Where Cargo Reaches The Ruling Class There have undoubtedly been many events endlessly ballyhooed in your e-mails recently.
But, dear reader, take this one to heart. FlyingTypers endorses only one event as a must-attend this autumn in the U.S.
Sign up now and don’t miss out on the CNS initiative meeting as USACIA returns for Part Deux on September 6, 2017.
High Flying Finnair Finnair recorded a first-half net profit of €58.8 million ($67 million), a turnaround from a loss of €16.1 million versus same period in 2016.
The airline achieved the result on turnover up 7.4% year-over-year (YOY) at just under €1.2 billion.
Rocky Was An Original I have been privileged to meet several great people in my years at the airport, especially in New York.
A favorite was Rocco Manniello. At 5 feet, 5 inches tall, Rocco lorded over airport employee food service at LaGuardia, JFK, and even at some leading universities in the area. He even hocked his house in Whitestone in 1988to open “The Yankee Clipper,” a neighborhood Italian home-style eatery inside the Marine Air Terminal at LaGuardia Airport.
Who Has The Numbers In Summer 2017 As FlyingTypers went to press, a startling 11.3 percent year-on-year growth in exports recorded by China in June caught most analysts off-guard. Following the acceleration—led by exports of electronics and high-tech products to the EU, U.S., and Japan—HSBC predicted “stronger global demand will support export growth [from China] in the coming quarters.”
Indeed, the export outlook is bright across Asia. Certainly, the latest Purchasing Manager Index readings suggest solid demand in the coming months.
Airlift Milks Qatar Moutaz Al Khayyat believes that you never outgrow your need for milk.
So the entrepreneur and chairman of Qatari construction firm Power International Holding initiated the move to airlift Holstein dairy cows from Baladna Livestock Production in Budapest to a purpose-built dairy farm near Doha that has capacity for 4,000 animals to help provide fresh milk during the recent ongoing rift between Qatar and the Gulf Arab Allies.
Amelia Endures At 80 Amelia Earhart and her navigator Fred Noonan disappeared somewhere between Australia and Howland Island on their attempt to fly around the world 80 years ago on July 2, 1937.
It seems the fateful flight is recalled on every anniversary of the event, and somebody always has a different theory on what actually happened.
The Picture Of Rick Elieson Rick Elieson transitions easily between a vocation at American Airlines Cargo to his avocation as a naturalist photographer. His dexterity in the latter practice is evidence to the depths and commitments of his passions. A magnificent collection of photographs, which capture the detail and force of natural life, should confirm his perceptiveness.
Mr. Elieson took the reins of President Cargo at the world’s biggest airline earlier this year. American Airlines has surely benefitted from his bright and keen eye, which shines from his gallery collections.
Letters to the Editor + Pumping Traffic We’re sending early congratulations to the Atlanta, Georgia, air cargo industry, which formed the pioneering Atlanta Air Cargo Association (AACA) 48 years ago this October 6, 1969.
A diverse membership—including five women directors—drive AACA in 2017.
When An Awards Party Gets Down To Business Beyond social and awards activities, ANAMA has an edgy business agenda, which was advanced during the gathering at the AGM in Milan a few weeks ago.
But with “Quality Award” publicity and hoopla always overshadowing industry gatherings, the ANAMA agenda received short shrift and apparently was overlooked.
Knockout Airport Session In Orlando The U.S. Airforwarders Association AirCargo 2017 Conference in Orlando, Florida (June 2-4), included two outstanding and very well received sessions. The first discussed how todays airports are meeting the challenges they face, while the second focused on areas the global air cargo industry should consider for airports of the future.
The first session featured speakers from Miami, Atlanta, and Chicago.
Goodrich Charters UAE to Kazakhstan Goodrich Kazakhstan moved a canopy system from the UAE for construction projects underway in Astana, Kazakhstan.
The cargo required chartering an IL76 and two B-747s.
Stronger In Hard Times; Spark To Us All Beloved mother, grandmother, wife, and pioneering woman in computer programming, Saida Khan died at home in Kalamazoo early Saturday morning, July 1, 2017.
She was 93 years old.
Born in Bhavnagar, India, Saida met and married Muzaffer Khan, a well-respected criminal and corporate lawyer in 1949.
The couple had three children: Ahsan, Sabiha, and Saleem.
Europe To India Adding Up “Our move will touch Mumbai, the economic heart of India, said a smiling Marcel de Nooijer, EVP Air France KLM Martinair Cargo.
The youthful executive is referring to the resumption of KLM flights after “almost two decades.” Services recommence between Mumbai and Schiphol-Amsterdam starting on October 29, 2017.
“By introducing Mumbai, the economic heart of India, to our schedule from Schiphol we are able to further increase our already existing network presence in India.
Antonio Fernandez The Sun King Antonio Fernandes was sitting in a chair as the sun and the warmth of a late Spring day set over Amelia Island, Florida, this year at the EMO Trans Global meetings. Antonio and the expanding world of EMO Trans’s partners and colleagues had been locked in an agenda-filled encounter that included meetings and social events, but on this last evening, as he leaned back in his chair, taking a long thoughtful drag on his cigarette, Antonio reflected aloud about priorities:
“The most important asset we have in the forwarding business is the experience and dedication of our people.”
Riders In The Sky We were thinking about shipping horses recently just as the third leg of America’s Triple Crown occurred at The Belmont in New York City on Saturday, June 10 (The Kentucky Derby & Preakness have already taken place).
Above Belmont, giant Emirates A380s arrive on final into John F. Kennedy International Airport, just near the tracks.
The horse shipment is the oldest gag in air cargo.
Gisela Imagines Beyond Air Cargo Amid all the pretzels, beer, big booth stands, and hopes and dreams of our every expanding industry at last month’s Air Cargo Europe, thoughts often drifted a bit wider as we said, “Hello, Germany.”
We were there in the thousands, acting local behind heaping plates of that particular May German delicacy, white asparagus (spargel). Between mouthfuls we thought global, wondering whether spargel could be a moveable feast, and if so how could we get this wonderful and special vegetable out to the rest of the world?
LAACA Air Cargo Day Go Clubbing… One of our favorite air cargo clubs, the Los Angeles Air Cargo Association (LAACA) hosted a very successful 2017 Air Cargo Day at the Manhattan Beach Marriott.
On June 8, at the LAACA Luncheon meeting, Aeronet Worldwide’s David Gibson (left) took the reigns from Amy Grat, (right) Chief Executive Officer at International Trade Education Programs, Inc. (ITEP), University of Southern California, as new LAACA President. Daniel L. Gardner, President of Trade Facilitators, Inc., was also present and delivered a speech entitled “How Amazon is Disrupting The Logistics World.”
British Forwarders In Brexit Watch Assessing the year since the UK decided to exit the EU, British International Freight Association (BIFA) Director General Robert Keen walks softly but carries a big stick in Euro shipping circles. In the latest update/position of the British Freight Forwarders, he stated, “In the year since the Brexit vote, the UK has been in a period of great uncertainty on the political front and we hope that the new government of whatever hue is ready to confront the massive decisions that now need to be taken.
Qatar Numbers Up Qatar Airways released startlingly positive numbers for its fiscal year and also addressed the recent blockade of air space and operations into Saudi Arabia and elsewhere as announced on June 1. It continues to operate to the rest of its network as per its published schedules with day-to-day adjustments for operational and commercial efficiencies.
Hong Kong Forwarders Eyes On The Prize + Pumping Traffic Hong Kong air freight forwarders have a full-plate year, but long-term competitiveness will depend on infrastructure investment at HKIA and supportive government policies.
Those thoughts were among the key points made by Brian Wu, the affable and insightful chairman of the Hong Kong Association of Freight Forwarding and Logistics, the non-profit organization which represents the autonomous territory at FIATA as well as pushing forwarder interests closer to home.
Trump Effect Pt. 6: U.S. Pilots In Short Supply My last article on the Trump Effect was a discussion on the U.S. Pilot Shortage that is being labeled a National Crisis.
I recently attended a meeting in Washington, D.C., hosted by the Chief of the U.S. Air Force with the major airlines, regional airlines, civil air patrol, the airline unions, A4A, an airline training university, industry experts, congressional staffers, and leaders of the other military services.
The Art Of The Parody The art of the parody. Now in its eighth week on air, The President Show stars Anthony Atamanuik (our son-in-law) as President Trump and Pete Grosz as Vice President Pence. The duo is pictured with FT publisher Geoffrey Arend on location in Queens, New York, last Friday.
Kersten Is The Next FIATA General “Welcome to FIATA,” declared FIATA Director General Marco Sorgetti (left) as former UIC Freight Director Hans Günther Kersten (right) was selected as Mr. Sorgetti’s successor. Kersten will serve as FIATA Deputy Director General until Marco retires in September.
“I am sure a person with your professional background will add another layer of accomplishments in the long list of extraordinary achievements of this association,” said Marco.
Afghan India Deal Leapfrogs Pakistan + Pumping Traffic Starting on June 15, the first lot of Afghan goods will leave Kabul for New Delhi. According to a statement from the Afghanistan Presidential Palace on June 1, that will see the movement of goods by air on the Afghanistan-India air corridor.
Bodacious Bellinder Moves Forward Jim Bellinder, United Cargo’s Vice President Cargo Sales Americas, and a large contingent from United Cargo, deliver a clear and consistent message to the air cargo supply chain contributors and customers gathered this week in Orlando for AirCargo 2017:
“While United Cargo is pleased,” Jim says, “to be the leading belly cargo carrier in volumes and revenues, and grateful to our customers for the trust that makes this happen, that doesn’t mean we’re taking this position or our customers for granted.”
Indicate Strong Cargo Rules 2017 + Pumping Traffic Various sources suggest pricing has been sliding through May but demand indicators are strong for the rest of the year and rates seem likely to rebound this summer.
Drewry’s East-West Airfreight Price Index, a weighted average of all-in airfreight “buy rates” forwarders pay to airlines for standard deferred airport-to-airport airfreight services on 21 major East-West routes for cargoes above 1,000 kg, rose to 88.3 in April which equates to an average rate of $2.86 per kg.
Letter for June 5, 2017 Having just been at the IATA IGHC where we had a plenary session on safety in the ground handling industry (summary here), I think a major focus has to be on the horrific staff turnover numbers in this industry.
Menzies just published their figures and I am led to understand that the numbers are not “outliers” by any means; indeed, they could even be on the lower side of average.
Top Panel Discussion So Far in 2017 @ CNS + Pumping Traffic Of all the air cargo discussion panels at all the industry trade shows and events in the first half of 2017, we think this one is the best.
Here’s why.
The Boston Consulting Group’s Partner & Managing Director Peter Ulrich adroitly moderated “Improving Efficiency, Speed, and Quality at U.S. Airports” at the recent CNS Partnership Conference in Orlando, Florida.
CNS 2017 Through The Looking Glass IATA Cargo Network Services (CNS) President Lionel Van Der Walt had it all on the table earlier this month. He hosted the U.S. cargo universe and industry conferees from around the world in Orlando, Florida at the first CNS Partnership Conference of his own making since being named CNS President.
Air Cargo Took Off Above The Himalayas + Pumping Traffic If you want to know exactly
when the defining time occurred
for air cargo in the 20th
century, and what led to
its development, just cast
a line back seventy two
years ago and you will discover
that modern air cargo was
born in India and China.
Ocean Mess Boosts Air Cargo + Pumping Traffic The global air cargo market has made a rather positive start to 2017.
As reported in FlyingTypers, the macro economic environment has been upbeat, with most key markets showing growth and demand on air via East-West freight lanes encouraging in both directions.
Lufthansa Eyes On Asia If you found the recent Air Cargo Europe a bit tight on breathing room, you will get no argument from us.
Just like many others, we spent time earlier this month walking the very narrow trade show aisles at Messe Munich.
Last year, the aisles at TIACA Paris (which probably could have used more business) felt as wide as runways.
Dnata Enters American Market Dnata (Emirates Group) acquired AirLogistix USA, which operates a 30K perishables cargo facility, handling operations at George Bush Intercontinental Airport Houston.
Airport Local Power Source Osteeflughafen Barth Airport is a regional facility serving the city of Strasund and the town of Barth Germany.
Opened by The Luftwaffe in 1936 and closed after WWII, today the Baltic Sea airport is utilized mainly for private aviation.
DHL So Far, So Good Air cargo demand has been strong so far in 2017 and the medium-term outlook is positive, not least as e-commerce services open up new opportunities, according to Ingo-Alexander Rahn, Global Head of Air Freight at DHL Global Forwarding.
He told FlyingTypers that so far this year, thanks to a “good performing world economy and growing consumer demand in China,” DHL was seeing strong demand for air freight.
The GST of India India’s logistics sector has been waiting since 2006 for the Goods and Services Tax (GST).
Now, the biggest hurdles—mostly from the states—have been overcome and the country would institute one single, uniform tax policy starting in July of this year.
Pat Thyself On Thy Back There are awards, and then there is how awards are accepted.
Here Prakash Karki of World Freight International (WFI) displays the celebration spirit we like after recently being named “2nd best cargo agent by Nepal Airlines for 2017”at Soaltee Crown Plaza in Kathmandu.
Fish Swim, Birds Got To Fly You don’t have to tell cargo people where there is a will there is a way, but launching a ‘Cessna 185 Float Plane’ from land only confirms our can-do spirit.
The Cessna came into Mitchinson’s Flight Center in Saskatoon, Canada, and was extensively overhauled at the inland facility.
The Trump Effect Pt. 5: Who Will Pilot The Airline Business After 100+ days, President Trump is still focused on his campaign promises to provide the U.S. with security, GNP growth, and improved infrastructure.
Politics have slowed down a few of his programs, but he seems to be on a positive flight path.
Awards Leave Some At A Loss Air Cargo Europe bestowed another blizzard of air cargo awards at its “Gala Dinner” in Munich last Wednesday.
Trade shows, industry organizations, and especially publications are handing out awards left and right.
There are awards for everything, from company of the year, to person of the year, to most influential, to lifetime service.
Emirates Group Posts Profits Emirates Group (EG) posted an AED 2.5 billion (U.S. $670 million) profit for the financial year ending March 31, 2017, down 70 percent from 2016.
Revenue reached AED 94.7 billion (U.S. $25.8 billion), an increase of 2 percent over last year’s results.
Emirates Group’s cash balance decreased by 19 percent to AED 19.1 billion (U.S. $5.2 billion) “mainly,” EG said, “due to the repayment of two bonds on maturity and ongoing high investments into its fleet and aircraft related assets.”
ATC At The Heart of GSSA A family affair! ATC Aviation is amongst the fastest growing most dynamic GSSAs on the planet and Ingo Zimmer ATC CEO (center back row) wants the world to know that it is “all about our people.”
“We also thank our partners, the expanding roster of airlines we represent from around the world.”
Emirates Lands Uptick For 2017 Jeffrey Van Haeften began his tenure as Emirates SkyCargo Vice President Cargo Global Sales having previously gained vital training in this ever-widening and specialized air cargo business at Martinair Holland, DHL Global Forwarding, and CEVA Logistics.
Trees Gave It Up For Daily Blah This week we picked up a copy of the “Official Air Cargo Europe” daily publication.
Printed on extra thick glossy stock, the issue felt and looked wonderful.
But then we got to thinking: how can the air cargo industry, which is attempting to project an image of sustainability, allow itself to be presented to the professionals (at ACE) in a series of printed issues that have the look and feel of having been printed on what remains of the Black Forest?
Lufthansa Cargo Joint Is Jumping At Air Cargo Europe United Airlines Cargo President Jan Krems (right) and Lufthansa Cargo Executive Board Member & CEO Peter Gerber (left) met and hosted an afternoon photo op on Tuesday to celebrate their joint venture.
Fast Jacques Seizes The Moment “The mood is very upbeat at this year’s gathering of Air Cargo Europe (ACE) in Munich.
“With every passing month, as the increase in business continues, the sentiment grows stronger that this expansion in world trade, and of volume growth exceeding capacity growth, may not be just a temporary correction but a long-term trend,” “Fast” Jacques Leijssenaar, Vice President, United Cargo Sales - EMEIA tells FlyingTypers as United and Lufthansa banner their new partnership at an ACE gathering on Tuesday.
Uli @ Qatar Airways Reimagines Cargo 2017 “Our rapid growth from 16th to 3rd position based on IATA’s FTK ranking in merely 5 years would not have been possible without the tremendous support from our global customer base.”
Qatar Airways Cargo Chief Cargo Officer Uli Ogiermann smiles, and his kind face lights up as he spins a tale of business and life coming together. Uli is the architect of an airline story for the ages.
On The Beat @ Air Cargo Europe The newsmaker out of Air Cargo Europe in Munich Tuesday is from IAG Cargo Commercial Director David Shepherd as he announces that IAG’s new long-haul, low-cost airline brand LEVEL will join cargo operations starting June 2017.
LEVEL will offer three new routes into the Americas operating from Barcelona, Shepherd said.
ATC Shines At Grand Expo Munich This Week “I believe in partnership and quality,” says Ingo Zimmer, CEO of fast- rising GSSA ATC Aviation. ATC is based in Germany at Cargo City SUD Frankfurt Airport.
“If airlines have good experience with us and our standards in Europe, they will be comfortable as we grow our offering elsewhere in the world including Europe, Africa, Asia, India, and in the Americas as well.”
The Fixer At American Airlines Cargo In today’s world of instant global communication, everybody has the ability to be a reporter. The modern world has offered up customer experiences for public consumption, turning the management of expectations into a delicate balancing act.
As American Airlines Cargo Director of Customer Experience, Eric Mathieu is a key force in walking that tightrope and securing the emerging air cargo fortunes at the world’s largest airline.
Look Who's Sporting The Maple Leaf For CNS last week in Orlando, Tim Strauss traded in his signature Hawaiian shirt for a new look: a straight suit with a maple leaf pin in his jacket lapel.
Tim was quite animated about his new post as VP Cargo at Air Canada (He joined April 3).
Another Day In Paradise Great to see our old friends at CNS last week, including that all-cargo pro and recently retired Emirates Cargo chief in North America, Ed Chism, (left) pictured here with Brendan Furlong, Cargo Sales Manager Global Accounts-The Americas, Emirates SkyCargo.
I'm The President! Can You Believe It? On Thursday, May 4, 2017, I got to be president for approximately 2 minutes. Despite my short tenure, I think I did a pretty good job. I didn’t destroy anyone’s health care, declare the female gender a pre-existing condition, or threaten the lives of immigrants! Go President Arend!
Why AA's Numbers Are Surging American Airlines Cargo delivered 13.8 percent year-on-year improvement in first-quarter traffic, rising to 619m cargo ton-miles, while revenues improved 6.2 percent to $172m.
Yields were lower as capacity and new destinations continued to be added to the AA system.
But measuring yields as they stand right now is not the story here.
Always Gentleman Dave “Gentleman” Dave Brooks retired as President of American Airlines Cargo a few years back, but he’s still one of the most likeable cargo guys we have ever known.
At the center of air cargo for decades, Dave was always unflappable. A quick wit complemented his calm demeanor and bright intelligence as he tackled the cargo fortunes of AA and worked to build the industry via the many organizations he supported including, of course, CNS.
The Finale That Was “The last three days here at CNS Partnership we talked about technology, innovation in the business, and what we need to do to as an industry to stay relevant.”
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo Although the weather is unseasonably cool, there’s a party happening today, as crowds fill Market Square—also known as El Mercado—in downtown San Antonio during the Annual Cinco de Mayo celebration. The party draws an average of 50,000 people.
May Day At CNS While the rest of the world celebrated May Day 2017, IATA Cargo Network Services (CNS) got down to business in Orlando, Florida, with a full slate of sessions at its 27th Annual Partnership Conference.
M&G Cool Chain Solution Cool chain shippers get wrapped for summer as New York-based M&G Packaging steps up as the exclusive distributer in North America for the DuPont Extreme Tyvek Thermal Cover.
These covers come in a variety of sizes and deliver an affordable, effective passive protection solution,” said M&G Packaging President Charles Rick.
