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New scheme prevents perishables from spoiling

Heiner Siegmund
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New scheme prevents perishables from spoiling

It is an economic scandal. According to data provided by the World Bank and other sources, roughly 30% of all agricultural products spoil between field and shelf (see here). However, a brand-new study shows that perishables can be kept fresh over longer periods and thus be saved from ending up in a garbage can. Implementing the findings in daily operations will reduce the throw-away rate, benefiting producers, transporters, and consumers alike.

The above-mentioned alarmingly high rate of spoiled goods was highlighted by leading representatives of logistics companies, such as Kuehne+Nagel, during this year’s Fruit Logistica, held in Berlin from 07-09FEB24. The spoilage causes are very diverse: technical deficits, excessively long transit times of perishables from the field to the airport or seaport, or incorrect handling by ground service providers, are just three possible factors, for example.

Hopefully rotten fruit like this will soon be a thing of the past thanks to new handling methods – courtesy: freepick.com

Storage turned upside-down
The spoilage process has now been successfully minimized or even completely contained at one interface, at least: in warehouses.
Surprisingly, it wasn’t practitioners or established logistics experts who developed the ‘spoilage prevention program’, but a group of students from the Bavarian Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences. The academic title of their study: ‘Reduction of storage losses in organically produced fruit and vegetables through optimized storage management based on sensor-supported and adaptive models for predicting quality development and shelf life.’ The solution they presented contrasts the quirky title of their analysis: They claim that waste can be prevented by rearranging the order in which goods are stored and retrieved.

Source image: CFG/hs

Avoiding waste
As a rule, wholesalers work according to the rigid ‘first in, first out’ principle. This means that the goods delivered first – regardless of their freshness – are the first to leave the warehouse. In contrast, with the ‘first-expired-first-out’ principle tested by the students, the quality of the perishables should determine their turnover and retrieval, and not the time of storage. By implementing this principle, the waste of perishables could be minimized, as data obtained during the tests has evidenced.
In order to determine the properties of the perishables that determine their quality and shelf life, the researchers tested near-infrared spectrometers and used them to monitor the products. They also developed flexible sensor networks to closely monitor the environmental conditions in the warehouse. The effect of changes in temperature and air humidity on berries, broccoli and similar fresh products were measured and registered.

Maintaining product integrity
Numerous studies have proven that freshness and taste are the most important quality characteristics of fruit and vegetables. During storage, the harvested produce changes its appearance and consistency, and tends to quickly lose its taste and properties. This is particularly challenging for producers, wholesalers, and distributors. Consumers who buy cherries, pears, beans, or asparagus expect them to have an intense flavor and a particularly high level of health-supporting properties. Especially if they come from organic farming.
The aim of all parties involved in the supply chain must therefore be to maintain the quality of organic fruit and vegetables during storage, and to minimize waste. Storage losses are often higher for organically produced fruit and vegetables than for conventional produce. This is another result of the students’ research.
The authors point out that their findings are only a first step towards extending the life cycle of fresh produce. In their opinion, the technologies and processes developed in the project are not yet ready for everyday use. Yet even so, they already offer interesting approaches for optimizing storage management in wholesale and intermediate trade as well as during air, ocean, and road transport.

Political turbulences hit Aeromexico

Heiner Siegmund
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Political turbulences hit Aeromexico

A serious diplomatic crisis between Mexico and Ecuador, in which other countries are increasingly becoming involved, is shaking the sub-continent. It erupted when special Ecuadorian squads raided the Mexican embassy in Quito, in an attempt to detain Ecuador’s former Vice President, Jorge Glas. He had fled to the embassy to escape a prison sentence on corruption charges. Mexico had granted the politician asylum.

Ecuador is an expert when it comes to asylum issues. For years, the country granted WikiLeaks founder, Julian Assange, the right to stay in its London embassy, sheltering him from the access of the British authorities and thus preventing his extradition to the USA. This may have annoyed Downing Street, but the UK respected the extraterritorial status of the South American country’s embassy. After all, under diplomatic norms, embassies and consulates are considered protected spaces.

From 01JUL – 18DEC, Aeromexico will no longer serve the Mexico – Quito route following a diplomatic spat. Pictured here: Boeing 737 MAX – courtesy: Aeromexico

Outcry of indignation
However, in an attempt to get hold of Jorge Glas, the government in Quito blatantly violated this universally respected rule by raiding the Mexican diplomatic representation in Quito. Glas was found guilty in a disputed legal case by an Ecuadorian court, of receiving US$13.5 million in bribes in what became known as the Odebrecht scandal. This led him to seek asylum in the Mexican embassy which he was granted.
In Mexico, the raid caused an outcry of indignation. The government broke up diplomatic relations with Ecuador and ordered its diplomatic staff back home. Furthermore, the López Obrador administration ordered national carrier, Aeromexico, to suspend flights between Mexico City and Quito from 01JUL24 through to 18DEC24. The route is currently still operated by the airline four times a week. In the meantime, Nicaragua has also broken off diplomatic ties with Ecuador, in solidarity with Mexico. Brazil, Colombia and even the Argentinian anarcho-capitalist, Javier Milei, have voiced harsh criticism of the Ecuadorian government’s step. UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres was “alarmed” by the raid, with his speaker, Stéphane Dujarric “reaffirming the cardinal principle of the inviolability of diplomatic and consular premises and personnel.”

