Category Archives: Aviation

SpiceJet has launched dedicated freighter services connecting Leh with the rest of the country with its first freighter flight from Delhi to Leh carrying 13 tonnes of cargo supplies. SpiceXpress, the dedicated cargo arm of SpiceJet, will deploy its Boeing 737 freighter on this route. With the launch of the cargo services, SpiceJet is the first and only airline to have dedicated freighter flights connecting Leh. Ajay Singh, chairman and managing director, SpiceJet said, “Our flight services are especially significant considering the extreme weather conditions during winter months when temperatures fall below sub-zero levels hampering the movement of essential supplies and cargo for the local populace and administration in Leh. Our freighter services to Leh will ensure seamless and timely transportation of essential supplies to this most beautiful part of our country throughout winters.” The new flights launched are seasonal and will operate during the winter months when surface transportation is disrupted owing to harsh weather conditions. Leh, the largest town of the union territory of Ladakh, is primarily dominated by a mountainous landscape which makes surface transport even more difficult during the winters when the terrain is mostly covered with snow most of the time. The dedicated cargo flights will help transport fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, perishables, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, and other general cargo. Besides improving logistics and connectivity, the new freighter service will ensure transportation of these essential commodities remains unaffected due to dipping temperatures and adverse weather conditions during these winter months.

Abu Dhabi has launched an initiative called the Hope Consortium which aims to serve as a logistics platform to coordinate and facilitate the distribution of the Covid-19 vaccine around the world. The Hope Consortium represents a complete supply chain solution to address vaccine transport, demand planning, sourcing, training, and digital technology infrastructure, and facilitate vaccine availability across the world. Hope Consortium member Etihad Cargo will transport five million vaccines in November on behalf of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, which is spearheading the consortium and will oversee regulatory compliance, full chain expertise and scientific insight. The Hope Consortium has pooled its collective expertise to garner a multi-faceted capability to provide logistics services to handle over six billion doses from the vaccines being developed and manufactured around the world – whether in single or multi doses – in cold and ultra-cold conditions in 2021, rising to over three times more doses by the end of next year – the largest capacity and logistics capability regionally and one of the largest globally. “The Hope Consortium is a prime example of how Abu Dhabi is leading in providing solutions, capabilities and capacities to help the world get through this global pandemic. It is a continuation of all players’ collaboration of a UAE-based public-private partnership that spans the globe. While assuring vaccine supply to the domestic market, the Hope Consortium will offer international governments, non-governmental organisations, and vaccine suppliers a cohesive solution across every supply chain step – from air freight, regional storage and temperature monitoring, to inventory management, cold and ultra-cold container solution, regulatory clearance, and healthcare and pharma quality assurance,” explained HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Hamed, Chairman of …

Qatar Airways Cargo has appointed Wexco, part of ECS Group, as its general sales agent (GSA) in Australia. Through that new agreement, Qatar Airways and ECS Group are extending their strategic partnership which today covers 20 countries worldwide. The partnership will leverage Qatar Airways’ strong presence in Australia, promoting destinations to the Middle-East, Europe, the Americas and Africa to the Australian exporters. The carrier serves five major Australian cities: Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide and operates 30 passenger and freighters flights per week. Daniel Parker, Vice President Cargo Asia, Qatar Airways, says, “Qatar Airways is one of the best and most reliable airlines in the Australian market. We have a solid foundation for further growth with our partner Wexco, whose excellent reputation in the Australian market was also a major factor in our decision, together with its deep knowledge of Qatar Airways’ processes.” The main market for Qatar Airways in Australia remains the perishable exports to the Middle East, but also growing outbound pharmaceuticals traffic to Europe and The Americas. The carrier can also capitalize on the opportunities from Australia to the neighboring market of New Zealand thanks to its scheduled services between Brisbane and Auckland. Cédric Millet, Managing Director, Wexco Australia, welcomed the new agreement with Qatar Airways Cargo, adds, “Qatar Airways sets very high expectations and so does Wexco. We are very much aligned on providing the highest service levels to our customers. The Qatar Airways Cargo motto is ‘Moved by people’ and we have built an excellent team of 13 dedicated people within Wexco, who will do a fantastic job for Qatar Airways. Commenting on the current Australian market Millet continues, “The Australian air exports registered …

