The air cargo industry is seeing increasing pressure to up its environmental performance, according to air cargo group TIACA’s latest sustainability report. The association’s third annual survey found that 64% of respondents believe that sustainability pressure has increased compared to last year, mainly driven by customers and regulators. The report also highlights a clear link between environmental, social and governance (ESG) action and reputation, as reported by 85% of respondents. Meanwhile, the report also found that sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) commitments are making slow progress and are led by large companies. “Sustainability is clearly on the minds of our industry colleagues and while ‘Sustainability’ is a broad concept, through our work we are able to bring awareness to the industry that it is more than just the environment. Sustainability is doing good for the planet, people and business and at TIACA we like to do this through partnerships and innovation,” said Glyn Hughes, TIACA director general. The association recently called on the industry to make sure that Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) decarbonisation targets are met. The report also found that 75% of respondents felt that sustainability is more important than last year, and 76% of companies confirmed they have a sustainability strategy in place. More companies have dedicated teams and budgets to drive sustainability, with 52% of companies producing sustainability reports. Additionally, 9% of companies indicated a reduction in energy consumption in their operations, while 50% of companies have upgraded their fleets to cleaner aerial and ground vehicles. Compared to the first assessment in 2020, this year’s survey saw a 28% increase in respondents. TIACA said that the report’s findings will continue to drive its sustainability positions and strategy and …

Cathay Cargo has launched a new mail service that integrates mail handling data with its cargo systems to improve visibility. The new Cathay Mail service integrates mail-handling data with air cargo systems using the the postal air waybill (PAWB) through electronic data interchange (EDI) technology. This removes much of the previous shipment paperwork and improves “visibility of shipments down to mailbag (or receptacle) level, allowing them to offer package-level track-and-trace visibility to e-commerce shippers”. Cathay Cargo said the information also allows it to manage capacity against actual mail volumes on flights, so it can make allowances for surges in ad hoc demand, or make unused space available for other cargo. European mail shipments will also be compliant with the European Union’s new ICS2 customs requirements, which are being introduced this year. Director cargo Tom Owen said: “Cathay Mail highlights how we have adapted technology and digitalisation to offer real benefits to our customers. “By fully integrating mail-handling functions with our cargo operations and expertise, our innovative new mail solution provides a sophisticated suite of tools and facilities to support our postal partners. “This new investment in our mail-handling capability increases the attractiveness of Hong Kong as a global mail hub, giving post offices the confidence to move mail more seamlessly to, from and through Hong Kong,” The system will also help with performance monitoring through the EzyPost platform. Indices such as on-time delivery and visibility performance will be accessible and updated from live data. “Cathay Cargo will aim to outperform the 95% industry ‘visibility performance’ standard, and will set its own stretch targets to ensure it exceeds contractual standards,” the carrier said. “The EzyPost platform will also produce monthly reports …

At the ongoing TIACA Regional Symposium in New Delhi, we will be focusing on training and up-skilling the workforce as it is one of the major challenges that the Industry is facing today, says Glyn Hughes, Director General, TIACA in an exclusive interview. We have a dedicated session on digital innovation in which we will also discuss about how we going to attract and retain and develop the next generation workforce which is very crucial at this point of time, he adds. Talking about India as a growing trade and investment destination, Hughes adds, India is starting to create this incredibly robust production capabilities. India has got educated workforce, labour and willingness to take the industry to the next level. India has government support with National Logistics Policy and other initiatives to support the expansion of the sector globally and the ability to move high-tech products globally like automotive, aerospace, pharma – India has got a world class infra – India has been producer and supplier of pharma and vaccines since many years. There are tremendous opportunities which India can tap on, especially in high tech segment – like India has started manufacturing I phones here even,” he adds.

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”