Unmanned Conference Drones On The one-day “Unmanned Cargo Aircraft (UCA) Conference” will be held on June 13 at Maaspoort, an attractive concert and event center located in Venlo, the Netherlands.
Leave it to the inventive Dutch to launch an unmanned aircraft conference (now in its fourth year) from a place that can best be reached via flight to Dusseldorf, Germany, about 48 min (59.8 km) away from Venlo by car.
Orlando CNSLand This Week “Greetings from
beautiful Orlando, Florida. For those who do not know
me, I’m Lionel, your CNS President, proclaims
Lionel van der Walt.
“This is the first
CNS Partnership Conference I have had the privilege
to personally plan, and I just wanted to take a moment
to share the following thoughts as we get underway
addressing the critical issues of our industry and
network to build better relationships at this week’s
27th Annual CNS Partnership Conference, April 30-May
2, 2017.”
Air Cargo Demand Up “Air freight demand
out of Asia remained strong through the first quarter
and early indicators suggest Q2 will see more of the
same,” reports a
survey from APAC Forwarding Index, adding that “recent
and anticipated volumes on key lanes to and from the
region have been rising.”
EU Fine Hits Carriers Again Last month the European
Union levied a $835 million (776 million Euro) fine
on air cargo companies for colluding to fix the level
of fuel and security surcharges. It was first slapped
on Air Canada, Air France-KLM, British Airways, Cargolux,
Cathay Pacific Airways, Japan Airlines, LAN Chile, Martinair,
Qantas, SAS, and Singapore Airlines before a court threw
it out.
But down is
not out, so with a few tweaks in the legal language,
the European Union re-imposed the fines.
All About Airports Pt. 6: Halifax Air Gateway Drives Growth For most air passengers traveling between Europe and North America, a small airport on the eastern coast is the first or last landfall to be seen from 40,000 feet in the air. Today, Halifax Stanfield International Airport—which serves the Halifax municipality and a population of about 420,000—is busy building key partnerships to foster growth.
The President Show Premieres This Week This Thursday, April 27th, our very own Anthony Atamanuik debuts The President Show on Comedy Central. Described as a cross between President Roosevelt’s fireside chats and a late night talk show, The President Show continues Anthony’s crusade to lampoon the 45th President of the United States.
Clowdis Talks Rates Worth Rating
Not many analysts admit to being happily surprised by the markets they cover.
But U.S. veteran Charles ‘Chuck’ Clowdis has been telling it how he sees it for decades and mold breaking is not something he fears.
He told FlyingTypers that after years of same-same predictability in cargo markets change is, quite literally, in the air.
Emirates Hopped To It For Easter “Heart of My Heart,” the song goes. No doubt as Easter 2017 has just passed and Mother's Day approaches, the order of the day will be saying it with flowers.
We’re curious about what springtime and renewal means to air cargo.
Emirates SkyCargo’s Nabil Sultan openly admits that love is the thing for just about anything air cargo. That would include thinking about it and sharing his thoughts as well.
Landmark United & Lufthansa Cargo Alliance
United Airlines and Lufthansa Cargo have signed a joint venture agreement for extensive cargo cooperation on routes between the U.S. and Europe.
The cargo joint venture partners plan to provide a wide range of benefits to customers by cooperating on the availability of their capacity and aligning booking and handling processes.
From Rags To Riches Some people who manufacture ready-to-wear clothing refer to it as the “rag business” in conversational shorthand.
But when almost four tons of garments moved in a bonded truck from Tirupur to the Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL)— about a 5-and-a-half-hour road journey at a distance of 325-odd kilometers—the result was a rags-to-riches delivery without a stitch lost in time. It successfully showcased the innovative mindset of the private promoters of BIAL.
Vijay Grounded The Westminster Magistrates Court in London was the venue on Tuesday, April 18, 2017, as Scotland Yard apprehended Indian business tycoon Vijay Mallya on behalf of authorities in India, where he is wanted on charges of money laundering.
Too Cool McCool Honored Air cargo great Sean McCool (pictured here with his son Ian in Dublin at the FIATA World Congress last year) was honored in Ireland last month at the 8th Annual Logistics & Transport Awards Gala for his role as a true pioneer in Irish transportation.
Today Sean McCool is Chairman of International Airline Marketing Limited (IAM).
Qatar Has What It Takes For Africa
“Africa, a continent with 54 countries and more than 200 languages, has tremendous potential and is a very important market,” Qatar Airways Cargo Chief Cargo Officer Uli Ogiermann told FlyingTypers.
“Air freight in this continent has been growing year-on-year and we have seen some solutions to several challenges that previously impeded the continent’s export-import trade.”
CNS Orlando Up Next Spring is here and as April inexorably turns into May, IATA’s Cargo Network Services (CNS) team is busy making final preparations for the big 27th CNS Partnership Conference to be held at Grande-Lakes Orlando, Florida, from April 30-May 2.
While anticipation builds as the air cargo industry heads for another opening, CNS President Lionel Van Der Walt is at full pitch to deliver the best Partnership ever.
Short Haul Unplugged Travelers sitting inside an aircraft may very soon be looking outside their airplane window during normal ramp activity pre-flight, watching cargo airmail being loaded as the jet way to the main deck retreats and doors are closed and locked.
All pretty normal stuff until someone announces that the batteries are completely charged and the aircraft is ready to rotate.
A Taste For Trucks Decorated with numerous road signs, the well-known road transport hall at the Museum of Transport in Lucerne, Switzerland, (a quick one-hour jaunt from Zurich) welcomed a new collection of classic trucks that once roamed wide and free all over this part of the world.
India & Malaysia Ramp Accord The recent six-day visit of Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak to India came at an opportune moment: this year marks the 60th anniversary of India-Malaysia diplomatic relations and emphasizes the success of India’s Look East, Act East policy.
ABC A to Z “Since AirBridgeCargo Airlines (ABC) launched its first route in the U.S. in 2011, we have consistently grown our network and volumes by listening to our customers and providing the level of capacity they need to and from major North American cargo gateways,” declares Vince Ryan, recently promoted to ABC Vice President, North and South America.
Wags The Dog When the “tail wags the dog,” it means a secondary factor has come to dominate a situation and the usual roles are reversed.
Lufthansa Cargo and DHL Express delivered a working partnership based at Leipzig. Their start up, Aerologic Cargo, introduced by Carsten Spohr in 2009 when he was CEO of Lufthansa Cargo, now operates eight new generation B777 freighters (and growing).
Alexandra Brands Swiss WorldCargo “We look forward to Alexandra Dahl-Augustin serving as Swiss World Cargo Senior Manager Head of Marketing and Communications, leading our efforts to position and enhance our brand’s promise and values,” said Ashwin Bhat, Head of Swiss WorldCargo.
Swiss WorldCargo Positive For 2017
“2016
was a year of growth for Swiss WorldCargo,” declared Ashwin Bhat,
Head of Cargo, “and we have invested in the future: during 2016
we introduced into service six Boeing 777-300ER aircraft in addition to
three Bombardier C series aircraft. This growth continues into 2017, in
the 1st quarter of this year we have welcomed into our fleet another two
777.
“Thanks to the continued support of our partners and customers,
we could utilize the additional capacity within our network as per our
expectation, despite a tough business environment.”
India Exports Nano BREXIT Impact “The challenge now is for Britain to develop closer trade, investment, and academic links with countries like India. This will have to be led by the Indian diaspora...” That was Uday Dholakia, Chairman of the Indo-British Trade Council on the Brexit effect and India. He went on to mention that a change had come—he referred to it as a “paradigm shift”—in the manner in which Indian entrepreneurs were doing business since language did not pose a barrier any more.
CEVA Mix & Match Matrix A decade ago when TNT Logistics changed its name to CEVA Logistics, the brand became a four-letter word because, as the company said, “creating a brand name with four letters rather than three allows us to stand apart from TNT, UPS and DHL.”
Like its global competitors, the company has also instituted a strong, color-based brand identity: the logo developed is a deep burgundy that sets it apart from TNT’s orange, FedEx’s purple, DHL’s yellow, and UPS’s brown.
Lady Lynne Steps Up At IAG Cargo
Someone once asked Lynne Embleton what she would be doing now if she weren’t in the airline business.
Ms. Embleton smiled and said:
"My MSc project was on the mathematics of cheese making, so perhaps I’d have a cheddar business!”
Trump Effect Pt. 4 - Trump & The Airlines It’s been almost three months since President Trump took office and he is 100 percent focused on his three primary goals: security, improving the U.S. economy to at least a 3.0 GNP, and revitalizing infrastructure. President Trump is learning how to operate with the political system, as was evident in his recent failure to overhaul the U.S. Affordable Health Care System called Obamacare.
Two For Asia EMO Trans opened new offices in Asia, including EMO Trans China Ltd., branch offices in Chengdu on January 1, and Beijing on March 13.
“Both of our newest locations are strategically focused to support our clients’ growing traffic in these areas,” President and CEO Marco Rohrer told FlyingTypers.
Why Are These Two Smiling?
Brussels Airport all-pro executive Jean-Claude Delen, who also serves the air cargo community as FIATA treasurer and board member, does not wear a green eyeshade or garters on his sleeves, as some traditional moneymen and bank accountants once did.
But JC—as everyone calls the amiable and easy going gentleman—does, like all moneymen, reflect a somewhat serious nature.
Krishnan Addresses The Troops At FIATA Headquarters Session in Zurich last week, Federation of Malaysian Freight Fowarders Deputy President Krishnan Chelliah outlines venue and program for the FIATA World Congress, held in Kuala Lumpur on October 4-8, 2017.
Too Cool For School Emirates SkyFresh jumps out in April offering some new and innovative solutions that appear to fit nicely with the advanced infrastructure in Dubai and the carrier’s global force of wide-bodied aircraft. At the top of the list, the “SkyFresh Ventilated Cool Dolly” offers to fill your airway bill for perishables that require constant circulation of fresh cool air.
Circle In The Square As we departed the beautiful 600-year-old Haus Zum Rüden dinner palace and walked back to our hotel through the darkened streets of Zurich last Saturday evening, our small band (Francesco Parisi, Robert and Ginger Voltmann, and Stephen “Steve the Aussie” Morris) came upon a quiet cobblestone square with a circular fountain bubbling into the night.
“They often have outdoor events here in nice weather and utilize this fountain and pool as a centerpiece by dispensing wine from the fountain,” Robert said.
A View From The Top
A quiet moment at FIATA Headquarters Session in Zurich on Thursday shows (from left) Director General Marco Sorgetti, President Huxiang Zhao, and Treasurer Jean-Claude Delen taking a break between meetings.
Lady Powerhouse Spotlights Kuala Aldia Lai is a powerhouse presence at the 2017 FIATA Headquarters Session in Zurich.
Director of Strategic Development at MCI Management Malyasia, Aldia is focused as FIATA World Congress is on tap and readies its grand annual event coming this October 4-8 in Kuala Lumpur.
The Two Amigos FIATA HQ 2017 reveals one important reality: all swords are checked at the door as a large cadre of meeting attendees search for better cooperation and procedures for both air and ocean cargo transportation.
FIATA Fresh At Headquarters Session 2017
FIATA is gathering in Zürich, Switzerland, today March 30 until April 2 for its Annual Global Headquarters Session.
Several meetings of various educational and outreach efforts mark the event.
FIATA also includes executive board meetings and other encounters as it maps out the future of the organization in the near and long term.
Asia Numbers Sally Forth Air freight demand out of Asia has resurged after the Chinese New Year factory shutdown in February, with rates soaring from some destinations this month in part due to a shortage of freighters. Indeed, early indicators suggest that 2017 has seen a much brighter start for demand than a year earlier.
Lufthansa At A Loss “We will discuss the MD-11 rollover at the end of this year,” said Peter Gerber, Lufthansa Cargo CEO as he met the press in Frankfurt yesterday.
Lufthansa said that it handled 1.6 million tons of cargo during 2016, a 0.7% decline.
The carrier is dressing up around the edges of its Frankfurt cargo hub operations, adding rather than replacing the entire hub, as once planned.
EMO Trans 2017 Steady As She Goes
EMO Trans President Marco Rohrer paints a cautious but openly optimistic future for the global logistics service company.
Addressing a packed house at the beautiful Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort where EMO Trans conducted its Annual Global Meeting last week, Mr. Rohrer noted that while business has been challenging, EMO Trans’ 2016 results and expansion moves have been quite positive.
The EMO Trans Mosaic The EMO Trans Mosaic is a collection of transportation specialists from around the world who have gathered together to form a resourceful, expansive global resource.
Here, we share some thoughts with folks from Europe, Africa, South America, and Asia.
Keeping Track of APAC Cathy Roberson (above) of Logistics Trends & Insights along with Mike King & Associates are developing a new service tracking logistics trends in Asia Pacific. It’s called The APAC Forwarding Confidence Index.
The index will track monthly opinion from forwarders, logistics providers, carriers, and shippers within Asia-Pacific and by way of international freight movements.
Remembering Jimmy Breslin Jimmy Breslin died on Sunday, March 19. He was 88 years old.
That name might mean nothing to you, but Jimmy was New York City’s greatest tabloid columnist reporter.
Damon Runyun is another name you should know— together, they were the two best Gotham beat writers during the 20th century.
In 1986, Breslin won a Pulitzer Prize for columns he wrote in the New York Daily News.
Trump Across The Pacific
The Trump Presidency and, more specifically, what it means for trade and logistics, is befuddling analysts and industry insiders. Investors in U.S. stock markets seem certain that a pro-business government determined to boost exports, employment, and manufacturing and increase spending on infrastructure will benefit transport demand across the modes.
FIATA Delivers The World Just ahead of its annual Headquarters Session in Zurich on March 31, The International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA) announced 31 new members had joined the organization in February 2017.
Ghana topped the list with the most companies added from one country.
Flowering World Of AFKL A slew of factors helped elongate last year’s peak season and could bring further prosperity in 2017, according to one of Europe’s leading cargo airlines.
As reported in FlyingTypers in several past issues, freight rates surged during the fourth quarter of 2016 after a poor first half year. According to a spokesperson for Air France KLM Martinair Cargo (AFKLMP), multiple factors combined to produce the resurgence after almost a decade of weak or short peak seasons.
United Cargo Unlocks PetSafe At WCS
Abu Dhabi Exclusive—High fliers reached for the skies Thursday in Abu Dhabi as United Cargo President Jan Krems delivered the welcome address for the “Flying High – Safeguarding Animal Safety and Welfare” track at the IATA World Cargo Symposium.
Jan reached out to FlyingTypers to speak about the rewards and the challenges of transporting live animals.
Quote Of The Day “Our global group including our network partners achieves revenues of hundereds of millions of dollars. That gives us enormous buying power as long as we are able to bundle our purchasing efforts.”
New Faces Jumpstart CNS Partnership A different experience is on deck for the second big air cargo conference of 2017.
While some of the faces will undoubtedly be familiar to regular conference attendees, the vast majority of the speakers are unique. This year also introduces a varied and inventive new program.
Brexit Not Peachy Keen British International Freight Organization (BIFA) Director General Robert Keen (above) will co-chair a Brexit Briefing at Multimodal 2017 held in Birmingham, England, April 4-6.
EMO Trans Lands At Amelia Island
EMO Trans is readying its big Annual Meeting. This year, it brings the world of EMO to a paradise destination called Amelia Island, located near Jacksonville, Florida, beginning this Friday March 17. FlyingTypers caught up with Jenni Frigger-Latham, EMO Trans Vice President, Sales & Marketing, who offered a preview of the grand event.
Biggest Infrastructure Project In History Of Turkey “Istanbul New Airport, the greatest infrastructure project in the history of Turkey, opens its first phase in quarter one 2018, offering unbeatable competitive advantages over the Gulf airline hubs,” declared IGA Airport Operation CEO Hüseyin Keskin (pictured above). The builder and airport operator, IGA Airport Operation is currently attending Marché International des Professionnels d'Immobilier (Mipim) property market meetings in Cannes, France, this week.
Boston Has The Seafood, Mama Seafood Expo North America and Seafood Processing North America will soon launch its annual show next week (March 19-21, 2017) at Boston Convention & Exhibition Center in Boston, Massachusetts, one of the best annual shows for business leads, business decisions, and just plain fun. The events boasts more than 19,000 visitors and 1,000 exhibits from more than 100 countries.
A Great Day For The Irish There may always be an Ireland, and beyond that lovely prospect, always hundreds of parades around the world to celebrate March 17th.
But from 11:00 a.m. until about 3:00 p.m. on an island called Manhattan, a green stripe runs down the middle of Fifth Avenue from 44th to 86th Street for The St. Patrick’s Day Parade, one of New York City’s greatest traditions.
On St. Patrick’s Day a kind of wonderful delirium takes over Gotham.
Everyone is Irish!
Alexis Youth & Vigor Drives Lufthansa 2017
It’s been just over two years since December 1, 2014, when Dr. Alexis von Hoensbroech took the reins as Board Member Products & Sales of Lufthansa Cargo AG.
But while the “twos” are a traditionally terrible period for growing up, it appears Alexis has handled himself with grace and aplomb whilst undoubtedly discovering that air cargo is a horse of a different
color.
On The Marco World Cargo Symposium (Abu Dhabi) As IATA's Annual Airline Cargo Meeting, now branded World Cargo Symposium, kicks off in Abu Dhabi today, March 13, amidst a gaggle of press, glitz, and enough back-to-back and belly-to-belly sessions (some running concurrently over a three-day period) to induce vertigo or maybe even nausea, FlyingTypers looks to the day that counts at this event above all the others. On Tuesday, March 14, everybody is in the same room at the same time for the Opening Plenary.
Trip Advisor For Air Cargo “Several seminars around the world were held to better understand the needs of the customers and create an engaging user experience,” stated a press release as Swiss World Cargo unveiled a revamped http://www.swissworldcargo.com.
Changes include expanded shipper-friendly features, like Track ‘n’ Trace.
Delta DASH Goes GPS At presstime Flying Typers learned that Gareth Joyce, President Cargo, Delta Air Lines will take on global responsibility for airport customer service worldwide (above and below wing) in addition to his role as President Cargo.
And The Bull Blinked
On Tuesday March 7, State Street Global Advisors, the world’s third-largest asset manager paid for and installed a bronze statue of a defiant girl in front of Wall Street’s iconic bull statue. Artist Kristen Visbal created the sculpture.
State Street is campaigning to increase gender diversity on company boards and believes that more women will improve company performance and increase shareholder value.
To The Top Of American Airlines Cargo He speaks fluent Japanese, spends his time off as an award-winning amateur photographer, is an avid reader and often is out on the ski slopes as a Schuss-booming downhill racer.
High-flying Rick Elieson, a 20-year veteran with American Airlines who most recently oversaw a USD$3 billion operation across 40 countries as VP – Global Partner Marketing, has been named President of American Cargo.
Trump Effect Pt. 3 - USA Readies Reset After 145 years, Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus will close at the end of this season because animal welfare activists have successfully complained about the mistreatment of their elephants.
This circus has been called the “Greatest Show On Earth.”
Now President Trump’s Trump Effect—led by the Republican Party, whose branding symbol is an elephant—has been labeled “The Greatest Show On Earth” by the New York Post.
Nordic Cargo Summit Grooves 10th Outing The 10th Nordic Air Cargo Symposium is being held March 29-30, 2017, at Crowne Plaza in Copenhagen, Denmark.
“Actually, the event is not so Nordic as you may imagine,” said Lars-Gunnar Comen, (right) Director of Euroavia International, which puts on the event.
“Normally we have around 180-200 delegates from 20-25 countries, including North America.”
Global Britain And India Pact The UK and India recently concluded a new aviation pact in New Delhi. Among other attributes, the new pact eases restrictions on the number of scheduled flights between the two countries.
In what can be considered a big boost to trade—post-Brexit—the limits on flights from key Indian cities (including Chennai and Kolkata) have been scrapped.
Building new links with important trading partners is a key part of both governments’ plans for a Global Britain, opening up new export markets and creating jobs and economic growth.
