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Tag: air cargo

Cargo First strengthens Bournemouth Airport operations

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Cargo First, Bournemouth Airport’s dedicated cargo handling service, has strengthened its fast-track ‘One Team’ operation by bringing its on-site customs bonded warehouse facilities fully in-house. The move further streamlines Cargo First’s ground handling operation which is geared to providing a faster alternative to the congested London airport system for freight customers.

It comes as global e-commerce demand continues to grow. IATA (International Air Transport Association) suggested in a recent industry briefing that global e-commerce parcel volumes could double to 260 billion by 2025, with 80% of sales estimated to be cross-border.

And FedEx Express recently published research saying e-commerce would continue to take a growing proportion of total consumer spend. But the number one customer complaint (53%) is that deliveries take too long, with an expectation of receiving goods within three days to one week of ordering.

Bob Matharoo, Head of Cargo Development at Cargo First, said: “We’re fine tuning our system to make the cargo ownership chain as short and responsive as it can be, with no third parties. Our focus is speed to market and being a cost-effective alternative to the hub airports.

“E-commerce continues to grow, and with it customer expectations around speed of delivery. Capacity at the big London hub airports is severely constrained but we’re not. We think that’s a real opportunity for Bournemouth Airport and Cargo First, especially bearing in mind our location just 90 minutes from the capital.”

Cargo First was initially working jointly with a global logistics partner to handle customs processing through the bonded facilities on the airport site. It now has full control over the whole cargo process, from offloading aircraft through to processing, onward loading and delivery.

The company spent 18 months benchmarking freight deliveries via Bournemouth to London warehouses and found it could halve the time of delivery to the same end destinations compared with using a London hub airport.

Cargo First and Bournemouth Airport are part of the UK’s privately-owned Regional and City Airports (RCA) group, which also owns Coventry Airport, Exeter Airport and Norwich Airport. RCA also operates the XLR Executive Jet Centre FBO facilities at Birmingham, Bournemouth, Exeter and Liverpool airports.

 

Lödige chosen for JFK airport modernisation

Posted on by David Priestman

Aeroterm, North America’s largest third-party on-airport developer, has selected Lödige Industries, a world-leading provider of cargo terminal solutions, to install a state-of-the-art automated cargo system at John F. Kennedy International Airport‘s new 350,000 sq ft cargo facility. Lödige’s system will be exclusively used by Worldwide Flight Services (WFS), the main cargo handler at JFK.

The new cargo facility, which is being built on a 26-acre site, will include greater ramp capacity to handle three of today’s large modern air cargo freighters (Group VI aircraft) simultaneously. It will also have more than 50 dock doors for the efficient transfer and tracking of goods through the facility.

Lödige’s system will feature two elevating transfer vehicles with a ULD storage rack for 218 ULD positions and three-level ULD racks to ensure high storage density in WFS’s new terminal and free up space for other handling activities, amongst other things. This advanced level of automation guarantees efficient throughput and high safety standards, as well as optimal operational processes, areas that are very important for WFS. The equipment also includes three truck docks, a castor deck area and 14 elevating workstations.

When completed in early 2024, JFK’s new cargo facility is expected to handle an annual throughput of approximately 350,000 tonnes.

“Our new cargo facility, equipped with Lödige’s state-of-the-art systems, is designed for maximum efficiency. Thanks to this market-leading cargo handling technology, we are ideally equipped for future growth and can offer our customers the best possible service at all times,” says Jeffrey Bounds SVP Program Management & Center of Excellence|The Americas from WFS.

“As the first new cargo facility built at JFK in two decades, this project is an essential step in revitalising JFK as a cargo hub,” said Bryan Rosenberger, Vice President Design & Construction at Aeroterm.  “On each development project, Realterm partners with both local and global groups for best-in-class expertise in design, construction and specific air cargo equipment. We are excited to partner with Lödige on this development.”

“The US cargo industry is showing a great sense of optimism this year and we are proud to contribute to JFK’s ambitious modernisation programme. We are confident that our high-efficiency cargo handling solutions and years of local experience will support WFS in achieving its quality, speed, and safety goals and continue to grow through increased efficiency in the new facility,” said Jonathan Hardy, Managing Director USA at Lödige Industries.

