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, this move allows Kales Group to better serve customers with seamless, efficient, and reliable air freight solutions,” stated Sebastiaan Scholte, following his inking of the takeover deal.
The executive went on to say: “This acquisition not only strengthens our position in Türkiye, but also supports our global expansion strategy by allowing us to offer even more value to our airline partners and clients worldwide. The company’s extensive expertise, market knowledge, and local relationships make it a perfect addition to the Kales Group,” stresses Mr. Scholte.

Impressive record
ATC Global operates four offices in Türkiye, of which three are based in Istanbul, complemented by a branch office in Adana, in the southeastern part of Türkiye.
Including these four stations, Kales runs 70+ offices in 34 countries, serves more than 70 mandate airlines, and transports over 200,000 tons of cargo annually (2023). These figures fortify the company’s position as one of the leading general sales and service agents active on three continents, excluding Africa and Australia.

Spotlight on… Barry Shields, Manager Cargo Operations DXB, dnata

Brigitte Gledhill
-
0
Spotlight on… Barry Shields, Manager Cargo Operations DXB, dnata

CargoForwarder Global’s ‘Spotlight On…’ series illustrates the many different roles within the air cargo industry, that work together to ensure that shipments are carried swiftly and safely from origin to destination. An absolutely core responsibility here, is cargo operations, which these days goes beyond everyday process management, to include future-proofing aspects such as digitalization, sustainability, and automation projects. This week, CargoForwarder Global (CFG) heard from Barry Shields (BS), Manager Cargo Operations DXB at dnata, as to what his responsibilities are, how he came to the industry, and what advice he has for those looking for a career in air cargo.

Making the impossible, possible! Image: dnata

CFG: What is your current function and company? And what are your responsibilities?
BS: My role is dnata’s Manager Cargo Operations at Dubai International airport (DXB). Overseeing all export, courier, mail, and express products.
As Manager of Cargo Operations at dnata Cargo DXB, I ensure seamless daily operations while upholding dnata Cargo’s leadership in the logistics industry. I focus on aligning processes with operational needs and leading strategic projects in capacity enhancement, digitization, sustainability, and automation. This is all aimed at driving efficiency, productivity, and delivering maximum value for our customers.
In addition, I serve as an SME, supporting business departments in implementing innovations that enable dnata Cargo DXB & DWC to grow and adapt to the evolving demands of global logistics. Throughout, I remain committed to dnata’s core values of delivering the highest standards of service and safety.

CFG: What does a normal day look like for you? (Or is there such a thing?)
BS: No two days are ever the same. Each day is a mix of routine tasks and problem solving. I oversee operations to ensure processes meet daily demands, from monitoring staff performance to resolving operational issues and coordinating with cross-functional teams to keep everything running smoothly. As we focus on being a data-driven business, tracking KPIs and monitoring trends is crucial to anticipating challenges, whether from a major event in town or geopolitical shift that impact airline schedules. A significant part of my role involves reviewing the progress of short- and long-term projects, whether driving automation, expanding capacity, or enhancing sustainability. Collaboration is key, so I regularly engage with departments and project teams to ensure alignment and innovation, helping dnata Cargo grow and adapt to ultimately deliver our customers’ promises.

CFG: How long have you been in the air cargo industry, and what brought you to it?
BS: I’ve been in the air cargo industry for 33 years, starting at a freight forwarder and moving on to airlines including ANA, Virgin Atlantic, and Emirates SkyCargo, before joining dnata. My career began as a travel agent, but when the agency closed, I was drawn to the airport, though I didn’t fancy working on the passenger side. Cargo seemed like the perfect fit—and I’ve never looked back!

CFG: What do you enjoy most about your job?
BS: The variety and constant challenge. Each day brings something new, whether it’s solving operational issues or exploring innovative ideas and projects. My role has given me the opportunity to be part of the vast global logistics industry – fast-paced, dynamic, and constantly evolving.
It’s incredibly rewarding to know that I play a small but essential role in keeping goods moving worldwide. Whether that’s supporting everything from a Coldplay concert in New York or a life-changing pharmaceutical trial, to a new car launch in Switzerland and humanitarian efforts in response to conflicts or natural disasters. Being part of dnata, a global company providing air services across six continents, also gives me pride in contributing to a consistent brand and service experience for our customers around the world.