Teleport, the logistics venture of AirAsia Digital has completed the accelerated rollout of its delivery services in 70 cities across Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines over the last 30 days. Businesses in any of these 70 cities can now partner with Teleport to have items instantly delivered to their customers within one hour. Teleport can deliver almost anything, from food, groceries, documents, flowers and even laundry! Pete Chareonwongsak, CEO, Teleport says, “Our mission is to make delivery simple, fast and affordable for everyone. With a one hour delivery promise, we hope that all local merchants and businesses will benefit. Soon, businesses can experience 24 hour express deliveries between cities as well as cross-border delivered to you by Teleport. The goal is by next year, with a click of a button, you can send almost anything instantly to anywhere AirAsia flies to.” In Malaysia, Teleport is now present in Klang Valley, Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, Tawau, Labuan, Kuching, Miri, Bintulu, Sibu, Alor Setar, Ipoh, Johor Bahru, Kuala Terengganu, Kota Bahru, Langkawi, Penang and Melaka.

Recording a 26-months high in cargo tonnage, Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (BLR Airport/ KIAB) has processed 34,339 Metric Tonnes of cargo in October 2020. The Airport has witnessed a highest-ever domestic outbound tonnage of 8,117 MT in October, largely driven by e-commerce shipments. Perishable commodities, which have been the major growth driver for BLR Airport in FY 2020-21, continued to be the top international commodity, accounting for 12 per cent of total exports in October. Doha emerged as the top destination in October 2020, with 1,095 MT. After becoming the first airport in India to record positive growth in September 2020, the trend continued in October 2020 as well, registering a 0.1 % increase against October 2019. The record single-day Air Traffic Movement (ATM) was 52 ATMs on October 22, with the day witnessing a volume of 1,359 MT of Cargo.

Chapman Freeborn has successfully handled an unusual heavy and outsize cargo operation in Australia. The cargo was manufactured in Germany and sent to Australia on an expedited basis due to the high value and importance of the consignment. The shipment, weighing 92 tonnes in total, consisted of exceptionally large pieces that were 15 metres in length and weighed 17 tonnes each. Because of the over-dimensional length of the cargo, a nose loader was required and a full Boeing 747-400 freighter was used for transportation. Before acceptance onto the aircraft, the cargo was load planned for maximum centre of gravity flight efficiency with both the main and lower decks being used. The cargo itself was restrained by placing high quantity straps into the crates and directly over the cargo to achieve the load plan requirements. To ensure the smooth and quick operation, external equipment comprising two main deck loaders and two cranes was used to load and offload the cargo and the visitor permits were arranged for the trucks to receive the cargo direct on the apron. The consignment bypassed the terminal in Australia by exiting the airport through the emergency access gate and it was organised that the Customs Authority would clear the consignment electronically.

While announcing the revised outlook for airline industry performance in 2020 and 2021, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) states, operational parameters for cargo are performing significantly better than for passenger but are still depressed compared to 2019. Uplift is expected to be 54.2 million tonnes in 2019, down from 61.3 million tonnes in 2019. Cargo revenues are bucking the trend, increasing to $117.7 billion in 2020 from $102.4 billion in 2019. A 45 per cent fall in overall capacity, driven largely by the precipitous fall in passenger demand which took out critical belly capacity for cargo (-24 per cent), pushed yields up by 30 per cent in 2020. In 2019 cargo accounted for 12% of revenues and that is expected to grow to 36% in 2020. “Cargo is performing better than the passenger business. It could not, however, make up for the fall in passenger revenue. But it has become a significantly larger part of airline revenues and cargo revenues are making it possible for airlines to sustain their skeleton international networks,” said Alexandre de Juniac, Director General and CEO. IATA. The cargo side of the business is expected to continue with strong performance. Improved business confidence and the important role that air cargo should play in vaccine distribution is expected to see cargo volumes grow to 61.2 million tonnes (up from 54.2 million tonnes in 2020 and essentially matching the 61.3 million tonnes carried in 2019). A continued capacity crunch due to the slow reintroduction of belly capacity from passenger services combined with a higher proportion of time and temperature sensitive cargo (vaccines) will see a further 5 per cent increase in yields. This will contribute to strong …

