Few seasonal shipments get a cargo person’s heart beating quite as much as the elite Beaujolais Nouveau logistic Olympics? Why? Because to ensure that meanwhile more than 110 countries can enjoy the new wine when it is officially released (always on the third Thursday in November), a number of logistics miracles need to have taken place. The French authorities allow exports to commence up to 17 days prior to release, which – for 2025, means that in advance of the 20NOV25 (00:01 local time) release date (and time), producers could ship bottled wines from 13OCT25, 08:00 onwards to EU, and from 21OCT25 to countries outside the EU.

ECS Group, its French subsidiary, Aero Cargo International France, and DHL, together managed a ‘standout Beaujolais Nouveau 2025 operation’, this year – breaking all records by transporting a staggering 40% of all French Beaujolais Nouveau exports. “The highest market share ever achieved for this seasonal campaign,” the release underlines. Aero Cargo International France and DHL Aviation are adept in ensuring fast, reliable operations when they are most required, and have long been working together. “Covering key gateways in Tokyo and Osaka, the operation was executed flawlessly from end to end,” the release explained, illustrating the exact planning and real-time coordination needed. “This milestone success reflects ECS Group’s ability to convert seasonal complexity into commercial dominance, reinforcing its reputation as a high-performance GSSA partner for global integrators and airlines alike,” it stated.

Jean Ceccaldi, CEO of ECS Group, enthused: “This record achievement is a clear demonstration of what happens when operational excellence meets true partnership. Moving 40% of the French Beaujolais Nouveau market with DHL is not just a number, it’s proof of trust, discipline, and our teams’ ability to deliver under maximum pressure.”

Guillaume Tourneret, Managing Director of Aero Cargo International France, emphasized: “This campaign was about precision, anticipation, and teamwork. Our close collaboration with DHL Aviation and the unwavering commitment of our operations teams allowed us to deliver a flawless uplift and achieve a record result we’re extremely proud of.”

Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) and its airfreight arm, Swiss WorldCargo, have entered a partnership with logistics giant, Kuehne+Nagel, to advance more sustainable air transportation. The collaboration focuses on supporting Swiss clean-tech company, Synhelion, which produces synthetic aviation fuel (SAF) using solar technology. Both partners have committed to long-term purchases of Synhelion’s fuel, providing vital support for scaling up production and commercialization. 

Through a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding, SWISS and Kuehne+Nagel plan to cooperate on various sustainability projects aimed at reducing aviation’s environmental impact. A cornerstone of their partnership is the joint promotion and integration of sustainable fuels into air transport. As part of the agreement, SWISS will buy at least 200 tons of Synhelion SAF annually, a portion of which will be supplied to Kuehne+Nagel. 

Starting in 2027, Kuehne+Nagel will use this fuel for its airfreight operations with Swiss WorldCargo over a five-year period, supporting the decarbonization of global logistics and helping its customers reduce emissions. The initiative complements SWISS’s broader efforts to cut CO₂ emissions through fuel-efficient aircraft, sustainable fuel development, and strategic industry partnerships aimed at making aviation more climate-friendly.

SWISS CEO, Jens Fehlinger, explained: “Sustainable aviation fuels are a key element in our endeavors to make air transportation more sustainable. These fuels are still expensive and in short supply, however, which is why we need strong partners to help further their development. We’re delighted that, together with Kuehne+Nagel, we can now initiate the first commercial supplies of Synhelion’s synthetic fuel. This is a major step forward, and a clear confirmation of the active role that SWISS aims to play in this vital area.”

Yngve Ruud, Member of the Management Board responsible for Air Logistics, said: “To meet the aviation industry’s climate targets, we must scale the production of synthetic SAF. At Kuehne+Nagel, we are taking the lead by partnering with SWISS and Synhelion, to accelerate these technologies, making them economically viable. With it, we can offer our customers the opportunity to reduce their environmental footprint with this innovative technology.”

Italy is known for fast cars – so fast cargo isn’t such a surprise, really. That said, to scale up from just 9 tons a day to 100, within a space of just 5 months – that is a pretty solid achievement. One that Swissport managed in its newly refurbished Milan Malpensa (MXP) cargo operation. The 4,000 m² second-line warehouse is located within the WTC Malpensa complex, and has been handling imports, pre-customs clearance, and express distribution until now. This will now be expanded to include exports and ‘broader general cargo services’.

Marina Bottelli, Swissport’s Country Manager for Italy, underlined: “Scaling from 9 to 100 tons per day in such a short time, is a clear demonstration of Swissport’s ability to deploy harmonized global standards, advanced handling processes, and high-performing teams. Malpensa is a critical cargo gateway for Italy and Europe, and this success reflects our commitment to delivering reliable, efficient, and seamless cargo flows for our customers across the region.”

