Search
Home Blog Page 140

Spotlight on… Kristin Beck, Management Advisor, BeCon Projects GmbH

Brigitte Gledhill
-
0
Spotlight on… Kristin Beck, Management Advisor, BeCon Projects GmbH

CargoForwarder Global’s ‘Spotlight On…’ series makes a point of illustrating the many different functions involved in air cargo. Many individuals all have their part to play in ensuring that shipments get to their destinations on time, in one piece, and without posing a security risk to anyone. Each week, CargoForwarder Global invites an air cargo personality to the fore and asks them to explain what they do, what brings them to our industry and why, and what advice do they would give to anyone considering a career in air cargo. This week, we hear from Kristin Beck (KB), Management Advisor at BeCon Projects GmbH.

It’s a people’s business  –  image: Kristin Beck

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

KB: My role is Management Advisor at BeCon Projects (BC), one of the top global Air Cargo consulting firms which revolutionizes the industry by providing integrated consulting solutions: Our products reach from facility (pre-) design & Material Handling System (MHS) design for cargo warehouses, to e-commerce readiness checks, cargo operation’s optimization and IT consulting. Hence, we deliver one-stop shop solutions to our worldwide clients in Europe, the US, and the UAE. My responsibility is to advise BC’s management in strategy, HR, and marketing-related topics, and to support in IT-related projects at client side.

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

KB: In short: lots of calls, lots of alignment, coordination, and problem-solving. My normal day consists of diverse tasks such as moderating remote coordination calls with clients, managing the timeline of an implementation project, and coaching our management in regard to a specific topic, 1:1.

Working as a Management Advisor for BC is fun because I also get to travel for sales pitches and onsite workshops with clients in cities such as Paris or Amsterdam. TIACA or IATA events are also highlights of mine as I get to connect with industry insiders, there.

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

KB: Since June 2023! When I was a little girl, I used to witness my father have all these calls which sounded important. He was always busy solving people’s problems and connecting stakeholders in the industry. I got to know how passionate he always seemed for his founded business. It was thus a natural thing to do: first go to university, then work in a different industry to gain experience, and then join his company. Knowing from an early age on that it is a people’s business, is precisely the fact that fascinated me to switch from the software to the Air Cargo industry.

CFG: What do you enjoy most about your job?

KB: Stakeholder management, the commercial side of the job and the diverse facets of my job ranging from recruiting the right people, to being involved in the operational work, too.

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

KB: The mid management in Air Cargo giants will retire at some point and new, fresh talents must be attracted via digital social media marketing and recruited through modern tools.

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

KB: I would advise anyone who joins the industry to first start with familiarizing themselves with the industry’s supply chain and how it works. Then, speak to your manager on how to get really good at your job fast, and show up each day with a hands-on mentality. Meeting with different industry experts on a regular basis has shown me how important an open mindset is, as well as having the courage to try new ways of doing things and implement new technologies, for instance. Be authentic and use the training offered by industry communities such as TIACA.

So: open mindset, hands-on mentality, courage!

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

KB: It’s a people’s business.

Thank you, Kristin, for sharing your points.

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.

The ever-present AWB in air cargo

Brigitte Gledhill
-
2
The ever-present AWB in air cargo

Air Waybills (AWBs) have been around since 1929, ensuring that all the details pertaining to any one air cargo shipment are documented as a legal contract between the respective transporting parties. Though meanwhile largely transacted on a digital basis, they still require a lot of work regardless of their digital or analog form. And ECS Group this week shared information on its growing ‘VERIFY’ solution aimed at lifting that burden of repetitive AWB processes from the shoulders of airlines or their GSAs, to enable them to concentrate fully on revenue-generating, customer-facing tasks.

ECS Group’s Bulgarian and Indian Squair teams – image: ECS Group

But before we look at VERIFY, the brief tongue-in-cheek reflection on the state of eAWB implementation following a cheeky comment I had left on Cargo Director, Joszef Kossuth’s LinkedIn post last week regarding upcoming happenings at Budapest Airport, led me to run a quick search on eAWB penetration. And lo – what do we find? The original IATA plan was to have 100% eAWB penetration by 2022. We are now into 2024, and implementation appears to have stagnated at 85% in the past few years, now 14 years after its introduction. Pretty much like the eAWB information on the IATA website, which also seems stuck in SEP20 or JAN22, depending on which document you pull up. And any up-to-date target has quietly disappeared somewhere along the way.

