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Chapman Freeborn now offering Aerospace as a product

Brigitte Gledhill
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Chapman Freeborn now offering Aerospace as a product

Qatar Airways Cargo started the trend of a tailored Aerospace product in FEB25, followed by Emirates who launched a dedicated Aerospace and Engineering vertical that same year. Now air charter broker, Chapman Freeborn, has followed suit and brought its various aerospace-related logistics services together under one product aimed at freight forwarders and logistics providers, citing ongoing pressure across aerospace supply chains as the reason behind the move. The new product combines several of the company’s existing services – Full Charter, Part-Charter, Next Flight Out (NFO) and On-Board Courier (OBC) – under a single structure staffed by personnel focused specifically on aerospace shipments. It also includes a round-the-clock AOG (aircraft-on-ground) desk intended to handle urgent requests when aircraft are grounded awaiting parts, alongside other time-sensitive freight needs.

Introducing a product focused on Aerospace. Image: Chapman Freeborn

The setup covers a range of shipment sizes, from small, urgent components moved via courier or next-flight options, to bulkier cargo such as engines, tooling or other oversized aerospace parts that require dedicated charter space. Chapman Freeborn positions itself in this context as working alongside freight forwarders, effectively acting as a supplier to those companies’ own customers. An internal system is also used to flag unused capacity on existing charter flights, which the company says can help with pricing and routing to destinations not well served by scheduled cargo carriers.

The launch comes shortly after Chapman Freeborn received JOSCAR certification — an accreditation used across the aerospace, defense and security sectors to verify suppliers meet relevant compliance standards that are necessary when operating in tightly regulated environments. Belonging to the Avia Solutions Group, it also has access to other aviation-related capabilities such as aircraft leasing (ACMI), maintenance and repair (MRO), pilot training and ground handling.

James Gilliard, Vice President Cargo Sales Europe, explained: “The launch of our dedicated aerospace product reflects Chapman Freeborn’s continued focus on specialist solutions for sectors where reliability, compliance and speed are essential. By combining our charter expertise, time-critical capabilities and aerospace-specific processes, we are creating a more structured offering that supports customers facing increasingly complex supply chain challenges.”

Ben Cupidi, Aerospace Manager – Europe at Chapman Freeborn, commented: “Aerospace logistics often comes down to speed, precision and reliability. A delayed component can quickly affect aircraft availability, maintenance schedules or production timelines, so customers need access to the right air solution without delay. This dedicated product has been developed to support freight forwarders and logistics providers with specialist expertise, clear processes and rapid response.”

HKG renews Hactl’s franchise for another 15 years

Brigitte Gledhill
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HKG renews Hactl’s franchise for another 15 years

Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl) and Airport Authority Hong Kong recently signed an agreement to extend its cargo handling franchise at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) by 15 years. The renewed term takes effect in JUL28, once the current franchise lapses, and runs through to 2043. The deal cements Hactl’s position as Hong Kong’s largest independent air cargo terminal operator and locks in its role at HKIA for nearly two more decades, spanning a period in which the airport is expected to see substantial growth in cargo volumes.

A strong, long-term partnership in HKG. Image: Hactl

Hactl Chief Executive Frosti Lau framed the agreement as both a vote of confidence in Hong Kong and a long-term commitment to the city’s cargo sector. The company has earmarked HKD 1 billion for upgrading infrastructure, rolling out new technology, and deepening ESG practices across its operations, with the stated goal of lifting service quality while supporting more sustainable operations. The 15-year horizon gives Hactl and the carriers and forwarders that rely on its terminal, long-term operational certainty at one of the world’s key air cargo gateways. The agreement also signals continued confidence in Hong Kong’s air cargo sector at a moment when the airport is scaling up capacity through the Three-Runway System, positioning HKIA to defend its standing among the busiest cargo hubs globally through the 2030s and into the early 2040s.