Great One-Day Cargo Meet At JFK I remember once upon a time sitting and watching the air cargo come and go from the basement of a small hotel named The Jade East. It was located on a street with the decidedly unromantic name of South Conduit Blvd. at John F. Kennedy International Airport.
The Jade East was a “short stay” hotel. People would discreetly park out back and slip in and out of the place 24/7.
Long Road To Tomorrow: The BioFuel Story, Pt. 1
Right now, despite global society’s best hopes and dreams for a green world, only a small (albeit growing) number of daily flights in commercial aviation utilize biofuels.
Just click this global biofuel flight map and see for yourself.
United Airlines, SAS, KLM, Lufthansa and some others have marshaled scheduled biofueled flights, which measured against global airline operations are a modest first step in the right direction.
Atlanta EZ Truck Pass Standard of the World
March 1 is a Red Letter Day for Atlanta, Georgia, air cargo, as Hartsfield Jackson International Airport stands above the crowd and makes sense of trucking operations supporting the South Cargo Area of the big airport.
Reality Check For High Fliers For two days in November 2016, an ABX Air pilot strike grounded flights for DHL and Amazon. Last week, ABX pilots and the airline—owned by Air Transport Services Group (ATSG)—reached a settlement agreement that returns the pilots’ right to take compensatory days when they are forced to work on off days covering flights due to staffing shortages.
South African Forwarders Leading The Way “Africa is a large and diverse continent, and the venue for the FIATA World Congress in 2019,” reports David Logan, CEO of the South African Association of Freight Forwarders (SAAFF).
“This is a continent with massive reserves of natural resources and a fertile environment that allows for the cost effective production of food.”
Groundbreaking President Zhao
When current FIATA President Zhao Huxiang was elected to his two-year post in 2015 he readied to assume command of the giant global organization as the 54th FIATA World Congress met in Chinese Taipei.
Mr. Zhao, who hails from Beijing where he serves as Chairman of the giant, 50,000-employee strong SINOTRANS, is the first President of FIATA from Mainland China.
Trump Effect: Part 2 The first 38 days under President Trump have made it obvious that this President will do everything possible to maintain his campaign promises, which are basically increasing the security of the U.S., growing the U.S. economy (and hence jobs), and rebuilding the U.S. infrastructure.
Life Is Uncertain, Eat Dessert First The innovative one-day Annual World Trade Day event in Atlanta is briefly available for only $99. The Early Bird Pricing ends tomorrow, February 28.
The World Trade Center of Atlanta at Georgia International Convention Center hosts the 1st Annual World Trade Day on May 7, 2017.
A Cut Above The twice-weekly Qatar Airways B777F freighter service into Miami we reported on February 1 may need only two people on the bridge to fly it, but five of the willing made sure the new service received a proper welcome here.
Mahé Mahé As ATC Goes Air Seychelles ATC Aviation Services tops Africa, landing Air Seychelles as its GSSA in Germany.
Air Seychelles Business Development General Manager Freddy Karkaria and ATC Aviation CEO Services Ingo Zimmer are pictured from left as the deal was signed at Air Cargo Africa this week.
Fat Tuesday Tomorrow February 28 is “Fat Tuesday” in many parts of the world, with celebrations including a series of big Mardi Gras Parades in cities across the U.S., ending the last day before the beginning of The Lenten Season that leads up to Eastertide.
"Unstoppable" United Cargo Saddles Up For The Long Ride
“Unstoppable” United Cargo saddled up for the long ride as more than 300 United Cargo team members from 36 countries on five continents came together recently in sunny Houston for their annual Worldwide Meeting.
This was a distinct change in climate – previously the team has gathered every February in cold, snowy Chicago.
Weekend View Here is a lovely recollection and look ahead at airports.
A quarter century ago, Geoffrey talked about airports in his book Great Airports Worldwide, an 800-page opus created for ACI that included complete histories of 131 global aerial gateways.
Here, in less than an hour, is an inside look at the past and future.
Welcome to the airport.
Implications Of A Trump Trade War Wolfgang Lehmacher, Head of Supply Chain and Transport Industry at the World Economic Forum USA, told FlyingTypers that supply chain managers should hope for the best but prepare for the worst under the new Trump Administration.
Worlds Of Discovery This video shows the possible surface of TRAPPIST-1f, one of the newly discovered planets in the TRAPPIST-1 system.
Scientists using the Spitzer Space Telescope and ground-based telescopes have discovered there are seven Earth-size planets in the system.
President's Day Monday, February 21, was President’s Day in the United States.
President’s Day is a rebooted name for what Americans once celebrated as George Washington (February 22) and Abraham Lincoln’s (February 12) birthday.
FIATA Talks World Trade 2017
With free trade increasingly challenged on several fronts in recent times and in the light of recent trends observed in U.S. trade policies (as well as in other countries), FIATA is speaking out to reconvene the benefits of the open, liberal, and global trading system which has been built in the last few decades and has ensured better living conditions to the vast majority of humanity.
Africa Is A Multinational Opportunity Right now, much of air cargo’s attention is focused on a trade show taking place in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Air cargo, we’ve noticed, always seems to meet either in Nairobi or South Africa.
There is no doubt that both these locations are world class and offer a valuable wealth of information and opportunities to network. In a few short years, attendees have learned more about the dark continent than many of us had known in 70-plus years of air cargo.
Delta Africa Begins Second Decade
Often, the first question asked of an airline is “where do you fly?”
Surely, when he returns to his old hometown for Air Cargo Africa this week, Delta Cargo’s President and top executive Gareth Joyce will be answering that and other questions, probably regarding other hopes, plans, and dreams.
Africa Rising With added focus on Africa during Black History Month in America, we check in with SWISS WorldCargo, sharing an overview from top cargo professionals on the scene including Alexander Arafa, Head of Area and Contribution Management, and Shankar Iyer, Regional Manager Africa, Middle East, and India.
The Emirates Difference Takes Hold Jeffrey Van Haeften began his tenure as Vice President Cargo Global Sales at Emirates SkyCargo almost two years ago, having previously gained some vital training in this ever-widening and specialized air cargo business at Martinair Holland, DHL Global Forwarding, and CEVA Logistics.
The Trump Effect: India Walks Softly, Carries A Big Stick U.S. President Donald Trump has been causing quite a bit of apprehension in Indian business circles. Captains of industry refer to President Trump pointing an accusatory finger at India and China as a precursor to taking away U.S.’s business.
American Is Everyone's Valentine The first part of February is traditionally one of air cargo’s busiest seasons regarding the shipment of fresh cut flowers, thanks to the Valentine’s Day holiday.
From field to store, these precious goods will eventually make it to the hands of many loved ones across the world.
Urge To Surge Bounceback 2017
“It was a stunning last quarter and December was a surprise for us all in terms of demand and pricing,” one leading air freight forwarder in Asia told FlyingTypers. “I think we’ll see seasonal fluctuations in Q1, but most of the PMIs and new export order figures are good for 2017 and that’s what customers are also telling us about their own businesses. Demand seems quite firm. So far, so good.”
Valentine's And Moonbeams It took until February 9 and a late winter storm for the tree and the light in New York City to come together.
So with the plug still near the socket, we fired up our glorious and now thunder-snow frosted blue spruce, which came alive, lighting up the landscape as it danced out in the cold, snowy night.
Nepal Disaster Only A Motion Away As the two-year anniversary of the catastrophic earthquake that ravaged Nepal approaches, authorities are taking steps to improve preparedness for future disasters at two key Nepali airports. DHL leads the international effort to build up disaster resilience in the Himalayan country.
Changed Lives - Nepal Disaster
On the scene post-Nepal’s 2015 humanitarian disaster, our reporter Mike ‘Sky’ King was so exasperated with the ineffectiveness of the relief efforts that he started working with a brave teenager named Suman Khadka, who took it upon himself to help his devastated village. This became a charity called Suman’s Story – Direct Aid for Nepal, which has received global media coverage for its efforts.
Brave Bessie Blazes A Trail In America, February celebrates Black History Month and March celebrates Women’s History Month, which beggars the question of where to place someone as historically significant as Bessie Coleman.
Qatar Round Robin Adds Miami On Monday February 13, Qatar Cargo launches two weekly B777F cargo flights between Doha, Qatar and Miami International Airport.
The inaugural of the carrier’s cargo operation at Building 706 features a ribbon cutting and water cannon salute as the aircraft arrives from Quito.
Big Brown Keeps B747 In Business
Make no mistake, 2017 will see air freight forwarding markets resurging, with much of the expansion likely due to heightened activity on lanes to and from Asia, according to a senior UPS executive.
Big Brown’s Sebastian Chan, President of Global Freight Forwarding, UPS Asia Pacific Region, told FlyingTypers that after a difficult first three quarters of 2016 in international air freight markets, positive Q4 offered hope for long-term optimism.
One From The Heart Saudia Cargo said it has renewed its agreement for highly specialized human organ transportation for the Saudi Center for Organ Transplantation.
The Center’s Director General, Dr. Faisal Shaheen, and Saudia Cargo Chief Executive Officer Mr. Nabil Khojah recently concluded the new agreement, continuing a partnership of time-critical transportation for transplantaton in effect since January 2014.
Parisi Moving Forward Since 1778
It is not all that often one has the opportunity to speak to a leader charged with the responsibility and legacy of a legendary multi-modal company, but that is exactly what occurred when we spoke to Francesco Parisi in Zurich earlier this year.
Mr. Parisi is CEO of Parisi Group, a freight forwarding and shipping agency founded in 1807 in Trieste by Francesco Parisi (1778-1813).
Hoon Over Moon As Changi Rebounds
Changi finally returned to significant growth in 2016 after a decade of negligible gains.
Last year the Singapore hub, which Airports Council International rated the 10th largest globally in 2015, handled a record 1.97 million tons, a 6.3 percent increase compared to a year earlier. An 8.4 percent year-on-year surge in December surely aided the positive result.
Qatar Goes Long, Adds Pharma Flights “We are extremely proud to be the only international air cargo carrier to offer dedicated A330-F Pharma Express flights to the world’s major pharmaceutical and healthcare industry hubs,” said Qatar Airways Chief Cargo Officer Uli Oggiermann. The carrier added an additional weekly (Friday) frequency starting February 3, operating from Basel to Doha.
Get Off Your Duff & See This Stuff
It's been described as an international social salad network, which sounds like a fairly modern and anachronistic term for a company that first began in De Lier, southern Netherlands, in 1924.
A family company, Rijk Zwaan develops vegetable varieties and produces seeds sold to farmers around the world. Today it holds an approximate 8 percent share of the global market.
The company refines more than 25 kinds of vegetables, including lettuce, tomato, cucumber, peppers, and cabbage.
CNS Takes Air Cargo Main Deck
“Without a doubt,” Cargo Network Services (CNS) President Lionel van der Walt declares, “The year 2017 will bring unprecedented change in USA.
“It’s still unclear how all this change will unfold and impact our industry.
“As with most things, I expect some of it will be to our benefit and some will not.”
DFW Finds Missing Link Dallas Fort Worth International (DFW) Airport will soon install a cold chain facility, operational this summer. AirLogistix USA will operate the new facility. “The DFW gateway has the advantage of being located in the central United States, which helped drive our expansion into North Texas,” Ray Brimble, President and CEO of Lynxs Group, owner of AirLogistix USA, told FT.
I Told You So
As Cargo Network Services (CNS) gathered in 2015for its 25th Annual “Partnership Conference,” in Orlando, Florida, a private survey of a representative group of air freight forwarders and cargo agents disclosed the existence of widespread doubts in IATA’s core adherence to the principle of the airline-intermediary “partnership.”
Amazon Building Mega CVG Hub
Amazon’s ambitious supply chain infrastructure investments, which have seen it build up a formidable global network of warehouses, forwarding, delivery, and air freight capacity at breakneck pace are, to say the least, showing no signs of slowing.
FlyingTypers King Of Supply Chain Editors Flying Typers Senior Editor Mike ‘Sky’ King was awarded the 2016 Seahorse Supply Chain “Journalist of the Year” Trophy in London in December from Gillian Smyth, Director of Marketing & Strategy at the American Bureau of Shipping.
SkyKing beat off global competition for the award from both the trade and mainstream press, Mike impressed the judges with this “thorough dissection of Amazon’s investments in its supply chain capability in a series of articles for Air Cargo News/Flying Typers earlier this year.
India Agents CASS Smackdown
The CASS (Cargo Accounts Settlement System) of International Air Transport Association (IATA) continues to be in the spotlight in India. FT readers might remember the heated controversy it created during an international air cargo show in Mumbai a few years ago.
Torno Moves On, Butler Moves Up
Senior Vice President of International and Cargo at American Airlines Art Torno steps down after a stellar 38-year career at the carrier, drawing praise from AA CEO Doug Parker.
Wins Again HKIA Busts Loose Leading handlers at the world’s largest international freight hub expect the good times to continue rolling in 2017.
Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) set a swathe of new records in 2016. Passenger and flight movements reached all-time highs while air cargo throughput rose 3.2 percent year-on-year to 4.52 million tons to maintain the hub’s position as the world’s leading freight airport.
Emo Trans Leads 2017
The fast-growing and innovative global logistics provider EMO Trans just debuted a new interactive website.
While EMO Chairman Jo Frigger is cautious and closely watches the developing business worldwide, he takes a long look forward into the year ahead and comes up optimistic.
Goodbye Obama, Hello Trump
Our very own Anthony Atamanuik is performing his singular Trump impersonation on February 4 at Kallang Theater in Singapore. The show, called “Goodbye, Obama, Hello, Trump” lampoons both presidential figures and features two of the best impersonators in the field—Anthony Atamanuik (Donald Trump) and Reggie Brown (Barack Obama).
Great Again Ahead of CNY
Air and ocean rates were buoyant on healthy demand ahead of the Chinese New Year (CNY) festivities, which officially start on January 28.
Reports from China suggest that some factory production lines have already closed down, while analysts are now suggesting that rising demand for both ocean and air services ahead of CNY might continue at above average levels, when shipments hit full swing again in late February. Could the rate increases of late December at sea and in the skies continue through Q1? It depends who you ask.
Onwards Into 2017
Asked to submit a report card on 2016, Volga-Dnepr Group’s Marketing & Sales Senior Vice President Robert van de Weg puts it on the line:
“2016 was a challenging year. We lived through a long period over the summer where supply outstripped demand, but I am pleased to say the peak season was very strong for us, so the year ended on a high note.” Robert declared.
So Smart It's Stupid
SmartKargo went live to support cargo business processes for Wingspan Group, which represents Air Asia India.
“SmartKargo provides all necessary software to perform complex air cargo functions literally out-of-the-box,” said Wingspan Group Chairman & Managing Director Neeraj Rathi.
FIATA Pushes Future Of Air Cargo
Lofty goals aside, the promise of cooperation is solidifying as the IATA FIATA Air Cargo program (IFACP) announced at the 90th FIATA Annual Conference in October last year in Dublin, Ireland, moves into reality.
Although many people may step back a bit with a weathered eye and a wait and see attitude, don’t cast any doubt about moving this program forward into overdrive because Joana Nunes Coelho, Executive President of Associação dos Transitários de Portugal - APAT (Freight Forwarders Association of Portugal), doesn’t have time for it.
Rousing Finish Big Moves At AA Cargo
“For
American Airlines Cargo, 2016 was a year
full of accomplishments—and we’re
proud to say it,” AA Cargo President
Jim Butler told FlyingTypers.
“Our
success really underscores that the investments
we made to improve our operation delivered
real value.
“We
introduced infrastructure and process enhancements,
backed by the strategic investments we made
in our aircraft and network.
“All
in all, we’ve been consistently delivering
an exceptional operational experience with
support from our remarkable field teams,
product specialists, and Customer Experience
groups.”
Business Vox Pop Looks At Asia 2017
FlyingTypers’ “voxpop” of Asia’s leading air freight forwarding executives finds optimism for 2017 across the industry…
Leading air freight forwarders predict a strong start to next year after an encouraging end to 2016. But much depends on continuing strong growth on Asian lanes.
Trump Effect On Cargo
Will President-elect Donald Trump’s new trade policies affect air cargo if enacted? I believe the answer is YES. But the real question is whether the effect will be positive or negative. With any major change, the outcome can be mixed.
The Donald & Me
These days, it seems everybody has a Donald Trump story.
Here is mine.
U.S. President-Elect Donald Trump grew up a few blocks from our home in Queens, New York. I recall holding the door at the nearby Key Food Supermarket for his mother a few times.
United Bellies To Top Of The World
United Cargo President Jan Krems looks to the past and future as 2017 takes wing, declaring:
“[I’m] pleased to report that 2016 was a very successful year for United Cargo, and what is also noteworthy is a global industry trend that strengthened as 2016 progressed.
“For the first time in several years, there were signs of widespread growth in the global freight market.”
Old Is New For Ethiopian
Ethiopian Airlines continues celebrating its 70th birthday in 2017, having been founded with partner Trans World Airlines (TWA) in 1946. The carrier operates one of the youngest modern air fleets in the world (averaging 5.5 years) with 82 aircraft including A350s, B777s, and B787 Dreamliners.
The Importance Of Jan Meurer
The artist Paul Simon wrote, “The mother and child reunion, is only a motion away.”
As we get older that meaning extends to include friends who once were front and center in our everyday life, but somehow have melted away in the swirl of creeping years and geography.
Another truism you may have heard: “When you are old and it's cold and nobody cares much if you live or die, the one consolation is a bit of money that may get you by.”
Goods Go Deep As Oceans Rebound Ocean container shipping fundamentals are quickly regaining balance, helping boost freight rates on either side of the new year, heralding improved returns for shipping lines and higher prices for shippers in 2017.
The traditional holiday season before and after New Year is usually characterized by a slump in ocean container shipping freight rates as demand from key markets dims after the build-up of retailer inventories before the festivities. Not this year, though.
Smack Dab In Supply Chain Middle Mile
The “middle mile” is a common term used in the broadband Internet industry to describe connectivity between the core network and the local network. While not a term common to the perishables logistics supply chain, I believe it conceptualizes a host of valuable and necessary activities performed in the middle of the supply chain that are key for safe and successful transit of perishables goods around the world.
Uplifting Reports Of Cargo Surge In 2017 FlyingTypers conducted multiple interviews with forwarders and airline executives that paint a cautiously optimistic picture of air freight demand this year. But it was only as the festive spirit hit full swing that meat was put on the metaphoric bones of late 2016, offering a more detailed insight into what might be expected in early 2017.
dnata 2017 Growth Despite Tough Year
dnata’s UAE operations continued an exponential pattern of growth in 2016, reaching new heights despite a challenging year.
dnata closed the year with 419,133 tons of cargo at DXB—a monthly average of 46,570 tons and an eight percent increase from the previous year.
Why FIATA Malaysia Matters “A round table at some recent FIATA discussions in Guangzhou afforded the privilege of hearing a analogy comparing the current global economy to aircraft taking off from Africa, China, and the Western developed nations.
“Take off from Africa is flat. In China, aircraft takeoff is currently at full power as aircraft burst into the sky and alas, for Western nations takeoffs are also flat...”
Turhan Özen Rides The Rocket
As January 2017 begins, Turhan Özen steps up as Chief Cargo Officer at Turkish Cargo Istanbul. He brings with him success and key expertise of the pharma business collected from his time at CEVA Logistics in Dubai, where he had served as head of their global healthcare sector since its launch in 2015.
Uli Uli Home Free
What happens when a well-seasoned, former head of Cargolux and one-time champion President of The International Cargo Association (TIACA) leverages his great leadership skills for the betterment of air cargo?
In this tale, that person lands the job of a lifetime, which is exactly what happened whenMr. Ulrich Ogiermann took the reigns as Chief Officer Cargo of Qatar Airways a few years ago.
Face To Face 2017 We’re launching 2017 with a look at some of the air cargo industry events and trade shows coming up in the year ahead.
