The Egyptian charter company, AirMaster (IATA: MR), began flying perishables from Cairo to Hahn Airport, last week. It operates two B737-800BCFs, which can uplift 22 tons per flight. Most shipments are addressed to DHL Food Logistics and the Belgian Tulpin Group. While DHL supplies German wholesalers such as the Rewe and Edeka supermarket chains, the Tulpin Group’s trucks travel from Hahn across the Channel to the UK, to supply local wholesalers. In addition, Egyptair Cargo’s A330F land twice a week at Hahn or Ostende airport, supporting AirMaster’s strawberry shuttles. According to Tulpin CEO, Alain Tulpin, this year the strawberry season in Egypt started around two weeks earlier compared to last year. In addition, crops are already looking more promising than in 2024.

That has spurred the demand for main deck capacity to transport the perishables from the fields to the consumer markets in Central and Western Europe. While in the past, Egyptair utilized its own freighter fleet to transport the goods, this season the carrier can only use a limited number of freighter aircraft to complete the task, as part of its fleet is contractually bound to fly e-commerce shipments from China to Europe. The early strawberry season came as real surprise to retailers and air carriers, explains Alain Tulpin. However, from DEC25 onwards, Egyptair will provide more main deck capacity again.

Due to the challenging situation, the carrier has decided to charter freighters from newcomer AirMaster. According to Lotfi Zekkour, COO of handling agent, Hahn Cargo, the MR shuttles will continue until Christmas, serving HHN at least once, mostly twice a day.

The contact between both sides was established during a telephone call. Cairo’s Egyptair Cargo HQ contacted him and asked whether ground handling agent Hahn Cargo could manage the perishables business without any hiccups. “Since I was born in North Africa and therefore speak Arabic, there was a linguistic and cultural tie between us right from the first phone call,” he recalls, which obviously helped to establish the strawberry chain. Following further calls, landing at another airport in Germany or the Benelux countries was off the table for the AirMaster management, Lotfi told CargoForwarder Global. “This is also because our handling speed is extremely high. Even on very cold days, there is no risk of frost damage, which guarantees product integrity. We also achieve high throughput speeds because the local plant protection agents provide us with tremendous support.”

Around 60% of the shipments unloaded at HHN remain in Germany, while the Tulpin Group transports a substantial portion to the UK via the Channel Tunnel. This is rounded up by a smaller number of strawberry shipments that are brought from Hahn Airport to France by French forwarding agent, Sotracom.

Swissport is almost doubling the warehousing space it dedicates to e-commerce import handling at Belgium’s Liège Airport (LGG), with the addition of a 5,500 m², second-line warehouse. Both Swissport and the airport, which is among Europe’s fastest-growing cargo hubs, are well equipped to handle the increasing numbers of incoming e-commerce parcels. The warehouse has been designed specifically for parcel processing at volume, enabling fast-turnaround operations, sustainable cross-border e-commerce logistics (paperless processes and otherwise full recycling of cardboard, wood and plastics) and “fully integrated import handling, from cargo collection and airport-to-warehouse shuttling, through breakdown, scanning and sorting, to final loading for last-mile delivery”. The release states that it has a throughput capacity of up to 300 tons per day, and that, with it, Swissport’s total e-commerce footprint in Liège grows to 9,000 m². “Swissport’s Liège operation integrates customers’ Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) directly with its CargoSpot platform for real-time visibility, accuracy and data integrity. The site is fully bonded and optimized for cross-dock operations focused on safety, efficiency, and timeliness.”

Wilfried Jans, Managing Director of Swissport Belgium, explained: “Our expanded footprint allows us to process higher volumes while maintaining the reliability and precision our customers expect. The setup gives us the flexibility to manage complex, piece-intensive flows with full digital integration and a highly skilled team.”

Dirk Goovaerts, CEO Continental Europe, Middle East, Africa, India & Global Cargo Chair, Swissport, said: “Liège has established itself as one of Europe’s most important cargo hubs, particularly for online retail. With this investment, we are enhancing our ability to deliver fast, data-driven, and sustainable logistics solutions for our airline and integrator partners. It’s another step in building scalable capacity where our customers need it most.”

Frédéric Brun, Head of Commercial Cargo & Logistics at Liège Airport, added: “We are delighted to see Swissport expanding its operations at Liège Airport, further reinforcing Liège’s position as a leading European hub for e-commerce and express logistics. Swissport is a key partner in our cargo ecosystem, and its continued investment here reflects both the confidence in Liège’s strategic role and our shared commitment to providing efficient, innovative, and sustainable logistics solutions for global customers.”

Pattaya Airways is a relatively new Thai cargo airline headquartered in Pakkret. It was founded as part of the Pattaya Group, a leading Thai aviation services company specializing in ground handling, cargo, passenger services, and aviation solutions across more than 20 airports in Thailand. In 2023, it received its air operator certificate from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand, and officially begin its air cargo operations in Asia on 21AUG24, focusing initially on routes between Bangkok and Yangon, later expanding to key ASEAN markets including Cambodia and Vietnam. The airline operates ATR 72-500 freighters. Its aim is to enhance regional cargo connectivity and efficiency across Southeast Asia.