Frosti Lau, Chief Executive of Hactl, said: “The signing of this new agreement marks an important milestone for Hactl, underscoring our commitment to Hong Kong and our global outlook, while reaffirming our long-term support for the city’s air cargo industry. We will continue to invest heavily, with at least HKD 1 billion allocated to modernizing infrastructure, deploying new technologies, and further embedding ESG principles into every facet of our operations – ensuring superior services while driving sustainable development. With the completion and commissioning of the third runway, Terminal 2, and other facilities under the Three-Runway System, coupled with the government’s strong backing, we are highly confident in the future of the air cargo industry. We will continue to leverage innovation and sustainability to actively align with Hong Kong’s positioning as an international aviation hub under the National 15th Five-Year Plan, reinforcing air cargo as a vital pillar of Hong Kong’s economic development.”

India boosts SAF: Countdown till Paris Air Show 2027

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India boosts SAF: Countdown till Paris Air Show 2027

The seed for a close SAF collaboration was planted at a previous ILA. There, India’s solar-power operated airport Cochin showcased a potential eSAF concept and an alternative to powering the facilities and buildings with fossil energy. Four years later, not much progress was made in the world regarding eSAF. India, however progressed in renewable energy deployment and expressed its interest to partner with like-minded players in the EU. To some extent, this collaborative intent was driven by German peers. At the recent Berlin-held air show ILA, the status of Sustainable Aviation Fuel in aviation, particularly cargo traffic, was one of the hottest topics discussed on and off stage.

The Berlin Brandenburg Aerospace Alliance booth at Berlin’s lLA aviation show – where SAF played a major role in panel discussions and expert talks – was extremely well-attended throughout the five-day event – photos: courtesy of BBAA

Renewable energy can be stored and exported as Green Hydrogen, or its derivative green ammonia for shipping purposes. This is part of Germany’s fuel resilience plan, in combination with decarbonization and greenhouse gas reduction, as demanded by ReFuelEU. But where are the SAF plants that can make use of economical Green Hydrogen from India? What hinders faster development? This subject was intensely discussed at a panel hosted by our author, Hugo Duchemin, during the recent Berlin air show (ILA) at the BBAA (Berlin-Brandenburg Aerospace Allianz) stand. Replay of Panel

Adamant support by Hydrogen Europe
The institution’s aviation manager, Laurent Donceel, clearly deplored the slow pace with which EU-India MoU’s get transformed into concrete action, and moreover, that they don’t develop more quickly into broader opportunities such as methanol as a pathway to SAF. He emphasized the fact that mandates are not taken seriously enough as targets for transition to SAF, but rather pushed aside by some airlines, with the excuse that not enough SAF is available. That more than welcomed  critical statement was supported by the two panelists of Germany’s global cooperation agency GIZ, one on stage and the other online connected from India: engineers Torsten Schwab and Sarthak Agarwal commented from a technical and logistical point of view how the precious feedstock from India can contribute in very realistic ways to ramping up SAF not only in Germany but across the block’s 27 member states. 

There was plenty to discuss at the Berlin Air Show between Karsten Mühlenfeld, CEO, BBAA (standing  left), Ajit Gupte, Ambassador of India to Germany and Klaus Dirk Herwig, head of the Hydrogy Group SE

No more excuses!
Olaf Krawczyk of Invest in Niedersachsen (Lower Saxony) then hit on that same nail with another hammer, explaining how the German North Sea ports Wilhelmshaven and Stade are offering a growing and meanwhile well-developed infrastructure for hydrogen imports, including ammonia-cracking and hydrogen pipeline extension. That is of course in the DNA of this federal state, having already the strongest renewable energy production of the nation, with respective hydrogen project development. Last but not least, hydrogen professor Dr. Klaus Dirk Herwig calculated for everyone’s benefit how importing hydrogen from India results in double-digit bottom-line savings, all transportation and transformation cost included.

