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Spotlight on… Soufiane Daher, Expert, McKinsey & Company

Brigitte Gledhill
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Spotlight on… Soufiane Daher, Expert, McKinsey & Company

Consulting is also a crucial element in driving the air cargo industry forward. A fresh look at existing processes, research into available systems, and future-oriented strategies – outside experts can cross-pollinate approaches and are particularly useful if they have practically grown up in the aviation industry such as in the case of this week’s Spotlight. CargoForwarder Global (CFG) welcomes Soufiane Daher (SD), Expert at McKinsey & Company. He illustrates his responsibilities, walks us through his background and reasons for choosing the industry, and offers advice to those considering a career in air cargo.

Cargo planes are [definitely! bg] cooler! Image: Soufiane Daher

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

SD: I am an expert consultant at McKinsey. My role involves strategic support to our clients in the logistics sector, including in the air cargo industry. This means providing data-driven recommendations for a variety of topics. For example, it may be about deploying a new network, investing in a new facility, applying new technologies, or preparing a corporate acquisition. There is no shortage of interesting topics. It’s a challenging and rewarding job that keeps me on my toes!

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

SD: There is no such thing: each day brings new challenges and opportunities. A workday might involve analyzing data at my desk, or it might be traveling to another country to meet with a client. It might be leading a workshop with a large company or leading a project with a small team. Every day is different and it’s certainly not a nine-to-five job. The one constant is that it’s about solving problems – although every problem is different.

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

SD: I’ve spent the last 13 years in the air cargo industry. Aviation is actually a family affair for me: we have worked in aviation through four generations (and counting!). I’ve had a fascination with flying for as long as I can remember. As I grew older, I started to become deeply interested in business problems. Then I found aviation consulting and it became clear this was the ideal combination of my two passions.

Early in my career, I discovered air cargo – and I’ve not looked back since! I find air cargo to be a more challenging facet of aviation: it enables many high-value industries worldwide (high-tech, pharma, flowers, etc.) – each with its own unique dynamics and importance for the economy. This makes it highly dynamic and tied to global macro forces. Plus cargo planes are just cooler!

CFG: What do you enjoy most about your job?

SD: Both air cargo and consulting are people-oriented businesses. I enjoy the collaboration with colleagues and clients on a daily basis. I love working with and learning from talented individuals from diverse backgrounds. It is also incredibly rewarding to share my expertise and introduce more people to the air cargo industry. I love seeing people’s reactions when they finally learn how their beloved items have made their way from the factory to their home.

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

SD: There are several challenges, but from my perspective, the greatest one might be achieving sustainable and inclusive growth. In other words, how can we effectively reduce the environmental impact of aviation while continuing to be a major socio-economic driver. One might think that environmental concerns should lead to less flying, but air cargo enables so many industries that form the backbone of the global economy. Emerging countries, for instance, are banking on trade and air cargo, to propel their economic growth.

In doing so, we need to become more effective in using technology to optimize all aspects of the business. Other logistics sub-sectors are leading the way in these areas, and air cargo should use that as inspiration. Additionally, there is still a gap in diversity and inclusion. There is a risk of doing things the same way due to lack of gender, ethnic, age and background-related diversity.

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

SD: Follow your passion and stay curious. Learn how supply chains work and how air cargo fits within. Do some research on the key stakeholders involved – the job is different whether it is at an airline, airport, freight forwarder, handler, GSSA, etc. Practical experience is also valuable so consider pursuing traineeship/internship opportunities to learn on the job, as air cargo is a very hands-on industry.

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

SD: “The Fast and the Furious” – just not “Groundhog Day” [He smiles.]

Many thanks, Soufiane, for your input.

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.

Berlin air show ILA showcases latest H2 projects

Heiner Siegmund
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Berlin air show ILA showcases latest H2 projects

Currently, SAF is the number one topic when it comes to sustainability and the path to net zero in 2050, propagated by IATA and others. During the upcoming ILA in Berlin (05-09JUN24), the role of hydrogen in aviation will play a similarly prominent role. Numerous companies have booked stands in Hall 6, to showcase their latest developments and products. Is this strong focus on newest H2 developments a flash in the pan or rather a strong sign of a shift towards gaseous aviation fuels? CargoForwarder Global (CFG) put this and other questions about aviation and hydrogen to H2-expert, Hugo Duchemin (HD). He heads the French company COMWORXX.