That connectivity includes digital connections as indicated by its move to now join the WebCargo by Freightos’ platform, thus enabling freight forwarders to digitally access, book and pay for cargo capacity across its network. In the first step, bookings will be possible on flights between Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City. Later, connections in Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos, will be added.

Zvi Schreiber, CEO of Freightos, commented: “Welcoming Pattaya Airways to our platform is another step toward making global trade smoother and more responsive. As Thailand strengthens its position in global trade networks, having instant digital access to regional freighters like Pattaya Airways, allows freight forwarders to build more responsive supply chains for their customers.”

Nat Boonyavichkanont, CEO of Pattaya Airways Company Ltd, stated: “For us, this isn’t just about going digital – it’s about keeping up with how freight really moves today. Pattaya Airways is proud to collaborate with WebCargo by Freightos to enhance digital air-cargo accessibility across Southeast Asia. This partnership reinforces our commitment to delivering faster booking capabilities, greater transparency, and seamless regional connectivity for our customers. Forwarders, today, want to compare routes, book in minutes, pay for cargo, and keep their customers happy. Expanding our access on WebCargo by Freightos, lets us meet them where they already work – and that’s good for everyone: from small local shippers to big regional players.”

Searates ERP, part of DP World’s digital logistics ecosystem, has partnered with CargoAi to integrate CargoAi’s CargoCONNECT APIs and bring digital airfreight services to its users. This collaboration equips the more than 300 forwarders using Searates ERP, with real-time tracking on over 230 airlines, instant quoting and booking confirmations from over 105 airlines covering in excess of 680 schedules and 2.5 million dynamic rates, plus automated FHL/FWB message management ensuring eAWB compliance with more than 120 airlines. The integration streamlines air cargo workflows, boosts shipment visibility, and facilitates quicker, more accurate bookings and document handling. The partnership supports Searates’ mission to provide end-to-end, tech-enabled logistics solutions that enhance transparency, agility, and value across transportation modes. The decision to proceed was taken following the successful completion of a pilot with Al Eid International and LLK Customer, who gave positive feedback regarding productivity and user experience.

“With this integration, Searates ERP reinforces its commitment to a digital and transparent supply chain, while optimizing its customers’ experience thanks to CargoAi’s innovative solutions. This partnership illustrates the determination of both companies to support the digital transformation of the airfreight sector,” the release states.

Matt Petot, CEO of CargoAi, commented: “The integration of CargoCONNECT with Searates ERP System represents a major step forward in the digitalization of airfreight. Our solutions will optimize operational processes and bring tangible added value to freight forwarders worldwide.”

On 19NOV25, Silk Way West Airlines and Airbus shook hands and signed papers confirming the acquisition of a further two A350Fs for the airline, doubling its total order to date. The carrier had previously made history in JUN22, when it became the first operator in Central Asia and the CIS region to sign for the A350F. The move aligns with the airline’s mission to upgrade to a cleaner, greener fleet. The A350F promises a reduction in fuel consumption and cargo emissions of up to 40% in comparison to older aircraft of a similar capacity. It can carry a payload of up to 111 tons, covers a range of up to 8,700 kilometers, and stands out with having the largest main deck cargo door in the sector. Thanks to advanced materials being used to construct its airframe, the plane will have a 46-ton lighter take-off weight than its peers, and is the only freighter aircraft that will fully meet the International Civil Aviation Organization’s enhanced CO₂ emissions standards, which come into effect in 2027.

Wolfgang Meier, President of Silk Way West Airlines, declared: “We are delighted to extend our partnership with Airbus on the A350F program. This order, bringing our total commitment to four aircraft, marks a major milestone in our company’s growth and reflects our confidence in the future of sustainable air freight. The A350F will strengthen our leading position in the global air freight market as we continue to modernize our fleet and reduce our carbon footprint.”

Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales Commercial Aircraft, underlined: “This repeat order from Silk Way West Airlines, the largest cargo airline in the Caspian Sea region, is a great vote of confidence at a time when the A350F is physically taking shape in our assembly lines. The A350F will ensure the airline maintains its leading position in the global air freight market and further enables its key role in developing Azerbaijan as a major global cargo hub at the heart of the Silk Road.”

In other news this week, Silk Way West Airlines and Azerbaijan’s national postal operator, Azerpost LLC, signed a memorandum of cooperation to enhance postal and e-commerce logistics. The two companies will join forces to work on international and domestic cargo delivery, mail sorting, warehousing, and logistics optimization, deploying both their expertise and infrastructure, and a joint, 12,000 m² fully-automated e-commerce terminal at Alat Free Economic Zone. Azerpost will use Silk Way West Airlines’ global network for international e-commerce and mail shipments, bringing regular baseload to the airline. Azerpost takes on last-mile delivery, sorting, and handling operations within Azerbaijan.