From the passive to the dynamic
Switch to ECS Group’s Squair teams, and the AWB story is a much more dynamic one – as well as a completely digital one, too. The press release’s title last week was “One million AWBs and Growing”, in relation to the GSSA’s unique VERIFY product – or Ability – as the group prefer to refer to it. “Last month, ECS Group’s Squair team verified its one millionth AWB since VERIFY operations first began in MAR20. Squair offers a crucial and unique back-office service to airlines and GSAs, enabling them to concentrate fully on tasks of higher value for customers. The speed of industry adoption is fanning further expansion,” the release states.

VERIFY is the name given to Squair’s AWB verification and data capture service, wherein AWBs are processed, and any resulting billing queries are followed-up on. Data is consolidated and cargo sales reports checked. Given the lack of available staff in the industry, the possibility to outsource these processes is very welcome. “This centralized process optimization means lower operational costs for customers, and results in fewer Charges Correction Advices (CCA) and disputes,” the release confirms.

Positive growth
Dimitri Arnaudin, Managing Director at Squair, explains: “When Squair’s VERIFY product was launched in 2020, around 50,000 AWBs were processed in the first year. Today, our team handles that same amount in just a single month. 36 international clients located across America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania now benefit from the expertise and reliability of our service, and our KPIs clearly show the weight of workload that no longer rests on their shoulders. Squair is a digital native and sustainable company. Since the beginning, we’ve made processes paperless. Historically, AWB verification was done through printed AWB copies. Squair works with 100% electronic versions and its processes are supported using entirely cloud-based IT architecture.”

95% of all AWBs are processed autonomously and fewer than 5% of those AWBs require clarification in order to complete data capture. Less than 1% of AWB verifications result in a CCA and change in invoice to customers, hence overall, the team ensures 99%+ reliability. And in terms of AWB numbers, the team’s activity doubled in 2023 compared to 2022, and a 60%+ increase is predicted for 2024.

Fair and Squair
It is refreshing to hear a company confirm its commitment to diversity and gender equity. In FEB23, the original Squair team in Bulgaria was fortified by the creation of a second Squair team in India. Already by the end of 2023, the Indian team counted 14 staff, and is looking to double in size by the end of this year – always with a clear balance on gender, too. Arnaudin reports: “We now have 16 people working, and the plan is to keep growing the team up to 23 by the end of this year. To date, 57% of our team members are women, and at management level the ratio is 60% female.”

Squair is on its way to going global
Adrien Thominet, Executive Chairman of ECS Group, explained: “Squair’s growth strategy is fine-tuned to ensure continued consistent compliance with our customers’ SLAs. We currently operate out of 2 centers: one in Europe, one in Asia. Within weeks of inaugurating our India office last year, we began services in APAC, marking our first step in the region. Since then, we have attracted more data capture activities for this region, including Japan in July 2023, and Australia and New Zealand in December – all adding to our solid customer base in Western Europe and Northern America.”

Seems Squair’s VERIFY is the perfect in-between step for airlines battling resource issues and without their own digital solutions, before AI takes over the game completely – whenever that may be.

Garbe knocks on wood

Heiner Siegmund
-
0
Garbe knocks on wood

Garbe Industrial Real Estate is breaking new ground in the construction of freight terminals such as, for example, at Straubing harbor on the Danube River. There, a large warehouse is being built entirely out of wood, including the interior fittings. This is a world premiere, since there is no other warehouse of comparable dimensions constructed using just wood. The building equipped with 12 truck docks, offers users an area of 24,382 m² for the sorting, handling, or storing of their goods. It will be inaugurated in early 2025.

The Straubing warehouse and distribution center, built entirely of wood, consists of 27,000 sqm – photos: courtesy Garbe Real Estate

Going by the visuals tabled by the architect, the hall is a real eye-catcher. However, more importantly, it will offer tenants a pleasant working environment since wooden buildings are known for maintaining constant temperatures year-round due to their first-class insulation abilities. Most of the energy needed to power machines or run computers is supplied by solar panels mounted on the building’s roof. This lowers Garbe’s ecological footprint and is in line with the company’s philosophy of embarking on the green energy path and avoiding harmful ecological effects by relying on environmentally friendly materials in combination with efficient utilization concepts.