Hugo Duchemin is one of the leading experts when it comes to the use of hydrogen in aviation –  photo: courtesy HD

CFG: Hugo, COMWORXX coordinates the activities of airlines and airports with the aim of achieving climate neutrality. Is the 2050 net zero target, propagated by IATA and the aviation industry as a whole, achievable at all or is it more of a sedative pill for the critical public?

HD: Since 2019, COMWORXX facilitates projects in aviation and aerospace between France and Germany as main partners, but also involving more European countries. As start-up members of Berlin-Brandenburg Aerospace Allianz (BBAA), we immediately engaged in promoting the reality of emission-reduced aviation, and thereby fighting any attempt of greenwashing that can still be observed as a counterproductive stream in the world of aviation, as in transportation and industry in general. We believe that the ambitious targets of IATA, EU and others can force the world to speed up the process. At the last ILA, with a law professor from Toulouse, we presented how governments and companies had been trialed in court for failing to meet environmental targets, and in parallel how these targets can be tackled by creating suitable infrastructures. But the bottom line is that all those involved in aviation, including their associations and political decision-makers, must do more to achieve the net zero target come 2050, or at least get very close to it.

Strong focus on H2

CFG: At the upcoming Berlin-held air show, ILA, a large number of companies involved in hydrogen projects have booked stands. What innovations in this sector will be presented to experts and the interested public at the fair?

HD: The airport infrastructure innovations presented in 2022 by the team Berlin-Toulouse (BBAA & Aerospace Valley), raised interest from two more European regions which then became partners: Northern Norway (Bodø Airport) and the Dutch province, Flevoland (Lelystad Airport). We recently signed an LOI for the implementation of a reality project that can be summarized like this: 4 airports in 4 countries will produce renewable energy and green hydrogen for ground and air usage, including SAF production via the Fischer-Tropsch process. We are closely following up with the creation of international standards for the storage and distribution of hydrogen, which will ultimately allow first pilot routes of hydrogen-propelled aircraft within an adapted European Green Airport Network. This and other H2 projects will be presented, illustrated, and explained to interested visitors at the upcoming ILA show.

Huge ramp-up in green H2 is needed

CFG: Is this strong industry presence a sign of a reorientation, playing increasing attention to hydrogen-powered means of transportation?

HD: Green hydrogen is not easy to produce because it requires the generation of additional renewable energy that needs to be built up. But experts generally agree that green hydrogen production is the key to Sustainable Aviation Fuel, along with related processes. Hydrogen Europe as the largest organization in this part of the world, drives political, industrial, and commercial development, knowing that environmental targets can only be reached by a huge ramp-up in green hydrogen production. Global consumption of hydrogen, practically all produced on fossil fuel basis (known as ‘grey’ hydrogen), has reached 90 million tons. It takes a global effort to convert that volume into green hydrogen, and that is not even counting the new uses of hydrogen in aviation, road, rail, and water mobility. Energy efficiency has to be significantly increased, and international research cooperation with advanced hydrogen tech countries, e.g. Japan, will contribute to the ramp-up. India is proving a concept of ‘solar airports’ as seen in Cochin (State of Kerala), presented as a role model at ILA Berlin in 2022.

Sector coupling

CFG: What is the sequence: a) first hydrogen aircraft followed by a hydrogen ground infrastructure, b) both in parallel, or c) first the installation of hydrogen refueling stations at airports as a prerequisite for regular air traffic based on H2?

HD: All three in parallel. We cannot afford to waste time discussing chicken/egg types of excuses. Of course, the support of EU and national policy makers is needed, as shown by the example of Switzerland. There, large supermarket chains joined forces to establish a network of hydrogen refueling stations and corresponding truck fleets. Our strategy is based on sector-coupling. The offtake by trucks and other ground transport usage will grant the viability of hydrogen hubs at or near airports. Filling stations and FCEV fleets will grow in parallel, while hydrogen aircraft will increase in maturity.

