Unilode Aviation Solutions has welcomed American Airlines Cargo into its global ULD management and digitalization network. Under the terms of the partnership, Unilode will oversee the airline’s entire ULD fleet, providing repair, maintenance, and digital services. An onboarding program customized to American Airlines Cargo, included U.S. and international roadshows with practical training to ensure a smooth transition. Unilode’s dedicated American Airlines Cargo Customer Success Team, based in Dallas-Fort Worth and worldwide, will deliver 24/7 support, continuous improvement, and customized solutions. The collaboration reflects Unilode’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and service excellence, ensuring reliable, efficient ULD operations while building a long-term, value-driven partnership.

“At the heart of this partnership is Unilode’s dedication to ULD-management excellence. From sustainability initiatives and digitalization to tailored customer solutions, Unilode is committed to ensuring every ULD delivers value, efficiency, and reliability,” the press release states. “The focus now is on delivering on our promises and building a partnership with American Airlines Cargo that will grow stronger year by year.”

Janis Balkens, Chief Operations Officer, said: “We are delighted to welcome American Airlines Cargo into our global ULD management network. This is more than just managing ULDs – it’s about building trust, delivering tailored onboarding, and providing dedicated support to one of the world’s largest airlines.”

Sam Mendenhall, Vice President American Airlines Cargo Operations, commented: “American Airlines Cargo strives for continuous improvement in operational performance. Unilode’s expertise in ULD management, repair, and digital tracking technology will play a crucial role in modernizing our operations and ensuring the highest level of reliability and service for our customers.”

Titled “It’s Never Just An Address”, Etihad Cargo’s new ad campaign brings air cargo out of the brown box/big warehouse mental image to an emotive, real-life setting. It illustrates what everyone within the industry knows but few outside the industry ever really spend much time thinking about – the fact that so many daily commodities have flown across the world to be in their hands. The moving video campaign is part of the cargo airline’s new BEYOND BORDERS brand platform which serves to promote how air freight plays such an important role in daily life – whether this is on a personal, business or even global trade level. “The campaign brings the airline’s refreshed brand to life through a cargo lens, celebrating the role of air freight in connecting people, communities, and economies across the globe. Through striking visuals and storytelling, the campaign humanizes cargo, highlighting how fresh produce, pharmaceuticals, luxury goods, live animals and other consignments are not just boxes in transit – they are lifelines that impact daily life worldwide,” says the press release. “The launch also reflects Etihad Cargo’s focus on collaboration, with the campaign emphasizing the strength of its partnerships in ensuring resilient supply chains and timely solutions that transcend borders.”

Later this week, on 09OCT25, Etihad Cargo will also be revealing its refreshed etihadcargo.com digital platform, aligned with Etihad’s new look. Customers can look forward to a cleaner interface and enhanced features such as simplified booking and tracking tools, real-time claim monitoring as the airline improves its transparency and efficiency.

Stanislas Brun, Chief Cargo Officer, Etihad Airways, explained: “Every shipment tells a story. It’s never just an address. It represents trust, care and a connection that makes a real difference in people’s lives. By adapting Beyond Borders for cargo, we are showing how freight is more than the movement of goods – it is a vital force linking families, sustaining businesses, and keeping global supply chains moving.”

VRR has unveiled its enhanced HML/HMR collapsible horse stall for air transport. In addition to animal-first comfort and safety (it being collapsible, this is a doubly important point), the original design has been upgraded to a lighter and easier to use version. The advanced materials used to construct it mean its weight could be reduced and less weight means fewer CO₂ emissions – in this case a saving of up to 20% compared to the previous container model, possibly more with heavier, older ones. And not just when it is in use to transport horses, but also when it is folded together and transported empty back to base. In all, a more sustainable product version and in line with VRR’s sustainability philosophy. Not to mention, lower weight also means less transportation costs. Certified for use on wide-body aircraft such as the Airbus A350 and Boeing 777FX, the stall retains its spacious layout, ventilation, vibration‑dampening floor and secure partitions to safeguard equine welfare in transit. Its folding mechanisms allow quicker assembly and repositioning. Sliding groom doors, extra‑wide ramps and more intuitive handling further boost safety and usability for operators. The new version came about through VRR’s culture (since it began in 1946) of challenging conventional design, precisely analyzing needs, collaborating with all involved parties – including customers – and testing new designs. The new HML/HMR is greener, leaner, more durable and – most importantly – meets the high comfort standards expected by professional equine transporters. Geert van Riemsdijk, Managing Director at VRR, stated: “Redeveloping a proven and highly valued product is one of the toughest challenges a manufacturer can have. How do you create something new when the bar’s already so high? We reviewed every detail, from design and materials to manufacturing and performance. Every little stone was turned over, analyzed and tested. We decided which parts to keep and improved the rest. Nothing about this process was easy, but that’s what makes the achievement so meaningful. It’s about taking a product that already works and making it even better.”