CFG: Where do you see the greatest challenges in our industry?
BS: There are multiple issues but the ones I see as a major challenge are:

  1. Lithium batteries: With the growing demand for lithium battery shipments, safety concerns become increasingly critical. That’s why we have invested in achieving CEIV accreditation from IATA, which ensures we adhere to the highest safety standards for handling hazardous materials. This certification is essential for upholding safety protocols, improving staff training, complying with global regulations, and consistently meeting our customers’ expectations.
  2. E-commerce boom: The exponential growth of e-commerce has increased demand for faster, more efficient logistics solutions. Keeping up with this demand while maintaining service quality and capacity is a constant challenge.
  3. Geopolitical issues: Based in the Middle East, we face unique geopolitical challenges that can disrupt supply chains and airline schedules, requiring us to remain agile and adaptable to changing circumstances.
  4. Paperless initiatives: Despite advancements in technology, the cargo industry is getting better and there are more system providers in the market digitizing the journey, but I still feel the industry is slow to adopt global adoption of paperless initiatives and the hesitance from various authorities to fully embrace digital solutions gives us a challenge in achieving a more efficient and sustainable industry.

CFG: What advice would you give to people looking to get into the air cargo industry? Any particular training, they should aim for?
BW:

  1. Understand the industry: Familiarise yourself with logistics, regulations, and the different types of cargo.
  2. Pursue relevant training: Look for formal education or certifications, through IATA or secondary education such as Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or Transportation Management.
  3. Gain practical experience: Seek internships/work experience or entry-level positions with a freight forwarder/GHA/airline for hands-on insights and networking opportunities. Or maybe join areas in the armed services that concentrate on the logistics fields.
  4. Stay updated on trends: Keep abreast of industry and regulatory changes.  Focus on developing key attributes such as strong communication, problem solving, and teamwork skills.
  5. Focus on developing key attributes such as strong communication, problem solving, and teamwork skills.

CFG: If the air cargo industry were a film/book, what would its title be?

BS: Freight Expectations: Making the Impossible, Possible.

Thank you, Barry, for your insights!

Vienna Airport awarded IATA CEIV Lithium Batteries

Brigitte Gledhill
-
0
Vienna Airport awarded IATA CEIV Lithium Batteries

According to IATA’s ONE Record database, 101 companies have meanwhile passed certification for IATA CEIV Lithium Battery. Assumedly, if the data is correct and complete, once Vienna Airport’s certification is entered as company 102, it will actually be the first airport to have achieved this. The majority of holders are cargo handling facilities and freight forwarders.

Julian Jäger, joint CEO and COO of Flughafen Wien AG, pointed to the: “High level of security and service in cargo handling at Vienna Airport: The IATA certification once again confirms our position as a reliable and secure cargo hub in Europe. Vienna Airport is an important cargo hub with shipments from all over the world – we want to further expand this position. To this end, we are continuously expanding our range of services and at the same time contributing to minimize risks in air cargo traffic.” The airport will be hosting a cargo day and pharma event later this month – the details of which were also only just sent out recently – where the airport will showcase its Pharma facilities, international connections and road feeder network.

Trained to safely handle Lithium Battery shipments. Image: Vienna Airport

CEIV Lithium Battery
The airport prides itself on delivering “the highest level of expertise and security in the handling of lithium batteries,” according to the release, and this statement has now been confirmed with the handover of the CEIV Lithium Batteries by IATA to Vienna International Airport. As with all air cargo players, the airport is faced with growing numbers of Lithium Battery shipments, which – given their volatility if damaged – require the strictest safety and handling standards. Lithium batteries are found in a vast number of commodities, from children’s toys to laptops, mobile phones, and all kinds of electrical appliances, As an air cargo hub, the airport sees a lot of transit traffic, and needs to be completely aware of the dangers and handling requirements to avoid any damaging incidents. It recently underwent a stringent audit to check that it fulfils all the regulations and requirements for this particular type of dangerous good.
Michael Zach, Senior Vice President Ground Handling & Cargo Operations at Flughafen Wien AG, expounded: “The new certification shows once again that we are very successful in implementing the highest standards. This is an important step for Vienna Airport and a strong signal to the market. At a time when the demand for lithium batteries is growing rapidly, it is crucial that we as a cargo hub ensure that these products are handled safely and efficiently.”

