Karl Eduard Guenther Gasthuber, long-time managing director of the Frankfurt-based air freight consolidation group, IGLU Air Cargo GmbH, lost his battle with cancer last Thursday (18DEC25). He headed the association, which consists of 25 member companies, from June 2008 until August 2025, when he retired. As CFG, we were in frequent informal contact with the manager, whose profound expertise we benefited from.

He was succeeded by Nouri Neller.

At that time, his wife, who was originally from Taiwan, passed away and was buried in her homeland. Günther will also find his final resting place at her side.

We will publish a more detailed obituary in our first issue in 2026, out on 11JAN26. Günther, rest in peace.

Air Charter Service recently moved to a much larger office in Florida – leaving its Downtown Miami, South Florida office for Florida’s Hollywood in the north. In doing so, it has trebled its available office space, in preparation for expected growth. Its local team has also grown, as Greg Tarran, previously part of the London office, has come to Florida, to focus on private jet charter operations.

Brian Rodriguez, ACS Florida’s CEO, stated: “The new office is three times larger than our old space, allowing us to further our growth plans. It is also closer to Boca Raton, Miami-Opa Locka, Fort Lauderdale Executive, and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood airports, all of which we regularly use for charters, making it ideally situated for our clients. This new-look office is a major step forward for our business in Florida. Last month, we also added the experienced Greg Tarran from our London headquarters to the team, who has joined as Private Jets Assistant Director, bringing with him a wealth of expertise in dealing with big clients and working on complex operations.”

Richard Thompson, President of ACS Americas, attending the launch event, added: “Florida is such a key market for ACS in the States, so it is important for us to grow our already strong position in the region. The team is thrilled with the new space, upgraded amenities and accessible location. The move reflects our ongoing progress, and this new office’s location not only caters to our employees but also allows us to better serve our clients. The future of the Florida office looks bright, and this is just the beginning.”

I couldn’t resist the pun, but what a fantastic piece of cargo to be transporting, don’t you think? I mean the fossilized skull of a Triceratops that Rhenus helped return home to the U.S., on behalf of Europe’s leading paleontologists at ZOIC in Trieste, Italy. A journey that required careful planning to ensure the integrity of such a rare and important piece of historical and scientific research.

The internet tells you that “Triceratops is special because of its distinctive three-horned skull, massive bony frill, and its role as one of the last and most iconic non‑avian dinosaurs.” It was a large herbivore that lived in the Late Cretaceous period in North America, around 68-66 million years ago – one of the last large dinosaurs before they were wiped out. Non-avian, and yet, 68 million years later, it gets to take its first flights. CargoForwarder Global tried to find out which charter aircraft type and company was used as this was not mentioned in the press release, but received no response by time of writing, so it remains a mystery. What we do know is its size: weighing 318 kg, the skull was 80 cm high, 120 cm wide, and 185 cm in length. A seemingly small version, since Triceratops skulls can measure around 2 to 2.5 meters in length, and up to 2 meters in width – fitting for a body that was usually around 8-9 meters long and weighed in at around 6-10 tons.

The skull had originally come from the Hell Creek Formation in South Dakota. After extensive restoration at ZOIC’s laboratories in Trieste/Italy, it then made its way to Milan’s Malpensa Airport (MXP), and from there to Dallas, Texas (DFW), and on to a Dallas gallery. While ZOIC designed its custom packaging, using advanced shock-absorbing systems and specialized materials for maximum protection, Rhenus Logistics arranged all transport – from collection at the restoration site and road transfer to Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), air freight to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), and final delivery to the gallery in Dallas, Texas.

Paola Calloni, Air Freight Product Country Manager at Rhenus Italy, said: “When it comes to cultural assets, logistics plays a strategic role. We are not just moving an object. We are safeguarding scientific and historical heritage that demands expertise and responsibility.”