CargoAi has integrated its Quote & Book API with Descartes’ Global Price Management™ (GPM) system to enhance digital air cargo booking and rate management. The collaboration enables Descartes users to instantly access real‑time rates, schedules and capacity from over 106 connected airlines, simplifying the quoting and booking process. Freight forwarders and logistics providers using Descartes can now view and manage air cargo spot rates and reservations directly through CargoAi’s FlyWindow interface, ensuring continuous functionality even without direct airline API links.

The integration brings key advantages including immediate access to 670+ schedules and 160+ live freight rates, reduced manual processing and improved workflow efficiency. Automated booking capabilities replace traditional negotiations, helping users manage quotes and reservations faster and more accurately. The seamless link between CargoAi and Descartes empowers logistics professionals to optimize their purchasing decisions, save time and enhance transparency across transport operations. 

This strategic partnership marks another step in accelerating digital supply chain transformation. By merging CargoAi’s dynamic booking technology with Descartes’ advanced rate management system, both companies aim to make air cargo procurement smarter, faster and more efficient while reducing friction and increasing visibility throughout global logistics networks.

Matt Petot, CEO of CargoAi, said: “Thanks to the integration of Quote & Book API and FlyWindow in Descartes GPM, we offer transport professionals a flexible, high-performance solution that automates and streamlines freight booking. This innovation marks a decisive step towards the digitalization of the sector.” Scott Sangster, General Manager, Logistics Services Providers at Descartes, commented: “The Descartes GPM solution helps companies elevate the customer experience, reduce operational stress, and maximize shipment margins by automating some of the most labor-intensive aspects of their business. With the CargoAi integration, customers can more efficiently and transparently search, compare, quote and book capacity directly from Descartes GPM.”

Garuda Indonesia Cargo, the cargo arm of Indonesia’s national airline, has partnered with Freightos and is now offering its air freight capacity exclusively through WebCargo by Freightos. Freight forwarders worldwide can access Garuda Indonesia’s eBooking options in real time. The rollout starts with main trade landes out of Indonesia, including Jakarta (CGK) to Singapore (SIN), Tokyo Haneda (HND), Jeddah (JED), Shanghai (SHA) and Sydney (SYD), as well as Denpasar (DPS) to Sydney (SYD), Tokyo Narita (NRT) and Hong Kong (HKG).

As one of the region’s most prominent carriers, Garuda Indonesia’s move underscores a broader shift toward digitalization in air cargo. The currently still exclusive availability on WebCargo enhances the airline’s visibility, speeds up booking processes for logistics professionals, and strengthens connectivity with global markets. According to Garuda Indonesia President and CEO Wamildan Tsani, the collaboration supports the airline’s strategy to expand international reach, improve cargo performance and capture new growth opportunities through innovative digital solutions.

Zvi Schreiber, CEO of Freightos, commented: “Southeast Asia plays a crucial role in global trade, and Garuda Indonesia is an important player in connecting the region globally. By offering their capacity exclusively on WebCargo by Freightos, we’re ensuring forwarders get seamless access to some of the busiest trade routes,” said. “From fashion exports to high-tech goods, this collaboration will help forwarders secure air cargo space efficiently, with real-time visibility, and improve global trade.”

Wamildan Tsani, Garuda Indonesia President and CEO, said: “Garuda Indonesia believes this strategic partnership with WebCargo by Freightos will not only make our service more accessible to our customers but will deliver a seamless online booking experience for them. We hope that by strengthening the accessibility and efficiency of Garuda Indonesia’s air cargo services through digital initiatives, we will continue to meet our customers’ evolving need.”

