Lufthansa Cargo’s Executive Board cuts the ribbon on its renovated HQ. Image: Lufthansa Cargo
Things are beginning to take shape with Lufthansa Cargo’s LCCevo transition. The company proudly announced that the first of four phases of the largest infrastructure project in its history has now been completed. It cut the ribbon on its renovated headquarters at Frankfurt Airport last week, though the building authorities still need to give their final approval before people can start moving into their new office workspaces there. This is planned to happen mid-DEC25, and in the first step, 60 workspaces will then be operational. According to Lufthansa Cargo, the construction plan is running as per schedule with the second phase due for completion towards the end of next year and two further phases taking place until early 2028. 10,000 m² of modern office space will make up part of the Lufthansa Cargo Campus, which is also getting a new cargo hub. Once finished (in 2030), LCCevo will measure 330,000 m², or, as the company press release put it: the equivalent of circa 46 soccer fields. Work is ongoing whilst daily operations continue at what is planned to become “the most modern air freight location in Europe in the future,” according to Lufthansa Cargo, including a 42 m high high-bay warehouse which will become one of the tallest buildings at the airport. “The Lufthansa Cargo Center has been operating continuously 24 hours a day, seven days a week, since 1982 and has since established itself as a central hub in global air freight traffic. With 1.4 million tons of freight per year, around 80% percent of the company’s global freight volume is handled there,” it states. Ashwin Bhat, CEO of Lufthansa Cargo, enthused: “The new headquarters is more than just a building – it is a place where our culture comes to life and a clear commitment to the future of our company and our location in Frankfurt. With our modern workspaces, we are creating space for collaboration, innovation, and growth – and thus sending a clear signal about our ambitions to shape the air freight of tomorrow. In addition, the modernization of our cargo hub forms the basis for offering our customers reliable and high-quality transport solutions around the world.”
The prestigious Palais des Congres Liège will be the backdrop to the CBEC. Image: Lemon Queen
It stands to reason that CARGOLAND, which has been defining itself as a key European e-commerce cargo hub over the past years, should get involved (again) in hosting the EU CBEC next year. EU CBEC stands for the ‘EU Cross-Border E-commerce Forum’ and has been held annually since 2019. It is a joint Belgium–China initiative that seeks to bring together retailers, brands, and global logistics leaders with digital platforms and technology providers, so as to ensure innovation, progress and smooth operations in this field. The 2026 version will actually be the fourth time that air cargo stakeholders involved in e-commerce, will convene at Liège Airport, to discuss what is one of the world’s fastest growing segments these past years. It will take place on 08-10SEP26, at the prestigious Palais des Congres Liège. The CBEC will include focused panels on the CBEC stage, and a large exhibition area. Around 300+ companies, 100 freight forwarders, 60 airlines, shippers from a wide range of sectors, and 15 trade media outlets are expected to attend. In the past, the event has played host to numerous innovations in the fields of digital systems, smart fulfilment, and advanced cargo handling solutions aimed at improving efficiency across global logistics networks. Next year’s event will continue with the mission to drive innovation and digital transformation, and will offer a dynamic mix of seminars, networking sessions, expert panels, keynotes, exhibition booths, B2B meetings, and company visits.
“The 2026 edition will expand its focus beyond e-commerce, addressing the major trends of the air cargo industry, from digitalization, multimodality, and sustainability to safety and security. Dedicated e-commerce sessions will explore cross-border trade trends, emerging growth drivers, and strategies for airlines and airports navigating the sector’s continued expansion. Complementary topics such as digital marketing, data integration, and regulatory compliance will also feature on the agenda,” the release explains.
Frédéric Brun, Head of Commercial Cargo & Logistics at LGG, revealed: “The event has more than doubled in size since we first hosted it in 2019, and it continues to grow in scale and influence. We already have 60 airlines confirmed, 53 renowned speakers, and expect more than 850 participants, possibly even breaking the 1,000-attendee mark in 2026. If you’re active in air cargo, this is where you need to be.”