India opens the gates to progress
Celebrated the day before on the same stage with India’s ambassador to Germany, Mr. Ajit Gupte, the growing partnership must be more than an enabler, rather an engine. Several delegation visits to India by Dr. Herwig with the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce have brought suppliers into constructive discussions with German hydrogen specialists and led to a major trust basis. Concrete projects like joint eSAF development will bring even more partnerships in engineering, aviation and aerospace. The Federation of Aviation Industry in India was represented in another panel the same day by their board member Dr. Vandana Singh. The message is clear: a dynamic and beneficial industrial and commercial exchange will fire up mutual innovation impulse on each side.

The sky is not the limit, it’s where to start!
This mantra can be taken literally when considering the brand-new space research partnership between Berlin and Bangalore, with many Indian guests being welcomed by BBAA’s CEO Dr. Karsten Mühlenfeld & team, and a more formal long-term agreement to be sealed at the Bengaluru Space Expo 7-9 September. And since space rockets fuel on hydrogen, here are eSAF synergies again.

Main takeaway: Collaboration between Indian airports and initiatives and their German peers on SAF has begun, seen by the airport of Cochin and its German partner BBAA. What is needed now are not new documents or presentations on SAF’s contribution to curbing greenhouse gas emissions from aviation, but practical steps that serve as examples and as inspiration for follow-up projects. Fact is that the foundations have been laid. After four years of consultation and discussion, the practical implementation of the announced SAF cooperation between Indian fuel providers and their German / EU contractors must now take place – to the mutual benefit of both sides. To be followed up at the Paris Air Show 14-20 June 2027, where BBAA has their own stand for the first time, with more SAF panels and clear targets. The countdown is on!

Hugo Duchemin

Discounter Lidl grows its maritime fleet

Heiner Siegmund
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Discounter Lidl grows its maritime fleet

However, Lidl’s vessels do not operate under its own brand but are listed on Tailwind Shipping Lines’ register. Founder and owner of both Lidl and Tailwind, is billionaire Dieter Schwarz. Now, the box liner’s first container ship, the ‘Panda 001’, is switching to the German flag, with Heilbronn becoming its home port. This reflagging is planned for the entire fleet.

One discounter, three shipping lines and a rail link – photos: courtesy of Schwarz Group

Even maritime experts have to read the name twice to believe it: Heilbronn – a city in southwestern Germany with a population of 131,000, whose most famous son was Wilhelm Maybach, the automotive pioneer. It is located 553 km from Rotterdam, on the North Sea coast, and a full 626 km from Hamburg. Now it has officially become home to the fast-expanding Tailwind Shipping Lines. Not surprising since Lidl is based in Bad Wimpfen, just a stone’s throw away from Heilbronn. This explains why Heilbronn was chosen as Tailwind’s headquarters, despite being located deep inland, away from traditional shipping routes.

Avoiding supply chain disruptions
Yet, the shipping company’s headquarters is of secondary importance. What matters more is the business objective to utilize the Tailwind fleet to ensure supply security and on-time delivery for the retailer’s 12,600+ supermarkets.

Lidl management cites supply chain disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic as the reason for the step into maritime logistics. Currently, Tailwind’s fleet consists of nine box ships and 33,000 containers in service, with five additional vessels on order.

Last week, the German flag flew for the first time at the stern of a Tailwind vessel, in this case, the ‘Panda 001’. This change is planned to be implemented gradually for the entire fleet. “In times of geopolitical tensions and fragile global supply chains, the choice of the German flag is a sign of responsibility, cooperation, and strategic agility. Every additional ship flying the German flag strengthens our security of supply,” said Transport Minister, Patrick Schnieder, on the occasion.

Although it isn’t visible in the photo, Lidl’s Panda 001 has recently started sailing under the German flag as will all Tailwind vessels be doing in future. 

Joining the top 30 club
Including the capacity of the five newbuilds, Tailwind’s total capacity reaches 80,000 TEU. This propels the newcomer into the ranks of the world’s 30 largest shipping companies. It enables Lidl to manage everything from a single source and control the supply chain from beginning to end. 