Consequences for cargo
The cancellation of non-stop flights between Mexico City and Quito complicates the flow of passengers and affects cargo transportation as well. Soon, travelers will have to transit at major hubs such as Sao Paulo, Bogota, or Lima, to reach either Quito or Mexico City – the same goes for cargo. A time-consuming exercise.
Among other issues, air freight faces a particular challenge not much spoken about for reasons of piety. Keyword: human remains. Since 2022, more than 115,000 Ecuadorians have left the country to reach the United States to find a job and make a living there, fleeing poverty, corruption, and criminal drug cartels in Ecuador. Among these people were more than 20,000 children and adolescents who traveled alone and often fell into the clutches of human traffickers. Some of them never reached the United States, but died in Mexico.

Diplomatic vacuum hampers processes
Without diplomatic representation, the question now arises as to who is formally responsible for the repatriation of the deceased to their home country. It is currently completely unclear as to who issues the death certificates and exit permits for the bodies of Ecuadorian citizens, enabling them their last journey back home. For the repatriation of a body, a family member normally authorizes the diplomatic corps of the country concerned to make the appropriate arrangements together with the local state authorities. But without diplomatic relations, who will exercise this authority?
Admittedly, the dignified treatment of human remains and their return to their home country in the cargo hold of an airplane, is a marginal aspect of this diplomatic crisis. But the example shows the consequences that actions such as the raiding of diplomatic missions can have, which hardly anyone thinks about at the time of the event.

La Roca – the Alcatraz of Ecuador
As far as air freight is concerned, the supply chain of car parts manufactured in Mexico and flown to customers in Ecuador, will be disrupted as a result of the temporary route cancellation by Aeromexico, local market experts predict. Also affected are urgently needed medical and pharmaceutical goods transported southbound, while in the opposite direction, Ecuador-harvested perishables will take longer to get from the field to the shelves in U.S. supermarkets.
How the diplomatic wrangling over Jorge Glas will end, cannot be predicted at present. The only thing that is clear, is that he is currently jailed in the high security La Roca prison in Guayaquil, notorious for lack of space, violence and recurring prisoner revolts.
Meanwhile, the German government is trying to get in direct contact with 54-year-old Glas. The Foreign Office in Berlin confirmed this to the media. In addition to his Ecuadorian nationality, he also has German citizenship.

LATAM Group flies relief items to Southern Brazil

Heiner Siegmund
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LATAM Group flies relief items to Southern Brazil

It was a flood of biblical proportions that hit Rio Grande do Sul in southern Brazil at the beginning of MAY24, following enormous amounts of rainfall. The death toll surpassed 150 people, with more than 100 still missing and over 600,000 displaced. Hence, rapid aid was required to provide those affected with necessities. The LATAM Group initiated its ‘Solidarity Plane Project’ several years ago to deal with emergency situations like this and quickly transport relief supplies to people in need.

LATAM’s solidarity plane flew various relief items from Colombia to Brazil – photos: courtesy: LATAM Group

100 houses = 16 tons
In line with this humanitarian scheme, a B767 freighter from LATAM Cargo took off in Bogota and landed in Sao Paulo Guarulhos on 28MAY24, filled with 100 modular houses weighing 16 tons. Immediately after arrival, the items were trucked to the affected region. The shipment was donated by the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), to provide shelter to those whose homes had been washed away by the flood.

Enabling shelter and some privacy
According to the UNHCR, Refugee Housing Units have a lifespan of up to 5 years. The organization uses them on various occasions to shelter people, be this in the case of earthquakes, large wildfires, hurricanes or – as in the Brazilian case – devastating floods. Each unit consists of a lightweight steel frame, roof and wall dividers, doors and windows, floor covering, solar power, LED lighting, and an anchoring system. They were developed collaboratively by UNHCR specialists, the social enterprise, Better Shelter, and the IKEA Foundation. The goal is to enable autonomous, sustainable spaces including some privacy, that are adaptable to different humanitarian emergency contexts, with UNHCR units present in Latin America, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

The LATAM Group flew 100 of these modular houses to Brazil to provide shelter flood victims. 100 more are to come