Giorgia Bacchia, Logistics and Compliance Manager at ZOIC, commented: “Bringing paleontology to the world means uniting science and logistics. It’s a collaborative effort that ensures the stories of the past continue to be heard.”

Three Menzies press releases this week: On 09DEC25, Menzies Aviation become the first international ground handler to be granted a ground handling operator certificate by Argentina’s National Civil Aviation Administration (ANAC). This confirms that Menzies abides by all regulatory and technical requirements to operate under Argentine aviation law, and is authorized to carry out ground handling at Argentina’s largest international airport, Ezeiza International Airport (EZE), and its busiest domestic hub: Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP) in Buenos Aires. Tomeu Mas, Senior Vice President Latin America, Menzies Aviation, said: “We are extremely proud to have secured ANAC certification in Argentina. This milestone sets a strong foundation for our future growth in a market that has significant potential. We are now focused on taking the next step towards entering Argentina and working with the aviation community to deliver safe, secure and high-quality ground handling services to airlines.”

On 11DEC25, Air Menzies International (AMI), opened an import off-airport de-group facility at South Africa’s O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), offering customers faster, less costly services including quick turnaround times, no queues, extended free storage, low handover fees, and reduced handling. Carlos Font, CEO, Air Menzies International, said: “South Africa is a core operation and a major trade lane for AMI. Our ability to leverage our in-transit facilities in Johannesburg will provide faster transit times and quicker delivery, improved tracking and visibility, and professional handling and storage that minimize end-to-end costs for our clients.”

Tracey Less, Import Manager, AMI South Africa, added: “AMI clients can now manage and distribute goods more flexibly. We can de-consolidate large consignments, hold goods until shipping windows, or manage last-mile distribution more effectively. It supports a more agile logistics network.”

On 11DEC25, Menzies Aviation also announced its successor to Head of Sustainability & Corporate Responsibility, Katy Reid: Aviation and Royal Air Force veteran, Jonathan Hankin, who has been with Menzies Aviation since 2017, is now Menzies’ new Head of ESG, responsible for continuing to develop Menzies’ All In strategy, plus pushing diversity, equity and inclusion, Net Zero 2045 carbon reduction initiatives, and ensuring responsible sourcing and ethical supply chain practices. John Geddes, Chief Governance and Sustainability Officer & Company Secretary at Menzies Aviation, commented: “Our All In strategy remains central to how we operate and grow. Since joining us, Jonathan has shown strong leadership in improving the safety, efficiency and sustainability of our operations, notably through modernizing and decarbonizing our GSE fleet. Thank you to Katy Reid, whose work in shaping our ESG agenda and establishing the All In framework has given us a clear and solid foundation. Jonathan will now build on that progress as we continue driving meaningful, long-term improvements across our global business.”

In its drive to expand EFIS Maroc’s leading role and further emphasize Morocco’s position as a strategic cargo gateway linking Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, ECS Group has announced the appointment of Yousra Khalihamou as EFIS Maroc’s new Commercial Director. She has been with the company since 2018, quickly working her way up from Sales and Booking, becoming Supervisor in JAN24. During her time at EFIS, she developed extensive operational and commercial experience. Yousra managed the launch of 10 different airline customers, thus contributed directly to the station’s strong growth. Now, as Commercial Director, she will continue to bring on board new airline contracts as well as being responsible for the implementation of EFIS Maroc’s commercial strategy which focuses on three main areas. These include managing ongoing organizational changes, improving commercial results, and motivating the team to deliver higher performance. The goal is to accelerate EFIS Maroc’s growth and standing, also in collaboration with ECS Group’s international network and access to the latest in digital solutions.

Yousra Khalihamou said: “Being promoted to Commercial Director is an exciting new challenge. I’ve built my career step by step, from launching airlines to growing our market presence. My goal now is simple: drive better results, secure new contracts, and strengthen EFIS Maroc’s position as a top cargo gateway in the region.” On LinkedIn, she added: “It’s a significant sign of trust. I am excited to take on new challenges and to contribute even more to the success of EFIS Maroc by ECS Group.”

