Air Cargo News—World's Top Air Cargo Publication

#INTHEAIREVERYWHERE
THE AIR CARGO NEWS THOUGHT LEADER


powered by FreeFind

Locate your favorite story

Vol. 16 No. 65 TUESDAY august 15, 2017

ATC Always Takes Care
      August’s high summer skies may elicit the desire to kick back and enjoy the hazy, crazy, lazy days of summer 2017, but business must go on.
      For us, it is never too early to ready for a Oktoberfest in Frankfurt (September 27) hosted by CEO ATC Aviation Services Ingo Zimmer.
      The gathering with Ingo and Dagmar Hanau (ATC's Group Marketing Manager) eases the transition into autumn in the best way.
      The great company, fun & games, beer, and plates of delectable foods (especially the pfefferling mushrooms) are worth a trip.

Effective October 1, Swiss World Cargo realigns the America’s into two regions: Western, Southern USA & South America and Northeast/Midwest USA and Canada.
Northeast/Midwest USA and Canada will continue to be led by Mr. Michael Ganz, based in New York.

On Tuesday, Air Berlin said that it has filed for insolvency proceedings after its main shareholder Etihad Airways said it "would not provide any further financial support."
Etihad had reported huge losses in 2016, and sees its two major European airline investments—Air Berlin and Alitalia on the financial rocks, with both seeking bidders for their business.

Air cargo should be able to guarantee shippers an efficient, high-speed, and transparent service to justify premium rates. But at the moment LSPs are frequently not able to, according to Rogier Spoel, Policy Manager for Air Freight at the European Shippers’ Council.
He told FlyingTypers that air freight stakeholders need to improve speeds and reduce paperwork to meet the rapidly evolving requirements of multinational and SME shippers.

Vol. 16 No. 64 THURSDAY AUGUST 10, 2017

Airports - Don't Get Ashley Started
     Airports are powerful drivers of economic growth, insists Ashley Sng, Research Analyst, Economic Affairs, Airports Council International-North America and Secretary of the ACI-NA Air Cargo Committee.
     The youthful executive declares, “America’s airports generate more than $1.2 trillion in annual economic activity, accounting for 8% of GDP.
     “Air cargo is a facilitator of that economic growth, with airports being a key piece of the puzzle.”

Down Atlanta way, increased business through Hartsfield Jackson International Airport (ATL) and the Port of Savannah is creating a shortage of workers who are skilled in navigating the intricacies of customs regulations.
Leave it to community leader and innovator Donna Mullins to come forward and team up to present an accessible training opportunity, offering both support to our growing industry, and also an excellent prospect for folks to start a new career in transportation.

Nadezhda Popova was born on December 27, 1921, in Ukraine. At the fledgling age of fifteen and unbeknownst to her parents, Nadezhda joined a pilot club in the Soviet Union, where females accounted for only a quarter of the population. The Economist called her “a wild spirit, easily bored; she loved to tango, foxtrot, sing along to jazz. It made her feel free, which was also why at 15 she had joined a flying club without telling her parents.”

“Imagination is funny, it makes a cloudy day sunny, makes a bee think of honey, just as I think of you,” sings Tommy Dorsey, but it could just as well be me speaking to dear air cargo . . .
Lying in the hammock, looking at the sky whilst that song played on the radio this past weekend, supplied a momentary flight of fancy. I fell deep into a dream and without ever leaving my own backyard.

Vol. 16 No. 63 TUESDAY AUGUST 8, 2017

India Taking Air Cargo Personal
      In October 2016, when India’s Airports Authority of India created a wholly-owned but functionally and administratively-independent cargo subsidiary, the AAI Cargo Logistics and Allied Services Company Limited (AAICLAS), air cargo stakeholders felt it was the right step.
      With its 125 airports—18 international airports, 7 Customs airports, 78 domestic, and 26 civil enclaves at military airfields—the AAI had too much on its hands to handle.
      So, the separation of the cargo department was logical.

