dnata used the occasion of World Environment Day on 05JUN24, to showcase what it has been doing to become more sustainable, at the same time urging others to collaborate, particularly infrastructure providers. It disclosed carbon reductions across its operations, along with a 65% drop in sending waste to landfills across the globe: “In the financial year APR23-24*, dnata’s environmental data has been externally verified by Verifavia. dnata’s carbon intensity measured in kilograms of CO₂ equivalent emissions per aircraft turnaround has reduced by 8.4% for its ground handling and cargo businesses. Meanwhile, its carbon intensity measured in grams of CO₂ equivalent emissions compared to revenue for catering and travel businesses has reduced by 26.3% and 22.5%, respectively.”
dnata’s green machine and more. Image: dnata
Those figures were achievable thanks to the company’s ongoing investments in renewable infrastructure, equipment, training and alternative fuel options. Some examples are the use of solar and wind energy to power its businesses in the UK and Ireland, and solar panels across facilities in Pakistan and the Philippines. That green energy is combined with greener ground equipment fleets. The company is phasing out diesel-operated engines and using hybrid, electric, or hydrogen alternatives at those airports capable of providing the required infrastructure. 65% of its fleet is now electric in the Netherlands, 44% in Italy, 40% in the UK, and 39% in Switzerland.
dnata also maximizes the efficiency of its operations to ensure minimal fuel consumption through shortest distances, best routes, optimized shifts and parking slots, and thorough staff training. Technology aids in highlighting further improvement opportunities. Alternative fuel, too: dnata collaborates biofuel suppliers and already replaced some 674,000 liters of standard fuel with hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO100) at Schiphol Airport last financial year. Likewise, it powers its landside fleets with biofuel where possible, too.
Steve Allen, CEO of dnata Group, said: “It’s encouraging to see the tangible impact of our global investments and initiatives on our environmental performance. While we keep a laser focus on sustainability in every decision we make, we recognize that achieving meaningful results requires a collective effort and flexible approach from multiple stakeholders. In some cases, the availability of alternative fuels such as electric and biofuels is moving slower than we would like. We will continue to actively engage with our partners to explore and implement practical solutions that enable us to replace energy sources with lower carbon alternatives and minimize waste sent to landfills.”
Seven years since it first hit the market, Wiremind’s flagship product – the market leading space optimization and palletization tool for airlines, GSAs, charter brokers, and even forwarders – SKYPALLET is set to get even better. SKYPALLET 2.0 will be launched this summer and is currently undergoing beta-testing. Airline feedback has been incorporated in the upgrade which will see the software offer an even more intuitive interface, greater processing speeds, and more workflow automation thanks to SKYPALLET’s integration in CARGOSTACK. The release points out that, with its 2.0 improvements, the tool will cover the entire cargo lifecycle from quotation to booking acceptance, capacity control, flight release, through to operations. This will enable users to optimize space at all points of the journey, and therefore maximize their revenues. Version 2.0 will be progressively rolled out to new and existing customers over the coming 12-18 months, following a detailed change management plan.
Gearing up for SKYPALLET 2.0 this summer. Image: Wiremind
Nathanaël de Tarade, Wiremind Cargo CEO, said: “Various improvements to SKYPALLET over the years means it is now used at multiple touchpoints and processes in the air cargo lifecycle by our customers. While SKYPALLET has already been integrated to customer systems through its API, it has remained a stateless application relying on external systems to provide shipment and capacity inputs per calculation. By incorporating it into CARGOSTACK as part of our version 2.0, we now have the architecture to retrieve and hold all the relevant inputs consumed by the palletization algorithm, through what we call a stateful or deep integration with a customer’s core reservation system. This enables different automated workflows such as running SKYPALLET autonomously in the background using the booking, flight and aircraft data to recommend outputs back to the airline system such as the remaining available volume, suggest offloads and significantly automate the flight release process. We are also excited because SKYPALLET 2.0 is unlocking a number of new use cases which we are actively exploring with early adopter customers. This includes a new module to manage end-to-end special loads processes, its use in-warehouse for build planning and execution, and aircraft weight & balance capabilities.”