Congratulations, but…
The press release goes out on a limb a little with the sub-headline: ‘IATA CEIV lithium battery certification – a guarantee for safe transport.’ Yes, the certification is a “globally recognized program specifically designed for the safe transportation of lithium batteries,” and companies receiving it have been audited to ensure that they uphold the prescribed safety, training, and quality standards, and comply with global regulations, but it cannot guarantee that Lithium Battery incidents will not happen. At best, the certification can only serve to qualify that the company in question is doing all it can to minimize risk by reducing the chances of mishandling, abiding by international regulations, and providing a structured and validated approach to safety.
Despite certification, the inherent risks with lithium battery transport, such as thermal runaway or internal defects, cannot be completely eliminated. External factors such as manufacturing defects or unexpected circumstances during transit, may still pose safety challenges. Not to mention, undeclared Lithium Battery shipments that are not discovered – and the potential for those appears to be increasing, along with the alarming emergence of new warfare tactics such as the mass pager explosions across the Lebanon recently. These were originally attributed to the pagers’ Lithium-ion batteries being manipulated to short-circuit and explode. Where there is a will, there is usually a way to cause damage.
So, whilst the IATA CEIV Lithium Battery certification certainly is proof of enhanced safety, it can never be a foolproof guarantee against all potential incidents.

LATAM’s B777s fly with shark skin foils

Heiner Siegmund
-
0
LATAM’s B777s fly with shark skin foils

The South American airline decided to equip 5 of its B777 aircraft with AeroSHARK foils. This results in annual savings of up to 2,000 metric tons of jet fuel and 6,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions. LATAM is the first Latin American carrier to adopt this innovative, cost and CO2 saving technology.

The retrofit decision now taken by the LATAM management, was preceded by a one-and-a-half-year-long trial phase with a Boeing 777 that had been fitted with shark skin foils. Extracted data proved that kerosene consumption was reduced by around one percent thanks to the low air resistance of the aircraft’s outer skin.

LATAM is the first airline based in the Americas to install the drag reducing AeroSHARK foil on its B777 aircraft  –  courtesy: Lufthansa Technik

CO2 savings correspond to 28 flights
One percentage point doesn’t sound like much at first, but every step towards reducing CO2 emissions in aviation is a sensible and climate-friendly measure, mostly enabled by technological progress. Yet it should be coupled with political decisions like the introduction of a single sky scheme in Europe, and the optimization of flight routes, preventing fuel-consuming zigzag flight paths. This has long been demanded by IATA, TIACA and most airlines.
Based on the trial phase of LATAM’s B777, the savings in greenhouse gases correspond to around 28 flights from Sao Paulo to Miami, 6,566 km apart by aerial distance.

AeroSHARK technology was developed jointly by Lufthansa Technik and the chemical company, BASF. The first user was Lufthansa Cargo, whose B777 freighter fleet is successively being covered with the foil during maintenance intervals.

The AeroSHARK decision makes LATAM a pioneer in America
Prior to Lufthansa Cargo and LATAM, Taiwanese carrier, EVA Air Cargo decided to equip its entire fleet of nine B777F with the drag-reducing AeroSHARK surface technology. The Asian airline’s first modified B777F has been operating since April. It was followed by Japanese carrier ANA, whose first B777F was covered with the film at the beginning of September. Further freighters and passenger aircraft in the company’s fleet are to follow, ANA states in a release.
Hence, LATAM is the third airline to opt for the innovative AeroSHARK technology for its Triple Seven passenger aircraft. It had already phased out its B777 freighters years ago in favor of B767Fs. “Our fleet modernization strategy is a cornerstone of our commitment to sustainability and our vision to reach net zero by 2050. We remain focused on innovation and the adoption of cutting-edge technologies, ensuring that our fleet evolves in line with our environmental goals,” said Sebastián Acuto, Director of Fleet and Projects at LATAM Airlines Group.

The foil project is about to expand
Robin Johansson, Lufthansa Technik Senior Sales Director, Latin America and the Caribbean, said, “LATAM’s decision confirms once again: AeroSHARK works. This further encourages us to use our engineering skills and innovative strength to contribute to aviation with lower CO₂ emissions. We look forward to collaborating with more customers globally and applying our fuel-saving sharkskin technology to even more aircraft,” Mr. Johansson concluded.
In DEC22, Lufthansa Technik obtained the Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), for the application of AeroSHARK on Boeing 777 aircraft. The company is working on applying the foil to larger areas of the B777-300ER and B777F, and extending the project further by including other aircraft models.

Espionage case shakes Leipzig Airport

Heiner Siegmund
-
1
Espionage case shakes Leipzig Airport

The German security authorities have arrested a Chinese woman who is alleged to have spied for the Beijing regime. She is accused of spying on data about military flight movements and passing on sensitive data about flights, the transportation of military equipment, and information about passengers to a Chinese intermediary, Jian Guo. He, too, is now in custody.