      “Again this year, the National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA) are collaborating with Cargo Network Services Corp (CNS) as part of The U.S. Air Cargo Industry Affairs Summit (USACIA in Washington D.C. September 6.
     “NCBFAA is comprised of customs brokers, ocean transportation intermediaries and indirect air carriers, the latter creating a perfect fit for joint activities with CNS.
     “Several years ago, a group of air cargo representatives recognized the need to create much greater visibility in Washington for air cargo services.”

Dimerco Express Group is already one of Asia’s largest forwarders and 3PLs, but the Taiwan-based company has global ambitions and air freight is central to its strategic blueprint.
Last year Dimerco handled 219,000 tons of air cargo, up 8.4 percent year-over-year. Volumes were buoyed by expansion of the company’s North America and European operations, which saw year-on-year growth of 28.5 percent and 29.2 percent, respectively.

“You haven’t heard much about GACAG recently, however the group is not disbanded, and it has some potential, being a platform for discussion, coordination and even joint decisions by TIACA, IATA, GSF and FIATA.
“The latter is the coordinator for 2017 – 2018.”

Vol. 16 No. 62 THURSDAY AUGUST 3, 2017

      Almost 70 years ago the first all-cargo flights took off from Berlin and the Berlin Airlift was front-page news for over a year.
      Fair to say, the Airlift fastened the world’s attention and sparked imaginations to the possibilities of air cargo.
      Today we can only guess who is still left among us from that time. Thousands of flights operated 24-7 above 3 corridors across the German Democratic Republic between June 26, 1948, and August 27, 1949, via a mixed fleet of more than 300—mostly American—military aircraft. The mission was to supply a city and all of its 2.1 million inhabitants. Today, Berlin lives on to tell the story.

      In 2017 it doesn’t matter where you are—you’re there, and there you are!
      We are all part of the same air cargo universe, and in 2017 as U.S. air cargo goes, so goes the world.
      That is part of what makes the U.S. Air Cargo Industry Summit (USCIA) the center of global power and influence. Held in Washington, D.C., from October 4-6, it’s the top must-attend event for local and international industry movers and shakers out to make a difference.

Vol. 16 No. 61 MONDAY JULY 31, 2017

Women In Charge - Powering AA Cargo
     Here, we meet some women who power air cargo at the biggest airline in the world.
      Keeping thousands of shipments of animals, perishables, medical supplies, and just regular brown packages on time, on track, and intact to their final destination is no walk in the park.
      At first blush, you imagine systems, airplanes, and computers, and without a doubt AA Cargo is all of that.
      With a tip of the hat to their male counterparts, women at AA Cargo perform extraordinary feats every day to maintain American’s spot as one of the top cargo carriers in the world.

Vigorous year-on-year June air freight growth points to “high demand” in Q4 peak season…
Strong exports this year have driven double-digit growth in air cargo volumes out of Asia, according to the latest figures from leading airports and carriers. And with macro-economic signals positive and new product launches expected to boost volumes in the coming months in the lead-up to the Q4 peak season, the demand outlook is bright.

The Airport From Hell?
      “This airport should have been a world-class showpiece for Germany,” says Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline, which has long sought to introduce service to Berlin.
      “It’s an embarrassment.”
      Berlin Brandenburg Airport Willy Brandt—also widely known as BER—has cost at least €5 billion since construction began in 2006. Despite promises, the airport is still not fully opened in 2017.

Vol. 16 No. 60 FRIDAY JULY 28, 2017

DHL Humanitarian Exceeds The Need
Chris Weeks (sitting third from left in above photo with members of the DRT team) is, demonstrably, one of air freight’s good guys. The Brussels-based Brit is an airport logistics specialist with more than 25 years of experience. And it is experience he puts to admirable use.
In his current role as Director of Humanitarian Affairs for Deutsche Post DHL Group (DPDHLGroup), Weeks is on constant standby, ready to lead DHL volunteer teams into disaster zones to help smooth emergency relief logistics operations at airports worldwide whenever the need arises.