Freightos’ WebCargo has gained a new partner in Thai Airways and, with Thailand’s national carrier, strengthens its foothold in Asia. Over the next few months, Thai Airways will integrate its cargo capacities into WebCargo’s platform. Forwarders using WebCargo will then be able to book real-time capacities against current rates, and also carry out payment in real-time, using the system’s WebCargo Pay solution for seamless transactions. The roll-out will commence with selected freight forwarders in Australia, Japan, Thailand, and the United Kingdom. Thai Airways, with its hub in Bangkok, offers a large route network as well as quality customer service and operations.
Soon digitally bookable on the WebCargo platform. Image: Thai Cargo
Manuel Galindo, Chief Revenue Officer of Freightos, said: “By helping forwarders of different sizes easily book and pay for Thai Airways capacity on WebCargo’s platform, we are not only expanding digital access to one of Asia’s largest air cargo networks but also continuing our mission to help evolve how cargo bookings and payments are handled. With WebCargo eBooking and Pay, Thai Airways will be able to expand their audience and provide their customers with smooth access to flexible credit and payment options, and to complete their bookings in seconds.”
Chirachet Chanawiset, Head of Cargo & Mail Commercial, Thai Airways Cargo, proclaimed: “Thai Airways aims for service of excellence to provide secure and environmentally responsible air transport solutions. Our collaboration with WebCargo by Freightos is a key milestone in our digital transformation journey. With WebCargo Pay, we are excited to reach a broader audience and empower a wider array of freight forwarders to grow their businesses, easily and securely.”
The acquisition has now been completed and Menzies Aviation own a 50.1% stake in Groundforce Portugal, concluding a transition lasting since MAR23. The other 49.9% remains with TAP. Overall, Menzies’ market share in Portugal has now risen to 65%. The news “marks a significant milestone in the recovery and revitalization of the ground handling company with an impact on the entire national economy,” the release underlines. For Groundforce Portugal, it means becoming rebranded as Menzies Aviation and joining the world’s largest aviation services company totaling 45,000 employees at more than 290 locations in 65+ countries around the world. Groundforce Portugal itself consists of 4,000 staff, and it already manages more than 100,000 aircraft turns every year at five of Portugal’s airports: Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) in Lisbon, Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) in Porto, Gago Coutinho Airport (FAO) in Faro, Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (FNC) on Madeira and Porto Santo Airport (PXO) on Porto Santo Island in Madeira.
Groundforce Portugal is now part of Menzies Aviation. Image: Menzies
The two shareholders, TAP and Menzies Aviation have committed to investing in training and advanced technology to ensure that quality standards and process efficiency are increased.
Hassan El-Houry, Executive Chairman, Menzies Aviation, said: “Today’s announcement is the culmination of a year-long process to transfer ownership and progress the revitalization of the Portuguese aviation sector. We are committed to our strategic investment in the region, paving the way for a future where innovation and excellence take center stage. This milestone opens a new chapter for Menzies in Portugal and the Southern European region, and we look forward to working together to deliver high-quality services across the country’s aviation network.”
Philipp Joeinig, Group CEO, Menzies Aviation, added: “We are delighted to embark on an exciting venture in Portugal, working with TAP Portugal and our new employees to deliver unmatched aviation services, upholding our commitment to safety, security, and excellence. The integration of Groundforce Portugal employees into Menzies is eagerly anticipated, as their expertise will provide invaluable in fostering the growth and expansion of Portugal’s aviation sector.”
