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Vol. 11 No. 47                                                        Tuesday May 15, 2012

Dave Brooks—Back In The Saddle?
  IATA Cargo Network Services (CNS) has lost its second President in three years, with no replacement in sight: Michael Vorwerk has quit and returned to Lufthansa, which led to immediate speculation at the recent CNS Meet that Dave Brooks might be tapped for the post.

Strike And Big Mess At Air India
  Even as we file this report, Air India’s pilots remain away from their duties for the seventh day (according to the airline, 250 are on strike, but as per Directorate General of Civil Aviation, 341 were “sick”).
  With this strike underway, Air India has gone from national airline to international embarrassment.
  The recent pilots’ strike has effectively reduced the carrier’s chances at revival. With no end in sight—both the government and the pilots are adamant about their “justified” stands—the only people who have been left to suffer are passengers who have valid tickets but no flights: at last count on Day 7 of the strike, 13 international flights were cancelled overnight. So deep is the anger against the carrier that

Aer Lingus Cargo All-Pro Team
 Proving that there is life after CNS Miami, here is an all-pro, real time, on the ground customer team, caught in a quiet moment last Thursday in New York at JFK International Airport; Anne Marie MacCarthy, Global Sales Manager for Aer Lingus Cargo, is flanked by Willie Mercado, Cargo Sales & Reservations Manager North America, and Debbie Gaine, U.S. Cargo Sales Manager East Coast.

Cargo Along Emirates' Chism Trail
 Every once in a lifetime (or in my racket, if you are really lucky, a couple of times), you get to talk to somebody who truly lights up the room.
 It is Ed Chism’s presentation, experience, wisdom, positive point of view, and cutting right to the chase that sets this air cargo executive apart.
 Ed has been in the cargo business since Lyndon Johnson was U.S. President and apparently has loved every minute of it, which made my recent talk with him in New York such a great experience.
  Now that I think about it, later this month another talk I had with KLM’s Jacques Ancher will run in these pages, and not for the first time.
Fast Forward The Buzz—ALACAT In San Antonio
   We note that in San Antonio, Texas, this week ALACAT, the organization of Latin American agents, is holding their annual trade show May 13-16.
  Included in the ALACAT sessions are people who were sitting on similar panels last week at CNS Miami.

RE: Peter Paul Colors South Africa Forward
Greetings Geoffrey:  
  I recall your mentioning having met Mr. Sibusiso Peter Paul Ngwenya, but enjoyed even more your extensive treatment of that meeting in the recent FlyingTypers.


Vol. 11 No. 46                                                        Wednesday May 9, 2012

DHL Annual General Meeting Gets Union Beef
  Global trade unions say they will unveil a report into how Deutsche Post DHL treats its workers, at DHL’s AGM on Thursday at Pfaffenwiese 301, 65929 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
  A white paper is being launched, entitled “Corporate Irresponsibility, Deutsche Post DHL’s Global Labor Practices Exposed,” which they say puts the lamp on “a shameful track record of union avoidance outside of Europe and overuse of temporary or agency workers.”
  Shareholders are urged to help clean up the logistics multinational, and ensure that high standards are met throughout its operations.

Talk Lively As CNS Wraps In Miami
  Here is more of our exclusive coverage of CNS Partnership Conference from Miami, Florida, as Day Two and the final sessions got off to a sobering start with a keynote address by Bruno Sidler, CEVA Chief Commercial Officer.
   Mr. Sidler delivered a candid and unadorned overview of the industry, which he says is limping on from the 2008-2009 crisis to a short 2009-2010 recovery, into the turbulence of the 2010 sovereign debt crisis in the West.
   Some rays of hope were the BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China), intra-Asia, and Germany, where exports remain strong.

Here is a FlyingTypers’ exclusive first look of two beautiful B747-8s scheduled for service at Panalpina beginning this month.

Vol. 11 No. 45                                                        Tuesday May 8, 2012

Camiel Delivers A CNS Humdinger
 As IATA’s 22nd Annual Cargo Network Services (CNS) Partnership Conference opened yesterday (Monday, May 7), a hopeful crowd was on hand, filling up the entire room at Turnberry Isle Hotel and Resort in Miami. The event is set against the backdrop of continued global economic weakness and uncertainty.
 The opening remarks by Michael Vorwerk stunned the gathering—the CNS President surprised everyone with the news that he was quitting his post to return to Lufthansa (see item).

Meanwhile Back At The Ramp

Tug For Cancer Cure
Peter Paul Colors South Africa Forward
 Naples, Florida, is as unlikely a place as you might expect to meet someone who has seen it all and lived to tell about it, but there I was aboard a big dinner cruise boat—the kind that push gamblers out beyond U.S. jurisdiction to play games of chance and are also available to host company events—having a once-in-a-lifetime encounter.
  While everybody else was getting jolly at the open-deck cocktail hour, I was down below in the dining salon checking out the grub. It was there that I noticed a well-dressed gentleman, slight of frame, sitting at a corner table all by himself.

Three Forwarders Speak
   This is the week of CNS in Florida, when airlines and forwarders go face to face at meetings with the hope of achieving better understanding and the exchange of ideas.
   But to look at CNS sponsorships, it appears as though (with very few exceptions) most of the coffee breaks, dinners, luncheons, and the like are supplied by the airlines.
   Little wonder that most of the “ink” that emerges from the “Partnership Conference” is about the airlines.

Breaking News—Vorwerk Out As CNS President
    Things got off to a dubious start at that big IATA Cargo Network Services (CNS) Partnership Conference taking place this week in Florida. Michael Vorwerk, CNS President opens the event announcing he is quitting his job and no replacement has been named.
    Michael informs that after the three-year CNS stint, he is returning to Lufthansa Cargo in Frankfurt as head of Germany business development.
    Worth noting is that 2012 is the year when almost every top executive at the German national carrier, so in evidence during past annual CNS Partnerships, have elected not to attended CNS.
    So Vorwerk returns to Lufthansa as IATA must now search for his replacement.
    “They are looking for a house shoe," was what one attendee at this year’s CNS Partnership told Flying Typers.

Vol. 11 No. 44                                                        Monday May 7, 2012

AA Cargo's Kenji In CNS Debut
  It has been an exciting if not revolutionary couple of weeks for Kenji Hashimoto, the newly named President of American Airlines Cargo.
  AA Cargo can count many industry firsts: launching the first scheduled air cargo service in the world; the first air cargo tariff that established service based on density, volume, value and perishability; and (our favorite) the first Unit Load Device (ULD), known as the Paul Bunyan Box.

Transparent Security No Secret
  Just as world security networks (especially airlines) go on high alert as the first anniversary of the death of Bin Laden is upon us, some pretty level thinking about better business security comes from the head of a U.S.-based think tank and editor of The Journal of Physical Security.
  “Organizations with poor security cultures are often obsessed with secrecy.
  “In reality, security, somewhat counter-intuitively, is usually better when it is transparent,” writes Roger G. Johnston (left) in “Outside Opinion” for the Chicago Tribune.

The Man Who Started Cargo Network Services Partnership Conference
   They say the best things in life are free.
   One look at the joy and friendship in this picture, taken almost twenty years ago, will confirm that.
   Above networking at the second CNS Partnership Conference in Dallas are (L to R) first CNS President Jack Lindsay, second CNS President Anthony (Tony Calabrese), and original CNS Board Members Brian Barrow and Buz Whalen, with American Airlines CEO Robert Crandall.
   Now fast forward to 2012.

Vol. 11 No. 43                                                         Friday May 4, 2012

RE: Dave Brooks—Mr. American Cargo Retires
  Geoffrey - -
Pleased to report I am not sick!
As you know I’ve had the privilege of leading AA Cargo for almost 16 years, longer than I or anyone deserves. So my team here needs a fresh set of eyeballs and I have had the itch to hit the reset button for a while. I don’t have any immediate plans, although my wife Teri already has a long list of household projects.
Dreaming Of Hub India
 The woeful lack of infrastructure notwithstanding, the Indian aviation sector has started dreaming big. “India,” according to Dr. Nasim Zaidi, the government’s Civil Aviation Secretary, “has the potential to emerge as a global trans-shipment hub.”
 Dr. Zaidi has been taking a special interest in air cargo and has initiated moves over the last year or so to ensure that the sector is comparable to those in developed nations. He was instrumental in setting up the Working Group on Air Cargo/Express Service Industry. The group was entrusted to address the issues related to the air cargo industry, report on the current situation of the industry, and assess its future growth potential. The Group, comprising representatives from the airline industries, airports, cargo associations, the Customs department, and the Ministry, has completed a detailed study of the existing system of services available and identified areas that require further improvements to seize the emerging opportunities in international trade and in the context of the faster pace of economic growth in India.

Major Strike Hits Port Klang
  A major strike has hit Port Klang, Malaysia, causing container movement to almost come to a complete halt as of May 2.
  FlyingTypers learned Malaysian freight haulers launched the strike against depot operators in Port Klang over what the haulers say are “inefficiencies in releasing the containers in agreed upon time frames and other issues, including fees.”

China Flies Chinese 2012
China’s leading carriers will continue to occupy a more prominent position on international routes to and from the country as government policies and their own investments enable them to build market share, believe leading analysts and industry executives contacted by FlyingTypers.
 According to figures from the Seabury Group, four of the top carriers in China on international scheduled routes featuring wide-bodied capacity are already Chinese, with Air China leading the way with 15 percent of the market (see chart). The only foreign carrier to make the top five is Korean Air Lines with 5 percent of the market. Integrators, which currently take a big chunk of cargo markets, do not feature because large parts of their capacity are typically unscheduled.
NCA Cargo Tops ORD Tonnage
   Shawn McWhorter has a stone in his shoe.
  Actually, the O’Hare Chicago-based President, NCA Cargo Airlines North America with big responsibilities is not limping around, and in fact the last time we saw him, he looked in good shape and was moving about quite well. His ongoing concern is that people in air cargo do not know how big an air cargo factor NCA is in America, where the all-cargo carrier is actually number one (non-integrator) with tonnage, in terms of international operations at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport.
Feliz Cinco De Mayo
  A man dressed as a female Mexican rebel takes part in a recreation of the Battle of Puebla during "Cinco de Mayo" celebrations in Mexico City.
  On May 5, 1862, Mexican forces loyal to Benito Juarez defeated French troops sent by Napoleon III in the Battle of Puebla, in Puebla, central Mexico.

Vol. 11 No. 42                                                        Wednesday May 2 , 2012

Dave Brooks—Mr. American Cargo Retires
  Dave Brooks (left) has announced his retirement as President of American Airlines Cargo, with Kenji Hashimoto (right) named to the post on May 1.
 Mr. Hashimoto, who has been at American for 14 years, had served as Vice President-Strategic Alliances and as Managing Director-Airline Profitability and Financial Analysis, responsible for route performance analysis and profitability reporting, labor analysis and support of labor negotiations, and competitive benchmarking and analysis. He also served as Managing Director-Investor Relations and Managing Director-Finance, Europe & Pacific, where he was based in London.

Virgin Cargo Mumbai Autumn
  Indian carriers may be down in the dumps, but up in the air the India story continues to excite cargo carriers.
 Take the case of Virgin Atlantic, which says it will return to daily flights from Mumbai to London starting October 29, 2012.
 The A330s will add cargo service from London Heathrow, providing additional major cargo capacity from Mumbai, which is considered to be an important freight market.
 Incidentally, Virgin Atlantic Cargo previously flew to Mumbai from 2005 to 2009.

Soccer Finale

Quik Jet Cargo Out Of The Gate
   Two captains: (Left) Preetham Philip, Chief Executive of Quikjet Cargo, and Captain G. R. Gopinath, during the heyday of Deccan 360.

 It is a second beginning—albeit a small one—for the Bangalore-based Quikjet Cargo. Operating with ATR freighters, the company has started almost four years after it was formed in 2008. Between then and now, according to those conversant with Quikjet, the company could not understand the market conditions and the regulations. The delay in starting the services was because of a number of reasons, the main being the slowing economy.

The Gang That Couldn't Ship Straight

Vol. 11 No. 41                                                        Monday April 30, 2012

The Road To Brazil Riches
  The Road to Brazil begins in Dubai (pictured), as the place creates headlines, new standards in the air cargo business, and everybody just wants to be there.
 Just ask anybody at Intermodal South America in São Paulo this past month.
  Here, Dener Souza talks about what lies ahead as Emirates SkyCargo turns up the heat on Latin America.

Damco Doing Its Damndest
   The forwarding arm of one of the biggest shipping groups in the world is doing its utmost to shed maritime associations and achieve uplift in Asia’s air cargo markets.
  The company’s global airfreight tonnage rose 47 percent year-on-year in 2011, mainly driven by the acquisition of Chinese airfreight forwarder NTS last August. Even so, Damco claims like-for-like airfreight volume growth was “about 5 percent” above the market over the course of the year.
  Apart from the NTS purchase, Remo Eigenmann, Global Head of Airfreight, told us the successes of last year were also down to “winning more and more large customers,” plus increased client retention.

April Air Cargo Germany Club Meet Federation of Air Transport Economy (BDL)
   In French they say “plus ça change, plus s’est la meme chose” or “the more it changes, the more it’s the same thing.” Apparently not so when it comes to the concentration of power—in this case, political power—to be found in a nation’s capital; the attraction is irresistible, like moths to a flame.
 The Aircargo Club Deutschland (ACD) meets every second Tuesday. On April 17, the gathering hosted what could be a connection with the political power base in Berlin.

Vol. 11 No. 40                                                        Friday April 27, 2012

Delhi Partnership Big Leap Forward
 In these uncertain times for air cargo—all across the spectrum, from carriers to airports—the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi has come out with refreshing news. The brand new Delhi Cargo Service Center (DCSC) sent out a clear message to air cargo stakeholders—“Delhi is ready and willing”—even as it opened its doors barely a month ago to start operations.
 The Greenfield Cargo Terminal’s first customer was Hercules Aviation, which approached DCSC to move 150 MT of shipment headed to Kabul. With three freighters spread out over three days, CSC’s warehouse staff and management handled the shipments efficiently enough to receive a pat on the back. Commented Sujeen Paulose, (left) Director-Commercial, Hercules Aviation, “Hercules Aviations has used DCSC Terminal and is proud to give the first loads. DCSC and Hercules will be remembered in history for being partners. The service provided was first class and we are satisfied with the work and quality of staff. We hope the same endeavor will remain.”

Navigating Latin Cargo In 2012
  Intermodal Latin America concluded on April 12 in Sao Paulo, and was once again one of the important transportation shows that nobody seems to know much about.
  By that we mean that much ink (if anybody is printing anymore) and even more attention is paid to trade shows in other places that, in truth, are not as well attended by the diverse and important group of transportation professionals present at Intermodal.
  Something to think about for next April 2013.
  Here we offer an excellent overview of the South American market from American Airlines Business Insights.

R.E.G. Davies Pathfinder To History
 Here once again we visit on video with my good friend and colleague for thirty some years the great Ronald Edward George (REG) Davies.
 Ron, who sat in the Lindbergh Chair as Curator of Air Transport at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. at NASM for 30 years, died in Shaftesbury, England last year on July 30, 2011. He was 90 years old.
 The last opportunity we had to talk was inside his apartment in McLean, Virginia. His good friend Chris Sterling and my wife Sabiha were also there.

Vol. 11 No. 39                                                       Wednesday April 25, 2012

Crossing The T At CNS Miami
Once upon a time, the term “crossing the T” was a naval term used back in the days of the battleships (The Battle of Jutland in WWI comes to mind, when the English Navy applied such a hurt on the German Navy it never again came out of port during the conflict). The term was illustrative of a tactical attack formation—an enemy would position a ship’s broadside directly in front of their foe’s bow, essentially forming the top of a ‘T’ and facilitating the use of all their broadside guns, leaving their foe with use of their bow guns only.

GSA Extraordinaire In Northern Latitudes
  Top of the morning as you approach the top of the world, which holds no more mystery than any other location when it comes to air cargo market drivers.
 Just ask Morten Lihme, ATC Aviation Managing Director, Nordic Region.
 “The market is currently seeing high pressure on rate levels in combination with low demand and overcapacity.
  “The strong buying power of the customers forces the individual airline and GSA to maximize resources into delivering excellent customer service in combination with rates that meets market demands.

