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Spotlight on… Anna Balan, Head of CargoBooking, Awery

Brigitte Gledhill
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Spotlight on… Anna Balan, Head of CargoBooking, Awery

CargoForwarder Global’s ‘Spotlight On…’ series illustrates a different career aspect of the air cargo industry each week. From airlines to airports to forwarder, handlers, all the way through to those providing software backbones to the industry. Awery is one such IT multitalent helping to facilitate cargo booking practices and thus speed up the handling of the air cargo data required to ensure that shipments travel smoothly from A to B. CargoForwarder Global hears from Anna Balan, Head of CargoBooking at Awery Aviation Software, as to what her job entails, how she came into the industry, and what advice she has for those looking to join it.

Lean into digitalization – not run from it! Image: Meantime Communications

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

AB: As Head of CargoBooking, an instant air cargo quote and booking platform powered by Awery Aviation Software (Awery), I run a team of 17 people, working to encourage an industry-wide adoption of digital tools. I’m responsible for heading up the continued development of the CargoBooking platform, driving its rapid adoption among airlines and their GSA/GSSAs.
Additionally, I manage the development of eMagic, an AI-powered tool embedded into the CargoBooking platform. eMagic has been designed to process the content of incoming emails and texts, converting inquiries into readable formats. My team and I are continuously working to make eMagic as accurate as possible, with the tool already guaranteeing 99% data transfer precision.

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

AB: My normal day begins with an internal meeting in which we address tasks that need completing that day. We talk them through, discuss the best approaches, and plan the day in line with assigned responsibilities.
During the day, I usually have several customer calls where I listen to feedback and openly gather ideas for improvements to meet the market demand. We are focused on launching CargoBooking for more GSA/GSSAs and airlines globally, so I am currently involved in all of these meetings.

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

AB: I’ve been working in air cargo industry since 2018. Initially serving as a Software Development Project Manager, I then became a Product Manager, before taking on the role of Head of CargoBooking in 2022.
My journey in the logistics and air cargo sector began in 2015 with A1 Logistics, where I held the position of Operational Manager which laid the groundwork for my subsequent roles. I became the Import/Export Manager at Sea Logistics in 2017, and then had the offer to join the business aviation start-up company, Jet Union, to implement the “uber” technic in private jet chartering – sharing a flight and splitting the cost. That was my way to the aviation sphere and getting acquainted with Awery.

CFG: What do you enjoy most about your job?

AB: Awery has been the company in which I feel most supported and valued with every idea and initiative I bring to the table. It’s the atmosphere of creativeness and complexity that drives my growth. Every day is different, and I appreciate the challenge of continuously learning and adapting to new situations.

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

AB: The biggest hurdle that air cargo faces is hesitancy to embrace the available technologies. As an industry, we need to lean into digitalization, and not run from it. The benefits of AI and automation are now so great, that companies slower to implement are already falling behind.

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

AB: Ask questions, create a network, and stay fearless; try to enjoy the challenges in front of you, seeing them as opportunities instead. That is what you need to progress and grow.

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

AB: “Be the first”. There is so much room for talent, innovation, and technology in this sphere, so those who are passionate should not miss the chance to bring ideas that will change the air cargo industry.

Thank you, Anna, for your insights.

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.

Proposed B777 ban angers Brussels cargo community

Marcel Schoeters
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Proposed B777 ban angers Brussels cargo community

The instruction issued by the outgoing Belgian federal Transport minister Georges Gilkinet (Ecolo / Greens) to ban the use of DHL’s B777Fs at Brussels Airport, has met with a tidal wave of disapproval in the economic community at and around the airport. The move is seen as political mainly.

