TIACA’s Air Cargo Forum (ACF) 2025’s take-off slot is in six weeks from now, and CargoForwarder Global is firmly strapped into seat 1A, ready for a flight into the current and future world of air cargo. Whilst ACF veterans connect the event with Miami, where it was last held in 2024 and is due there again in 2026, TIACA has expanded the concept and decided on an annual event which alternates between two permanent bases. The second base being the UAE’s Abu Dhabi. It is being premiered this 03-06NOV25 at the Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

“The world of aviation and logistics is shifting eastwards. A trend that has been progressively accelerating as the advancement of production centers in Asia and the expansion of logistical hubs in the middle east, providing supply chain connectivity between Asia/Africa/Europe and beyond to North America. Maritime Ports in the region are innovating with their airport partners to create new multi-modal solutions designed around the industry ethos of fast, secure, safe, and efficient high quality supply chain solutions. With this in mind, the TIACA Board took the decision that the successful TIACA Air Cargo Forum (ACF), currently held every two years in its permanent home in Miami, should become an annual gathering of supply chain professionals, world class solution providers and industry thought leaders and influencers. After a vigorous process of evaluating many exceptional venues throughout the Middle East region, the TIACA Board selected Abu Dhabi as the second permanent location for the now annual ACF,” TIACA’s press release explains. It reminds people to make sure their hotel arrangements are complete as the three suggested hotels only have a few remaining rooms. A look at What’s On in Abu Dhabi reveals that we’ll likely have missed Enrique Iglesias, Ed Sheeran and Coldplay, who are all there on 01NOV25, but the event will coincide with the region’s annual Flag Day on 03NOV25, and any ACF participants showing particular prowess during the “inaugural Etihad Golf cup on a beautiful beachside links course” might want to hang around for the European World Tour Golf that is also due to take place at Yas Island, but from 06-09NOV25.

Anyway – back to the ACF itself: aside from golf, it lures with yoga and networking functions on the beach, a private function in the fast-paced Ferrari World, world class exhibitors, industry leaders sharing ideas during engaging discussions “and a few surprises thrown in for good measure”. Four fireside chats with senior global leaders, two industry CEO roundtables, and dedicated sessions on industry outlook and trends, innovation, digitalization, sustainability, workforce challenges, plus a concentrated focus on air cargo in the Middle East, and more. See you there!

The U.S. air cargo security provider, Global K9 (GK9) which last year acquired UK-based Dog Detectives (see https://cargoforwarder.eu/2024/11/03/gk9pg-acquires-uk-based-dog-detectives/ ), has now expanded its European presence by entering into partnership with the Dutch screening specialist, Het Twickelerveld Cargo Screening B.V.. The aim is to reinforce cargo security operations across Europe.
Under the agreement, Het Twickelerveld will support GK9 with screening services in the Netherlands, pairing GK9’s detection expertise with the Dutch company’s strong European foothold. The collaboration covers canine detection as well as X-ray, Explosive Trace Detection (ETD), and authorized representative services, enabling both companies to deliver compliant, customized solutions for air cargo clients. Founded in 2005, Het Twickelerveld brings extensive experience in training and handling dogs for cargo security. This alliance strengthens GK9’s presence in Europe while broadening the operational scope of both screening companies in meeting the region’s air cargo security requirements.
Eric Hare, Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Global K9, explained: “By combining our proven detection services with Het Twickelerveld’s local expertise, this agreement is aimed at replicating our successful U.S. operations, providing enhanced security solutions across the region. Our goal is to provide the same level of excellence in Europe that our clients have come to expect in the U.S., building upon our growing global presence.” Martin Lipsius, Founder and CEO, Het Twickelerveld, said: “Partnering with a well-established screening company such as GK9, allows us to enhance our services in the air cargo sector, bringing mutual benefits to our clients. We look forward to integrating GK9’s expertise to strengthen our air cargo security operations across the Netherlands and Western Europe.”