Breakout Year For China Cargo Airlines
   We caught up with Alvin Tay, Vice President Sales & Marketing at China Cargo Airlines, which recently celebrated its first anniversary. CK is a joint venture between China Eastern Air Holding Company (51 percent), China Ocean Shipping Group (17 percent), EVA Air (16 percent), and Singapore Airlines Cargo (16 percent). CK markets China Eastern’s bellyhold capacity and operates 19 freighters, offering services within China, around Asia, and to Europe and the US supported by an extensive trucking network.

Vol. 11 No. 38                                                        Monday April 23, 2012

Cathay Is Hong Kong  
 We caught up with Nick Rhodes, Director for Cargo at Cathay Pacific Airways, prior to this year’s IATA Symposium. He believes that CX and Hong Kong International Airport, the carrier’s hub, will remain an intrinsic part of China’s export apparatus even as production migrates inland. Cathay also plans to bolster capacity on lanes into China’s interior to meet rising demand.
 “Outside of our two key markets, Hong Kong and China, we saw encouraging results from all our other regions globally in 2011.

When Common Interest Is Uncommon Virtue
  Forgetting their tiff, both IATA and FIATA representatives sat together at the recent KL World Cargo Symposium to display to the 1,000-odd delegates that it was time to move on and meet the challenging times head on.
 The spirit was amply captured by Glyn Hughes, Director, Air Cargo Industry Management, IATA. In a specially convened press meet (there were just a handful of us), Hughes fielded questions about the IATA-FIATA tiff, the IATA’s ‘non-transparent’ moves, GACAG, and more.
  When questioned about GACAG and why the meetings were hush-hush affairs, Hughes said that there was nothing of that sort.

Ray Curtis The Man With A Plan
 A chef’s success depends on a great recipe, the right ingredients, and exacting execution. A lot of experience doesn’t hurt either. It matters that everyone should follow the recipe, and in this case the recipe at Delta is simply called the ‘flight plan’. It starts with the corporate version at the top, which, for 2012, has an entry for cargo as a sign of particular recognition. The next level is the Delta Cargo flight plan and its categories: customer service, operations, people, network, and finance, each with clear objectives that directly relate to and support the overall airline goals.

RE: IATA CNS Thwarts Freedom Of Press

Geoffrey,
 My memories of IATA are what a cartel it was…and still is.
 Oh well.
 Their loss with your not being there but there won't be much to report on beside the golf scores.
 Go watch the Yankees.

 

Vol. 11 No. 37                                                        Thursday April 19, 2012

Long Live The Queen Of Hong Kong  
  The monarchy departed Hong Kong some time ago when the British packed up the Union Jack, and the former Crown Colony became a special region as part of greater China.
  But today at Hong Kong International Airport, the busiest air cargo airport on the planet, Lillian Chan rules as Queen of Hong Kong Air Cargo—and the rest of China as well, for that matter.

Report Indonesia Tops Germany In 2042
  According to a new report from Deutsche Bank, only three decades from now, Indonesia may be larger than Germany—Europe’s largest economy.
 By 2050, Vietnam may have caught up with Germany too, while the other Indian Ocean economies will be 1/2 to 2/3 the size of Germany.
  DBR looked at Indian Ocean countries including Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Indonesia.

RE: IATA CNS Thwarts Freedom Of Press

Dear Geoff,

 I read your latest issue. I can't believe that the press (your case in this instance) was not invited to the event, as it's customary in the industry, especially for this type of occasion and after so many years of covering it.
Farewell To Good Guy Bill
Well known and much admired, the former top USA executive at Aer Lingus Cargo during the 1960s and early 1970s, Bill Birnbach passed away late Sunday evening (April 15).
  He was 77 years old and had lived for the past decade in Bethpage, New York.
  Bill was a longtime member of the cargo community at JFK. He fashioned his tenure in the airline and air cargo business with brisk efficiencies, including an extraordinary preoccupation with customer service and community activities.

Vol. 11 No. 36                                                           Tuesday April 17, 2012
IATA CNS Thwarts Freedom Of Press
   We had planned to go to IATA CNS May 3-6 in Miami, Florida, and had even purchased our air tickets and secured a hotel room to cover the conference.
  But then came word from the handlers for IATA CNS that FlyingTypers would only be allowed a single press pass for the event.
  This after half a dozen years of allowing us three passes (none sales) to attend and report on various activities and personalities at the event.

About Lightbox
 

Charter Goes Platinum
Pictured last May at Transport Logistik in Munich when the deal was done, Lufthansa Cargo Charter Agency GmbH now has extended the contract with general sales agent (GSA) Platinum Air Cargo LP.
 Last year the arrangement added Charter reach in Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma, but moving ahead adds California, Arizona, Nevada, Oregon and Washington.
 While the first agreement was driven by SA oil patch business now a further focus will be put on aerospace, high-tech and other industries on the U.S. West Coast.

RE: Aerotropolis & The Blue Fairy

Geoffrey,
   Your last "editorial " sure raised some eyebrows. Specifically: "ORD, the last time we checked, was still the address of every important, all cargo flight outside of Memphis in heartland USA."
  I think that FedEx would disagree, as in addition to MEM, they have a huge facility at IND. And DHL, which has a huge facility at CVG. Or UPS, which has the world's largest automated cargo facility located at… Louisville, not Dubai.

 

Vol. 11 No. 35                                                           Friday April 13, 2012

Aerotropolis & The Blue Fairy
  Editor's Note: Just like the Blue Fairy once granted a wish upon a star in Walt Disney’s Pinocchio, Aerotropolis as deliverance to gateway greatness is still out there in the air.
 As we say in New York City, “If wishes were only knishes.”
 However you spin or slice it, wishing for Aerotropolis didn’t make a difference when St. Louis Lambert Field’s bid tanked big time late last year.
 But when major politicos and mega-money are on the table, what goes around comes around.
 Here, Michael Webber, who single-handedly took down the St. Louis project, brings us up to date with what else might be going on at some gateways in middle America as we move into Spring 2012.

Emirates SkyCargo At Intermodal South America—Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow
 At Intermodal South America this week Emirates SkyCargo builds strength upon strength, having moved more than 25,000 tons in just the past 12 months from the South American market to destinations around the world.
 "With five years' experience of operating in South America we understand the market as our ever-expanding network and reliable fleet, becomes stronger and we take delivery of the 230-plus aircraft we have on order, Ram Menen Sky Cargo Divisional Senior Vice President declares.
RE: Freight & Post

Dear Geoffrey,
   As a reader of FlyingTypers I was very pleased to meet you in person, as I admire your dedication and effectiveness in keeping the air cargo world well informed on a large range of subjects.
  I often thought if I get to meet “him” I have to tell him about the importance of Mail for the air cargo industry, as Air Mail and post-carrier integration is my dedication.

Vol. 11 No. 34                                                           Friday April 6, 2012

Drawbacks Playing Indonesia Card
 Many see Indonesia’s domestic market as the world’s last great aviation frontier. The world’s fourth largest country by population is made up of over 17,000 islands, fertile territory for both domestic and international services.
  Its economic growth and foreign direct investment forecasts are more than healthy and it boasts a stable democracy, which, while by no means perfect, remains something of a rarity in Asia. This enticing mix of political sobriety and giddy growth potential is attracting serious investment in aircraft by Indonesian operators, which have replaced their Chinese peers as the headline makers at major aviation shows in recent months.
  But amid all the optimism, a sobering story came to FlyingTypers’ attention from the shipping markets. It is worth re-telling here, before we all get too carried away by Indonesia’s blue-sky opportunities.

BRU Ground Redress Stalled For A Year
  Lufthansa holds 45 percent of the shares in SN Airholding, SN Brussels Airlines’ parent, and can acquire the remaining 55 percent each year in April; it elected to forego that step this year. In response to our questions, Geert Sciot, Brussels, Airlines Vice President External Communication, said:
 "We have indeed been confronted last week with several (wrong) media reports following on-going discussions between Brussels Airlines and the Belgian Government. The topic of these discussions is the current lack of level playing field and the high salary costs we are confronted with in Belgium. For your info: the difference between gross and net salary in Belgium amounts to 60 percent.

JFK Air Cargo Association Lifts The Lamp
 Last Thursday in New York, the JFK Air Cargo Association held their 13th Annual Air Cargo Day with displays and an open industry meeting and luncheon that hosted over 300 people, all in an effort to move the marble toward understanding issues from cargo screening to dealing with new technologies.
 “This year we cemented our position as perhaps the best one day air cargo expo in the world,” said ACA President Willie Mercado (Aer Lingus).
 The venue was Russo’s on the Bay located in Howard Beach, Queens just across the water from John F. Kennedy International Airport.
 If anybody recalled that Howard Beach was also once the home of the infamous hoodlums who used to think the cargo area of JFK was their own personal shopping mall, nobody talked much about it.


Jim Burnett Talks Up The JFK Air Cargo Show. Click Image To View
RE:  Great Steak & Somerset Maugham In Kuala Lumpur
 Geoffrey,
Great article on the above venue. The first of many visits I made to the Coliseum was on my first trip to KL in 1972. The JAL Cargo manager in KL, Ismail Bin Ibriham, made sure that it was one of our stops. I might add that Ismail was a gentleman of the first order and one of, if not THE best, air cargo men for JAL worldwide.

 

Vol. 11 No. 33                                                           Wednesday April 4, 2012

FRA Air Cargo Night Ban Stands
Whether as expected or against all hopes, in its hearing today, April 4, 2012, the German federal superior administrative court in Leipzig has let the FRA night flight ban order issued by the Hessian court stand. The time for whipping up protest and painting the picture of dire consequences is over.
 Flying Typers reported on the Lufthansa Cargo annual press conference two weeks ago and the categorical statements by its executive board that its success depended on express shipments processed at FRA hub, and as Herr Garnadt said, therefore FRA is “indispensable and irreplaceable for the carrier as viable alternatives cannot be replicated in the short term, nor freighters separated from cargo carrying passenger aircraft.”

Jack Lampinski, Managing Director, The Americas Swiss WorldCargo On New Newark Service

Please click on image to view video

Earth Day
India Aviation Looking For The Light
 There might be gloom all around the aviation circles in India, but the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) has pointed out that there is hope. In fact, in a recently released paper it has gone a step further to mention that the country has the potential of becoming a global aviation hub and the third largest aviation market by 2020—but only if an 8-point action agenda is pursued that includes closer collaboration between the Ministry of Civil Aviation, other related ministries (finance, home, defense, external affairs, commerce and industry, tourism, environment, HRD, etc.), regulators (DGCA and AERA), and the industry; reduction of tax on ATF; and implementation of the policy decision of 49 percent Foreign Direct Investment limit, etc.

Vol. 11 No. 32                                                            Monday April 2, 2012

EK Thinks Freighters To DWC
  Ground terminal leader at Emirates SkyCargo, Dave Gould is the ultimate operations executive.
For years now he has been on a never-ending adventure as the most important (if not most visible) Emirates SkyCargo individual to be mentioned in the same sentence as ‘cargo terminal,’ or, in the parlance of today’s operations, ‘Air Cargo Mega Terminal.’
A life-long air cargo operations man, Gould started his career at the fabled British Caledonian (as did Emirates President Tim Clark, and a handful of others still working at the Dubai-based carrier). Today he oversees an absolutely critical part of Emirates SkyCargo from his offices located on the fourth floor of the big, DXB Cargo Mega Terminal handling facility.

Vol. 11 No. 31                                                             Friday March 30, 2012

Flanagan Is Man For All Seasons
  In case you were wondering, at age 84 Maurice Flanagan can still be found at work in his office, just as he has always been since the airline went into business more than 25 years ago.
Today we find him atop the Emirates Airline headquarters building at Dubai International Airport.
Chicago Gets A LOT
 LOT Polish Airlines CEO Marcin Piróg said the carrier would fly into Chicago on the wings of its new B787 beginning in January 2013.
In terms of ‘what have you done for us lately,’ Piróg noted that the Polish carrier has been operating an all-cargo flight between Chicago and Katowice, Poland since mid-February of 2012.
GLN Buys Trans Directory
 Global Logistics Network (GLN) President Roy Stapleton said GLN acquisition of Trans-Directory brings to the worldwide group a quick view online logistics provider web site comprising a database of 40,000 forwarders engaged in all modes of transportation.

Vol. 11 No. 30                                                             Wednesday March 28, 2012

Meeting EMO Explores Possibilities
  At EMO Trans Global Network Meeting in Bonita Springs, Florida, EMO President Olen Woods began the open business meeting by counting down the past 10 years that this company has gathered, saying:
“All of our meetings have drawn us together and now EMO is the strongest we have ever been.
“Recently we met with a Fortune 500 company—we were concerned it thought it needed to work with a bigger company than EMO.
Incheon Moving Toward Top Spot
 Incheon Airport International is the world’s second largest cargo airport and also home to Korean Air, the world’s second biggest carrier by international cargo tonnage after Cathay Pacific.
FlyingTypers caught up with Seunghye Kwag, manager of the airport’s cargo marketing team, who told us about Incheon’s ambitious forward plans and how it performed during a turbulent 2011.
“2011 was a tough year for the Asian air cargo industry,” said Mr. Kwag.

B787s Go High Wide & Handsome
Japan Airlines Boeing 787s ready for takeoff alongside a plane with the livery of competitor All Nippon Airways, upper left, and another JAL 787 on Monday, March 26, 2012, in Everett,

Striking Developments In Germany
 The banner reads "We're worth it, 6.5 % more" as the ver.di union wants a 6.5 percent increase this year for 2 million federal and municipal government employees in an action Wednesday, March 21.

Vol. 11 No. 29                                                             Monday March 26, 2012

EMO Trans Keeps 2012 Interesting
 
Inside A Medium Size Forwarder's Big Meet
 Main Event… Season kicks off with fast growing logistics provider EMO TRANS conducting 11th Global Network Meeting all this week in Bonita Springs, Florida USA.

Behind The Stunning Lufthansa Profits
Profits Ja!
     Lufthansa Cargo entered into the numbers derby last week, but unlike others (including its own passenger division), the annual report ending 2011 fiscal year saw air cargo deliver the second best result in company history (the best being 2010) with an operating profit of 249 million Euro on revenues of 2.94 billion Euros, or an 8.5 percent uptick in the net.

Vol. 11 No. 28                                                            Wednesday March 21, 2012

 
Why Calogi Matters Now
 Patrick Murray talks about innovation and building fast-growing Calogi with great enthusiasm and hope.
Murray is no stranger to IT, having been involved with various systems—from British Airways to IATA to Mercator.
     But as we learned during a conversation in Dubai recently, Calogi is building change for the world air cargo community from the ground up.
     Amidst a growing number of IT companies, fast-rising, Dubai-based Calogi is providing a secure Internet service portal “that offers a one-stop platform for a range of air cargo businesses from around the world to negotiate and sell products and services online.”

Asian Tonnage In The Dumpster
Asia’s leading cargo carriers are all set for another difficult year, as high fuel costs put further pressure on cargo revenue streams already suffering from a bearish 2011.
Figures from the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) reveal that carriers based in the region saw international demand in freight tons kilometer fall by 4.8 percent last year as world trade conditions weakened.

Decongesting India Cargo
 India’s freight forwarding community and air cargo stakeholders have had to find ways to live with chronic congestion at the international airports and it is almost a daily battle of sorts to overcome these problems. Add to that the delays faced in the clearance of cargo – most of it due to the large amounts of paperwork involved in the Customs procedures.

Vol. 11 No. 23                                                              Friday March 9, 2012

Lufthansa Raises Roof On Security
 There are a lot of conferences going on right now, some as far away as two days by air, and despite everything else besetting the air cargo industry today, including the challenges of a down business year (so far), there is no doubt that these shows will go on.
  But for us, a good gathering with the intent to go deep into a single subject, while not much for giving out awards or filling up the coffers of some trade show company, air cargo publication, or even IATA for that matter, can be as beneficial to our industry as anything else going on in the world, no matter what the season may be.
  A good case in point was illustrated on March 5, as Lufthansa Cargo hosted its Fifth Security Conference, which is conducted every two years.