The Central German Airport’s AG (Leipzig/Halle + Dresden), owned by the states of Saxony and neighboring Saxony-Anhalt, continues to suffer turbulence. It has been in the red for years and needs to enforce a stiff restructuring program to enable its financial U-turn. Yet, this is resisted by trade unions and employees who fear job losses.

Yagi X stood on the payroll of PortGround. The subsidiary of LEJ Airport is responsible for handling passengers and air freight. Services for DHL are excluded.

Spying out military activities
To make things worse, the airport now faces an espionage case, further tainting its reputation. One of its employees, 38-year-old Chinese female, Yagi X, has been arrested and put in custody. She stood on the payroll of LEJ’s ground handling unit, PortGround, but was mainly working for the airport management, insiders confirmed to CargoForwarder Global. This included attending international congresses and internal meetings of LEJ Airport’s China Strategy Working Group. She therefore had insight into strategic management decisions and probably also into data on the transportation of military equipment. She is said to have been particularly interested in information about people who had business relationships with a large German defense company. Many of the manufacturer’s military goods, including heavy weapons and guns, were trucked to Leipzig to be loaded on board of Antonov Airlines’ AN-124-100 freighter aircraft for uplift. Two units, belonging to the Antonov Logistics GmbH, are permanently based at the Saxon Airport, to carry out airlifts for EU and NATO states. The LEJ stopovers of U.S. troops on their way to areas of operation, also raised Yagi X’s attention. “Presumably the Chinese secret service now has more detailed information about the activities at the airport than LEJ’s own management,” a person familiar with the local scene told CargoForwarder Global.

Did Guo run a spy ring?
The investigations by the enforcement authorities are still ongoing. The fact is that Yagi X did not act alone. She passed on the data collected by her from mid-August 2023 to mid-February 2024, to the Sino-German, Jian Guo. He was the personal assistant to Maximilian Krah, a hard-core right winger of the fascist AfD party and member of the EU parliament.
Jian Guo was arrested last April on suspicion of spying for China. He is currently in custody. The 43-year-old is alleged to have channeled confidential information from the EU Parliament, regarding the EU’s China policy, to the Chinese secret service. He is also alleged to have orchestrated a network via Krah’s parliamentary office, which was used to organize a trip to China by local politicians from Saxony state in Eastern Germany, among other things.

What role do AfD MPs play
The German investigating authorities also accuse him of spying on Chinese opposition members living in Germany, and forwarding the information collected to Beijing. His political boss, AfD member Maximilian Krah, has since dismissed Guo and stated that he did not know about his spying activities. As part of the investigation against Guo, investigators also searched Krah’s offices. He had traveled to China several times in the past and attracted attention due to his pro-Chinese statements.
Last May, an investigation revealed that Krah had allegedly given another suspected spy access to the EU Parliament. This individual, Janusz Niedźwiecki from Poland, is in pre-trial detention in Poland after the public prosecutor’s office accused him of spying for the Russian secret service. Niedźwiecki is said to be the link between the AfD and Russian oligarch and Putin supporter, Victor Medvedtchuk, who is subject to EU sanctions. Evidence shows that Krah enabled Niedźwiecki to lobby for Medvedtchuk in the German Bundestag (national parliament), and the EU Parliament. This was allegedly organized by another of Krah’s assistants, the Frenchman, Guillaume Pradoura. Krah employed him in his MEP’s office from 2019.

DHL hit by sabotage
On another note, DHL Express reports various attempts of sabotage against the company. Four explosive devices were contained in packages, originating from senders in the Baltic States. Three of them were detected in time and rendered harmless. Unfortunately, a fourth device detonated at the DHL logistics center in Leipzig, the integrator’s largest hub worldwide. This set fire to a freight container filled with other shipments, but local fire fighters managed to quickly extinguish the flames. The parcel containing the incendiary device was supposed to be transited in Leipzig and flown from there to its final destination. However, the connecting flight was delayed, so it exploded on the ground. Security circles assume that the incident is linked to increasing cases of suspected Russian sabotage. Moscow’s secret service has adopted a policy of systematically recruiting criminals to target Western states that sanctioned the Putin regime following its war on Ukraine, by carrying out sabotage actions. This practice makes it almost impossible for investigators to prove that the Russian state is responsible for such activities, even if the perpetrators are caught. This said, concealed operations of such proxy troops benefit the initiator while preserving his anonymity.