The Rhenus Group has strengthened its presence in the United Arab Emirates as part of a wider regional growth strategy, moving from a limited setup to a more integrated role in the market. Having operated in the UAE for nearly a decade, the company will soon be opening a new office in Abu Dhabi, positioning itself to better serve clients across the Emirates and the wider GCC region, including high-potential markets such as Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
The UAE’s role as a logistics hub between Europe, Asia and Africa forms the backbone of this expansion. Rhenus will introduce a new Air-Ocean service connecting Asia, Europe and the Americas, with the UAE serving as a key transshipment base. This initiative builds on the company’s established Air & Ocean Freight offering and will be implemented gradually, to ensure ongoing stability and service quality.
As part of its regional footprint, Rhenus has also been named official freight forwarder and handling agent for dmg events at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Centre, covering major exhibitions including INDEX Saudi Arabia and ORGATEC – WORKSPACE.
Rhenus continues to provide industry-specific solutions across FMCG, fashion, aerospace, high-tech, pharmaceuticals, automotive, and oil and gas, delivering logistics services ranging from temperature-controlled transport to complex project forwarding. This sector-focused approach underpins the company’s strategy of combining customer-centric solutions with sustainable long-term growth.
Jan Harnisch, Member of the Board – Air & Ocean, commented: “Our expansion in the UAE marks a pivotal step in our commitment to sustainable global growth and regional empowerment. The Gulf’s logistics landscape is undergoing rapid transformation, and we see immense potential in contributing to its evolution. By strengthening our presence here, Rhenus is not only enhancing supply chain resilience but also reinforcing our long-term vision of creating value through local partnerships and innovation-driven logistics solutions.” Hassan Alzeer, General Manager at Rhenus Logistics UAE, said: “This development reflects our commitment to building a more agile and responsive logistics network in the region. By aligning more closely with the local market, we’re not only improving service delivery for our clients but also positioning ourselves to support the UAE’s role as a strategic trade hub.”

Silk Way West Airlines has extended its services agreement with GE Aerospace to support its expanding fleet of Boeing freighters. The deal covers five GEnx‑2B-powered 747‑8Fs, six GE90‑115B-powered 777Fs, and up to four GE9X-powered 777‑8Fs, further strengthening the partnership as the Azerbaijani carrier advances its fleet renewal program.
The airline, which handles more than 500,000 tons of cargo annually and serves over 40 destinations across Europe, the CIS, the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas, first committed to new 777 freighters in 2021 and 2022. The agreement aligns with its long-term modernization strategy and global growth ambitions.
The GE9X, set to power the airline’s future 777‑8Fs, is the most powerful and efficient commercial engine in its class, delivering a 10% improvement in fuel consumption over the GE90. The GEnx family, powering Silk Way West’s 747‑8Fs, has accumulated over 62 million flight hours since 2011 and remains GE’s fastest-selling high-thrust engine with more than 3,600 units in service and backlog. The GE90, which powers the airline’s current 777Fs, introduced several industry firsts, including composite fan blades and additive manufacturing.
All GE Aerospace engines are certified to operate with Sustainable Aviation Fuel blends, supporting Silk Way West’s sustainability objectives as it continues to grow its modern widebody cargo fleet. 
Onno Pietersma, Chief Operating Officer of Silk Way West Airlines, commented: “We are pleased to announce this extension of our partnership. It will continue to help us deliver on our long-term strategy of sustainable growth and allow us to continuously improve the services we provide to our valuable customers.”
Russell Stokes, President and CEO, Commercial Engines and Services for GE Aerospace, stated: “We are proud to continue building our relationship with Silk Way West Airlines as they modernize their fleet. GE Aerospace widebody engines represent the pinnacle of aviation technology, designed to lower operating costs and reduced environmental impact.”