Mr Gilkinet says that DHL and Aeorologic have been operating illegally for a decade, as legislation introduced on 3 May 2004 states that aircraft with a noise QC over 8 would be banned from night operations. The B777F, so it seems, has a QC of 10.7. Even then, an exception was made for DHL’s B777’s, with the integrator limiting the payload on the aircraft which would make them less noisy on take-off.
If DHL were to follow the instruction, it would have to replace its B777 freighters by A300’s, which are a lot smaller, would have to be fully loaded and would thus be much noisier than the triple Sevens.
Mr Gilkinet claims that, since 2021, DHL has not come forward with concrete solutions to operate within the legal framework, even if the company has other less noisy aircraft at its disposal. The minister said that he gave the instruction to implement the legislation fully as early as on 24 July last year.

Air Cargo Belgium is unlikely to offer Transport Minister Georges Gilkinet an honorary membership  –  picture: courtesy federale-regering-be

Unilateral and without concertation
On the regional – Flemish – side Mr Gilkinet’s initiative is seen as no less than a provocation, to clip the wings of Flanders’ second important economic cluster after the Port of Antwerp-Bruges. The Flemish regional government considers the minister’s move as politically inspired, as the current federal government has been caretaking since the latest parliamentary election on 9 June. This brought defeat for Mr. Gilkinet’s Green Party.
Kris Claes, CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Voka Vlaams-Brabant challenges the fact that a caretaking minister wants to impose unilaterally, without political concertation, a measure that would harm the citizens and would put one company in the crosshairs only. “This goes against all the previous discussions and consultations with different levels, and is also a direct blow to the efforts DHL has been making for years to reduce noise pollution,” he says. “This decision not only causes more noise nuisance for local residents, but also has a potential impact on employment at DHL.”

Kris Claes is CEO of Voka, the Chamber of Commerce of Vlaams-Brabant Province, credit: Voka

Conflict of interests
Some Flemish politicians consider the minister’s decision as a devious attempt to promote the Walloon airports of Liege and Charleroi to the detriment of Brussels Airport.
The Flemish government has now invoked a conflict of interests procedure, which will take the matter to the Concertation Committee, a body set up to manage the collaboration between the federal and the regional governments. This procedure automatically postpones the implementation of the measure by 60 days. By then the contours of a new more centre-right leaning – and economy-friendly – federal government should be clearer. In a press release, Brussels Airport has stated that it too regrets the far-reaching proposal of Mr Gilkinet. “This is happening without any concertation with the airport or the air industry. The European procedure for imposing exploitation limits has not been respected either. The airport, the industry and the residents do not benefit from the launching of this type of extreme and unsupported proposals. They only create uncertainty, concern and polarisation. They impede sustainable and balanced solutions to the benefit of all parties concerned.”

DHL/Aerologic’s B777Fs are in Mr. Gilkinet’s crosshairs – credit: Deutsche Post / DHL

Best widebody available
DHL spokesman Lorenzo Van de Pol admits that Mr. Gilkinet has been toying with the idea to withdraw the permission the company has enjoyed for over ten years. “Should this be carried out effectively, it would mean that DHL can no longer perform operations with the B777F from Brussels Airport during the night. In that case we would be forced to deploy other, less modern aircraft, which would indeed cause more nuisance for the residents. The B777 is the most modern and most quiet widebody available today on the global market,” he told CFG.
“Further, I understood that the Flemish government has invoked a conflict of interests against the plans of Mr. Gilkinet, which would put his instruction on hold and with discussion within the Concertation Committee to come first. So, as yet there are no immediate consequences for the DHL operation.”

Hahn Airport eyes e-commerce

Heiner Siegmund
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Hahn Airport eyes e-commerce

Frankfurt-Hahn Airport (HHN) will increasingly focus on e-commerce. All market forecasts predict that volumes will continue to rise sharply. So, the question is: should Hahn join the bandwagon or rather monitor the further market development before taking action? For Rüdiger Franke, CEO of operator TRIWO Hahn Airport, the decision has been made.