Three maritime routes
The first is an intra-Asian service connecting Vietnam, Malaysia, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. Secondly, Tailwind operates from Qingdao via Barcelona to Koper. From there, the imported goods are transported by rail to the discounter’s Austrian distribution center in Graz and then by truck to Lidl’s supermarkets in Central and Eastern Europe. Third in line, is a maritime feeder service that has been established between Barcelona and Moerdijk in the Netherlands. 

Originally initiated to transport non-food goods produced in Asia for Lidl, the service portfolio has continuously evolved. Today, customers who are not part of the Schwarz-owned Lidl cosmos, can also book their shipments on Tailwind vessels.

Spotlight on… Elke Stöber, Management Assistant and Marketing, LUG aircargo handling GmbH

Brigitte Gledhill
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Spotlight on… Elke Stöber, Management Assistant and Marketing, LUG aircargo handling GmbH

Each week, CargoForwarder Global shines its ‘Spotlight On…’ a different area of the air cargo industry to illustrate the huge variety of career opportunities it offers. Cargo handlers are a critical factor in the industry, since they serve as the operational backbone, enabling the safe, efficient and on-time movement of goods through global supply chains. One such cargo handler is LUG aircargo handling GmbH which is Germany’s oldest independent ground service company, founded in 1966, thus turning 60 this year. This week, Elke Stöber (ES), Assistant to the Management and Marketing responsible at LUG aircargo handling GmbH, tells us about her job, and shares her views and advice to anyone considering a career in air cargo.

When you come for 2 months, but stay 20 years! Image: Elke Stöber

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

ES: I’m the Assistant to the Management and responsible for Marketing at LUG aircargo handling GmbH (LUG). We provide air cargo handling and a wide range of services to airlines in Frankfurt, Munich, and Hamburg. I’m based in Frankfurt, our largest station, with roughly 350 operational staff and about 50 in administration. My responsibilities range from keeping our management organized (the toughest task of all [she smiles]) to marketing activities, presentations, event planning, business travel coordination, and internal and external communications. In addition, I manage our internal training platform for employees and coordinate our trade show activities, including our booth at transport logistic/Air Cargo Europe in Munich.

Since the Air Cargo Community Frankfurt was founded 12 years ago, with LUG as a founding member, I’ve also supported the competence team in marketing and communications. The Community is a cross-industry platform that brings together airlines, handlers, forwarders, and institutions to strengthen Frankfurt’s cargo hub through collaboration and innovation.

CFG: What does a normal day look like for you?

ES: There’s absolutely no such thing as a ‘normal’ day, and that’s exactly how I like it. I usually start by scanning my inbox and prioritizing tasks, but urgent requests often reshape the plan: a last minute presentation, travel arrangements, or meeting coordination. I also prepare our quarterly internal newsletter and manage our LinkedIn posts as well as many other tasks that require agility for unplanned opportunities.

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

ES: I’ve been in air cargo for exactly 20 years. I began my career as a freight forwarding agent focused on road transport, so my affinity for logistics started early. After several years in international transport, I moved to a well-known electronics manufacturer where I handled international claims. I entered air cargo by chance when I joined LUG for what was meant to be a two-month temporary assignment as an assistant after parental leave with my second daughter. Twenty years later, I’m still here and wouldn’t have it any other way.

CFG: What do you enjoy most about your job?

ES: The variety. I love the scope of air cargo handling and the insight it gives me into how the business truly works. Understanding the operational realities helps me do my job better. I prefer a full, challenging day to routine, and I actually perform best with a healthy level of pressure. Through my work at LUG and within the Air Cargo Community Frankfurt, I’ve met so many industry colleagues and some have become friends over the years. It’s a people business and feels like a big family.

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

ES: Digitization remains a key challenge; the pace of change is still too slow. As an industry, air cargo isn’t at the front of the line when it comes to rethinking processes and adopting new standards. On top of that, international trade is shaped by economic and geopolitical dynamics, which makes forecasting difficult and keeps air cargo inherently volatile.

CFG: What advice would you give to people looking to get into the air cargo industry?