IAG Cargo opens applications for Heathrow apprenticeships

Posted on by Keith McKinley

IAG Cargo, the cargo division of International Airlines Group (IAG), has launched its 2023 apprenticeship scheme commencing in January which combines on the job operational training with recognised qualifications.

There are 14 roles available, working in the fast-paced environment at IAG Cargo’s hub at London-Heathrow. The scheme is designed to support and develop skills and knowledge in the air cargo industry whilst gaining confidence.

IAG Cargo first launched the apprenticeship scheme in 2012 and has since welcomed over 100 apprentices across the business. The 18-month programme has been designed to support a career in the cargo and logistics industry from the early age of 16+ and the scheme offers competitive benefits to include salary and discounts on flights. The scheme has a focus on the manual handling of freight, breaking and building units and operating equipment and machinery in a safe, secure and efficient environment. The deadline for applications is 16th October 2022.

Caroline Andrews, Chief People Officer at IAG Cargo said: “Our past and present apprentices have played a vital role in supporting our business to help keep the world’s economy turning and so I’m delighted to launch our latest apprenticeship scheme. With many school leavers keen to start their working lives this programme supports individuals to kick-start their career in such an important industry and we can’t wait to welcome them into our business.”

Zena Foley, Global ULD Logistics Manager began her career in 2012 and is now an integral part of the Supply Chain Operations at IAG Cargo: “I’ve always loved airports and aircraft, so when I saw this apprenticeship programme it immediately appealed to me. Not only did I receive hands-on experience and a qualification, but I was also earning too – university did not offer me this pathway.”

CLICK HERE to apply to IAG Cargo’s apprenticeship scheme.

 

 

IAG trials electric terminal tractor at Heathrow

Posted on by David Priestman

IAG Cargo, the cargo division of International Airlines Group (IAG), has begun to trial the first electric terminal tractor, a Terberg YT203EV, at London Heathrow airport. This is the first electric Terberg operating airside worldwide.

By replacing an existing terminal tractor with an electric Terberg, approximately 30 tonnes of CO2 will be saved per vehicle per year –the equivalent of planting over 1 million trees or taking more than 6,000 cars off the road.

Terberg has been creating electric vehicles since 2014 with the team constantly revising the designs. The latest vehicles can deliver the same capability as the current diesel units in a more environmentally sustainable way, allowing drivers to carry out their work pattern whilst avoiding diesel engine emissions. In addition to its electric solution, Terberg is also exploring the development of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, having placed a unit in to test on an off-airfield application. This additional environmentally friendly solution will afford Terberg customers such as IAG Cargo further options to achieve their environmental goals.

IAG Cargo is trialling the electric Terberg YT203EV for 12 months, with the ambition to transition its current diesel fleet to more sustainable alternatives, including electric. In the coming years the trial will help IAG Cargo and its partners understand the challenges the business may face when adopting an electric airside fleet, how future electric vehicles could be charged and what additional infrastructure will be needed to support a fleet of electric terminal tractors.

David Rose, Chief Transformation Officer at IAG Cargo, commented: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Terberg to trial the first electric Terberg at London Heathrow – this is an exciting advancement for IAG Cargo as we strive to lead on sustainability and be fit for future.

“We are continuously looking at ways that reduce our impact on the environment whilst improving our customer offering. This trial is part of a wider effort supporting our commitment to making IAG Cargo, and the wider industry, more sustainable.“

Alisdair Couper, Manager Director at Terberg, added: “This is another step towards reducing air cargo’s impact on the environment and so we’re thrilled to work with IAG Cargo to see the first electric Terberg already in action at London Heathrow airport.”

 

Hong Kong named world’s busiest cargo airport

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Following an increase in the cargo dedication of Cathay Pacific throughout the pandemic and beyond, the award-winning airline’s hub, Hong Kong International Airport, has been recognised for its cargo proficiency.

The international airport was named the world’s busiest cargo airport, as well carrying the most tonnage for 2021, beating last year’s top-ranking Memphis International Airport, which positioned second according to the Airports Council International (ACI).