Riyadh Air has signed a strategic partnership with Unilode to supply, manage, and maintain Unit Load Devices (ULDs) in support of the airline’s upcoming 2025 launch. Under the agreement, Unilode will provide lightweight, durable ULDs equipped with Bluetooth-enabled tracking, helping the new Saudi carrier strengthen efficiency, sustainability, and reliability across its passenger and cargo operations.
The collaboration leverages Unilode’s global management model, repair network, and digital infrastructure, ensuring real-time visibility, asset optimization, and condition monitoring. These features are aimed at reducing mishandling, losses, and disruptions while supporting Riyadh Air’s smooth launch and long-term growth. By digitizing ULD assets, the airline will streamline irregular-operations recovery and enhance operational resilience as it expands.
Aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals, Riyadh Air plans to rapidly scale its presence, with a fleet of more than 180 aircraft and service to over 100 destinations by the end of the decade. The airline aims to contribute $20 billion to the Kingdom’s non-oil GDP and generate over 200,000 jobs worldwide through its operations.
This partnership reflects Riyadh Air’s strategy of building alliances across the aviation value chain as it develops a modern, technology-driven global carrier. It also highlights Unilode’s role as a leading provider of lifecycle ULD management, digital solutions, and maintenance services, offering the capabilities needed to support Riyadh Air’s growth and sustainability ambitions.
Adam Boukadida, Chief Financial Officer of Riyadh Air, stated: “At Riyadh Air, every decision is about creating journeys that feel effortless, personalized, and responsible. Our partnership with Unilode is more than a technological upgrade; it’s about building trust, reducing our environmental footprint, and delivering the premium experience our guests deserve. Together, we’re shaping the future of travel with smart, sustainable, and human-centered solutions.”
Ross Marino, Chief Executive Officer of Unilode, added: “Partnering with Riyadh Air at such a pivotal stage of its journey, underscores Unilode’s ability to deliver value not only today, but also well into the future. Our innovative ULD solutions, unrivalled global network, and pioneering digital platform will give Riyadh Air the agility and resilience needed to build one of the most forward-looking airlines in the world. We are proud to contribute to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 by supporting its aviation transformation.”

ECS Group has marked a breakthrough six months in South America with JetSMART Airlines, achieving the region’s first-ever Total Cargo Management (TCM) contract. Covering JetSMART’s domestic and international networks, ECS now manages cargo operations for more than 25,000 annual flights across the carrier’s four AOCs in Chile, Peru, Colombia, and Argentina. Within just half a year, ECS has established operations in eight countries and fourteen key destinations, including Buenos Aires (EZE, AEP), Córdoba, Mendoza, and Tucumán in Argentina, Rio de Janeiro (GIG), and São Paulo (GRU) in Brazil, Iquique (IQQ) in Chile, Bogotá (BOG), Cali (CLO), Medellín (MDE) in Colombia, Quito (UIO) in Ecuador, Asunción (ASU) in Paraguay, Lima (LIM) in Peru, and Montevideo (MVD) in Uruguay.
A central Control Tower in San José, Costa Rica, drives this expansion by digitally coordinating compliance, efficiency, and operational oversight for JetSMART’s A320/A321 fleet. ECS’s scope goes beyond traditional GSA roles, integrating advanced tools such as Apollo, Quantum, and CargoAi to offer real-time analytics and enabling freight forwarders to access both domestic and cross-border cargo flows. Through collaboration with TCE, ECS also covers ramp coordination, security, and auditing to unify processes across the network.
ECS and JetSMART share the ambition of making the full airline network cargo-accessible by the end of 2025. This includes more than 25 planned interline partnerships to extend connectivity beyond South America to markets in the United States, Europe, and Asia. Looking ahead, ECS is preparing for further growth in e-commerce logistics. From 2026, the company aims to build regional warehousing, roll out an express product, and create new alliances to strengthen delivery speed and efficiency.
This milestone demonstrates the potential of integrated cargo management in South America and positions JetSMART Cargo as a dynamic new player in the market, offering streamlined digital booking and reliable access to major regional trade hubs.