They are determined to push Hahn’s cargo business up front (left to right): Oliver Hellwig, owner of ground handler Hahn Cargo Services / Rüdiger Franke, CEO TRIWO Hahn Airport /  Robert Kurth, MD Hahn Cargo Services – photo: CFG/hs

HHN enjoys broad public support
The manager’s credo: only those who participate can shape the future. Regarding Hahn, this means that e-commerce needs to be put very high on the agenda in order for the airport to become a player in the million euros ballgame. The most important prerequisites: HHN operates 24/7/365, has a runway length of 3,800 m, offers cargo airlines the choice of two ground handling agents for shipment processing, and Hahn enjoys a dense highway network well connecting it to the trade centers in Luxembourg and the very populated Rhine-Ruhr region. Above all, the entire region supports the airport. A unique feature in aviation-critical Germany, as HHN provides jobs for more than 2,000 people in an otherwise rather structurally weak and rural region.

Limited control capabilities
Until now, however, Hahn Airport has tended to be a bystander in the global e-commerce business, with the flow of goods largely bypassing it and mostly landing in Liège or Budapest – much to the delight of the airport operators there, and to the detriment of Germany’s national budget. “This is because around 80% of the shipments arriving in Liège are transported on to end-consumers in Germany,” Franke maintains, critically eyeballing the Berlin government. He refers to a recent TV report in which it was stated that, on average, one million parcels arrive in Liège every single working day. Last year, over 2 billion low-value parcels (<€150) were brought into the EU. And it is estimated that 65% of these were declared with a commodity value below the duty-free threshold, in order to dodge duties. It would require thousands of additional customs officers to control the legal status of each individual shipment, which is virtually impossible.

Coffers full of money
According to EU regulations, all imports from third countries with a value of less than 150 euros, are exempt of duties. However, the import sales tax remains in the country the destination airport belongs to. “Berlin needs money, and the e-commerce business could provide the state with urgently needed funds to finance infrastructure,” Mr. Franke argues. Despite most of the Shein or Temu items flowing into the EU block of 27 have been ordered by Germany-based consumers, the coffers filled with import sales taxes remain in Belgium, Hungary or anywhere but Berlin. According to New York-headquartered Coresight Research, Shein alone controls around a fifth of the global fast fashion market. Together, Shein and Temu send an estimated 450,000 shipments a day to Germany with most of them processed in Liège or Budapest. 

Hahn Cargo Services offers 7,000 square meters of handling space and intends to nearly double its capacity – © psh / hdca

Focusing on e-commerce
The e-tailers’ business is based on drop-shipping. Their local stores send shipments directly from the manufacturer to Miami, Liège, Budapest, Chicago or Sao Paulo, bypassing distribution and sorting centers. This saves costs and reduces the price, which in turn boosts their growth.
When it comes to e-commerce, “we have to really step on the gas pedal now,” says Oliver Hellwig. He is the owner of the Hahn Cargo Center, which offers roughly 7,000 m2 of warehouse space. During our stay on 07AUG24, it was filled with a multitude of shipments flown to Hahn from non-EU countries by Silk Way West Airlines. The carrier serves the airport five times a week, operating a B747F. There used to be almost three times as many flights, but the German government curtailed the traffic due to the previously applicable traffic rights. “For Germany to be a functioning e-commerce location, we need a significant increase in flexibility in the allocation of flight rights, enabling a level playing field for all actors, be it EU-registered or other airlines,” says Robert Kurth, Managing Director Hahn Cargo Services.

Silk Way West Airlines and other cargo carriers up the tonnage handled by local agent Hahn Cargo Services. Picture: CFG/hs

Flexibility is paramount
Hahn’s e-commerce strategy will only succeed if the local authorities also play their part. What is required are flexible practices exercised by the border inspection point that controls the lawful import of a multitude of products. Airlines that transport perishables are particularly dependent on the rapid approval of imports by the relevant authorities. Take Egypt Air, for example, which has been landing twice a week at Hahn with A330Fs since 01JUN24, almost exclusively with general cargo on board of its freighters. However, from November to March, the airline will mainly carry perishables on behalf of producers in Egypt, to supply the European market. As the flights take also place on Fridays and Sundays for network reasons, a lot of flexibility on the part of the customs authorities is paramount to keeping the goods flowing.  