Torsten Wefers, Vice President Sales & Marketing at LGG, added: “The EU Cross-Border e-commerce Forum provides exceptional networking opportunities to connect with senior decision-makers and leaders from across the logistics spectrum, shippers, freight forwarders, technology innovators, airlines, and e-tailers, all gathered in one place.”
Fleet of 7 De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400. Image: Freightos
The freight arm of Kenya’s first low-cost airline, Jambojet, has opted to publish its cargo capacities on Freightos’ WebCargo platform. Jambojet Cargo, which is billed as Kenya’s leading regional carrier, operates a fleet of 7 De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400 which each offer up to one ton of cargo space. From its main hub in Nairobi and secondary hub in Mombasa, it serves nine main routes linking Kenya and Tanzania. Its network destinations are Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Eldoret, Malindi, Diani, Lamu and Zanzibar. As its cargo business grows, the airline plans to establish interlining agreements in line with customer demand. The airline currently carries mainly fresh produce, pharmaceuticals, and e-commerce. Now that its capacity is available on WebCargo, it will reach a greater customer base and WebCargo users will have access to cargo routes across East Africa. “With Jambojet Cargo now live on WebCargo by Freightos, and in the future available to interlining agreements, freight forwarders can compare live rates, book shipments instantly, and manage air cargo digitally, improving visibility, reducing manual coordination, and ensuring faster, more reliable service. Freightos processes an annualized run rate of over 1.6 million transactions on its platform,” the release elaborates.
Zvi Schreiber, CEO of Freightos, commented: “Partnering with Jambojet Cargo expands WebCargo by Freightos’ reach in one of Africa’s most dynamic logistics markets. By bringing more regional carriers online, we’re continuing Freightos’ mission to make global trade smoother and more efficient – helping forwarders and shippers access the capacity they need, when they need it and where they need it.” Karanja Ndegwa, MD & CEO at Jambojet, confirmed: “Digitalization is reshaping air cargo across Africa, and Jambojet is proud to be at the forefront of this change, providing our customers with a modern and easy-to-use booking experience. By joining WebCargo by Freightos, we’re giving freight forwarders faster, smoother, and more reliable access to our network – supporting the region’s expanding trade and connectivity. Looking ahead, we’re excited to make our capacity available for interlining on WebCargo by Freightos’ platform, helping strengthen links between African markets and the world.”
Air China Cargo flight crew are welcomed on their maiden flight to Glasgow Prestwick Airport. Image: Meantime Communications
The amount of press releases this year announcing Chinese connections out of Glasgow appear to know no end. Now, in the week of the e-commerce annual highlight, Black Friday, the Scottish Airport announces that it has doubled the number of weekly Air China Cargo flights linking it with China. Now eight instead of four weekly freighter services carry freight between the two countries. This is because Air China Cargo has also begun flying from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU), China, in addition to its existing flights out of Guangzhou (CAN). Chengdu-Prestwick connections began on 22NOV25, and are served by an A330 freighter.
“Air China Cargo established its UK cargo hub at PIK in June earlier this year, and the airport also services regular scheduled flights from China Southern Air Logistics and Beijing Capital Airlines,” the release states. Hong Kong Air Cargo also began flying to Glasgow very early on this year. CargoForwarder Global has reported on the airport’s growth throughout. See: https://cargoforwarder.eu/?s=Glasgow+China&post_type=post
Glasgow Airport states that the growth in services has resulted in an increase of 200 jobs at the airport, and its one-million-pound investment “in new equipment and a dedicated cool chain team allowed the airport to launch a new Scotland to China seafood export service in September”.
Ian Forgie, Chief Executive Officer, PIK, detailed: “Air China Cargo’s decision to double its flights from Prestwick, is a strong vote of confidence in our team and our cargo capacity. The past six months have been among the busiest in Prestwick’s history, as we have welcomed three new scheduled cargo operators and expanded our facilities to support sustained growth. This has been a transformational year, and we expect this momentum to continue into 2026 as we deepen our role as a strategic gateway between the United Kingdom and the rest of the world.”