The 159-year-old complex logistics provider is mainly known for shipping solutions, and yet it has been working on building up a portfolio of air freight solutions, which it launched this week. On the same day, the company sent out an invitation to the inauguration of its new air freight office in Dusseldorf, and a day later, published an open position for an Air Freight Specialist to join its IATA-licensed air freight team. So, the air cargo strategy is in full swing. “In line with the increasing global demand for specialized air freight services from our customers, we are pleased to introduce our global time-definite air freight products, which support individual service requirements through various verticals from airport to airport,” the website announced on 06JUN24, “In addition to these air freight services, we offer door-to-door services within our global network, as well as customs brokerage and other value-added services.”
Adding specialized air cargo services to its portfolio. Image: Bertling
Five products are on offer: B.Express for urgent shipments, B.Prio for reliable, direct shipping, B.Essential which matches transit and transport times to customer requirements, B.Cargo for freighter/charter solutions, and B.Green which is a sustainable air freight service offered in partnership with airlines’ sustainable programs. The latter product is combinable with any of the previous four, offering “air freight with a touch of green”, including Bertling’s own Carbon Footprint Tracker and a choice of four offsetting projects.
Colin MacIsaac, CEO of Bertling Logistics, announced: “We are very excited to expand our presence in Germany with our new office in Düsseldorf, which will house our air freight and project logistics team. Our growing team of air freight experts will provide extended air freight services for our local and global customers more quickly and efficiently.” On offer are connections with Bertling’s regional air freight hubs in locations such as Singapore, China, UAE, USA, Chile, and South Africa, and across its network of airline partners.
Janine Seemke, Global Head of Air freight, added: “We have chosen Duesseldorf as one of the most flexible and convenient European Air freight Hub in order to be agile and flexible to our customers’ needs, working on virtual EU consolidations using the various airports of Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Liege and Maastricht. We also offer centralized special services such as charter, OBCs, cargo drone services.”
Jettainer’s Chief Executive Officer, Thomas Sonntag, has stepped down after 5 years at the helm of the company, and will be leaving the Lufthansa Group at his own accord at the end of this month. Taking his place, already with effect of 01JUN24, is Lufthansa Cargo’s ex-Vice President Global Fulfillment Management, Dr Jan-Wilhelm Breithaupt.
From Lufthansa Cargo across the road to Jettainer. Image: Jettainer
For Breithaupt, the new role is the fourth Group subsidiary in his career, having joined Lufthansa Group back in 2001, initially with Lufthansa Technik, before moving on to the mother ship, Lufthansa Passenger, and from there to Lufthansa Cargo in 2010. He has spent the past 14 years overseeing a number of projects within the cargo airline’s handling operations, including digital topics such as the eAWB. He also represented Lufthansa Cargo in International Air Transport Association (IATA)’s ONE Record project together with Digital Test Field Air Cargo.
Thomas Sonntag stated: “Jettainer will be well-positioned for success under Dr Breithaupt’s leadership. I am very pleased to hand over to an industry leader with deep expertise in ULD management from the customer’s perspective. His professional focus on digitalization and customer service will ensure Jettainer continues its path of sustainable growth.”
Dr Breithaupt added: “I appreciate Thomas Sonntag’s dedication and success in growing Jettainer during challenging times for the aviation industry. I wish him the very best in his future endeavors. I am honored to take on this role and look forward to leading Jettainer into its next phase of innovation and excellence. Together with a great global team and international partners, we will continue to drive forward digital transformation and enhance our services for our global customers.”
We could kick-off a philosophical discussion, here, about whether something truly exists if it is not talked about. And that question could include the aspects of who defines what is published, how, where, which angle, and what bias – if any? When is communication marketing and when is it journalism? Communication, in all its forms, is a crucial element of the air cargo industry and could be used to much more effect by most of its stakeholders than it currently is. That is why – in the spirit of democratic communication – CargoForwarder Global has chosen to ‘Spotlight On’ Charlotte Goldstone (CG), News Reporter over at The Loadstar, this week. She takes us through her first impressions of the industry, her daily work, and has advice for those looking to join the industry.