The dire times seem to be over
The border control point at Hahn, a central official requirement for checking and releasing goods in accordance with the multitude of EU regulations, was reopened in MAR24. A uniform interpretation and application of the European Customs Code in all member states of the block, would make processes easier and boost the business further, holds Mr. Franke. Following a prolonged dire period, air traffic is picking up at HHN again. Just days ago, a freight carrier from the Middle East that operates A321F aircraft among other variants, expressed high interest in cargo flights to and from Hahn, the HHN management confirmed. Provided both sides agree on the terms, the flights would operate several times a week, which corresponds to a weekly transport capacity of 100 tons on offer to shippers and forwarding agents. Perishables are definitely part of the products landing at Hahn. One more reason for the airport to count on the flexibility of the local customs authorities regarding night and weekend availability.

Aviation as an involuntary partner in Eco-Crime

Brigitte Gledhill
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Aviation as an involuntary partner in Eco-Crime

Globalization is excellent when it comes to stimulating economies, providing access to medical products, or keeping supermarket shelves well-stocked. Yet, it also poses risks to the balance in nature and numerous crimes have been committed over the centuries – both wittingly and unwittingly. With aviation providing the fastest link between any two corners of the world, we all should be aware of our responsibility in protecting natural habitats.

Walking in the Austrian mountains these days, I leave a trail of Himalayan Balsam corpses in my wake. In less than a decade, the plant has rapidly taken over the region, changing the countryside and suffocating native flora, so I try to remove it. It is literally a growing problem that, along with the ultimate in biodiversity killers – Japanese Knotweed – poses a serious threat to ecological balance. While Balsam, introduced to Europe in the mid-nineteenth century as a garden flower, does look pretty, Japanese Knotweed, capable of growing 10 cm a day in the summer months, can also cause serious problems to building foundations, flood systems and other amenities – never mind drop your house value by a good 15%. Removal is an immensely costly undertaking. And yes, Aviation is not to blame for the Balsam/Knotweed problem. The latter can be traced back to Ocean Freight, given that the German botanist and physician, Philipp Franz von Siebold, commissioned as a ship’s surgeon in the Dutch army, brought it back from Asia in the 1820s. Nowadays, it is classed as a Global Pest Plant and is even illegal in certain parts of the world.

Giant African snails are considered an invasive species. Image: CBS

Ignorance is risk
What triggered this article, however, was the recent CBS news that Customs agents at Detroit Metro Airport seized 90 live African land snails from passenger’s luggage on 30JUN24. They had been alerted by the strange smell and though the traveler from Ghana then admitted to carrying fresh food items, they had failed to mention that these not only included beef skin and fresh peppers, but also almost 100 three-to-six-inch-sized live snails. Acting Port Director, John Nowak, explained: “These snails are an invasive species that could negatively impact our economy. Our agriculture specialists are always keeping a watchful eye out for harmful plants, animals and insects.” While they would likely to have ended up on a restaurant menu, these snails are considered invasive since, were they to be released into the wild, they would consume a variety of plants and – like the Japanese Knotweed – could even “cause structural damage by using stucco on houses to meet their calcium requirement for shell growth,” according to a customs agent. Not the only snails to be intercepted nor the first invasive species to be stopped there: MAR23 saw a previous snail shipment and, back in OCT23, Detroit customs discovered an invasive Egyptian locust in an Italian cargo shipment – one of at least three such shipments to date.

