Category Archives: Aviation

Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics arm of Etihad Airways, has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Worldwide Flight Services (WFS), a member of the SATS Group, for cargo handling services at 12 major international airports in Europe, Scandinavia, North America, India, and Asia Pacific. The global award is for a three-year period and will see WFS handling over 150,000 tonnes of cargo annually for the Abu Dhabi-headquartered airline. In the EMEAA region, the airports covered by the agreement are Amsterdam, Bangkok, Barcelona, Bengaluru, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, London Heathrow, Madrid, and Paris CDG. In North America, it includes WFS’ existing handling operations for Etihad in New York JFK and Washington Dulles, and the new award of Boston and Chicago. Strategically located at the centre of the world’s busiest trade lanes, Etihad Cargo provides an integral link to Africa, America, Asia, Australia, Europe, and the Middle East via the airline’s hub in Abu Dhabi, connecting prime cargo markets across the globe. It offers cargo capacity on passenger and freighter aircraft as well as an extensive trucking network.

Çelebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management announced the implementation of a significant upgrade to its cargo handling processes. The company has transitioned from traditional security stickers to a barcode scanning system, enhancing accuracy, traceability, and overall efficiency while aligning with local and international aviation security directives. This practical upgrade seamlessly integrates with Çelebi’s Warehouse Management System, digitally recording all stages of the cargo consignment process. The move offers a multitude of benefits for both Celebi and its customers including: • Elevated Security Measures • Improved Resource Efficiency • Enhanced Screening Integrity, Traceability, and Accountability • Compliance with Regulatory Requirements • Agile Solution to Meet Evolving Demands • Environmentally Sustainable Option Talking about the developments, Mr. Kamesh Peri, CEO, Çelebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management said, “Our Warehouse Management System has been enhanced to integrate seamlessly with the latest barcode scanning technology, thereby enabling comprehensive real-time tracking of security process. At Çelebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management, our priority is to provide our partners with the highest levels of security and operational efficiency. The adoption of barcode scanning marks a significant milestone in our quest to achieve these objectives. By implementing this advanced solution, we are able to upgrade our security process, optimize our operations, and demonstrate our unwavering commitment to continuous improvement through technology-driven solutions.” Çelebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management thrives on providing reliable and efficient customer centric cargo services while continuously striving for technological improvements. The commitment is towards excellence and ensuring the cargo handling experience is synonymous with heightened security, accountability, and forward-thinking practices. These enhancements highlight the company’s dedication to delivering excellent cargo services while continuously improving technology and human resources to provide better and seamless solutions.

Mumbai International Airport (MIAL) proudly announced the launch of Oman Air inaugural cargo freighter operations. “This enhances our airport’s cargo capacity and opens new horizons to Europe, the Middle East, & the Far East destinations. Let’s soar higher together,” MIAL’s official Linkedin post stated.

Silk Way West Airlines signed a five-year partnership with Turkish Technic to leverage Turkish Technic’s extensive maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) expertise, and the partnership guarantees access to a wide range of spare parts and MRO solutions, essential for maintaining the high performance and safety standards of the airline’s Boeing 777F fleet, says an official release from Silk Way. Wolfgang Meier, President, Silk Way West Airlines says: “We are delighted to join forces with Turkish Technic to enhance our operational capabilities and uphold our commitment to excellence in air cargo transportation. This collaboration reflects our dedication to providing reliable and efficient services to our customers worldwide.” Mikail Akbulut, CEO, Turkish Technic adds: “We are delighted to have taken the first step towards a long-term cooperation with Silk Way West Airlines. With decades of experience in component maintenance and large inventory of components, we are proud to be a leading solution centre for Boeing 777 component pooling. We are excited to work closely with the operator to ensure the highest level of safety and reliability for their Boeing 777F fleet.” Founded in 2012 in Baku, Silk Way West Airlines operates 14 dedicated Boeing 777F, 747-8F, and 747-400F aircraft based at Heydar Aliyev International Airport. The airline’s annual cargo turnover exceeds 500,000 tonnes, and its growing route network covers over 40 destinations across Europe, the CIS, the Middle East, Central and Eastern Asia, and the Americas, the release added.

Several key Asia-Europe sea-air hubs have recorded a strong surge in tonnages in the last few weeks as shippers continue to seek alternative logistics solutions due to the disruptions to container shipping caused by the attacks on ships in the Red Sea, according to the latest update from WorldACD Market Data. “Freight sources have reported, anecdotally, that some Asia-Europe sea-air hubs such as Dubai, Colombo and Bangkok have been inundated with air cargo in recent weeks as cargo owners seek to replenish stocks in Europe that have run low because containerships that would normally transit via the Suez Canal have been forced make the longer voyage around the Cape of Good Hope.” Analysis this week by WorldACD Market Data confirms that air cargo tonnages to Europe from Dubai, Colombo and Bangkok have been at significantly elevated levels this year compared with the equivalent period last year. In the first seven weeks of 2024, all three of those sea-air hubs have seen their respective flown tonnages to Europe rise by more than 50 percent compared with the first seven weeks of 2023 with Dubai-Europe traffic up 71 percent, Colombo-Europe tonnages up 61 percent and Bangkok-Europe volumes up 58 percent. Despite some reports of elevated traffic volumes to Europe via Singapore and Doha, Singapore-Europe and Doha-Europe tonnages were up, YoY, by just 10 percent and three percent, respectively, in the first seven weeks of this year based on more than 450,000 weekly transactions covered by WorldACD’s data.