Unique project that could be duplicated
“The building is very functional, but certainly also somewhat unconventional. We, ourselves, are curious to see what impact the wooden freight terminal will have on employees and customers,” says Jan Dietrich Hempel, MD Garbe Industrial Real Estate GmbH. If the response is positive, he does not rule out further logistics facilities based on the unique Straubing project.

And what about fire protection? “Tests show that wood does not burn quickly over large areas. Insurance companies, therefore, do not demand higher installments from users. In addition, sprinklers are installed everywhere,” says the Garbe executive.

Garbe Real Estate executive Jan Dietrich Hempel pioneers new environmentally friendly construction methods for logistics facilities. 

New concrete – less greenhouse gasses
He eyes a second material suitable for building logistics facilities: CO2-neutral concrete. This is still being reviewed. Yet, initial tests are very encouraging, at least for prefabricated components. They have the same degree of hardness as today’s facilities which are mostly made of concrete. The big difference: “In comparison, a much smaller amount of greenhouse gasses is emitted during the production and processing of the new material,” notes the manager.

Occupancy rate of 96%
The Garbe Group, headquartered in Hamburg, has grown very strongly in recent years. This has spurred its expansion across Europe. Today, Garbe manages 222 properties across Madrid, London, Milan, and Warsaw, spanning 648,000 m2 at a stunning utilization rate of 96%. This positions the developer in fourth place in Europe, measured by its 2023 turnover of almost 4.6 billion euros.

Garbe owns two distribution centers at airports: the Cargo Center on the fringes of Hamburg Airport, and the World Cargo Center onsite at Leipzig/Halle Airport. No other airport project is currently written on the company’s to-do list. “The development of logistics real estate at airports and seaports is generally very complex due to the potentially major influence exercised by the different stakeholders owning the property.”

The interest-rate trap
Founded in 1965 by Bernhard Garbe, the company has been jointly managed by his son, Christoper Garbe, and Jan Dietrich Hempel since 2010. Jan Philipp Daun and Andrea Agrusow complement the executive team. Today, the Garbe Group consists of these five units: Industrial Real Estate, focusing on developing Office and Residential real estate  /  Office and Housing Projects  /  Asset Management for Housing and Office Space  /  Infrastructure GmbH  /  and Property Management GmbH.

Interest trends have a strong influence on the financial performance of the logistics and asset management company. They spur or slow down the business. Currently, experts such as Tobias Kassner, Head of Research and Member of the Executive Board of Garbe, are quite confident regarding the second half of this year. He expects the European Central Bank to cut interest rates come July. If so, financing real estate and logistics projects should become less costly – and lead to higher profits. The Kassner expectation is music to the ears of the entire Garbe Group. Should the prediction become true, it could perhaps lead to more freight terminals being built using wood, similar to the Straubing project. 

WestJet Cargo enriches the French cuisine…

Heiner Siegmund
-
0
WestJet Cargo enriches the French cuisine…

… and delights travelers and cargo customers alike. The background to this is that the Canadian airline is flying to Paris again, after a major interruption to the route. The flights, operated daily, take off from Puerto Vallarta (PVR) in Mexico, to Calgary (YYC). There, the freight consignments are transferred to the carrier’s B787 passenger fleet bound for Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG). In this way, plenty of agricultural products grown and harvested in Mexico cross the Atlantic on board of the Canadian carrier’s fleet.
CargoForwarder Global (CFG) spoke with Kirsten de Bruijn (KdB), Executive VP Cargo, about this new air service which pleases French supermarkets, consumers, and restaurant operators.

WestJet Cargo’s Kirsten de Bruijn is one of the most dynamic and innovative managers in the global air cargo industry – courtesy: WestJet Cargo

CFG: Kirsten, in a joint statement it is said that WestJet Cargo and your cooperation partner, sales agent ECS, are determined to integrate sustainable practices into the CDG services, reflecting the companies’ dedication to environmental responsibility. Could you elaborate on this, please?

KdB: By closely collaborating, both companies—ECS Group and WestJet Cargo—demonstrate their shared dedication to environmental stewardship.