Part of LATAM’s ‘Shared Value’ Program
In addition to the folding houses, LATAM’s ‘Solidarity Plane’ has transported a total of 142 tons of donations, free of charge, to southern Brazil since 04MAY24. The shipments consisted of basic food baskets, potable water, disposable diapers, blankets, and other essential items. A team of 102 volunteers, including doctors, nurses, veterinarians, and firefighters, also flew there. The freighter operations were complemented by passenger flights to regional airports in southern Brazil, carrying relief goods in the lower decks of the LATAM fleet. Most donations were financed by Portugal and the United States.
LATAM’s ‘Solidarity Plane Program’ is part of the Shared Value pillar of the group’s sustainability strategy. It seeks to generate value in society through connectivity. Under this scheme, humanitarian alliances in Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru were inked, making free expertise, infrastructure and connectivity through tickets and cargo transportation available to the organizations.

Airline as social actor
“At LATAM, we understand that, as a company, we are also a social actor. That gives us rights, but also an obligation to work for the benefit of the societies where we operate. The terrible situation in Ukraine and the consequences of conflict on millions of people, led us to approach UNHCR, and today we are proud to be able to make transportation of refugees, donations, and humanitarian aid available to them and their families in all the destinations of our network,” states Roberto Alvo, CEO of LATAM Airlines Group.
Meanwhile, most of the foldable houses have been erected in the affected areas and assigned to local users. With 100 more to come.

Spotlight on… James Golding, Head of Cargo, Heathrow

Brigitte Gledhill
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Spotlight on… James Golding, Head of Cargo, Heathrow

CargoForwarder Global’s ‘Spotlight On…’ series brings each of the many different functions involved in air cargo to the fore. Airports are at the heart of all aviation and are the ones who play a key role not only in creating the best environment for air cargo logistics, but also in educating the public as to its existence and all the positive initiatives being taken for a more sustainable future. Heathrow’s Head of Cargo, James Golding (JG), illustrates his responsibilities, views and experiences in this week’s Spotlight.

A little bit of magic, every day. Image: James Golding

CFG: What is your current function? And what are your responsibilities?

JG: I’m Head of Cargo at Heathrow, the UK’s largest port by value. I lead our team responsible for the development and deployment of Heathrow’s cargo strategy, oversight of our day-to-day cargo operation, relationships with our cargo community (everyone from airlines and handlers to forwarders and haulers), development of cargo infrastructure, and our relationship with UK Government stakeholders and trade associations. My team’s focus is on growing Heathrow’s cargo proposition, our tonnage and market share, whilst increasing efficiency and making Heathrow a better place to work and live near.

CFG: What does a normal day look like for you? Or is there such a thing?

JG: That’s the beauty about working at Heathrow – most colleagues will say there’s no such thing as a typical day. I spend a lot of time out and about in our cargo estate, speaking with partners, hosting workshops or project meetings. For example, we’re currently working with our community on designing a new approach to community engagement, with one of the first projects being focused on making our landside operation more efficient and sustainable.

CFG: How long have you been in the air cargo industry, and what brought you to it?

JG: I joined Heathrow 13 years ago, and moved into the cargo industry 4 years ago during the early months of the pandemic. At that time, cargo’s critical global importance had been heightened publicly more than it ever had before, and I was intrigued by the opportunity to make a difference to the aviation industry’s survival and the country’s needs during that period.

CFG: What do you enjoy most about your job?

JG: The cargo and broader logistics industry plays such a critical role in everyone’s lives but is often relatively less well understood by those outside the industry. I’m hugely motivated to share cargo’s importance with stakeholders in the broader aviation industry and with Government stakeholders, enabling us to make real improvements to the sector by implementing learning from other elements of aviation.

CFG: Where do you see the greatest challenges in our industry?

JG: Cargo must play its part in the pressing need to decarbonize the aviation industry. At Heathrow, we have a commitment to reach net zero by 2050 as part of our sustainability strategy, and shorter-term actions to reduce carbon on the ground across our airport by 45% by 2030. Our strategy sets out how we plan to work together with our airport partners to reduce the impact our operations have on the world around us and spread the benefits of aviation – such as maintaining critical global trade – as wide as possible. When talking with our partners and attending industry events it’s also very noticeable that the cargo industry is not nearly as diverse as it should be. I’m proud that our Cargo team at Heathrow is gender balanced, but there’s much more we can and should do to ensure true diversity of thought across the sector – and attracting new talent is critical to that.

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

JG: Get involved in an aviation or cargo industry group. As an example, the Air League is the UK’s leading aviation and aerospace charity, aiming to inspire young people by awarding scholarships and work opportunities in aviation. Last year, in partnership with Worldwide Flight Services and Singapore Airlines Cargo, we hosted 11 young students and professionals, aiming to showcase Heathrow’s cargo operations and inspire the visitors to pursue a career within the air cargo industry. The event created connections that a number of the participants have used to broaden their career network.