ES: Air cargo is a fascinating field with many paths for growth, whether you’re drawn to operations, analytics, or sales. Never stop learning, stay curious, and embrace daily challenges. It’s a people business on a truly international stage, so build your network and learn from experienced colleagues. Initiatives like the Young Air Cargo Executive (YACE) Team of the Air Cargo Community Frankfurt help newcomers in the industry to connect and get deeper insights into the different working fields. Such initiatives are absolutely worth considering.

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

ES: ‘How to move the world before breakfast…’

Many thanks, Elke!

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.

Kenya pioneers SAF production

Heiner Siegmund
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Kenya pioneers SAF production

A production facility is set to be built soon at Nairobi’s Yomo Kenyatta International Airport, with the goal of producing 32,000 metric tons of Sustainable Aviation Fuel annually. A memorandum of understanding has now been signed by Kenya Airways and Rubis Energy Kenya, a pan African downstream oil company. The project is estimated to require an investment of between €60 million and €70 million. It will be the first 100% dedicated SAF refinery on the continent and is expected to become operational in 2028.

Image of Nairobi refinery, courtesy of Kenya Airways.

So far, Africa’s SAF market has relied predominantly on imports and pilot projects, with a lack of large-scale domestic production. The decision to build the facility at Jomo Kenyatta Airport is considered strategic, given that JKIA is among the continent’s most important and busiest aviation hubs.

Reducing fuel imports
The planned refinery marks a major milestone for Africa’s aviation industry and toward supply of greener fuel. So far, the continent is dependent on imported aviation fuel because a purpose-built, commercial-scale refinery dedicated to SAF production does nowhere exist.

So far, the African aviation sector is underrepresented on a global scale, accounting for just 2% of the total traffic. This figure sharply contrasts with the fact that Africa accounts for 18% of the world’s population. The 38 member states that have signed the Single African Air Transport Market Agreement (SAATM) alone are home to 1.4 billion people – a population comparable to that of China or India. China’s share of the global passenger market currently stands at 18% and, according to forecasts by Airbus and Boeing, is expected to rise to 23.3% by 2041. India follows at a considerable distance but with higher annual growth rates in comparison.

Wide range of available feedstocks
Since SAF is derived from sustainable feedstocks – such as various sources of renewable biomass, including agricultural waste, crops, and forest waste – Africa offers a wide variety of primary sources, says Bernard Onguso, head of the initiative “Fueling African Aviation”. His organization has set itself the goal of establishing a new form of division of labor between Africa and Europe. “Thanks to sufficient feedstocks, we are able to produce enough SAF in Africa, a portion of which we can then transport to Europe for use by airlines there to reduce their carbon footprint. This could open a new source of income for the agricultural sector in Kenya and neighboring East African countries, such as Tanzania or Uganda,” Onguso reasons by taking a more holistic view. His expertise can be read here: Fueling African Aviation – Green Sustainable Energy & Investment Platform.

“We intend to replicate the Nairobi project,” Bernard Onguso
At the same time, he notes that the project is in the crosshairs of oil producers and their governments in the Gulf region. “If we produce our own SAF in Sub-Saharan Africa, it will reduce our dependence on other markets, particularly the Middle East.” He sees the Nairobi refinery as only the first step. His initiative is already working on plans to replicate the Kenya project across Africa.

Nairobi is only the beginning, announced Bernard Onguso, head of ‘Fueling African Aviation’ – photo: CFG/hs

Growing concerns over global fuel supply disruptions – triggered by tensions in the Golf region and the temporary closure of the Strait of Hormuz – are also likely to contribute to this. This has renewed calls across Africa for stronger local refining capacity to reduce dependence on imported fuel. East African countries currently import virtually all their refined oil products, mostly from the Middle East, making the region highly vulnerable to supply shocks and price spikes.

The Mombasa project
One of the pioneers in the campaign for changed trade relations in Energy supply is Aliko Dangote, founder and CEO of the Nigerian Dangote Group. According to Forbes, his estimated net worth is currently $28.5 billion, making him the only African among the world’s 100 richest people. Dangote’s latest plans call for the construction of a refinery in Mombasa, which, thanks to the port’s water depth of 17.5 meters, can be accessed by the largest ships and is strategically located near the East African fuel market. There, his company plans to build an oil refinery with a production capacity of 650,000 barrels per day. It is not clear from the current plan whether SAF is also part of the project.