The Paris route, which supports the transportation of Mexican perishables, promotes sustainable agricultural practices, and strengthens global food supply chains, benefiting local farmers. By fostering strong relationships with suppliers and logistics providers, the partnership enables effective communication and collaboration to implement eco-friendly initiatives across the supply chain. This said, the following key aspects are worth noting:

  • Temperature-controlled transportation
  • Use of locally sourced perishables, produced in the western parts of Mexico.
  • Structured transportation schedule on this route, of 5-7 days a week.

ECS Group’s technological innovations such as the Quantum e-quotation system and Apollo business intelligence platform, contribute to the efficiency and sustainability of cargo operations. These tools optimize route planning and reduce fuel consumption, thereby supporting sustainable transport.

Additionally, WestJet Cargo may engage in community projects that promote sustainability, such as tree planting, clean-up campaigns, and support for local environmental initiatives.

A broad spectrum of services

CFG: WestJet Cargo continues to remain focused on providing high-quality, offering efficient and technologically advanced cargo services to meet the dynamic needs of its global customers. Kindly illustrate these keywords to make them more tangible.

KdB: My pleasure. High Quality/Reliable Service translates into prioritized on-time performance and customer satisfaction, providing a dependable service for our customers.
Diverse Cargo Options: By offering a wide range of cargo options including general cargo, perishables, and mail, the airline can cater to various customer needs and industries.
Customer-Centric Approach: WestJet Cargo emphasizes listening to customers and understanding their needs to offer tailored services and solutions that align with their expectations and demands.
Strong Partnerships: Collaborations with experienced logistics partners such as ECS Group, help enhance the overall quality of cargo operations through shared expertise and resources.

Efficient, Optimized Load Factors: By working to optimize load factors on flights, WestJet Cargo maximizes the efficiency of cargo transport and reduces wasted capacity.
Strategic Hub Network: Utilizing Paris CDG as a central hub and expanding operations through key routes, optimizes cargo transport and streamlines connections across Europe and beyond.
Continuous Operation: Year-round operations on key routes provide stability and consistency, allowing the airline to nurture stronger relationships with customers and partners.
Close Supplier Relationships: Maintaining respectful relationships with suppliers and logistics partners ensures smooth operations and minimizes delays or disruptions in the supply chain.

Technologically Advanced Digital Booking Platform: WestJet Cargo’s use of a digital booking platform streamlines the reservation process and provides customers with a convenient, user-friendly interface.
Advanced Tools from ECS Group: The use of ECS Group’s Quantum e-quotation system and Apollo business intelligence platform allow for efficient management of cargo capacities and market analysis.
Data-Driven Insights: Leveraging data analytics tools enables WestJet Cargo to make informed decisions about cargo operations, optimizing efficiency and performance.
Innovative Solutions: By adopting new technologies and staying current with industry trends, WestJet Cargo can continuously improve its services and better meet the evolving needs of its global customers.
Collaboration on a proof-of-concept initiative with WireMind to enhance capacity forecasting using AI-driven solutions, aiming to optimize cargo sales and operations for the WestJet passenger bellies.
Booking platform Cargo One – to enhance booking process for freight forwarders.

Cargo and passenger services differ significantly

Avocados harvested today in Jalisco, West-Mexico, are available at French markets three of four days after – Source: Informador.MEX 

CFG: WestJet inked codeshare agreements with multiple airlines. Does this include closer cooperation in freight matters as well or is cargo a different animal?

KdB: Cargo is a different animal. WestJet’s codeshare agreements with airlines such as AF-KLM, Delta, and Emirates, are primarily centered on passenger operations and may not necessarily include closer cooperation in freight matters. Although these codeshare agreements might facilitate dialogue and communication between the airlines on various operational aspects, passenger and cargo partnerships are typically handled separately.

The requirements for cargo and passenger services differ significantly. Cargo services involve specialized handling, storage, and transport conditions to safely move goods, while passenger services focus more on providing comfort and convenience for travelers. Additionally, cargo and passenger services cater to different markets and have distinct goals and strategies.
Codeshare agreements can lead to network expansion, which may indirectly benefit cargo operations by providing access to new markets. However, cargo partnerships usually involve their own interline agreements that are separate from those in passenger operations.

CFG: WestJet serves Gatwick, Heathrow, Edinburgh, Dublin, Rome, Barcelona, and Paris CDG. Which of these routes are operated seasonally, which year-round, and are there any other European destinations on your wish list?