Salam Air selects NAV AERO Global Cargo GSSA Network

Brigitte Gledhill
-
0
Salam Air selects NAV AERO Global Cargo GSSA Network
Capacities now being marketed through NAV AERO. Image: Salam Air

Oman’s first low-cost carrier, Salam Air has opted to promote its bellies for the benefit of cargo customers and has therefore selected the NAV AERO Global Cargo GSSA Network (part of the Neutral Air Partner [NAP] umbrella of air cargo and aviation logistics specialists) to cover its cargo sales. A win-win situation since Salam Air gains extra revenue and can rely on an established cargo partner, whilst NAV AERO Global Cargo GSSA Network which includes leading and independent cargo GSSAs across the world, augments its airline network and enhances its global footprint. It can thus offer more flight options, improved scheduling, as well as better logistical solutions as solutions to its increasing customer portfolio and their ever-changing transport requirements.
Ralph van Eijk, Head of GSSA & Airline Development at NAV AERO, declared: “We are excited to announce that NAV AERO Global Cargo GSSA Network is further expanding its airline network with the addition of Oman’s first low-cost carrier. This strategic enhancement reflects our commitment to offering superior service, expanded connectivity, and greater flexibility for our clients across the globe. Salam Air’s inclusion in our network marks a step forward in providing more affordable and accessible cargo solutions. Known for their dedication, Salam Air aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver flexible and customer-centric air cargo services. The integration of Salam Air into our network not only enhances our regional capacity but also brings a touch of authentic Omani warmth and hospitality to our services. This partnership will help us serve our customers better by offering more efficient, reliable service and a wider range of options to meet different needs.”

Freightos gains HNA Cargo as further Chinese airline partner

Brigitte Gledhill
-
0
Freightos gains HNA Cargo as further Chinese airline partner
Hainan Airlines Cargo is WebCargo by Freightos’ latest partner – image: HNA

… And Hainan Airlines (HNA)’s HNA Cargo makes three. Freightos reports that its WebCargo platform now offers the cargo capacities of three of China’s four largest air cargo carriers. The other two being China Southern and China Eastern. Thus, forwarders using Freightos have access to a wide range of capacity on key routes between Europe and Asia. Not just capacity, but also digital payment transactions are possible on the platform with HNA Cargo. The latest airline addition also means that WebCargo now works with airlines that together represent 65% of global capacity. HNA Cargo boasts a fleet of 600 aircraft across 11 airlines, that operate over 2,000 routes and serve more than 300 international cities. The WebCargo capacity roll-out will start in the main North Asian and Southeast Asian Markets such as Japan, Singapore, Vietnam, and Thailand.
Joyce Tai, Freightos’ EVP of Worldwide Partnerships, said: “We have placed a strong emphasis on enhancing our Asian air cargo coverage for forwarders on WebCargo by Freightos. This integration will provide forwarders with seamless access to HNA Cargo’s extensive capacity, including direct routes into China and across the Asia Pacific region, and trade patterns that demand flexible air cargo solutions.” Qiushi Zheng, Vice President at HNA Cargo, detailed: “Partnering with WebCargo by Freightos, represents a major advancement in our digital strategy. With a network that spans over 300 cities and more than 2,000 global routes, this collaboration allows us to better leverage our extensive capacity to meet the evolving needs of the market. Gaining access to over 10,000 freight forwarder offices worldwide through Freightos’s innovative platform, will enhance our ability to deliver efficient and reliable service. Additionally, their advanced booking and payment solutions will help us optimize our digital sales approach, ensuring more and more customers can book and pay on one platform digitally, daily and globally.”

Alaska Airlines appoints new leaders and grows cargo

Brigitte Gledhill
-
0
Alaska Airlines appoints new leaders and grows cargo
Ian Morgan, VP Cargo at Alaska Airlines – Image: Alaska Airlines