ACI’s annual world rankings highlighted that HKG handled more than five million tonnes of cargo last year, an increase of 12.5% on 2020. It also topped the tonnages for ‘international freight’ with 4.9m tonnes, an increase of 12.8% against 2020. Dubai in particular saw a number of different products – including perfumes, laptops, jewellery and accessories – transported via Cathay Pacific’s cargo freighters in 2021, said Vishnu Rajendran, the airline’s Middle East area manager.

“It’s testament to Hong Kong International Airport’s solid work over the past few years in its bid to bridge gaps from the Far East to the rest of the world for cargo carrying,” said Rajendran. “Our hub has always been an outstanding international airport with its ease of connections, world-class lounges, and diverse range of retailers, so to now have the cargo element recognised is extremely promising.”

Cathay Pacific’s cargo service is responsible for 25% of the airline’s annual revenue, connecting Hong Kong to 46 destinations globally through a raft of partners helping to provide an effective service.

“The dedicated Cathay Pacific Cargo Terminal has gone from strength to strength in the past few years with innovation and passion at the forefront of the dynamic team,” Rajendran added. “Focusing on enhanced efficiency, reliability and visibility all improves the customer experience and adds value to the backbone of end-to-end services. Designed for an annual air cargo throughput capacity of 2.6m tonnes, the terminal is a common-use facility open to all airline customers.

Ensuring that customers looking to send cargo via Cathay Pacific have various options to fit their individual needs, the airline also launched its Priority solution, offering three service tiers: First (PR1), Essential Plus (PR2) and Essential (PR3). For general cargo shipments, customers can choose the tier best suited to their needs. In addition, PR1 and PR2 service tiers have been extended and are now applicable to all types of shipments requiring special handling, including but not limited to Pharma LIFT, Fresh LIFT, and DG LIFT for dangerous goods.

In addition, Cathay Pacific Cargo has become one of the first carriers to pioneer two new milestones in the Cargo iQ Master Operating Plan (MOP).

The new milestones, FOW (freight out of warehouse control) and FIW (freight into warehouse control), will bring more transparency to the overall shipment journey in the MOP and better measurement of ground-handling performance in the handover between the ramp operating handlers and the cargo terminal, and vice-versa, for imports and exports, at air waybill (AWB) level. The milestones are now operational at the Cathay Pacific Cargo Terminal in Hong Kong, with a view for roll-out across the network.

 

 

Co2 Emissions in Air Freight: Know your Aircraft

Posted on by Keith McKinley

The accurate measurement of CO2 emissions in air freight is becoming increasingly important – but they differ strikingly depending on the aircraft type. With the BlueBox Systems platform, in addition to real-time tracking and analysis of air freight data, aircraft type-accurate CO2 emissions are now available. Consequently, supply chains can be compared and optimized not only on the basis of time and performance, but also with regard to their CO2 impact.

Next year, companies in Europe with sales of more than €40 million or 250 employees will have to disclose their carbon footprint annually. This also includes the extent to which their own goods were transported internationally. For this reason, it is important for these companies as well as for the contracted logistics company to be able to document exact values of CO2 emissions. However, these values vary enormously depending on the cargo aircraft. For example, a Boeing 737-400 with 1t of cargo produces a good 10t of CO2, whereas a Boeing 777 produces only 4t on a distance from Frankfurt to San Francisco.

So the choice of aircraft plays a key role in calculating CO2 values for air cargo. And since many airlines are now successively modernizing their fleets, companies now have the opportunity to have their freight shipped with optimized CO2 emissions. But BlueBox Systems takes it one step further: through its partnership with the non-profit organization myclimate, one of the quality leaders in voluntary CO2 offsetting measures worldwide, the CO2 emissions generated can be directly offset again.

“We have received extremely good feedback on our CO2 feature at conferences in San Francisco and Athens, among others. Currently, the calculation of CO2 emissions based on the freighter model used hardly takes place – but it is more than necessary,” emphasizes BlueBox Systems CEO Martin Schulze. “What makes BlueBox Systems so unique in this context is the integration into our Real-Time Visibility platform. This means that supply chains can now also be compared and selected in the context of the CO2 emissions produced in the process.”

