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06/07/2020 16:55

The weekly newspaper for air cargo professionals No. 1,089

13 July 2020

On a terrace in Marseille ...

1,500 cargo flights in 100 days SAUDIA Cargo has operated more than 1,500 flights since the COVID-19 restrictions came into effect in March. Five hundred of these flights have been operated using passenger aircraft deployed for international air cargo, according to an announcement by the company. The move reflects the efforts the company has exerted to fight COVID-19. From March to June, Saudia Cargo transported around 75,000 tonnes of vital shipments to the Kingdom including medical and PPE equipment as part of the Saudi health authorities’ efforts to prevent the spread of the pandemic. Saudia Cargo CEO Omar Hariri pointed out the company has, since COVID-19, mobilised its vast logistics resources to ensure the smooth delivery of medical shipments to the Kingdom and has established an integrated cargo air bridge specifically for this purpose. The company, Hariri noted, has operated a combined fleet of freighter and

passenger aircraft enhancing all operations related to the air transportation

of medical equipment and medicines to the Kingdom in order to mitigate

the economic and health impact of COVID-19. Deploying passenger aircraft to carry cargo only including the utilisation of aircraft cabin loads - in co-ordination with the Saudi Arabian Airlines Corporation - has enhanced the capabilities of the cargo air bridge used for transporting essential supplies and vital commodities thus ensuring the Kingdom’s markets and supply chain demands were consistently met. Saudia Cargo has taken numerous precautionary measures since the COVID-19 emergence to ensure that cargo and logistics operations continue smoothly and efficiently. The company has increased the number of flights covering many global destinations and markets in the Middle East, Europe, Africa, Asia and the United States and carrying all goods needed for the economic and commercial movement inside the Kingdom. Saudia Cargo adheres to strict preventive instructions to ensure the safety of staff.

Canada shuts door on Ukrainian puppy shipments

import requirements, including animal welfare concerns. “These actions will remain in effect until the CFIA is satisfied that import conditions and international transport standards are in place and that animals will travel safely in the future,” said an official statement. The move follows the horror reported in Air Cargo Week last month at Toronto Pearson airport when a consignment of puppies were found to have suffered a horrendous death rate on the journey from Kiev.

he Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) takes its mandate for protecting animal welfare very seriously. Following the CFIA’s investigation into a large shipment of puppies from Ukraine, the CFIA has decided to cancel import permits for all commercial puppies under 8 months of age from Ukraine. Effective July 6, 2020, the CFIA will no longer issue new permits for the importation of commercial dogs under 8 months of age from Ukraine. “The CFIA’s decision is based on investigation findings of possible failures to comply with

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INSIDE LATAM AND RIO DE JANEIRO’S SIXTH

LATAM Airlines Brazil’s sixth and final flight arrived in Galeão, carrying 69 monitors, 69 anesthesia devices and approximately ... PAGE 2

BEST PRACTICES FOR SUSTAINABILITY

NORTH American Aerospace Industries Corporation (NAAI)’s managing principal/general manager, Sven Daniel Koechler, PhD, believes ... PAGE 3 NEW HEAD OF SWISSPORT CARGO BELGIUM

KOEN Gouweloose has been appointed head of Swissport Cargo Belgium from 1 July. Houssein Ouchen will manage Swissport’s cargo ... PAGE 4

BOLLORÉ EXTENDS AFRICA AIRLIFT

AGAINST the backdrop of the COVID-19 health crisis, Bolloré Logistics is extending until July 31 2020 its special weekly cargo freight ... PAGE 7

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LATAM and Rio de Janeiro’s sixth and final COVID-19 flight LATAM Airlines Brazil’s sixth and final flight arrived in Galeão, carrying 69 monitors, 69 anesthesia devices and approximately one million PPE (caps and N-95 masks). These supplies were acquired by the city of Rio de Janeiro in order to fight COVID-19. This successfully ends the partnership between the airline and Rio de Janeiro, as well as JBS, a sponsor of the last flight. The flight completes the transportation of 160 tonnes of supplies acquired by City Hall. These goods are already in use by the city’s medical centres. Flight JJ 9559 landed in Galeão from Canton, China, after a stopover in Amsterdam. In total, the round trip took four days. The flight was carried out in a Boeing 777 passenger aircraft adapted for cargo transportation in its cabin and belly. “With today’s flight, we have successfully completed the transportation of 160 tonnes of supplies to Rio de Janeiro. Contributing to the city by transporting essential goods from China and allowing them to protect their citizens during this unprecedented global health crisis makes us very proud,” states Diogo Elias, LATAM Cargo Brazil’s director.

Solidary Plane Program LATAM continues contributing to Brazil by providing the states with essential goods. Since March 2, more than 130 flights have been carried out to transport around 600 tonnes of supplies such as: medicines, tests, alcohol-based gel, masks, gloves, thermometers, respirators and food donations. In addition to the partnership with the City Hall, LATAM is also transporting health professionals as part of its Solidary Plane Program. The doctors, nurses and other specialists involved in fighting the pandemic are being transported free of charge, only having to pay the boarding fee to help combat COVID-19. Through this initiative, LATAM aims to facilitate healthcare professionals’ access to the places that have been most impacted by this unprecedented crisis.