Fueling Africa’s industry
Simultaneously, the Nigerian investor has tabled plans to build a transnational pipeline from Namibia to Zimbabwe.  According to Zimbabwe’s presidential spokesman, George Charamba, “the sub-regional pipeline project combined with an oil refinery is a key transnational matter for Zimbabwe which could change the country’s production structure with fuel costing less to import.“ This is complemented by Dangote Petroleum’s intent to set up a large fuel storage facility in Walvis Bay, expected to hold 1.6 million barrels of gasoline and diesel, thereby reducing Southern Africa’s reliance on fuel imports from the Middle East or Asia. The country of origin for both projects is Nigeria, from where the oil is transported to Namibia by tanker. 

Clarusto Logistics grows Chinese focus with Wuhan office

Brigitte Gledhill
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Clarusto Logistics grows Chinese focus with Wuhan office

Trade flows between China, Asia, Europe and the Middle East continue to expand, driving multimodality and demand for fast, reliable transport solutions. It is against this backdrop that the international freight forwarding and logistics company, Clarusto Logistics, has opened a new office in Wuhan, deepening its presence in one of China’s most important manufacturing and transportation centers.

Founder and Owner of Clarusto Logistics, Ramiah John. Image: Clarusto Logistics

For Clarusto Logistics, founded in Saudi Arabia in 1992, and now serving clients in the world’s global markets, the decision to open an office in Wuhan is closely tied to the role air freight plays in supporting its customers. Founder and CEO, Ramiah John tells CargoForwarder Global that: “Opening our Wuhan office is about being where our customers need us most [and] while air freight accounts for a smaller share of global cargo volumes than ocean shipping, it plays a disproportionately important role in international trade because it enables businesses to respond quickly to market demand, reduce inventory lead times and maintain continuity when supply chains are under pressure,” and goes on to explain: “Wuhan’s strong air cargo infrastructure was one of several factors that made the city an attractive location for expansion. Wuhan Tianhe International Airport has developed into a significant cargo gateway, serving destinations across five continents. In the first eight months of this year, the airport handled 210,000 tons of cargo and mail, including 107,000 tons of international and regional freight – an increase of 22.7% year-on-year and more than double the level recorded during the same period in 2019.”

A multimodal hub for central China
“Wuhan’s importance, however, extends well beyond air freight. The city is one of central China’s largest manufacturing and logistics hubs, serving industries from automotive and industrial manufacturing to technology and consumer goods. It is also strategically positioned at the intersection of major domestic and international transport networks, combining air cargo services with extensive rail, road and inland waterway connections,” he continues.

That multimodal role has continued to expand in recent years. The city is a key Eurasian rail service gateway, with rail links to over 100 destinations across more than 40 countries. “Earlier this year [APR26], the first China-Europe freight train on the Wuhan-Baku route departed via the Middle Corridor, creating an additional connection between China and European markets, and further strengthening Wuhan’s position within international trade networks,” Ramiah John illustrates.

Why multimodal connectivity matters
Multimodality offers flexibility and alternative channels in the case of disruption. Logistics providers are therefore looking for locations that offer multimodal infrastructures so that they can offer more tailored solutions to their customers. Wuhan offers multiple transport options from one location. With its growing role as an international trade gateway, the city has become an attractive base for companies supporting cross-border supply chains.

“Establishing a presence in Wuhan reflects the city’s growing role in global trade, its strong manufacturing base and its ability to connect customers efficiently to key international markets through a range of transport modes,” Ramiah John concludes.

Positioning for continued growth
The press release details: “The new office will enhance Clarusto’s ability to coordinate shipments, provide on-the-ground customer support and build stronger partnerships within one of the world’s most dynamic logistics markets. The move also reinforces the company’s long-term vision of becoming a globally recognized logistics partner known for reliability, transparency and customer-focused service. With more than 30 years of industry experience, a worldwide partner network and operations spanning multiple international markets, Clarusto Logistics continues to invest in infrastructure and expertise that help customers move goods efficiently across borders.”