From the company known for its ‘origami’ ULDs as CargoForwarder Global reported back in 2019, 2022 and 2023 (with fun titles such as “Two have and to fold” – sadly those articles are no longer available since we changed websites), VRR has now answered a growing customer requirement and has added pallets to its ULD range for the first time. Available in the two industry standard sizes of 88” and 96”, and in differing thickness, the aluminum pallets belong to its newly launched ‘We Keep It Simple’ range – likely with more ULDs to come. The tare weights of the pallets have not been disclosed, but VRR states that they were designed with weight saving and sustainability in mind and are thus as light as possible, without losing strength and durability. That durability is estimated to be in line with industry norms – in other words: an average lifespan of 7–10 years per pallet. After that, they can be fully recycled thanks to their aluminum material.
Sleek, functional, built to last. Image: VRR
“The big change here, is that VRR has always focused on more complex products – such as horse stalls – completely customized solutions and highly innovative products. Pallets is an entirely new product group we offer, so as to be able to support even more customers with our solutions,” VRR tells CargoForwarder Global. “We thoroughly tested the pallets, as we do with all our products. We want to ensure that they are strong, safe, and durable. The certification process went smoothly.”
The new aluminum pallets have been ETSO-certified as airworthy, are therefore fully accepted by aviation authorities, and are compatible with a wide range of aircraft types – both passenger and cargo variants. “The ‘We Keep It Simple’ pallet range is designed to give operators exactly what they need for safe, efficient and cost-effective freight transport,” the release states, going on to emphasize that, with this launch, VRR has extended its “engineering expertise into one of aviation’s most competitive sectors”. The company also announces that each pallet can be customized as per customer wish: “Optional logo and color branding to align with customer livery,” the release invites. Geert van Riemsdijk, Managing Director of VRR, explained: “VRR has a long history of making complex air cargo challenges simpler for our customers. By applying that same philosophy to pallets, we’ve created a straightforward product that delivers on durability, certification and handling – without unnecessary extras. The timing felt right to move into pallets. Operators are asking for certified, sustainable equipment, and we’re in a strong position to deliver it.”
Frankfurt Airport operator Fraport AG and the Chinese state-owned Shanghai Pudong Airport have agreed on a strategic partnership in the cargo segment. According to the MoU signed by both sides in Shanghai, the existing cooperation between the partners in their respective airport communities is to be expanded, regulatory processes optimized, and market potential jointly developed.
Lyu Yaodong of Shanghai Airport Authority and Alexander Laukenmann, Fraport AG, signed the deal in Shanghai – courtesy: FRA/PVG
The MoU is a visible result of the roadshow organized by Fraport AG in Shanghai around a year ago. Since then, there has been a constant exchange of information concerning cargo issues between the two sides, with the current MoU as a partial result.
Global online trade is going through the roof as it does in Frankfurt, where around 5 million e-commerce shipments are currently handled every single month. Whether Shein, Temo, or Alibaba, most of the packages originate in China. The pulling together of the two airports in cargo matters, that has now been sealed, is intended to further optimize cross-border processing on the basis of common standards. Frankfurt operator Fraport adds to this that its partnership with Shanghai Pudong is part of the comprehensive CargoHub Frankfurt master plan which provides for new cargo buildings and warehouses in order to further strengthen FRA’s competitiveness within Europe in air freight matters.
In a joint statement, both airports emphasize that they see the opportunity for deeper cooperation to make international freight traffic between East Asia and Europe even more efficient and future-oriented. Joint projects include a coordinated rapid response and communication mechanism to accelerate customs and regulatory processes, as well as further joint roadshows to build a more connected freight ecosystem.
To better understand the scope of the agreed cooperation and to learn more about the next steps planned, we spoke with Alexander Laukenmann (AL), Senior Executive Vice President Aviation at Fraport AG:
Standardizing e-commerce flows
CFG: Frankfurt and Shanghai announced to expand their long-standing cooperation. What exactly did and does this ‘long-standing cooperation’ consist of? And how will the cooperation of the airport communities take shape in practical terms?
AL: Our collaboration is founded on the conviction that together we are stronger, also reflected in Frankfurt Airport’s guiding principle, “Creating the Future of Cargo. Together.” In addition, both airports have agreed to organize regular expert exchanges, including site visits, management internships, and working groups focused on optimizing cargo flight frequencies and slot allocation. There will be coordinated efforts to engage with customs authorities, aimed at accelerating regulatory processes and ensuring seamless cargo operations.