BLR Airport has shipped 29 million rose stems, weighing in at 1,222,860 kilograms this valentine’s season, representing 108 percent increase in the tonnage processed compared to the same period last year. The airport witnessed growth in both international and domestic rose shipments, with 9 million stems bound for international destinations, marking a 14 percent increase from last year, and 20 million stems shipped domestically, reflecting a 148 percent increase. “BLR airport has solidified its reputation as the No.1 for perishables in India, surpassing last year’s bouquet of 15.4 million stems,” reads the release. The top international destinations for roses from Bengaluru are Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Kuwait, Manila, and Sharjah, while top domestic cities include Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Guwahati, and Jaipur. Maintaining quality, temperature control, and ensuring faster turnaround times are critical for perishable items like roses. BLR Airport has invested in real-time tracking to empower stakeholders to proactively address temperature excursions, ensuring the integrity of sensitive products. Advanced monitoring at dedicated cold chain centres guarantees an unbroken cold chain, translating into faster handling, enhanced security, and sustainable practices. It also reads, “Looking ahead, BLR Airport with its partners WFS Bengaluru is committed to expanding its cold chain capacity to approximately 80,000 metric tonnes per annum and investing in the export of perishables. Our partnerships with two new partners, WFS and Menzies Aviation, for operating BLR Airport’s cargo terminals for 15 years is expected to further enhance cargo handling efficiencies, solidifying the Airport’s position as one of the leading players in the ever-evolving air cargo landscape.”

Korean Air has signed an agreement to strengthen its air cargo partnership with Vienna International Airport. The partnership aims to build on growing air cargo demand between Korea and Austria, and leverage Vienna Airport as a major hub to attract greater air cargo demand through joint marketing initiatives targeted at forwarders and customers. Korean Air will share market and industry insight with Vienna International Airport as part of the deal. Vienna Airport serves as a gateway to eastern Europe, and with continued Korean manufacturing investments in eastern Europe, Korean Air anticipates increased air cargo demand in the future. “We are pleased to announce our collaboration with Vienna International Airport. Korean Air is fully committed to enhancing air cargo services and ensuring utmost customer satisfaction between Korea and Vienna with this agreement,” said Jaedong Eum, senior vice president and head of cargo business division at Korean Air. “The neighbouring countries of Austria and Asia have been economic regions that have been closely linked through international air cargo traffic for many years. Especially in the automotive and electronics sectors, Asian companies rely on the manufacturing capacities in the eastern European region. Korean Air is an important air cargo partner since 20 years and I am pleased that we can now further expand our long-standing partnership in the cargo sector with this agreement,” commented Julian Jäger, joint chief executive and chief operating officer of Vienna Airport.

Om Logistics a leading name in the logistics industry, is excited to announce the launch of its new warehouse facility in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. This strategic move is aimed at elevating the connectivity and solidifying the company’s presence in the southern region. The state-of-the-art warehouse facility, offering are of over 1,00,000 sq. ft., is equipped with advanced infrastructure and features to enhance operational efficiency and service quality. The facility is poised to streamline logistics operations and meet the growing demands of clients. The expansion into the south determines OM Logistics’ dedication to providing seamless logistics solutions for clients all around the nation. With a focus on innovation and customer-centric solutions, OM Logistics is ready to set new benchmarks in the logistics industry.

Taiwan-based STARLUX Airlines has placed a firm order for five all-new A350F freighters and three more A330neo widebody aircraft to expand global operations. The agreement was signed by KW Chang, Chairman, STARLUX Airlines and Christian Scherer, CEO, Commercial Aircraft business, Airbus, said an official release from Airbus. “STARLUX Airlines has continuously nurtured the cargo market since its inception, capitalizing on the strategic advantages offered by Taiwan’s geographical location,” says Glenn Chai, CEO, STARLUX. “With this order, STARLUX will become the first Taiwanese airline to operate the next-generation A350F widebody freighter. In an era of climate change, the A350F has unbeatable efficiency in terms of fuel burn, CO2 emissions and economics, offering significant energy-saving and carbon reduction benefits. It not only meets customer requirements for carbon reduction but also aligns with STARLUX’s ESG plan to achieve zero emissions by 2050. Additionally, the three new A330neos will strengthen our fleet advantage and provide greater flexibility for passenger operations.” Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, EVP, Sales, Commercial Aircraft, Airbus adds, “We love working with STARLUX Airlines in building and strengthening its fleet. Operating both the latest generation Airbus single aisle and widebody aircraft brings the airline enormous benefits. It significantly reduces fuel consumption and carbon emission and offers unrivalled levels of technical commonality, benefits in maintenance and training. The A350F, the only new generation large freighter, will fit seamlessly into this all-Airbus fleet and enable STARLUX Airlines to compete effectively with the leading players in key cargo markets.”

Geodis has completed a complex air cargo transport project featuring oversized thermo-compressors that involved 13 flights over seven days using an Antonov AN-124, the world’s largest cargo aircraft. The just-in-time logistics operation entailed transporting 249 pieces of oversized, overweight cargo totalling 776 tons and 4,455 cu m to southeast Colombia. Geodis originally planned to mobilise the cargo in Cartagena and transport it to the end destination via the La Orquídea Bridge in Boyacá, the only road transport option for freight of this size and weight along the route. However, when the bridge collapsed in August last year, Geodis had to develop and execute an alternative solution to transport the cargo via air. “With 13 total flights, including a long international journey and 12 domestic trips, this unprecedented operation faced consistent challenges to overcome,” said Carlos Palacios, manager director of Geodis in Colombia. “Despite the complexities, our team at Geodis and our collaborators—including Antonov, the Colombian Air Force and the individual airports involved—were able to successfully come together to keep essential materials moving across the country at a critical time for our client’s operations.” Geodis identified the Antonov AN-124 as the only aircraft option that would be large enough to mobilise the cargo given its extra dimension and weight characteristics. The planning process included securing the aircraft given its limited availability amid the Russia–Ukraine conflict and its use in humanitarian aid operations.