Category Archives: Aviation

Stressing upon the urgent need to train logistics aspirants, CK Govil, President, ACAAI says, “India has the largest millennial and Gen Z population globally in the 25-35 age group. They form a resource that no other country has. We need to tap this strength and train them.” “Several educational institutes are including AI and related studies in their courses across industries. Companies are collaborating with top universities to offer classroom and online AI technology courses. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has launched several initiatives to upskill the emerging generation with AI based skills. Even employers understand the significance of training their workforce in AI, and many of these employers started their AI journey with targeted initiatives to upskill their workforce in AI. This is being driven by the employees who are demanding such training, too,” he adds.

WestJet Cargo unveils a strategic arrangement operating on behalf of Awesome Cargo, a rising star in the Mexican air freight industry. This collaboration represents a groundbreaking venture, connecting Awesome’s Cargo NLU hub with North America. Kirsten De Bruijn, SVP Cargo of WestJet, says, “This collaboration brings together two visionary cargo airlines, weaving our strengths into an innovative tapestry of enhanced services for Awesome’s Cargo customers. We’re thrilled to embark on this journey with Awesome Cargo, unlocking endless possibilities for both organizations and setting new standards in the industry.” Initiated by a longstanding industry relationship, a testament to their shared vision and past triumphs in collaborative ventures. Awesome Cargo secured its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from Mexico’s Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC) on October 13 of this year. The airline strategically operates from NLU Airport (Felipe Angeles) in Mexico City. Awesome Cargo aims to become a pivotal partner in the North American and Latin American region through its NLU hub. Less than a month into its inception Awesome Cargo operated 17 missions bringing over 800 tons of humanitarian aid into Acapulco, which demonstrates the DNA of the airline and its commitment to its community. Luis Ramos, CEO of Awesome Cargo, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “This partnership is a significant milestone for Awesome Cargo. By uniting forces with WestJet Cargo, we not only expand our reach into North America but also contribute to the evolution of air cargo transport in the region. Our shared values and commitment to excellence make this collaboration a dynamic force in the industry.”

Oman Air partners with Çelebi India for ground handling services at Manohar International Airport, Goa, making it the first foreign airlines to land the new airport located in North Goa. Oman Air will be operating four flights per week from Mopa airport to Muscat. On 29 October, 2023, Çelebi India successfully executed ground handling services for Oman Air at the airport, and is expected to mark a lasting collaboration to “redefine industry standards by combining Çelebi’s extensive expertise in ground handling with Oman Air’s commitment to delivering exceptional service.” Mr. Tauseef Khan, CEO, Çelebi Ground Handling, India, said, “It is exciting to announce that we have extended our support to the historic inaugural flight of Oman Air at Manohar International Airport in India. This marks a significant milestone as Oman Air becomes the first foreign airline to land at this airport. As a trusted ground handling services provider, we at Çelebi are fully equipped to meet the specific requirements of international carriers and provide exceptional services to our partner airlines across India. This partnership with Oman Air is a testament to our unwavering commitment to delivering top-tier services and contributing to the growth of India’s aviation industry.”

Worldwide average air cargo prices have continued their gradual post-summer rise into the first full week of November while global tonnages have stabilised slightly above their level this time last year, according to the latest figures from WorldACD Market Data. “Halfway through the market’s traditionally buoyant fourth-quarter (Q4) period, there are no signs of any strong peak in demand with demand patterns so far broadly mirroring last year’s disappointing Q4.” After overall worldwide tonnages dropped by around four percent from the end of October into the first few days of November, preliminary figures for week 45 (November 6-12) show stable tonnages compared with the previous week and a two percent increase in global average rates, based on the more than 400,000 weekly transactions covered by WorldACD’s data.

Vietnam Airlines announced the appointment of Aeroprime Group, as its General Sales Agent (GSA) in India for both aviation effective 01 January 2024. Aeroprime Group will serve as integral and strategic partner to Vietnam Airlines to support with sales and marketing strategies through its innovative and tech driven solutions, deliver expanded market reach and distribution across India. The collaboration aims to deliver unparalleled customer service, elevating the travel experience for Vietnam Airlines’ esteemed customers. The appointment of Aeroprime Group will help to further widen Vietnam Airline’s presence and will pave way for expansion in the Indian market to provide a premium, customer friendly services. Abhishek Goyal, Executive Director of Aeroprime Group, said, “We are honoured that Aeroprime Group has been selected as General Sales Agent (GSA) for Vietnam Airlines in India. We are committed to work with Vietnam Airlines to develop a strong brand presence and expand the customer base in India. With our dedicated team of seasoned professionals across multiple cities and using our cutting-edge technology solutions, we look forward to effectively market the flights and provide superior customer services, offering an exclusive experience of Vietnamese hospitality. Nguyen Trung Hieu, General Manager of Vietnam Airlines Branch in India, said, “We are pleased to appoint Aeroprime Group as our new General Sales Agent (GSA) pan India as we embark on a new journey to enhance our network and to provide the premium services to the Indian travelers. The collaboration with Aeroprime Group will help us to strengthen distribution channels and elevate customer service standards in the Indian market. Vietnam is an incredible destination, with its natural beauty and traditions. Leveraging on Vietnam Airline’s extensive network, this partnership will offer premium …

Global air freight rates are still rising as peak season continues, according to the latest data from TAC Index, the leading price reporting agency for air freight. “The overall Baltic Air Freight Index rose a further 4.4 percent in the week to November 13 following a series of gains in September and October, cutting the year-on-year decline to only 26.4 percent.” The latest rise featured sharply higher rates out of China, which was not surprising after record snowfalls in Anchorage appeared to hit capacity on Transpacific traffic – though prices from China to Europe and the U.S. were both showing double-digit-plus gains, the update added. “The index for outbound Shanghai routes increased 8.7 percent WoW, cutting its YoY fall to only 4.7 percent, led by a sharp rise to North America. Outbound Hong Kong increased further (+0.6 percent WoW) to cut its YoY decline to 17.4 percent.”

