Category Archives: Aviation

Airbus collaborated with IonQ, an industry leader in quantum computing to explore the potential application and benefits of quantum computing for aerospace services and passenger experiences. The Quantum Aircraft Loading Optimization & Quantum Machine Learning project will be a 12-month project that culminates in the development of a prototype aircraft-loading quantum application, hands-on collaboration and coaching sessions for Airbus developers and engineers, and an exploration of future integrations of quantum computers for Airbus and its customers. In response to the ongoing supply chain crisis, aerospace companies are investing in the latest technologies to understand areas for improved efficiencies – cargo loading being one of them. Airbus’ partnership with IonQ is the first step toward developing smarter algorithms based on quantum computers that can potentially lead to cost savings due to more optimized distribution of cargo on flights.

After observing a 30 per cent growth in volumes in the last year, Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) has increased its facility footprint at London’s Heathrow Airport. WFS has signed a five-year lease on Building 578 in the airport’s cargo area, boosting its warehouse and office space by a further 27,000 sq. ft, said an official statement. The additional building, due to commence operations in October, features eight landside doors for cargo deliveries and collections, and a 20-foot truck dock. As well as caster deck storage for loaded pallets and containers, WFS also plans to install a 7,000 sq. ft. area for ambient shipments and dedicated storage for temperature-controlled cargoes requiring a 2-8°C environment, the statement added.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is all set to focus on building resilience to further strengthen air cargo’s post-pandemic prospects in its forthcoming annual event, World Cargo Symposium (WCS) taking place in London from September 27-29. The WCS will address many topics related to resilience building, including digitalization, sustainability, air cargo safety, attracting and retaining talent, e-commerce, air cargo market dynamics, digital distribution and booking, plus Digital Cargo and ONE Record. Three streams of content will be divided into the themes of digitalization, sustainability and safety and security. The event will also feature plenary sessions, specialized streams, workshops, and executive summits. Also scheduled is a first-time workshop focused on improving the efficiency of billing settlements between airlines and freight forwarders. The session will incorporate IATA’s new internet-based data processing and customer management system CASSLINK (the Cargo Accounts Settlement System).

To facilitate the movement of dangerous goods worldwide, the International Chemical Transport Association (ICTA) has collaborated with several global trade organisations namely International Cargo Handling Coordination Association (ICHCA), International Vessel Owners Dangerous Goods Association (IVODGA), National Cargo Bureau (NCB) and World Shipping Council (WSC). Now, they can jointly work on the White Paper entitled, ‘Safety Guidance for Dangerous Goods Storage and Handling Facilities’ issued in December last year. Richard Steele, CEO of ICHCA welcomed the additional support, “To make a real difference to the standards of safety in supply chains that feature hazardous materials, it is vital to reach all involved and create a critical mass of like-minded partners. The endorsement of our work by such an authoritative voice as ICTA is therefore decidedly welcome.”

Delta Air Lines and Aviation Partners Boeing (APB) have partnered to reduce aircraft carbon emissions. APB has also announced the carrier’s (Delta’s) recent agreements to purchase Split Scimitar Winglets for its 737-800 fleet and for several recently acquired 737-900ER aircraft, says an official release. The carrier also gave a green nod for Scimitar Blended Winglets for up to 70 of Delta’s 757-200 aircraft. Both the Split Scimitar Winglets and Scimitar Blended Winglets are upgrades to APB’s ubiquitous Blended Winglets. Delta has previously purchased and installed APB winglet products on its 737-800, 737-900ER, 757-200, 757-300, and 767-300ER fleets. “APB is proud that Delta has, once again, turned to APB’s winglet products across its fleets to deliver savings in jet fuel consumption and gains in fuel efficiency,” adds the release.

Ethiopian Cargo & Logistics Services has announced a new domestic cargo service to Dire Dawa and Jigjiga that will operate thrice a week from August 30. As per reports, its fleet includes B777-200F and B737-800SF aircraft. In March, Ethiopian Airlines partnered with International Djibouti Industrial Park Operation (IDIPO) and Air Djibouti as it looks to develop sea-air operations between China and Africa. Addis Ababa-hubbed Ethiopian operates in major trade lanes between Africa and Europe and the Middle East and Asia, serving 70 global freighter destinations. Currently, Ethiopian Cargo & Logistics Services operates a warehouse with annual capacity of 250,000 tonnes, equipped with modern cooling facilities. Currently, the company is building a new transhipment terminal anticipated to have a capacity of 1.2 million tonnes per year.

Skye Air Mobility has allied with Flipkart Health, a medical branch of Flipkart Internet, to deliver pharma products up to 5 kg by drone. Each flight can fly up to 16 km. The partnership began with the launch of BVLOS flights from Flipkart Health warehouse in Baruipur of West Bengal, to several Health Buddy OTC sites in Kolkata and suburbs. Flights numbering 20 will take medication each day from Warehouse to Health Buddy OTC locations in the region.

TIACA and Messe München announce Edmonton International Airport as the inaugural host of the start.hub logistics during air cargo forum & transport logistic Americas 2022. Following the success of the Innovation Journey held during the Executive Summit in March 2022, The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) and Messe München are pleased to announce the launch of the start.hub logistics in Miami during the air cargo forum (ACF) and transport logistic Americas 2022. “The Innovation Journey showed how vital it is for the industry to connect and explore innovations that can be applied into our businesses. We knew then that this could not be a one off and innovation needed to be incorporated into our events going forward. The launch of the start.hub logistics in Miami is yet another step toward our vision for air cargo and we are excited that Edmonton International Airport, which has such a focus on supporting innovative start-up businesses will be the first host.” Steven Polmans, TIACA Chair.

Singapore Airlines (SIA) is set to launch a new Boeing B777 freighter operation between Singapore and the US as part of a partnership with DHL Express. DHL partnered with SIA in March to deploy five B777Fs with SIA on a crew and maintenance agreement (CM) to secure capacity out of Singapore. DHL Express welcomed the arrival of the B777 freighter at Singapore Changi Airport. SIA will operate it on routes to the US via South Korea three times weekly from August. The freighter, which sports a dual DHL-Singapore Airlines (SIA) livery, has a maximum capacity of 102 tonnes. All five freighters will be operated by SIA pilots, with the maintenance overseen by SIA. The second Boeing 777 freighter is slated to enter service in November 2022, following which both freighters will operate the Singapore-Incheon-Los Angeles-Honolulu-Singapore route six times weekly. The remaining three freighters are planned for delivery throughout 2023. Following this, all five freighters will operate on routes between the US and Singapore via points in North Asia and Australia.

The Rajasthan Small Industries Corporation (RSIC) is planning to set up an air cargo complex at the Dabok airport in Udaipur to facilitate import and export of goods in the next few months. At present, businessmen based in the lake city of Udaipur and nearby places are required to travel to Ahmedabad or Jaipur for import and export purposes. RSIC, a government of Rajasthan undertaking, had forwarded a proposal to the ministry of civil aviation which has been given in-principal approval and the land for the project has also been identified. RSIC Chairman Rajiv Arora said the work on the complex will soon start and it is expected to be commissioned by early next year.