Category Archives: Aviation

As air cargo continues to outpace global growth, Boeing is expecting deliveries of 925 freighters between 2023-2042. North America will see the highest deliveries (420) during the period followed by China (190) and Eurasia (150), according to Boeing’s 2023 Commercial Market Outlook released. The freighter fleet is seen increasing from 2,270 in 2022 to 3,745 by 2042. Cargo traffic (RTKs) is likely to be 630 billion in 2042, up from 260 billion in 2022 (+3.5 percent annually). With a resurgence in international traffic and domestic air travel back to pre-pandemic levels, Boeing projected global demand for 42,595 new commercial jets by 2042 valued at $8 trillion. “The aviation industry has demonstrated resilience and adaptability after unprecedented disruption, with airlines responding to challenges, simplifying their fleets, improving efficiency and capitalising on resurgent demand,” says Brad McMullen, Senior Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing, Boeing. “Looking to the future of air travel, our 2023 CMO reflects further evolution of passenger traffic tied to global growth of the middle class, investments in sustainability, continued growth for low-cost carriers, and air cargo demand to serve evolving supply chains and express cargo delivery.”

DHL Global Forwarding and IAG Cargo have partnered on the purchase of sustainable aviation fuel as part of efforts to reduce emissions. The partnership sees the forwarder purchase 11.5m litres of SAF to reduce emissions in 2023. DHL said that SAF being purchased is certified by International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC) and produced from used cooking oil and food waste and has at least 80% lower lifecycle emissions than conventional jet fuel. The move is part of the parent firm Deutsche Post DHL Group’s ambition to achieve net-zero emissions logistics by 2050.

Lufthansa Cargo is all set to expand its cargo operations in Indian market with Munich to Bangalore and Frankfurt to Hyderabad flights,” says Dr. Andre Schulz, Head of Region, Middle East, Africa, South Asia and CIS at Lufthansa Cargo. The flights will operate thrice a week from these destinations in Q4 2023. Dreamliners and Airbus will be used to carry the freight load consisting mainly of pharmaceuticals and perishables. India is a very important market for us and we have witnessed notable growth in belly capacity and revenue in Indian market in the last few years.”

According to the latest data from Airbus, freighter conversions will account for over 60% of new freighters over the next 20 years. There will be global demand for 2,510 freighter aircraft during the period 2023-2042. 920 of these will be newbuild and 1,590 will be conversions, stated Airbus, In its latest Global Market Forecast (GMF). 600 of the total freighter aircraft will be large widebody (> 80 t) aircraft, 890 will be mid-size widebody (40 t – 80 t) aircraft, and 1,020 will be single aisle (10 t-40 t) aircraft. This will see the world freighter fleet in service reach 3,230 aircraft by 2042. In its GMF, Airbus predicted demand for 40,850 new passenger & freighter aircraft during the period 2023-2042. This is 1,360 more than in the 2022 GMF. The Middle East is due to receive the most passenger and freighter aircraft, followed by Africa, and Europe & CIS. Growth of express air cargo will exceed general air cargo, said Airbus. In 2019, the express sector comprised 17% of the total air cargo market, while in 2042 it will comprise 25% of the market.

FedEx Corp. and Floship, announced a partnership designed to provide enhanced fulfillment and logistics services to e-tailers worldwide. Through investment by the FedEx Innovation Lab (FIL), the partnership will create an end-to-end digitalized fulfillment and return solution, enhancing operational efficiency through optimal inventory management and best-in-class delivery using FedEx services. This partnership will give FedEx’s e-commerce customers access to Floship’s global network of warehouses and powerful logistics platform’s capabilities to streamline their e-commerce fulfillment operations. At the same time, Floship’s customers will be able to leverage FedEx global networks as well as a full range of FedEx extensive transportation options to optimize their operations. FedEx’s and Floship’s cross-border e-commerce customers in Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa, Europe, and North America will gain access to enhanced fulfillment, last-mile delivery, as well as hassle-free returns. Speaking on the collaboration, Joshua Tsui, Floship’s CEO shared, “As more consumers around the world embrace e-commerce, businesses must come together to provide customers with innovative solutions that redefine the traditional linear supply chain. By bringing this collaboration to market, our mutual goal is to provide e-commerce brands and retailers with a one-stop, all-inclusive two-way supply chain solution that enables brands to grow at an exponential rate whilst simultaneously delivering a superior customer experience.”