Titan Aviation Leasing (the Atlas Air Worldwide and Bain Capital joint venture company), has acquired its first ever Airbus freighters in the form of two Airbus A330-300P2F (MSN 1789 and 1712, equipped with Rolls Royce engines), from Airbus Financial Services. They are now on long-term lease to Mexican carrier, mas, which is no stranger to Airbus conversions. It operates a fleet of Airbus A330-200 P2F and A330-300 P2F aircraft to the USA, South America and China out of its base at Felipe Ángeles International Airport (NLU), Mexico. ST Engineering and EFW carried out these two conversions, having developed a P2F aircraft that can uplift up to 61 tons of payload, and has a range of 3,650 nautical miles – the perfect addition to mas’ growing network to meet e-commerce and trade flow demands.

Eamonn Forbes, Chief Commercial Officer, Titan Aviation Leasing, declared: “The addition of the A330-300P2F represents an exciting milestone for Titan, as we diversify our portfolio with versatile solutions tailored to customer growth. We are delighted to partner with mas as they scale their widebody cargo operations, and we greatly appreciate the Airbus team’s professionalism and collaboration throughout this transaction.”

Michael Steen, Chief Executive Officer, Atlas Air Worldwide, said: “This transaction highlights Titan’s ability to deliver innovative and flexible fleet solutions that support the growth of our customers. These aircraft will play an important role in meeting rising global air cargo demand and further demonstrate the scale and capabilities of our TAI 2 platform.”

Robert van de Weg, CEO of mas, added: “We have been working closely with Airbus Financial Services, Rolls Royce and Titan, to make this arrangement a reality and we look forward to working together with the Titan team for many years to come. We have a strong belief that the A330-300P2F will continue to create value for our customers and that they will be an essential part of our fleet going forward.”

Francois Collet, Head of Trading and Structured Finance at Airbus, commented: “Airbus is pleased to announce the successful closing of an A330-300P2F transaction with Titan. The transaction is a result of a great team effort and highlights the excellent relationship between Airbus, Titan, mas and Rolls-Royce. This deal leverages Titan’s leasing and freight market expertise to support mas, an important and growing Airbus customer, and underscores the shared commitment to advancing the A330-300P2F program and providing innovative solutions to the freight market.”

United Cargo is the latest airline to opt for CargoAi’s digital platform. The airline has signed a strategic partnership agreement with the airfreight platform in its quest to advance its digital transformation and improve customer experience worldwide. More than 23,000 freight forwarders can now instantly access real-time rates and book shipments across United Cargo’s domestic and international network. Whether these are General Cargo (GCR), Express, or Perishable (PER) shipments not requiring temperature control, bookings can now be made much more quickly and with greater transparency. Aside from domestic services across the U.S., the partnership includes destinations in Canada, Ireland, United Kingdom, Belgium, Netherlands, France, Switzerland, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Greece, and Italy. This partnership reinforces United Cargo’s commitment to innovation and customer-focused solutions, while also expanding CargoAi’s global airline network and product options. The main beneficiaries are the many freight forwarders using CargoAi’s platform, as they now have even more alternatives to choose from.

Matthieu Petot, CEO of CargoAi, stated: “United Cargo’s decision to join the CargoAi ecosystem reflects a shared vision for the future of air cargo – one where digital connectivity, automation, and collaboration define how airlines and forwarders work together. By combining United Cargo’s global reach with our technology, we are building a foundation for a more agile, transparent, and customer-centric airfreight industry, ready to meet the demands of tomorrow’s supply chains.”

In the six months since stepping into the CEO role, Aytekin Saray has focused on expansion and taking Global GSA Group forward, securing new airline partnerships and enhancing its hybrid approach that blends human expertise with cutting-edge digital tools to deliver both personalized service and optimized operational performance. In an effort to bringing more experience and different perspectives to the group’s leadership team, Saray has now named Dr. Cor de Man as Senior Executive Advisor. Dr. de Man’s expertise will support the group in its expansion strategy, increased operational excellence, and in implanting its digital transformation strategy.

Dr. de Man looks back on a logistics career that began in 1986, and includes leading positions at companies such as UTi, DSV, and more recently, Turkish Airlines Cargo. He will be based at the company’s Hoofddorp headquarters in the Netherlands, and his role will center on refining business processes and reinforcing Global GSA Group’s commitment to delivering superior value to its partner airlines. 