But before you consider these options, many of which will be far-flung depending on where you are based, please consider the organized air cargo activity taking place right in your own backyard. It’s important to the industry as a whole that we all get involved with our local airport or transportation industry club or association!
Delta 2017 Looks Like A Very Good Year
Talk about a baptism by fire.
One day Gareth Joyce is sailing down a long ribbon highway as president of Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc., and the next he is flying through some of the more turbulent airline business years as president of Delta Cargo.
It Takes A Village To Ship Air Cargo
Identical twins Miki and Julie Collins trap, hunt, fish, and garden in Alaska's wilderness just north of Denali National Park.
Their closest companions are loyal sled dogs and Icelandic horses, which eat salted fish and can withstand northern extremes.
Whether taking a 1,900-mile excursion around Alaska by dog sled, defending their huskies from a charging grizzly, or dealing with a panicked horse in an airborne plane, the Collins sisters offer a new perspective on life in the northland.
2016: Year of Dubious Distinction
The air freight demand picture brightened significantly in the latter part of 2016, and trade forecasts are positive. But leading airlines contacted by FlyingTypers are plotting a cautious strategy for the New Year.
Fond Farewell to a Lady Of Style & Class FlyingTypers is always about people. As the new year begins,
we’d like to take a few moments and salute
someone very special.
American Airlines
Cargo Managing Director for Latin America Carmen
Taylor retired as 2016 came to a close.
We are told that
Carmen had some health issues, and that she is OK
now, but decided to call it a career after 36 years
at the airline.
Great Stone & The New Silk Road
The construction site of the “Great Stone” China-Belarus industrial park, located 25 kilometers from Minsk, Belarus, is rapidly progressing.
This is the largest joint project of Belarus and China at a site in a strategically unique location—the geographical center of Europe, at the junction of the Eurasian Economic Union, the European Union, and the new Silk Road.
A Christmas Story 2016
2016
has been a tough year. Terrorist attacks—far
too many to enumerate—spawned upheaval
and collective heartache both at home and
abroad. We lost several cultural icons, seemingly
one after the other. BREXIT passed. The results
of the presidential election rocked and depressed
more than half of the United States’
population, cleaving our country in two.
Year End 2016, Outlook for 2017
Browse the year that was 2016 with Air Cargo News/FlyingTypers, your premier news source for all things air cargo. We're also looking ahead at some of the challenges and innovations to come in 2017. The approaching new year is the perfect time to take stock with a glance backwards and a hopeful eye turned to the future.
SkyCargo Is Thirty Something Else
Nabil Sultan is sitting in a comfortable room downstairs inside the big Emirates SkyCargo presentation at TIACA Paris on October 4.
SkyCargo’s Divisional Senior Vice President (DSVP) burst upon the global air cargo scene just two and a half years ago as Emirates’ first head of air cargo.
Babar Of Pakistan After talking with Babar Badat, Managing Director of Transfreight Corporation (Pvt) Ltd of Karachi, Pakistan, it’s easy to understand why the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA) reconfirmed this effusive and approachable executive to the post of senior vice president last year at its Annual World Congress 2015 in Chinese Taipei.
Vital Views for December 6, 2016 Here in Vital Views we continue our series of thoughts generated by individuals that have appeared in our pages since we began publishing in 1975.
Richard Malkin has covered the air cargo business since 1942, and today at 103 years of age he has edited these comments.
Vital Views is offered during a time of change in air cargo. It attempts to reach back into our past and recall outlooks that might help inform us when dealing with the challenges of today.
The Swan Of Tuonela Today is a national public holiday in Finland. December 6th is a flag day in celebration of Finland's declaration of independence from the Russian Republic in 1917.
For most children in The Netherlands, the most important day during December is December 5th, when Sinterklaas (St. Nicholas) brings them their presents!
Air Cargo Surge As Asia Eyes Trump
Air freight prices surged to a new 2016 high in October and are expected to climb higher in November as the build up to the holiday season peaks and industry confidence jerks upwards. However, analysts warn that the recent U.S. election will weigh heavily on global trade and could undermine the latest improvements in Asian exports.
Oh! What Antonella Can Do “I do solve problems,” declares Antonella Straulino, Foreign Affairs Manager for the big Italian cargo organization FEDESPI, adding “[I] must also confess I enjoy thoroughly working in this important and most interesting role.”
Antonella is ‘five-foot-two with eyes of blue, but oh what those five feet can do’ as it is sung.
“Taking care of complex issues, finding the best solution, and helping my associate members is what I like best in my job,” Antonella assures.
Flights Of Fancy During the entire run up to the U.S. Presidential election, the two aircraft that carried the candidates were never in very close proximity, except during the third and final debate in Las Vegas. A photographer caught the moment at McCarran International Airport.
Trump’s Boeing 757-200 is a renovated commercial jet. The billionaire outfitted the jet with suede ceilings and lots of gold bling. Just like the President-elect himself, it’s a much bigger and flashier outfit than his counterpart’s plane.
Saudia Cargo Hubs Frankfurt
The cargo business could not be any more exciting for Saudia Cargo’s Regional Director, Europe, Amer Abu Obeid. He displays an unabashedly broad smile as he contemplates the future.
“We are putting the finishing touches on our new cargo hub in Frankfurt, beside others,” Mr. Abu Obeid said.
“I can say without reservation that the air cargo business today is quite dynamic and exciting.”
Lufthansa Strike Lufthansa canceled thousands of passenger flights after pilots grounded much of the German flag carrier’s operations during four days of strikes last week.
Today (Monday) Lufthansa said it would cancel more than 1,700 flights for Monday and Tuesday after the pilots extended their strike plans into a second week.
Amazon Got No Thanks From Pilots ABX Air, a subsidiary of Air Transport Services Group (ATSG) that handles Amazon and DHL Worldwide Express packages at Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport, asked a federal judge to force 250 striking pilots back to work after flights were halted on Tuesday.
In its complaint ABX said 26 flights loaded with 1.25 million pounds of cargo were grounded Tuesday.
FIATA UNIKAD Team Up Training FIATA and The Association of Turkish Freight Forwarders (UTIKAD) do great work together. Evidence of this can be seen in their recent cooperation, which brought a welcome FIATA Freight Forwarding training program and graduation ceremony to Istanbul for the first time on September 16, 2016.
If you missed the event, fear not. We can all share in the experience via this informative, three-minute video. Click through to hear from participants and instructors as they share their thoughts on the encounter.
Money Monster Hits India Transport A large sucking sound can be heard in India as more than 15 trillion rupees (the 1,000 and 500 notes) were ruled illegal. Asia’s third-largest economy is experiencing a liquidity crisis.
The change came November 8, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced currency notes of 1,000 rupees ($15) and 500 rupees ($7.50) would no longer be legal in an effort to curb black market activities and terrorism.
Logitrans Accents Positive For Turkey
As 2016 rolls along Turkey continues to invest and expand its logistics footprint, leaving recent political unrest in the rearview mirror.
Last week in Istanbul Logitrans held its tenth annual conference with more than 13,500 participants in attendance from 50 countries.
Dimerco Accelerates Worldwide Air freight shipments have been a core component of its success and, according to Corporate Vice President Andy Hsu, will remain so for the foreseeable future.
“Dimerco has been continuously accelerating its global development plan,” said Hsu. “Currently, the company’s global network includes 17 countries covering Asia, North America, Europe, and Australia with more than 143 locations worldwide.”
ACI Goes Dubai World Central Lionel Smith, CEO of Air Cargo Integrators, has had a pretty good run for the past few years, operating out of the Dubai International Airport Freight Gate, where full freighters to Iraq and Afghanistan were a sure thing and about as close as you could get to a permit to print your own money.
India Agents Athens Rendezvous
For the first time in its history, the Air Cargo Agents Association of India (ACAAI) has decided to hold its 43rd Annual Convention in a European city: Athens.
The convention begins tomorrow (November 16-19) and will discuss future strategies for the EXIM cargo sector.
Europe holds a special place for Indian exporters. While 49.4 percent of Indian exports by value are sent to Asian countries, 18.7 percent are meant for Europe, 17.1 percent to North America, and 9.7 percent to Africa. The effort by ACAAI should bear some positive results.
British Aer Lingus Builds USA 2017 British Airways, which already flies to more U.S. cities than any other European airline, widened the lead with the 2017 additions of Fort Lauderdale, Oakland, and New Orleans.
All About Airports Part 5: Alaska Advances Cargo Transfer Rights With a few thousand miles between the state and the rest of the nation, certain regulations that apply to the lower 48 may not necessarily be relevant to Alaska. The U.S. Department of Transportation recognized these differences and implemented an exemption for air cargo.
An example of this comes from The Jones Act, a law that prohibits a foreign entity from transporting goods between two points in the U.S.
This exemption allows international cargo carriers to land in Alaska and transport goods to another U.S. destination without being subject to certain limiting federal regulations.
Turkish Cargo Forwarder Partnership Halit Anlatan, Turkish Cargo VP Sales & Marketing at Turkish Airlines on the importance of forwarders:
“For the past half decade in the air cargo sector, global hi-tech and international companies have increased tonnage, and as a result the expectation for lower freight rates has been in play.
“That has caused some pressure to indulge new sales strategies on the airline end.”
Moonstruck I awoke in the middle of last night, thinking raccoons kicking over the garbage cans had disturbed my sleep. Then I looked out the window at the brightness that flooded the landscape.
Ryanair Adds FRA
An airplane from the Irish discount airline Ryanair is pictured at FRA earlier this month.
Starting in March 2017, Ryanair will add four routes out of Frankfurt Airport, Alicante, Faro, Malaga, and Palma.
Ryanair also said it will double its operations at Hamburg Airport for the 2016/2017 winter timetable, adding seven destinations including: Sofia Brussels, Dublin, Gran Canaria, London Stansted, Manchester, and Milan Bergamo.
Jean-Claude A FIATA Force Field Soft-spoken Jean-Claude (JC) Delen is one of the most gracious gentlemen working in transportation today.
He is a determined, tenacious, indefatigable personality; a fist in a velvet glove; a one-man FIATA force field.
As the historic IATA FIATA cooperation agreement was announced at the FIATA Airfreight Institute’s 90th meeting in Dublin, Ireland, in October, Board Member JC Delen (who also serves as current FIATA Treasurer) noted:
“From inception, this project has received strong support from FIATA’s Presidency. ”
Storm Clouds At Etihad-Jet? Etihad Airways Chief Executive James Hogan, right, speaks as Naresh Goyal, Chairman of India's leading private sector airline, Jet Airways, looks on at a press conference in Mumbai on June 10, 2008. Etihad had just announced a $379 million deal to buy a 24 percent stake in Jet Airways.
Jet was in tough financial straights. Now in 2016 it’s a bit better with Etihad holding 49 percent of Jet business, but a rift between Hogan and Goyal is reported.
Is all not well with the Jet Airways-Etihad marriage?
Dancing With The Robots The increased use of robotics and automation in the manufacturing and logistics sectors will, over the next decade, limit East-West trade growth and lead to a reduction of supply chain and air freight personnel involved in handling and distribution, according to Wolfgang Lehmacher, Head of Supply Chain and Transport Industries at the World Economic Forum.
Lehmacher told FlyingTypers that the technological means and maturity to create autonomous supply and value chains was now almost here, and the adoption of new technologies could be seen in everything from flying shuttles to driverless cars and rolling robots.
History of India Forwarding Pt. 1
This is the story of two friends and India air freight forwarding yesterday and today.
Perhaps, sharing a first name that started with ‘J’—one Jehangir and the other Jamshed—brought them close.
Growing up together in Mumbai, both dreamed big.
The first was Jehangir, later simply known as JRD Tata (Jehangir Ratanji Dadabhoy Tata), and the second was Jamshed Guzder.
Maldives Goes Mega It’s less than one week away.
Starting November 15, Maldives will open a new chapter in Indian aviation with the launch of thrice-weekly, non-stop flights between New Delhi and Male.
As the first non-stop service between the two capital cities, Maldives’ international carrier, Mega Maldives Airlines, will provide significant advantages to what is available in the market.
Oh! Atlanta
This fine looking group travelled all the way from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (HJIA) to Paris, France, for the TIACA ACF. The group included (from left) Elliott Paige, HJIA Head of Cargo; Linda Eshiwani-Nate, HJIA International Management Analyst; Jonathan Lance, HJIA Director of Properties and Airline Affairs and Troels Adrian, Director of Supply Chain Ecosystem Expansion of the Metro Atlanta Chamber.
American: The Power Of Positive Change “We’re striving to ensure that we are engaged with our customers as we work on continuously improving our performance and optimizing their experience,” said Roger Samways, American Airlines Cargo Managing Director Global Accounts and Sales Strategy to FlyingTypers in a past interview.
Now, in October 2016, we wonder what has changed.
Turns ACF Beat Around The great American entertainer Jimmy Durante popular through the 1950s used to slap his waist in mock despair and declare:
“Everybody wants to get in to the act!”
That is exactly what happened in Paris. ATC pulled out all the stops, delivering a genuine bit of French culture and fun in the form of a live Can Can review. It featured some high-stepping, energetic dancers who livened things up Folies Bergère-style.
Atlanta Customs Brokers Hosts Turkey Feast For the fourteenth year, on Friday, November 18, in Atlanta, Georgia, a grand airport tradition continues as Atlanta Customs Brokers & Freight Forwarders throw open their doors for a couple of hours starting at high noon to share the love. It’s an open house where everybody is invited for a free, old-fashioned turkey dinner.
A Death Report Greatly Exaggerated
UPS offered the air freight industry plenty of cause for confidence ahead of the traditional peak season. After posting impressive profit and revenue figures for Q3 on October 27, Big Brown added to the good vibes by forecasting a record Black Friday-New Year holiday season, and then announcing an order for 14 new Boeing 747-8 jumbo freighters.
Did USACIA Work? We cannot categorically say that the following letters were unsolicited. Like most other organizations hosting industry events, IATA Cargo Network Services (CNS) looks for the community’s reception to their event for a number of reasons.
The recent CNS IATA-U.S. Air Cargo Industry Affairs Summit (USACIA) event held on October 4-5 bears a closer look on a few levels.
The Beauty Of Jenni Jennifer Frigger-Latham is VP Sales and Marketing for EMO Trans in Freeport, New York.
For some time now, she has been busy balancing her life and business career. Most recently, she delivered her latest child, Kai, who was born in March and joins his sister, four-year-old Maya in the Frigger-Latham household.
Where Tomorrow Looks Better Every Day
In an era when there is no looking back, Jan Krems keeps looking up. Twenty-eight months into his command position as President of United Cargo, he assures us that things are getting better every day.
Can-Can ATC 1073 At 1700 Can Ingo Can-Can?
Stop by the beautiful ATC Stand 1073 at Air Cargo Forum in Paris at 1700 hours on October 27 to find out, as elements of that famous French review will entertain.
Turkish Airlines CEIV Award Turkish Airlines was presented IATA CEIV Pharma Certificates for both the airline and its IST station, “assuring shippers the highest standards of international quality,” the carrier said.
Celebrates A Decade Meet Toby Edwards, VP Global Marketing for Agility Global Logistics. The company is celebrating its 10th Anniversary in Paris (as many lovers do), although predecessor company PWC has been in business for many years.
Live From ACF 2016 Fahad Hussain is a second-generation transportation executive. He joined a company his mother, Najma, founded in Karachi, Pakistan. Najma was a female air cargo pioneer in 1974.
So Smart It's Stupid Alaska Air Cargo got the message!
“We are very excited about the future-forward capabilities that SmartKargo provides,” said Jason Berry, Alaska Airlines’ Managing Director of Cargo. “The company’s commitment to drive innovation aligns with our commitment to deliver the best customer experience in the business,” he said.
Shout Out Emma It Happened In Paris . . . TIACA hosts ACF 28 all this week in the City of Light.
Today we tip our hat to someone behind the curtain at ACF, Emma Murray, who for the past two years has quietly applied her talent and hard work into launching this event into orbit.
Bozena Aviation From The Ground Up Bozena Multack is Senior Regional Performance Manager Cargo Operations EMEI for United Airlines Cargo.
She is a striking presence—tall, angular, and in charge as she strides into the lobby of Intercity Hotel in Cargo City SUD Frankfurt for an early morning appointment.
It’s about the purpose and way she moves, and the bright smile that radiates a sense of excitement for the future.
Paris Offers Time To Rethink Air Cargo
In recent years, air cargo industry profitability has experienced the ups and downs of the global economy, disruption by new players, and changing customer demands. Cargo volumes and prices saw a low point during the financial crisis and although volumes are recovering, yields remain depressed. This in turn has resulted in many mixed airlines prioritizing the passenger side of business even further, and therefore limiting investments in cargo.
Can't Win If You're Not In
For some time now, we have wondered why the Air Forwarders Association (AfA) in the U.S. has not joined FIATA.
Among other attributes, FIATA offers the finest menu of training programs in the world.
We asked the genial, effusive President of AfA, Brandon Fried, “Is the time nigh for U.S. forwarders with AfA backing to join FIATA?"
TIACA Grand Spectacle á Paris TIACA Secretary General Doug Brittin may be sailing off into retirement later this year, but he is all in for the organization’s important Air Cargo Forum taking place in Paris, France, next week.
The event begins October 26 and continues for two days at the beautiful Porte de Versailles Exposition Center in Paris, France.
Happy Landings Always, Dear Leevi
We were very sorry to receive news that our dear friend and colleague Leevi Ekman lost his battle with lung cancer. He died in Helsinki, Finland, this past Sunday morning.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the love of his life, Ylva and the couple's two daughters, Theresa and Veronica.
Leevi was only 61.
Three 911s
Porsche 911 Carreras airborne as a sculpture on a roundabout in front of the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart, Germany, last month.
Fall Back HazMat Focus As autumn overtakes us once again, FlyingTypers offers a look at what some feel is a rather obscure part of the air transport supply chain: the requirements applicable to the shipping of Dangerous Goods (or hazardous materials, as the U.S. regulatory framework 49CFR calls it), which can also be described as “changing regulatory requirements, 2016-style.”
BIFA Come What May
“My message to Theresa May (Prime Minister of the United Kingdom) is that it really is well beyond time for her government to take action,” said Robert Keen, Director General of the British International Freight Association (BIFA), as news surfaced recently of an imminent decision that will favor the expansion plan for London’s Heathrow International Airport.
Haz-Stash at JFK Thursday
Don’t miss this guy . . . he means business!
Hazmat Specialist and Manager of FAA’s New York Hazmat Office Anthony “The Stash” Affissio will appear as the October Luncheon speaker at the next meeting of the Air Cargo Association (ACA) at JFK International Airport in New York this week.
Why Harald Zielinski Matters
No doubt about it, Christmastide is once again fast approaching. The autumn season marks when the air cargo business exhales a long, deep breath to take stock of 2016 while planning ahead for 2017.
While standing and waiting for a full-body scan recently before a flight and hoping the prescription pills in my pocket didn’t set off the damn thing, I started thinking about the people I know in air cargo who have done a stellar job to raise cargo security awareness.
Two Cool McCool McCool’s Yesterday & Today have been a constant of the Irish air cargo scene for more than 65 years.
Among other achievements, Sean McCool is a true pioneer of air cargo in Ireland.
Established by Sean in 1989, International Airlines Marketing Ltd. (IAM) is Ireland’s largest Air Cargo General Sales and Service Agent (GSSA), responsible for over 20 percent of all airfreight traffic from Ireland.
The Collaborative Approach
“I like serving as part of the executive board of FIATA,” said Marc Bibeau, Director of CIFFA National Board and now FIATA Vice President.
“The camaraderie of having some really good guest speakers and some trend information at the same time, and having the opportunity to be involved with the global community as far as our associations are concerned, is quite invigorating for me.”
Fast Jacques United Nether To Forever Land
The last time we spoke to United Airlines Cargo’s Jacques Leijssenaar, Vice President Cargo Sales EMEI, based in Amsterdam, he said something all of us should perhaps hear again, or for the first time:
“It’s not about whether a dime on the ground is worth your effort,” said ‘Fast’ Jacques, “it’s about whether you are willing to pick it up and make something out of it.”