Jean Ceccaldi, Chief Executive Officer of ECS Group, commented: “Yousra represents exactly the kind of talent and determination we want to elevate within ECS Group. Her commercial instincts, her ability to win the confidence of international airlines, and her deep understanding of the Moroccan market make her the right leader at the right moment. EFIS Maroc is entering a new phase of growth, and with Yousra at the helm, we are confident the team will strengthen its position as a strategic hub for our airline partners across Africa and beyond.”

“Fake medicines kill almost 500,000 sub-Saharan Africans every year,” was the shocking statistic presented at TIACA’s Air Cargo Forum in Abu Dhabi in NOV25, when Glyn Hughes and Frank van Gelder talked about The Food and Farm for Health project. TIACA and Pharma.Aero have now published their White Paper on the topic, which warns that structural imbalances in global air cargo are restricting access to essential medicines and limiting Africa’s export potential. The ‘Food and Farm for Health’ report shows that Sub-Saharan Africa receives just 2% of global cargo capacity, despite exponential growth in population and pharmaceutical demand. Up to 90% of critical medicines (such as perishable vaccines and life-saving therapies) require air logistics for safe delivery, yet limited capacity hinders both healthcare delivery and limits the continent’s agricultural export capabilities.

Based on a decade of research, the study calls for coordinated action to expand Africa’s bidirectional air freight flows. Strengthening air cargo connectivity could boost rural incomes, improve medicine access, and enhance global supply chain resilience. Not to mention, avoid the distribution of fake medicines, which becomes a problem if real medicines are not adequately available. The paper is targeted at airlines, airports, freight forwarders, pharma companies, governments and economic agencies.

Frank Van Gelder, Secretary General of Pharma.Aero and project coordinator, revealed: “When we launched the Food and Farm for Health project, our aim was to understand the true power the air cargo industry could bring to both economic development and healthcare accessibility. Very quickly, our research pointed to Sub-Saharan Africa, where only 2% of global air cargo capacity is allocated. This imbalance limits access to essential medicines in a region where demand is accelerating, and it equally limits the continent’s ability to scale agricultural exports. By offering more air cargo capacity, we unlock a dual opportunity: helping Africa grow stronger local economies and ensuring healthcare products reach the populations that need them most. Today, other global players, particularly China and India, are already investing heavily in these trade lanes. If we fail to act, we risk missing not only an economic opportunity, but also the chance to meaningfully support the growth and health resilience of one of the world’s most dynamic regions.”

Glyn Hughes, Director General of The International Air Cargo Association, added: “This White Paper is a wake-up call. Sub-Saharan Africa receives just 2% of global air cargo capacity yet depends on airfreight for the majority of its essential medicines and for moving high-value agricultural products to world markets. These limitations are not just operational; they impact lives, livelihoods, and long-term development. Strengthening air cargo links between Europe and Africa is a clear opportunity to improve healthcare access, boost rural incomes, and build more resilient supply chains. But we can only achieve this through coordinated, cross-industry action. The time to act is now.”

Cargo iQ celebrated collaboration and data-driven improvement by presenting two new awards: ‘Team Up’ and ‘Scale Up’ – during its recent ‘Quality-Rally (Q-Rally)’ event in Madrid. The prizes spotlight projects that exemplify teamwork and innovation in tackling key air cargo industry challenges. Cargo iQ members were invited to share their initiatives that focus on enhancing operational quality and compliance with Cargo iQ’s framework. Best-practice presentations included success factors, lessons learned, and measurable outcomes – this transparency helps to educate all members.

Air Canada earned the ‘Team Up’ award for engaging cross-functional teams (operations, commercial, and IT) to deliver a 7% increase in ‘Delivered as Promised’ (NFD) performance. The airline strengthened its Quality Management System and improved data completeness, demonstrating how empowering internal teams with better tools translates into stronger reliability and operational consistency.