Vol. 11 No. 22                                                              Thursday March 8, 2012

Honoring Women In Air Cargo
  Today, March 8 marks the Anniversary of International Women's Day, and we here at FlyingTypers would like to take a moment to recognize and appreciate the achievements of women, in both air cargo and the world at large.
  We invite our global readers to click the pictures here and read all about the extraordinary group of women at work today that are building our industry to new heights.
  But first, a bit about this very special day.

Vol. 11 No. 21                                                              Wednesday March 7, 2012

GACAG Talks—Is Anybody Listening
No one can say that the Global Air Cargo Advisory Group (GACAG) is not trying.
 The question is whether or not anybody is really listening and if anything will change in air cargo once the PR dust settles.
 The latest word from GACAG was issued Friday March 2, fresh from Roche Public Relations, a UK company run by ex BA PR stud Jamie Roche. The message carried with it the faint whiff of being timed to impress, or perhaps more charitably put, "motivate" air cargo before the World Cargo Symposium in Kuala Lumpur, scheduled to begin in less than a week.

Fueling India Airlines
In what could be a decisive step to inject life in the Indian aviation industry, the Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation has sent a note to the Ministry of Commerce to take steps to allow Indian carriers to directly import Air Turbine Fuel (ATF). The note follows the Group of Ministers’ (GoM) on Civil Aviation’s decision taken at the meeting held in the beginning of February 2012. In its meeting the GoM decided that the Ministry of Commerce would permit direct import of ATF by (or on behalf of) Indian carriers—directly as the actual user and on actual use basis.
Saigon Emerging Market
 “Saigon is an emerging market.
     “With China becoming more expensive, production is increasingly being moved to Vietnam and other developing countries,” said Peter Scholten, VP Commercial, as Saudi Airlines Cargo goes twice weekly with B747 freighters from Saigon starting March 25, connecting Vietnam with Hong Kong, the Middle East, and Frankfurt.

RE: Emirates Celebrates America
Hi Geoffrey:

     Enjoyed the extensive coverage of Emirates, but curious that Chicago—the only U.S. market currently in SkyCargo's freighter network—went unmentioned.


Vol. 11 No. 20                                                              Saturday March 3, 2012 EXTRA

Emirates Celebrates America

Emirates Day In Washington State
Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire designated March 1 as “Emirates Day” in the State of Washington, as EK opened up scheduled service between Dubai and Seattle, the carrier’s sixth USA destination and the second added in the past 30 days, after dailies from Dallas to Dubai were opened on February 2.
 Even as it furthered its U.S. adventure, reports began circulating that EK is looking to open service to Washington, D.C., later this year.

Nice Guys Finish First
 It was 1994 in a darkened hall in Seattle, Washington when an airline most Americans had never heard of called Emirates participated in The International Air Cargo Association’s (TIACA) second Air Cargo Forum.
  Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum spoke in a quiet, yet determined manner about Emirates Airline with particular focus on air cargo.
SkyCargo Mega USA
 “Our daily, non-stop flights from DFW and SEA offer the fastest routes to the Middle East and beyond.
 “We look forward to helping more American firms enhance their trade ties not only with the UAE, but also with markets in parts of South Asia such as China, South Korea and Japan, and numerous points throughout Emirates’ extensive network in India and Africa.” said Ram Menen, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President Cargo, as Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW)- Dubai (DXB) via B777-200LR flights went non-stop daily on February 2. This will be closely followed by B777-300ER daily services Dubai-Seattle-Tacoma (SEA) International Airport, commenced March 1

Flanagan Yesterday Is Today
Ask Sir Maurice Flanagan, KBE, CBE, BA, Hon. FRAeS, FRAeS, FCIT to suppose for a moment what history might say about his spectacular and long-lived aviation career, which has included the founding of a great global airline, and the Executive Vice Chairman, Emirates Airline Group says simply:
 “I've been lucky.
 “I think it's that simple.”

1000 One At A Time
Almost two decades ago we were aboard the very first flight of Singapore Airlines, after SIA took delivery of its 1000th B747. We departed Seattle on October 12, 1993 and flew non-stop to Changi.
 The reporters sat in the business cabin and ate box lunches all the way, until somebody figured out that lying across the coach seats was more comfortable for sleeping.

Vol. 11 No. 19                                                              Friday March 2, 2012

Forwarders China Action Plan
Throughout 2011 and now into 2012, Air Cargo News FlyingTypers has led the way in tracking the latest changes impacting air cargo lanes in China. As last year progressed and finally concluded, some trends became more pronounced, particularly the rising demand for imports, which enabled carriers to partially offset the bearish export market.

Atlanta Cargo Appreciation Day
  Some 500 people got together for this event, which was hosted by the Atlanta Department of Aviation, the Metro Atlanta Chamber, and the Atlanta Air Cargo Association at the North Cargo Building. UPS even made an MD11 freighter available for visitors and Atlanta mayor Kasim Reed was on hand to greet the crowd and honor the award recipients for freight forwarder, trucking company, and airline of the year.

India Airports Going GPS
 Come 2013, India will join the US, Japan, and Europe, as it steps into a select field of aviation with its GPS-aided, geo-augmented navigation system (GAGAN) in place. The system—being set up by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), along with Raytheon—will be operational by late 2013 or early 2014. Once that is done, flights originating from India or overflying India, the Indian Ocean from Southeast Asia to Australia, will be safer and more environment-friendly.

RE: Man Bites Dust
 Your "Man Bites Dog" story reminds me of where the priority historically lies with the airlines, and that is the movement of passengers.
     The exception is KLM that pioneered the transportation of animals by air.

Vol. 11 No. 18                                                              Tuesday February 28, 2012

Kenya Airways Goes Cargo Big Time
It was just about a year ago that Air Cargo Africa (Feb 20-22, 2011) was held in Nairobi, Kenya.
  We have been thinking about that event and the impact a big show at home must have had on the hearts and minds of the airline builders at Kenya Airways, Nairobi’s hometown airline.
  Right now in early 2012, Kenya Airways Cargo is off to a flying start as it continues to expand its services, having taken on its first freighter last September.
  That freighter—a B737—is the first of its kind in the KQ fleet, and today it is spreading its wings over the Central African region, covering Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, and southern Sudan.

Ethiopian Star Of Africa
 Ethiopian Airlines, the state-owned, East African airline and newest member of the Star Alliance, will be undergoing some organizational business changes. Following Lufthansa’s model of building up units as stand-alone segments with full responsibility in terms of profits or losses, Ethiopian Airlines will be testing this strategy with a number of their business units.

Connie Moved The Red Tails
 It took until March 2007 for Connie Napier Jr., (right) now 88 years young, who is among 300 surviving Tuskegee Airmen, to receive a U.S. Congressional Gold Medal for distinguished service.
 On Sunday, February 19, the wonderful New England Air Museum (NEAM) at Bradley Airport in Hartford, Connecticut, was graced with a visit from Connie, a hero aviator, in an open house, give-and-take atmosphere.

Tuskegee Spirit In St. Louis Soars
 (St. Louis) Lambert-St. Louis International Airport re-dedicated its Black Americans in Flight mural, which highlights the aviation contributions made by African Americans through the Space Age.

Our Martin Changed Air Cargo
 If you want to learn about August Martin, the great air cargo pilot who flew for Seaboard World Airlines during the 1950’s, and was also the first black man to captain a U.S. flag air cargo airplane, you better plan on either using your old Funk & Wagnall’s Encyclopedia, or visiting the wonderful high school located near JFK International Airport in Queens New York City named in honor of the air pioneer.


Vol. 11 No. 17                                                               Friday February 24, 2012

Air Cargo Club Frankfurt Aviainformed
Air Cargo Germany, based in Frankfurt am Main, one of the most organized, pioneer industry groups in the world, kicked off its 2012 monthly meetings (January) with a look ahead delivered by industry expert Dirk Steiger, President of Aviainform, a consulting company that works for several air cargo companies in Europe.
 Mr. Steiger outlined a view to what’s new and next as this year unfolds.
 The performance and extreme volatility of global markets in 2011 were specific examples of increasing irrationality when comparing various stock, bond, currency, and derivate market volumes to global GDP. The latter was cited as 80 billion USD, whereas the US GDP alone was 14.58 trillion USD in 2010, but the point was to illustrate the out-of-kilter ratio of financial markets vis-à-vis real production.

Man Bites Dog
  Dogs Howl At Rate Hike
 Is this simply a case of a viral Internet overreaction?
 The newspaper USA Today reported that United/Continental Airlines is telling some military families that they can no longer check their dogs as luggage; as of March 3, pets must ride as part of the carrier’s PetSafe Cargo program.
 The story really got legs when USA Today reported that in some cases (for example, Japan, where mandated law demands hefty charges to move pets as cargo), that may translate into costs from about $250 to $1,400 per pet.
 Right now the issue has gone viral, with online petitions to get the policy change reversed flying fast and furious on the net.

Saudi Cargo Lands As Dubai World Central Grows
 After only eighteen months since it opened a cargo-only operation (and possibly due in part to the recent buoyancy of world financial markets), in March 2012 Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central (DWC) will add Saudi Airlines Cargo with thrice-weekly, direct capacity B747 freighter flights from Europe (BRU 2X /AMS 1X).
  Peter Scholten, Vice President Cargo, Saudi Airlines Cargo Company said:
RE: Striking Runway Deal
 Dear Geoffrey,
  Please do not call those people who are presently on a devastating strike at FRA "ground workers."

Courage, Mother
 In the summer of 2006, my brother was performing in Mother Courage in NYC with Meryl Streep, Kevin Kline, and Austin Pendleton, directed by George C. Wolfe.
     Because he often likes to create personal pieces that further explore the works he inhabits (like his Body of Proof musical and his Trust Me taglines), he of course created one around Mother Courage. It's one of my all-time favorites, and I'm so happy Meryl Streep gave the go-ahead to release.


Vol. 11 No. 16                                                               Tuesday February 21, 2012

Striking Runway Deal
$5MILL IN LOST REVENUES. Fraport Fiasco!
 The ground workers at Fraport, who guide airplanes in and out of parking positions, are on strike—a result of the newly opened fourth runway, for which the ground workers are still without a new deal. FRA had to cancel about 231 flights on Monday and Tuesday, with revenue losses upwards of $5 million as mentioned.
 The action is threatened to continue until Friday. Talks are continuing, although reportedly no one had yet blinked at noon Tuesday.

PIA On The Ropes
 While Air India and other subcontinent carriers continue to report losses and cutbacks, the situation for another nearby state carrier, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), has turned out to be worse by comparison. PIA has found itself on the critical list, strapped with heavy losses, declining market share and other systemic challenges, and was described by one wag last week as “a microcosm of Pakistan.”

Missing New Orleans
  Fat Tuesday is today, the last day before Lent's 40 days of repentance (between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday), and also Mardi Gras in New Orleans, which is currently awash in parades featuring colorful floats and costumes to celebrate carnival and the spirit of the season.
  We have now had a couple years since the BP oil spill, and still further away from that unspeakably horrible hurricane Katrina. It is also only six years until New Orleans 300th Anniversary, and Mardis Gras is playing to larger crowds of tourists who are all over “The Big Easy” this week.

SkyCargo Mega USA
 “Our daily, non-stop flights from DFW and SEA offer the fastest routes to the Middle East and beyond.
 “We look forward to helping more American firms enhance their trade ties not only with the UAE, but also with markets in parts of South Asia such as China, South Korea and Japan, and numerous points throughout Emirates’ extensive network in India and Africa.” said Ram Menen, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President Cargo, as Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW)- Dubai (DXB) via B777-200LR flights went non-stop daily on February 2. This will be closely followed by B777-300ER daily services Dubai-Seattle-Tacoma (SEA) International Airport, commencing next month on March 1.
Fruit Logistica Freshens February
   That big Fruit Logistica Berlin event from February 8-10 in Messe Berlin once again delivered the goods and has fast become a peach of a trade show for everybody who attends the yearly gathering. There were big turnouts of fresh produce amidst the halls, and thousands of suppliers and customers went up and down the line and included growers, transportation experts, materials, handling, and others.
  In total, more than 2,400 companies from across the entire fresh produce value chain were present in a single location—including global players as well as small and medium-sized suppliers from all around the world.
Florida gets an air cargo airport alternative as Duncan Macdonald, Director of Project Development for United States Sugar Corporation (L), congratulates Florida Cargo Fresh, Inc. CEO, Fred Ford, upon executing an agreement with SugarHill LLC to form a new company known as Airglades International Airport LLC for the purpose of developing and operating a major international air cargo airport in South Central Florida.

Vol. 11 No. 15                                                               Friday February 17, 2012

It should come as no surprise that the first out of the gate to project any kind of air cargo comeback in 2012 is an aircraft maker, as Boeing told Dow Jones Newswires on Monday:
     "We do believe that there will be an upturn in the second half of the year and that the air-cargo market will be particularly well positioned,

Inside Air Cargo India
  If the presence of big names in the air cargo industry were any criteria to judge the success of a trade show like the three-day February Air Cargo India (ACI) in Mumbai, it surpassed all expectations. This should be considered no small feat, considering the city’s traffic “reputation” and the difficulty inherent in reaching the Bombay Exhibition

Supply Chain Forum At TIACA Venue
  On February 7th, Metro Atlanta Chamber’s (MAC) Supply Chain Leadership Council in partnership with the CSCMP (Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals) Atlanta roundtable, held its annual awards luncheon at the Georgia World Congress Center, the same venue where the International Air Cargo Forum & Exposition will take place on October 2-4, 2012. This year, MAC's Supply Chain Forum and Awards Luncheon was co-located to be a part of MODEX 2012, the industry's newest expo for the manufacturing, distribution and supply chain industries.

Atlanta Cargo Showcase For 2012
 Warren Jones, Cargo Marketing Manager at Hartsfield Jackson International Airport, is a most happy fellow as October 2012 approaches.
You see, for almost as long as he has held his job at the big airport, Warren and some others have dreamed of the day that the entire air cargo universe, which includes people like Ram Menen, Michael Steen, Oliver Evans and Neel Shah (to mention just a few for flavor here) would come a-knocking at ATL’s door to see what it has to offer, and, for a few days, take in a most progressive and interesting southern U.S. city.
RE: The Oliver Decade
 Dear Geoffrey,
   Bravo on your article on Oliver Evans and the great team at Swiss Cargo.
   My partners and I had the great pleasure of handling Swiss at ORD (Catamount Cargo) until they relocated into LH's facility.

Vol. 11 No. 14                                                               Tuesday February 14, 2012

The Oliver Decade
  As 2012 continues, we no doubt live in a world that has expanded boundaries in just the past few years, from down on the ground all the way into cyberspace and beyond.
  So like many of us, you are probably resigned to accepting that change is inevitable.
  It can be difficult to manage change—you either move with the world or it passes you by—but it’s easier to understand how to do it if you know someone who not only handles change, but also takes it in stride.
  He comes from the land of clocks and the way we figure it, understanding what makes this guy tick is incredibly useful.

Saudi Lifts The Pipes
   If you weren’t convinced that Saudi Airlines Cargo has returned to the global charter market, it’s time to get with the program.
  Just last month, Saudi operated a charter using a B747-400F from Vitoria to Doha, and it wasn’t the first time.

In Dutch With Paramaribo
 If you’re in Amsterdam this summer and in search of warmer, wetter climes, KLM Royal Dutch airlines has provided the perfect solution for you.

Nashik Builds Hub
 Nashik, India, is where Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd., (HAL) operates an airport to support the building of Sukhoi warplanes as part of a deal with a Russian collaborator.

RE: Drinking LaGuardia
 Dear Geoffrey,
   You have redeemed yourself with this superb nostalgic piece, among the best I have seen of FlyingTypers, especially so soon after probably the worst—your meaningless ranting against Air Cargo India.

Vol. 11 No. 13                                                               Saturday February 11, 2012
Reporter's Notebook—By Geoffrey Arend
  My friend Tim has been gone now for 12 years. Few days go by when I am not thinking about him.
  I remember scribbling a few words down on some legal paper and going over to the MAT on a bight, cold morning. Shortly after he died, some officials and friends of Tim Peirce had gathered for a brief memorial service to lay a plaque in a garden outside.
  While others spoke, I kept the paper jammed down inside my pocket, but then I spotted Cary Peirce, Tim’s wife, standing with daughters Jennifer & Amanda.