Next Stop Kuala Lumpur FIATA has announced
that the next stop for the FIATA Annual World Congress
is Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, October 4-8, 2017.
The Malaysian
Minister of Transport said that “Malaysia
is eager and looking forward to welcoming FIATA to Kuala
Lumpur in 2017.”
IATA & FIATA Sign Historic Accord
Sign
on the dotted line. IATA and FIATA signed an historic
accord at the FIATA World Congress in Dublin on October
7. The agreement will see the two organizations form
a representative governance board with major impact
on air cargo in the future.
Although
some details are yet to be completed, including a handbook
that will be made available industrywide, reaction has
been immediate. At long last, the freight forwarders
will be able to deal with the airlines on a more level
playing field.
Help Haiti
Saint
Anne Church was totally destroyed by Hurricane Matthew
in Camp Perrin, a district of Les Cayes, Haiti.
Inés Brill, Head of Office
of the International Federation of the Red Cross and
Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) for Haiti, Dominican Republic, and Cuba commented on the impact of Hurricane Matthew.
Customer Country At the lively Exhibition Hall just adjacent to the meeting rooms inside the beautiful CCB Conference Center in Dublin, Turkish Cargo sent in the “A Team” for special meetings and to show the carrier’s support for the global forwarding community.
Session Bonanza At FIATA DUB
As the FIATA Annual World Congress turned on the juice in Dublin, Ireland, on Wednesday, conferees experienced a high octane mix of Ireland hospitality and culture that opened this critical, week long event of high level forwarder meetings and sessions in grand style.
Happy Birthday, FIATA
A touching ceremony at Trinity College Hall as all the companies that formed the original FIATA of 90 years ago returned to celebrate the grand birthday and receive a commemorative document. Here they are pictured acknowledging the camera and the crowd that gathered to join in the festivities.
United Cargo Sweats & Swims For Kids
More than 50 United Cargo employees, colleagues, and sales and service partners ran, swam, and biked for charity in the Escape to Miami Triathlon in MIA on September 25.
Through contributions made in the name of the triathletes, the cargo team raised more than $53,000 for Save the Children, a global charity whose vision is defined as “A world in which every child attains the right to survival, protection, development, and participation."
FIATA IATA In Historic Accord Today’s international trade demands the traded goods arrive just in time—safely, securely, in an increasingly sustainable manner, and, more than ever, at reasonable costs.
Economic factors are not just keywords; they set the new ‘norm’ throughout the logistics industry, so the air freight industry must learn how to address these changes in a landscape of increasing competition with other modes of transport.
Midnight In Moscow
On October 1, Emirates added two daily A380 services—Dubai to Guangzhou, China, and Dubai to Moscow, Russia—joining more than 40 Emirates A380 destination cities.
The new dailies come hard on the heels of last month’s introduction of a brand new purpose-built facility dedicated to the transport of temperature sensitive pharmaceutical shipments via Dubai World Central Airport (DWC).
Hanjin 30 Days Later
The Hanjin bankruptcy has resulted in financial hardship for many companies and caused turmoil and time delays throughout the supply chain.
On August 31, Hanjin Shipping announced it had filed for bankruptcy. It is the largest bankruptcy in the shipping industry in recent years.
Hanjin owned 37 containerships and chartered 62 others, making it the world’s seventh largest container shipping line, which represents about 3.2 percent of the global container shipping capacity with more than 623,000 TEU of shipping capacity disrupted.
DOH Tops ACI Growth Numbers Airports Council International celebrating the organization’s 25th Anniversary released the latest edition of the World Airport Traffic Forecasts (WATF) 2016–2040 at the opening day of the ACI North America/World Annual General Assembly, Conference and Exhibition in Montreal, September 26.
Some Good News For A Change
Analysts and leading forwarders now believe air freight pricing and volume gains this summer could last until deep into the fourth quarter after August and September demand ticked upwards.
“The air freight market has picked up a bit and this is expected to be continuous until the second or third week of November,” said Paul Tsui, managing director of forwarding and logistics operator Janel Group and the immediate past chairman of the Hong Kong Association of Freight Forwarding & Logistics and the Federation of Asia Pacific Aircargo Associations.
Partnership To Thwart Evil
“Aviation security needs to evolve in step with changing threats,” said ICAO Secretary General Dr. Fang Liu (left).
“The global policy and regulatory framework has to adapt effectively and in a timely fashion to address this increasingly dynamic risk.”
Jacqueline Casini Takes Charge
On November 1, Jacqueline Casini moves from Europe’s largest motor home and caravan manufacturer Erwin Hymer Group to assume command of Lufthansa Cargo Corporate Communications based in Frankfurt.
The Go-Go World of ATC “The actions we have taken this year have made us lean and overall in an excellent position to deal with 2017, no matter what happens.”
Those words may sound like the new normal for 2016—brave statements offered up like trial balloons as overcapacity and weak markets continue to drive air cargo losses.
But for Ingo Zimmer, CEO of fast-rising GSA ATC, who we spoke to in Frankfurt last week, a level-headed, conservative approach is fast on the heels as you read this.
Economic Impact Of Air Cargo
One of our industry’s significant shortcomings is that most people outside of the industry do not give much thought to the many lifestyle and economic benefits air cargo delivers and facilitates for their daily lives.
In times of crises when a child or loved one is critically ill and needs specialized medication, the expectation is that it will be either instantly available or will be sourced and available the next day at the latest.
September Song
As September 2016 ends, Walter Huston delivers Kurt Weill's September Song from 1938. Huston, a great stage and screen star is father of John Huston, director of films includingCasablanca (1942), and Prizzi’s Honor (1985).
Oktoberfest Tonight! Get out your dirndls and hitch up your lederhosen and get ready for an old fashioned German hoedown, otherwise known as Oktoberfest being held tonight September 21 hosted by Ingo Zimmer’s ATC Aviation in Frankfurt, Germany.
Keep Trading Or Start Fading
I challenge anyone to think of a more important institution tied to the overall economic success or the cumulative fortune of a city (or even an entire region or nation) than a major international hub airport. Maybe a global stock exchange, or perhaps an extensive rail transit system, or possibly a massive seaport. They are all worthy competitors, but they still do not live up to the pervasive daily influence and financial contribution that a gateway airport has in serving its surrounding area.
Pharma In Dubai Sky
Emirates SkyPharma, Emirates SkyCargo’s new purpose-built facility inaugurated on September 18 at Dubai International Airport, debuted 4,000 square meters dedicated to pharmaceutical cargo.
“As a leader in the global air cargo industry, we decided that it was not only important for us to build state-of-the-art cool chain facilities for the transport of pharma products, but to also go the extra mile and ensure the compliance of our operations against the highest international standards,” said SkyCargo DSVP Nabil Sultan.
Helen From Schussboomer To Cargo Triumphant United Cargo's Managing Director Strategic Accounts Helen Kristensen greeted us with a big smile and effusive welcome as we arrived at United Cargo in downtown Chicago, Illinois.
United Cargo operates a cluster of offices inside Willis Tower, which houses all the top officials of the airline.
Once upon a time the place was known as United Airlines ‘World Headquarters,’ but now in the culture of a new United the offices at Willis have been designated as the ‘Corporate Support Center.’
Letters To The Editor For September 19, 2016
Great articles in “Escape From The World Trade Center” last week!
Jim Larsen is a very special person.
Our friend Julius (Maldutis) was at WTC (that fateful week) as well as my daughter Robin.
On 911, I was in Washington, DC, and saw the Pentagon devastation.”
Harvest Moon
A plane heading to Los Angeles International Airport crosses the Harvest Moon in Whittier, Thursday, September 15, 2016.
Only time for one? Here it is . . . Ruth Etting, “Shine on Harvest Moon” from 1935.
Hanjin Debacle Pain Into Gain Hanjin Shipping’s entry into receivership at the end of August left global ocean supply chains in a spin. Could the fallout see the air cargo market benefit?
You might ask a forwarder, but the immediate answer points to the nightmare of possibly having to pay twice for shipping the same goods.
“We pay upfront to Hanjin and they go into receivership, so when we finally find the goods locked up somewhere, in some cases we have to pay again.”
American Rates September
“We continue to expand our network and invest in widebody airplanes, including four more Boeing 787-9s scheduled for delivery this year,” Jim Butler, President of American Airlines Cargo told FlyingTypers.
“In 2016, we’ve added Haneda (HND), Sydney (SYD), and Auckland (AKL) and soon will be adding new service from Los Angeles (LAX) to Hong Kong (HKG).
“Our extensive network and new fuel-efficient planes give us the ability to move cargo quickly and efficiently from one part of the world to the other—from Asia to Latin America and beyond.”
Richards Lost In The Stars On 9/11 On September 11, 2001, Jamaican-American artist Michael Richards was working in his World's View studio, courtesy of the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council (LMCC), on the 92nd floor of the World Trade Center's Tower One.
See What The Bears In The Back Room Will Have
Cargo executives might be concerned about low yields and poor pricing on key cargo lanes, but the shipping industry is in many ways struggling even more.
Without the panacea of surging passenger demands to balance revenues, the world’s container lines are coming to terms with bearish demand and a long-term downturn in freight rates. The results for most bottom lines have been disastrous.
Out On The Hustings
Turkish Cargo gained its IATA CEIV Pharma Certificate last month and also went “Hands Across Africa in late August with face-to-face meetings. Regional management visited the top 10 agencies in South Africa to gain a sense about Turkish Cargo services via JNB, which launched in May.
Escape From The World Trade Center The morning of September 11th could best be described as ideal. The sun was bright, the air was clear, and from the 65th floor of the World Trade Center I could look across, through New Jersey, almost to the Poconos in Pennsylvania. Just a few odds and ends to take care of and I would be on my way to JFK for a luncheon hosted by a cargo promotion group from the U.K.
Word Up From Zhao Huxiang Mr. Zhao Huxiang is Chairman of Beijing-based SINOTRANS, a company that employs 50,000 people.
He is also President of FIATA.
“The 55th FIATA World Congress takes place in the Convention Center in Dublin, Ireland, from October 3-8,” Mr. Zhao said.
Lufthansa Cautiously Optimistic
New product launches and restocking could see rising demand on key trunk lanes out of Asia in the coming months.
A spokesman for Lufthansa Cargo said the carrier had seen “stable to slightly increasing demand in mainland China and HK” in recent weeks and that more gains could follow as the year progressed. “September is traditionally a month where new products stimulate demand from the High Tech sector and we expect this development this year again,” he said. “The same is true for the garment sector where seasonal demand increases are expected.”
de Juniac Calls For Cooperation
From the top post at Air France KLM—which, by any measure, was no walk in the park—to Director General and CEO of IATA, Alexandre de Juniac will now succeed Tony Tyler, who served as IATA DG and CEO.
“I am excited to be taking on this great responsibility. IATA plays a critical role in facilitating safe, efficient, and sustainable global air transport,” Mr. De Juniac said.
Why Disruption Doesn't Necessarily Mean Destruction
A recent FlyingTypers article profiling Freightos noted some valid points about technology and logistics. Here at Freightos, we're the first to recognize the complexity of the trillion-dollar freight industry. And, as noted, "there is no magical digital solution."
But a lack of a magical solution does not mean that there is no solution.
Technology put a man on the moon, made global markets accessible, and can (almost) drive cars better than humans can.
Growing JFK To The World In New York, EMO Trans Freeport serves as the company’s headquarters, and EMO Baldwin is its central accounting facility.
But the real action occurs at EMO’s JFK International Airport office, which serves as the freight forwarding branch for the important NY/NJ marketplace.
Turkish Cargo Steps Out In September News that Turkish Cargo was awarded IATA’s Center of Excellence for Independent Validators (CEIV) certificate for its pharmaceutical operations comes as positive news following a summer of challenges for the fast-rising carrier.
Here in an exclusive conversation with Mr. Halit Anlatan, Vice President Cargo,FlyingTypers learned that the beat of growth and global cargo service has continued unabated for Turkish Air Cargo.
Must To Attend Events
We imagine your calendar is rapidly filling up for the autumn and early winter season of trade shows and special meetings.
But just in case you might have missed some of these events, here is our take on the “must attend” industry gatherings this fall.
A Saphir Solution For Logistics
While industry talk swirls around big, bureaucratic organizations and trade shows raising flags that education is key to attracting an enhanced grade of executives into transportation, Albert Saphir (ABS Consulting) and Joe Espinosa (Florida Shipowners Group) are taking action. These two fine old hands at professional logistics (with track records of success and true ability to teach) are doing something as part of a private initiative to put business-driven logistics solutions within reach in warm, sunny Florida next month.
Transforming August At EMO
“August is normally considered a quiet month with dreams of vacations in leisure spots near and far, whether it’s sun and beaches, mountains, cruises, or road trips,” said EMO Trans Chairman Jo Frigger in the company newsletter.
“While all of this is going on, business must keep moving—albeit at a slower pace.
“Challenges continue, and ocean and air rates remain volatile.
Uptick Challenged By Yields The latest airline financials illustrate just how hard the sector has been hit by weak cargo markets, but new product launches could now be starting to boost demand.
Following on from positive signals in June, July Purchasing Manager Indexes and export data suggest high-value manufacturing activity in Asia is warming up. “PMIs are stabilized and there are signs that launches by Samsung and Apple are providing some support to electronics production as suppliers stock up,” said HSBC.
Picture For A Tuesday Afternoon
“It is an honor for KLM Cargo to be allowed to transport this queen of the dinosaurs. Our expert staff has brought Trix over with the utmost care. This specialism distinguishes KLM Cargo from other cargo carriers,” said Executive Vice President of KLM Cargo Marcel de Nooijer.
Why Express America Climbed ACIA Summit
Ask Executive Director of Express Association of America Michael Mullen what stands out in his mind as August rushes toward September and he prepares to attend the first U.S. Air Cargo Industry Affairs Summit (ACIA), and his answer is, in a word, “automated.”
“A key session at the ACIA Summit for our members will be the discussion of the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) and how this new system will impact the air cargo global supply chain.
Want POP? Who You Gonna Call? The on-again, off-again Britain-to-Amritsar flight route was in the news recently when a crowd-funded new airline, POP (an acronym for People Over Profit), sent out a message that it planned to be the first airline to operate non-stop flights between the UK and the cities of Amritsar and Ahmedabad in the states of Punjab and Gujarat.
Any Sign Of A Bailout?
A man looks out over the runway from the main viewing room as South African Airlines’ (SAA) jets prepare to take off from the main runway at OR Thambo International Airport, Johannesburg, South Africa, last week.
41 Years Vital Views - Part 2
Here in Part II of Vital Views we continue our series of thoughts generated by individuals that have appeared in our pages since we began publishing in 1975. New Deal Forwarders . . .The late George A. Shipman (2010, age 73), was a management consultant and air cargo industry veteran (AA Cargo 25 years), with a particular wit and wisdom who for us in 1986 trained the spotlight on the cargo agent.
Barry Hansen Yesterday & Today
Our reasoning behind looking as far back as 50 years ago to see what the leading thinkers of air cargo were saying and doing to build this industry is to offer some balance and perspective as air cargo surges forward in 2016.
Today we have someone who has been involved in the marketing of freight forwarding, airline cargo, and the trucking business. He is able to talk about that experience yesterday and luckily for us from the perspective of today as well.
Emery Pioneered USA Freight Forwarding
Our conversation with Barry Hansen brings to light mention of John Emery, Sr.
John Emery, Sr., created the first certified air freight forwarding company in the United States of America.
John Sr. was an officer in the Naval Air Transport Service and was a peacetime Railway Express manager.
Emery Air Freight was an idea born of his wartime experiences, and the company enjoyed a dominant presence at the first blooming of modern air cargo.
All About Airplanes Pt. 3- How Port Columbus Partnerships Build Air Cargo Port Columbus International Airport is centrally located in Ohio as home to a diverse mix of air carriers.
The airport is operated by the Columbus Regional Airport Authority, which also oversees the operation of cargo-dedicated Rikenbacker International Airport and general aviation airport Bolton Field.
Additionally, the Columbus Regional Airport Authority is the Grantee of Foreign-Trade Zone No. 138. As Grantee, the Airport Authority is responsible for the administration, marketing, and oversight of FTZ No. 138 and can provide FTZ services in twenty-five Central Ohio counties.
India Airports A-Poppin'
The government-controlled Airports Authority of India (AAI) has, at last, woken up to the potential of air cargo in the country. In a move that could change the manner in which AAI goes about its business, AAI has chalked out a strategy for air cargo. AAI Chairman R. K. Srivastava was candid enough to point out that the cargo business “had not been attended to in the last 60-70 years… It has been ignored for too long.”
Why Ohio FlyingTypers’ Editor/Publisher Geoffrey Arend was born in Toledo, Ohio, and spent the better part of his childhood there.
During the late 1940s, Geoffrey attended DeVeaux Elementary School near the family home at 2212 Georgetown, just off Sylvania Ave., about a half mile away. His mother, Jane, taught kindergarten there.
The Arend family and relatives were quite active in city life.
Closely Watched Planes Resurgent Garuda Indonesian Airlines is looking to expand and buy some new airplanes.
Both those objectives received a shot in the arm as the U.S. FAA upped the airline’s ranking this week to Category 1.
That designation came after the airlines of Indonesia had wallowed on the Cat. 2 list for a number of years because of some truly horrific airline incidents. The change opens new horizons, including the possibility of new aircraft sales for Chicago, Illinois-based Boeing.
Giant Korean Flies Niches
Excess capacity is forcing Korean Air to focus on niche markets, and seafood exports from North America are to the fore.
After uplifting 1.5m tons last year, IATA’s latest 2015 air transport statistics, published July 5, ranked KE as the fifth largest carrier in the world after FedEx (7.1m), UPS (4.5m), Emirates (2.5m) and Cathay (1.6m).
KE bolstered its freighter network last summer with three new services, including a Chicago-Halifax offering in August.
Cambodian Rail Back On Track
Cambodia may not be the fastest developing Asian state, but it sure is the fastest changing one.
Frequent visitors to the Kingdom of Wonders will note—even when returning after a few weeks of absence—new high rises, new brand stores, and an abundance of change at least in those parts of the country frequently visited by “barang,” as western foreigners are dubbed in Khmer.
41 Years Vital Views
Here we begin a series of thoughts generated by indiviuals that have appeared in our pages since 1975, when we began publishing our monthly Air Cargo News trade publication in New York City.
Great Airports Worldwide
Geoffrey Arend, his friend and colleague REG Davies, and some others are featured in this most wonderful, expansive, and interesting edition of Modern Marvels. This particular episode was based on a book we published for Airport Council International (ACI) in 1988 titled Great Airports Worldwide.
Express Delivery XLA Sets USACIA Summit Reactions continue to come in from participants in the much-anticipated CNS initiative U.S. Air Cargo Industry Affairs (USACIA) Summit scheduled for October 4-5 at Capital Hilton in Washington, D.C.
The associations involved in USACIA have collaborated to unite senior U.S. government officials that have important roles in the movement of air cargo, including representatives from Capitol Hill and regulators.
Cooling Their Brakes
LAN Aircraft cool their brakes on the tarmac last month in Santiago, Chile, after LATAM agreed to pay more than $22 million in fines to the USA Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) for a violation of the accounting provisions of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.
LATAM, while operating previously as LAN Airlines, made a $1.15 million consulting agreement with Argentina’s transportation ministry in 2006, supposedly to study airline routes, according to the Justice Department.
Is Freightos The Next Big Thing?
Headquartered in Hong Kong, Freightos, the new “online freight marketplace,” is making headlines as it claims to have the solution to revolutionizing the cargo market.
If that sounds like a familiar tune, well, you’ll get no argument from an increasingly skeptical world.
InstaClassic Chicago
An aerial view of Chicago, Lake Michigan, and Soldier Field are seen at sunrise through an Instagram filter from an airplane on final.
Not Lion - This Really Happened
Armed with only a hatchet, on July 16 a copilot of a chartered plane fought three angry lions midair while the pilot steered the aircraft to an emergency landing.
