Cathay Cargo has placed an initial firm order for six next-generation Airbus A350F freighters, and has secured the right to acquire 20 more aircraft. “This order for state-of-the-art aircraft to be delivered commencing from 2027 will help further strengthen Hong Kong’s status as the world’s number one air cargo hub, providing even greater cargo connectivity between Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland and the rest of the world,” says an official release. “As we move into 2024, our rebuild journey is gaining momentum,” says Ronald Lam, Chief Executive Officer, Cathay Group. “This order marks another major component in our investment for the future. It reflects Cathay’s confidence in the Hong Kong hub as we look ahead to the opportunities provided by the three-runway system. “These highly fuel-efficient, next-generation freighters will provide important additional cargo capacity, expand our global network and contribute to our sustainability leadership goals.” The freighters will link Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland with long-haul destinations in North and South America as well as Europe. The purchase agreement brings the Cathay Group’s new aircraft deliveries to 77, the release added. “There’s a new standard in the cargo space and we are gratified that such a savvy global air-cargo operator as Cathay has joined the growing number of reference players in the air-freight industry selecting the A350F,” says Christian Scherer, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International, Airbus. Cathay Cargo has a freighter fleet of 20 Boeing 747 freighters including 14 B747-8Fs and six B747-400ERFs. In addition to freighter capacity, Cathay Cargo provides belly capacity through the Cathay Group’s extensive passenger network, providing cargo services to around 80 destinations worldwide. Airbus, so far, has 39 firm orders for the …

Kochi-based logistics company Driver Logistics announced a Rs 525 crore investment plan over the next five years, 30 per cent of which (over Rs 150 crores) will be invested in Karnataka. The Karnataka project includes a 32,000 square feet multi-client warehouse and partial truckload facility (PTL) at Makali in Bengaluru along with seven smaller hubs spread across the state in the next 6 months. Karnataka, which contributes over 35 per cent of the company’s overall business (its largest market) will also see an additional 1 million sq feet of third-party logistics (3PL) – grade A warehouse – from the company, taking its overall presence to 1.5 million square feet in the next five years, company’s chief executive officer Aqil Ashique told DH. This will be a part of the 5 million sq ft expansion that the company is eyeing across the country in the next five years. Currently, it has over four lakh sq ft of grade A warehouse space in the state.

Panattoni, a global industrial real estate developer, has launched its inaugural project in India with its Grade A warehouse park in Delhi, NCR, with an investment of ₹110 crore in the first phase. Phase 1 of the project covers an expansive 717,000 square feet, with a potential built-up area of 360,000 square feet, said the company. This investment emphasises the company’s commitment to contributing significantly to the country’s industrial growth. Further, the construction is scheduled to commence in March 2024 and is expected to be completed by the end of the fourth quarter of FY25.

The Federation of Freight Forwarders’ Associations in India (FFFAI) celebrated its 62nd Foundation Day in a hybrid format to focus on CBIC’s recent initiatives to facilitate ease of doing business, including Faceless Assessment, Single Window Clearance, Direct Port Delivery, AEO Scheme, CBLMS Portal launch and the introduction of ECL on ICEGATE. They stressed upon the National Time Release Study (NTRS) in expediting cargo clearance. Highlighting NTRS 2023, based on a perceptional study, they unveiled insightful facts to benefit the government and industry stakeholders. They urged FFFAI’s partnership in the NTRS program and advised initiating awareness programs for NTRS participation. Also, emphasized active trade involvement in NTRS 2024, especially encouraging the participation of women and young logistics entrepreneurs.

Lufthansa Cargo has added a fourth A321 freighter to its short- and medium-haul network as part of its plan to expand capacity. The freighter, with the registration D-AEUJ, has been operating in Lufthansa Cargo’s network since November, and has already made its first flights to Istanbul, Helsinki, Stockholm, Birmingham, England, Dublin, Casablanca, Copenhagen and Madrid. The carrier added its third A321F in July. As part of its expansion strategy, Lufthansa Cargo continues to expand its A321F network. The new winter flight schedule, which came into effect on October 29, includes two new destinations: Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, Jordan (AMM) and Stockholm Arlanda Airport in Sweden (ARN). AMM is connected to the Lufthansa Cargo’s Frankfurt Airport cargo hub in Germany once a week by an A321 freighter. Frankfurt and ARN are connected three times a week. The new routing takes place on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. ARN is an important hub for the transportation of pharmaceutical and temperature-sensitive goods, said Lufthansa Cargo. “Especially the Friday flight offers customers the possibility of late deliveries at the end of the industry’s production week, connecting in Frankfurt to Lufthansa Cargo’s worldwide network the next morning, the carrier explained.