In other Swissport news, this week, the aviation services provider revealed that 24 of its Pharma Centers are now IATA CEIV certified. The latest to pass was Düsseldorf, which joined Manchester, New York JFK, and Shanghai this year. Swissport operates 65 pharma-capable warehouses and 24 warehouses certified for pharmaceutical logistics under industry standards including the Air Transport Association’s CEIV Pharma, the British Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), and Good Distribution Practice (GDP). Around 10% of the 5 million tons that Swissport handled in 2024, were pharma shipments and these continue to increase. “in both scale and handling complexity,” the press release stated.

Dirk Goovaerts, CEO Continental Europe, Middle East, Africa, India & Global Cargo Chair, Swissport, disclosed: “The primary driver for our cold chain reinforcement is the fundamental shift in pharmaceutical manufacturing toward biologics and temperature-sensitive therapies. This evolution requires a specialized handling infrastructure at a global scale. Facilities like Düsseldorf, together with our certified pharma network and digital monitoring systems, enable us to deliver safe, compliant, and reliable logistics at scale to meet growing market demand. Pharmaceutical transport is rapidly evolving, and Swissport is well-equipped to offer best-in-class, commodity-specific handling services at scale.”

Royal Air Maroc announced this week that Yassine Berrada’s successor as Vice President Cargo, would be Rita Chraibi. She joined the airline in 2006 and has grown with its development, having held various key leadership positions during that time. She therefore has great insight and understanding of the airline’s strategic priorities and operational challenges. Her responsibilities include implementing the cargo division’s commercial development strategy that has been mapped out to 2037, strengthening customer experience, and supporting the expansion of the network through new cargo route openings.

Rita Chraibi, incoming Vice President Cargo at Royal Air Maroc, commented: “I am deeply honored by this appointment and the trust placed in me. The cargo division is a strategic pillar for Royal Air Maroc, and I am committed to driving its development with ambition and determination. Together with our teams, we will continue expanding our network, enhancing our services, and ensuring that customer experience remains at the core of our mission.”

Yassine Berrada, outgoing Vice President Cargo at Royal Air Maroc, said: “I would like to warmly congratulate Ms. Chraibi on her appointment. Her extensive experience, leadership skills, and deep knowledge of Royal Air Maroc, make her the ideal person to continue guiding the cargo division’s expansion. This transition reflects the continuity and strength of a company with 68 years of history, and I am confident she will lead the next phase with success.”

Transport Management System (TMS) provider, Logistaas, has partnered with Seattle-based Trade Tech, a global logistics and customs compliance technology firm. The integration enables Logistaas’ freight forwarder customers to automatically transfer shipment data to Trade Tech’s Syrinx Trade Security platform, thus simplifying international cargo security and digital customs filings.

This collaboration ensures forwarders remain compliant with evolving regulations such as the EU’s Import Control System 2 (ICS2) and the UAE’s Maritime Pre-load Cargo Information (MPCI) program, by seamlessly transferring shipment data from Logistaas to Trade Tech’s cargo security compliance platform. Similar pre-arrival customs requirements already apply in the US, Canada, Mexico, Japan, and South Africa, with more expected. Trade Tech’s compliance technology is integrated with Customs authorities worldwide, enabling a single gateway for secure and accurate data submission. Logistaas’ digital network includes more than 50 ocean carriers, 90 airlines, and multiple logistics platforms. The Tech Trade integration adds a much-needed customs function to its existing connections which include pricing, booking, visibility, customs, and accounting platforms.

Kareem Naouri, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, Logistaas, commented: “Customs authorities worldwide are accelerating their digital transformation efforts, requiring freight forwarders to electronically submit shipments and manifest data before arrival. By partnering with Trade Tech, we are not only helping our users comply with local regulations, but also continuing to deliver on our mission of seamless system connectivity and automating day-to-day workflows. Regulatory initiatives such as ICS2 and MPCI reflect a fundamental shift toward mandatory digital data sharing between freight forwarders and customs authorities. We have customers operating in over 75 countries, so it’s critical that we give them the tools to stay compliant as these rules expand globally.”

Bryn Heimbeck, Co-founder and President, Trade Tech, stated: “As the industry moves toward fully digital supply chains, the importance of improved efficiency and complete data integrity cannot be understated. Our partnership with Logistaas ensures that freight forwarders can focus on operations and customer service knowing their regulatory requirements are covered. Trade Tech now offers cargo security filing in 37 countries across the world.”

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.”