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

JG: The Harry Potter series comes to mind – because what we do in air cargo is a little bit of magic every day.Thank you, James, for sharing your views.

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.

Exclusive: BRU Airport, Customs, and Cargo Community collaborate

Marcel Schoeters
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Exclusive: BRU Airport, Customs, and Cargo Community collaborate

On 30MAY24, Air Cargo Belgium, Brussels Airport Company, and Belgian Customs signed a Vision Document to enable swifter declaration and inspection processes and enhance the competitive position of Brussels Airport.

According to ACB’s Director, Freek De Witte, over the years the relationship between the private operators and the Customs Administration has evolved from rather rigid to more openness. The Vision Document should further pave the way forward.
“In order to make this Vision Document work, you need a partnership based on a mutual knowledge of each other’s processes, interests and goals. It must be supported by personal contacts between the people behind the processes, and mutual trust and respect,” he said. Mr. De Witte also said that, thanks to this partnership, ACB and Customs have learned to ‘speak each other’s language’, which has improved the knowledge of each other’s motives, legal framework, and economic reality. “Apart from this shared vision, a shared sense of urgency and timing are equally important.”

(left to right):Freek De Witte, Kristian Vanderwaeren and Arnaud Feist – courtesy ACB

European Customs digitization project
The crux of the matter is in digitization, in which ACB is collaborating closely with Brussels Airport. “As Customs plays an important role in the BRUcargo processes, making them swifter can boost our competitiveness as an airport.”
Digitization is also a prerequisite for the roll-out of the Multi-Annual Plan for Electronic Customs (MASP-C), initiated by the European Commission, aiming to replace paper-format declarations by digitized ones by 2025.
Many companies across the bloc of 27 are struggling with the implementation, and ACB hopes the Vision Document will help the Brussels Cargo community to shift to a higher gear in this respect. Regular concertation between ACB and Customs, both on a regional and national level, will enable the private operators to be informed pro-actively on new developments.

Combatting drugs trafficking
According to Kristian Vanderwaeren, Administrator-General of the Belgian Customs Administration, we are living in a VUCA world (volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity). “Free trade is not a given anymore. One can feel the tension everywhere. You can expect more and more controls as the Customs Administration is seen as an instrument of policy making. This will eventually lead to more sanctioning.”
Mr Vanderwaeren referred to the tsunami created by e-commerce, where more regulation is to be expected. A major problem for Belgian Customs is drugs trafficking, especially in the Port of Antwerp. “As we are trying to tighten the grip there, other gateways such as Brussels Airport may soon be seen as an alternative by the criminals.”
For the Customs Administration, the main focus in combatting this plague has traditionally been on passenger controls. “In air freight, we are considering risk analysis based on the declarations, in close collaboration with the police. In post/express/courier services, we have to collaborate with the respective companies, taking quality and quantity of the consignments into account. Step by step, we want to introduce scanning of high-risk goods and packages.”

Part of Brussels Airport’s innovation strategy
Brussels Airport shares the vision outlined in the document, said Arnaud Feist, CEO of Brussels Airport Company. “We have committed ourselves to the renovation of the two facilities currently used by Customs, so as to improve the working environment,” he said. “The further innovation and optimization of BRUCloud fits into this ambition and will support the improvement of customs and inspection processes.” Mr. Feist expressed the hope that Brussels Airport would also be equipped with scanning infrastructure. “Working in synergy with ACB in this respect, is of crucial importance,” he concluded.

Moldova: a hidden gem with big potential

Olga Romanova
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Moldova: a hidden gem with big potential

CargoForwarder Global had the pleasure of participating in Moldova’s inaugural aviation event, hosted at Chișinău Airport from 29-30MAY24. This landmark occasion followed a significant change earlier this year, when the airport’s IATA code was updated from KIV to RMO, symbolizing a closer connection of the airport´s name to the Republic of Moldova itself. The event provided valuable insights into the future plans of Moldova and its neighboring countries, promising exciting developments in the region’s aviation landscape.

Moderator Peter Baumgartner of Bluearbre Ltd. questioned Minister Andrei Spinu about the role of aviation in Moldova at the beginning of the Aviation Event – photos: CFG/or

Unlocking Moldova’s strategic location
Geographically, Chișinău Airport serves as a crucial link between East and West. Located in the heart of Eastern Europe, it offers strategic connectivity to several key cities and aims to strengthen business, tourism, cargo, and diplomatic connections. For instance, Iași (Romania) is less than a three-hour drive away, while Odessa in Ukraine can be reached by car in approximately three and a half hours. The Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, is about a seven-hour drive or an 18-hour train journey from Chișinău.
Moldova, as a country, is meticulously checking off its to-do list, aiming to comply with EU regulations in its pursuit of becoming the next member state among the existing bloc of 27. The advancements in the airport and its infrastructure represent significant steps toward this overarching master plan.

