Category Archives: Aviation

Average global air cargo rates held steady in the second week of April, equaling their level in the equivalent week the previous year for the first time since mid-2022 despite a drop in tonnages partly linked to Eid. Average global rates remained flat in week 15 (April 8-14) at $2.52 per kilo, following consecutive weekly WoW rises of between two-three percent in the previous six weeks, according to the latest weekly figures and analysis from WorldACD Market Data. “Total worldwide tonnages fell by three percent in week 15 with particularly big WoW declines from Pakistan, Bangladesh and the UAE.” Eid effects on tonnagesAir export tonnages from South Asian countries including India, Pakistan and Bangladesh remain high compared with their normal levels for this time of year, especially to European destinations, linked to strong demand developments combined with supply issues caused by disruptions to ocean shipping. “A drop in bookings during the Eid holidays at the end of Ramadan led to some steep WoW falls in tonnages in week 15 ex-Pakistan (-41 percent), Bangladesh (-14 percent) and the UAE (-29 percent) to worldwide destinations along with other countries such as India (-18 percent worldwide, and -16 percent to Europe destinations).” Tonnages from the Middle East & South Asia (MESA) region overall to Europe also dropped by 18 percent WoW, although they remain up by 17 percent compared with the same week last year. Despite the WoW drop, India-Europe tonnages remain up nine percent YoY. Despite a 21 percent WoW drop, Dubai-Europe tonnages remained at more than twice their level this time last year, up 153 percent, in the week prior to flooding there, impacting the emirate’s air operations, the update added.

Qatar Cargo has put into operation another Boeing 777-200 freighter – Boeing’s second 777 cargo aircraft delivery in April after a slow start to the year. The latest freighter (A7-BTB) travelled from Boeing’s production site in Everett on April 14 and began commercial operations on April 16. So far, the aircraft has been utilised on services to India and Europe, with flights to Mumbai, Delhi and Amsterdam under its belt. The airline has been expanding its 777-200F fleet over recent years and now operates 28 of the model, with the latest 777-200F understood to be the last the carrier had on order from Boeing. However, the carrier has also placed an order for 34 of Boeing’s new 777-8F, with options on 16 more. The delivery comes after Boeing was unable to deliver any 777 freighters in the first quarter of the year, although 11 of the aircraft were reported to have been built and were awaiting engines. The airframer also failed to deliver any passenger 777s during the first three months of 2024.

Emirates SkyCargo joined the Pharma.Aero global community with their wealth of expertise and commitment to excellence in pharmaceutical logistics. “Emirates SkyCargo’s decision to join Pharma.Aero underscores our shared commitment to excellence in pharmaceutical logistics,” says Trevor Caswell, Chairman, Pharma.Aero. “Together, we will leverage our collective strengths to ensure the safe, secure and efficient transportation of critical medical supplies, furthering our mission to serve patients worldwide.” Julian Sutch, Global Head, Pharma Sales, Emirates SkyCargo adds: “Through this partnership with Pharma.Aero, we are committed to lending our insight and capabilities to solve the industry’s biggest challenges and working collaboratively with other stakeholders to achieve a truly unbroken supply chain.” Emirates SkyCargo joins a group of industry leaders within the Pharma.Aero alliance, marking a significant step forward in the efforts to drive innovation and best practices in healthcare product transportation.

CMA CGM Air Cargo will begin operating a transpacific route connecting Asia to North America in summer 2024. “To ensure service to new destinations, CMA CGM Air Cargo will take possession of two Boeing B777-200F aircraft this year. The first aircraft, scheduled for delivery in June, will enable operations to begin on the transpacific route during the summer in anticipation of peak season. The second aircraft will be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2024 and will also be deployed on the transpacific route,” says an official release. The first B777-200F will serve airports in Hong Kong, Chicago and Seoul, the release added. “The second will connect mainland China to North America. Flights will be operated by Atlas Air.” CMA CGM Air Cargo will take delivery of the third B777-200F in the first quarter of 2025. “In 2026, the delivery of eight Airbus A350F aircraft will enable CMA CGM Air Cargo to operate a global network, meeting the global logistics needs of air freight customers.” “As the launch customer for the cargo version of the A350, CMA CGM Air Cargo has opted for the most environmentally efficient aircraft on the market, reinforcing the company’s commitment to sustainable transport. The A350F model stands out for a 20 percent reduction in CO2 emissions compared to its direct competitors. The A350F will also be the only large freighter capable of meeting the CO2 standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), which will come into effect from 2028.”

Boeing is buying 9.4 million gallons (35.6 million litres) of blended sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to support its 2024 U.S. commercial operations, reducing its carbon emissions and working to help grow the supply of the fuel globally. This is the company’s largest annual SAF purchase, more than 60 percent higher than its purchase in 2023, says an official release. “The blended fuel – 30 percent SAF made from waste by-products such as fats, oils, and greases and 70 percent conventional jet fuel – will support the Boeing ecoDemonstrator program and Boeing U.S. commercial operational flights.” Ryan Faucett, Vice President, Environmental Sustainability, Boein says: “As our focus remains on safety and quality, sustainability continues to be a priority. Sustainable aviation fuel is essential to decarbonise aviation. About 20 percent of our fuel usage is a SAF blend, and we continue to increase our use of this fuel to encourage growth in the SAF industry. We are also working to make SAF more available and affordable to our commercial airline customers through collaboration, investment, research and policy development.”