“A great way to learn and have fun at the same time.” Image: Charlotte Goldstone
CFG: What is your current function? And what are your responsibilities? CG: I am a News Reporter for the online supply-chain-news publication ‘The Loadstar’. I source, research, write and edit daily news stories that relate to supply chain and logistics news across all modes of transport.
CFG: What does a normal day look like for you? Or is there such a thing? CG: Because my role is dictated by the ever-changing news cycle, no two days are the same! There’s usually a coffee-fueled news frenzy in the morning where the team is sourcing their daily stories — contacting people for comments and often writing up in an hour or two. Daily news can range anywhere from reporting on the impact of new regulations, to detailing a high-stakes court case. The afternoon is (mostly) a lot more chilled out and gives us time to look for tomorrow’s story by chatting to industry stakeholders, conducting interviews and scouring the web for company updates. I’ve also just started hosting a new podcast for The Loadstar, so a lot of my time recently has been used learning how to operate recording equipment and editing software – it’s a lot of fun!
CFG: How long have you been in the air cargo industry, and what brought you to it? CG: I’ve been in the industry about seven months – so not very long at all! I finished university and knew that I wanted to write, and I wanted to travel. This seemed a bit unattainable as a first job — I know many people often dream of combining work and travel but don’t get there until many years into their career, if at all. So, when I saw a job advertised that encompassed ‘global travel’ and the opportunity to ‘write daily breaking news’, it seemed like a dream come true. I didn’t know anything about supply chains or air cargo when I joined, as is the case with many people outside the industry, but there’s been so much to learn, and it’s been extremely eye-opening.
CFG: What do you enjoy most about your job? CG: The best part of my job is the travel opportunities – I still can’t believe I get to go to the places I’ve dreamed of going, let alone get paid for it! I’ve been working at The Loadstar for less than a year and I’ve already been sent to Brussels, Abu Dhabi, Hong Kong and Doha. I think one of the best parts about working abroad is that you meet a plethora of people from all over the globe and from all different companies and sectors – it’s a great way to learn and have fun at the same time! Even when I’m back in the UK and in the office, it’s such an exciting field to be in because supply chain dynamics change so rapidly that you are always being kept on your toes. You can never get bored!
CFG: Where do you see the greatest challenges in our industry? CG: From the short time that I’ve been here, it’s clear that people are really keen to on-board new talent and new technology, but at the rate the ‘outside world’ is changing, I would say there needs to be faster adoption of modern methods across the supply chain – way easier said than done. Adopting new ways of doing things is a huge challenge because the world is so reliant on its supply chains that the tried-and-tested methods can feel safer, but the sheer scale of global disruption we are seeing now is really forcing stakeholders to adapt and change. I think the next few years of scaling up and changing systems are going to be a real up-hill battle.
CFG: What advice would you give to people looking to get into the air cargo industry? Any particular training they should aim for? CG: I studied English Language at university and had zero intention of joining logistics (I didn’t even really know what it was). So, while it’s good to have specific training if you know what you want to do, because the industry is so broad there is probably a job for you in logistics no matter what your skillset. The best way to learn, as I did, is to be thrown in at the deep end. Networking – on LinkedIn for example – is a great way to see what jobs are out there. And don’t be afraid to ask questions! From personal experience, everyone is very keen to welcome and nurture new talent.
CFG: If the air cargo industry were a film/book, what would its title be? CG: If this is based off existing titles – I think ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ is quite fitting. In the literal sense that air cargo sees everything being transported everywhere all the time, but also because working in this industry, you can go everywhere and experience everything (and you quite often have to do lots of jobs ‘all at once’ too!).
Many thanks, Charlotte, for your impressions.
If you would like to share your personal air cargo story with our CargoForwarder Global readers, feel free to send your answers to the above questions to cargoforwarderglobal@kopfpilot.at We look forward to shining a spotlight on your job area, views, and experiences.