SMEs drive innovations

CFG: Airbus announced plans to put a hydrogen-powered aircraft into service in 2035. But isn’t the development rather driven by smaller companies, so aren’t niche players the real trailblazers?

HD: Of course they are! We are proud to have APUS Zero Emissions as an H2 fuel cell aircraft manufacturing pioneer among us in Berlin. In Toulouse, they are closely followed by Blue Spirit Aero and Beyond Aero, the latter having recently performed their H2 ULM maiden flight. APUS will soon launch theirs, with a 4-seater that will have an 800 km reach. These aircraft will also be built as sustainable and express cargo versions. Airbus watches closely how their smaller counterparts are developing, following the principle that reality is always the most revealing testbed, even on a smaller scale. Likewise, BER International Airport presented with us at ILA 2022, stating that our teamwork allows conclusions for their own upscaling in SAF distribution, based on real life experience at Berlin’s regional airports.

CFG: Experience has shown that many young people visit the ILA events to find out about career opportunities. This brings up the question about job prospects in the field of hydrogen and aviation. 

HD: Career opportunities in this field are profoundly underestimated. Not only do we need to direct aerospace job seekers into the hydrogen technologies, but also attract young people to technical fields altogether, by showing that they are relentlessly getting ‘sexier’ in their innovative power, based on new technologies. Gender equality has to be promoted within the same strategy. With the authors of the book Hydrogen Horizons, we recently introduced the ‘Hydrogen Game’, a quiz that was tested by 50 experts at an event in Brussels, and which will be adapted to increase curiosity and playfully spread hydrogen knowledge in companies, universities, and schools. Progress needs collective effort, and we want to motivate that effort.

CFG: Hugo, thank you for your time and input.

Green energy – the new job machine in air sea freight

Heiner Siegmund
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Green energy – the new job machine in air sea freight

The transition from fossil fuels to renewables will create millions of new jobs, according to a study carried out by the Global Maritime Forum. Its authors forecast that, by 2050, up to four million new jobs will have been created worldwide, through the development and use of green energy in maritime and port operations. Aviation, too, will generate many new jobs as it transitions from fossil fuels to green energy, says Glyn Hughes, Secretary General TIACA.

The figures are impressive. In its study entitled ‘Green Jobs and Decarbonization’, the Copenhagen-based Global Maritime Forum speaks of up to 640,000 new jobs that will be created in commercial shipping by 2030. Economies of scale, new technologies and stricter political requirements for CO2 reduction in maritime transport could lead to up to four million cumulative jobs across the energy supply chain. The authors also say where these jobs are likely to be created.

Decarbonization of the global maritime industry could create up to 4 million green jobs by 2050, claims the Global Maritime Forum in a release.

Many roads lead to Rome
Maritime decarbonization will ultimately be enabled through the use of low-carbon energy vectors (electricity and fuels) coupled with energy efficiency improvements. The fuel/energy categories cover a broad spectrum and include e-fuels, blue fuels, biofuels, electricity, and hydrogen. Different production pathways within each of these methods will impact the extent of job creation supported by investments in the development of different energy sources, feedstocks, and production facilities. This assumes that the entirety of shipping’s energy demand will be met by e-fuels, i.e. green hydrogen, green ammonia, and green methanol.

In the study, it is emphasized that the most significant contributor to overall job creation is the building up of renewable energy capacity, which creates jobs across three main markets: 1. Manufacturing (M), 2. Construction and Installation (C&I), 3. Operations and Maintenance (O&M).

These markets contribute to job creation on different scales, which can be determined in relation to the scale of investment (per million $) or generation capacity (per gigawatt).