Air Canada and Abra Group partner

Heiner Siegmund
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Air Canada and Abra Group partner

Both players have signed a joint business agreement that opens the door for deeper commercial integration and enhanced cargo services. Analysts estimate that their pulling together will strengthen the partners’ positions in passenger and cargo traffic in their core markets, including the Caribbean region.

Adrian Neuhauser, Abra Group CEO (left) and Michael Rousseau, President and CEO of Air Canada have agreed to deepen their relationship  – courtesy of carriers.

The agreement allows for revenue sharing and deeper commercial integration, including expanded codeshare services. This way, cargo customers and shippers are enabled greater connectivity across North, Central and South America and even beyond. However, both players emphasize that a binding agreement, strongly favored by them, is subject to final documentation and regulatory approval.

Enhanced connectivity, finetuned services
“Air Canada and Abra Group are building the foundations for an enhanced partnership that will further unlock the Americas. With Latin America acting as a fast-growing and strategic component of Air Canada’s global presence, our customers to and from the region have long benefited from existing codeshare partnerships with Abra Group. Building from a highly complementary presence across the Americas, this Memorandum of Understanding between our world-class airlines creates a pathway to further bolster our partnership, improve customer experience, and enhance global connectivity. We look forward to working alongside Abra Group to deliver meaningful value to our customers and partners,” commented Mark Galardo, Executive VP, CCO and President Cargo at Air Canada.

More dynamic aviation ecosystem
Angus Clarke, Chief Commercial Officer at Abra, stated upon the signing of the treaty: “This milestone agreement with Air Canada reinforces our ambition to redefine connectivity across the Americas and beyond. At Abra Group, we believe in building seamless, integrated networks that bring people, cultures, and economies closer together. Our complementary strengths with Air Canada expand travel options and create a more connected hemisphere, unlocking new opportunities for our customers, our partners, and the regions we serve. This is a significant step toward shaping a more accessible and dynamic aviation ecosystem.”

Market experts say that the agreement has laid the foundation for a strong transcontinental carrier. Above all, it is a trailblazer for greater consolidation in the fragmented Latin American aviation sector. This is because, in addition to the Abra alliance with Colombia’s Avianca, Brazil’s GOL, and Spain’s Wamos Air (acquired in 2024), as well as the Chilean Brazilian LATAM Group, there are dozens of local airlines operating in Latin America and the Caribbean. With a few exceptions, such as Aeromexico, however, they have not managed to achieve more than regional significance.

A pillar with a clear message stands in front of LATAM Cargo’s headquarters in Santiago de Chile  –  photo: CFG/hs

Putting pressure on the pack
Latin America observers expect that the cooperation agreement between Air Canada and the Abra Group will increase pressure on independent airlines to forge closer ties with one of the big players to avoid being marginalized.

Increased competitive pressure resulting from the Air Canada-Abra pact could also lead to a closer partnership between United Airlines and the Panamanian carrier, Copa Airlines. These two carriers have already been working closely together for years through codeshare flights and their joint MileagePlus frequent flyer program. Now, the duo could move even closer together in passenger and cargo transport. A third carrier lying in wait is American Airlines, which announced plans years ago to cooperate more closely with LATAM. This project, which includes Qatar Airways, could also be on the verge of a new push – triggered by the advance of the Abra Group and Air Canada.

Air Cargo Community FRA elects new Board

Brigitte Gledhill
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Air Cargo Community FRA elects new Board

The Air Cargo Community e.V. (ACCF – an independent association of stakeholders operating in Germany’s Frankfurt/Main air cargo hub), elected a new Board of Directors at the recent annual general meeting, where it also reflected on a successful fiscal year 2025.