BlueBox Systems makes it possible to monitor airfreight in real time. What was previously a black box, now becomes transparent. The individual stations of the air freight on its way to its destination can be tracked in real time. The shipper knows where the shipment is and can provide information about the estimated time of delivery at any time. The recipient can take care of further planning in advance and thus avoid costly delays and damage.

Swissport opens sustainable Vienna cargo centre

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Swissport has officially inaugurated a new 8,000 sq m air cargo centre near Vienna Airport – its second facility to serve air cargo customers in Vienna. The new facility is connected with Swissport’s on-airport cargo centre by a dedicated electric truck, the first of its kind in Swissport’s growing global network of air cargo centres.

Swissport continues to aggressively grow its air cargo business to participate in strong global demand for air cargo logistics and to capture additional market share. With a second cargo centre now operational in Vienna, Swissport can resolve local constraints and provide air carriers and forwarders in Vienna with additional capacity and more flexibility. The newly built 8,000 sqm facility is located in the DLH SkyLog Park in Fischamend in the immediate vicinity of Vienna Airport. Swissport is one of the first movers to the DLH SkyLog Park.

“We have invested in this state-of-the-art 8,000 sq m air cargo centre to support our growth ambitions in forwarder handling, and of course to serve existing and new airline customers with an even better product,” says Dirk Goovaerts, Swissport’s Global Cargo Chair. “We are very excited to more than double our capacity in Vienna and now have the infrastructure in place to support our vertical integration plans.”

The state-of-the-art building is set up for a superior environmental performance, featuring a 900,000kWh photovoltaic system. The system’s energy production corresponds to the annual electrical consumption of about 260 households. Swissport also relies on electric innovation on the ground: the centre in Fischamend is connected to the existing airside facility by a dedicated electric cargo shuttle. High-performance charging which is available on-site ensures that the Swissport e-truck can shuttle between the two locations without restrictions.

Henning Dieter, Head of Swissport Cargo Services Germany and Austria, comments: “We are pioneering e-mobility in air cargo handling here in Vienna together with Mercedes, Siemens, XL Forwarding & Transports and the Austrian Federal Ministry of Climate Action. The public charger available supports sustainable mobility as the dedicated Swissport e-truck shuttles air cargo between our two terminals at Vienna International.”

Swissport is working to make air cargo processes more sustainable and efficient to continue to improve its services while reducing specific CO² emissions. In 2021, Swissport handled around 70,000 tonnes of air cargo at Vienna Airport, where its capacity to support airlines and forwarders has now doubled. Within Austria, Swissport also operates a 3,500 sq m airside air cargo centre in a joint venture with Graz Airport.

With demand for global air cargo logistics already above pre-pandemic levels and persisting global capacity constraints in air and sea logistics, Swissport expects growth in air cargo handling to outperform general airport ground handling for some time. The company has made cargo a strategic priority and set ambitious goals to grow its second largest business line from 5.1 million in 2021 to over 6 million tonnes over the next couple of years.

 

 

Air France-KLM and CMA CGM form air cargo collaboration

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Air France-KLM Group and the CMA CGM Group have signed a long-term strategic partnership in the air cargo market. This exclusive partnership will see both parties combine their complementary cargo networks, full freighter capacity and dedicated services in order to build an even more competitive offer thanks to the unrivalled know-how and global footprint of Air France-KLM and CMA CGM.

CMA CGM and Air France-KLM share a strong ambition to invest and grow sustainably in the air freight business.

The agreement will have an initial duration of 10  years. Air France-KLM and CMA CGM will  join and exclusively operate the full-freighter aircraft capacity of the respective airlines consisting initially of a fleet of 10 full-freighter aircraft, and an additional combined 12 aircraft on order:

  • Four full-freighter aircraft at CMA CGM Air Cargo (with outstanding orders for an additional eight aircraft, two of which may be operated by Air France-KLM in the future)
  • Six full-freighter aircraft at Air France-KLM Group based at Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (with outstanding orders for an additional four aircraft)

This new commercial partnership also covers Air France-KLM’s belly aircraft capacity, including over 160 long-haul aircraft.