The Aviation Event Team organized the meeting in Chișinău. At the mic: presenter Andrew Charlton

Recent developments & plans
Because of the Russian assault on Ukraine, the region and country have experienced significant changes in the last two years. It has been crucial to ensure passenger safety, as emphasized by Andrei Spinu, Minister of Infrastructure and Regional Development of the Republic of Moldova, who stated: “The sky is safe, and so is our market.” One notable achievement is the airport’s success in reinstating over 10 airlines to operations within the last 10 months. Airlines such as Wizz Air, LOT, Aegean, Air Baltic, Austrian, and Tarom are just a few on the list, marking important steps forward in the development of the region’s aviation sector.
Last year, the airport hosted around 2.8 million passengers. This year, it is estimated to accommodate approximately 3.4 million passengers, with ambitious plans to surpass 5 million passengers within the next 3-5 years. Yet, cargo terminal development is not currently the first priority. Cargo needs have not yet been fully addressed, with the majority of cargo facilities expected to be used for inbound rather than outbound shipments, particularly focusing on e-commerce. A comprehensive analysis has not yet been completed, but a pre-feasibility study will be conducted, including consultations regarding cargo expectations. This capacity expansion is essential to meet the original needs of the airport, as stated by Andrei Spînu:
“The IFC (part of the World Bank Group) will commence a feasibility study to explore infrastructure improvements. Currently, a pre-feasibility study has been completed, with the full feasibility study scheduled for completion by the end of the year. Subsequent steps will involve initiating the necessary actions.”

Updates on Ukraine and Odessa airport
Vladimir Semenchenko, Director of Odessa Airport, provided some insights on the situation of the affairs in the critically located airport in Odessa.
“We would need 140 days as of day zero to bring Odessa Airport back. We have a clear plan, and we know that we will manage it”.
Today, the primary focus is on maintaining the safety of the airport infrastructure. Employees conduct daily checks, including navigation and technical support. Initially, there will be some limitations, such as restrictions on night operations and refueling, as well as the absence of bridge operations, aimed at optimizing ground time.
Semenchenko also commented that the situation in the country is changing at a very fast pace, which makes it is hard to comment anything with regards to the re-activation plants, fabrics, as there are no clear answers to those kinds of questions. As reflected during the conference talks, it is worth noting that Moldova will not only be a gem of Eastern Europe to visit but also an important hub in the historic reconstruction of the Ukraine region. This conference marks just the beginning of the discussions in the aviation sector involving these regions. Moldova has already made significant progress, reaching 70% compliance with the EU regulations, and will continue to take necessary steps toward the master plan to become a part of the EU, as well as to provide the West with a reliable connection to the East.

LEJ is in big trouble

Heiner Siegmund
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LEJ is in big trouble

The Central German Airport Holding (MDF) is hit by two major hardships: A leading manager recently disappeared without a trace. It is unclear whether he is still alive. This may have something to do with the second difficulty the operator is facing: its likely insolvency. The holding company, which owns Leipzig/Halle (LEJ) and Dresden (DRS) Airports as well as the handling agent, PortGround, has been in the red for many years.

Aerial view of Leipzig/Halle Airport. At the forefront: cargo, express, maintenance. Opposite: passenger terminal and facilities – courtesy: MDF

Short bonanza
At the beginning of this decade, hopes were still high: e-trader Amazon announced plans in 2020 to set up a regional hub for air freight at LEJ – similar to DHL Express, but smaller in size. High volumes were promised along with 400 new jobs. After the news was aired, the LEJ managers had euro or dollar signs in their eyes.
However, the bonanza only lasted three years. In SEP23, Amazon decided to shut down its LEJ facility and switch transports from air to road. This unexpected withdrawal of the trader tore a hole in the holding company’s coffers. In 2022, LEJ had lost another major client: AirBridgeCargo shut down following the Russian assault on Ukraine and western sanctions banning Russian airlines from EU skies. More on those financial matters later.
First to the human drama. The missing manager is Andreas Schafhirt, a 62-year-old restructuring veteran, well recognized in this field. On 01FEB24, he took over the newly created position of Chief Restructuring Officer (CRO) at MDF. His task: to develop a concept for the financially ailing company to initially stem the massive losses and generate profits in the longer term.