International trade drives invasive species distribution
Those examples are just a tiny tip of the iceberg. An Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) report from 2023 reveals that over 37,000 non-native species have been introduced to ecosystems and regions around the world, with more than a third these introductions having occurred since 1970. Already they have been responsible for around 60% of global extinctions, and circa 200 new alien species are recorded every year. If nothing is done, 2050 will likely see 36% more alien species than in 2005. And transport plays a huge role, as the report confirms: “The increase in the transport and introduction of invasive alien species worldwide is primarily influenced by economic drivers, especially the expansion of global trade and human travel. There has been a fivefold increase in the size of the global economy over the last 50 years. International trade, which has increased nearly tenfold over the same period, represents the most important pathway through which invasive alien species are transported worldwide. There is a strong link between the volume of commodity imports and the number of invasive alien species in a region, and patterns in the global spread of species mirror shipping and air traffic networks.”

‘Partner in crime’
Air cargo facilitates the rapid movement of goods around the world, and while this is crucial for global trade, it also increases the risk of invasive species being introduced to new environments. A mainly involuntary ‘partner in crime’ in this regard, air cargo offers speed and volume, thus various insects, seeds, or even small animals that may have found their way into shipments or be undeclared items, can survive the journey and establish themselves in a new environment. The wide range of commodities transported also opens the door to hitchhiking pests and diseases. And since air cargo networks have a global reach, connecting even the most remote parts of the world, this potentially introduces invasive species to ecosystems that are particularly vulnerable due to their isolation. Time pressure, poor handling quality, and inadequate training can sometimes be additional factors: the higher the volume and the faster the turnover/turnaround in air cargo, the greater the risk of inadequate inspection and quarantine measures, allowing invasive species to slip through.

Effective biosecurity measures are crucial
Several proactive measures can and should be implemented to prevent the spread of invasive species through air cargo and passenger travel. These should begin with adequate awareness and training measures so that those involved in air traffic (passenger and cargo) can recognize and respond to potential biosecurity threats. Clear communication and collaboration with customs, sharing data on high-risk routes and cargo types can help to ensure that resources are focused where they are most needed. More thorough inspections should be carried out on air cargo, luggage, and personal items, particularly for flights originating from or destined for regions known to harbor invasive species. Airports should also have quarantine zones or facilities where suspicious cargo or items can be isolated and inspected without risking exposure to the surrounding environment. Similarly, aircraft should be thoroughly cleaned, including cargo holds, to prevent the accidental transport of insects, seeds, or other organisms. Likewise, containers should be sealed and treated to prevent stowaways like insects or rodents. Lastly, relevant ICAO and IATA biosecurity protocols should be adhered to. Does your company have a story to tell or best practice to share when it comes to biosecurity?

ESG Consultancy appointed as TIACA BlueSky Assessor

Heiner Siegmund
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ESG Consultancy appointed as TIACA BlueSky Assessor

The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) announced this month that it has appointed ESG Consultancy NV as its new, independent validator for the BlueSky program. The Belgian firm which is specialized in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), will adopt the methodology and protocols for the BlueSky program that were developed by TIACA in collaboration with Change Horizon. ESG Consultancy NV takes over from Change Horizon, thus securing continuation for all current and potential companies looking to implement and improve their sustainability strategies. “ESG Consultancy brings a wealth of expertise in ESG reporting, auditing, and consulting services, making them a natural fit for ensuring the integrity and transparency of the BlueSky program,” the press release states.

Francine Carron, CEO, ESG Consultancy NV. Image: TIACA

TIACA’s BlueSky program, launched in 2022, offers sustainability assessment, validation, and verification steps as a support to companies undergoing sustainability transformation. Participating companies can gauge their progress and see where they stand in comparison to their peers. BlueSky was developed to help accelerate the air cargo industry’s transformation to a sustainable future. Participants commit to improving across eight key objectives set out within TIACA’s Air Cargo Sustainability Roadmap. The independent assessment by ESG Consultancy, provides confidential results to participating companies, who can then adjust their transformation journey as required.