KdB: Seasonal routes are Gatwick, Edinburgh, Dublin, Rome, and Barcelona. Paris and Heathrow are year-round. Paris opens more sales and connections for all of EU, whereas Heathrow primarily feeds UK and Ireland. Both serve as great interline hub connections.
While we are currently not able to share specific details about potential new European destinations, we are always evaluating market opportunities and exploring potential expansions that align with cargo goals.

CFG: Thank you for these explanations and good luck with your PVR – YYC – CDG services.

WestJet lands in the land of volcanoes
Further to this, on 15MAY24 WestJet launched flights between Calgary and Reykjavik, Iceland. They are bolstered by an interline agreement with Icelandair. This enables passengers to travel across Icelandair and WestJet’s network via one boarding pass, with the convenience of a single check-in and baggage tagged and checked to their final destination.

“Iceland offers one of the most geologically diverse and breathtaking landscapes in the world and we are thrilled to provide convenient direct access to Reykjavik as we continue to expand our European network,” said Angela Avery, WestJet Group, Executive Vice-President, Chief People, Corporate and Sustainability Officer.

“This new route is about more than just the connection between two cities, it’s about recognizing a mutual commitment to global connectivity. In advancing that commitment, every step, every new destination, counts towards solidifying YYC’s role and status as a global hub,” commented Chris Dinsdale, President and CEO of The Calgary Airport Authority.

Mother’s Day flowers with a clearer conscience

Brigitte Gledhill
-
0
Mother’s Day flowers with a clearer conscience

Cleaner skies will only happen when everyone comes together – as shown by Kuehne+Nagel, LATAM Group, and Elite Group in this year’s flower season. The three again agreed to invest in SAF for the flowers being flown out of Bogotà, Columbia, to Miami, in time for the American Mother’s Day, celebrated on 12MAY24. It is the second time within a year, that the three have collaborated on a SAF sustainability initiative. This time, a total of 34,615 liters of SAF were purchased, resulting in a reduction of 55 tons of CO2 emissions on that route, during the transport of more than 1.6 million flower stems. The SAF used had been produced from used cooking oil, in this case. All three have clear sustainability targets. In Kuehne+Nagel’s case, the reduction of emissions is a core topic of its Roadmap 2026 and Vision 2030.

Moved using cooking oil SAF. Image: Kuehne+Nagel

Yngve Ruud, Executive Vice President Air Logistics at Kuehne+Nagel, said: “It is crucial to drive actions in the industry that emphasize the importance of establishing a sustainability strategy. Based on long-term collaboration, the impacts of the initiatives developed increase over time. The decarbonization challenges faced by logistics companies are ambitious, and the only way to achieve them is by leading the conversation and actions around the ESG agenda at a global level.”

Andrés Bianchi, CEO of LATAM Group subsidiaries, stated: “This alliance deepens the LATAM group’s commitment and efforts against climate change, with which we challenge ourselves to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. Collaboration between the different actors in this industry is essential to advance at the pace necessary to achieve our goals. We hope that examples like this will help to generate more solutions that contribute to decarbonization and encourage the development of this type of fuel in South America where there is great potential.”

Speaking for the flower companies in Elite Group, its Executive Vice President, Galo Sánchez, commented: “This initiative aligns perfectly with our broader environmental, social, and governance (ESG) objectives, underscoring our goal of net zero emissions while maintaining a positive impact on the environment and the communities in which we operate. Adopting SAF protects our environment and enhances the reputation of air transport, ensuring the longevity of numerous jobs throughout our supply chain. As a leader in our industry, we remain steadfast in our mission to unite innovation with responsibility, driving progress while upholding our commitment to the planet and our global community.”

IAG Cargo arrange €1.5 million perishables upgrade at MAD

Brigitte Gledhill
-
0
IAG Cargo arrange €1.5 million perishables upgrade at MAD

In total, €12 million have been invested in IAG Cargo’s Spanish hub over the past 6 years. The latest €1.5 million of those have gone into an expanded perishables facility at Madrid (MAD) Airport, including state-of-the-art cool chambers – the largest at Madrid airport, in fact. They ensure even more reliable and efficient cold chain operations, and temperatures are monitored 24/7. The hub can now cope with increasing volumes of fruit, vegetables, meat, and fish, travelling between Latin America and Europe. Already the hub sees much asparagus coming in from Peru and Los Angeles, papayas from Brazil, mangos from Dominican Republic, meat from Argentina and Uruguay, and hake, salmon, and other fish from Chile. All these products touch EU soil for the first time as, according to the press release, the Madrid hub is the first point of entry into the EU for perishables, thanks to the many IAG Cargo connections from Latin America. The new perishables extension brings the facility’s total capacity to 1,340 m² – in increase of 45%.