CBIC has recently issued revised policy and guidelines for setting up of new Container Freight Stations (CFSs), Inland Container Depots (ICDs) and Air Freight Stations (AFSs). Sharing his views on the policy, Vipin Vohra, Chairman, Continental Carriers, says, “The idea behind the revised guidelines for setting up of ICDs, CFSs and AFSs must be for all the good reasons, but, has no relevance as AFSs are still non-operational despite the fact that the policy was announced way back in 2014. The purpose of AFS was to increase air cargo volumes by decongesting the air cargo terminals at the international gateway airports, thereby reducing air logistics costs for companies engaged in foreign trade.” “Today, when everyone is gearing up for COVID vaccine delivery management, we are still not sure about the future of AFS and facing unnecessary hurdles and roadblocks in making it operational, interestingly, in other countries the concept of off-airport cargo handling is successfully in practice for decades. AFS is an innovative solution that would decongest air terminals and help in cargo management and will certainly give easy space for vaccine logistics management. Air freight stations, close to manufacturing industry, are need of the hour and an essential step towards Hon’ble Prime Minister’s ambitious Make in India’ scheme. To make these new guidelines effective it is important to resolve pending issues related to Air Freight Station Policy. Continental Carriers, which has invested heavily on AFS since 2016, is still waiting for the clearance on fixation of TSP charges by AERA and compliance from Airport Terminal Operator for built-up cargo and loose cargo. The prime objective of concerning authorities should be to resolve issues pertaining to implementation of AFS policy …

Ethiopian Cargo has launched a transpacific freighter service between South Korea and the US. The air cargo carrier operates B777-200F, one of the most technologically advanced aircraft on the route, offering a remarkable freight service to our cargo forwarding customers worldwide with reduced flight hour, seamless connectivity and better payload. The new B777F service operates from Incheon to Atlanta via Anchorage, with its first flight took place on November 9. Tewolde GebreMariam, Chief Executive, Ethiopian Group says, “We are delighted to have launched our newest freighter service to our cargo forwarder customers worldwide, extending from Incheon to Atlanta via Anchorage in the current global pandemic crisis where speed in the supply chain management is highly required to deliver urgently required goods.”

Pharma.Aero has enlarged its membership base with three new full members – Dubai-based logistics and transportation services company First Priority Cargo, global 4PL BDP International and Lima-based ground handler SAASA (Servicios Aeroportuarios Andinos S.A). Over the course of the last two months, Pharma.Aero has onboarded a total of 8 new members. Jeremy Mitchell, Director, Pharma.Aero adds, “The membership of Pharma.Aero continues to grow with like-minded logistics companies. First Priority Cargo has been a long-time partner of Sharjah Airport. We are delighted that First Priority is becoming a member of Pharma.Aero, a testament towards the growing significance of pharma at Sharjah Airport. Pharma.Aero also welcomes BDP International, which has been providing global logistics services for the Pharma industry for decades and SAASA, which provides handling & storage of pharma shipments. The joining of SAASA enlarges our network in South America. We look forward to the new collaborations that could emerge between these new members and our existing members.” Ditlip Sitlani, Vice President, Business Intelligence & Operations, First Priority Cargo said, “We strive to be the best in customer service and pharma safety is an important part of the end to end journey. We are pleased to join a collaborative organisation which understands the care and responsibilities we should all have in this industry. We look forward to adding value and sharing of our thoughts and new ideas with the entire Pharma.Aero membership.” Simona Ravera, Director of Sales, EMEA LifeSciences & Healthcare, Business Development Solutions, BDP International shares, “Following our long term strategic plan and initiatives related to the LifeSciences & Healthcare industry such as to build around customer needs and service models in end-to-end pharmaceutical logistics, BDP International is happy to …