Glyn Hughes, TIACA’s Director General, expressed his thanks to Change Horizon and welcome ESG Consultancy: “We would like to thank Celine Hourcade, Change Horizon, for her work in developing the BlueSky program and wish her all the best in her future endeavors as the Vice President, Global Head of ESG/Sustainability SATS Ltd. ESG Consultancy has shown a commitment to ensure that the BlueSky assessments are conducted with the same high standards as previous assessments. We look forward to working with them as we continue to develop the program.”

ESG Consultancy NV’s CEO, Francine Carron, said: “We are thrilled and honored to be appointed as the independent validator for the BlueSky assessments. Our expertise in ESG will ensure that sustainability in the air cargo industry is not just a goal but a reality.”

Steven Polmans, Chair, TIACA, commented: “We are excited to work with ESG Consultancy as the newest independent validator for BlueSky. They have shown alignment with key principles that were part of the development of the BlueSky Program. Their expertise and knowledge of ESG standards will only add value to the BlueSky Program.”

My Allotments unveiled as new QR Cargo digital feature

Brigitte Gledhill
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My Allotments unveiled as new QR Cargo digital feature

Qatar Airways Cargo’s Digital Lounge now offers a new feature: ‘My Allotments’ allows freight forwarders to directly book allotments online – in the same, swift and user-friendly manner they are used to for single shipments. Furthermore, the new feature will help avoid overbooking as users can optimize the pre-planning of their allotment usage. For Qatar Airways Cargo, the launch of its allotment dashboard ‘signifies a big leap in the airline’s digital transformation journey,’ the release underlines, explaining the airline’s ‘commitment to simplify[ing] cargo booking services through digital transformation’.

QR Cargo focuses on the user’s digital booking experience. Image: Qatar Airways Cargo

Qatar Airways Cargo relaunched its online platform as a ‘Digital Lounge’ back in OCT22, as part of its Next Generation strategy. The portal offers a personalized overview to its users which now includes upcoming allotments into which customers can book. They are provided with real-time updates on the remaining capacity available on the flight, as well as auto-confirmation for bookings. Access to a 24/7 helpdesk along with advanced tracking and tracing functionalities round the portal off.

Mark Drusch, Chief Officer Cargo at Qatar Airways Cargo, said: “The ‘My Allotments’ feature in our Digital Lounge booking portal is proof of Qatar Airways Cargo’s commitment to leading the industry in technology, innovation and customer-centricity. This platform not only streamlines the booking process for our clients, but also embodies our dedication and drive towards digitalization and providing real-time solutions that enhance efficiency and planning. We are proud to set a new standard in the cargo industry, focusing on the requirements and feedback of our customers to continuously improve their cargo booking experience.”

Alpine Air Express signs up for 75 ERA

Brigitte Gledhill
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Alpine Air Express signs up for 75 ERA

While the USA and France may not see eye to eye when it comes to French Fries, French ‘flyers’ are a different kettle of fish altogether. French aircraft manufacturer, AURA AERO recently celebrated the signing of a significant Letter of Intent with ‘one of America’s largest regional air cargo carriers’: Alpine Air Express from Provo, Utah, has opted to purchase up to 75 ERA. The ERA is a hybrid-electric aircraft designed for operational efficiency based on advanced green technology and low-cargo aviation. “As the aviation industry continues to prioritize sustainability and cost-effectiveness, this freighter aircraft is poised to become a game-changer,” AURA AERO’s press release underlines. The new order which brings the total number of ordered units to more than 570 (at a value of circa USD 9 billion), will see Alpine Air Express begin operating its new fleet before the end of this decade. Today, it runs a fleet of 80+ aircraft, operating over 100 daily regional flights across the USA, transporting freight and packages for all the major freight delivery companies (UPS, Amazon and United States Postal Services, etc.), and offering last mile delivery.