Vol. 11 No. 12                                                               Thursday February 9, 2012

Frankfurt Security Special March 5
   The "Natural" Harald Zielinski greets 2012 about the same way he said auf wiedersehen to 2011: by pioneering the cutting edge of air cargo security.
   “Head of Security” is a position that did not exist before this former policeman from the streets of Frankfurt joined Lufthansa Cargo.
   “Since 9/11, we have increased the amount of money we spend on security by more than ten-fold, and we continue to improve in order to stay a market leader in cargo security.”
   To say that Lufthansa Cargo is well prepared when it comes to security may be an understatement, as less than five minutes into every conversation we have had with Harald produces comments like:
   “We need to ask and challenge ourselves every day to be sure we are on the right track.

Christoph Remund, CEO DHL Global Forwarding
  Air Cargo India seemed to have received a good response from the industry.
The annual event held last week in Mumbai has become a successful by providing a good opportunity for the industry to meet, both on a formal and informal level.

India Structures Cargo Infrastructure
 India’s plans for a giant leap into the future with infrastructure that will match the best in the world are taking shape. One of the major beneficiaries from this infrastructural enhancement will be the air cargo community.
 A cargo airport (on paper, it has the makings of a dedicated, multi-modal logistics hub and airport) has been planned for the outskirts of Delhi at Neemrana, in the state of Rajasthan.
Berlin Cargo Pilots Currywurst Connection
  Everybody knows the story of the epic 1948 Berlin Airlift—the brave pilots who delivered goods to the beleaguered citizens of war-devastated Berlin, many of whom were hanging on by their fingernails during a blockaded frozen winter barely three years after the end of World War II.
That great victory for air cargo, and the terrible famine faced by Berlin’s citizenry, produced a dish that is much loved today: Berlin Currywurst.

Vol. 11 No. 11                                                               Tuesday February 7, 2012

More Awards Less Rewarding
   Last year at the Air Cargo Africa 2011 show, an attendee sat waiting for his name to be called. His company had been nominated in recognition of their work and it was only a matter of time before he found out if he was the winner . . . or was it?
 Members of the air cargo community were gathered at communal tables, patiently awaiting the arrival of a promised dinner while subject to the unfortunately long-winded, ponderous pre-awards speeches and acknowledgments, which seemed to drag the event ever further from a heavily anticipated meal. A matter of time became a matter of hours, as stomachs grumbled away and bodies shifted in their seats, and all eyes searched for a glimpse of food or the nearest exit.

Word Up On Air Cargo India
  Mumbai Exclusive—The 2012 air cargo trade show calendar kicked off with the fourth edition of the Air Cargo India international trade fair and exhibition held last week in Mumbai; India’s Civil Aviation Secretary, Nasim Zaidi, launched the three-day event.
  Here are some reactions to ACI, plus some exclusive breaking news out of India.

Air India Expresses Itself
 Air India is no longer in the cargo business, but has decided to enter the express business riding piggyback on India Post, the state-controlled, all-India postal service.
 The carrier—to begin with the domestic unit of Air India—recently signed an agreement with India Post. The postal service is keen to build its premium product, Logistics Post Air, an express parcel distribution service, and Air India will help it to improve its air links. Whether the tie-up with India Post will revive Air India's fortunes or not (according to industry experts, it could prompt the carrier to restart its cargo services) is a matter of conjecture.
LIGHTBOX
   Emirates will add an additional 15 tons of daily cargo capacity to an already active cargo route via a third daily A330-200 flight from Dubai to Milan beginning June 1.
RE:  Ted Braun Named Associate Publisher/European Bureau Chief
Hi Ted,
   Congrats on your promotion to European Bureau Chief for FT. I look forward to continuously read FT's well-researched and exciting stories.
   This being said, may I hope to read less about the 'usual suspects,' such as Evans, Garnadt and Co.?

Vol. 11 No. 10                                                               Friday February 3, 2012

Inside India Cargo 2012
    By now everybody is aware, having learned from IATA and others who have been reading the tea leaves and following trends, that the short-term outlook for the air cargo industry is bleak.
   The Eurozone crisis, for example, has started having an impact the world over, and India is no exception.
In India, air cargo stakeholders echoed the dim prospects. Bharat J. Thakkar, President, Air Cargo Agents Association of India, pointed out that 2011 had been an eventful year.

Here Comes Intermodal India
Just when you are barely at the airport or up in the air or just back from India, the folks that put on that big trade show in Sao Paulo Intermodal South America (the 18th edition is being held April 10-12 from 1pm to 9pm) have announced Intermodal India from September 26-28, to be held in the Bombay Exhibition Center in Mumbai, India.
  Transport Logistik puts on a great show in Munich every other year, but has pretty much already proven with their China attempt that one great show does not necessarily translate into a moveable feast.

Lufthansa Trims To The Core
  The ongoing story at Lufthansa lately has been the trimming of the airline in a series of ongoing divestitures of several properties, which began in 2011:
   “We don’t necessarily want to be the biggest but rather one of the most profitable capacity providers
internationally,” a spokesman for the carrier was quoted saying late last year.
    These words are becoming the standard at Lufthansa Cargo when the subject is concentrating on core business.
Tfl
   Emirates will add an additional 15 tons of daily cargo capacity to an already active cargo route via a third daily A330-200 flight from Dubai to Milan beginning June 1.

Geoffrey,

  What is happening with our friends at Virgin Atlantic Cargo?
   Earlier this year, we heard that the lively character Dominic Jones, VP Asia, had 'left' having just been transferred from the UK. Then we heard that Michelle House, VP Sales, had gone, after 20 + years, their only senior female manager, and now I just learned that James Williams, VP America's, has gone, after only just announcing the closure of their contact center in America too.
   Is there a story here worth investigating?


Vol. 11 No. 9                                                               Wednesday February 1, 2012

Saudi Flexes Belly Lift
   As he moves about Air Cargo India (ACI) this week in Mumbai, Peter Scholten, Saudi Arabian Cargo Company (SACC) VP Commercial, is one executive with a lot of ideas.
  Scholten, who climbed onboard the Middle East carrier in October 2010 to shake things up, think outside the box and otherwise turn things around for this fabled legacy carrier, has worked to bring the Saudi Cargo climb to new destinations with an emphasis on innovation, process and services.

Too Cool For School
   Some penguins (dressed to the nines in their tuxedos, as usual) were overheard aboard an Emirates B777 freighter in flight from JFK to DXB, proclaiming:
  “Hey—It’s snowing in my pants!”
  The penguins, all twenty of them a combination of both Gentoo and King breeds, were purchased by Ski Dubai.

  LAN reported net income of US$320.2 million for full year 2011 down 23.7% compared to the US$419.7 million in 2010.
  LAN claims impact caused “mainly by the startup of LAN’s

Pavane For A Dead Cargo Division
  Post mortems are always sad, so we have chosen to include some mood music by Maurice Ravel (click here) as you read the latest about Air India’s cargo unit.
 The passing of an all-cargo aspect to AI was expected, but in true bureaucratese fashion, the death was kept in abeyance.
Body Of Hope
  Our regular readers may recognize Geoffrey Arend II, star of the weekly American television series Body of Proof, which airs on ABC every Tuesday evening at 10:00 pm.
   Body of Proof also airs in Germany, Italy, Spain, and elsewhere around the world.

 

Vol. 11 No. 8                                                                Monday January 30, 2012

 Ted Braun has been named Air Cargo News FlyingTypers Associate Publisher and European Bureau Chief, replacing Heiner Siegmund.
   “Ted has been part of the FT team for the past two years and brings a wealth of knowledge to Air Cargo News FlyingTypers with 35 years experience in the air cargo business, including as part of the pioneering Flying Tiger Line,” says Geoffrey Arend, FT Editor/Publisher.

Customs Crazy Like A Fox
                    “Remember, remember the fifth of November
                    The Gunpowder Treason and Plot
                    I see no reason why Gunpowder Treason
                    Should ever be forgot.”
  That is a snippet from a poem written about Guy Fawkes, member of the Gunpowder Plot, infamous in British history for having planned to blow up the House of Lords. Mr. Fawkes was caught guarding the gunpowder and sentenced to death, and forever after November 5th was known as Guy Fawkes Day and children were taught the rhyme so as to never forget that fateful day, and the price of treason.

Delta Deals GPS Tracking
 Our regular readers will no doubt recall our exclusive story about the growing group of carriers utilizing GPS technology, and how we felt that migration will revolutionize air cargo.
 Well, last week Delta Air Lines kicked onboard IT up a notch by negotiating an agreement for its forwarders and shippers using the DASH domestic and Equation international flight-specific small package express services to equip their shipments with M2M (machine-to-machine) GPS tracking devices at a reduced rate.
No, We Are Not Going To Mumbai
   Lately, a lot of people have been closing their conversations or emails to us with:
  “See you in Mumbai!”
  We haven’t made much of the sentiment, especially since we doubt we will be seeing anybody in Mumbai. We are not attending the trade show occurring later this week: Air Cargo India.
  We have nothing against going to Mumbai, but we are being selective of our travel this year because we believe that there are just too many trade shows, and this constant circling of the globe is making us dizzy.
  In 2012 alone there seems to be something going on almost every month.

 

Vol. 11 No. 5                                                                Wednesday January 25, 2012

China Loses Capacity
  Chinese New Year was celebrated around the world this week, but air cargo executives were not among those enjoying the festivities.
  Although operators reported rising imports to China throughout 2011, volumes on critical front-haul export lanes ex-southern China and Hong Kong were weak. Moreover, a hoped-for peak in the run up to the Lunar New Year failed to materialize, following a similarly poor lead-in to the Christmas festivities which heaped pressure on carriers.

New Lufthansa Freighter Service To Detroit
“Our new freighter connection supplements the daily flights operated by Lufthansa passenger aircraft, and offers our customers more capacity and greater flexibility,” said Achim Martinka, Lufthansa Cargo Vice President The Americas, as Lufthansa Cargo added a weekly freighter flight from Frankfurt to Detroit, Michigan on Monday, January 23.
     Return is via JFK.
     “The automotive and pharma industries, especially, are growing demand for fast and reliable transport to and from Detroit.” Detroit is also known as “The Motor City,” shortened in the 1960s to “Motown.”

AF/KL Highlights New CPS Feature
 A new feature developed on CPS in conjunction with Unisys provides a structured step-by-step process for a forwarder making an e-booking for shipments such as live animals, perishables, valuables, or any cargo which requires a special handling code.
 This validation is aimed at facilitating more e-bookings while adding process certainty to both the forwarder making the booking and the airline agents accepting them. By displaying a default list of commodities from which to search, data entry errors are reduced and eliminated, and the corresponding standard special codes can be selected from a drop-down.
Emirates SkyCargo Adds To Africa
“While many regions are experiencing challenging economic conditions, Africa—with a population in excess of one billion and rich in natural resources—is one of the few areas to record growth, and the long-term outlook is very positive,” said Ram Menen, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President Cargo, as Emirates Sky Cargo sets service to Lusaka, Zambia and Harare, Zimbabwe on February 1, less than three months after the launch of a dedicated weekly freighter to Accra and Lome.
RE: Swish At Swiss WorldCargo
My dear Geoffrey,

     My word, you are a master of words! But I wish to start with very traditional but truly heartfelt best wishes for 2012, and I may add for the Year of the Blackwater Dragon: aren't our Chinese friends so much more poetic, not to say

Vol. 11 No. 6                                                               Monday January 23, 2012

Women Of Swiss WorldCargo
Women leaders at Swiss WorldCargo (left to right)—Lisa Doo, Manager Beijing; Maria Campanella, Senior Marketing Communication Executive; Silvia Cappelli, Senior PR & Online Communication Executive; Annette Kreuziger, Senior Manager, Head of Marketing; Julia Dellinger, Manager Business Intelligence; Christine Barden, Senior Manager, Head of Transportation Processes and Lalin Sabuncuoglu-Janssen, Managing Director, Head of Market Europe.

   The great chef Julia Child defined “swish” as informal; posh—"a swish pastry shop on the Rue du Bac," she once wrote.
   There are other meanings for that slang word, but the lady who acted as Julia in a movie and now as Margaret Thatcher in a new film (she is nominated for yet another Academy Award for her portrayal in Iron Lady), Meryl Streep, once walked up to us and asked “How is my Swish?”

History Alive At Lambert
 History is alive on the walls of Lambert St. Louis International Airport, as some murals have been restored that trace African American airmen who trained at the Tuskegee Institute and soared into combat to help the U.S. win air battles during World War II.

Kung Hei Fat Choi—Year Of The Dragon
 It is apparent to almost anyone traveling on business that there isn’t enough time to enjoy authentic local scenery.
 Dinner that hasn’t been worked into the business schedule becomes an after-thought, a quick twelve-dollar burger served on a tray with a moist towelette in some forgotten hotel room.
 We are so quick to let business travel spoil the excitement that comes with going to a new place. The town you’ve been zipping through for the past couple of days could be the grist for your memory’s mill, and sometimes culture shock can be cathartic.

Vol. 11 No. 5                                                                Friday January 20, 2012

Best Seat In The House
Jürgen Siebenrock, Lufthansa’s Vice President the Americas, moves over from air cargo to his new post, but takes time out to play catch up with EMO Trans CEO Jo Frigger at Tuesday’s German American Chamber of Commerce Annual New Year’s Luncheon at The Harvard Club in Manhattan.

DL 2012 Stays On The Beam
   In the 1940s, Delta Air Lines DC-3s navigated the skies in the hands of pilots who listened for the steady tone of radio transmitters on the ground, which indicated whether the flight was “on the beam.”
   Today, if you look into the eyes of Neel Shah, there is the beam of steely determination as he moves towards building Delta Cargo into a billion dollar business.

Deal Or No DealYo
  The recent "kicking the tires" exercise and high-level discussions following the Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) initial bid for the Lufthansa-held Systems company have been quietly put on ice—it seems for good.

A Day In The Life
   Lufthansa Cargo Charter Agency has named Steve Day as General Manager for Middle East and the Indian Subcontinent.
  Following a two-week training program at Lufthansa Cargo Charter’s head office in Frankfurt, Steve Day will take up his new position on January 22, 2012. Day comes with a solid aviation and logistics background, with several years of experience in charter operations.
Dire Straits Above India 2012
 As 2011 faded away, leaving India’s aviation sector in dire straits, quite a few aviation stakeholders—including the government—came up with cures to revive the sector.
  The sector is groaning under a debt burden of Rs one trillion during 2000-10 and losses of Rs 200 billion in the past three years. According to the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA), Indian carriers lose $25 every time a passenger takes a flight. CAPA’s Outlook 2012 points out airlines in the country will lose a whopping $2.5 billion in 2011-12. Kapil Kaul, CAPA’s South Asia CEO, was reported commenting, “2011 is the worst-performing year for the sector. These are record losses in the history of Indian aviation. Such losses have never been there, even in FY08 when the fuel went up to $150 and operating environment was hard... the appetite for losing money is the highest in India. We expect a very, very tough 2012.”
Lightbox January
 EK 221 will leave Dubai at 0245hrs daily, arriving at Dallas-Fort Worth at 0905hrs. The return sector, EK 222, leaves Dallas at 1150hrs, arriving at Dubai International Airport at 1220hrs the following day.
RE:  Semantics Founder & Cargo Pioneer John Dailey Dies
  Happy New Year Geoffrey,
 Very nice article about John Dailey. He was a diamond among the other jewels at JFK. One thing I'll always remember about John was a golf game.
  One of my constantly rotating bosses from Japan (at JAL) asked me to

Vol. 11 No. 4                                                                Tuesday January 17, 2012

Dr. Jahnke Profiles Lufthansa Cargo Center
  Lufthansa today announced some changes in staff. Dr. Mohammad Ali Seiraffi (right) has taken over as Vice President Handling Frankfurt succeeding Dr. Andreas Jahnke who now will be Managing Director of Lufthansa Consulting.
 We sat with Andreas Jahnke in early December discussing the last four years at the helm of a critical cargo assignment at the very heart of a leading airline, an assignment that can be considered a departure given the fact that he arrived there after leaving an entirely different industry. But his background may have served him well, as he delivered a fresh pair of eyes and some new thinking to a critical task

Jim McKeon Strategizes Southwest Airlines Cargo 2012
  Who knows what lies ahead?
  This is the time of year to set plans and get ready for 2012, so market conditions and prognostications are vey much on the mind of top air cargo executives.
   Jim McKeon, Strategic Advisor, Cargo Management Group-Southwest Airlines provides some thoughts gathered recently at Air Cargo Americas in Miami.
   “The culture at Southwest Airlines is just incredible, as it serves not only the customer but also the employees as well, so my view is that whatever the market conditions, the sky is no limit for Southwest Cargo to grow itself by leaps and bounds in 2012 and the year(s) ahead.