When the plane landed, the terrified pilots smashed the cockpit window with the hatchet and jumped to the ground, leaving the lions snarling behind them.
Jet To Walmart While everyone waxed rapturous over delivery of the first of the new B767-300 jet freighters in Amazon colors two weeks ago, a reported Walmart $3.3 billion dollar bid for Jet.com went largely unnoticed.
On Monday Walmart announced that the acquisition is moving forward. The bid set the retailer as a major competitor for Amazon.
Surcharges And Rates In August
Surcharge Summer . . . As the airlines raise not only rates but also certain surcharges, blowback has been predictable. FT spoke to a shipper in Germany last week whose DG consignment had been rejected at 175 Euro per CAO-DGR plus 5 Euros per package.
By comparison, the so-called “DLH Standard in Germany,” which has been the benchmark most shippers follow, is 120 Euro for CAO and 3 Euro per package.
Upside Cargo Land Over Yonder
Despite global declines in cargo yields, Air New Zealand is remaining startlingly competitive. In FY 2016, the carrier saw net profit reach NZ$338m (USD$242m converted at current conversions rates), an increase of 154 percent year-on-year. Its distance from global markets saw lower fuel prices contribute considerably to the gains, but operating revenue also surged. And, more significantly, cargo volumes were up 9 percent, yield by 1.6 percent and revenues by 21 percent with growth particularly strong on Pacific long-haul services and into Singapore.
Art Of IAG
Special handling is an evergreen story for air cargo. But now John Giblin, Curator at the British Museum, waxes digital as logistics partner IAG Cargo moves priceless antiquities to London for “South Africa: The Art of a Nation,” which goes public on October 27, 2016.
Singh A Song Of Mumbai Cargo
India is ready for the world: that is the message Mumbai International Airport’s cargo section sent out when it recently opened the doors of a domestic, common user cargo terminal.
Constrained for lack of space, the new terminal on the Western Express Highway is a welcome addition. A short distance away from the airport, it boasts an area of 60,000 sq ft and has the capacity to handle 300,000 metric tons cargo annually.
Chicago Air And Water Show
The 58th Annual Chicago Air and Water Show takes off next weekend, August 20 and 21. Presented by Shell and the City of Chicago, the show runs along the lakefront from Fullerton to Oak Street, with North Avenue Beach serving as show center from 10am-3pm daily.
Strong in tradition and one of the largest free admission events of its kind, the show headliners include the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and the U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights.
Business Up Rates Challenged
Drewry’s latest reading of air freight markets was released a little late this month. But its final contents were surprisingly upbeat after a year of bearish pricing reports set to a backdrop of excess bellyhold capacity and poor macroeconomic demand forecasts.
Drewry’s East-West Air Freight Price Index - a weighted average of all-in airfreight "buy rates" paid by forwarders to airlines for standard deferred airport-to-airport airfreight services on 21 major East-West routes for cargoes above 1,000 kg - posted a 4.3 points gain in June to reach 84.8, the index’s highest reading since December 2015.
Pride of the Nation
We have noticed this delicious graphic streaming along with messages from our friends and colleagues at Turkish Airlines.
Letter to Lufthansa
Firstly, we hope that all is well and that after a long gray period of time the sunshine is over your heads at your Frankfurt home.
Although we have not been invited to any of your press briefings in 2016, we follow your progress in German-owned media, including Handelsblatt, DVZ, and in the German-owned Air Cargo Newspublication in London, and certainly from our sources both in Germany and around the world.
Of course, just like all other airlines you want to increase yields, but one thing we have learned covering this beat is often that attempt can end up have the net effect of shooting yourself through the foot.
Elevate Women Says Dhankar
Ever since she was a little girl, Nisha Dhankar wanted to fly.
In the early days, she used to look up at the birds in the sky and wanted to be like them. But as she grew older, Dhankar had to adapt herself to the changing realities.
Though circumstances prevented her from flying, she could still have something to do with aviation.
“I was always excited to join aviation and its related businesses and at the first available opportunity grabbed the air cargo industry,” she told ACNFT.
Sweet Summer Farewell
One of the more endearing aspects of our business is the love of airplanes we all feel everyday.
Here are some of the 450 people of Lufthansa Technik at Berlin-Schönefeld Airport (SXF) bidding auf wiedersehen to the last Boeing B737s maintained at that base on July 12.
A320s will replace the aircraft type come October.
Lufthansa Cargo's Long Hot Summer
“Lufthansa Cargo is under the obligation to post profits or it will cease to exist independently and be reintegrated in the carrier's passenger division.”
That statement, made by Lufthansa Cargo Senior VP-Europe and Africa Joachim Haas in 1998, came to mind yesterday. According to outgoing Lufthansa Chief Financial Officer Simone Menne, the carrier will post a loss this year due to "massive overcapacities" among air-freight carriers.
The loss at Lufthansa Cargo unit will be its first in six years.
Repo Man Moves Customer Claim
Earlier this year, a rather unusual request for airside access was presented to the Duty Manager of Salzburg airport (IATA: SZG, ICAO: LOWS).
A court-appointed bailiff—in Austrian German most fittingly dubbed “Exekutor”—was about to impound a Thomas Cook aircraft because of delay compensations owed by the airline to an air passenger for several years.
ACAI: A Collaborative Effort
While none of it guarantees success and memories may drift back to other initiatives like GCGAC, which took off with great promise only to disappear underfoot almost as quickly, Cargo Network Service’s new President Lionel van der Walt has hit the ground running with a surprise announcement earlier this summer of yet another air cargo conference, set for Washington, D.C., this year.
EMO Trans Singapore Swing
“Singapore has been an international trading hub for centuries and has become the most important logistics center for Southeast Asia,” said Jo Frigger, Chairman of EMO Trans as EMO Trans Logistics Singapore Pte. Ltd. opened for business on August 1, 2016.
We are not sure how they celebrated the opening but no doubt EMO got right down to business.
Ron Davies: A Man & His Airlines
It is hard to think of aviation history and not include the man who singlehandedly created the greatest and most prolific stream of aviation-related books, recording not only the history of several of the world’s airlines but also the entire detailed story of commercial aviation itself.
To say that aviation history really starts and stops with R.E.G. Davies is no overstatement.
Why Ron (R.E.G.) Davies Matters
In the summer of 2011 Geoffrey Arend wrote an obituary about his friend, Ron (R.E.G.) Davies, for FlyingTypers. In it Geoff eulogized their long friendship and close association, praising Ron’s enduring legacy to air transport history—his many airline books, his indefatigable research, and his contribution to aviation archives. After more than 40 years in the USA, 30 of them spent as the first Curator of Air Transport at the National Air and Space Museum, Ron had returned to his home country of England after finally retiring at the age of 89. He died a few months later, shortly after his 90th birthday.
All About India
Everybody wants a piece of India, but factors like poor infrastructure will affect whether that becomes a reality.
As you may have heard, India is growing. No one in search of new business opportunities can take India for granted. This issue of FlyingTypers marks the first in what will be a regular monthly issue reporting on the India market for the remainder of 2016.
India To Top Of The Heap By 2022
India’s much-awaited Civil Aviation Policy was recently approved by the Cabinet and made public.
Announcing the policy, which took almost two years to formulate, Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju pointed out that India’s aviation sector is poised to become the world’s third largest by 2022.
Africa To India September Take-Off
In the next few months RwandAir and Ethiopian Airlines expect to formally establish a strategic partnership that would see the two African carriers working closely together. Under the terms of a deal provisionally reached earlier this month, Ethiopian Airlines will acquire a 49 percent stake in the smaller RwandAir, giving it the opportunity to create a new east African hub in the Rwandan capital of Kigali.
India To Africa Waiting In The Wings
The overtures to boost trade made by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to 54 African leaders at last October’s third India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS) are yet to see action on the ground.
This, despite the Prime Minister’s emphasis that “Africa will remain at the center of our attention. Our engagement with Africa will remain intense and regular.”
TempControl Krisha Medium Cool
United Cargo’s Product Development & Marketing Manager Krisha Kucharski shows exuberance for air cargo and life, and it is simply irresistible.
There are people who are competent and talented at what they do and then there are those that bring excitement, purpose, and teamwork to the task at hand, making it a communal adventure.
Meeting Krisha is an effervescent experience, like uncorking your first bottle of champagne.
Back To Normal In The USA
The FAA removed its July 16th order prohibiting all airline carriers—regardless of country of registry—from flying into the United States from Turkey either directly or via third country.
Accordingly, all scheduled Turkish Airlines flights to the United States returned July 19, 2016, starting with the Turkish Airlines Istanbul flight that departed JFK International Airport at 06:45am last Tuesday.
Letters To The Editor For July 25, 2016
First off, very late kudos for the ultra smooth transition from hard copy to your Industry-leading digital publication…Well done!
You were always the classy one and yes, I think occasionally of the In & Out Club (London) and our days with TIACA. I remember when TIACA reorganized and you had essentially Guenter (Rohrmann) as President and me as “Marketing Guy”with Garth (Davies) churning out communiqués. TIACA is sure a different “Kettle” now. It has evolved and come a long way.
Then There Was One
David Thatcher, one of the last two surviving members of Jimmy Doolittle’s famed Tokyo Raiders, died June 22 in Missoula, Montana.
Thatcher's death leaves just one remaining Doolittle Raider: retired Lt. Col. Dick Cole, Doolittle's co-pilot on crew No. 1.
Come Labor Day and the end of summer this September, Dick Cole will celebrate his 101st birthday.
Dallas Was One Cool Customer
Dallas K. Sherman died on Friday, July 15, 2016.
Dal, who was born in San Marcus, California, in 1929, was 86 years old.
He entered the Civil Air Patrol in 1943 and caught the wind of passion for flying.
Over-supply Job One At Cathay
In the 12 months leading up through April 2016, Cathay Pacific and sister carrier Dragonair saw both volumes and revenue in tons per kilometer drop compared to the previous year, by some 1.8 percent and 3.4 percent respectively. This came despite a 2.1 percent year-on-year tonnage uptick in April that the carrier said was a “better than expected” performance underpinned by the capture of shipments out of China and India.
FIATA/IATA ACP
The International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA) and The International Air Transport Association (IATA) have a deal to action a FIATA/IATA Air Cargo Program (IFACP) to replace the existing IATA Cargo Agency Program.
AFKLMP Aboard JFK Ark
Cargo Building 78 at John F. Kennedy International Airport is reborn as a 178,000-square foot air cargo facility and animal handling center under 30-year lease from the airport operator to ARK Management.
Cargo Building 78 is also the new home of Air France KLM Cargo and is now open for business. As part of “The Ark”—an expanded live animal center at JFK scheduled to open later this year—it features two cooler cells for pharmaceuticals, flowers, foodstuff, and perishable products and a full range of services to handle all manner of live animals (pets, zoo animals, birds, insects, fish, etc).
Airports Beyond Flights & Tons
Here is Part Two of our year-long series focusing on airports. The following are some suggestions about what airports can do to better serve the industry, specifically directed to airport operators worldwide.
Yes, FlyingTypers is presenting a series that goes beyond the norm for editorial about airports. We’re asking airport operators to talk about what they are doing in 2016 to advance their business.
ANA AOK With Asia 2016
Japanese carrier All Nippon Airways (ANA) is bullish on freight out of Asia this year, despite reporting declining revenues on international services last month in its annual report, and admitting that a subdued Japanese economy was dampening the domestic outlook.
Panalpina Airflo Accelerates Perishables
In an air freight industry characterized by overcapacity and struggles to cope with macro headwinds and technological trends such as miniaturization, 3D printing, and the commoditization of technologies, which has reduced surges in demand for ‘must-have’ products, finding verticals that offer stable and profitable sources of cargo has become increasingly difficult. But, according to Panalpina, one such source of succor is the perishables business, defined as products that are time and temperature sensitive.
Sun & Moon Once upon a time, long before FlyingTypers, I worked at KXEO Radio in Mexico, Missouri, running specialized programming at KWWR- FM.
The best part of my job was creating original studio productions and scheduling block programming of old-time radio shows of the 1930s & 1940s, including The Lone Ranger, Gangbusters, The Shadow, and others.
Cargo Powerhouse Easy as ABC
Maybe it’s the water? While other European cargo carriers are running around like Henny Penny predicting the sky is falling, here comes Volga-Dnepr’s AirBridgeCargo Airlines (ABC), lusty and larger than life, putting its money on the future. Parent company Volga-Dnepr Group has finalized terms for the acquisition of 20 747-8s through a mix of direct purchases and leasing over the next six years.
Main Deck Cargo
Brian Doyle, an AA Cargo Fleet Crew Chief based in Los Angeles, California, is riding upstairs on Page 10 of the July 2016 issue of American Way Magazine.
“Precious Cargo” is a short, informative look at American Cargo from a 30-year veteran, who insists “it’s important that the items our customers ship with us make it to their destination on time and in excellent condition.”
From Russia With Love
Why Is This Man Smiling? Boeing's Ray Conner (left) knows that the venerable B747 will stay in business as Alexey Isaikin of Volga-Dnepr Group goes public with the commemorative certificates confirming long-term logistics support and an order for 20 747-8 Freighters.
CNS Field Of Dreams
Now we are in the gone-fishing, lazy, hazy days of summer, and a voice rises from the baseball movie Field of Dreams that whispers:
“If you build it, they will come.”
Cargo Network Services (CNS) has just announced an air cargo conference for early October, calling it the “U.S. Air Cargo Industry Affairs Summit” (USACIA). It will be held in Washington, DC, October 3-5, 2016.
Feeling Brendan Gill
“You feel, in New York City, the energy coming up out of the sidewalks, you know that you are in the midst of something tremendous, and if something tremendous hasn't yet happened, it's just about to happen,” said the great writer and New Yorker Brendan Gill.
Gill reported “The City” for The New Yorker magazine, and for a time during the 1980s all but lived in Grand Central Station, where he was the driving force whipping everyone into a preservationist frenzy until the great train station was saved and on its way toward restoration.
Tough Numbers; Long, Hot Summer
At the start of July the air freight industry was hoping the introduction of new container weighing regulations for ocean transport would provide a demand boost. As previously reported inFlyingTypers, the new rules from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for VGM (verified gross mass) compliance make it compulsory for shippers and their proxies to verify the weight of containers before the box can be loaded onboard a vessel.
Ullrich Met The Challenge
Peter Ullrich, CEO/Owner of Challenge Air Cargo, died June 29 in Miami, Florida. Challenge Air Cargo operated from January 1985 until UPS bought the company in February 2001.
The measure of the man and what he meant to air cargo can be felt in a statement he once made:
“I can proudly say that I have owned one of the few and last existing privately operated cargo airlines, building it from scratch up to its successful integration into the global operating UPS network in 2001.”
A Little Morning Music In Milano
Thomas Egenolf has an interesting area of responsibility as director of Italy, Malta, UK, and Ireland for Lufthansa Cargo.
He found a perfectly spirited bottle of Spumante to celebrate designating an MD-11F ‘Buongiorno Italy’ at Milano Malpensa Airport last week.
Oshkosh By Gosh Helluva Air Show
More than 10,000 aircraft and a half million flight enthusiasts will turn Wittman Regional Airport—a place you may have never heard of—into action central from July 25-31, when it transforms into the busiest airfield in the world for the EAA’s annual AirVenture Oshkosh.
The weeklong event is thrilling and provides some genuine, knee-slapping summer fun. Oshkosh draws visitors from more than 80 countries, many of whom fly in, of course.
The Forgotten Man
On June 25th President Tsai Ing-wen stopped in Miami, Florida, en route from the Republic of China (Taiwan) to Panama.
While in Miami, Tsai said she is willing to find out whether China Airlines (CAL), Taiwan's largest air carrier, would be willing to provide direct passenger flight services to the Florida city.
SmartKargo South Of The Border Down Mexico Way
SmartKargo’s state-of-the-art, Cloud-based platform has expanded its reach south of the border, down Mexico way.
SmartKargo, the rapidly expanding company is now providing cargo management for Mexico City-based Volaris, Mexico’s second largest airline. Volaris serving 22 U.S. destinations with cargo service to markets throughout Mexico and Central America will use the SmartKargo platform.
Who Is In The Picture
DHL held its 16th DHL Global Life Sciences & Healthcare Conference in Miami June 20-22, and may have scored an industry first, giving almost everybody who attended an award.
The Carrier Award for Reliability and Excellence went to American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Swiss International Air Lines, and United Cargo.
Does New Panama Canal Work?
“The long-anticipated Panama Canal expansion opened on June 26, theoretically doubling capacity for the storied waterway.
Much larger vessels will be able to pass through the canal, and it’s expected that 10-20 percent of total cargo volume will shift from West Coast to East Coast ports.”
Family Time
Tomorrow is Eid Ul Fitr, which caps the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.
Muslims usually start the day with dawn prayers and cemetery visits to pay their respects, with families visiting each other and children receiving presents of new clothes, toys, shoes, and haircuts.
The Butler Takes Flight Deep In The Heart Of Texas
“When it comes to sorting priorities, the top priority at American Airlines Cargo as summer 2016 begins is to keep our focus on continuing our efforts around customer experience and service and reliability, which, honestly, are always top priorities.”
SOLAS Changes Ocean July 1st
New Safety of Life At Sea (SOLAS) rules kicks in later this week (July 1). Before the introduction of new global ocean container weighing rules, FlyingTypers asked some of the world’s leading air freight and 3PL executives how they and their customers were planning to manage any resulting disruption to ocean freight supply chains.
On The Ground In London
We asked a friend—a UK stalwart and fellow reporter on the ground in London—to draw a word picture describing the post-Brexit scene in Britain that goes beyond what we have seen filtered through the media.
The reply was at once surprising and sad.
Mercury Rising
Former U.S. Sen. John Glenn speaks during a celebration for the renaming of Port Columbus International Airport to John Glenn Columbus International Airport on Tuesday, June 28, 2016, in Columbus, Ohio.
Richard Malkin Is 103 Years Young Today FlyingTypers’ Senior Contributing Editor Richard Malkin turns 103 years young today June 27, 2016.
Richard holds the unique distinction of being the only air cargo reporter you can still talk to who covered the Berlin Airlift; with that one act, he practically invented air cargo journalism.
Brexit Pound Foolish
The
Brexit vote results rolled in early Friday morning and
were followed just as quickly by a tidal wave of instantaneous
opinions from IATA to IAG to the food truck outside
Heathrow Airport as to what an impending change to the
way Europe operates might mean for them.
If you look closely and
think on it, you’ll discover that nobody knows
much for sure except that things will definitely change.
The stock markets took a hit and the value of the GBP
nosedived Friday, but both are expected to recover.
Voices At Lufthansa Cargo
We love air cargo.
Our stories, often presented with a positive spirit, can at times create some waves, but our purpose is to extend the conversation and perhaps be a catalyst by generating some energetic straight talk.
Letters to the Editor for June 22, 2016
It has been almost 10 years to the day since I commented on a certain Mr. Bill’s (negative) statements addressed to Dr. Andreas Otto criticizing well-balanced price hikes. Well, time has proven Dr. Andreas right, as predicted by myself. But that’s history. Having said this, now, after these 10 years, I’d like to contribute another 2 cents to “Lufthansa Cutbacks Tip Of The Iceberg.” I guess, as a 30+ year “veteran” (now retired) of German Cargo/Lufthansa Cargo, I may still have enough of a clue to do so.
Siginon Roots In Africa
“We are committed to consistently serving our airline customers with exceptional service that is benchmarked against global standards,” declared Jared Oswago, Divisional Manager, Siginon Aviation at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi. Singapore Airlines Cargo, a Siginon business partner for the past ten years, re-signed its handling contract for an additional three years.
Will Russia Save B-747
“Boeing Co & AirBridgeCargo Airlines (ABC) may be nearing a $4 billion deal as Russia’s largest air-freight company could keep America’s iconic jumbo-jet production going.”