The partnership will leverage both partners’ respective global sales teams, presenting one voice to the customer.

The strategic commercial partnership is expected to generate significant revenue synergies including the joint design of the full freighter networks and enhanced products and services mix opportunities. It will help meet customers’ ever-increasing need for more integrated and resilient supply chains and will leverage Air France-KLM’s vast existing franchise, experience and capabilities in air freight, backed by a global cargo network. CMA CGM will mobilize its large commercial network and global logistics platform and will complete this offer with innovative logistics and multimodal solutions, particularly in sea and land transport.

As part of this long-term exclusive partnership, CMA CGM will reinforce its commitment in the air freight industry by becoming a new reference shareholder in Air France-KLM. CMA CGM has the firm intention to take up to 9% of Air France-KLM’s ex-post share capital, for a period consistent with the implementation of the strategic commercial partnership.

This investment could be made as part of the contemplated capital increase of Air France-KLM, as announced on February 17th, 2022. Air France-KLM’s main shareholders will support a resolution for the appointment of one board member representing CMA CGM at the next shareholders’ meeting (May 24th, 2022). Such appointment, if approved by the shareholders’ meeting, would be subject to the completion of CMA CGM’s investment.

Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and CEO of the CMA CGM Group, said: “I am very pleased with this strategic partnership with Air France-KLM. It allows us to significantly accelerate the development of our air division, CMA CGM Air Cargo, which was created just over a year ago, and to position our two companies among the world’s leading players in air freight. This partnership is fully in line with CMA CGM’s strategy and its ambition to become a leader in integrated logistics, for the benefit of its customers. Through our stake in the company, Air France-KLM will be able to count on us to support its future development.”

Air France-KLM Group CEO Benjamin Smith said: “This strategic partnership leverages the complementary skills, expertise and activities of Air France-KLM and CMA CGM. It is a landmark step which will significantly strengthen and expand the Group’s position in the air cargo industry. I am also extremely pleased that this commercial partnership with CMA CGM has resulted in their decision to invest directly  in the Air France-KLM Group, demonstrating a strong testimony of their belief in the future success of our Group.”

Air France-KLM and CMA CGM are leaders in the transportation and logistics industry. They share an ambition to increase the sustainability and have both committed to Net Zero Carbon by 2050.

It carries an extensive Full Freighter and Wide Body Belly (WBB) aircraft network built around two global hubs at Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, both fitted with state-of-the-art cargo facilities and serving 295 destinations across 110 countries.

Air France-KLM has teams present in 116 stations covering a total network of 390 handling stations spread over all continents, making its commercial network one of the strongest in the airfreight industry. Air France-KLM has a long-standing experience and know-how in the field of specialized cargo (pharmaceuticals, perishables, express, etc.) and has developed one of the most advanced digital service solutions in the air freight industry.

Air France-KLM runs a unique and industry-leading digital distribution platform where customers can make bookings and manage their business 24/7.  It also leads the way in the field of sustainability, having introduced the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Program in December 2021.

With this industrial cooperation, the CMA CGM Group is moving forward with its plan to develop and provide end-to-end shipping and logistics solutions in order to support its customers’ supply chains. The Group announced, during the last three years, the acquisitions of CEVA Logistics, Ingram Micro’s Commerce & Lifecycle Services (CLS), Colis Privé and GEFCO. With these operations, CMA CGM have accelerated its strategic development into a global logistics leader.

In March 2021, Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and CEO of the CMA CGM Group, created CMA CGM Air Cargo, a whole new operational and commercial arm specialized in air freight. CMA CGM Air Cargo provides the Group’s customers with an offering that harnesses the tight fit between shipping and logistics. This air cargo division has been expanding rapidly, thanks in particular to the entry into service of several full-freighter aircraft, and orders for new aircraft which will significantly boost the capacity in the months and years to come.