Jade Fleet Grounding Continues
  Originally, Jade Cargo International intended to suspend all operations only from the end of December until January 16th. Now, the carrier has announced it will continue the grounding of its fleet of six B747-400ERF until further notice. “Ongoing discussions concerning the financial restructuring” have led to this decision, reads Jade’s homepage. Currently, the carrier refuses to deliver a fix date that it will recommence its cargo flights.

Dick Dougherty Excited About Life After Air Cargo
 Good guy Richard “Dick” Dougherty, Project Manager – EDI American Airlines Cargo eBusiness Strategy, has stepped down from his post at American Airlines Cargo.
  Aside from his responsibilities at AA Cargo, Dick was heavily involved with C2K in a very fundamental fashion; he was both a participant and a big thinker, as well as being the guy who meticulously took the minutes of each meeting.
Emirates Hot On Brazil
“Emirates’ direct Brazil flights will not only boost trade ties with the UAE, but also with South America’s main partners in the Far East, such as China, Hong Kong and Japan, and numerous points throughout Europe,” said Robert Siegel, Manager Cargo Commercial – Europe & Americas, as the high flying carrier added Dubai-Rio de Janeiro-Buenos Aires service on January 3.
World Airways Allied Pleased
 World Airways has extended its cooperation with Allied Air Cargo for the lease of two MD-11Fs. Allied Air is a Nigerian all-cargo airline that operates four Boeing 727 freighters and a pair of MD-1Fs on scheduled flights and ad hoc charter services, moving more than 400
Galli To Cargolux Italia
 Cargolux’s Italian offspring, Cargolux Italia S.p.A., announced the appointment of Pierandrea Galli as new CEO. The manager has over 23 years of experience in the aviation industry with Rome’s Alitalia and Toronto-based Skylink Inc. Cargolux Italia says it will “draw on Galli’s extensive experience in the aviation and cargo business to consolidate its presence as the leading Italian all-cargo carrier.”

Vol. 11 No. 3                                                                Wednesday January 11, 2012

Revolution Underway In Cargo IT
  Right now amidst all the prognostications of things to come in 2012 and ample amounts of soul searching about 2011, a major driver of the air cargo business, Information Technology (IT) is at an absolute water shed moment in time, as a novel device (with others to follow) could render the extensive and high cost air cargo tracking IT infrastructure in place irrelevant and messaging system irrelevant and bypassed at the speed of an express shipment.

ATC Takes A Bite Out Of 2012
  The Frankfurt-based general sales agent expects 2012 to be a tough year for the global cargo industry due to weak markets, financial instabilities, incalculable political risks, rising energy costs, and the ongoing European crisis. Despite these critical external circumstances, however, ATC’s CEO, Ingo Zimmer, is confident that his agency will notably increase its turnover and financial results in the twelve months ahead compared to “the very successful outcome we achieved in 2011.”

Cargo Essence LAN Growth
  GSA Cargo Essence is proud to announce a new agreement with LAN CARGO as its GSA in 6 states of the United States—Texas, Colorado, Oklahoma, Kansas, Utah and Louisiana. LAN CARGO serves as a far-reaching company in

American Cargo Delivers Greatest City
  Back in 1938, Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia wanted to build an airport in North Beach, Queens in New York City in order to bring the Air Mail-carrying airlines to New York. His first step was to apply pressure on the Postmaster at the 34th Street Manhattan Post Office where the Newark mail was processed every night.
 When that did not work, “Hizzoner” cut a deal with American Airlines to move its corporate offices from Chicago to New York, where the carrier would be the biggest tenant at the new airport.
Semantics Founder And Cargo Pioneer John Dailey Dies
There is this wonderful charity and social organization that has been in operation at John F. Kennedy Airport since 1970 called The Semantics. John Dailey started it at the gateway when he was the owner of Karr Ellis Freight Forwarders, a company founded in 1919 that remains headquartered at JFK and is still in business today.
 John served as The Semantics’ first President.
 When you speak of a life well lived, and someone from the air cargo business that did some good things over an extended period of time, John Dailey instantly comes to mind.

Vol. 11 No. 2                                                                Monday January 9, 2012

2012—Things To Come
  As we come into 2012, here are some takes about the year that was and what will perhaps transpire in the year ahead.

Marco Sorgetti
Director General
FIATA

     What surprised me most when I assumed my post at FIATA was the kindness of the people I met, both in the office and outside. All are going out of their way to be helpful. This is a very comforting feeling.

Vol. 11 No. 1                                                                 Tuesday January 3, 2012

Bankruptcy For Cargoitalia
  Shortly before Christmas, FlyingTypers was told by sources close to the case, that Milan-based Cargoitalia had ceased all operations due to mounting financial losses. The carrier has since then informed its Italian customers that the airline will be dissolved and liquidated. Ongoing market weakness and fierce competition led to the collapse; so reads a statement issued by the privately owned Italian airline.

Global Logistics Network Power Of One
  Global Logistics Network (GLN) held its annual global meeting (AGM) one step ahead of the terrible flooding in Bangkok (October 10-12, 2011), bringing together several hundred leading worldwide, independently-owned and operated companies that specialize in the logistics industry.
  GLN membership includes freight forwarders, transportation intermediaries and associated companies, which, in the words of GLN founder Roy Stapleton, “all work together in a network environment to benefit from our ‘Power of One’ philosophy.”
  “For the 9th consecutive year, the prior year’s conference turnout was exceeded.
  “This year, despite the challenging business climate, more than 309 attendees from 208 member companies were in attendance at Bangkok.

FedEx Absolutely Positively NOT
  I recently sent two international express shipments by air using my FedEx account. Despite the rather hefty price tag, which is generally associated with its reliable service and reputation, one express shipment ended up being two days late and the second express shipment was three days late.
  Having paid a premium, I contacted FedEx and was informed that because the billing cycle hadn’t run yet, I should wait 2-3 weeks and contact them again for a credit and refund.
  There was no dispute regarding the late deliveries.

When Security Fees Are Pure Profit
     NATO security forces fighting in Afghanistan have signed agreements with Afghan importers for transportation of supplies through Pakistan through 2014, “under the cover of commercial cargo,” Pakistan Today reports.
     In turn, Afghan importers have signed separate agreements with Pakistani logistic firms for the supply of thousands of containers as commercial cargo that “would in fact go to the multinational military alliance in Afghanistan,” PT said.
A Young Man Is Gone
        Now a young man’s gone
        But his legend lingers on
        For so much had he to give.

  I was thinking of these lyrics from a Beach Boys song as we learned today of Udo Preissner. A 37-year-old man who was new to air cargo, serving as marketing manager at Frankfurt Hahn, he died of unknown causes during Christmastide, December 24.
  We often note the passing scene reporting these things, but losing Udo is made all the more terrible knowing that his potential and promise as part of the future generation has been cut off, and now will never be realized.

 

 Vol. 10 No. 127                                                              Saturday December 31, 2011

Jade Air Cargo Grounded
  FlyingTypers has learned that Jade Cargo International will stop flying immediately due to a lack of funds.
  FT sources said December wages were paid to employees, but the airline is suffocating under a severe cash shortage and is unable to pay for fuel.
  The carrier said in a statement that flights have to be cancelled due to “lacking tonnage and ongoing negotiations with our shareholders.”

Lufthansa Sells bmi
  Lufthansa sold British subsidiary bmi (British Midland) to competitor IAG (British Airways + Iberia) for a gross price of 207 million euros. Virgin Atlantic had also engaged in the bidding, but came up empty.
  After the deal was made public, Lufthansa’s shares gained 2.09 percent at the Frankfurt stock exchange, jumping to 9.21 euros each. The transaction, however, still needs to get the green light from the antitrust authorities, which is expected to happen during Q1, 2012.
  The step is fully in line with Lufthansa’s strategy to divest losing subsidiaries and business units. It further consolidates the European aviation market.

Carglux B747-8F Arrives In Prestwick
 Cargolux Station Manager John Barclay with City of Esch-sur-Alzette as the Cargolux B747-8F LX-VCB arrived Prestwick for the first time week of December 21.

Asiana Goes Direct
   Following a worldwide head-office directive, Asiana Airlines is changing the marketing of its capacities for online stations, moving from GSA to direct sales January 1, 2012.
  Frankfurt is the main hub for Asiana in Europe and currently serves the gateway with 4 weekly Boeing 747-400 freighters and a daily Boeing 747F.

RE:  Etihad & airberlin—One World
Dear Geoffrey
  I can’t say that this BUY-IN actually came as a big surprise after all the denials - however the size of the investment does-so I will ‘cash in’ my AIR BERLIN topbonus frequent flyer points as some major changes are to be expected on the passenger side in the near future and when it comes to cargo; it is only a question of time when Herr Auslaender and his well respected LEISURE CARGO team will take over CARGO GSSA responsibilities for ETIHAD, at least in GERMANY – l ‘ll bet you, he is already working on it !

 Vol. 10 No. 126                                                              Saturday December 24, 2011

Our Last Issue Of 2011
   To all of you who make what we do such a pleasure, who make us better, more concerned reporters; who share

A New Christmas Story
  Tradition is a funny thing. As individuals, we perform daily Habits that help define who we are, and give structure to our lives. Our Habits shape our personalities and inform others of what to expect when dealing with us. But Habits don’t unite. Habit is a hermit, sometimes finicky, always specific, often rigid and terribly stubborn. Tradition is the older, regal cousin of Habit—definitely wiser, deeper, fluid, highly communal and full of ceremony. When you gather individuals together around commonalities, such as family, Tradition becomes the improvised dance we do to move through time together. If Habits are life viewed through a magnifying glass, then Tradition is life seen from a plane.


 Vol. 10 No. 125                                                              Tuesday December 20, 2011

Etihad And airberlin—One World
   Etihad Airways increases its stake in ai berlin to 29 percent and becomes biggest single shareholder in the second largest German carrier.
   Etihad Airways upped its stake in financially troubled airberlin from 2.9 percent to 29.21 percent, thus becoming the largest single shareholder of Germany’s second biggest airline.

Kransnoyarsk Airport Burns Down
 The domestic part of Siberian airport Krasnoyarsk completely burned down on Monday in a four-hour firestorm.
  Roughly 100 fire fighters and 38 vehicles were needed to extinguish the flames. Agencies report that nobody was hurt, but air traffic collapsed completely. According to the regional ministry of civil defense, the terminal was abandoned with no passenger or airport and airline personnel left when the blast started.

Airline IT World Shrinking
 PARS, System One, Apollo, Worldspan, SABRE, Speedwing, Atraxis, CHAMP—all big, prominent names in airline IT, airline spawned and owned, revered and feared at one time or another… so where are they all now?
 Once seen as indispensable, a real strategic asset to be protected at all cost, with the airline industry collectively spending billions of dollars to develop and run them, they peaked and were gone in what seems like a flash. What started out as an airline MIS department—IT to the 30-40ish crowd, with portfolios ranging from reservations, MRO, crew scheduling, flight planning; you name it, they had it—became an embarrassment of riches, evolving over time in a scattered manner and using any platform under the sun, from mainframe-—“legacy” for the middle aged—to PC, DB2 to FoxPro and everything in between. They were relational, object oriented, the whole alphabet soup. And many self-respecting airlines just had to have one.

Did IATA Air Cargo Day Work?
  Although others are rapturous and some may not have a clue, a closer look at the recent IATA Cargo Day had a mix of the usual themes and some new wrinkles. With IATA, it’s a bit like motherhood and apple pie – what is there not to like?
  It is useful to put some things in perspective. For example, the IATA/WCO agreements; they have been around long enough to have grown gray beards by now. The principle has been a laudable one—adopt and promote a common standard, and all sides benefit. Then, if an airline happens to operate in the EU, US and Pacific Asia, it turns out that the reality is rather different. Despite governments having signed these agreements, when it’s their turn to implement a customs system, all bets are off and the airline ends up needing unique interfaces for the various customs systems.

RE:  Etihad & Maximus To Integrate?
Hi Geoffrey,
   As Maximus' public relations consultant, your article on the company and EY in the latest issue of FlyingTypers made curious reading.
  While you say this was a hot, “unofficial” topic and was “heavily discussed” between “many” participants of the latest meeting of the Arab Air Carriers Organization AACO in Abu Dhabi, I had colleagues in attendance who heard nothing of the sort!
 Quoting an anonymous AACO delegate also seems rather odd.

 Vol. 10 No. 124                                                              Thursday December 15, 2011

NextGen Sales American Cargo Future
   On September 10, 1813, after defeating the British fleet in the Battle of Lake Erie, Oliver Hazard Perry, commander of the American fleet, dispatched one of the most famous messages in military history to Maj. Gen. William Henry Harrison. It read:
  "We have met the enemy, and they are ours.”
  I have always remembered that statement, perhaps because I was born and raised in the State of Ohio (Toledo) and was born on September 10, 1941.

TNT Airways Liege Power Force
  Niky Terzakis is a true veteran of TNT Airways, the flying arm of parent TNT Express since its inception in January 2000. Currently, the Greece-born manager commands a fleet of 44 freighters, all of them based at Liège airport in Belgium. Niky emphasizes that TNT’s operational concept is different to those preferred by the integrator’s competitors. While UPS, DHL or FedEx are backing a multiple hub system to transport their goods around the globe, TNT favors a single hub and spoke solution. Therefore, all flights depart and end at Liège, the former coal and steel center of Belgium’s French speaking Walloon province. There, TNT Airways accounts for 80 percent of all movements.

Coming To America—Lufthansa Cargo's Nils Haupt
Nils with his team in 2005. Left to right—Nils Haupt, Mathias Uhlig, Nicole Siriluck Gruel, Stefan Hartung, Alexander Schaub, Carolin Biebrach and Felix Schmidt-Hidding.
 Lufthansa Cargo's head of communications, Nils Haupt, will leave the air freight carrier on March 31, 2012, with a move to New York. While it may seem like a huge leap in terms of distance, we’re happy to hear that the Haupt will be staying with the family, so to speak.
     

Turkish Cargo Mobilizes Far East
   On December 8, the Turkish Cargo Far East Regional Directorate office was opened in Hong Kong, with a special ceremony in which general consulate of Turkey, Mr. Haldun Tekneci, Cargo Senior V.P., Mr. Soner Akkurt, and Regional Cargo Manager, Mr. Huseyin Ceyhan, were present.
 
For 2012 China Party Is Over
  (Editors Note)
  For as long as we can remember, our friend Julian Keeling, CEO of Consolidators International, has been telling it like it is. Notices occasionally come to our desk announcing another Julian opus via his p/r scribe, Shura Bary.
  So why should the close of 2011 be any different?
  Actually, we trolled Julian’s website for some of the following, and you, dear reader, can do the same at http://www.cii-usa.com/
  Here, “The Keeling” speaks out.

 

 Vol. 10 No. 123                                                              Monday December 12, 2011

Cargolux' Ogiermann Faces Jail Time
 It’s a long way from being CEO of one of the world’s premier air cargo airlines and serving the industry as Chairman of the International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) to waking up one day to the prospect of surrendering a year or more of your life in the slammer.
  But that is what has happened to our friend, Uli Ogiermann.
  A lifetime career of building success upon success now lies in ruin and as far as law and order is concerned, a great victory has been won.
  As good and decent an individual as you might ever know, Uli’s fate has been driven by circumstance and the realization that there are indeed sharks in the water.

GACAG Makes Progress In Washington

Global Air Cargo Advisory Group members, from left, Peter Gatti, Oliver Evans, and Sue Presti, were among the many trade leaders who met with Commissioner Bersin.
  The old saying is that the best surprise is no surprise.
  Well, when it comes to talking about what various industry groups are actually able to accomplish (aside from where to hold a meeting and maybe what shape the table should be: oval versus round?), it can be said lowered expectations are usually the best remedy for dealing with the fact that, most of the time, very little gets done.