Further to this, joint roadshows and industry events will be held in both Frankfurt and Shanghai, creating platforms for airlines, freight forwarders, cargo owners, and related industries to develop new market opportunities and establish shared standards. These initiatives will be complemented by collaborative projects in innovation and digitalization, such as the development of digital cargo community systems and standardized processes for e-commerce shipments.
CFG: In your press release you indicate plans to set up a coordinated rapid response and communication mechanism to accelerate customs and regulatory processes within a better-connected cargo ecosystem. Where exactly do cargo clients benefit from this intent?
AL: A more connected cargo ecosystem means creating an environment where all relevant stakeholders – airlines, freight forwarders, cargo handlers, regulatory agencies, and technology partners – work together in an integrated way. Specifically, we plan to establish a rapid response mechanism between Frankfurt and Shanghai for direct communication and problem-solving. This will lead to faster, more predictable clearance processes for cargo shipments.
Joint roadshows and industry events will foster stronger relationships and shared standards, encouraging innovation and the adoption of digital solutions for tracking, documentation, and data exchange. For cargo clients, this translates into reduced lead times, greater transparency, improved reliability, and enhanced product safety – key advantages for time-sensitive and high-value sectors such as e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, and industrial goods. By leveraging digitalization and close cooperation, we’re improving delivery times, digital traceability, and compliant processing, ensuring our customers benefit from efficient and secure cargo flows.
CFG: The MoU marks the start of further international cooperation in strategically important markets. Which are the important cargo markets and which airports are suitable for cooperation in the cargo sector from Fraport’s point of view?
AL: Currently, China is one of Fraport’s top-priority strategic markets, as outlined in our Cargo Masterplan, with Shanghai Pudong International Airport identified as offering a great potential for developing new trade lanes and increasing air cargo traffic between Europe and Asia. Looking ahead, India is another focus market, given its rapid growth in cargo volumes and evolving logistics infrastructure. We have already organized roadshows in India, bringing together stakeholders to discuss future opportunities and strengthen our partnerships in the region. While we do not comment on specific future partnerships at this stage, our strategic goal is to strengthen collaboration with airports in markets that play a pivotal role in global supply chains and offer the best prospects for mutual development.
CFG: Presumably, a financial cross-shareholding between the airports of Frankfurt and Shanghai Pudong is not an issue – is it?
AL: This is correct. Financial cross-shareholding is not part of this agreement. The partnership is built on mutual benefit, knowledge exchange, and joint initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and service quality. Each party remains fully independent and bears its own costs while cooperating within the agreed framework.
Each week, CargoForwarder Global’s ‘Spotlight On…’ brings a different individual to the fore to showcase their role in the air cargo industry. There are so many different actors involved in safely getting shipments from A to B by air. Freight forwarders play a key role, acting as expert intermediaries between shippers and airlines (and other modes of transport) to ensure the efficient, cost-effective, and compliant movement of goods across the world. One such company is W. Niemann Überseetransporte, particularly specialized in dangerous goods and temperature-sensitive shipments, which will be celebrating its centenary next year. This week, its General Manager, Saskia Hoensch, shares her experiences, thoughts and insights.
What started as a leap of passion turned into a purpose. Image: Saskia Hoensch
CFG: What is your current function and company? And what are your responsibilities?
SH: I am currently managing Imports and the execution of the future at W. Niemann Überseetransporte, a Hamburg-based freight forwarding company with a long-standing family tradition. I am responsible for driving our digital transformation, building smart strategic alliances, and ensuring sustainable growth across our operations. My focus and passion are on connecting innovation with tradition – I love to find unused potential and see how we can constantly become greater.
CFG: What does a normal day look like for you?
SH: Whether I’m deep-diving into customer strategy, optimizing import workflows, or working on a new partnership, each day brings fresh opportunities to learn and grow.
I integrate daily sport sessions into my routine, which helps me to clear my mind and build space for new ideas.
CFG: How long have you been in the air cargo industry, and what brought you to it?