Kuehne+Nagel received the ‘Scale Up’ award for addressing discrepancies in air waybill route mapping. By collaborating with partner airlines, the forwarder enhanced ENCORE offset management, introduced PIMA (Participant Identification and Messaging Address) updates, and streamlined internal processes. These actions improved shipment evaluation accuracy, offering greater visibility for shippers and more meaningful performance comparisons across carriers.

Held during Cargo iQ’s Working Group sessions, the Q-Rally reinforces the organization’s mission to drive collective improvement and foster shared solutions that elevate quality across the global air cargo supply chain.

Marie Seco-Koppen, Executive Director, Cargo iQ, said: “Intentionally sharing the work done and articulating why it matters is part of raising operational quality. Introducing these two prizes encourages collaboration, rewarding the behind-the-scenes work that is driving industry standards forward.”

GEODIS published two press releases this week, both with a tangible focus on greener, cleaner operations. The first informed of the partnership that the logistics company entered into with EDF Group on 08DEC25, committing to decarbonizing its supply chains both in France as well as internationally. The aim is to significantly reduce the carbon footprint in GEODIS’ warehouses and global transport flows, by switching to low-carbon energy supply for GEODIS sites in France and abroad; optimizing the energy performance its logistics facilities; producing renewable energy locally; establishing a charging infrastructure for GEODIS’ light vehicles, utility vehicles, and heavy trucks; and converting some of its land assets into data centers.

GEODIS will also support EDF in logistics matters such as procurement, storage, and distribution of materials and equipment for energy production projects. An initial Strategic Steering Committee will be held to discuss and supervise projects.

Marie-Christine Lombard, Chairwoman of the GEODIS Executive Board, explained: “The signing of this agreement marks a decisive step for our Group and is fully aligned with our decarbonization roadmap. This partnership allows us to put our expertise at the service of EDF while opening new development opportunities for GEODIS. It reflects the determination of two French leaders to join forces and take concrete, sustainable action for the environment.”

Marc Benayoun, EDF Group Executive Director in charge of the Customers, Services & Territories Division, added: “As the logistics sector accounts for 16% of CO₂ emissions in France (1), its decarbonization is a critical challenge. This partnership demonstrates EDF Group’s ability to support GEODIS, a global leader in transport and logistics, with a comprehensive range of solutions to improve its carbon footprint.”

The second release announced GEODIS’ pilot project involving Southeast Asia’s first cross-border trucking service running on renewable diesel: a dedicated Euro-5 truck will run from Singapore to the Thailand-Malaysia border using Neste MY Renewable Diesel™ (HVO produced from 100% renewable raw materials such as cooking oil and animal fat waste, offering up to 90% reductions in GHG), distributed and delivered by Singapore-based fuel solutions provider, Interion. GEODIS speaks of “a major milestone in the decarbonization of its regional road network”. The pilot will monitor fuel performance, cross-border operational feasibility, supply chain reliability, and carbon-reduction outcomes, and if successful, may be expanded to other routes in the Asia Pacific region.

Esther Cheong, Regional Sustainability Director, GEODIS Asia Pacific and Middle East, stated: “We are proud to embark on the first-ever ASEAN cross-border decarbonization trucking pilot powered by renewable diesel. Transitioning to renewable fuels is a critical part of our mission to build a more sustainable supply chain for our customers and communities. Together with our partners Neste and Interion, we are demonstrating the practical benefits of renewable fuels and setting the groundwork for broader adoption across the region.” Mario Mifsud, Vice President, Renewable Fuels Sales & Trading, EMEA & APAC, Neste, said: “We are pleased to support GEODIS with our Neste MY Renewable Diesel, enabling immediate and meaningful GHG emissions reductions. Collaborations like this showcase how renewable fuels can lower the climate impact of road transportation in Southeast Asia.”