Ian Morgan has been appointed as Alaska Airlines’ Vice President of Cargo alongside Jason Berry, who assumes the post of parent company, Alaska Air Group’s Executive Vice President of Cargo. Berry will also continue in his function as President of Horizon Air, which he has carried out since NOV23. With these two new cargo heads, the Alaska Airlines Board of Directors has set the foundation for a stronger focus on its cargo strategy post-merger with Hawaiian Airlines. Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines have complimentary cargo networks and thus great potential for cargo growth both nationally and internationally.
Cargo veteran, Morgan [40+ years of global cargo experience including management positions at British Airways Cargo, Cargolux Airlines International, S.A., Centurion Airlines and Qatar Airways Cargo], will lead the day-to-day cargo operations and the almost 600 Alaska Air Cargo employees. Further, his duties include the continued growth of Alaska Air Group’s cargo business which is operated by both Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines and is critical to its respective regions as well as of strategic importance for both airlines.
Berry, who also counts three decades of cargo experience on his CV, in leading roles at airlines such as Air Canada Cargo, Cargolux Airlines International, S.A. and Alaska Air Cargo, will provide enterprise oversight of the cargo business. Ben Minicucci, Air Group President and CEO, said: “We couldn’t be more thrilled about this next chapter for Alaska Air Cargo. With these leaders, we’re well positioned for unlimited future success as we grow and expand our cargo operations to deliver for everyone who depends on us.”

Etihad Cargo enjoys two decades of success in India

Brigitte Gledhill
-
0
Etihad Cargo enjoys two decades of success in India
Impressive figures that have accumulated over the past 20 years. Image: Etihad

A strong connection between the UAE and India is far from unusual. Nevertheless, Etihad Cargo can now look back on 20 years for operations, having first begun operations on 26SEP04. Destination at that point ex Abu Dhabi, was Mumbai. Meanwhile, the cargo carrier has expanded to serve 12 key Indian cities, offering belly capacity on its nonstop services out of Abu Dhabi. And there is more to come, the carrier promises. Currently, it handles more than 46,000 tons of cargo each year from India, and offers freight forwarders over 100 global destinations via its Abu Dhabi hub, on board of 588 widebody and narrowbody rotations each month. All kinds of commodities are flown out of India: from electronics to mobile phones, semiconductors, garments, pharmaceuticals, perishables, e-commerce, automobile components and courier shipments.
“The carrier’s IATA CEIV Pharma-certified PharmaLife product provides precise temperature control for the safe transport of high-value pharmaceuticals, a growing market in India. Etihad Cargo is exploring additional certified pharma trade lanes with key airline partners and has implemented stringent cargo screening for US-bound shipments from major Indian hubs, including Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, and Hyderabad. Etihad Cargo’s pharma roadshows in India, launched in 2023, have helped double PharmaLife volumes by improving connectivity and frequencies. Additionally, the introduction of Etihad Cargo’s IATA CEIV Li-batt-certified SecureTech product in 2024 has supported the growth of electronics shipments,” the release explains, going on to reveal that 93% of all bookings made in India, are done so via the airline’s own booking portal.
Stanislas Brun, Vice President Cargo, stated: “As Etihad Cargo celebrates two decades of successful operations in India, the carrier’s commitment to its customers remains strong. Etihad Cargo’s continued investment in its network, product range, infrastructure, and digitalization efforts, ensures the carrier can provide efficient, reliable air cargo solutions that meet the evolving needs of customers in India and beyond.”

Lödige kits out Saigon Cargo Service Corp air terminal

Brigitte Gledhill
-
0
Lödige kits out Saigon Cargo Service Corp air terminal
A second Elevating Transfer Vehicle was installed. Image: Lödige

Material handling systems supplier, Lödige Industries has again worked with the Vietnamese Saigon Cargo Service Corporation (SCSC) to expand the capabilities in its air cargo terminal. This particular project which kicked-off in 2022, saw the installation of a second Elevating Transfer Vehicle (ETV) as well as the expansion of the air cargo terminal’s storage system. It now boasts a third and fourth level – in other words, an additional 150 storage locations. The terminal’s programmable logic controller (PLC) was also modernized during this project phase, which was recently successfully completed. The terminal can now handle double the amount that it was originally constructed to deal with back in 2010. From the start of the construction project, which saw Lödige’s involvement then already, the facility was designed for scalability and future growth. It was then kitted out with a 20-foot ETV alongside a first 150-bay storage system by Lödige Industries. “This paid off just a few years later. Thanks in part to the state-of-the-art handling technology, SCSC was able to grow its business so much within a short space of time that it became necessary to expand the facility,” the release states.
Patrick Ho, Senior Project Manager at Lödige Industries, explained: “The project was designed for a possible expansion right from the start. That’s why doubling the handling capacity during ongoing operations was particularly seamless here. Especially as we have extensive expertise in the expansion of existing cargo facilities.”

1...133134135...193Page 134 of 193

About us

Most recent

Most popular

Subscribe