Without a trace
At the end of APR24, his wife who lives in Berlin, reported him missing. Asked by media, Berlin police spokeswoman, Beate Ostertag stated that “as a matter of principle, we do not provide any information on the search for missing persons.” In an internal letter to the employees of Leipzig/Halle and Dresden Airports, holding CEO, Götz Ahmelmann said: “We have no further information at this time. However, it can be assumed that Andreas Schafhirt will not be returning to his job in the near future. Due to these acute circumstances, I ask for your understanding that we cannot provide any precise details at the moment. We are in close contact with the shareholders, the banks, and our Chairman of the Supervisory Board.”
Information from sources close to the case spread this weekend, indicate that the police have found Schafhirt. Whether he is alive or dead is unclear. Local authorities refuse to provide any explanation.

Severe inconsistencies
According to our media partner, online portal airliners.de, Schafhirt had unveiled several inconsistencies at the holding company shortly before his disappearance. For example, it is said to have filled important management positions without the necessary due diligence. In addition, members of the Executive Board were allegedly allowed to set their own annual targets, which led to unlawful bonus payments in an already strained financial situation at the company.
A KPMG survey, presented in JAN24, also confirms serious financial imbalances that burden the Airport Holding. The experts recommend a fundamental restructuring of the company to reduce losses and achieve a turnaround mid-term. CargoForwarder Global heard that lender Commerzbank demanded the dismissal of the entire upper Management and its replacement. However, this drastic measure was rejected by the supervisory bodies. The holding company is owned by two major stakeholders: the states of Saxony (77.29%) and Saxony-Anhalt (18.54%). The remaining assets are held by the cities of Dresden, Leipzig and Halle.

Temu or Shein ?
In order to generate new influx, the holding company (MDF) is apparently considering a partial sale of its handling unit, PortGround GmbH, internal circles have told CargoForwarder Global. The Chinese trading platforms, Temu and Shein, have been named as potential investors.
In addition to this, the sale of Dresden Airport was also briefly considered internally. However, the idea was dropped right after it came up because fierce political opposition from Saxony’s federal government would torpedo such plans.

Teckentrup steps in
In the meantime, the former Condor boss, Ralf Teckentrup, has taken on an advisory role at MDF. He is to support Leipzig/Halle and Dresden Airports in the current financial crisis and in the ongoing restructuring process.
However, airliners.de states that the holding company has not yet officially confirmed Teckentrup’s appointment.

Levu Air Cargo welcomes LatAm’s first A321F

Brigitte Gledhill
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Levu Air Cargo welcomes LatAm’s first A321F

Levu Air Cargo welcomes LatAm’s first A321F Things are coming together for Brazil’s Levu Air Cargo: just a week after DHL Supply Chain announced its partnership with the airline, including a EUR 90.5 million investment and four Airbus freighters to come by the end of next year, Levu Air Cargo took delivery of its first A321F from SmartLynx. Everything is running according to plan, as the first freighter should go into operation this month.

With the arrival of its A321F in Recife, Brazil, last week, Levu Air Cargo has become the first airline in Latin America to operate an A321-200PCF, despite the region being home to a great many passenger A321, already. The new freighter conversion version is considered the finest aircraft in its category by Levu, and should fulfil the company’s target of ensuring high service standards in the Brazilian market. The plane will bear the registration PS-LVU, once the registration process with Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency is completed. It is dry-leased from ACMI, cargo and charter provider, SmartLynx Airlines, and formerly flew for DHL Aviation in partnership with the provider, then operating under the registration 9H-CGD (MSN 775).

The first of four freighters to join Levu Air Cargo’s fleet. Image: DHL

A significant milestone for aviation in Brazil
SmartLynx Airlines’ CEO, Edvinas Demenius, stated: “Our partnership with Levu marks a significant milestone, not only for the Brazilian aviation market with the introduction of the first A321F registered in the country and region, but also for SmartLynx as we extend our cargo capacity management services to Latin America. This important step is a part of our strategic efforts to expand our geography and we see much potential in this region.”

The only aircraft in its category…
Rodrigo Pacheco, CEO of Levu Air Cargo, added: “We specifically sought out SmartLynx due to their extensive knowledge of the aircraft as they are the biggest operator for A321F in the world today. Their partnership with DHL in Europe makes the learning curve much more efficient for us as we will operate for the DHL Supply Chain here in Brazil. This strategic decision helps us deliver top-notch performance and ensures the best results for our valued customers.”

Levu also specifically chose the A321F because of its modern design, lower fuel consumption, and reduced CO2 emissions. “It is the only aircraft in its category capable of handling containerized cargo on both the lower and main deck, significantly improving turnover efficiency,” the release underlines.