On Tuesday July 25, a U.S. Homeland Security Meeting in Washington examined how to make supply lines more secure.
In attendance were many of the usual suspects for these types of meetings, including: Stephen Alterman, President of the Cargo Airline Association; Brandon Fried, Executive Director, The Airforwarders Association; Michael Mullen, Executive Director, Express Association of America; and Bart Elias, an Academic Specialist in Aviation Policy, The U.S. Library of Congress.

Etihad Airways, in a sea of red ink, lost US$ 1.87 billion in 2016.
$808 million in losses were charged to Etihad’s financial adventures with equity partners including Alitalia and airberlin.

In a move to boost foreign trade, the Indian government is encouraging establishing Air Freight Stations (AFS) and Container Freight Stations (CFS) and is accepting online applications.
The AFS and CFS move ushers in “services for handling and temporary storage of import/export laden and empty containers carried under customs control.”

Vol. 16 No. 59 TUESDAY JULY 25, 2017

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.

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.

Vol. 16 No. 58 THURSDAY JULY 20, 2017

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.

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.

Vol. 16 No. 57 TUESDAY JULY 11, 2017

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.

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.

Vol. 16 No. 56 WEDNESDAY JULY 5, 2017

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.

     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.

Vol. 16 No. 55 TUESDAY JUNE 27, 2017

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 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.”

     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.

Vol. 16 No. 54 THURSDAY JUNE 15, 2017

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?

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.”

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 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.

Vol. 16 No. 53 TUESDAY JUNE 13, 2017

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.

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. 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.

Vol. 16 No. 52 THURSDAY JUNE 08, 2017

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.

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.

Vol. 16 No. 51 MONDAY JUNE 05, 2017

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.

Vol. 16 No. 50 WEDNESDAY MAY 31, 2017

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.

Vol. 16 No. 49 FRIDAY MAY 26, 2017

Vol. 16 No. 48 TUESDAY MAY 23, 2017

Vol. 16 No. 47 FRIDAY MAY 19, 2017

Vol. 16 No. 46 THURSDAY MAY 17, 2017

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.”

Vol. 16 No. 45 THURSDAY MAY 11, 2017

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?

Vol. 16 No. 44 WEDNESDAY MAY 10, 2017

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.

Vol. 16 No. 43 MONDAY MAY 8, 2017

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.

Vol. 16 No. 42 FRIDAY MAY 5, 2017

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.

Vol. 16 No. 41 TUESDAY MAY 2, 2017

Vol. 16 No. 40 MONDAY MAY 1, 2017

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.”

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.

DON'T BE CONFUSED
OR
MISLED

   We are the original Air Cargo News founded 40 years ago in 1975 in New York City, USA.
    Edited by Geoffrey Arend, the acknowledged dean of air cargo publishers, we are the go to source for the air cargo industry worldwide.
    In-depth and knowledgeable coverage of the air cargo market.    No advertorials, no press releases, no dubious awards. Just market savvy.
   Responsible for saving the Marine Air Terminal, LaGuardia Airport, New York and Building One, Newark International Airport, New Jersey—historic first-generation aviation buildings.
   Only publication ever to be honored by the U.S. Department of Transportation for outstanding contribution to transportation and aviation.

Back Pages

2015 Issues
By Month

January 2015 Issues

February 2015 Issues

March 2015 Issues

April 2015 Issues

May 2015 Issues

June 2015 Issues

July 2015 Issues

August 2015 Issues

September 2015 Issues

2014 Issues
By Month

January 2014 Issues

February 2014 Issues

March 2014 Issues

April 2014 Issues

May 2014 Issues

June 2014 Issues

July 2014 Issues

August 2014 Issues

September 2014 Issues

October 2014 Issues

November 2014 Issues

December 2014 Issues

AYESHA HASSAN ABDULRAHMAN AL MARZOOQI

KARUNA SHARMA

JENIFER TAYLOR

Opinions and comments expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher but remain solely those of the author(s).
Air Cargo News FlyingTypers reserves the right to edit all submissions for length and content. All photos and written material submitted to this publication become the property of All Cargo Media, Inc.

Copyright ©2017 ACM, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
PRIVACY POLICYr

100% Green