Consequently, if shipping decarbonization aligns with IMO’s aim of achieving indicative checkpoints of 30% emissions reductions by 2030 and 80% by 2040, using e-ammonia produced from green hydrogen, then:

  • in the 2020s, between 0.5 and 1 million green jobs could be linked to renewable generation deployment for e-fuel production,
  • in the 2030s, there could be between 1.5 and 3 million renewables jobs. It is more likely to be the lower end of the range (1.5 million), as the deployment of renewables becomes more labor efficient.
There is still much work to do to reach the net zero target by 2050, notes TIACA’s Glyn Hughes. Photo: CFG/hs

Switching to green energy boosts economic development
The authors of the study point out that the assumed job creation will most likely happen in the 2030s, due to the enormous capital investments into infrastructure expected during that decade.

Stimulating the creation of these jobs will help many countries to transition away from fossil fuels in a way that provides opportunities to those workers negatively affected by the phasing-out of carbon-intensive industries. Supporting the development of new skills may also help countries build up the capacity needed to stimulate renewables and hydrogen production nationally. This could support wider decarbonization across other sectors and help countries develop national hydrogen economies, ultimately contributing to the increased localization of specific supply chains (e.g. steel, cement, and/or energy).

That said, the Maritime Forum study raises the question of how the aviation industry, and air freight in particular, views the development of renewables and the associated effect on employment. Who better to assess this, than Glyn Hughes, General Secretary TIACA and veteran of the cargo industry?

In his contribution, Glyn emphasizes that he fundamentally agrees with the Maritime Forum’s forecast evidenced by similar trends in aviation. “Whilst we enter a period of production ramp-up and transition, we will see some initial increase in the jobs sector. We are already seeing this in the R+D activities across all modes of transport.”

For aviation to achieve its net zero target by 2050, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is likely to account for 60-65% of that target, estimates the TIACA official.

Considering that today, SAF only accounts for about 1% of total aviation fuel required, there is much work to be done, he urges. However, he also questions the investigative approach of the authors.

The employees affected must be taken care of, urges Mr. Hughes“The study refers to the significant new jobs, but doesn’t make any indications as to the jobs lost by moving away from traditional fuel/power source production and distribution. They do acknowledge within their study that these traditional industries will be impacted as fossil fuel usage will be phased out. So, I urge people to read such huge new job claims with a note of caution.”

At the same time, Glyn cites two studies that basically confirm the positive occupational effects, following the transition from carbon to green energy propulsion systems (sources below). “[It] will generate significant investment in R+D with consequential positive impact on the jobs sector as new solutions become operationalized. However, we must be mindful of the phase-out of traditional energy sector jobs, and should focus on the retraining and effective redeployment of affected workers into the new economy.”

Sources:

SkyNRG’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel Market Outlook May 2023
Sustainable Aviation Fuel Workforce Development: Opportunities by Occupation

Qatar Airways Cargo has the heart of a lion

Brigitte Gledhill
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Qatar Airways Cargo has the heart of a lion

… as it demonstrated once more with a recent WeQare shipment. Again, Qatar Airways Cargo partnered with Animal Defenders International (ADI), this time to transport six young lions to Africa, as part of Chapter 2 – Rewild the Planet – of the airline’s WeQare sustainability program. Those lions had been rescued from the illegal wildlife trade, and embarked on a long journey from Kuwait all the way to South Africa, where they were forwarded to the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary in Johannesburg.

Enjoying a new life at the ADI sanctuary in South Africa. Image: Lemon Queen

Dubbed the “Kuwait 6” on account of having been retrieved from Kuwait Zoo, where they had been looked after following their capture/confiscation from illegal situations. Kuwait government officials had contacted Animal Defenders International (ADI) and requested ADI to assist in finding a solution for the animals. The four males: Muheeb, Saham, Shujaa, Saif; and two females Dhubiya and Aziza, were either seized or captured after being abandoned and cared for at Kuwait Zoo. Their new home was to become a 455-acre sanctuary in South Africa.

The airline is well-acquainted with transporting animals to the highest standards. It recently inaugurated its new, state-of-the-art Animal Center and relaunched its Live product. The center is the largest of its kind, and some 550,000 animals are flown each year.