DHL Supply Chain Partnership
The partnership between Levu and DHL Supply Chain was announced on 14MAY24, whereby DHL does not hold an equity stake in the Brazilian newcomer. Instead, Levu will support DHL by providing an express, domestic air network as reaction to a rapidly growing e-commerce and air cargo market. A total of four freighters are planned, starting with the newly delivered A321F, operating from this month on. A second A321-200PCF is to follow soon, both offering a capacity of 27 tons, each. The other two freighters are also Airbus aircraft: two A330-300P2F, each with a capacity of 59 tons. 2024 will see cargo volumes of up to 4 thousand tons per month, growing to 10 thousand tons by the end of 2025. On board will be pharmaceuticals, electronics, automotive, dangerous goods, and perishable commodities, as the aircraft connect Campinas, Recife, Belém, and Manaus. DHL Express and DHL Global Forwarding will also have access to the air cargo space, connecting with their international networks as well as road feeder services and last-mile delivery through DHL Supply Chain and POLAR units.

Big money, lots of jobs
Global leader in warehousing and distribution, DHL Supply Chain is investing EUR 90.5 million in its domestic air transport partnership project with Levu Air Cargo. The first flights take off at the end of MAY24, will operate on a daily route between Campinas and Manaus, and three times per week between Campinas and Recife. The investment is going towards gearing up the infrastructure in the served cities and has already led to the creation of 200 direct jobs and circa 500 indirect jobs. Levu will be responsible for flight operations and air procedures. The available air capacity will be shared between the two partners as well as other DHL business units in Brazil.

Solon Barrios, Vice President of Transport at DHL Supply Chain, explained: “This project brings together three fundamental aspects of a solid and efficient logistics operation: partner specialization, excellent operational capacity, and guaranteed service level. In addition, we will also offer good frequency and the possibility of connections to other cities and countries. With this, we want more and more companies to access the already known benefits of the air transport, especially taking into account the continental dimensions of Brazil.”

End-to-end logistics – also for life sciences
Levu Air Cargo’s CEO, Rodrigo Pacheco, emphasized the benefits safe and efficient airlift and end-to-end transport will bring to healthcare and pharma shipments: “We will also have the solution for temperature-controlled ULDs (overhead containers designed to make loading and unloading easy and fast). We will be the first national cargo airline to have this solution for transporting life science cargo, without the risk of changing the temperature of the cargo. With this we will bring efficiency to an SLA level in order to achieve the highest standards of service excellence to offer our customers.”

The freedom of freighters
Belly freight is all well and good, maintains Solon Barrios, but nothing beats a freighter in his view: “Boarding cargo on passenger flights is very important due to the greater dispersion, but using freighters brings many advantages. First, the guarantee that there will be room for the cargo and the reliability of the delivery schedule. Second, the versatility of cargo that can be boarded. And, of course, with greater consolidation, we have a larger scale, even more competitive conditions and the best lead time and service level on the market.”

So, soon with four freighters in the works, Brazil’s aviation market is set to be blessed with a stable express network in the near future.

Illegal wildlife trafficking continues to grow

Heiner Siegmund
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0
Illegal wildlife trafficking continues to grow

The contrast could hardly be greater. In close cooperation with animal welfare organizations, cargo airlines are increasingly flying lions and other wild animals freed from captivity back to their natural habitats, such as Qatar Cargo with its rewilding program or Turkish and KLM Cargo for similar reasons. At the same time, the illegal trade in animal species that are under strict protection or even threatened with extinction, is on the rise. Units of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection have now uncovered two cases of such practices. Despite intensive controls at airports in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, these occur daily in a similar form but go unnoticed.

Los Angeles Airport, the fourth busiest in the country, is a major U.S. gateway for illegal wildlife trafficking, but it’s not the only one. From 01OCT23 through to 15MAY24, CBP officers and agriculture specialists seized 4,227 animal and plant products for violating wildlife and plant laws and regulations, as well as international endangered species conventions. The seized products include crocodile skulls, live baby crocodiles, turtle skulls and skins, kangaroo meat, elephant toenails, exotic butterflies, shells, coral, sea cucumbers and shark cartilage, among other imports. The confiscated products arrived in individual packages via air mail or as undeclared parts of larger air freight consignments from Singapore, Vietnam, Australia, China, Thailand, U.K., Mexico, and Peru. The contraband packages were heading to addresses spread across the United States.

Crocodile skin wallets are one of the most trafficked items  –  photos: courtesy U.S. Customs and Boder Protection

Increase in violations despite high penalties
“Illegal wildlife trafficking is one of the most profitable natural resource crimes,” states Andrew H. Douglas, CBP Port Director of Los Angeles International Airport. “It encompasses the harvesting and selling of wildlife and wildlife products, to be used as medicine, fashion, food, or pets sold to consumers.” Many of these violations of illegal wildlife trafficking occur out of ignorance. Tourists are offered exotic products at local markets in Latin America, Asia, or Africa, such as attractive handbags made from crocodile skin or carvings made from the wood of protected trees. The items look good, comply with the trade regulations of the respective country (traders assure their customers from overseas), are reasonably priced and are ideal as souvenirs that remind their buyers of a nice vacation. This makes it all the more surprising for travelers when they are checked at immigration and charged with violating the Endangered Species Act by the CBP squads. The product is also taken from them and used as evidence.