DB Schenker has continued to build API connections with airlines to speed up the cargo booking process, this time connecting with Emirates SkyCargo. The host-to-host connection with DB Schenker’s internal booking platform provides agents with direct access to Emirates SkyCargo’s schedules, standard and contract tariff rates and available capacity, as well as the airline’s network of over 140 destinations across six continents. The connection will launch first in Germany, Austria and Switzerland and then globally. “Initially, the service will enable agents to book general cargo, with the possibility of adding other products from Emirates SkyCargo’s multi-vertical, industry-leading portfolio in the near future,” the carrier said in a press release. DB Schenker has been ramping up its digital connections with airlines over the past 12 months.

PayCargo, the leading logistics payment platform, and connected cargo solutions specialist Nallian proudly announce their strategic collaboration aimed at accelerating and streamlining air cargo management. By integrating Nallian’s cutting-edge slot management solution with PayCargo’s efficient payment platform, customers will benefit from a powerful system to optimize every aspect of the freight pick-up journey. This will eliminate truck wait times, shorten dock turnaround, improve staff planning, and reduce administration. How it works Freight forwarders and trucking companies schedule a time slot at the cargo handler using Nallian’s Truck Visit Management System to pick up or drop off freight. The PayCargo platform will streamline all payments and transactions related to import cargo. Upon arrival, drivers no longer have to wait but can immediately proceed to the dock door assigned to them. This integrated approach enhances operational efficiency, enables faster cargo release, and reduces paperwork and administration. Eduardo Del Riego, CEO of PayCargo, comments: “We are thrilled to partner with Nallian to offer an integrated solution that addresses the evolving needs of the air cargo industry. By combining our expertise, we enable our customers to streamline truck visits, accelerate payments, and achieve greater success.”

“Regulating dangerous goods is crucial to mitigate risks,” says Pradeep Panicker, CEO, GMR Hyderabad International Airport, adding, “with extensive classification and adherence to regulations across various modes of transport and international jurisdictions. Staying abreast of the latest regulatory updates poses a considerable challenge. The meticulous preparation of comprehensive documentation for each shipment is essential, detailing classification, quantities, and storage requirements to avoid delays, fines, or rejections, including potential embargoes by airlines. Personnel involved in handling dangerous goods, spanning packers, warehouse staff, and drivers, must undergo specific training and hold certifications to ensure safe management of risks. Specialized facilities tailored for storing dangerous goods are indispensable, designed to contain leaks, fires, and explosions, adhering rigorously to local and international guidelines while requiring diligent maintenance. Accidents involving dangerous goods, such as spills, leaks, fires, or explosions, can precipitate severe environmental impacts.”

BLR Cargo recorded a total throughput of 439,524 metric tonnes in FY ’24, reflecting a notable 7.1% increase from the preceding financial year. International tonnage reached 266,186 metric tonnes, exhibiting a 4% growth over the previous year, while domestic tonnage experienced a strong 13% rise, totaling 173,338 metric tonnes in comparison to the previous year. In FY ‘24, BLR Cargo continued its growth momentum operating to 33 destinations, as compared to 25 destinations in FY 23. Serving as a vital gateway, BLR Cargo facilitated exports to top international destinations with significant growth in export commodities such as agri perishables, machinery parts, and pharmaceutical products. The top five destinations for exports include LEJ (Leipzig/Halle), CGN (Cologne Bonn), ORD (Chicago O’Hare), DXB (Dubai), and SIN (Singapore Changi). Another freighter, Oman Air Cargo started operations from December 2023. In May 2023, BLR Airport achieved a significant milestone with the successful completion of India’s most notable brownfield cargo transition. As part of this transition, the cargo terminals are now mainly managed by Menzies Aviation (Bengaluru) Private Limited (MABPL), and WFS (Bengaluru) Pvt Ltd (WFSBPL). Additionally, a new Domestic Cargo Terminal project initiated by MABPL is under progress and will be operational within the next year. Furthermore, Air India SATS Airport Services (AISATS) has undertaken the development, financing, operation, and maintenance of a new greenfield logistics park for a period of 15 years. The 370,000 sq. ft park will feature Grade-A warehouse space with facilities like cold storage and custom bonded warehouses. These collaborative efforts between BLR Airport and its partners are aimed at boosting operational efficiency, expanding cargo handling capacity, and supporting the growth of cargo operations. BLR Airport remains committed to expanding its …

FedEx Express has launched the FedEx Import Tool (FiT), a cutting-edge solution designed to address the increasing complexities and volumes of imports in India. This timely launch is noteworthy as India has experienced a significant 12.2 percent increase in merchandise imports, reaching USD 60.11 billion in February 2024 from USD 54.4 billion in January of the previous year. There is a need for smarter, more efficient solutions to manage the complexities of the import sector. FiT, with its integration of advanced technology and user-focused design, is set to transform the import process, enhancing efficiency, compliance, and the overall end-to-end shipment journey. Developed in India, FiT stands as a testament to the local innovation aimed at addressing global challenges. It will be released in other FedEx markets globally in a phased manner. Key features of this comprehensive, single-window platform include: • A unified self-service platform to streamline the shipping process by centralizing document management and shipment tracking. • A dashboard for greater visibility into every stage of the import shipments. • Proactive notifications to expedite the clearance process and minimize delays. • A secure portal for the easy upload of KYC and customs clearance related documents, ensuring compliance and efficiency. • A direct payment feature for paying customs duties and taxes online. • Round-the-clock monitoring allows shippers and importers to track their shipments up to 90 days after pickup. “Innovation that surpasses customer expectations is at the heart of everything we do. Understanding customer pain points has guided the development of FiT, ensuring we use the latest technology and automation to address their specific needs. FiT is poised to simplify and accelerate the import processes, providing businesses with enhanced efficiency, transparency, …