Etihad & Maximus To Integrate?
 Abu Dhabi's Etihad Airways could soon enlarge its air freight division, CrystalCargo, by integrating charter carrier Maximus Air Cargo.
 This hot but unofficial topic was heavily discussed between many participants of the latest meeting of the Arab Air Carriers Organization – AACO in Abu Dhabi.
 There, the AACO held its 44th Annual General Meeting on November 29th, chaired by Etihad’s CEO, James Hogan, and attended by more than 300 delegates.
RE: LH Cool Center Inaugurated
  Hi Geoffrey,
  I read your article with great interest, having been involved at the forefront of setting standards for temperature sensitive goods such as perishables and pharmaceutical or healthcare goods.
  I'd like to point out to the larger community, users and especially regulators of air transportation services, including of course warehousing and cargo handling companies, a WHO document that was issued last year wherein the Perishable Cargo Regulation manual is named as a normative reference for the transportation of healthcare goods.
 Vol. 10 No. 122                                                              Thursday December 8, 2011

Logitrans In Istanbul
  If you just cannot stand moving on to 2012 without at least one more great transportation conference before year’s end, get up out of your seat and onto an airplane bound for Istanbul: Logitrans Transport Logistics Exhibition is being held from December 8-10, 2011 at the Istanbul Expo Center in Turkey.
  “This is the fifth edition of the fair, but the first one organized as a joint venture by Messe München and the Turkish partner, Eko Fair Limited,” proclaim show organizers.

LH Cool Center Inaugurated
   A red ribbon, a pair of scissors, two simultaneously performed cuts, and Executive Board member Andreas Otto along with Senior VP Product Management Monika Wiederholt had officially inaugurated Lufthansa Cargo’s new Cool Center at Rhein-Main airport this Tuesday. The facility comprises 5,000 square meters and offers a variety of cool rooms for different products like vaccines, biomedical items or medications. Its direct apron access assures rapid operational processes.
  For years, pharmaceuticals have been Lufthansa Cargo’s fastest growing and most successful product, increasing annually by 15 percent on average. “They account for almost ten percent of our total turnover,” stated Herr Otto. Even during the global economic downturn in 2008/09, the decline was marginal due to high and continuous consumer demand, making these goods almost crisis resistant.
The Women Of Swiss WorldCargo

St. Louis & Snake Oil
So much for that St. Louis Aerotropolis.
 The quote of the month (so far) comes from Mike Jones, (right) Chairman of the Midwest China Hub Commission. While talking to CBS affiliate KMOX Radio St. Louis, it was revealed that not a single air cargo flight from China had arrived in St. Louis in five weeks.
 “I’m not a marketing person. I’m not a carnival huckster.”
 “So I’m not going to sell you some snake oil and say if you take this now, in the morning you’ll feel better.
  “Now, if you start down this road, in ten or fifteen years, if you get it right, and if you catch a break, this can be a different place.”
  “It’s not a boondoggle by any stretch of the imagination


Proper Way To Quit Job
  It’s part of the human condition—everyone daydreams about quitting his or her job. Unless you’re working for yourself (or, in working for yourself, happen to have multiple personality disorder), you’ve probably thought about it, too. Hell, I work for my father, but even I am subject to a good ol’ “in your face, DAD!” daydream (Just kidding! Love you!).
 While no one may claim immunity to this high-power fantasy, we can and should keep the ‘fantasy’ part of it in perspective—especially with the paucity of jobs available as of late. But if you must quit your job, there is a right way to do it. And while many people have a healthy understanding of how to leave a job, it seems there is a growing under-30 sect that does not.
 Vol. 10 No. 121                                                              Tuesday December 6, 2011
Rainbow Over My Shoulder

Turkish Cargo Big Lift To 2012
   As globalization shrinks the planet and turns international commerce into something that feels like an outdoor, neighborhood farmer’s market, where everything and anything is available to all, the search for new markets has never been more important. The spotlight has now turned on “The New Europe,” specifically the countries and new independent states that emerged after the splintering of the Soviet Empire.
   Places like Albania, Slovenia, the Danube Delta, the Carpathian Mountains, the Curonian Spit on the Baltic Coast and even Cappadocia in Turkey are all somewhat below the radar, strikingly beautiful, anxious to establish their own identity, parade their own culture and celebrate their own history.

Justus Works OptiCooler Success At FRA Cool Center
 “Opticooler movements are gathering momentum as more and more pharmaceutical companies are finalizing the complex validation process of both the Opticooler and the particular lane on which the Opticooler is to be used,” Luftahnsa Cargo reports.
 “Customers value the high level of temperature stability, the reduced complexity of the shipment procedures (as there is no need for dry ice replenishment) and longer standing times of the unit.

 

LH PR World's Best
Best Breakfast At An Airport
  They say an army “marches on its stomach.”
 Well, at Frankfurt International Cargo City Sud, Hosteler Extraordinaire Antun Wustefelds’ InterCity Hotel brings on a morning buffet that is hands-down the best airport breakfast anywhere.
 Thanks to a great hotel staff and also to the pilots and crews of EVA, Air China and others, there is still an old time sanctuary where the Berlin Airlift crews billeted, among other things.
 Vol. 10 No. 120                                                              Friday December 2, 2011
Lost R.E.G. Davies Videos Recovered
   The greatest aviation historian, Ronald Edward George (REG) Davies, Curator of Air Transport National Air & Space Museum, died on Saturday, July 30, 2011 in Shaftesbury, England.
  He was 90-years-old.
  Ron’s legacy to aviation is captured in 25 books and other social efforts as pioneering and important in scope as many of the subjects he wrote about, including Lindbergh, Earhart, the Berlin Airlift and almost every major airline in the world, past and present.

Outlook 2012-Calogi Ramps Up Big
  We sat down with Patrick Murray, Head of Calogi, one of the fastest growing, air cargo solutions portals in the world, to find out what a look back on 2011 informs Calogi about, when looking forward to 2012.
The key word here is ‘growth.’
“2011 has been a challenging and exciting year for us. In anticipation of our expansion, we have grown our team to over 100 people, which includes IT, business support, help desk, e-commerce and sales and marketing.
Cathay Flips China Production Moves
(Exclusive)—Looking at a challenge from all angles, Cathay Pacific outlines the flipside of China production migration.
Cathay Pacific Airways’ cargo volumes continue to tumble year-on-year, but despite “weak” demand from Europe and the U.S., some regional lanes are performing strongly, with the demands of shippers in China rapidly evolving as production migrates inland and imports surge.
The carrier, the world’s largest international carrier in freight tonne kilometers last year, has seen cargo and mail volumes post a succession of year-on-year declines on key routes this year. In August, combined uplift figures for Cathay Pacific and Dragonair fell 11.8 percent to 131,448 tonnes of cargo and mail compared to a year earlier, while in the year through August,
Re:  SITA In Financial Squeeze
  Dear Mr. Arend
As per my email yesterday, please find a statement covering our position on the above article.
The allegations against SITA are malicious and based on a defective analysis.
SITA confirms that it received an anonymous document in late September, which is described as having been produced by a group of former SITA executives. The document contains allegations about SITA’s financial health and management governance. SITA rejects these malicious allegations, which are based on a defective analysis.
 Vol. 10 No. 119                                                              Tuesday November 29, 2011
American Cargo Forward From Bankruptcy
   Although it may have been long anticipated, the Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing by AMR, parent to
American Airlines, on Tuesday November 29 is still a shocker for those in the community that know the airline as among the best commercial aviation companies in the world.
  In any case, life goes on. General opinion at first glance is that the action will allow AA’s playing field to level against other USA competitors who had taken Chapter 11 after 911 in an effort to reduce labor costs
and shed a heavy debt load.
 American’s parent, the AMR Corporation, was the last major airline in the United States to resist filing for Chapter 11 in an effort to shed contracts, a move that analysts said left it less nimble than many of its competitors.
 AMR said it intends to operate normally throughout the bankruptcy process, as previous airlines have done.

HNA Group In Non Payments Storm
 The HNA Group has refused to comment on whether its substantial global air holdings will be impacted by the gathering payments storm threatening to engulf the group's shipping and logistics business.
 Grand China Logistics Holding Co, part of the HNA Group which incorporates a range of private and state-owned enterprises, is being sued in the U.S. by one of a number of ship owners claiming not to have been paid under charter agreements.
 One of the legal filings alleges Grand China Logistics has been “fraudulently" using HNA's complex corporate structure to avoid payments.
  Neither HNA or Hong Kong Airlines (HKA), one of the Group's many airlines, responded to requests for confirmation that their extensive commitments in the air sector would still be honored.
Apollo Freight Opens LAX Perishables Center
  In Los Angeles at LAX, Apollo Freight (part of Mercury Air Group) dedicated a massive new perishable center—the size of six homes—which the company says will move 100 tons a day.
     Ready to break the ice and launch a new link in the cool chain for air shippers are (L to R) Victor Adducie, General Manager of Apollo Freight; Ivo Skorin, Chief Operating Officer of Apollo Freight; Libby Williams, Managing Director with the Office of Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa; U.S. Congresswoman Janice Hahn; and Joseph A. Czyzyk, Chairman & CEO of Mercury Air Group, parent company of Apollo Freight.
SITA In Financial Free Fall?
  Is SITA on the brink of bankruptcy? This is the key question raised in a “confidential and privileged memorandum” written last September by a former group of SITA executives that had been leaked to FlyingTypers. Their conclusion in the 29-page manifest: “The group as a whole may not be in danger of immediate bankruptcy, but all the factors are present today to lead to a possible bankruptcy of the group in the medium term if the indebtedness can not be repaired.”
 The authors speak of a “cash hemorrhage” that SITA is facing with the group’s financial situation steadily deteriorating. Ever since 2007, the last positive year, cash influx has been much lower than outflow.
 Meanwhile the funds needed to successfully and continuously run the business have become extremely small.

 Vol. 10 No. 118                                                              Monday November 28, 2011
Swiss Vote To Grow Zurich Airport
 The opponents of further improvements and construction activities at Zurich airport faced a crushing defeat in a referendum held last Sunday.
 Exactly 58.8 percent of the electorate at Canton Zurich voted in favor of the future development of the airport, thus rejecting the initiative of neighboring communities and dwellers to freeze all expansion and modernization plans at ZRH at once.
 In total, 214,000 people supported ongoing or upcoming airport enhancements while 150,750 opted for stopping all activities entirely.

Hainan To Invest In Air Berlin?
 Germany’s second biggest airline (next to market giant Lufthansa) is reportedly looking for investors.
  According to sources, a number of talks have already been held with Arabian Etihad Airways and Chinese HNA Group, the owner of Hainan Airlines.
  Injecting additional cash into the carrier seems to have become inevitable due to a reported debt of roughly 600 million euros.
  Despite a valiant, major cost-saving program, plus various network and fleet adjustments initiated by AB management, latest numbers show a 134 million euro loss for the carrier reported for the first three quarters 2011.
  Current equity ratio is put at 14 percent with the shareholder’s capital quota at 368 million euros.
EK Daily Service To Rio Launch January 2012
 From left – Emirates—Nigel Page, Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations, The Americas; Richard Vaughan, Divisional Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations Worldwide; Pradeep Kumar, Senior Vice President, Cargo Revenue Optimization; and Ralf Aasmann, Area Manager Brazil are pictured in Rio by the Sea-oh as Emirates kicked off in grand style (what else?) its Rio de Janeiro countdown last Thursday (October 24) The airline is getting ready to launch daily services, starting January 3, 2012, to the 2014 FIFA World Cup city.
 “It is the new direct service to Rio de Janeiro, with an onward extension to Buenos Aires.

 

leisure Cargo Looks Back At 2011
 Wide world of leisure Cargo as east meets west.
  leisure cargo office is always a meeting point for friends and colleagues around the world visiting DUS—whether on business or at ‘leisure,’ everybody likes to come to say hello.
  Mark Andrew (Managing Director) and Sarah Nash (Sales Manager) from Airbridge International UK Ltd. recently caught up with our colleagues from BKK who were at DUS training in Revenue Accounting/Accounts Payable Department
 Mark and Sarah followed up some items targeting cargo sales increase on leisure cargo’s new focused carrier, Thomson Airways ex UK.
  From left: Pattarawan Yansakylsaree (Cook) and Arunrung Sapkaew (Pui) from leisure cargo BKK, Ralf Ausländer, Mark Andrew and Sarah Nash
A Look Ahead At China 2012
(Here begins our annual look at the year ahead and the year that was. The series continues in December 2011 and January 2012.)

 China’s pivotal role in air cargo markets will evolve and grow, according to Won-Joon Lee, Managing Partner for Accenture’s APAC Products division.
 Despite the promise of business in China, there has been a big downturn in demand this year. Mr. Lee lays the blame solely on the economy, and not on China’s ability to generate business. “Demand for air cargo capacity out of China is driven heavily by business and consumer sentiment across the global economy, particularly the United States,” said Mr. Lee.
  “Unfortunately, confidence remains fragile around the world and looks likely to remain weak unless we see the US return to growth and European leaders release a credible plan to resolve the current debt crisis.

 Vol. 10 No. 117                                                              Wednesday November 23, 2011
Lufthansa Talks Capacity Reduction
  Frankfurt—Prepare for the worst and do the utmost to prevent any harm. Lufthansa Cargo leaders might apply that old Mao Zedong strategy soon. “If markets should further deteriorate in the coming months, we’ll react flexibly by taking out capacity on short notice,” announced the carrier’s executive board member and head of sales, Andreas Otto, during a press meeting Monday evening in downtown Frankfurt. Herr Otto spoke of eventually reducing flights by 20 to 25 percent and did not exclude even cutting the fleet by 30 percent. Should this happen, the aircraft will not be sidelined at some U.S. desert airport as occurred during the global financial and economic crisis in 2008/09, but parked in Frankfurt or sent for a major technical check and overhaul to one of Lufthansa Technik’s maintenance shops. “We will probably do both; sidelining two of our freighters for some weeks and sending one or two others to our maintenance facility,” Andreas announced.

South Asian Airports Call For Cooperation
 Even as the heads of state met for the 17th South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit in the Maldives, India’s top industrialists’ body has demanded that a conducive atmosphere be created to boost intra-regional economic cooperation, including trade in goods and services and investments. The focus on logistical connectivity between India and its seven south Asian neighbors: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, is of special interest to the air cargo fraternity in the country.
 The call from Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)—the country’s premier business association with leaders who have proved themselves to be visionary industrialists—pointed out that India’s economic growth and the rise of its large middle-class “can have a positive spillover effect on economic opportunities for our South Asian neighbors.”

Hey Geoffrey,

 I want to wish you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving. I've been retired since 2005 (although I spent four years as an usher part-time in the Concert Hall at the Kennedy Center). Earlier this year my wife and I moved to the Greenville, SC area where we enjoy seeing our eldest daughter and five other grandsons. Can't say I miss the days of getting frantic phone calls of, "Where's my freight!!??" but do think of you often and wish you well.

Giving Thanks And Hidden Messages
 As Thanksgiving 2011 approaches and folks head over the river and through the woods (and full body scanners) to get home, we note that the trail upward is filling rapidly as these devices move into greater use at U.S. and global gateways, with many added all the time.
     No doubt that as air travel continues changing, some people can find something to laugh about.

 

 Vol. 10 No. 116                                                              Monday November 21, 2011
Michael Webber Is Cargo Airport Smart
(Miami Exclusive)—Michael Webber is one dedicated, smart guy.
     Dedicated because he recognized a major boondoggle underway in the pretty much defunct Aerotropolis scheme in St. Louis, and smart because almost every airport you ever heard of listens to him and seeks his services.
     But the Aerotropolis brouhaha in St. Louis really showed the man.
     Braving bias charges along with some other nasty accusations, Michael, who lives in Kansas City, Missouri, held his head up, armed himself with the facts and became a one-man wrecking crew against the proposed $360 million, taxpayer funded idea to turn St. Louis Lambert Field into a logistics hub.