State-of-the-art cooling chambers to keep things fresh in MAD. Image: IAG Cargo

Fernando Terol Armas, Director of Spanish Hub and Operations at IAG Cargo, commented: “We are thrilled to announce this latest investment in our Madrid facility, which further demonstrates our commitment to providing the highest quality service to our customers. With the expansion of our temperature-controlled space and state-of-the-art cooling chambers, we can now offer even greater capacity for perishable goods, ensuring their integrity is maintained throughout the supply chain. This investment will enable us to continue to serve as a vital link between Latin America and Europe, and we look forward to supporting our customers’ growth in this region.”

Ramon Rey, International Director of Eurobanan (includes Isla Bonita fruits), stated: “We are delighted by the additional capacity IAG Cargo has created at their perishables facility in Madrid. This development will allow us to continue delivering premium quality fruits and vegetables to consumers across Spain year-round. With enhanced logistics, IAG Cargo enables us to ensure that freshness is never compromised.”

dnata names new MD in Singapore

Brigitte Gledhill
-
0
dnata names new MD in Singapore
Su Yin Neo. Image: dnata

This week, dnata announced – with immediate effect – the appointment of a new Managing Director in Singapore: Su Yin Neo, herself Singaporean, is now tasked with managing the company’s 1,500 employees in the region, and keeping things running smoothly for the more than 50 airlines that dnata provides ground handling and cargo operations for at Changi Airport (SIN). Su Yin is no stranger to air cargo and aviation and enjoys good standing in the industry, judging be all the congratulatory messages on LinkedIn. She comes over from Singapore Post Ltd where she spent the past five years – most recently as Chief Executive Officer since NOV21. Singapore Post is one of Asia Pacific’s leading postal and e-commerce logistics providers. Before that, she spent almost three years at Changi Airport Group, in the function of General Manager, managing ground operations and customer experience within the terminals. Prior to that Su Yin spent eight years with the Republic of Singapore Navy.

Charles Galloway, Regional CEO for dnata in Asia Pacific, to whom Su Yin will report directly, said: “We are delighted to welcome Su Yin to our APAC management team. With an impressive background in the logistics and aviation industries, she brings a wealth of experience and expertise to dnata Singapore. Her leadership will play a key role in driving our efforts to further enhance our reputation for excellence in the industry. We look forward to working closely with Su Yin to deliver the promises our customers make.”

Posting an image of the view from her new office window on LinkedIn, Su Yin Neo, commented: “Truly enjoying the view from my office as well as the warm welcome from the dnata global, SG and APAC teams. Look forward to helping Singapore take flight to new heights!”

Menzies announces new Chief Executive for Menzies CNAC

Brigitte Gledhill
-
0
Menzies announces new Chief Executive for Menzies CNAC
Raymond Lo is Chief Executive of Menzies CNAC. Image: Menzies

Earlier this year, Jardine Aviation Services Group was acquired to 50% by Menzies (in joint venture with China National Aviation Corporation [CNAC]), and is being rebranded as Menzies CNAC Aviation Services Limited. This week, its Chief Executive was announced: Raymond Lo, who has been with Menzies for the better part of a quarter of a century, starting out as Finance Director for China operating out of Hong Kong, and eventually taking up the post of Managing Director of Menzies Macau Airport Services Ltd, ten years ago. He took up new new role as Chief Executive on 01MAY24, taking over from Vivien Lau who was acting as Interim Chief Executive in the meantime. She will resume her permanent position at Jardine Matheson at the end of JUN24, to allow for a smooth handover.

Darren Masters, EVP – Oceania, SE Asia and China, Menzies Aviation, said: “We are thrilled that Raymond will be at the forefront of Menzies CNAC – an exciting new joint venture that’s set to broaden our footprint in Asia. Raymond’s extensive experience and proven track record means that he is perfectly placed to lead our efforts in supporting Hong Kong’s rapidly expanding aviation sector. We look forward to working with Raymond as we embark on this exciting new chapter.”