The CMA CGM Group, a global leader in sea, land, air and logistics solutions, is present in 160 countries through its network of more than 400 offices and 750 warehouses. With its subsidiary CEVA Logistics, a world leader in logistics, which transports 400,000 tons of air freight and 2.8 million tons of land freight each year, and its air freight division CMA CGM Air Cargo, the CMA CGM Group is continually innovating to offer its customers a complete and increasingly efficient range of new shipping, land, air and logistics solutions.

Qatar Airways Cargo uses zero-emission pallet transporter

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Gaussin and Qatar Airways Cargo have successfully tested and commissioned the AMDT FULL ELEC automotive multi-directional transporter for air cargo pallets, with production under way for delivery in Q2 2022.

This multi-directional transporter for airport cargo operations has been developed by Gaussin in close collaboration with Qatar Aviation Services Cargo, the cargo ground handling subsidiary of Qatar Airways Group. It is zero-emissions, 100% electric and compatible with all types of unit load devices (ULDs).  It has a payload of up to 7t, a battery life of up to 6h and is rechargeable, allowing 24/7 use. The AMDT FULL ELEC serial production version will be locally assembled in Qatar.

Capable of operating both inside and outside of the cargo terminal within minimal space, the AMDT will reduce the normal footprint required for manoeuvring, resulting in additional storage space and ensuring effective readiness of all cargo to be loaded onto the aircraft.

Powered by LMP lithium metal polymer batteries capable of operating in high temperatures, the AMDT has been specifically designed for use in the weather conditions of the Middle East. The state-of-the-art equipment includes integrated weighing scales that can check pallet weight against tag weight, in line with Qatar Airways Cargo’s focus on maintaining safety and security within its operations.

“We at Qatar Airways Cargo are proud to be using this innovation and to have played a part in its design, taking us a step closer to a more sustainable industry. Qatar Airways Cargo is aware of the challenges of tomorrow and is fully committed to building a greener future with its partners,” said Guillaume Halleux, Chief Officer Cargo at Qatar Airways Cargo.

Christophe Gaussin, CEO of Gaussin, commented: “Gaussin is pleased to be a partner of Qatar Airways Cargo, supporting it in its sustainable goals through its expertise in designing, assembling and offering smart, connected zero-emissions vehicles for freight transportation.”

Gaussin and Qatar Airways Cargo signed a contract in 2020 for the delivery of six AMDTs including an option for 50 units. The aim is for these transporters to gradually replace the cargo airline’s diesel pallet carriers, marking another step towards Qatar Airways Cargo’s goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030.

BlueBox Systems partners with IoT developer Hanhaa

Posted on by David Priestman

BlueBox Systems, provider of the unique Air Freight Tracking SaaS solution BlueBoxAir, together with Hanhaa Supply Chain Solutions, provider of Internet-of-Things tracking and asset management devices and solutions from the UK, have launched the partner product Air FreightLive. This product, based on BlueBox Systems BlueBoxAir, logically expands Hanhaa’s product portfolio of specific supply chain software and innovative trackers.

With Hanhaa Supply Chain Solutions, BlueBox Systems was able to gain one of the most exciting IoT providers and developers on the logistics market as a partner. The UK-based company combines its own hardware solutions and service platforms with its own mobile network to create powerful IoT solutions for the international logistics market. This portfolio is now being expanded to include a real-time tracking platform for air freight.

Hanhaas says Air FreightLive offers unique benefits: End-to-end tracking means you always know where your freight is worldwide, whether at the airport or in the air. No EDI interface or extra hardware is required for this. All you have to do is call up the online dashboard and you will directly receive a detailed insight into your current shipments. In the future, the data of the ParcelLive trackers, for example, can also be integrated to ensure maximum transparency and data fidelity of the supply chain.

“Besides Hellmann Worldwide Logistics, Hanhaa is the next company for us, to whom we gladly and out of conviction provide our technology as a white label solution. We are sure that we will grow together and exploit potentials,” said Martin Schulze, CEO of BlueBox Systems.

“Air FreightLive is successively expanding our product portfolio. In BlueBox Systems, we have found a partner with whom we have been able to specifically build this great partner solution, which is in no way less than the usual quality of our products,” added Azhar Hussain, CEO of Hanhaa.

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