Category Archives: Aviation

Garuda Indonesia and GECAS have entered into a lease agreement for two B737-800 Boeing-converted freighters (BCF). The passenger-converted aircraft are slated to be phased in mid-2020 and will provide additional capacity to Cargo Garuda Indonesia, which currently utilises a fleet of three freighter aircraft. GECAS said that B737-800 freighters are perfectly suited to short and mid-range routes which form the basis of Garduda’s scheduled network. From its base Cargo Center at Soekarno–Hatta International Airport near Jakarta, the carrier provides dedicated cargo services for mail and express shipments as well as e-commerce and general cargo shipments, accommodating cross-border online purchases. “GECAS is excited to provide these converted 737-800 freighters to Garuda as they expand their dedicated cargo fleet,” said Richard Greener, GECAS senior vice president and manager of the cargo aircraft group. “We look forward to working with GECAS in implementing the latest Boeing 737-800 freighter into our fleet,” stated Mohamad Iqbal, Garuda Indonesia Director of Cargo and Business Development. “These newly converted 737-800 freighters will assist our growing operations as well as expanding our cargo programme.”

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) announced the successful completion of the first test flight, as part of the final certification process for the B777-300ER passenger aircraft converted to a cargo configuration, known as The Big Twin. On conclusion of the certification process by the Civil Aviation Authorities, The Big Twin will be the first twin engine aircraft of this type, able to carry 100 tons’ cargo payload. This program adds to IAI’s 45-year aircraft conversion track record including the B767-200/300, B747-400, and B737-700/800 freighter programs. In response to the strong demand for cargo aircraft, IAI is currently establishing a number of remote conversion facilities around the world, in addition to the facilities at IAI’s home company. During the last year, IAI’s Aviation Group has signed hundreds of millions of dollars of passenger-to-cargo conversion contracts with the world’s leading aviation companies including AerCap, Emirates Cargo, Challenge Group, EVA Air and CargoJet.

A proof-of-concept trial for autonomous vehicles to move cargo between the warehouse and apron has commenced at Josep Tarradellas Barcelona – El Prat Airport as part of an innovation project between partners, Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) and Aena, the main airport operator, with 46 airports and 2 heliports in Spain. The project is aligned with the first automated ground vehicle (AGV) guidelines being developed by IATA’s Ground Operations Automation and Digitization working group (GAD), which WFS has also been participating in. WFS and Aena have been joined in the 10-week trial by other three key partners: FASEREK – with more than 38 years’ experience in designing, manufacturing and selling ground support equipment, provides innovative and sustainable solutions to ground handling operations; MOVVO – has been providing intralogistics solutions for more than 15 years. They put together all the experience and technology to design and automate vehicles, like the AGV tractor that has been used for this PoC; SIMAI – Founded in 1950, they are specialist producers of reliable and robust towing tractors to support airport ramp operations and other logistic industries. The use of AGV technologies offers significant advantages, including 24/7 operational capability and resource optimisation. The proof-of-concept trial in Barcelona will monitor the AGV’s ability to provide smooth driving at a constant speed as well as safety, flexible routing, monitoring, and traceability of the service, also provided by the WFS telemetry and geolocation solution supplied by XOPS.

WiseTech Academy, the online training arm of WiseTech Global, has launched the WiseTech diploma of international freight forwarding. “The diploma prepares students around the world for the role of international freight forwarder and covers all aspects of the global movement of cargo, relevant regulatory requirements, and conventions and barriers that impact the flow of trade,” says an official release from WiseTech. The fully online and self-paced format allows students to start and finish at any time throughout the year, the release added. “The high-quality learning experience is delivered via multimedia content that includes interactive tools, videos, quick quizzes and a community forum, all designed to help students synthesise and apply what they have learned.” The total fee for the diploma is AUD $1,024 ($686), the release added. “WiseTech is committed to supporting education and skills development in the logistics industry through affordable and accessible courses designed for professionals who work in global supply chains,” says Tudor Maxwell who leads WiseTech Academy. “The fully online format of the WiseTech diploma allows students flexibility to fit their studies around their work and personal lives, making it ideal for people who are transitioning into the industry or preparing to advance their career in international trade. They do not need to wait for the next student intake or work around scheduled class timetables.” The diploma includes 16 courses covering various modes of transport within the industry such as sea, air, road, rail and inland waterway, and the combination of these through multimodal transport, logistics, warehousing and distribution. It also addresses safety and security, liability and insurance, global customs practices, handling of dangerous goods and the various technologies that support global trade. Participants can take …