Ras Al Khaimah-based Vaayu Group has signed an agreement to be a strategic investor in New Delhi-based Pradhaan Air Express. The agreement was announced on the sidelines of the Dubai Airshow 2023. It not only opens up business opportunities in the Middle East for Pradhaan Air Express, the agreement has revealed Vaayu’s commitment in reinforcing the business, says an official release from Vaayu. “The world’s first A320P2F aircraft, which is operated by Pradhaan Air Express, is on show at the Dubai Airshow. Pradhaan leased this aircraft from Vaayu last year, and has been in commercial service since October 2022.” Emad Al Monayea, Chairman and President, Vaayu Group says, “Vaayu’s vision is to become a significant player in the air cargo space in the years to come. This move with Pradhaan is quite strategic considering the opportunities it presents between the two regions. We are quite hopeful that we are flying in the right direction.” Vaayu plans to expand its footprint in the air cargo space with the addition of two more A320P2Fs by 2024, which will enhance capacity and improve its network, the release added. Nipun Anand, Founder and CEO, Pradhaan Air Express says, “We are pleased with the fact that Vaayu has joined us since they bring with them a great record in the aviation sector. Their invaluable expertise and their single-minded plans to increase cargo capacity bodes well for us. The Airbus range of freighter aircraft is impressive and will add immense value to Pradhaan’s plans.”

Etihad Cargo has launched an Instant Offer Rate (IOR) tool to streamline the shipment booking process, provide faster response times and offer improved levels of customer service. Developed in collaboration with IBS Software, Etihad Cargo’s IOR solution is designed to enable the carrier to boost efficiency by reducing pricing transaction times by up to 70% in its online booking portal. Utilising automation, the IOR feature means prices are instantly generated based on five key booking and flight parameters, including density, departure day, direct and indirect flights, flight demand and requested services. Using this data, the IOR solution will provide the “best available price to customers within a few seconds, offering a seamless, user-friendly booking process”, said Etihad Cargo. “Since launching Etihad Cargo’s revamped booking portal, the carrier has continued to add features that enhance the customer journey, making it easier and more intuitive for partners and customers to make bookings,” commented Leonard Rodrigues, head of revenue management and network planning at Etihad Cargo. “By giving portal users instant access to prices based on their unique requirements, partners and customers have all the tools they need to make a booking within seconds and with the confidence their cargo will be transported across Etihad Cargo’s global network safely, securely and reliably at the most competitive price.” The launch of the IOR solution is the latest feature to be added to Etihad Cargo’s booking portal, following the recent addition of features enabling the booking of cats, dogs and dangerous goods.

Wiremind is developing its capacity optimisation technology to better meet the needs of freight forwarders. The company said it is working closely with a number of forwarders and partners to enhance its SKYPALLET solution to accommodate the specific requirements of freight forwarders. Due to be released next year, SKYPALLET 2.0, will in fact “pave the way for the necessary product enhancements to offer a forwarder-specific, dedicated workflow module”, said Wiremind. Though originally developed to support airlines with space optimisation, SKYPALLET “could, and already does”, help forwarders optimise their own capacity management processes, explained the company. Airlines and forwarders have similar needs in this respect, however their processes and use cases vary slightly. For example, when planning shipments, forwarders determine how much capacity needs to be procured from an airline, or how best to assign house airway bills across different allocations, Wiremind added. Forwarders’ transport management systems also differ to those of airlines, the company pointed out. “We have collaborated with freight forwarder customers for many years, and they often illustrate use-case scenarios that lend themselves perfectly to becoming additional SKYPALLET features,” said Nathanaël de Tarade, chief executive of Wiremind Cargo. “Then, during the COVID-pandemic, when the pressure to make maximum use of available capacity was at its peak, two freight forwarders actively opted to use SKYPALLET to support their business processes. “From their reported positive results and the many discussions we have had with a forwarder community increasingly interested in adopting digital solutions, Wiremind’s mission now is to create a freight forwarder SKYPALLET version that offers dedicated functionalities to support their specific workflows.”

Alaska Air Cargo has put into service a new 737-800BCF (Boeing Converted Freighter) and will add another second 737-800BCF “early next year”. The 737-800 freighters have been sourced from Alaska Airlines’ passenger fleet. The US cargo airline currently has three 737-700Fs in its fleet. Alaska Air Cargo took delivery of the first 737-800BCF, from lessor Babcock & Brown Aircraft Management (BBAM), last month. The first aircraft was converted at Cooperativa Autogestionaria de Servicios Aeroindustriales (COOPESA), a maintenance facility in Costa Rica. Now, the second aircraft is being converted by Boeing at KF Aerospace in British Columbia. Ketchikan (KTN), Sitka (SIT), Juneau (JNU) and Bethel (BET) will be among the first in Alaska to benefit from the increased capacity, with expanded freighter service coming to their communities by mid-December, said the airline. The new freighters are in the process of becoming ETOPS-certified, which will enable them to fly long ranges over open water. The aircraft’s expanded range will allow the cargo team to explore new routes, such as a possible nonstop from King Salmon (AKN) to Seattle (SEA).