Currently, they are still just models in combination with concept studies presented by start-ups and niche providers at congresses or air shows,. However, the age of H2 powered smaller cargo aircraft is coming closer. This was proven at the International Air Show ILA Berlin, where a new generation of smaller freighters was presented by their developers. CargoForwarder Global showcases some of the latest and also stunning projects displayed there.
Johannes Garbino-Anton is co-founder and CEO of NEX.Aero – photo: CFG/hs
The White Whales are coming The eVTOL is not yet flying. However, a prototype with a wingspan of 4 meters is to be presented by the end of this year, announces producer, NEX Aero GmbH. Following successful certification, this precursor is to be replaced by a prototype twice as large with twice the load capacity. According to the manufacturer, the initially planned prototype can carry 180 kg and fly over a distance of 450 km. Unlike the Black Swan drone from supplier Dronamics, it does not require an airfield for operation as it can take off and land vertically. This makes the White Whale suitable for point-to-point traffic, emphasizes Johannes Garbino-Anton, co-founder and CEO of eVTOL operator, NEX.Aero: “We only need an area of 20 x 20 meters to take off or land. Logistics centers around airports or in the vicinity of cities are suitable for this.” This results in high deployment options for the aircraft, and no investment in ground infrastructure is required. Another advantage: feeder transports from manufacturers to airports or in the opposite direction after shipments arrive at airports, are no longer required. This customer-centric deployment option fundamentally distinguishes the White Whale from those aerial service providers whose business model is based on the use of airports.
NEX-Aero estimates that the freighter will commence commercial ops at the end of 2027 or beginning of 2028 – image: company courtesy
A freighter made by printers The H2 powered eVTOL is being built in the middle of Berlin, near the historic and now decommissioned Tempelhof airfield. Five 3D printers are located in the Ullsteinhaus there. They were in constant operation for two months until the carbon fiber fuselage and the main components of the aircraft were ready. “The White Whale is the world’s largest aircraft ever printed on a 3D printer,” says Johannes Garbino-Anton, not without pride. It is also an innovative novelty in this respect. As soon as the hybrid product – half aircraft, half drone – has completed its first flight tests at the national test airfield in Cochstedt at the end of 2024 or in Q1 2025, NEX will apply for EASA type certification. The manufacturer estimates that it will take 2.5 years before this is granted. NEX then intends to start constructing a passenger version for 4 passengers. “The pioneering experiences we gain with the freighter will be incorporated there and accelerate the passenger project,” the executive states. During takeoff and landing, electric propulsion will power the props, while hydrogen will be used during forward flight. “H2 allows for longer ranges and higher payload,” emphasizes the company. The motors are supplied by a Czech manufacturer with whom NEX cooperates closely. The aircraft is operated remotely by a specially trained pilot.
The first users are already determined The main financier of the project is a tech investor from Berlin, who has invested 3.5 million euros. This has secured the development and construction of the White Whale, assures Manager Garbino-Anton. Asked about users, he says that there are already three launching customers, including a freight forwarding company, an operator of offshore wind farms, and an operator of ground-based ILS landing systems at airports that can be precisely surveyed from the air. According to Mr. Garbino-Anton, NEX is aiming to break even in 2028/29.
Perhaps the small players of today will be the big ones of tomorrow? A promising example appears to be the iViation’s autonomously operating freighter. The unmanned aircraft has a range of 2,000 km and offers a payload of up to 500 kg. This aircraft is targeting the rapidly growing market for parts logistics and express. Players such as Siemens and Thyssenkrupp are reducing local spare parts storage capacities, replacing them with 24/7 air freight services.
iViation has identified 60 potential customers such as FedEx, DHL or UPS, who are looking for flexible, small, short-haul capacity offerings given that many regions of the world are not properly connected to express parcel and parts logistics.