Mark Drusch, Chief Officer Cargo at Qatar Airways Cargo, stated: “We are proud to once again be supporting ADI, this time in bringing these six beautiful lions home to Africa. Our WeQare Rewild the Planet initiative is our commitment to returning wildlife and endangered species back to their natural habitat, free of charge. It takes a lot of effort and logistics for our team to organize moving such large animals; from the logistics at the airports, loading and unloading the animals from the aircraft, to ensuring the correct cages and wellbeing of the animals are in place, but it is something we are all collectively very proud and passionate to be a part of.”

Jan Creamer, President, Animals Defenders International, said: “The Kuwait 6 lions have their whole lives ahead of them and will have acres of space at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary. We are thankful to Qatar Airways Cargo and their WeQare program in once again supporting us by covering the cost of the air transport back to Africa. We are also very thankful to the ADI supporters who are helping to fund their care.”

Menzies celebrates 7th IATA CEIV Pharma certification

Brigitte Gledhill
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Menzies celebrates 7th IATA CEIV Pharma certification

And a premiere too, since this time the certificate was awarded to Menzies Aviation-Siginon Aviation over in Nairobi, Kenya, making it the first of Menzies’ stations in the Middle East, Africa and Asia (MEAA) region to receive the accreditation. The newly expanded facility now joins the IATA CEIV Pharma list of stations which include Sydney (SYD), Melbourne (MEL), London Heathrow (LHR) and Budapest (BUD) and Amsterdam (AMS) airports. The accreditation is the crowning final step to the cargo building expansion project that was recently undertaken at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. It now measures an impressive 21,000 m² (up from 15,000 m²), and boasts increased cold storage (up from 90 pallet positions to 250) as well as new docking stations for refrigerated trucks. A new yard area offers improved traffic flow management, and additional security cameras and lighting provide better security.

Fully audited and quality-stamped in NBO. Image: Menzies

The CEIV Pharma certificate is valid for three years, and is a clear quality stamp that shows that the company works according to IATA’s stringent standards. Independent Validators audit the processes within the warehouse and judge the company’s efforts and skills. The certificate shows that Menzies Aviation-Siginon Aviation’s has a best-in-class approach when it comes to handling high-value, time-sensitive, and temperature-controlled pharmaceutical products.

Charles Wyley, EVP Middle East, Africa and Asia, Menzies Aviation, said: “We’re immensely proud that our expanded warehouse at NBO has become the first cargo facility in the MEAA region to receive IATA’s coveted CEIV Pharma accreditation. NBO joins a growing list of Menzies cargo locations which have now been awarded this sought-after recognition. With pharmaceutical shipment volumes continuing to increase across the world, we are committed to effectively meeting demand while upholding the very highest cargo handling standards that this accreditation requires.”

Swiss WorldCargo and cargo.one extend partnership

Brigitte Gledhill
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Swiss WorldCargo and cargo.one extend partnership

By the end of this year, all of the markets in the Swiss WorldCargo network should be online on cargo.one’s booking platform – that is the goal the two partners have taken upon themselves. Not only the airline’s 170+ international destinations across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, but also key products from its modular portfolio. cargo.one users will be able to choose from SWISS General Cargo or SWISS Pharma and Healthcare. The latter can be combined with the transportation solution Celsius Passive, and X-Presso for those shipments requiring fast transportation. The airline is known for its expertise in healthcare and valuable shipments, and for its quality service which includes a well-functioning road feeder service as well as quick flight turnarounds at Zurich and Geneva Airports.

Swiss precision meets digital booking expertise. Image: cargo.one

“Swiss WorldCargo and cargo.one are collaborating with a shared focus on enhancing the customer’s end-to-end digital experience, by providing freight forwarders with accurate and bookable air freight market content,” the release revealed.

Lorenzo Stoll, Head of Cargo at Swiss International Air Lines Ltd., stated: “Swiss WorldCargo’s customers can find Swiss quality and reliability in everything we do. These values are consistently reflected in our digital proposition as well, in line with our ambitions to provide our customers with Swiss quality service. We are pleased to partner with the digital platform cargo.one to offer an enhanced digital booking experience and market presence.”