Philadelphia seized Portuguese butterflies

Gang-related criminality
In addition to these violations, there is also large-scale criminal trade in animals or animal products. This is organized in a mafia-like way around the globe and usually generates high profits. Those who urgently need an aphrodisiac to supposedly increase their potency, are often willing to spend large sums on rhino horn processed into flour. Although the poachers who killed the rhino in Africa only receive a tiny amount of this money, the species is coming ever closer to extinction.

Collecting frenzy also promotes wildlife trafficking
Some collectors of exotic beetle and butterfly species also tend to violate animal welfare laws as just evidenced in Philadelphia. There, CBP controllers intercepted a parcel that contained 60 dead butterflies coming from Portugal and destined for Wayne County in Pennsylvania. The electronically transmitted shipment documents indicated the contents of the package unspecific as “pieces of silk to be used in works.” Missing were import certifications, invoices, or other documentation that would have declared the scientific species names or the purpose for this shipment. The consignee now faces legal and financial repercussions. “Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialists have a very challenging and critical mission, and that is to protect our vital agricultural resources against the accidental or deliberate introduction of invasive insect pests, and plant and animal diseases that could harm our nation’s economic vitality,” said Tater Ortiz, CBP’s Director for the Area Port of Philadelphia.

Conrady switches from air to rail

Heiner Siegmund
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Conrady switches from air to rail

It has been known for around three weeks in local freight forwarder and airline association circles that Fraport’s current head of cargo, Max Philipp Conrady, is leaving airport operator Fraport AG this September. Although official confirmation from Fraport is still pending, it is no longer a secret that he will join the management team at Regionaltangente West Planning Company Ltd (RTW GmbH). The local rail company develops rail links to better connect the fast-growing Frankfurt Rhine-Main region. The search for Conrady’s successor should start immediately.

The imminent departure of Conrady is bitter news for the air freight players doing business at Germany’s leading cargo airport. The Fraport executive has been a reliable contact with an always open ear for the concerns of the companies, emphasizes Michael Hoppe, Secretary General of the Board of Airline Representatives in Germany (Barig), when approached by CargoForwarder Global. “We have been working together well and trustingly for years. He is solution-oriented and tackles issues head-on. With his departure, the industry is losing a great deal of expertise and a manager with a high level of credibility.”

From air to rail. Max Conrady switches modes of transportation  –  photo: CFG/hs

He improved the reputation of air freight
Hoppe also referred to another aspect: “Together with Roland Weil, Conrady is the cargo face of airport operator Fraport on the national and international stage.” His presence at congresses such as Air Cargo Europe and other trade shows clearly demonstrated this. In discussions with media people, he always conveyed the concerns and positions of Fraport Cargo in a credible manner and did not shy away from critical issues. With this clear stance, Conrady contributed a great deal to a better understanding of air cargo processes among a broader and often critical public, Mr. Hoppe notes. 

He managed the COVID-19 challenge extremely well
Stephan Haltmayer, CEO Quick Cargo Service, has a similarly positive assessment of Max Conrady’s work. “First Bernhard Lessmann retired, now his successor at Fraport Cargo, Max Conrady, is leaving the company. This is a loss of knowledge and experience that will not be beneficial for Frankfurt as an air freight location if the airport management does not quickly appoint a competent successor who not only has the necessary expertise, but also a heart for air freight.” 

When asked about Conrady’s achievements in his role as Head of Cargo at Fraport, Haltmayer says that he passed his baptism of fire during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this exceptional situation, complicated processes had to be managed quickly and efficiently. For example, providing the necessary personnel for the very labor-intensive and time-consuming unloading of the so-called preighters, i.e. aircraft whose passenger cabins were loaded with urgently needed hygiene materials to contain the spread of the virus. “The aircraft, which were mostly charter flights, sometimes arrived unannounced and still had to be unloaded quickly,” recalls Mr. Haltmayer. A huge challenge for every ground service provider, which Conrady and his team at Fraport Cargo organized excellently 24/7.

Barig expresses a wish
At the end of September, Conrady will leave Fraport AG after nineteen years with the company in various roles. He will be missed not only in Frankfurt, but also on the international cargo stage. Although he is still in office, Barig boss Hoppe already has one wish for Conrady in his future role: “Dear Max, as you will soon be working for a rail company, you should ensure that CargoCity South at Frankfurt Airport finally gets a modern rail link to speed up the flow of air freight in a sustainable manner.”

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