Aytekin Saray, CEO of Global GSA Group, announced: “I am delighted to welcome Dr. Cor de Man to Global GSA Group. Choosing him as Senior Executive Advisor was a natural step in building the team that will carry us forward. His deep industry experience will help us sharpen our focus on performance, strengthen our airline relationships, and ensure that Global GSA Group continues to set new benchmarks for excellence in the GSSA sector.”

Dr. Cor de Man commented: “I am honored that Aytekin has entrusted me with this role at such an important moment for Global GSA Group. Together, we aim to further strengthen the company’s value proposition for airlines and support long-term growth. I am excited to contribute my experience to Global GSA Group’s journey. I look forward to helping ensure its airline partners continue to benefit from outstanding service and innovation across the globe.”

AWB data capture company, Squair India, based in Mumbai, recently moved into a larger office as its team continues to grow. The new office, located in Andheri East, can accommodate the 25-strong (and soon to be 29-stong) team that has been built up since services first began in India, in late 2022. At the time, it began with just 3 employees. The current team supports 31 airlines worldwide and processes an average of 45,000 AWBs each month.

The new office measures 185 m² space and therefore double the size of its previous facility. It provides a modern, collaborative environment while offering proximity to Mumbai International Airport – enhancing both employee convenience and business connectivity. This expansion highlights the rising global demand for outsourced AWB data capture, a service that helps GSAs and airlines reduce operational costs, minimize CCAs, and dedicate more resources to customer-facing activities.

Squair India’s growth also reflects its commitment to sustainability and inclusivity. Operating entirely on a cloud-based IT system, the subsidiary has achieved a paperless process, while its office location supports shared transport options. Gender equity is another defining feature, with women holding two out of three management roles in Mumbai. Looking ahead, Squair India plans to leverage these foundations to broaden its service scope, including upcoming offerings such as the production of Cargo Sales Reports. This milestone underscores Squair’s strength in combining digital efficiency, operational reliability, and progressive workplace values to deliver added value to global airline and GSA partners. 

Dimitri Arnaudin, Managing Director of Squair, proclaimed: “Our success in India is the result of a deliberate strategy: building long-term expertise in data capture where talent and infrastructure are strong, and aligning that growth with the global ambitions of Squair. India is no longer just a support center, it’s a cornerstone of our future growth and innovation.”

Ian-Alexandre McMartin, General Manager of Squair, added: “Our scalable team in India enables agile responses to airline needs with high-quality service. By reinforcing our presence here, we are securing the operational backbone that will allow us to expand our service portfolio and support our partners with greater efficiency worldwide.”

Qatar Airways Cargo has launched its enhanced QR Cargo Mobile App, giving customers a seamless way to book, manage, and track shipments directly from their mobile devices. The upgraded app provides real-time visibility and tracking, instant booking, access to live flight schedules, e-AWB management, notifications, and 24/7 customer support. Fully integrated with the airline’s Digital Lounge e-booking platform and backend systems, the app allows registered customers to manage the entire booking cycle from quotation to confirmation, while reducing reliance on manual processes. Features such as station-level cargo handling information, shipment updates, and multi-user profile access make it especially valuable for freight forwarders and agents handling multiple clients. Focus was on user experience and intuitive design. It offers the opportunity to personalize the dashboard, and allows customers to manage their shipments anytime, anywhere. The app is available for both iOS and Android systems.

Mark Drusch, Chief Officer Cargo at Qatar Airways Cargo, said: “A robust and well-designed cargo app provides customers with the convenience they expect – managing their business through their mobile devices. Additionally, the revamped mobile app streamlines operations, enhances efficiency, and accelerates service delivery. We’ve meticulously enhanced the QR Cargo Mobile App to deliver a seamless digital experience for our customers. By placing our industry-leading Digital Lounge in the palm of our customers’ hands, we’re empowering them with full access to every capability needed to manage their shipment journey with us – through a smooth intuitive native mobile experience. Whether you’re a freight forwarder, shipper, consignee, or simply exploring our network and services, the app puts control at your fingertips – with instant booking options and real-time updates.”