Connecting the unconnected. Image: iViation freighter
iViation management expects rapid certification of its aircraft The company has embarked on the fast lane to shorten the usually very long official certification and approval procedures. 90% of the required flight tests and checks are carried out using simulation in a closed test system with automated certification documentation. This saves time and expenditures. The autonomously flying drones consist of converted, approved small aircraft in which the weight distribution has also been taken into account. Only a flight computer and several redundant sensors have been added so that certification can be made considerably easier as time progresses. Currently, the aircraft still fly with conventional engines, but these can also be replaced on a modular basis in the future. This will speed up lengthy approval procedures.
First flight is scheduled for 2028 According to Lufthansa pilot and iViation Co-Founder, Rolf Bauer, the next step after approval will be to convert the propulsion system to hydrogen. There are already concepts for this in his company’s filing cabinet. As far as the timeline is concerned, the initial flight of the freighter is scheduled for 2028. Series production is set to begin a year later, following the delivery of iViation’s cargo aircraft right after. There are also plans for 2029 and the decade beyond for a larger version capable of transporting up to 3 tons. Overall, the company has a family concept in mind to cover different market requirements.
Mainly driven by the fast-growing e-commerce market, the need for efficient integrated air cargo systems is huge since air solutions can significantly reduce delivery times and costs per unit. Aircraft designer, Apus Zero Emissions GmbH, based in eastern Germany, has also been guided by this insight. In a neighboring hall on the exhibition ground, Dutch newcomer, Speeder Systems B.V., presented its maritime transport vehicles designed for marine logistics and surveillance tasks.
Robert Adams sees great market opportunities for the APUS i-5 – image: courtesy APUS
Apus is currently developing a cargo aircraft, branded APUS i-5, which can carry up to 1,770 kg over distances of almost 1,500 km. It is an unmanned aircraft that will be propelled by hydrogen-based powertrains and – similar to the iViation aircraft – is expected to be put in service before this decades ends, confirms Robert Adam, Head of Propulsion Systems Engineering. He sees a growing economic need for smaller freighters with a medium range, especially for connections between the mainland and offshore islands, such as in Norway or coastal regions in the UK. Governments are heavily subsidizing similar air services, putting a lot of pressure on the operators to fly CO2-neutral, says the manager. Starting from these initial commercial applications, the range of use cases for the APUS i-5 Hydrogen will gradually grow and include the e-commerce sector, states Mr. Adam. He sees another possible application: operating at night from airports silenced by curfews. Due to the very low noise emissions of the nine-bladed propellers built by provider, Rolls Royce, the freighter is usable at airports with night flight bans. As an example, the executive cites the nightly transportation of express goods from curfew-crippled Hamburg to London Heathrow; a route with plenty of demand for such shipments.
Prototype of maritime Speeder Systems vehicle displayed at ILA Berlin – photo: CFG/hs
Speeder Systems The maritime speeder is much further along in development than the aforementioned projects. It is designed for logistics and inspection/ surveillance operations at sea and is classified as a Type B Wing in Ground Effect Vehicle with VTOL capability. Built by Speeder Systems B.V. in the Netherlands, the maritime vehicle’s electric propulsion creates 60% lower emissions compared to vessels or even 99% fewer greenhouse gases than manned helicopters. According to manager Erdem Kazakli, it achieves a velocity of 140 km/h while transporting 25 kg over a distance of 90 km, and 17 kg can be carried as far as 150 km. It is steered remotely, fully electric, and privately financed. In operation, it hovers above the water surface, gliding on an air cushion to maximize efficiency or avoid high waves. Seen this way, it is a blend of naval and aerial vehicles. Manager Kazankli states that the Speeder Systems will be operational by Q2, 2025, so in about one year from now. Supporting oil rigs in the Caribbeans with tools and spare parts or offshore windfarms in the North Sea, are just two areas of applications. Its modular design enables the Speeder to be transported at the back of a van to any shore or beach, and can be set up in just 20 minutes. He says that the vehicles can only be leased, they are not for sale.