Messe München’s press department reports that the transport logistic Americas & air cargo Americas trade fair in Miami mid-NOV25, saw a total of 6,345 participants over the three days, and received much positive feedback. Held 11-13NOV25 at the Miami Beach Convention Center in Florida, the trade show attracted 143 exhibitors from 24 nations, along with an international audience flying in mainly from Canada, Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, and Argentina. “About one-third of the participants traveled from abroad. Overall, the event exceeded all expectations and established itself as a multimodal logistics trade fair in the U.S.,” the release proclaims. Around half of the exhibitors were from the U.S. For the first time, the event also included a special ‘project cargo’ area focused on heavy-lift, breakbulk, and specialized logistics, with 30 exhibitors and two dedicated sessions in the conference program. Also maritime entered the multimodal chat as a premiere, too. “The exhibition showcased a well-balanced mix of services, systems, and technologies covering road, rail, sea, and air transport. Many exhibitors presented a comprehensive portfolio, and for one in five companies, digitalization was a top priority,” the release explains. “The well-attended forums reflected the high engagement of the logistics community, offering 19 sessions with more than 70 individual presentations.”

Dr. Robert Schönberger, Global Industry Lead at Messe München, reported: “Many key players filled the halls. The more international the business and the more uncertain the times, the more important personal contact becomes. The working atmosphere was truly palpable. Miami has proven itself as a meeting point for the logistics community, and the trade fair served as an efficient hub for networking, with a strong focus on South, Central, and North America. These facts reinforce transport logistic Americas as the leading logistics trade show in the U.S. This trade fair has tremendous potential and will continue to grow in the years ahead. We will continue developing it with the same high standards as transport logistic in Munich. Together with our other international events, it supports global networking and knowledge exchange along international supply chains.”

AERION has positioned itself as a ‘strategic think tank transforming airline cargo management’ and is on a mission to advance the air cargo industry on all levels – from commercial to tech to operational excellence – particularly in specialized logistics. With pharmaceutical transports rapidly rising, and the complexities and regulations surrounding them also growing, a dedicated expert solution was a logical next stop, and Healthc’Air was this summer, under the direction of seasoned pharma expert, Yulia Celetaria, Global Director Pharma. AERION’s dedicated pharmaceutical arm “turns strategic vision into measurable performance,” the press release explains. It combines regulatory expertise, digital innovation, and sustainability within a single, results-driven framework under the mission of ‘Turning compliance into confidence.”

With Healthc’Air, airlines and GSAs have access to modular, scalable solutions ranging from consulting and auditing to certification support, training, and full shipment management. It follows a three-tier model: Launch, Advanced, and Trust. This allows a stepwise approach depending on the airline’s commercial goals, size, and maturity level when it comes to transporting pharmaceuticals. “Healthc’Air instills a true pharmaceutical mindset across the logistics chain from route qualification and risk assessment to training and live performance monitoring. It supports carriers in achieving and maintaining CEIV Pharma certification while integrating real-time AI tools that enhance transparency and compliance. Sustainability is equally central, with initiatives such as route optimization, reusable packaging, and partnerships promoting SAF and low-carbon warehouse operations,” the release reveals.

Adrien Thominet, Chairman of AERION, explained: “AERION was conceived as a strategic hub connecting expertise, tools, and real-world execution. With Healthc’Air, we bring this philosophy to one of air cargo’s most demanding segments. Our goal is to help airlines operate pharma supply chains that are compliant, digitalized, sustainable, and fully aligned with patient safety and operational excellence.”

Yulia Celetaria confirmed: “True pharma logistics success happens when every employee feels confident enough to give the transported medicine to their own family. That’s the standard we set, combining excellence, data intelligence, and human responsibility.”

There is no denying that the Indian Subcontinent is one of the fastest growing air cargo markets on the planet. Already today, ECS Group counts 32 regional subsidiaries in 14 Asian countries, representing over 50 airline partners. And that is set to further develop too, now, under the appointment of Girish Kunder as Regional Manager Indian Subcontinent. In addition to overseeing Globe Air Cargo and AVS’ operations across India and the other Asian markets, the responsibilities include “strengthening airline partnerships, expanding market reach, and accelerating digital transformation to drive efficiency and customer satisfaction”. The latter will be further enhanced through improved digital and operational performance and access to the other factions in Aerion’s global cargo ecosystem, which include CargoTech for one-stop-tech solutions, Healthc’Air for pharma expertise, Mail&More that focuses on e-commerce and postal solutions, and back-office administration services provided by Squair.

Girish Kunder, Regional Manager Indian Subcontinent, ECS Group, stated: “Taking on this new role represents both a professional milestone and a mission of purpose. The Indian Subcontinent is a powerhouse for growth, driven by e-commerce, pharma, and digitalization. My goal is to position ECS Group as the preferred GSSA partner for airlines in this region, delivering data-driven solutions that enhance performance and profitability while creating lasting value for our customers.”

Jean Ceccaldi, CEO of ECS Group, said: “Girish’s appointment reinforces ECS Group’s long-term vision to build local excellence backed by global capabilities. India and the wider Subcontinent are critical growth engines for our airline partners. With Girish’s leadership, deep market knowledge, and strong customer focus, we will continue to scale our presence and deliver best-in-class solutions across key verticals such as pharma, e-commerce, and digital logistics.”