Lufthansa Puts FRA On Ice
 (Frankfurt)— Call it "The Big Chill" two ways, just as it readies the unveiling of a new perishables center at Frankfurt International Airport on December 8, a plan that has been in the works for quite some time, an ill wind is blowing across the field at Frankfurt International, where the big long haul freighters once delivered goods and profits to Lufthansa when air cargo flights were a night animal.

What's Ahead For CHAMP TRAXON?
 The blockbuster announcement last week of CHAMP buying TRAXON looks like the inevitable outcome of consolidation in the air cargo messaging business.
  Worth mentioning is that it also marks the end of what erstwhile co-founders Air France and Lufthansa at one time perceived as a distinct marketing advantage.
  TRAXON, headquartered in Frankfurt, became an advanced version of GLS, the über-ambitious Global Logistics System AF and LH launched in 1991, which, at the time, caused tremors and weak knees in the international airline cargo community.

 

 Vol. 10 No. 115                                                              Friday November 18, 2011
  Big Year For Turkish Air Cargo
  2011 has been a coming out of sorts for Turkish Air Cargo.
 First, IATA held its 2011 World Cargo Symposium in Istanbul and later, THY Cargo was quite an attention getter in Munich as Air Cargo was held in early May 2011.
 If you ask Mr. Abdullah Soner Akkurt, Turkish Cargo Senior Vice President, what message can be derived from all of this, his answer is crystal clear:
 “As one of the fastest growing airlines of Europe, we are calling people to work with Turkish Cargo.

Michael Vorwerk CNS Reports At JFK Club
 The JFK Air Cargo Association Luncheon on November 17, 2011 was held at the International JFK Airport Hotel and featured as guest speaker Mr. Michael Vorwerk, President for Cargo Network Services Corporation (CNS). He is IATA Regional Director Cargo Americas, covering Canada, Central /Latin America and Executive Director for Cargo 2000. Mr. Vorwerk covered in his talk CNS updates, an industry overview, discussion of the Global Cargo Agenda and E-Freight.

 Vol. 10 No. 114                                                              Wednesday November 16, 2011
  Talking Freighters With Emirates Hiran Perera
  

Bangkok Floods Keep Don Muang Airport Closed
 If you’ve sworn off television, newspapers and light conversation with others, then might not have noticed that those floods in Thailand are continuing unabated, with Bangkok’s domestic gateway, Don Muang Airport, still closed.
 Thailand, which unfortunately lies below sea level, continues to struggle after being hit by a record-breaking rain season, now at its peak and expected to continue into December, which many believe to be an effect of global warming.

Heaviest Single Shipment On A B777F
 Close on the heels of announcing a seventy B777 aircraft deal with Boeing, which marks the largest dollar volume aircraft order in history, at The Dubai Air Show on Tuesday Emirates said it moved a twenty-one ton oil part, the heaviest, single item ever transported on a B777 freighter.
 Weighing in at 21.157 tons (including packaging), the item—a specialized blowout preventer valve used to seal, control and monitor oil and gas—was transported from Iraq’s Erbil International Airport to Dubai.
 

Celebrating Wolfie Els
 We are deeply saddened to learn that Wolfgang Els (known as Wolfie to many) passed away on Tuesday, November 8, 2011.
  Wolfie joined SAA Cargo in 1969.
  He began as a District Sales Manager and moved up the ranks to become the General Manager for Europe and the UK in 1998.
   In the final years of his career he was a great mentor and spirit to many in the air cargo industry.

 Vol. 10 No. 113                                                              Monday November 14, 2011
  Dubai Air Show Delivers Biggest Boeing Order Ever
   No one can accuse Emirates Airline of not showing up to its own party.
  Just as the Dubai Air Show takes off this week, here comes a mega-order—in fact, the single largest aircraft deal in Boeing’s history in terms of dollars—for an additional fifty 777-300 ER aircraft, worth approximately US $18 billion (AED 66 billion) at list price.
  The order also included twenty 777-300 ER options valued at US $8 billion (AED 29.4 billion), for a total of 70 aircraft valued at US $26 billion (AED 95.4 billion).
 

Giving Thanks With Harold
  On Friday, November 18 in Atlanta, Georgia a grand airport tradition occurs once again as an air cargo entrepreneur reaches out far and wide to host several hundred people to an old fashioned home made turkey dinner with all the trimmings, as America looks ahead one week from now to celebrate the wonderful holiday called Thanksgiving.
  Thanksgiving is the great day when the only thing that matters is family and the meal.
  

Air Partner Red Track Happy
  It’s the largest listed charter broker worldwide, established 50 years ago. But only in recent times did the London Gatwick-headquartered firm step into the air freight business– obviously quite successfully, as demonstrated by the 24 percent cargo sales contributed to the company’s turnover in fiscal year 2009/10. Revenues totaled 273 million euros; earnings before tax amounted to €4.1 million. That’s nice to have, but more is better, indicates Air Partner’s CEO, Mark Briffa, (right) his appetite growing for rising cargo results. “We are aiming at 50 percent for equaling our revenues achieved by our passenger activities,” he reveals.

Deutsche Post Reports Stellar Earnings
   Deutsche Post reports revenues of 38.8 billion Euros for the financial period from early January to end of September 2011.      
   This is an increase of 3.2 percent in comparison to the previous year’s first three quarters. The operating earnings climbed by 40 percent, totaling 1.8 billion Euros. “Our growth path clearly continues,” emphasized CEO Frank Appel of Deutsche Post, while presenting the latest figures at a recently held press conference in Bonn, Germany.

Frankfurt Welcomes IAG B747-800F
   Boeing’s new freighter flagship B747-8F landed last Wednesday for the first time ever at Frankfurt’s Rhein-Main airport in Germany. The G-GSSD registered aircraft is the first cargo plane since 2000 to be branded with British Airways’ livery.
  It is operated on a five-year leasing contract by Global Supply Chain, an Atlas Air (51 percent) and BA (49 percent) joint venture.

 Vol. 10 No. 112                                                              Friday November 11, 2011

Air Cargo IT CHAMP Buys TRAXON Europe

BIG deal in air cargo IT, as CHAMP buys TRAXON Europe from Lufthansa Cargo and Air France.
 Apparently these two companies (now one), which are all capital letters, are thinking BIG in other ways too, by seeking the best and the brightest all around. John Johnston, (left) CEO of CHAMP, makes the point as the deal is done.
  “TRAXON Europe will continue to operate under the TRAXON name.”
 That seems to be OK for Felix Keck, (right)who continues as Managing Director of TRAXON.
  

Even More Voices At Air Cargo Americas
  

Air India Pilots Tipping Toward Strike
  This is one tug-of-war that has no winners. On the one hand, you have the Indian government trying its utmost to revive the country’s national airline Air India; on the other hand there are people—and often events—that bring down the airline.
   In the latest shock to the Maharaja, more than 100 pilots have written a letter to Air India Chairman and Managing Director Rohit Nandan threatening to quit if the management does not change its discriminatory attitude towards them. Copies of the letter have also been sent to the Minister for Civil Aviation Vayalar Ravi and other officials in the ministry. If the pilots do take the ultimate step of quitting, the Maharaja might as well say goodbye to his international operations.

ACG Flies With Seoul
 Frankfurt-Hahn based Air Cargo Germany commenced twice-weekly flights to Seoul via Novosibirsk in Russia.
  The carrier also added a weekly frequency to Paraguay and also plans on flying to Lima by the end of the month.

RE: British Airways World Cargo B747-6 Freighter At ATL
 Hi!
  I enjoy reading FlyingTypers and just wanted to drop you a note about our new British Airways World Cargo B747-8 freighter.
  I know it has been mentioned in previous articles of yours.
Veterans Day Stands For One
   Once upon a time, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the first Veterans Day was observed in America to honor all the people that served in World War I—the war to end all wars.
   This Friday as Veterans Day is observed, we will carry forward an additional 11 to include the 11th year of the 21st century (the line up of 11s will not occur again until 3011). Although war has certainly not ended, and since 1918, when WW I ceased fire, there have been multiple occurrences of conflict, we can and will still celebrate the lives of those we lost and love.

 Vol. 10 No. 111                                                              Monday November 7, 2011
More Voices At Air Cargo Americas
  
Industry Executives Speak At Air Cargo Americas
  

CHEP Pooling Resources
  Hailing from ‘down under,’ with a truly global management team and offices and operations on three continents, what started out as a series of strategic acquisitions in 2010 gelled into a corporate presence set to deliver and grow to fulfill its full potential, as announced at the press conference held at Air Cargo Americas last Wednesday afternoon.
   CHEP and its parent company, Brambles, “the” largest global equipment pooling provider bar none, evidently made the decision to go after the aviation sector, combining last year’s acquisition of Unitpool, this year’s deal for JMI and now Driessen Services into a global pooling solution. The blending of pooling expertise with service and repair stations, related software and an original equipment manufacturer all under one roof is unique.

SkyTeam Hosts Customers

It is common practice to hold private meetings around industry events, and the Air Cargo and SeaCargo Americas taking place in Miami November 2-4, 2011 is no exception. SkyTeam Cargo, the only functioning cargo alliance left, invited some 90 guests aboard M/T Celebration for a night of fun and relaxation while cruising around Miami.

 

 Vol. 10 No. 110                                                              Thursday November 3, 2011
Voices At Air Cargo Americas
  
EMO Wins LH Top Award
   Recently Lufthansa Cargo held a two-day customer event in New Orleans and recognized the top forwarder partners in both its USA Business Partner Group and also its Global Partner Group. Lufthansa Global Partners number an even dozen participants; U.S. Business Partner Group includes fifteen forwarders.
Criterion for the prestigious Lufthansa Cargo Award includes booking quality (booked freight matched with what was delivered), no show ratio and on-time delivery.

FRA Night Ban 2003 Agreement?
  You can never tell when you start covering a story where the trail will lead.
  We have been writing, following and in some cases leading global coverage of that hideous, locally-imposed night ban on air cargo movements, which is now in place at Frankfurt International. Among other things, it has caused Deutsche Lufthansa to reposition its entire all-cargo fleet elsewhere, adding travail to travel, with added expenses that can hardly be tolerated.

Asset Management Of Cargo Containers & Pallets
It’s interesting to see how certain developments look when put into perspective through the passage of time. The particular timeline is 1996 and former Qantas cargo chief (Executive Director) Emmet Hobbs, a New Zealander, was working for CHEP, a Brambles company (he retired in 2003), but is still active serving on BOD with Mainfreight New Zealand.

 

 Vol. 10 No. 109                                                               Tuesday November 1, 2011
Qantas Ordered Back In The Air
    There appear to be two stories emerging from amidst the Qantas chaos over the past weekend, after CEO Alan Joyce took the drastic step to ground all flights Saturday. The impact of the disruption was keenly felt by tens of thousands, including many well to do and influential folks traveling to the hugely popular Melbourne Cup horse race on Tuesday.
High, Wide & Handsome . . .
   First, the mighty IATA World Cargo Symposium was held in the wonderful world city of Istanbul earlier this year.
   Then the buzz at Munich Transport Logistic was all abut Turkish Air Cargo.

leisure Cargo's Man In Havana & Latin America—Erik Fraenkel
  Erik Fraenkel has been leisure Cargo’s Man in Havana and Latin American for some time now.
  We caught up with Erik recently as he offered an inside look at an expanding and diverse market connecting cargo aboard a growing stable of air carriers that are part of the leisure family.
  “Latin America has been developing quite well for leisure Cargo during the past two years.
EK eAWB 100% DXB
  “The transition to e-freight is a massive challenge for both the industry and Emirates SkyCargo.
  “Change of this scale requires time, and many steps have been taken, but this really is a giant stride forward,” said Pradeep Kumar, Emirates’ Senior Vice President Cargo Revenue Optimization & Systems, upon announcing that electronic air waybills (e-AWBs) are now being used for 100 percent of shipments from the Dubai hub.
Realog Wants Cargo To See The Light
 Light weight instead of heavy equipment. What sounds easy is indeed quite a challenge when it comes to implementation in today’s air freight handling processes. But changes seem to be around the corner – triggered by a number of surveys displaying astonishing results.

 Vol. 10 No. 108                                                               Monday October 31, 2011
Qantas Freight Grounded
    Qantas has ceased taking new cargo bookings after indefinitely grounding its entire passenger fleet on Saturday and announcing it would lock out large numbers of its Australia-based staff from Monday 8pm AEDT onwards because of ongoing industrial action by three unions.
   However, scheduled and charter freighter services operated by its Qantas Freight division using its fleet of one Boeing 767-300F and three wet leased B747-400Fs will continue.
Ex-Asia Air Cargo Decline Holding Steady
  Lies Damned Lies & Statistics. Or in this case, monthly tonnage figures.
  It’s true that numbers can be used to tell more than one story as Disraeli and others have famously noted through the years. But the latest round of public utterances from Asia’s airlines and airports confirm what FlyingTypers has been reporting for some time - ex-Asia lanes are, almost without exception, showing few signs of improving in the build up to the traditional peak season.

RE: An Aerotropolis Too Far

Hi Geoffrey,

      Can you give me more information on the Missouri Export Act?
      This sounds like something that California should have that might bring business back to California rather than leaving it because of all of the regulations and taxes that have been heaped on California business.


 Vol. 10 No. 107                                                               Monday October 31, 2011 Extra
Thailand Air Cargo Smacked By Monsoon Floods
    Flooding from those record monsoons in Thailand is now expected to continue into November, but the impact on the air cargo sector is already apparent.
   Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport, built on swampland, has had its flood defenses reinforced in recent weeks to protect the world’s 20th largest airport (by air cargo tonnage) from the worst monsoons Thailand has seen in five decades.
RE:  FRA Night Ban Takes Hold     

 Lufthansa Cargo had to cancel only two flights to China.
Remembering Robi Wagner
 Robert G. Wagner, a real gentleman and a great friend passed away recently in Zurich, Switzerland after a long illness. Robi was general manager, marketing cargo and mail at Swissair and VP Cargo during the hay days of the Global Alliance comprising of Swissair, Singapore International Airlines and Delta Air Lines which started in 1991.
 
How To Help Thailand Flood Victims
  The heaviest monsoon season to hit Thailand in 50 years is going on right now. An estimated 2.5 million have been affected or displaced by the flooding, and the current death toll hovers at nearly 400.
  Supermarket shelves are bare and bottled water is in short supply, as residents prepare to leave their homes for safety.
Top Costume For Halloween
   It was only a month ago—September 26th, to be exact—that I picked up the phone, called my parents, and said, “I’m telling you this – this year, expect to see a lot of Pan Am stewardesses and pilots walking around on Halloween.”
  Well, my premonition came true, although it’s not such an illogical leap. It was a month ago that the Pan Am television show premiered, and who can be surprised that the classic form-fitting sapphire and snow uniforms should catch the attention of a costume-hungry American audience.

 Vol. 10 No. 106                                                               Friday October 28, 2011
FRA Night Ban Takes Hold—Christoph Franz Addresses Crisis
    It seems that the news just cannot get worse for Lufthansa Cargo, especially after the FRA night flight ban set to start Sunday, October 30.
   And yet today in Germany, news reports say that the expected Federal Court final verdict on the locally imposed night flight ban, which everyone thought would come in January, will in fact not be coming until mid-March.
Chris Mangos Touts Miami Cargo Advantages
   We buttonhole Chris Mangos, Marketing Division Director of the Miami International airport, to find out what is new on the horizon. With the Air Cargo Americas show just around the corner in Miami, an update on the airport that maintains the coveted number one spot for air cargo in the U.S. is timely.
Lufthansa Cargo's Alison Ricker
Handles Global Partners
 Notebook open and pen poised, I am ready to ask Alison Ricker, Head of Global Account Management, the Americas, a few questions. Alison has another idea and soon I find myself being interviewed. It’s earnest, with many smiles in between, although assertiveness is not in short supply and her approach and personality give us a glimpse into why Alison is in charge of three of Lufthansa Cargo’s 12 global partners – Expeditors, which she handles personally, UPS and UTi, all headquartered in the U.S.. This elite group consists of Agility, CEVA, DHL Global Forwarding, DSV, Expeditors, Hellmann, Kühne+Nagel, Nippon Express, Panalpina, DB Schenker, UPS and Uti.
 
