Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics division of UAE flag-carrier Etihad Airways, has opted to use logistics software system specialist Descartes’s Bluetooth Low Energy container monitoring system to offer greater visibility of conditions of air cargo during the shipping process as well as insight into ULD handling processes. Descartes’ Internet of Things (IoT)-based Bluetooth Low Energy solution, integrated with Jettainer’s unit load device (ULD) management services, are expected to enable Etihad Cargo’s ability to see where ground and ULD handling processes might be improved while also gaining data concerning the ambient conditions of airfreight in transit. The Bluetooth tags are fixed to containers or pallets, mobile applications and mesh networks to automate the end-to-end tracking of these assets, said release. Such tags fixed to ULDs prior to loading onto an aircraft enable easy access to real-time location data and information on the cargo’s condition within, offering data on conditions such as temperature, light, humidity and movement. They also offer ‘chain of custody’ detail that indicates in whose custody assets are at any given time. Tags can also be added to any ground service equipment (GSE), like dollies, for visibility of a freight carrier’s handling equipment.

Air cargo charter broker CharterSync is all set to offer a fully integrated digital end-to-end booking process and management system for freight forwarders. CharterSync has launched its updated booking system at the ongoing air cargo Europe 2023 exhibition in Munich. According to company officials, it’s time-saving features are build for driving change in the air cargo charter industry using digital disruption and innovation”. The system is expected to be rolled out to customers in June. Fully integrated into CharterSync’s pre-existing web and mobile booking platform, the new process captures and consolidates all the data and documentation associated with a charter booking, aggregating it into a central ‘hub’ which can be accessed in real time by all involved. Accessible by “an intuitive booking dashboard”, the system offers access to key documentation such as air waybills (AWBs), permits, air cargo manifests, customs declarations, load plans, technical drawings, and emails and other correspondence conducted off-platform as required.

In a bid to generate more revenue through freight transportation, the South Central Railway (SCR) has decided to develop a new Gati Shakti Multi Modal Cargo Terminal (GCT) Gadchandur railway station (at Secunderabad Division.) As per information, the new terminal will be developed at an estimated cost of Rs 15,2 crore at Gadchandur railway station. The development work will be carried out by M/s Dalmia Cement Bharat Limited, which secured the tender issued by the zonal railway, said report. Under the contract, which has been signed for a period of 35 years, the construction and maintenance of the terminal will be performed by M/s Dalmia Cement Bharat Limited, Chandrapur. No terminal fees will be assessed on cargo for which the GCTO himself is the consignor or consignee. The railways will be responsible for paying all operational and maintenance costs associated with a variety of assets, including overhead equipment, signal, track, and communication charges, added reports. The latest signed contract also includes the installation of an additional rail line, building a covered shed, laying concrete, installing a Hamali lavatory, building an electronic in-motion weighbridge, building an approach road, and setting up a water supply. Additionally, electrification of additional tracks and the installation of FOIS and TMS will also take place as part of the project.

Kenya Airways Cargo has been awarded IATA’s CEIV Pharma certification for its KQ Pharma Facility as it targets the healthcare market. The certification means that Kenya Airways’ pharma facility complies with IATA Temperature Control Regulations and adheres to international standards and best practices in cold chain and pharmaceutical movements, said release. Allan Kilavuka, Kenya Airways Group chief executive said, “We will continue to improve our premium product verticals, offering long-standing standards of temperature-controlled and time-sensitive cargo transport. With this certification, we join a select group of international operators in reaffirming our diligence in transporting temperature-controlled and time-sensitive products via our pharma network.” Dick Murianki, director of cargo, Kenya Airways also added, “Pharmaceutical shipments are extremely challenging and necessitate maximum dependability from airlines. It is critical to maintain the required temperature so that medication can be used as planned after shipping. Being one of the first African airlines to receive IATA’s international certificate is the result of the work we’ve done over the last few years to strengthen our product.” The facility covers approximately 600 sq m and is dedicated to handling temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals. The facility is segregated into three temperature levels: 2-8 degrees Celsius, 15-25 degrees Celsius and a freeze room.

Global Crossing Airlines (GlobalX) is all set to receive another Airbus A321 Passenger-to-Freighter (P2F) conversion aircraft shortly. “Our next A321 freighter- N411 GX- the “Spirit of Liberty” has now received all required FAA modification approvals, and is in final prep before test flights this week and then delivery to Miami,” said GlobalX in an official Linkedin post. The Miami-based airline said the aircraft is due to become operational at the end of May. “We expect to place this aircraft into revenue service at the end of May,” added post. GlobalX’s received its first A321P2F in December last year after conversion by ST Engineering. In May 2021, GlobalX signed a letter of intent (LOI) to lease five A321P2F aircraft with ST Engineering’s Aviation Asset Management unit. These aircraft are being converted and leased to GlobalX progressively.