Pow, Right In The Kisser
Air cargo headlines the 100th Annual Farnborough Air Show next month in the UK as Lauren Kisser (above), Director of Amazon Prime Air, goes center stage with ‘Flying Safely in the Shared Airspace’ in the Drone Safety Theatre (July 16-17, 2016).
In her presentation, Ms. Kisser offers an overview meant to thrill the masses of Prime Air, Amazon’s future drone delivery system.
Beam Us Up, Fred
FedEx is incorporating artificial intelligence in trucks & planes.
Company founder Fred Smith predicts more powerful networks—coupled with artificial intelligence—will revolutionize medicine, politics, transportation, and many other aspects of the world.
Female Air Races USA
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University celebrates its 90th year as the hosting sponsor of the 2016 Air Race Classic (ARC), which kicked off last Saturday, June 18, with a barbecue on Embry Riddle’s campus in Prescott, Arizona, and culminates with a banquet in Daytona Beach on June 26.
Lufthansa Cutbacks Tip Of The Iceberg
For the past 18 months, Lufthansa’s woes have littered the news with one challenge after another, and as a result share prices for the airline have suffered.
Lufthansa has been the target of almost non-stop strikes and walkouts. The catastrophic crash of a Germanwings airplane (now Eurowings, the daughter of Lufthansa) due to a mentally unstable pilot didn’t help matters.
ULDs Ain't Just Cans Anymore
When it comes to ULDs, there a few outstanding people—like Bob Rogers from Nordisk known for his drastic and knowledgeable presentations delivered at industry meetings such as the IATA WCS and the TIACA ACF—who have dedicated their professional lives to raising awareness about the ‘unknown entity ULD.’ They have played a pivotal role in spreading the word. Urs Wiesendanger from Air Canada, who also serves as president of the organization ULD Care, is another stand-up stalwart for better understanding of best practices in ULDs.
Qatar Talks To The Animals
Qatar Airways Cargo chief Ulrich Ogiermann (l) is pictured with Qatar Airways Cargo Senior Vice President Sales & Marketing Peter Penseel. They were at Air Cargo China in Shanghai last week to unveil a big new trade show stand and talk to the press.
Uli revealed:
“In 2017, we will target areas such as Transpacific, Australia, and South America—do not be surprised if you see us becoming a strong player in all these markets in the next nine months.”
Delta Up On Pharma
“Expanding our Pharma 4 stations to include Rio de Janeiro echoes our commitment to globalization and is a direct response to customer feedback,” said Gareth Joyce, President Delta Cargo as Delta Cargo’s newest Variation Pharma 4 station opened on June 13.
Kuehner Panalpina End To End
With structural overcapacity the ‘new normal’ and airlines continuing to add point-to-point capacity to meet rising passenger demand, forwarders are understandably seeking out profits wherever they can find them.
The Conversation Continues
Elliott Paige, Head of Cargo and Passenger Air Service Development at Hartsfield Jackson International Airport, headlines the Air Cargo Association of Atlanta (AACA) Big Event Luncheon on June 21 to honor past presidents and announce scholarship winners.
Around The World Following The Sun
It felt a bit like the fabled departure of “The Lone Eagle,” when Charles Lindbergh took off in the dark for Paris 89 years ago. But this was 2016. The Swiss-made Solar Impulse 2 landed at John F. Kennedy International Airport on Saturday, June 11, at 4 a.m. It had just traveled for 4 hours and 41 minutes on a trip of 165 miles from Lehigh Valley International Airport in Pennsylvania.
Orlando The Next Night
“We will gather in larger crowds. Some of us will be worried that it could happen again. But we will still gather. We win.”
Mass Layoffs At Lufthansa Cargo
One day after Simone Menne (left) quit her job at Lufthansa as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to assume corporate board division finance responsiblity of the family-run Boehringer Ingelheim, which ranks among the world’s top 20 pharmaceutical companies, Lufthansa shares fell 5.5 percent to their lowest point since September 2015.
Airport Truck Queues Threaten Cargo Growth
I’ve attended almost every major air cargo conference of the last 40 years. Recently I was looking over the agenda of yet another industry gathering when the thought occurred to me that at all these events, people rarely talk about airports much anymore.
The airports of the world certainly attend industry events and even buy display stands to tell their story.
Atlanta Activates Truck Staging
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is the world’s most traveled airport, welcoming more than 100 million passengers in 2015, the most of any other airport in a single year. However, from a cargo standpoint, ATL ranks just 13th nationwide and 33rd internationally.
It's JFK Cargo Golf Day June 27
Joseph Badamo, President of the JFK Air Cargo Association (Silk Way Airlines, Vice President Sales, the Americas) advises that the ACA Golf Outing and all day brunch-to-dinner Summer 2016 event is once again at hand.
“We present our Third Annual Charity Golf Outing on June 27 at the Lido Beach Golf Club and everyone is invited,” Mr. Badamo declared.
Gareth Joyce Is All About Choice
Gareth Joyce has served as the President of Delta Cargo for almost a month now. In that time, he has worked continuously with the Cargo Sales team to strengthen the logistics arm at Delta, focusing on bold, new strategies that engage the Delta customer.
In an air cargo world of choices, Gareth is happily accepting the challenge to drive shippers to Delta.
“We have an opportunity to make Delta Cargo an entrepreneur inside of Delta,” Mr. Joyce declares.
Sounds of Silence
For as long as anyone can remember, Lufthansa Cargo has been out up front with the media, hosting events for the industry and press whilst promoting its offering and industry issues, at times seemingly all by itself.
But for most of the first half of 2016 and indeed the last quarter of 2015, the German national carrier was suddenly and uncharacteristically silent, having adopted an abnormally low-key public image.
Still A Thrill “We’re thrilled to welcome Edelweiss Air back to Calgary,” said Senior Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer at Calgary Airport Stephan Poirier. Edelweiss Air commenced non-stop seasonal A330 service from Zurich running twice weekly from June to September.
One Roof Still At Home
This month Air France-KLM Cargo takes responsibility for all sales activities, bookings and enquiries for Delta Cargo in France and Germany. In May AF/KL took on the same activities for DL in Belgium under the Joint Venture’s emerging ‘one roof’ strategy.
Defused
An evacuated part of the airport in Hanover, Germany, shows empty seats after a recently discovered American bomb from World War II was defused late last month.
The town council in Langenhagen, where the airport is located, said the bomb squad unearthed and defused a 250-kilogram (551-pound) U.S. bomb.
The Champ Comes Home
An Eastern Airlines charter brings Mohammed Ali home to Louisville, Kentucky, from Phoenix, Arizona, where he died on Friday, June 3. The sports world along with much of the rest of the planet is mourning the loss of “The Greatest.”
See What The Bears In The Back Room Will Have
Recently, over a beer in a Bangkok bar, one leading air freight forwarder explained to your correspondent that air freight as an industry was now a completely different beast to the one he had originally started working in some 20+ years ago. “It’s not just the miniaturization of products and things like 3D printing, the whole idea of charging on a volumetric basis has been debunked,” he said. “In the future I can see multiple verticals finding new ways or producing goods which will erode demand for premium airport-to-airport services.”
DIAL Up Ten Years
May was a merry month for Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL). It celebrated its tenth birthday as a private entity and, more importantly, it did so with a bang: it became the World No. 1 Airport (25-40 MPPA category) in the ACI ASQ (Airports Council International’s Airport Service Quality) for 2015 (it was its second consecutive award).
Porta Estellar Summer
Porta Estellar ("Star Gate" in Catalan) was an immersive art installation featured at last year's La Mercé festival in Barcelona.
Produced by PlayMID, a collaboration between studios Playmodes (Santi Vilanova and Eloi Maduell) and MID (Alex Posada), Porta Estellar featured innovative light and sound effects to take visitors on a galactic adventure.
So Smart It's Stupid
When it comes to new ideas for air cargo which, in the language of pilots, “turn a Chandelle” (180 degrees) from the norm, it is fair to say that since World War II our industry has been punctuated with the hopes and dreams of some original thinkers and plenty of dreamers and doers.
Letters to the Editor - June 1, 2016
Mr. Jinks apparently has forgotten, or never knew, that when FedEx acquired Flying Tigers in 1989 FX became the owners of the #1 airline in the world for handling big ugly freight....
TNT 70 Years In 70 Seconds
The FedEx acquisition of TNT Express for €4.4 billion this week combines the 43-year-old, Memphis-based powerhouse with the iconic 70-year-old Hoofddorp, Netherlands, based company.
Apparently UPS, a TNT suitor, vigorously opposed the takeover.
The deal (in Europe, at least) strengthens FedEx’s hand as it attempts to take on Deutsche Post AG’s DHL and, of course, archrival UPS.
Undeclared DGR Via eBay
Internet auction platforms certainly have changed the way we live, value things, and sometimes even how we make a living.
Instead of letting that old laptop or cellphone gather dust, you sell it on e-Bay. And when you need a spare part for your 1950’s to 1980’s collectible car, chances are it can be found for less on e-Bay or some other auction platform—hence the e-Bay slogan, “if it exists in the world, in can probably be found on e-Bay.
MIA BRU Put Pharma On Ice
Miami and Brussels cargo facilities have been designated pharmaceuticals freight hubs, which means the two gateways have passed a Pharma Certification Program verifying high-value, temperature-sensitive drugs and medicines are transported in accordance with global best practices according to IATA.
Security & Weekend On Wheels
“All types of cargo thieves, whether organized or not, are very active during the long Memorial Day Weekend,” said Cargo Security Alliance this week as the big U.S. holiday approaches, adding:
“Theft activity (be it a burglary of a warehouse or theft of a transportation conveyance) can increase as much as 40 percent over non-holiday periods,” CSA advises.
UPS & SAP View Future In 3D
“By 2017 UPS should be able to take an order in the early evening and have the part made and delivered the next day,” said Alan Amling, (right) Vice President of UPS Supply Chain Solutions. Last week UPS and SAP announced a partnership to build an end-to-end 3D Printing System, integrating SAP’s supply chain capabilities. The system will cover initial order to final delivery of a product.
Women in Charge: How Women Power Unisys Cargo
Carriers, ground handlers, and forwarders use Unisys technology services to move about 20 percent of the world’s air cargo.
About two hundred people are engaged at Unisys supporting solution management, product development, and service delivery of the cargo solutions. They are mainly based in centers in the U.S. and India, but also close to clients in many other countries.
The Unisys group are highly skilled professionals, and about half are women.
Same Day United Matters
“The United Cargo team is excited about our enhanced participation in the time:matters Sameday network,” said Jan Krems, President of United Cargo.
“We know the importance of delivering fast, standardized, and highly reliable transport for time-critical shipments, and we believe United Cargo’s extensive U.S. flight network is a perfect fit for increased cooperation in the solutions time:matters provides for customers.
“My thanks to the time:matters and United Cargo teams in Germany for the creativity and effort it took to make this collaboration happen.”
Watch The Birdie At A Golf Outing
Atlanta Airport Cargo Association (AACA), a great gateway cargo club, held its Annual Golf Outing on March 17 at Orchard Hills Golf Club.
“All of our friends were there and some of their best friends, too,” said photographer and good friend to all, Donna Mullins (Mullins International Solutions).
Changi Trucking On Productivity
The Singapore Aircargo Agents Association will soon be offering its own airport shuttle services for freight in a bid to boost the competitiveness of the city-state’s exporters, forwarders, and agents.
The plan will be trialed with 28 forwarders starting July 1. Participating companies will combine loads onto trucks, which will then shuttle cargo within Changi Airport Cargo Complex.
SWIFT Kicks India Clearance Up A Notch
“I have never seen such a change in my 40 years in the air cargo industry,” said Tushar Jani, Chairman, Delhi Cargo Service Center. A veteran in the cargo business, Jani is well known as an innovative entrepreneur—he was one of the founders and former Chairman of Blue Dart Courier Services and Blue Dart Aviation—and was speaking about SWIFT, the Single Window System introduced recently at international airports around the country.
Spargel Zeit Asparagus Time Again
Our favorite yearly treat comes to New York City this week. Air cargo is once again delivering cases of the great German “royal vegetable,” spargel (white asparagus), once reserved for the upper classes. The German American Chamber of Commerce celebrates the season with its 15th Annual White Asparagus Dinner held at The Tribeca Rooftop in Manhattan.
Field Of Dreams
Remember Chinese logistics entrepreneur Jonathan Pang who went to Germany and purchased Parchim Airport?
Well, now it is seven years later and Mr. Pang and his airport are the subject of a documentary released this week (May 19) titled Parchim International.
Summer Waiting In The Wings
Passengers contemplating long lines are reflected in glass as they queue up for a security checkpoint under the atrium of the domestic passenger terminal at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Atlanta.
Turkish Opens Atlanta
“We are thrilled to welcome Turkish Airlines to Atlanta,” Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson International Airport General Manager Miguel Southwell said, as Turkish begins daily, nonstop B777-300 ER service Monday May 16, 2016 between Atlanta and Istanbul.
“Turkish Airlines daily passenger and cargo flights will open up business and leisure opportunities for thousands of new customers from both sides of the Atlantic,” Mr. Southwell said.
The Turkish Way
If you examine Turkish Airlines as delegates to IATA’s Cargo Network Services (CNS) undoubtedly did during their big Nashville event, what emerged—in addition to the slick, ultra modern aircraft transport and handling capabilities for all manner of cargo, from pharma to horses to heavy machinery and small packages—is Istanbul itself as the “Natural Bridge between Asia and Europe.”
Coming In 17, You Know What That Means
Mark Sutch (General Manager Marketing & Sales, Cathay Pacific), Simon Large (Director Cargo, Cathay Pacific), Peter Gerber (CEO and Chairman of the Executive Board of Lufthansa Cargo) and Bernhard Kindelbacher (Senior Vice President Strategy, Subsidiaries & Business Development Lufthansa Cargo) with the big May 12 announcement that the future of Lufthansa Cargo and Cathay Pacific will involve combining cargo handling at Frankfurt & Hong Kong, coordinating sales, flights, and schedules, and opening up IT for cross access by customers.
Ain't Lion—Glad To Retire
A worker straps down cages that hold former circus lions on their arrival at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa, Saturday, April 30, 2016. Thirty-three lions rescued from various circuses in Peru and Colombia were winging their way to Johannesburg to live out the rest of their lives in a private sanctuary in South Africa, organized and paid for by Animal Defenders International.
FIATA Hits The Rails
Putting China & Europe on rail is a long held dream of FIATA President and Bejing-based Sinotrans Ltd. CEO Mr. Zhao Huxiang, as he reiterated in an opening address to a working group of global players that met in Shenzhen on May 12-13. The purpose of the meeting was to bring that dream closer to reality by sharing experiences and ideas in order to uncover innovative solutions.
Along Comes Pretty Little May
Mustangs were on the flight line at the annual 'Wings Over Illawarra' Airshow recently in Australia. The airshow took place at the Illawarra Regional Airport, a field located on the doorstep of Sydney.
Amazon Partners All Modes
If its recent activities are anything to go by, Amazon is committed to building up its global warehousing and delivery business by investing further in its logistics network, including air freight capacity. In part 3 of FlyingTypers’ analysis of what this means for incumbent transport providers, we spoke to Cathy Roberson, Founder and Head Analyst for Logistics Trends & Insights.
Thailand Aviation: The Long Road Back
As reported late last year by FT, the ICAO safety audit that downgraded the Thai aviation system to Category 2 basically said Thai commercial aviation is deficient and not up to snuff to international minimum safety standards, a notion later endorsed by both the US FAA and their European counterpart EASA after conducting their own audits.
India Numbers Rising
Over the last few weeks, a constant refrain in Indian aviation circles has been that within the next four-five years the country will become the third largest aviation market after the U.S. and China. Not without reason: Everyone has been quoting from a study done by KPMG and apex chambers of commerce body, FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry), called the “India Aviation Report.”
Get Ready To Jump A Hyperloop
Will people and cargo travel in a tube on the ground at the speed of sound?
That idea may have moved a step closer to reality as a company called Hyperloop Transportation Technologies (HTT), which includes some Boeing and NASA veterans, says that it has licensed passive magnetic levitation technology to power a prototype system that promises to move humans and cargo at speeds of up to 750 miles per hour.
The
Amazon Air Force
History alive last week as Amazon
the giant global online retailer is now “The Amazon Air Force”
adding Atlas into its air freight portfolio.
Namaste
Nisha Mahajan Though Nisha Mahajan
has been in the cargo business for quite some time, she says that
her work at Namaste India Aviation is an exciting and challenging
one. “No two days are similar in the cargo industry,”
she told ACNFlyingTypers.
Cambodia
Kingdom Of Wonders Phom
Penh Exclusive Looking
for new markets remains a priority for some executives, especially
after a rather lackluster and in some quarters even sluggish 2015.
Now in 2016, uncertainty over China
finding the next big thing continues as the long predicted migration
of manufacturing to the low cost labor pool areas of Southeast Asia
occurs.
Amazon
Upstream Into Transportation
(Exclusive)—Rumors that Amazon
is one of three bidders looking to establish a presence at Germany’s
Frankfurt-Hahn Airport continue to mount. The location would offer
easy access to warehouses across Europe, potentially generating
cost savings and service improvements. It would also give Amazon
better access to Germany, Europe’s largest economy.
Taking
Stock Mixes Demand The picture for
freight demand remains mixed, but signs of an upturn in March and
the sense that European and U.S. retailers are restocking are buoying
industry confidence, at least on some lanes.
Helmut
Places People
Are you ever at an event
and can’t connect a face with a name?
Have you ever noticed that
at some trade shows or big meetings, there is always one guy that
seems to know everybody’s name?
Claudio
Reinvented
When it comes to dedication
to development of Latin American and especially South America air
cargo, few in the market have the chops and gravitas of Claudio Silva.
Get
Down & Play The Logistics Game
Meet Andy Page and Patricia Smedley,
former UK teachers and as unlikely a duo for change as you might
expect.
These two have concocted a board
game intended to excite and inspire 9-19 year olds about logistics
and the global supply chain.
The game is called “Business
on the Move,” and their particular dream became a reality
for kids in the UK in the summer of 2014.
Nepal
Story One Year Later
On the anniversary of the first Nepal
quake on April 25 2015, FlyingTypers caught up
with Gagan Mukhia, Country Manager of DHL Express Nepal.
As reported by our correspondent a
year ago, on the day the first 7.8 magnitude quake shattered the
Himalayan country, most DHL staff were enjoying a team bonding picnic
on a pleasant hill some 30 minutes outside the capital Kathmandu.
India
Needs Infrastructure & Process Efficiencies
When Prime Minister Narendra
Modi’s cabinet recently opened the doors for the $75 billion
UAE investments in India’s infrastructure, it also signaled
the beginning of a project that had been hampered by a lack of funds.
Set for establishment near Delhi’s international airport,
the ECC or Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre is only a part of a
project that includes an air cargo complex spread over 144 hectares
of land.
Letters
To The Editor For April 28, 2016
Congratulations on being
named a FIATA Fellow.
Bob Keen from British
International Freight Association (BIFA) did share the FIATA Fellow
news with me a while ago and said he enjoyed a beer with you at
the event in Zurich earlier this month.
Security Report From The Commissioner
At CNS in Nashville two weeks ago, the question “What concerns you most?” was thrown at delegates attending an early morning session titled “Importance of Associations In Making Cargo Move.”
Overwhelmingly, the answer we heard most was “security and safety.”
Container Weight Boosts Air?
Will container weighing be a boost for air?
Air freight demand could be the big beneficiary of new maritime rules due for introduction this summer. But a whole range of scenarios are possible, leaving shippers, forwarders, 3PLs, and airlines with plenty of supply chain scenarios to—quite literally—weigh up, according to Wolfgang Lehmacher, Head of Supply Chain and Transport Industries at the World Economic Forum.
Take A Tip From The Tulips
This is a special time of year. In a small corner of our rather tiny backyard, the most wonderful pair of tulips are back in bloom to help welcome the sweet springtime.
They are gazing up at the sun after having waited patiently for the New York City weather to warm up. They finally opened up this morning.