SH: I entered the industry by joining my grandfather’s company, initially without pay, simply to learn and contribute. What started as a leap of passion turned into a purpose: I saw the huge potential for transformation in our industry and knew I wanted to be part of shaping that. The combination of global dynamics, people-driven relationships, and operational excellence deeply resonates with me.
CFG: What do you enjoy most about your job?
SH: I enjoy building bridges – between generations, between tradition and digital innovation, and between people and their goals. I’ve found a passion in connecting to likeminded people – whether in business, travel or sport – it’s incredible how you can feel connected to someone even though you have completely different lives. I love that my work allows me to evolve constantly, both as a businesswoman and as a human being.
CFG: Where do you see the greatest challenges in our industry?
SH: The biggest challenge – and opportunity – is Collaboration. In a globalized and fast-moving environment, success will come to those who think beyond silos. Unlike other industries, where 80–90% of the market is owned by a handful of big players, two-thirds of the logistics sector is made up of SMEs. This creates diversity – but it also shows how essential strong, intelligent partnerships are to creating impact at scale. That’s why collaboration isn’t just a ‘nice to have’ – it’s a strategic necessity. We need smarter, faster, and more collaborative ways of working to prepare the company for the future.
CFG: What advice would you give to people looking to get into the air cargo industry?
SH: Don’t wait until you feel ‘ready’ – get involved early, stay curious, and be proactive.
Be open to learning from experienced mentors and accept that it’s ok to not be perfect at something from the beginning.
Practical experience is the best teacher. The industry is incredibly diverse and dynamic – it needs both analytical minds and emotional intelligence.
And no matter what background you come from: bring your full self. Authenticity is a superpower.
CFG: If the air cargo industry were a film/book, what would its title be?
SH: Logistics Unleashed – Full Speed. No Limits.
Thank you, Saskia.
If you would like to share your personal air cargo story with our CargoForwarder Global readers, feel free to send your answers to the above questions to cargoforwarderglobal@kopfpilot.at We look forward to shining a spotlight on your job area, views, and experiences.
The Mexican Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S.A.B. (ASUR), has acquired concessions for managing 20 airports in Brazil, Ecuador and the Caribbean region, for EUR 808 million (USD 937 million). The licenses are being sold by Companhia de Participações em Concessões (“CPC”); a subsidiary of Brazilian infrastructure manager, Motiva Infraestrutura de Mobilidade S.A. (Motiva). This acquisition makes ASUR one of the largest airport network operators in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Almost simultaneously with this development, the Venezuelan government revoked the traffic rights of six international airlines amid growing tensions with the Trump administration.
ASUR joins the top league of airport operators – image: courtesy ASUR
The deal between ASUR und Motiva represents a steppingstone in ASUR’s expansion strategy in Latin America, adding more than 45 million passengers to the Mexican company’s 71 million reported in 2024, and consolidating ASUR as the leading airport concessionaire between the Rio Grande in the north and Tierra del Fuego in the south of the American continent. Out of the 20 airports, 17 have more than 15 years remaining in their concession life.
The deal includes some major airports Most of these are regional airports, but Quito in Ecuador, San Juan in Puerto Rico, San José in Costa Rica, and Belo Horizonte in Brazil, are destinations for international scheduled and charter flights, and play an important role not only in passenger transport, but also in freight matters such as flower shipments from Ecuador to Europe.
ASUR expects to fund the transaction with cash in hand and committed debt financing provided by JPMorgan Chase Bank. J.P. Morgan Securities LLC serves as exclusive financial advisor. Brown Lawyers, BMA Advogados, CorralRosales, Deloitte, De Cuba Ormel and Noordhuizen are the legal advisors to ASUR.
Motiva streamlines its portfolio Seller of the concessions, Motiva Infraestrutura de Mobilidade S.A. (Motiva), is the largest mobility infrastructure company in Brazil, operating in the Toll Road, Railways, and Airport segments. Its railway platform, which manages subways, trains, and VLT, transports 750 million passengers per year. In airports, with 17 units in Brazil and three abroad, it serves roughly 45 million customers annually.
