The Competition Commission of India (CCI) rejected an injunction by the Air Cargo Agents Association of India (ACAAI) on the Cargo Account Settlement System (CASS), and we’re trying to glean what the message might be. It’s a fact of life in September 2014 that for most subcontinent airlines & agents, the order—whether implemented or rejected—carries little weight, as most have not adopted CASS in the first place.
   For the record, CCI, in its order dated August 26, noted that ACAAI “has not established factors such as balance of convenience and irreparable loss," adding that CASS India “is still in its pilot project and has not been made mandatory for the airlines.”
   This is the second setback for ACAAI as the India Competition Appellate Tribunal (COMPAT) rejected an appeal made by the group on the same grounds earlier this year.
   However, Business Insider India reports ACAAI is not backing down, so widespread adoption of the IATA CASS scheme—at least in its present form—remains win or lose, and that is still up in the air.
   "The proposed system,” a source told BII,” does not address our concerns, such as delayed payments or erroneous payments.
   “CASS system requires us to make full payment to the airline even if it's an erroneous billing.
   “We have to take up the corrections later.
   “This leads to delay in operations and could prove disastrous for us.”

“It is opportune to join Qatar Airways Cargo and share the vision held at the carrier of achieving position among the top five cargo airlines.
   “I am excited to start a new challenge and look forward to further developing their growing business,” said Matthew Ma, who assumed command as QR Cargo Vice President Cargo Asia on September 1.
   With more than 45 years of experience, including a lifetime at Cargolux-—41 years— Uli Ogiermann, Chief Officer Cargo, is jubilant, saying:
   “Matthew has an excellent track record in the airfreight industry and we are glad to find someone of his caliber to join our team.”
   About Qatar Airways Cargo:
   Qatar Airways Cargo serves more than 40 exclusive freighter destinations via three Airbus A330F and six Boeing 777 Freighters.
   Qatar Airways placed a firm order for five new Airbus A330-200 Freighter aircraft. Also included in the order were eight additional A330-200F options, for a total of 13 aircraft. At the recent Farnborough Show, Qatar Airways announced its intent to order four 777 Freighters, with options for four more.

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