The International Air Cargo Agents Association of India (TIACA) regional summit opens in New Delhi today at ITC Maurya. Glyn Hughes, Director General, TIACA says, “We have such an incredible line up of speakers who will speak about the most important issues related to the Indian air cargo industry as well as the summit will focus on India’s presence in the global economy. The highlights of the event would be numerous. We will be starting the event with Global Market Outlook which will present key global data, including market assessment India and outlook forecast, followed by a panel discussion on freighter capacity – the key for growth, highlighting, Global connectivity and main deck capacity as critical success factors in order for India to achieve the desire volume growth established by the governments plan for air cargo and economic development. There will be discussions on drones, pharma, perishables growth, ground handling, digital innovation, sustainability, airports development etc. We have representatives and great visionaries from the entire supply chain. I am looking forward to it.”

Tushar Jani, Group Chairman, Cargo Service Center says, “India is an emerging market and becoming very important to supply chain globally. TIACA being true body of various stakeholders of air cargo will be able to bring focus for India on global platform. This seminar is happening at very time and we as Indian should grab this opportunity to put our selves on global map as true global supplier.”

Vipin Vohra, Chairman, Continental Carriers says, “TIACA Regional Summit will bring together the local air cargo community to identify and discuss specific issues that affect the industry at a regional level. It is hoped that this summit provide a platform for industry stakeholders to exchange ideas and information, address challenges, and explore opportunities for growth and development. The summit is expected to identify the key challenges faced by the local air cargo community in the region. These may include issues related to infrastructure, regulation, competition, and technological advancements. The summit is also expected to provide networking opportunities for industry stakeholders to build relationships, exchange information, and explore potential collaborations”

Yashpal Sharma, Managing Director, Skyways Group and President, Air Cargo Forum India (ACFI) says, “It is a pleasure for me to be a part of the TIACA event this year. The regional conference of TIACA is happening in India for the 1st time. Over the years TIACA has remained committed to ensuring the safety and security of air cargo while maintaining the viability of the air cargo supply chain. Coincidentally, its composition of members and industry focus areas are similar to that of ACFI, so the twining is more natural. ACFI is actively engaging with TIACA on this event and will have good representation from the Governing board and members. This year’s engagement will bring out more extensive deliberations in the domains of International custom procedures, Aviation Security challenges, E-Commerce, Environment concerns, Airfreight market penetration and growth. It will be a great opportunity for the entire Indian Air Cargo fraternity to participate at this event and voice out their thoughts that will be amplified across the globe to resonate and transform desired policy, process and related capacity issues.”

Continental Carriers Pvt Ltd announced the launch of India’s First RA3 accredited Greenfield Air Freight Station. Continental Carriers Pvt Ltd has been approved as RA-3 by European Council (EU) and UK. It is the first Air Freight Station (Off Airport Location) in India to be RA3 certified, duly qualified for transportation of air cargo into the European Union and UK directly from a Third Country Airport (India). The designation of ‘Continental Carriers Pvt Ltd’ as an RA-3 for EU is given on basis of the Danish National Civil Aviation Security Program (NASP) and the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1998 of 5 November 2015 laying down detailed measures for the implementation of the common basic standards on aviation security & by Department of Transport, Great Minster House, London for UK. M/s Continental Carriers Pvt Ltd, in accordance with conditions laid down in ‘Handling of Cargo in Customs Area’ Regulations 2009, will commence its cargo handling operations shortly from 76-77, Kapashera, Bijwasan Road, New Delhi -110037.

WestJet Cargo has recently announced that it has received Transport Canada’s approval and official certification of its four 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighters (BCF). Following the certification, WestJet Cargo and the GTA Group will expeditiously implement three freighters into service, as dedicated aircraft that will fulfill the large-scale needs of businesses, freight forwarders, shippers and individual customers across North America. The fourth of WestJet Cargo’s dedicated freighters is expected to join the accompanying fleet later this year, following the completion of its conversion. “Today is a long-awaited milestone for WestJet Cargo and the GTA Group, that will now enable us to disrupt the air cargo industry in Canada by providing our customers with more choice, competitive prices and the exemplary customer service synonymous with the WestJet brand, but unique to the air cargo industry,” said Kirsten de Bruijn, WestJet Executive Vice-President, Cargo. “We thank Transport Canada for its dedication to certifying these aircraft, which will serve to better support Canada’s national transportation supply chain through increased competition and capacity within Canada’s air cargo market.”