Moritz Claussen, Founder and Co-CEO of cargo.one, said: “Swiss WorldCargo capacity being available on cargo.one is an apt reflection of just how much care we take with each and every digital booking. We are proud to support Swiss WorldCargo in growing its digital presence, and collaborating to bring added long-term value to the market and the industry.”

Glasgow Airport’s cargo area gets GBP 2.17 million facelift

Brigitte Gledhill
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Glasgow Airport’s cargo area gets GBP 2.17 million facelift
Nico Le Roux, Business Development Director, Glasgow Prestwick Airport. Image: Glasgow Prestwick Airport

Not every day that you hear about a significant investment in improving cargo infrastructure, and yet, this week, Glasgow Prestwick Airport announced an investment of GBP 2.17 million in new cargo equipment as well as cold-storage facilities. The former has already manifested itself in the delivery of a second new high loader that will support the airport in achieving turnaround times of under two hours for a 90-ton load. Other improvements include new cargo equipment such as 12 new dollies, a heavy-duty pushback tractor capable of handling any aircraft type, a new Rapiscan X-ray machine with 7.5mm steel penetration, and cold storage solutions with a controlled range of -30C to +25C. The airport, which does not suffer from a night-flight ban or other flight restrictions, is focusing on developing its freight services. Its two high loaders have 20 and 35-ton capacities.

Nico Le Roux, Business Development Director, Glasgow Prestwick Airport, said: “We have one of the fastest turnaround times for air cargo in the UK, no slot requirements, and no restrictions. This investment is part of our ongoing commitment to providing world class freight services with 24/7 operations. We offer a cost-effective solution delivered by an experienced team, and our road, rail, and ferry connections make us an excellent choice for e-commerce operations seeking unrestricted services.”

AFKLMP Cargo and Kuehne+Nagel track ULDs

Brigitte Gledhill
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0
AFKLMP Cargo and Kuehne+Nagel track ULDs

Since the start of 2024, Air France KLM Martinair Cargo has been working with SkyCell technology and the corresponding SkyMind platform to keep track of its ULD fleet. SkyCell’s advanced Internet of Things technology enables real-time visibility of its ULD operations. Originally designed to enhance pharma transportation, the technology makes use of sophisticated tags and readers to deliver accurate, real-time data, giving the airlines vastly improved control and efficiency in its logistics operations. The sooner discrepancies or changes are detected, the quicker the airline can proactively take measures to counteract any deviations.

SkyCell facilitates the cargo airline’s ULD fleet tracking. Image: AFKLMP Cargo

Kuehne+Nagel has now joined in on the real-time ULD tracking move and chosen to support the process at its warehouse facility and Frankfurt/Main Airport (FRA). It installed gateway readers there on 06MAY24, enabling live tracking of SkyMind AFKLMP Cargo ULD devices. This is a first and significant improvement measure. The press release refers to it as “a significant step forward in the air cargo industry, revolutionizing ULD tracking and setting new standards for operational efficiency and customer service.”

Holger Ketz, Global Head of Air Logistics Network & Carrier Management at Kuehne+Nagel, explained: “Kuehne+Nagel’s installation of gateway readers at our Frankfurt facility showcases our dedication to embracing innovation and enhancing our services with the needs of our customers in mind. We are pleased to support Air France KLM Martinair Cargo as the first customer to utilize this highly innovative method of tracking ULDs, further reinforcing our position as an industry leader.”

Andy Newbold, Global Key Account Director at Air France KLM Martinair Cargo, said: “With SkyMind, Air France KLM Martinair Cargo will gain complete control over its ULD operations — mitigating the extensive manual efforts historically associated with ULD tracing and tracking, leading to substantial time and cost savings, as well as boosting operational efficiency. We are proud of this important step made by Kuehne+Nagel, showcasing their commitment to pioneering innovative solutions that ultimately benefit our mutual customers.”

cargo-partner tests first/last-mile e-trucks

Brigitte Gledhill
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0
cargo-partner tests first/last-mile e-trucks

The past two months have seen electric truck (e-truck) pilots being carried out across Austria and Slovakia, for first and last-mile delivery runs. Similar e-truck test routes are planned in other CEE countries, in line with the logistics provider’s comprehensive sustainability strategy. cargo-partner’s ultimate goal by the end of this year, is to have at least five cargo-partner branded e-trucks offering capacities of between 7.5 to 10 tons, in operation in Europe within the local Road Transport segment. The company will also invest in charging stations at its hubs to ensure seamless operations.