Celebrating a big cargo order. Image: AURA AERO

The ERA order has been signed as a decarbonization measure. “ERA is a versatile aircraft which, thanks to its wide, full opening cargo door and well-matched combination of volume and payload [1.9 tons/flight], offers a very competitive range of possibilities for regional air freight operators, reducing maintenance and energy costs by more than 50% per ton of revenue cargo, when compared to older aircraft of the same category,” the release explains.

Drew McEwen, Chief Commercial Officer of AURA AERO, detailed: “Competitive advantages of ERA as a cargo aircraft with respect to traditional turboprops, include lower operating costs, optimized payload capacity for typical short haul freight and increased safety through state-of-the-art avionics and flight controls.”

Jérémy Caussade, CEO and Co-Founder of AURA AERO, added: “We are delighted to be taking a further step forward in our collaboration with Alpine Air Express, which started last year. This order underscores the confidence in ERA’s ability to deliver not only in terms of environmental sustainability but also in operational cost savings and performance. We believe the ERA cargo aircraft will set a new standard in the cargo market.”

Alpine Air Express CEO, Michael Dancy, stated: “Some aircraft serving the regional cargo markets are expensive to maintain. Alpine is excited to utilize this next generation technology to provide long term cost controls for its customers.”

Teleport adopts Wiremind’s Skypallet product

Brigitte Gledhill
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Teleport adopts Wiremind’s Skypallet product

With Teleport on board, Wiremind gains its first Southeast Asian Skypallet customer. Not only that, but the logistics provider will also be one of the first to get the full benefit of the upcoming Skypallet Version 2. The two companies signed the implementation contract on 01JUN24, upon successful completion of the Proof-of-Concept trial. The original Skypallet software version is currently being rolled out in staggered phases, and the subsequent SKYPALLET Version 2 deployment phase will be detailed as soon as the product is launched later this year. Teleport and Wiremind have also disclosed that they are exploring other initiatives and will continue to collaborate in future. Teleport first expressed interest in cooperation at the end of 2023. At that time, the logistics provider was looking for a digital solution for its capacity steering and load planning processes. Wiremind registered Teleport’s requirements and then arranged an accompanied trial period wherein the carrier was able to test all Skypallet’s features. In the end, it was the solution’s advanced algorithmic logic and extensive integration options that won Teleport over.

Skypallet ensures perfect load-planning every time. Image: Lemon Queen

Guillermo Medina Moralejo, VP Cargo Business Development of Wiremind, lauded: “Teleport is no stranger to advanced digital solutions, knows exactly what it wants, and provided us with excellent feedback during its extended SKYPALLET trial, earlier this year. This has willingly been incorporated in our SKYPALLET Version 2 roadmap, and Teleport will be among the first of our customers to benefit from the upgrade. And I am proud and thankful to say, Teleport is our first customer in Southeast Asia. With the region’s leading logistics provider on board, Wiremind has achieved a solid milestone on its global expansion journey.”

Milan Dhingra, Chief Product Officer at Teleport, commented: “As a tech-enabled logistics provider, we are continuously exploring ways to optimize while further simplifying our operations – from improving pallet configurations to reducing manual planning efforts and minimizing errors. With the latest addition of this upgraded dynamic load planning tool to our technology stack, we are confident that it will allow us to achieve greater automation and accuracy in our planning, which will result in better productivity and space utilization. All of which will positively impact our customers’ experience with Teleport.”

IBS Software and Singapore Airlines collaborate

Brigitte Gledhill
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IBS Software and Singapore Airlines collaborate

The software solution provider and the international airline already showcased the initial fruits of their collaboration at the IATA ONE Record roadshow in Singapore on 23JUL24. The two are working on developing a shipment record solution to accelerate and support the adoption of IATA’s ONE Record standards. The completed first phase, developed in conjunction with Cargo Community Network (CCN), was to enable the creation and sharing of shipment records across airlines, cargo community system providers and ground handling agents on the ONE Record platform. CUBEforall, CCN’s open data collaboration platform, enhances data exchange and transparency, while seamlessly integrating legacy systems with ONE Record standards.