In addition to this commercial decision in the Latin American aviation sector, a political measure also made headlines in the middle of last week: the Venezuelan government’s withdrawal of traffic rights for six airlines: Iberia, TAP Portugal, Gol, Latam Colombia, Avianca, and Turkish Airlines.
Airlines ignore Maduro’s threats Caracas, in a statement, said the carriers had “joined actions of state terrorism promoted by the United States” by “unilaterally” halting commercial flights. In doing so, they reacted to FAA warnings of a “potentially hazardous situation” when using Venezuelan airspace or landing at one of its airports due to a “worsening security situation and heightened military activity in or around” the country.
In response to this warning, several international airlines stopped flying to the country in recent days, ignoring country ruler, Maduro’s threat that they would permanently lose their traffic rights if they did not immediately resume flights to Venezuela.
Iberia said it wished to restart operations to Venezuela as soon as full safety conditions were met. Avianca announced its intention to reschedule canceled flights to Caracas for 05DEC25.
Portuguese Foreign Affairs Minister, Paulo Rangel called Venezuela’s decision to revoke the airlines’ operating rights “totally disproportionate”. He said the European nation – headquarters of carrier TAP – had tried, through its embassy in Caracas, to persuade Venezuelan authorities to reinstate operating rights.
Air Europa and Plus Ultra had suspended flights but did not have their permits revoked.
Global GSA Group (GGG) went completely local on the evening of 20NOV25, as representatives from its 47 countries around the world, descended upon Amsterdam to celebrate a unique milestone: 30 years of success, growth and – listening to its 85-year-old founder’s heartfelt speech – defying the odds. At the time of its launch in 1995, the rest of the Schiphol Airport community had been very skeptical of what it considered an unusually diverse little team. Yet, what began as a grass roots project, has flourished into an international network where people not only come to work, but also to stay. GGG is the exemplary proof that Cargo is truly a People Business.
From left: Aytekin Saray, Jos Busscher, Ismail Durmaz, Kitty Liao – Zafer Aggunduz – Images: Charles Poorter/GGG/CFG
The atmosphere was buzzing, food and drink plentiful, and the many guests – among them Global GSA Group employees, long-standing customers, and Aerion representatives, including ECS Group and CargoTech members – were engaged in animated discussions all around the Mondi Skybar on the 9th floor of the Corendon Hotel near the airport (an unmissable fact, given the brightly decorated Boeing 747 parked up around the back of the hotel). For some, it was actually the first time they were meeting people they otherwise knew from emails and phone calls. In fact, it was the first time in the company’s history that everyone had come together to celebrate an anniversary. A point that Zafer Aggunduz, Global GSA Group’s Chief Commercial Officer, urged to change, in his address that evening: “It took 30 years to throw a party like this – don’t wait another 30 years!”
The right people at the right time “What does this 30th anniversary evening mean to you?” I asked Ismail Durmaz, Chairman, Global GSA Group. “We survived!” he laughs. “I have delivered a healthy company to Aytekin [Saray] as our new CEO. It has been a happy adventure and a success. We brought Global GSA Group to a certain level and have become part of a bigger organization [Aerion]. All the people on this journey are still here, still part of it and have a future in this company,” he emphasizes. And those people have built the company – beginning with company founder, Jos Busscher, who, aged 85, drove 200 km to Amsterdam to participate in the celebrations. “My first boss, my mentor, and my other father,” Ismail explains. Jos tells me “I saw the potential he had – everyone, men and women, enjoyed working with him.” A fact that Ismail consciously nurtured to everyone’s advantage over the years: “When I look back, I really started from zero. I didn’t have an air freight industry education.”
Ismail began working in a warehouse, back in 1988, building pallets, offloading trucks, delivering documents. “During that time, I was very social,” he said, talking about a network of friends he built up, who did similar jobs for different companies. As his career grew, so did those of his friends and they supported him as the GSA took shape. “I put a lot of energy and friendship in people around me, who helped me,” he continued, emphasizing social skills and the importance of relationships. “You always need to not only look up to people but also care about those below you in the hierarchy, because those people will become the managers of the future.”