Cargolux has brought Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) to Luxembourg Airport (lux-Airport) for the first time as the cargo airline works towards decarbonising its operations. In partnership with World Fuel Services, Neste, and Luxembourg Airport, Cargolux worked to achieve delivery of the bio-based fuel to Luxembourg Airport’s fuel farm via NATO’s Central European Pipeline System (CEPS). The SAF is from sustainably sourced, 100% renewable waste and residue raw materials, in compliance with the EU Renewable Energy Directive (RED II) Directive.Using this SAF, Cargolux will operate a carbon neutral flight from Luxembourg to Zhengzhou, its biggest hub in mainland China. The 747-8F will land in Zhengzhou on time for a ceremony marking the 10th year since Cargolux first started operating services to Zhengzhou in 2014.

The current challenge faced in cargo movement at 11 Indian airports due to non-compliance with BCAS RA-3 regulations is a significant roadblock for the logistics and transportation industry. While the intention behind the regulations is commendable, the halt in cargo movement highlights the existing bottlenecks and roadblocks in the system, says Vipin Vohra, Chairman, Continental Carriers. “Coordination and collaboration between different entities in the logistics chain also pose challenges. Effective communication and establishing robust channels and standardized procedures along with information sharing are essential to ensure smooth cargo movement which can help mitigate the bottlenecks caused by the lack of coordination. The current roadblock in cargo movement at 11 Indian airports due to non-compliance with BCAS RA3 regulations highlights the need for increased awareness, improved infrastructure and enhanced coordination. Addressing these bottlenecks will be crucial to ensure the smooth functioning of cargo operations, maintain safety and security standards, and support the growth of the logistics industry in India,” he adds.

Air Menzies International (AMI) will move to a new warehouse facility in Johannesburg as it looks to cater for ongoing demand growth in the country. The new facility is based less than 1 km from OR Tambo International Airport and will replace AMI’s existing facility on Aviation Park, Pomona. The move is scheduled for September 2023 and will “increase capacity, improve efficiency and support long-term growth in the region”, the company said. The building includes a 47,500 sq ft warehouse. “The introduction of a new, off-airport airfreight de-group warehouse for import customers will add to the wider range of freight services already on offer to the southern African market,” AMI said in a press release. “From the opening date, the new facility will be fully compliant with the relevant regulations from the South African Civil Aviation Authority, including Part 108, requiring all screening to be done on site.” The building will have solar panels installed on the roof to produce up to 80% of the facility’s electricity demand, as well as electric forklifts and 24/7 security and CCTV.

The global air charter services market is slated to touch $53.65 billion at a 5.8% CAGR by 2032,(including passenger and cargo), says latest Market Research Future (MRFR) report, adding, charters are mainly utilised for time-sensitive and high-value freight transportation such as specialised cargo, oversized shipments, or urgent deliveries that are required immediately and cannot be accommodated by regular cargo airlines or by scheduled air cargo services. Charter capacity is also utilised when the demand for airfreight is high and the available capacity offered by commercial carriers is low and this situation particularly occurred during the Coronavirus pandemic.

“The non-compliance of RA3 regulations has affected exporters especially from the fruits & vegetables fraternity who failed to meet their commitments to their respective buyers in UK/Europe during the ongoing Mangoes season, says Sunil Kohli, Managing Director, Rahat Cargo, adding since many airports which were convenient for the shippers to forward the goods, declined acceptance due to absence of RA3 approval. The concerns were raised from several quarters to many forums yet no resolutions could be achieved till date. Perhaps a determined intervention by the government with all the stakeholders could have yielded a positive outcome. The non-operations of much needed freighters from major Indian stations continues to remain elusive whereas the capacity constraints on the pax version aircraft go on unabated which is bound to retard the export momentum.”