Air cargo traffic increased year on year for the third month in a row in October, but IATA has warned that optimism over the improvements should be balanced with caution. The latest figures from the airline association show that cargo tonne kms (CTK) increased by 3.8% year on year in October, while capacity was up 13.1% as bellyhold operations continued to return. As a result of capacity increasing faster than demand, the overall load factor was down four percentage points compared with last year to 45.2%. IATA said that while it was welcome news that demand was on the up, there was still much uncertainty. The association pointed out that demand was still below 2019 levels and that economic activity slowed in October, with the Purchasing Managers Index for manufacturing output remaining below the 50-point mark to indicate declining output. On the other hand, inflation in advanced economies continued to ease, global trade indicators stabilised and air cargo yields picked up in September and October after 17 months of decline. IATA director general Willie Walsh said: “Demand for air cargo was up 3.8% in October. That marks three consecutive months of year-on-year growth, placing air cargo on course to end 2023 on a much stronger footing than it began the year. “Recovering demand, slightly stronger yields and the uptick in trade are all good news. But with demand still 2.4% below pre-pandemic levels, and much uncertainty remaining over the trajectory of the global economy, optimism must be balanced with caution.

Alaska Airlines will acquire Honolulu-headquartered Hawaiian Airlines in a deal that in part aims to boost the cargo businesses of both airlines. Alaska Air Group and Hawaiian Holdings have entered into a definitive agreement for the acquisition. Both brands will remain separate. The deal is for $18.00 per share in cash and has a transaction value of approximately $1.9bn, said Alaska Airlines in a press release. The combined company aims to expand the choice of passenger and cargo service options and access throughout the Pacific region, continental US and globally. “The combination of complementary domestic, international, and cargo networks is positioned to enhance competition and expand choice for consumers on the West Coast and throughout the Hawaiian Islands,” said Alaska Airlines. The company further noted: “For Hawaii residents, the combination will expand service and convenience by tripling the number of destinations throughout North America that can be reached nonstop or one stop from the Islands, while maintaining robust Neighbor Island service and increasing air cargo capacity.”

Japan Airlines (JAL) is all set to launch dedicated freighter operations in February as it announced its first Boeing 767-300ER freighter converted from its passenger fleet. Tokyo-headquartered JAL said the freighter will operate from Tokyo Narita and Nagoya to Taipei, Seoul Incheon, as well as Shanghai Pudong. Operations are scheduled to begin on February 19. The airline is set to add a further two 767-300 freighter conversions, according to plans it announced in May this year. “The operation of the freighters will enhance stable and flexible air transportation capabilities, ensuring a steady supply. Furthermore, the development of a network strategy based on growing demand will ensure the satisfaction of customer needs and contribute to the sustainable development of the logistics infrastructure,” said JAL. The service marks a return to the freighter market after an absence of 13 years as the airline aim to grow in the cargo and mail business.

Marking a significant investment of USD 100 million in Hyderabad’s economic landscape, FedEx Express (FedEx) inaugurated its first Advanced Capability Community (ACC) in Hyderabad today. At the forefront of this milestone is FedEx’s commitment to leverage exceptional talent in India to support digital transformation and innovation. The FedEx ACC is envisioned as a hub for technological and digital innovation, aligned with the Telangana government’s strategic emphasis on nurturing a thriving pool of tech talent. In addition to boosting employment opportunities, it will also contribute to the development of new capabilities and meeting the technological requirements of FedEx operations worldwide. Raj Subramaniam, President and CEO of FedEx Corporation, said, “This investment in talent and innovation is part of our broader plan to drive excellence and deliver unparalleled smart logistics solutions worldwide. By leveraging an exceptional talent pool, we are accelerating digital transformation and delivering innovative solutions to our customers.” The first FedEx ACC becomes a pivotal step in the company’s global strategy, initiating a network of such communities worldwide. Furthermore, it will fuel the company’s growth and expansion and bring added value to the global supply chain ecosystem.

The India International Cargo Show (IICS), country’s biggest cargo & logistics exhibition is all set to take place in Mumbai from December 12-15 at Jio Convention Center. The three-day exhibition will have insightful panel discussions on multimodal logistics enabling supply chain efficiency, pharma logistics, airports infrastructure, tech driven growth, embracing next-gen air cargo operations and lot more. The inaugural session will host distinguished ministers and leaders from the logistics industry, sharing their visionary perspectives and insights to pave the way for a future of innovation and collaboration in the dynamic world of logistics. IICS will be the only platform in the country to bring the entire cargo and logistics fraternity including air, ocean, road, logistics, warehousing, ground handling, supply chain, technology, etc. under one roof. With over 200 brands showcasing their products and services, the IICS Show is the perfect platform for logisticians to network with key players in the industry.