The Board of Directors is composed of representatives from the association’s four segments. Its two founding members, Lufthansa Cargo AG (LCAG) and Fraport AG, also each appoint one Board Member. LCAG will continue to be represented by Frank Bauer. At Fraport AG, Dietmar Focke assumes the position previously held by Dr. Pierre-Dominique Prümm. Focke has previous Board experience from his time as an LCAG Board Member: “The energy and focus of the Air Cargo Community Frankfurt have always impressed me. That is why I am very pleased to be back and look forward to close collaboration on the board and with our member companies.”

From left: Patrik Tschirch (LUG), Susanne Klingler-Werner (UPS SCS), Christian Riege (Riege Software), Grit Engelbart (MD, ACCF), Michael Hoppe (BARIG), Felix Toepsch (CEO of ACCF), Dietmar Focke (Fraport AG). Image: Air Cargo Community Frankfurt e.V.

The freight forwarders are represented by Susanne Klingler-Werner of UPS Supply Chain Solutions GmbH & Co. KG. Michael Hoppe of BARIG e.V. was also reelected as the airlines’ representative, as was Patrik Tschirch (LUG aircargo handling GmbH), representing cargo handlers. Christian Riege (Riege Software International GmbH) was re-elected as the representative for other service providers, defeating two other candidates. In the subsequent Board meeting, Patrik Tschirch was confirmed as Chairman of the Board and Christian Riege as Vice Chairman. The association’s Board is elected every two years.

The general meeting reported on the association’s current activities, strategic priorities, and upcoming events. It also revealed a particularly positive fiscal 2025, thanks to intensive efforts in recent years which have created a strong economic foundation. ACCF enjoys continuous membership growth (20 new member companies last year, totaling 116 members altogether), successful events (the next Air Cargo Conference is planned for 02-03SEP26 – for the first time at Messe Frankfurt to meet increased demand), and the implementation of innovative projects.

“As a community, we combine these strengths into a networked cargo expertise at and for Frankfurt Airport. The successful past fiscal year and the steady growth in membership confirm that we are on the right track and provide momentum for the tasks ahead in the coming years,” said Felix Toepsch, CEO of the ACCF.

Menzies Aviation formally integrates AMI

Brigitte Gledhill
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Menzies Aviation formally integrates AMI

Menzies Aviation has integrated its freight forwarding subsidiary, Air Menzies International (AM), into its Cargo division, to establish a unified global cargo platform. Effective 12JUN26, AMI operates under the leadership of EVP Cargo, Beau Paine, but maintains its own brand, identity and customer relationships. The move combines AMI’s freight forwarding expertise with Menzies’ extensive ground handling and cargo operations across 347 airports in 65 countries, strengthening its end-to-end offering (including e-commerce capabilities) for airline partners and customers.

AMI maintains its branding but becomes part of a global cargo unit. Image: Menzies Aviation

The integration is the result of the Menzies Aviation Executive Management Board’s strategic review which includes AMI’s EVP, Carlos Font, leaving the company after three years in which he contributed greatly towards its digitalization and network growth. The press release points out, however, that AMI’s regional leadership will remain in place and will continue to lead operations across their respective geographies.

Beau Paine, EVP Cargo, Menzies Aviation, announced: “This is a positive development for both businesses. AMI has built a strong reputation and a loyal customer base over 50 years. By bringing AMI into our Cargo division, we can offer airline partners and customers something unique – the depth of AMI’s freight forwarding expertise combined with the scale and reach of Menzies Aviation. The AMI brand remains and customers can expect the same high-quality service, now backed by even greater capability.”

Philipp Joeinig, Group CEO, Menzies Aviation added: “By combining AMI’s freight forwarding expertise with the scale and capabilities of Menzies Aviation, we can deliver a more connected, end-to-end service while keeping the flexibility and trusted relationships our customers value. AMI’s brand and neutrality is key to what makes it successful, and this will not change. By joining the Menzies Cargo division, AMI teams can tap into a broader global network and shared expertise, while continuing to do what they do best. AMI has been at the forefront of freight forwarding since 1976, building a respected and trusted brand that will continue for many years to come.”

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