Jos Busscher’s initially “crazy idea” in 1995, of “putting a Turkish boy[Ismail Durmaz] and a Chinese girl [Kitty Liao]” in a small team with a GSA vision, very quickly bore fruit. Within the year, Turkish Airlines – now a leading carrier – and key Chinese carriers were on Global GSA Group’s customer portfolio: one that today numbers 62 airlines.
Secrets of success? “What advice would you give to other GSAs or air cargo businesses striving for similar growth and resilience?” I asked Ismail. “If you are number 15 today, and you do the same as everyone else, you will always remain number 15. To become number 1, you need to think differently, find new growth areas and innovation. If you follow, you will always be behind. You have to find a shortcut!” he underlines.
“And, if your budget was limited to investments in just one area, which of the following would it be and why? Sustainability, Digitalization, Network expansion, People?” I wanted to know. “Always People!” he immediately responds “because all the other points require people. The right people to fix, bring, develop or explain. I put a lot of energy into social skills. The people who are here tonight – most of them are with me from the beginning. That has everything to do with the social value that we have and we invest in. I give as a human, pay attention and am there when needed.”
And they give back. During the evening event, every staff member came up to Kitty and Ismail and presented them each with a flower by way of a Thank You for their three decades of dedication to Global GSA Group. Talking to individuals during the evening, many have been with the company for more than 15 years. “We really are like a family!” I am told on more than one occasion. Another tells of Ismail’s easy-going attitude to empowering his team to try out new ideas: “If it works, great! If it doesn’t, we at least tried,” she says.
A fresh start and modern outlook “Pride, joy, and love” are the three words Aytekin Saray, CEO of Global GSA Group since MAY25, replies to my question of what the evening’s event means to him. “I am proud to be part of this company for 28 years,” he expands. “We built a network from scratch, with just 3-4 people. And now we have almost worldwide coverage, and I have written something on every page of our story.” He lauds the great, experienced team that he has spent much of the past half year visiting at their locations, in his new function. “It has been a rollercoaster, but a lot of fun,” he admits, talking about the busy travel schedule. “Now, I am steering the company, and I want a fresh start. I want to do things differently, more modern, expanding the network further for true worldwide coverage.”
Among his plans are combining the company’s human touch with today’s digital opportunities. He mentions working with the sister company, CargoTech, to find ways of making life easier with digital tools and customized solutions, likely also using the potential that AI has to offer when it comes to email management or claims handling, for example. Network expansion areas of interest are the Indian Subcontinent, the Far East, and South America, where Global GSA Group may double or even triple the number of countries in each case.
Sustainability remains a priority in all its facets, he says, illustrating the many ways in which Global GSA Group acts sustainably – from paperless working to EVs, better lighting, ensuring suppliers have similar values, various forms of green energy, and charity work. The latter is demonstrated that same evening at the event. Zafer Aggunduz mentions the 1990s photobooth (a great success – where people could dress up as gangsta rappers, complete with bucket hats, glasses and gold chains), and a wandering polaroid camera, and states: “For every picture pinned onto the canvas [positioned in the room], €20 will be donated to the Rainbow Foundation [https://stichting-rainbow.com/]” – one of a number of charitable causes created by Jos Busscher, which supports underprivileged children in third world countries.
A new logo in a new color The 30th anniversary event is also used as a backdrop to unveil Global GSA Group’s new logo and corporate identity. Zafer Aggunduz introduces the topic with a corporate video that starts with 1995 and speaks of ‘one vision, one team, one legacy’, highlighting Global GSA Group’s attributes: trusted expertise, global reach, proven performance , the strength of its people. With the words: ‘the world changed, so did we’, the formerly blue corporate color changes to a deep Bordeaux red, as the video then talks of ‘adapting, innovating, delivering’, illustrating the necessary changes to remain ahead in today’s air cargo industry: digitalization, high value partners, and people who grow and make the difference. The video ends with the new logo impressively unfurling across the large screen: three solid, interlinked letter Gs, in red and white. ‘New symbol, same strength,’ is the video message, and a motto accompanies the image: ‘Excellence in motion’.