Working together to create a shipment record solution. Image: Singapore Airlines

“Shipment records are one of the most frequently used documents in air cargo, forming the basis for all key processes in sales, planning and execution for organizations. Today, a single shipment results in multiple copies of shipment records across individual stakeholders, and the process of handling physical paper-based documents can be inefficient. Tapping on this new technology can help enhance overall operational efficiencies,” the release explains.

By digitizing shipment records in ONE Record, Singapore Airlines can work with a single source of truth which is also available beyond the physical life cycle of shipments. Streamlining data exchange makes for greater transparency across reporting, revenue accounting and future planning for all involved in the shipment’s journey. “Digital shipment records are fundamental for the future of digital cargo, providing a solution to address incompatible legacy systems, data duplication, and reduced data integrity,” the release states, and Singapore Airlines is continuing to collaborate with IBS on future use-cases.

Ashok Rajan, Head of Cargo and Logistics Solutions at IBS Software, commented: “Partnering with Singapore Airlines, a globally recognized leader in aviation innovation, to drive the digital future of air cargo is a significant objective for IBS Software. In today’s cargo industry, data accessibility and transparency are paramount. Data and digitalization are key enablers for the development of solutions that allow cargo carriers to grow and meet their customers’ evolving needs. We are proud to have the support of an industry pioneer like Singapore Airlines in enhancing accessibility and excellence in the digitalization of air cargo.”

Marvin Tan, Senior Vice President Cargo at Singapore Airlines, added: “At Singapore Airlines, we continuously invest and innovate in all aspects of the business. By co-developing a digital shipment record solution with IBS Software, we remain committed to meeting IATA’s ONE Record’s goal for enhanced data visibility for all our stakeholders. This collaboration positions both organizations at the forefront of cargo digitalization, as we unlock new efficiencies and business opportunities and respond to the evolving needs of the industry.”

Coming back to HKG after a nine-year absence

Brigitte Gledhill
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Coming back to HKG after a nine-year absence

Reasons to celebrate on 19SEP24, since that is the day Air France KLM Martinair Cargo resumes a regular Boeing 747-400ERF or BCF freighter service to Hong Kong (HKG) after an absence of nearly nine years. The flight, operated by Martinair, will take off from Amsterdam (AMS), travelling to HKG via Dubai (DWC), initially three times a week. Come the winter flight plan (27OCT24), the service will be increased to four times per week. Operating days eastbound will be Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. The return flights ex Hong Kong will take off on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Each flight will offer a capacity of 110 tons, and the airline advertises “seamless cargo movement across key international hubs and offering a wide range of onward connections to the Americas and Africa via our Amsterdam Schiphol hub”.

Adriaan den Heijer, EVP Cargo at Air France-KLM and Managing Director Martinair. Image: AFKLM Cargo

It speaks of “unparalleled flexibility across the routes AMS/DWC, AMS/HKG, and DWC/HKG, as well as return flights from HKG/DWC, HKG/AMS, and DWC/AMS” and a stronger freighter footprint in Asia. The new additions complement the existing services from Paris (CDG) to Mumbai (BOM) and Beijing (PEK).

In the same release, the airline group announces the suspension of some of its Latin American services, but ensures that its thrice-weekly freighter flights to Bogotá (BOG) via Miami (MIA), remain unaffected: We reported exclusively.

Adriaan den Heijer, EVP Cargo at Air France-KLM and Managing Director Martinair, stated: “In the East Asian market, the e-commerce segment is growing steadily, driving increased demand for efficient and reliable air freight solutions. The introduction of this new Boeing 747 freighter service is a crucial step in adding main deck capacity to our extensive belly network. This expansion not only strengthens our freighter footprint in Asia but also offers more options and greater flexibility to our customers. By enhancing our connectivity and broadening our reach, we are better positioned to support the growth and evolving needs of our global customer base.”

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