Bringing its sustainability efforts onto the road. Image: cargo-partner

The tests in Austria, which began at the end of MAR24, were carried out using a Mercedes-Benz eActros-300. This e-truck is capable of covering 250-300 km on a single charge. Trips operated from and around cargo-partner’s hub near Vienna Airport, were proven to be emission and noise-free. The truck was deployed in last-mile delivery routes covering numerous stops, and transported an average of around 5.5 tons of cargo on a daily basis. “A significant highlight was a tour to the nearby town of St. Poelten. Throughout the trip, the truck delivered cargo with a total payload of 6.9 tons, completing all customer stops over a total distance of 264 km. With an average energy consumption of only 1 kWh/km, the truck proved highly energy-efficient, as the board computer showed a remaining capacity of 38% or 166 km at the end of the day;” the release explained.

Over in Slovakia, from mid-APR24, it was a FUSO eCanter truck that was used in tests during a two-week period. It offers a power output of 123.9 kW, a 3.1-ton payload capacity using 12 pallets, and can cover up to 200 km on a single charge. Here, Bratislava was the main location for the daily test routes, though trial runs were also carried out between the Bratislava hub and cargo-partner’s warehouse in Dunajska Streda, and between Bratislava, Vienna, and Fischamend. The tests showed similar results to the Austrian pilots, at an average consumption of 1 kWh/km.

Thomas Schledorn, cargo-partner’s Chief Operating Officer Overland, stated: “cargo-partner is committed to driving sustainable innovation in the logistics industry. We are very pleased by the positive results of the initial trial runs in Austria and Slovakia, and we look forward to testing electric trucks in other countries soon. By introducing e-trucks for first and last-mile transports, we aim to reduce our carbon footprint and contribute to a cleaner environment while maintaining the highest standards of service for our customers.”

LATAM Cargo awarded environmental prize

Heiner Siegmund
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0
LATAM Cargo awarded environmental prize

UK-based media outlet Freightweek has recognized LATAM Cargo Chile as “the most sustainable cargo airline of the year in the Americas”. This distinction was announced at the publication’s 2024 Sustainability Awards event. The accolade recognized the airline’s efforts in the areas of circular economy, its multiple shared value initiatives and its advancements in limiting global warming.

The award considers outstanding airlines in the sector that are leading the way towards a more sustainable air cargo industry. On this occasion, the LATAM Cargo brand stood out against its competitors in its category, being selected by industry voters as the winner for presenting the most outstanding sustainability initiatives.

“For us, sustainability is one of the highest priorities of the industry. We have set ambitious goals for ourselves as we believe it is crucial to move towards carbon neutrality with a circular economic model and to support the communities where we operate. We proudly accept this recognition as the most sustainable cargo airline group in the Americas, as it reaffirms that we are on the right path and drives us to continue working strongly in our commitment to the environment and society,” said Cristina Oñate, VP of Sustainability and Product at LATAM Cargo Chile on the occasion of the event.

Nominations started in early 2024, with 1,200 companies participating in 17 different categories, including sustainability awards for entities such as airports, cargo airlines, handling operators, freight forwarders, among others. Five finalists were selected for each category from the candidates. LATAM Cargo Chile stood out as the only South American cargo airline among them, and the only winner.

LATAM, along with its cargo and passenger affiliates, has set ambitious goals, attempting to reduce and offset the equivalent of 50% of domestic greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, as part of its ongoing journey towards carbon neutrality by 2050. The scheme is based on the carrier’s sustainability strategy decided in May 2021, aimed at upping its commitment to protecting strategic ecosystems of South America, transitioning to a zero waste-to-landfill model by 2027, and making its connectivity capacity available for the benefit of the region’s communities.

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