Japan’s All Nippon Airways (ANA) has confirmed its order for 20 Boeing 737 MAX-8s. The deal was sealed during a signing ceremony at the Farnborough Airshow, and will make ANA the first Boeing 737 MAX customer in Japan. The deal also includes options for 10 further 737 MAXs, and in addition, ANA converted two previous orders for the Boeing 777-9 passenger aircraft to the Boeing 777-8F cargo aircraft. As a result, ANA will become the first carrier in Asia to fly the Boeing 777-8F. President and CEO of ANA Holdings, Koji Shibata, recognized ANA’s long relationship with Boeing, reminiscing on 2012, when the airline was the launch customer of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The carrier now has a total of 61 aircraft on order from Boeing, including the Boeing 737 MAX, Boeing 787, and Boeing 777X aircraft.

According to Boeing’s 2022 Commercial Market Outlook (CMO) report, there will be continued robust demand for dedicated freighters to support global supply chains and growing express networks. “Carriers will need 2,800 additional freighters overall, including 940 new widebody models in addition to converted narrow-body and widebody freighters over the forecast period, “ the report stated. The insights are a part of Boeing’s2022 Commercial Market Outlook (CMO) report which showcases the company’s annual long-term forecast. The company also projected demand for more than 41,000 new airplanes through 2041, underscoring aviation industry resilience two years after the pandemic began. The CMO forecasts a market value of $7.2 trillion for new airplane deliveries, with the global fleet increasing by 80% through 2041 compared to 2019 pre-pandemic levels. In addition, Boeing Global Services forecasts $3.6 trillion in demand in its market segments over the same time period, including strong demand for maintenance and modifications such as converted freighters; digital solutions that increase efficiency and reduce cost; and effective training to enable the supply of pilots and technicians, says reports.

Bolloré Logistics and Air France KLM Martinair Cargo sign sustainability partnership agreement which covers Air France KLM Martinair routes and will help Bolloré Logistics curb Scope 3 GHG emissions, stated a release. The joint effort includes an extension of Bolloré’s participation in AFKLMP Cargo’s SAF programme, which kick-started in January 2021 for cargo flights between Charles de Gaulle and New York John F. Kennedy airports. “This new pact between the two partners covers all routes operated by Air France KLM Martinair Cargo in all geographical areas and will enable Bolloré Logistics to reduce its Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions by at least 75 per cent throughout the year, translating to a minimum of 4,400 tonnes of CO2. The continuation of this partnership is testament to the ambition of both companies to pursue their commitments to contribute sustainably to the decarbonisation of airfreight transport,” added release.

The Hirasar Airport, also known as Rajkot Greenfield International Airport, is likely to be operational from August this year, said an official. The airport, which is 30 km from Rajkot, an industrial city, is being constructed on an area spanning 1,032 h.a. in four phases. There will be a total of 14 parking spaces, and the passenger terminal will be 23,000 sq. metres in size. “The construction work is progressing quite well, and this airport should be operational by August or September. Even the runway’s construction is 85 per cent complete. The logistics of various enterprises in the Saurashtra region, Gujarat will benefit time and cost-related solutions provided by the airport on the Rajkot-Ahmedabad route. The foundation stone for this project, which cost Rs 1,405 crore was approved by the Modi administration in 2018, was laid in October 2017.

Taxiway ‘Bravo’ at Chennai International Airport finally opened on Friday to ease the congestion and promote the speed during the peak hours. The capacity of the current primary runway will be increased as a result of the operation of Bravo, the principal taxiway (B-TWY), Chennai airport officials said. B-TWY parallel the main runway, which handles 90 per cent of domestic, international, and cargo movements. According to the statement, “before, the B-TWY had a curve at the Guindy end that led in various constraints resulting to aircraft holding, therefore using extra time and fuel for departing flights taxiing from terminal to primary runway for take-off.” The straightened taxiway “will ease the situation and promote speedier passage of flights and cargo by eliminating delays while taxiing, specifically during peak hour traffic.”

The Deoghar airport, one of the most eagerly awaited projects in Jharkhand, was officially opened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Deoghar International Airport would be the second international airport in the mineral-rich state after Ranchi, which opened in 2014. The airport has been opened with the goal of fostering infrastructural development, improving connectivity, and fostering ease of life in the area. Development and construction of the Deoghar airport took four years and took Rs 400 crores to complete. On May 25, 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the cornerstone for this airport. The Airports Authority of India (AAI), in association with the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and the Jharkhand government, had constructed the Deoghar airport.

Airbus, in its latest report, expects sustained demand for freighters over the next 20 years with nearly 70 per cent of the current fleet to be replaced. The air framer’s 2022 Global Market Forecast for the 2022-2041 shows that the world freighter fleet will reach 3,070 aircraft by 2041. The new report anticipates there will be demand for 2,440 new converted freighters over the next 20 years, with 900 new build freighters expected. Of this freighter demand over 2022-2041, 990 will be 10 to 40 tonne single-aisle aircraft, 890 will be 40 to 80 tonne mid-sized wide-bodied aircraft and 560 will be over 80 tonnes large wide-bodied aircraft. About 2,030 aircraft were in service at the beginning of 2020 and 31 per cent will stay in-service, including 2020 & 2021 deliveries, while 69 per cent will be replaced, the report suggest. Airbus expects world air cargo traffic growth of 3.2% CAGR from 2019-2041.

Continental Carriers Group of Companies is set to open one of India’s first Greenfield air freight stations, where Customs Clearance, Cargo Consolidation, and Palletization will all take place at the AFS facility, and goods will be delivered in pallets ready to load on planes at Delhi International Airport, said Vipin Vohra, Chairman. Vohra, who is also the Advisor, Cargo Division, Union Ministry of Civil Aviation said they are constantly working to reduce costs through innovative solutions and provide the best possible service to customers. “We have strived for accurate and real-time visibility of forecasts, orders, shipments, inventory, and locations to improve business performance, and we have invested heavily in technology, digitization, and skilled workforce to that end.”

FedEx Express and ecommerce marketplace eBay have teamed up to enable sellers from the APAC region to sign up for a FedEx account and access all the services the delivery company has to offer. According to FedEx Express official statement, marketplace sales count for 67% of ecommerce globally, with APAC’s ecommerce market expected to reach USD 352.68 trillion by 2030. The partnership between the companies will help propel merchants, especially small business owners, amidst the booming of ecommerce in the region driven by consumers’ changing behaviours towards online shopping. Through the collaboration, eBay sellers will be able to provide its clients a premium delivery experience at competitive prices, as well as a full suite of custom-made shipping and logistics services provided by FedEx.

All Nippon Airways (ANA) has placed an order for two of Boeing’s recently launched B777-8 freighter aircraft. The airline has converted two of its previous commitments for 20 B777-9 passenger aircraft dating back to 2014 into the new freighter model. The aircraft are expected to enter service during or after ANA’s 2028 financial year. “The announcement reflects ANA Holding’s plan to further expand its cargo business through securing large freighters,” the company statement said. “The Boeing 777-8F is a world class freighter that has the largest cargo capacity of any twin-engine aircraft and has reduced CO2 emissions and operational costs that uses less fuel per ton,” the statement added.