 Charlotte Gallogly's Economic War Room
  What Is the Miami World Trade Center?
  Air cargo people know it mostly because it has been organizing the Air Cargo Americas show ad exhibition since 1991, an event that takes place every two years, alternating with the TIACA Air Cargo Forum. And it is running the 2011 Air Cargo Americas, which opens on November 2, 2011.
Lufthansa Charter Adds Aerodyne Cargo
 Reto Hunziker, Managing Director for Lufthansa Cargo Charter Agency GmbH, reports on adding Calgary, Canada-based Aerodyne Cargo Services Inc. to its growing LCCA GSA network.
Air Cargo Americas Opens November 2 
    We are looking at this picture of Ram Menen (left), Bill Boesch and Prakash Nair (right), taken at the high point of Air Cargo Americas (ACA) in 2003, as the event feted Mr. Boesch with the prestigious ACA Award for “Outstanding Contribution To Air Cargo.”

 Vol. 10 No. 105                                                               Monday October 24, 2011
Qantas Freight Sets Expansion—A Conversation With Lisa Brock
   Qantas expects global cargo demand to bounce back next year. So said Lisa Brock, appointed Executive Manager of Qantas Freight in February.
  “There is still some economic uncertainty in global markets, particularly in many European countries and the U.S.,” she told FlyingTypers. “This has meant demand in these regions has been weak.
Lufthansa's Garnadt Talks Future Post Night Ban
   The German air freight carrier is still ranked in fourth place among the leading airlines, right after Cathay, Korean and Emirates. This position, however, will be lost if the German Federal Administrative Court should endorse the night flight curfew for Frankfurt recently imposed by local judges from the Hessian State.
  “If this worst-case scenario should happen, which I hope it won’t, I don’t see any future growth perspective for Lufthansa Cargo,” stated the carrier’s CEO Karl Ulrich Garnadt at a press meeting in Berlin on Thursday.
German Logistics Association Berlin Confab
  Crises in Greece, Portugal, Italy and some other European nations. Not so in Germany where the logistics business especially is setting new records. By year's end, big players like DHL, DB Schenker, Lufthansa Cargo together with roughly 60,000 medium sized and smaller enterprises offering different transport solutions will turn over €220 billion euros.
RE: Frankfurt Airport Night Flight Ban Causes Uproar
  Reading about Frankfurt Airport….
  People who complained about Boston Logan International Airport were bought out.
Earthquake Relief For Turkey
 A powerful earthquake struck Eastern Turkey on Sunday, collapsing buildings in the center of the eastern city of Van. It also caused many hundred of deaths.
Readers are encouraged to send relief donation online here:

 Vol. 10 No. 104                                                               Thursday October 20, 2011
Night Ban Changes Lufthansa Cargo Flights
(Exclusive)—Driven by the Hesse State court’s recent decision to forbid night flights at Frankfurt as of October 30th, Lufthansa Cargo has adjusted their flight schedules.
   This became necessary since the carrier operates an average of eleven night flights, which are directly affected and need alternative solutions to continue service.
   Details will be revealed at a press meeting in Berlin on Thursday; however, FlyingTypers can deliver the main results:
Par Excellence
   China Southern and Airbus have chosen Chateauroux Airport France to train and certify the pilots of the first A380 delivered to CHINA, said airport spokesman Martin Fraissignes (inset).
Jim Shaw Remembered
   Jim Shaw, a much beloved and respected colleague and dear, dear friend of 30+ years, passed away Tuesday, October 18 at home in Texas.
  Jim began his career in freight forwarding in Dallas, Texas, with Arthur J. Fritz & Company.
  In 1974, he was transferred by Fritz to become the Manager of the Export Department in Houston, where he remained until 1980. ) Regional Commercial Manager for the Asia Pacific region at British Airways World Cargo.      

 Vol. 10 No. 103                                                               Wednesday October 19, 2011
Lufthansa's Martinka Talks FRA Night Ban
“But we can handle it,” said Achim Martinka, the top Americas executive at Lufthansa Cargo.
  Herr Martinka knows that as the going gets tough, the tough need to get going.
  With all the reports circulating about that dreaded, all-night ban at FRA starting in about two weeks, Achim Martinka is letting it be known that if Gateway Germany needs to handle things differently (and business as usual from this aspect may be unusual), the customer, which drives everything at Lufthansa Cargo, will have options - would you expect any less from the German flag carrier that put the airline into top market position in the first place?
Zurich Ban Could Be Next
  Move over Frankfurt . . . a referendum could cripple Zurich Airport.
  Sunday, November 27 will be a decisive day for Switzerland’s entire aviation industry and the national economy of the Alps state in general.
Trade Within Asia Shows Growth
    While the major trade lanes from Asia to Europe and North America may be suffering from overcapacity and lower than expected cargo volumes, not least because both continents are struggling to avoid recession, trade within Asia is still showing strong growth, according to leading figures contacted by Air Cargo News FlyingTypers.
  “Demand between Asian countries has been stronger than intercontinental demand all year,” said John Cheetham, (right) Regional Commercial Manager for the Asia Pacific region at British Airways World Cargo.      

Sri Guru Ramdas Ji (SGRJ) International Airport Perishables Center Starts Operations Again
 The Indian diaspora in Britain and Europe have often had reasons to pine for vegetables and fruits from the mother country, and their desires will now be fulfilled. Come October, one of India’s newest international airports, the Sri Guru Ramdas Ji (SGRJ) International Airport in the holy city of Amritsar in Punjab, will be ready to start perishable operations—for the second time—to Britain and Austria.

 
E-Freight High Priority At Globaltrans
 So far, 384 airports, 33 airlines and 1,658 freight forwarders are taking part in IATA’s e-freight initiative. With Duesseldorf-headquartered Globaltrans GmbH joining in, the number of agents grows by one.

 

 Vol. 10 No. 102                                                               Monday October 17, 2011
The Week After FRA Night Ban—Relief Is Just A Landing Away
Exclusive—It is the story of the year.
  The impending closure of Frankfurt International Airport at the end of this month means many things, depending on to whom you speak.
  But last week the FRA night flight ban swept attention away from a speech by Des Vertannes at FRA ACD, discussions about air cargo security, and even talk about the current state of the air cargo business.
How Air India Landed In The Dumps
   “I am pleased that we have reached agreement on the contractual issues. The 747-8 Freighter will be a driver of profitable growth for Cargolux,” said Frank Reimen, leftPresident and Chief Executive Officer of Cargolux, as CV resolved its beef with Boeing after rejection of the first two Boeing 747-8 aircraft.
  What that means is that the delivery of the first two Boeing 747-8 freighters initially scheduled for the 19 and 21 of September proceeded yesterday on the 12 and
China Christmas Demand Hopes Dashed
   Hopes that export demand out of China might pick up in the run-up to Christmas (reminiscent of the late restocking surge in Europe and the USA in 2009) will not, contrary to the expectations of some airlines and forwarders, come to pass.
 Leading air cargo executives have been telling FlyingTypers for months that exports from Asia are below par, both in terms of 2010 volumes and 2011 expectations.

 

 Vol. 10 No. 101                                                               Thursday October 13, 2011
Frankfurt Airport Night Flight Ban Causes Uproar
  Exclusive—Reaction has been fast and furious as an October 30th deadline looms and countdown begins for yesterday’s stunning news out of Germany: Europe’s most important air cargo gateway is facing total annihilation as the result of a local judge’s ruling, demanding all night flights be terminated at Frankfurt International Airport.
  The word came down just barely two weeks before the opening of the gateway’s new runway.
Cargolux Settles Beef With Boeing
   “I am pleased that we have reached agreement on the contractual issues. The 747-8 Freighter will be a driver of profitable growth for Cargolux,” said Frank Reimen, leftPresident and Chief Executive Officer of Cargolux, as CV resolved its beef with Boeing after rejection of the first two Boeing 747-8 aircraft.
  What that means is that the delivery of the first two Boeing 747-8 freighters initially scheduled for the 19 and 21 of September proceeded yesterday on the 12 and
Air Cargo Deutschland Club Talks IATA And Ban
   Aircargo Club Germany - ACD enjoyed a meeting on October 11th that featured both a full house and guest speaker Desmond Vertannes, IATA Global Head of Cargo.
  Mr. Vertannes could not have predicted that his IATA debut in Germany would occur here in Frankfurt on this Black Tuesday, as the long dreaded curfew on night flights was just handed down by a local judge.
  Once upon a time, ACD hosted a speech titled "Airfreight is a night animal" by John C. Emery Jr., almost exactly 40 years ago on October 12, 1971.

Keeping His Essence
  Claudio Silva, the well respected, all cargo pro has been steady at the helm of LAN Cargo the Americas for almost as long as anybody can remember.
  An inspirational strategist and Latin American industry icon, Claudio has soldiered on through 27 years, delivering LAN Cargo to new heights as his fame and esteem spread almost everywhere.
  One would think Claudio has conquered all the things rightfully expected in his 27 years at LAN.
     

 Vol. 10 No. 100                                                               Wednesday October 12, 2011
Frankfurt Airport Night Flights Zapped
  Here comes da judge
   The Administrative Court of Hesse State has categorically forbidden all night flights at Frankfurt Rhein-Main airport. The vote came completely unexpectedly and caught the entire aviation industry by surprise, including tour operators and the airport management.
  According to the judges’ decision no movements between 11 pm and 5 am will be allowed. The imposed night flight curfew goes into effect October 21, when a new runway is scheduled to open at Frankfurt.      Regulators and slot managers had assumed that at least seventeen night movements would be possible after the Northwest runway became operational. Today on average, fifty arrivals and departures are conducted at night in Frankfurt.
TSA Delays Screening Deadline
  The Transportation Security Administration has postponed that December 31 deadline for scanning 100% cargo aboard airplanes inbound to the USA.

 Vol. 10 No. 99                                                               Tuesday October 11, 2011
India Agents Voice Congestion Woes
  Fed up with the congestion problems in Mumbai airport—and of late, the situation has gone from bad to worst—freight forwarders and air cargo stakeholders can look forward to air cargo services at the Ojhar airport in Nasik in Maharashtra. The airport initially expects about 20-25 percent of the 40,000-ton monthly cargo handled at the Mumbai airport to come to it.
  The ACAAI and the Bombay Custom House Agents Association meeting in progress. ACAAI President Bharat Thakkar is seen addressing the members of the two trade bodies.
Keeping Tab On Economic Indicators
  As Autumn 2011 begins—An ill wind blows in, with a poorer macroeconomic outlook for 2012 than many hoped possible.
  Now the idea is to stay in front of capacity, but allocate expenses wisely as the pace of expansion in the manufacturing industry is looking to slacken in many nations.
Aero Cargo Targets Czech Airlines
    Frankfurt-based GSA Aero Cargo has enlarged its portfolio of mandate airlines by partnering with Czech Airlines. The Czechs are the fourteenth carrier on Aero Cargo’s steadily growing list of clients. The member of the SkyTeam club decided to shut down its cargo sales department in Germany this summer, launching a tender on extremely short notice, “Which we won after presenting our key strategic concept to CSA’s head of cargo, Jan Grabmueller, and his right hand for sales, Eva Vondrusova, in Prague,” explains General Manager Antonio Oliveira of Aero Cargo.

RE: Where In The World Is Joe Berg?
  Dear Geoffrey,

     Many thanks for your article on Joe Berg. It is long overdue. He was and remains one of the most creative minds in our business. As originator of the 10 ten rate to Europe and an earlier supporter of blocked space with Seaboard and Flying Tigers, Joe helped establish the gateway concept as an industry standard. I learned much from his attention to detail and market development during the late

 

 Vol. 10 No. 98                                                               Saturday October 8, 2011
Does Hermes Get The Message?
 Hermes doesn’t act God-like…
 Hermes was the wing-footed messenger God in ancient Greek mythology, but he was also the patron of commerce, travelers and thieves, making him a very colorful character for different social groups to worship.
 By adopting Hermes as the brand name for its logistics’ offspring, the Hamburg-headquartered mail order group, Otto Versand, was surely guided by nothing but the messenger qualities closely associated with this godhood.   Measured by the criteria of success, this decision proves to be in accord with the messenger’s long-time performance, as a recently published analysis of the German express and courier market verifies.
IULDUG Meet In Florida—Independence Day For Asset Management
 This is the 24th annual general meeting (AGM) of what was once known as the IULDUG, formerly an IATA interest group, and its first AGM as a private, independent group, sans IATA. This declaration of independence is such that IATA couldn’t even be bothered to send a representative to the inaugural meeting, despite the fact that the ULDUG vice chairman, Air Canada’s Urs Wiesendanger, is the chairman of the IATA ULD Panel! The mysterious workings of this association . . .
  The meeting was very well attended, with 113 delegates consisting of 47 airlines, 59 suppliers, a combination of various manufacturers, pooling companies, leasing companies and 7 industry guests, including FlyingTypers as exclusive media, and more importantly the FAA and the UK CAA.
A Ship Without A Rudder—Emirates SkyCargo Moves Rudder Seoul-Dubai
  All hands on deck as Emirates SkyCargo moves a 36-ton rudder shaft from Seoul to Dubai.
 The rudder stock—9.16 meters long and 1.05 meters wide—was moved to aid a ship stuck under repair in Dubai, and was the single heaviest item ever carried by the freight division of Emirates Airline.

Rest In Peace Steve Jobs
  For as long as I can remember, we have had Apple computers in my family. My mother used the first Mac Plus to edit and publish Air Cargo News, and that operation has only grown larger; now she uses a Mac Pro Tower with two screens and an overlapping display. She says, “I remember going into the printer's and sitting with people that were setting type on machines, cutting type and pasting it on a board and then corrections were made by cutting individual letters.
     “When we got our Mac Plus, it had 40MB on it, but I could input type and correct it instantly. I could lay out pages the way they would look in the newspaper—it was instant, changes could be instant and the control was all at my fingertips.
     
Flying Deuces Harvest Moon
 Our Octoberfest is never complete without lighting the first fire at home and hearing at least one version of the 1931 tune “Shine On Harvest Moon.”
 Of all the music that continues to be heard during this time of year in America, none is sweeter or more poignant.
 We have absolutely no explanation as to why Stan Laurel & Oliver Hardy stopped the show during the film The Flying Deuces to do this version of Harvest Moon.

 

 Vol. 10 No. 97                                                               Wednesday October 5, 2011
United Cargo-Everything Coming Up Roses
  Some Ex-COns, now United Cargo people are pictured. UA team: Andres Torres, Mildred Garcia Bog, Tim Nara IAH, Maddy Marrero Mia and Michael Cano SFO.
  Columbian President Juan Manuel Santos presided over opening ceremonies of the biannual Proflora "best floral trade show" in Bogota last week.
Sea Air Slips As Air Rates Dip
   Low air freight rates are reducing the cost advantage that has typically seen forwarders and shippers use sea-air options on Asia-Europe trade lanes.
  Last year Europe embarked on the major process of restocking following a recession volumes spike, but this year they have subsided in alignment with volumes and air freight rates, although operators are hopeful of a third quarter improvement in flows.
Lufthansa Cargo Charter Agency Celebrates 10 Years
   While everyone is raising high the roof beams in celebration of 100 years Of German Air Cargo this year, another milestone worth noting just occurred on October 1, as Lufthansa Cargo Charter Agency celebrated ten years to the day since its founding.
 Lufthansa Charter, headquartered in Cargo City Süd at Frankfurt Airport, operates a global network of distribution partners as a wholly owned subsidiary of Lufthansa Cargo, with competence centers in Chicago, Dubai and Hong Kong.

Cargolux To Accept B747-8s
  Cargolux said that it has a tentative agreement to accept both B747-8s that the air cargo carrier rejected at moment of delivery in September.

Andy Rooney—Road Slows To Hell
   “It’s amazing how long this country (USA) has been going to hell without getting there,” said Andy Rooney in his weekly resident oracle report on the CBS television news program 60 Minutes.

 

 

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  We are the original Air Cargo News founded 35 years ago in 1975 in New York City, USA. Edited by Geoffrey Arend, the acknowledged dean of air cargo publishers, we are the go to source for the air cargo industry worldwide. In-depth and knowledgeable coverage of the air cargo market. No advertorials, no press releases, no dubious awards. Just market savvy.
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