To allow customers reduce the carbon emissions associated with air cargo shipments by efficiently using Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), DHL Aviation, the in-house airline of DHL Express, is planning to launch a new GoGreen Plus service. From June, DHL air cargo customers can choose the GoGreen Plus service for their shipments, with customers being given the chance to tailor the CO2e reduction and the amount of SAF they use. Travis Cobb, executive vice president, global network operations & aviation, DHL Express, said, “Our greatest goal is achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Using SAF is currently key to reducing carbon emissions in aviation and our GoGreen Plus service is made possible following our collaborations with bp and Neste to supply SAF to DHL Express hubs around the world.” Ingrid Raj, senior vice president, global head aviation Commercial, DHL Express also added, “Insetting through GoGreen Plus allows customers to bring down their Scope 3 emissions, the indirect greenhouse gas emissions that occur in a company’s value chain, including downstream transportation and distribution. With the introduction of GoGreen Plus, we empower our air cargo customers to make more sustainable choices and embolden their contribution to reducing carbon emissions.”

The construction of India’s first International Multimodal Logistics Park in Jogighopa, Assam, is well underway, and the jetty is expected to be completed by the end of this year. The park, which is being built at a cost of Rs 693.97 crore, will provide direct connectivity to waterways, road, rail, and air, and is expected to be completed in 2023. Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, visited the site recently to review the progress and expressed satisfaction at the pace of work. The development of the first International Multimodal Logistics Park is in line with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of transformation through transportation. The project aims to revamp the transportation network in the Northeastern region of India, including neighbouring countries like Bhutan and Bangladesh. The PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan is a key component of this vision, which aims to revive and rejuvenate the transportation system and make it an efficient and effective agent of change.

Maastricht Aachen Airport (MST), the second largest cargo hub in the Netherlands, has started renovation work on its runway as part of an infrastructure investment plan of up to EUR 100 million over the next few years. MST is investing EUR35.3 million in its runway upgrade between May and June in anticipation of a project to extend its operational length to 2,750 meters by January 2025. “Maastricht has much to offer the Dutch air cargo community, with no slot restrictions or congestion at the airport and now a significant infrastructure investment program,” said Jos Roeven, Chief Executive Officer, MST. “We are CEIV-Pharma certified and the preferred station for flower imports into the Netherlands, as well as specializing in handling dangerous goods and e-commerce, and we will be focusing on further developing our facilities with this investment. “There is a fantastic opportunity in the current market for regional airports to step up for the cargo industry and help drive a more sustainable future for freight, whilst at the same time creating job opportunities for our local communities.” MST is already the European base for Turkish Cargo and Royal Jordanian, and an online station for Emirates, Qatar, and Saudia.

The Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations’ in India (FFFAI) has been recognized as a Training Partner by the Logistics Skill Council (LSC). Presenting the Certificate of Partnership at the 13th FFFAI Executive Committee Meeting held in Thiruvananthapuram Dr. C. Unnikrishnan Nair Head – Maritime Logistic, LSC said the partnership is aimed to strengthen the training initiatives of the Council thanks to FFFAI’s presence at the operation level across the country through its 30 Member Associations. He also commended FFFAI’s initiatives pertaining to skilling the logistics industry practitioners and aspirants keen to choose the logistics sector as an exciting career option through its training arm Indian Institute of Freight Forwarders (IIFF). As a result, collaboration between LSC and FFFAI would provide a big push to the skill development initiatives, pertaining to the logistics industry in India. Commenting on the partnership with LSC Mr. Shankar Shinde, Chairman, FFFAI said, “This was pending for a long time and I am happy we could conclude it now. The joint efforts by LSC and FFFAI will have a very significant impact as far as skilling the entire logistics industry is concerned with special emphasis on the Customs Brokers/Freight Forwarding community.” According to Mr. Shinde, in view of the fast changing industry scenario, changing rules & regulations, digitization, faceless transactions and above all customers demand, skilling the human resources is a dire need to survive and thrive in the logistics business. And, FFFAI is committed to fulfill this training requirement for its members and the industry fraternity.

Emirates SkyCargo has added two Boeing 747-400Fs to its freighter fleet and expects to double its existing capacity over the next decade. The cargo division of Emirates is expecting 15 more freighters to join its fleet from announced orders and its freighter conversion programme, plus a boost in bellyhold capacity from new passenger aircraft deliveries starting with Airbus A350s in late summer 2024, followed by 777-Xs the year after, says release. Over the next decade, Emirates SkyCargo expects to double its existing capacity, add over 20 new destinations to its freighter network, and offer more flexibility and services to its customers with a fleet mix of over 300 widebody aircraft comprising: 777s, 777-Fs, 747-Fs, A350s, and A380s. Nabil Sultan, divisional senior vice president, Emirates SkyCargo, said, “While the current market volatility may cause others to hesitate, Emirates SkyCargo is pushing full steam ahead with our plans. The medium to long term projections for global air cargo show an upward trajectory of between 3-5%. Combine that Dubai’s strategy to double its foreign trade where multi-modal logistics will play a big role, and the economic activity happening in markets around the Gulf, West Asia, and Africa, and the opportunity for Emirates SkyCargo is clear. The 2 new 747-Fs which we have leased will give us immediate capacity, while we wait for delivery of 5 new 777Fs in 2024 and 2025, and 10 777-300ERs to roll out of our conversion program over the next 5 years. We believe even these additional planes will not be sufficient. By then, we’ll have the MRO set-up to quickly and efficiently scale-up our freighter conversion program if we needed to.”