“GGG – three letters, all linked,” Zafer Aggunduz explains. “Every G symbolizes something – our team, our partners, our services – all seamlessly connected. Bordeaux symbolizes the loyalty of 30 years’ heritage, the trust in our industry, and the quality of our service. Our new slogan: ‘excellence in motion’, gives two messages: 1) the quality of the service we provide and 2) that we are not stopping there. We are committed to developing our services further, and then there is the energy of our staff – in action, every day.”
Congratulations, Global GSA Group! Adrien Thominet, Chairman, AERION, summarizes the significance of the 30-year milestone: “30 years in this industry is not a given. Congratulations on what you have done. And you are unique. When we invested in this group, we really discovered people values,” he says in his evening address. Global GSA Group stands out, he tells me. It is dedicated to each of its customers on an emotional level. “Ismail’s own personality represents these values,” he says, “and Aytekin is maintaining them. Performance and excellence in motion.”
The Memorandum of Understanding signed by the German freight carrier and Switzerland-based Ceva Logistics on 07AUG25, has now been converted into a binding agreement. Under this long-term framework which runs until 2028, the use of SAF aviation fuel is expected to save 8,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions by the end of this year – compared to burning traditional Jet A-1 kerosene to transport goods by air.
From left: Jérôme Petit, Global Air & Ocean Leader at CEVA Logistics, Ashwin Bhat, CEO at Lufthansa Cargo, Loïc Gay, Global Air & Ocean Products Leader at CEVA Logistics, Anand Kulkarni, Head of Global Markets at Lufthansa Cargo – courtesy: LHC
The SAF agreement is an expression of a cooperation between both partners that has grown over many years and is based on trust, openness, continuous exchange, and mutual learning, stresses a release issued last Wednesday (26NOV25). It is “a significant step in our partnership with Lufthansa Cargo and enables us to measurably reduce our CO₂ emissions and make our supply chains more sustainable. It is particularly important to us to do this with a partner who is committed to maximum transparency, clear sustainability standards, and reliable certifications,” explainsLoic Gay, Global Air & Ocean Products VP at CEVA Logistics.
Palm oil-free biofuel In their joint release, both companies emphasize that the SAF used comes exclusively from waste and residual materials. It is palm oil-free and meets the highest international standards. The emission reductions are transparently confirmed to CEVA Logistics via audited ‘Emission Mitigation Certificates’ and are based on an audited ‘Proof of Sustainability’ (PoS) at Lufthansa Cargo. A PoS is an official document that verifies the sustainability credentials of biofuels, ensuring that they are produced, sourced, and delivered in line with strict environmental and regulatory standards. The agreement sends a clear signal for verifiable CO₂ reduction and strengthens CEVA’s and Lufthansa Cargo’s long-term cooperation in the field of climate friendly logistics solutions. Lufthansa Cargo speaker Jan Paulin told CargoForwarder Global that the CEVA-LHC deal paves the way for additional SAF quantities which are not specified yet. In addition to LH Cargo’s own freighter flights, the agreement includes flights by the entire group, like passenger services by Austrian Airlines or Brussels Airlines that transport cargo consignment in the lower decks of their jetliners. Previously, LHC had already signed a memorandum of understanding with the Chinese online fashion and lifestyle retailer, SHEIN on 19AUG25, to promote the transition to renewable and lower-carbon energy sources for air transport operations.
Together is better than alone This is confirmed by Lufthansa Cargo that lauds the close and constructive collaboration with CEVA Logistics, which has proven particularly valuable in strategic future-oriented topics such as sustainability, reads a release published by the carrier, following the signing of the agreement. Both companies are committed to open exchange and to promoting solutions that have a real impact on fossil gas reductions in the air transport sector. “CEVA Logistics’ decision to make extensive use of SAF demonstrates its clear commitment to making an effective contribution to the decarbonization of air freight. Climate protection requires strong partnerships and decisive action. This agreement creates a solid foundation for achieving further progress together,” comments Anand Kulkarni, Head of Global Markets at Lufthansa Cargo.
The SAF agreement is the latest element of a broader sustainability partnership between CEVA Logistics and Lufthansa Cargo. Other areas of cooperation include joint innovation and research initiatives, knowledge sharing and circular economy solutions.