Etihad’s Hermes 5 upgrade is successful

Brigitte Gledhill
-
0
Etihad’s Hermes 5 upgrade is successful

Hermes Logistics Technologies (HLT) announced this week, that the upgrade to Hermes 5 at Etihad Airport Services Cargo (EASC)’s hub in Abu Dhabi, went well. As well as running on the newest cargo management system (CMS), the airline will soon also benefit from Hermes’ Business Intelligence add-on, which is planned to go live next month. Both companies worked intensively together – both on and offsite – with the aim of ensuring minimum downtime during hub operations as the CMS switchover went live.

Soon to benefit from digital business intelligence. Image: Etihad

Yuval Baruch, Chief Executive Officer of Hermes Logistics Technologies, commented: “We are pleased to see Etihad Airport Services Cargo going live with our latest Hermes 5 on-premises in Abu Dhabi. We have worked with the company since 2015, and our teams have collaborated closely on this implementation to ensure a smooth switch-over. In addition to the operational efficiency and new functionality of the upgraded CMS, EASC will benefit from an enhanced version of Hermes Business Intelligence, a comprehensive dashboard reporting tool based on Hermes’ extensive data lakes. The combination of these solutions will help the company with operational insight so it can make better-informed decisions.”

Naresh Ranganathan, Acting Vice President at Etihad Airport Services Cargo, said: “Our upgrade to Hermes 5 has been a success, owing to the strong collaboration between Hermes Logistics Technologies and our teams. We were able to complete the process ahead of schedule, thereby minimizing downtime for our air cargo operations and enabling us to seamlessly resume normal business operations. The inclusion of the Business Intelligence function will help us better understand where operational efficiencies can be made, so we can provide efficient cargo handling services at our hub for all airlines operating into Zayed International Airport.”

MotoGP™ selects Qatar Airways Group as official partner

Brigitte Gledhill
-
0
MotoGP™ selects Qatar Airways Group as official partner

“Qatar Airways takes pole position, commencing its three-year partnership as the Official Airline Partner and Qatar Airways Cargo as the Official Cargo Airline Partner of MotoGP,” the press release announces. Given the recent successes – the airline’s first Grand Prix last year, and earlier this year (the Qatar’s Lusail International Circuit, 08-10MAR24), it has now been chosen to provide air transport of race and bike equipment for all MotoGP races around the world, as the Official Cargo Airline of the MotoGP. Announced on the eve of the 2024 French Grand Prix, with the signing ceremony taking place before the start of the Qatar Airways Grand Prix 2024, the partnership will particularly aid “MotoGP in catering for Asian fans – a market where the sport continues to grow exponentially.”

The fastest wheels fly Qatar Airways Cargo. Image: Qatar Airways Group

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “Qatar continues to demonstrate its commitment to being a prominent hub for motorsports, and our new partnership with MotoGP only propels us forward. The Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar was the perfect season opener for us to welcome this unique partnership that combines the worlds of aviation and motorsports. Qatar Airways’ and Qatar Airways Cargo’s global networks will serve as the perfect medium for fans to connect with their favorite racing teams and make the upcoming seasons truly exceptional.”

Mark Drusch, Chief Officer Cargo at Qatar Airways Cargo, stated: “Whether it is a classic, a prototype or your favorite set of wheels, Qatar Airways Cargo offers specific solutions to transport automobiles by air. As the largest air cargo carrier in the world, operating an extensive global network on a young modern fleet and bespoke charter solutions in place, we meet the requirements to be dedicated air cargo carrier for the MotoGP. The cargo team and I are thrilled with our first major sports partnership with Dorna Sports and look forward to bringing motorcyles to their global events.”

Carmelo Ezpeleta, Chief Executive Officer of MotoGP rights holder Dorna Sports, commented: “We’re very happy to welcome Qatar Airways as official airline and confirm this new agreement. MotoGP is a global sport and to move across the world as we do, a partner like Qatar Airways has overwhelming value for our personnel, our freight and the whole paddock. Efficiency and excellence are words we live by and the same is true for Qatar Airways. There is no better partner to become the official airline of MotoGP.”

1...139140141...172Page 140 of 172

About us

Most recent

Most popular

Subscribe