FIATA Goes Green In San Antonio
Members from FIATA World Congress Dublin (upcoming for October 3-8) hit the streets of San Antonio, Texas, as part of the Transport Intermediaries Association's (TIA) 5k Charity Run at TIA’s Capital Ideas Conference and Exhibition, which ran April 6-9.
Not Easy Being Green
This Friday, April 22, 2016, is Earth Day.
We are now entering the 46th year of an environmental movement that continues to inspire thought, challenge ideas, ignite passion, and motivate people to action.
“It’s Not Easy Bein’ Green” is a popular song written by Joe Raposo, originally performed by Jim Henson as Kermit the Frog on Sesame Street, the long-running children’s show on the Public Broadcasting System in America.
BIFA Backs Multimodal May
Ian Matheson writes that Birmingham, UK, is “one of the homes of the Industrial Revolution.” That works for air cargo, since BIFA—the British International Freight Association—appears in Birmingham at Multimodal 2016 from May 10-12, 2016.
“BIFA uses Multimodal 2016 as its prime annual event to showcase the Association’s offerings to logistics visitors from all over the country,” Ian reports.
Eye In The Sky
A new nail-biter movie featuring Helen Mirren and the late Alan Rickman explores the moral quandaries of remote control warfare...
Prince Was American Royalty
The artist known as Prince died today in Minnesota.
Prince was that most unique type of singer-songwriter—a complete original. He combined so many types of music, mixing Big Band, Rock & Roll, and R&B.
Prince’s stage presence was electric—he was always beautifully costumed, alive with energy and spirit, and equipped with a beautiful voice and stupendous guitar.
Tristan And American Cargo
The tale of Tristan and Iseult might tell the tale of a medieval romantic tragedy, but the story of Tristan Koch, American Airlines Cargo Managing Director Cargo Sales EMEA ISC, is far more uplifting.
To this fast-rising star, things are looking better everyday.
The Lionel Track At CNS
Lionel van der Walt, a South African who has been part of IATA for the past decade (mostly on the passenger side), went into the spotlight and took center stage as IATA Cargo Network Services (CNS) President and Host of the Partnership Conference in Nashville.
Cargo Is Country Music
The cargo community met where country music rules, and for 3 days Nashville became customer country. We spent some time with the spirited group that hosted United Cargo adventures last week.
DFW Gives Good Catchment
During a break in the action at CNS we were talking to DFW about their catchment area numbers, (including HOU, ELP, LRD, STL, MCI, BPT):
Asia accounts for more than one-half of air cargo trade, with the aforementioned gateways solidly part of DFW catchment area.
In Africa: Nigeria, South Africa, and Angola are the three largest trading partners with DFW.
Remembering Bill Langenberg
We were saddened to learn of the passing of William “Bill” Langenberg.
Bill served as District Sales Manager at Burlington Northern Air Freight and BAX Global at LAX during the late 70s and 80s.
Vol.
15 No. 30MONDAY APRIL 11,
2016
Gareth Joyce Named President Delta Cargo
Gareth Joyce is the new President of Delta Cargo and will assume command of the Atlanta-based airline’s fortunes starting on April 18.
Mr. Joyce comes to Delta from Mercedes Benz, where he had steadily moved up the executive ladder to the post of CEO & President Canada since joining the big car company in 2009.
Out To Sea At CNS
We may have been landlocked inside a gargantuan hotel complex in a place called Opryland, but air cargo seemed out to sea. President and Chief Executive Officer of Atlas Air William J. Flynn delivered one of the more curious keynote addresses in recent memory as CNS Partnership Conference began Monday in Nashville, Tennessee.
United Sez "You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet
“At our team meeting one year ago, we said United Cargo was a volcano ready to erupt in a very positive way,” said Jan Krems, President of United Cargo, as we kicked off the team’s recent Annual Worldwide Meeting with a brief history lesson.
“I want to salute everyone here for their skill and dedication, because they made that positive change happen.”
Why Issa Baluch Matters
We spent a couple of days in March at the big FIATA meeting in Zurich, Switzerland. There the fabled 90-year-old organization stepped outside itself to bestow upon me the title of “FIATA Fellow” in a lovely ceremony inside a 700-year-old restaurant near FIATA HQ.
In a world of meaningless awards meant only to pump up the bank accounts of publications and organizations, being recognized for excellence by the airlines’ biggest customer was, to our mind, the exception that makes the rule.
FIATA's Era With Chairman Zhao
Make no mistake about it, China is still the place everybody wants to be: it’s home to the world's second largest economy and is the world's number one exporter.
Often when there is talk about China’s logistics (in the west, at least), the conversation will center on international firms, including leading brand names like FedEx, UPS, DHL, and others.
League Of Extraordinary Women
Sometimes a great story comes up and bites you on the fanny.
During an early February ‘hour of power’ inside Delta Airlines headquarters in Atlanta, we spoke to six women with different air cargo jobs and were delighted to discover the brilliance, dedication, and sense of teamwork at the carrier.
EMO Trans Ready For Partnership 2016
Fast-growing logistics specialist EMO Trans arrived in Nashville for the IATA CNS Partnership Conference ready to do business.
EMO has actively supported and participated in CNS Partnership for the past two decades.
“CNS Partnership is an important part of our strategy to get close to our partners as we continue to work together on behalf of our customers,” said President EMO Trans Marco Rohrer (center), pictured with Corporate Airfreight Manager Tilo Weger (left), and Midwest USA Regional Manager Uwe Kaeding (right).
Panama Papers United World Press
Hats off to the 376 reporters from more than 100 news outlets and 80 countries around the world! The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) parked their egos and worked together for a year to report on the corruption of several world leaders, making for the biggest blockbuster story of this or any news cycle. The resultant Panama Papers have uncovered political deception and a conspiracy to hide tax monies in offshore accounts.
Adios, Merle
The great Merle Haggard died on Wednesday, April 6.
The country music legend’s songs included “Okie from Muskogee” and “Fightin' Side of Me.” He was 79.
I don’t know what you call it when someone dies on the exact date they were born, but the lights have dimmed in the music world as we all mourn the music giant who has left us.
Vol.
15 No. 28WEDNESDAY APRIL 06,
2016
Come Dance With Me
Hundreds of years before Riverdance, an anonymous 14th Century Irish poet invited one and all to “Come Dance With Me In Ireland.”
The Wide Open World of Ashwin Bhat
There is a high, stark white wall Ashwin Bhat faces from his desk as Head of Cargo for SWISS International Airlines in Zurich, Switzerland.
Just over his shoulder, a floor-to-ceiling window reveals the outside neighborhood and the ensuing seasons.
But the white wall offered Ashwin a unique opportunity to forge a personal window on the world, so he took it.
The CNS Partnership Meetapalooza
It's that time of year again: the 26th CNS Partnership Conference is back to bring together airlines and forwarders for a few days of golfing, networking, and comparing big ideas.
The confab starts Sunday, April 10 in Nashville, TN. For more info click here.
China Airlines New For 2016
Taiwan-headquartered China Airlines is hoping free trade agreements under negotiation or already in place and high demand for niche cargoes and sports equipment will boost cargo demand as 2016 unfolds.
CAL will introduce two B777s and four A350s this year; the B777 will fly the SFO, LAX, and JFK routes while the A350 will fly European and Australia/New Zealand routes.
Aircraft Facilities Spiral Etihad Upward
Although it has often found itself—alongside its Middle East peers— caught up in rows with regulators and competitors (mainly in Europe) about how it has funded and managed its expansion, there is no doubt that Etihad Airways is a major star in the world of air freight even when markets are stubbornly slow.
Vol.
15 No. 27MONDAY APRIL 04,
2016
An Opening
Operations resume at Brussels Airport in Zaventem, near Brussels, Belgium, April 3, 2016. The airport was reopened after the terror attacks of March 22, when at least 31 people were killed and hundreds injured in bombs explosions at the airport Departures Hall and at Metro stations in downtown Brussels.
Forward Into April Softly
Reports from Asia’s forwarders are not exactly uplifting. One told this correspondent that there had been “barely a sliver of improvement” post-Chinese New Year in import and export demand across the region, “with the exception of the Philippines.” Another said it was “downright depressing” when asked about prospects for the rest of this year.
Delta Cargo Marketing From The Ground Up
Ask Delta Cargo’s Product & Express Development Manager Pawel Borkowski what is moving up the Cool Chain right now, and his answer is immediate:
“Delta Cargo’s premium products drive a significant portion of our revenue mix, so far up 2 percent YoY for 2016.”
April No Fooling
April 1st is a date when the unexpected can sometimes be revealed as an “April Fool’s joke.”
So you can imagine the irony this past April 1st when Japan Airlines (JAL) President Yoshiharu Ueki (C) and newly hired employees held up their paper planes to celebrate the day at the JAL hanger at Tokyo's Haneda. Meanwhile, in the passenger terminal, furious customers were lined up to demand refunds of their money after a computer glitch fouled the day for thousands.
Another Show
A close-up view of a statue of a Scribe on display at the newly opened Cairo Airport Museum in Cairo, Egypt.
Get It On American
High, wide, and handsome is one way to describe the arc of the growing enterprise that is American Airlines Cargo—it's also an accurate descriptor of its expansive and interesting president, Jim Butler.
Jim came into the industry after shouldering major responsibility during the integration process that turned the merger of USAir and American into a textbook success.
Steiger Was A Fighter
Dirk Steiger was a fighter. He died far too young—at the age of 53—on March 22, 2016, in Frankfurt, Germany.
Whether it was battling against the night flight ban at Frankfurt a few years ago, or refusing to back down from the debilitating illness that eventually took his life, Dirk never minded the odds and was an intense, smart, and original thinker in air cargo.
Vital Views for March 30, 2016
Michelle DeFronzo, principal, IMEX Cargo, explained: “A general sales agent is an extension of the airline. In order to make the relationship a success both has to work in partnership as a strategic alliance with the carrier focusing on shared expectations, communications, joint marketing efforts and accountability.”
Achim Says Auf Wiedersehen To The Americas
Amongst its numbers report last week, which stated that in 2015, Lufthansa Cargo achieved Earnings Before Interest & Taxes (EBIT) of 74 million Euros—down 40 percent as compared to 2014—the carrier outlined some new programs it hopes will boost business. In addition, the carrier also named some new people to various posts within the organization.
Oliver From Arms' Length
“The best view of a territory is always from a certain distance: this is what I am now able to enjoy since my departure from that wonderful company which I led for 12 years with great pride and delight, Swiss WorldCargo. It is therefore my pleasure to try and describe that view in the humble hope that my vantage point offers some fresh insights.”
BER Two-Step
As we reported last week, the new capital airport “Willy Brandt International” in Berlin, Germany, is an ongoing boondoggle—a national and international embarrassment of cost overruns and delayed completion. The General Accounting Office (GA) of the State of Brandenburg published a damning report decrying the shortcomings surrounding construction of the airport-to-be and accusing both the supervisory board and the senior management for neglect of their legal obligations.
Vol.
15 No. 24MONDAY MARCH 21,
2016
Geoffrey Named FIATA Fellow
On Saturday, March 20, 2016, The International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA) honored FlyingTypers’ Editor/Publisher Geoffrey Arend, bestowing upon him the title of FIATA Fellow for his contributions to the air cargo industry.
Accompanied by his son Geoffrey II, Mr. Arend was given the unprecedented recognition—the first time for someone outside of FIATA, the largest organization of freight forwarders in the world.
SWISSerific Posts Profits 2015
“SWISS is well positioned and equipped, and this enabled us to respond successfully to the high competitive pressures,” declared Thomas Klühr, CEO Swiss International Air Lines, as the carrier’s corporate report declared the carrier achieved an operating profit (adjusted EBIT) of CHF 453 million for 2015, a 34 percent improvement on the previous year (2014: CHF 337 million) and the third-best operating result in the company’s history.
“But the challenges of last year will also accompany us throughout the year ahead. This is why we will align ourselves even more closely with our partners within the Lufthansa Group, to even better meet our customers’ needs and tap further synergic potential,” he added.
Cuban Cargo Havana Good Time
After a half-century blockade some thought would never end, U.S. and Cuban air carriers stand poised to commence what will surely be a growing roster of services between the United States and Cuba.
It’s anybody’s guess where these potential monthly frequencies might leave air cargo, but the circuitous routes airborne consignments have taken during the “no fly” era are a good indication of the impact this will have on the industry.
For example, air cargo between Havana and Europe has been thriving, and while the door was shut between the United States and Cuba, business did not slacken between Toronto, Canada, and the island nation.
Buoyant Bellinder Sunny Side Up
Do you know what we like about Jim Bellinder, Vice President Cargo Sales Americas for United Cargo?
Jim is an airline guy who moves in an upbeat fashion that might suggest he has a bit of Jet-A coursing through his system.
Buoyant Bellinder seems to keep himself sunny side up.
Not such an easy thing to do as business challenges and other cycles come into play in 2016, but in the big game, when the time is late and winning is on the line, you want Jim on your side.
Cargo 2000 Is Now Cargo iQ
“Cargo iQ members work together to measure success and continuously improve the value of airfreight for customers,” said Ariaen Zimmerman, Executive Director, Cargo iQ, as the IATA special interest group Cargo 2000 (C2K) is rebranded and with new members reborn as Cargo iQ (CiQ?). Emirates SkyCargo joins several other new members as Cargo iQ was trumpeted as the big news out of Berlin this week.
BER Bumbles Into 2016
In Germany—more precisely, in Berlin, its capital and former Reichshauptstadt—when it comes to the airport business, everything is far from being “in ordnung” (order); in fact to use another German word, things at BER are “chaos” (a mess)!
The large infrastructure project at Berlin’s Willy Brandt International Airport has run out of money and despite huge cost overruns and a seeming endless period of time, it still requires more time to be completed.
So maybe that is not big news, but keep reading.
Hands On Maritime Easy As ABS
ABS Consulting, which offers some excellent training courses in Florida, announced the 6th edition of their Maritime Logistics Training Course. It takes place at the Residence Inn by Marriott, Miramar, Florida, on April 27-28, 2016.
In 2014, Albert Saphir (above) and Joe Espinosa created this 2-day training course based on industry requests for practical training and education. They launched the first course in February 2014; since then, all iterations of the course have sold out!
“Our content is just about unchanged from the previous editions as the overall format has been very well received by the attendees.
Vol.
15 No. 22WEDNESDAY MARCH 16,
2016
Every Which Way With Samways
When asked to offer some insight into air cargo in 2016 both domestically (U.S.) and internationally, Roger Samways, Managing Director Global and Key Accounts for American Airlines Cargo, related the following.
“The international market makes up a lot of our business. And although the macroeconomic situation worldwide isn’t necessarily encouraging, there are still plenty of opportunities as we continue to focus on building stronger relationships with our customers and developing new partnerships, and as our overall network continues to expand (as with our newly acquired presence in Haneda, Sydney, etc.). ”
Honestly Shobana
Shobana Devarajulu, Cargo Services Manager, Cathay Pacific at Delhi is candid enough to say that she strayed into air cargo “honestly by accident…”
Shobana joined the airline “to do aircraft weight and balance for cargo freighters” but was asked to work in cargo acceptance.
She was quick to understand the huge potential and the vast scope the work provided.
“I decided to continue in the industry,” she says. That was around a dozen years ago and Shobana has not regretted her decision since.
Up The Irish 2016
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with these words as you lift your glass to friends and family: May the road rise up to meet you
And may the wind always be at your back
May the sun shine warm upon your face
And the raindrops fall soft upon your fields
And until we meet again
May God hold you in the small of his hand.
Vol.
15 No. 21MONDAY MARCH 14,
2016
World Cargo Symposium Insight Out Here is a glimpse at our picks for the interesting session tracks at IATA’s World Cargo Symposium (WCS), taking place this week in Berlin, Germany, from March 15-17.The air cargo industry is gathering its best and brightest for three days of face-to-face contact and around-the-clock meetings.
Imagine Ray Curtis With Superpowers
As the chief cargo officer at Delta Airlines Cargo, Vice President Global Sales and Marketing Ray Curtis is many things to a host of people around the world.
During more than 30 years in the air cargo business, Ray has continuously moved up the ladder, equipped with the experience of belonging to a transportation family—his mom, Joan, was a well-known early pioneer in cargo, working for a forwarder at JFK International Airport in New York.
Amazon Airborne
In a deal that will see Amazon acquire up to 19.9 percent percent of Air Transport Services Group, Inc., (ATSG), Amazon Fulfillment Services, Inc.—an affiliate of Amazon.com, Inc., (as expected)—has agreed to have ASTG operate an air cargo network via twenty B767s to serve Amazon customers in the United States.
Tempelhof Is A Green Paradise
“The airport at Tempelhof unites the characteristics of an inland sea with the yearning for faraway places,”a delighted observer once said.
Attendees of World Cargo Symposium might want to get out of the hotel this week and take a walk over to one of the best public parks in the world, where a veritable green paradise has been crafted out of what was once the gateway of The Berlin Airlift, where modern air cargo was born in 1948.
Vol.
15 No. 20WEDNESDAY MARCH 9,
2016
What Will Boost India Cargo? The picture of a heavy bag containing the 2016-17 Indian Budget being handled by Parliament staff, which bannered our March 2, 2016, FlyingTypers issue, was indeed a telling one.
Like any journalist keen on a good story, my editor commented, “Undoubtedly, somewhere in that bag are the air cargo hopes held by the aviation dreamers and doers of India.”
Brave Bessie Blazes A Trail FlyingTypers continues its groundbreaking series covering the courageous and pioneering women of air cargo and aviation with a look back at pioneering aviatrix Bessie Coleman.
In America, February celebrates Black History Month and March celebrates Women’s History Month, which beggars the question of where to place someone as historically significant as Bessie Coleman.
Of B727s & MD88s
On March 2 the first Boeing 727 (N7001U) ever built took off for its final flight, traveling from Paine Field in Everett, Washington, to Boeing Field in Seattle.
The plane will go on permanent display at the Museum of Flight as part of Boeing's centennial celebration at the museum.
The B727 was restored inside and out at the Museum of Flight Restoration Center at Paine Field.
Go JFK Expo March 31
It’s hard not to fall in love with the annual JFK International Airport “Air Cargo Association Expo,” held at Russo’s On The Bay near the main runways of the southern Queens facility in New York City. Transportation alums gather in Howard Beach, Queens, on March 31, 2016 all day from 08:00 until 17:00 hours.
Vol.
15 No. 19MONDAY MARCH 7,
2016
Will Ocean Containers Add Lift? New container weighing rules for ocean freight that will implemented this July have the potential to give air freight demand a welcome boost if maritime supply chains are disrupted. Indeed, one leading carrier believes the introduction of the new regulations has the potential to temporarily reverse the long-term modal shift of cargo from air to ocean.
Dead Heat On A Carousel
Assessing last month’s Air Cargo India that took place in Mumbai (Feb.23-25), reliable sources told FlyingTypersthat “most people in our circle were there to receive an award or act as a speaker.”
“There was a lot of hype and ballyhoo connected to the appearance of Renu Singh Parmar, the Senior Economic Advisor in the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
“Unfortunately, Renu had nothing new to say.”
Drone Hits Plane
An octocopter-type drone is seen here midflight. Airline pilots are calling for tests to discover what would happen if a drone hit a passenger jet amid a recent spate of near misses.
The British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) wants the Department for Transport (DfT) and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to back research into the possible consequences of such collisions.
Quick Before It Melts
Is KOLD KART too cool for school?
When it comes to carrying temperature sensitive cargo—whether perishables or pharmaceuticals—keeping the right cool just got a bit easier as Air France KLM Martinair is adding ‘KOLD KART’ technology.
Meanwhile At The FBO
Politics aside, the marketing triumph of the year is billionaire Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump arriving at several different airports aboard his own aircraft.
First, the jet circles the field and does a low flyover.
Then the sleek Boeing B757 (arguably the most beautiful twin jet ever built) taxis up to an airport hangar filled with supporters and media and Trump steps off the branded jet and waves “Presidential Style,” and the crowd just goes wild.
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