ETIHAD AIRWAYS TO RESUME WIDER NETWORK OF FLIGHTS ETIHAD Airways is gradually resuming services to more destinations across its global network. This follows the easing of travel restrictions by UAE regulatory authorities on outbound and inbound travel for citizens and residents. Throughout July and August, subject to the lifting of international restrictions and the re-opening of individual markets, the airline plans to fly to 58 destinations worldwide from its Abu Dhabi hub. These will include major gateways in the Middle East, North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. Tony Douglas, group chief executive officer, Etihad Aviation Group, said: “We are delighted to announce the gradual expansion of normal scheduled services to more cities across our global network. The easing of restrictions on travel to and from the UAE is an important first step and a great development for Abu Dhabi.

By August we aim to operate approximately 45% of our pre-COVID capacity. “While we have continued to operate a schedule of special passenger, cargo and humanitarian flights over the last few months, the priority is now to build the network back up on markets that have opened up, and to provide a secure and hygienic flying environment across the entire guest journey.

Opportunities seized “Over the last few months, we have seized every opportunity to improve our processes, review our product offering, and to undertake the biggest fleet maintenance programme in our history.” Subject to the applicable government approvals, Etihad’s summer schedule will feature

LUFTHANSA’S NEWARK FLIGHTS TO AND FROM MUNICH RETURN THE carrier has resumed three weekly flights to and from Munich Airport to Newark International Airport. Initially, in July, Lufthansa’s EWR-MUC connection will operate on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays with an

Airbus A350-900 aircraft. In August, the service remains at three weekly flights but shifts to Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Beginning August 31, the Lufthansa EWR-MUC route increases to five weekly flights until the end of the

summer schedule on October 23, 2020. "The Lufthansa Group is committed to serving as a bridge between the continents,” said Larry Ryan, senior director of sales, USA for the Lufthansa Group.

a wider network and increased frequencies to the following destinations from, to, or via Abu Dhabi: North America: Chicago, New York JFK, Toronto, Washington, DC. Europe: Amsterdam, Athens, Barcelona, Belgrade, Brussels, Dublin, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Geneva, Istanbul, London Heathrow, Madrid, Manchester, Milan, Moscow, Munich, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Rome, Zurich. Middle East & Africa: Amman, Bahrain, Beirut, Cairo, Casablanca, Kuwait, Muscat, Rabat, Riyadh, Seychelles. Asia: Ahmedabad, Baku, Bangkok, Bengaluru, Chennai, Colombo, Delhi, Hyderabad, Islamabad, Jakarta, Karachi, Kochi, Kolkata, Kozhikode, Kuala Lumpur, Lahore, Male, Manila, Mumbai, Seoul, Singapore, Thiruvananthapuram, Tokyo. Australasia: Melbourne, Sydney.

Alaska Airlines secures $1.2 bn in funding ALASKA Airlines has secured nearly $1.2 billion in private loans to further secure its financial stability and future during the COVID-19 recovery period, while balancing the appropriate amount of liquidity. The airline will use 61 of its owned aircraft as collateral for the debt: 26 Boeing 737-800s, 16 Boeing 737-900ERs and 19 Embraer 175s.

Jessica Tyler to lead American Airlines as cargo president, vp airport excellence

cargo through this pandemic thus far,” AMERICAN Airlines has named Jessisaid Butler. “Under Rick’s leadership, Jesca Tyler as president of cargo and vice sica led the largest investment in cargo president of airport excellence, leading to-date – a business transformation efthe teams responsible for the success fort that is just one of several large-scale of the cargo business and delivering modernisation and change initiatives operational and customer service exshe has overseen.” cellence for both airports and cargo. In the new organsation, Roger SamThis new appointment and role are part ways will take on an expanded role as of American’s recent right-sizing of its vice president of commercial cargo management and support staff as the and will be responsible for global cargo company rebounds from the impact of sales, revenue management and custhe coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. tomer care. Lisa Oxentine will report to As the company navigates the next Samways as managing director of cargo several years, this new organisation will retain separate airport and cargo func- operations and cargo. Tyler replaces global sales. David Vance will continue to lead the tions but also benefit from the blending Rick Elieson, who has moved within the cargo operation, but in an expanded of the talent and expertise of the two airline. “Rick did a wonderful job leading the role that oversees all policies and proteams in multiple areas, including strategy, policy and procedures, training, cargo division for the last few years. He’s cedures for the airline and aligns airport earned us the best revenue and per- and cargo operations. He will serve as automation and innovation. vice president of cargo and operations formance year ininto cargo history and I’m 11,000 Tyler will report directly to Jim But- Spain Agility has moved a state-of-the-art, sq m warehouse office and for(Prat) the way hePort has of navigated ler, senior vice president of airport facility atthankful ZAL Port in the Barcelona.airport support, also reporting to Tyler.

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Delta Cargo appoints new regional management team DELTA Cargo has appointed Gonzalo Hernandez as general manager – cargo salesAsia Pacific. He started his new role on July 1, in which he will manage the cargo sales functions for Japan, Korea and throughout Southeast Asia, including the cargo business for Delta’s joint venture (JV) partnership with Korean Air. Jonathan Corbi, who is based in Atlanta, will become interim general manager for the Europe, Middle East, Africa and India (EMEAI) region, following Hernandez’s move to Seoul, South Korea. Corbi, a nine-year Delta veteran, joined Delta Cargo’s division revenue management team in 2013 which is responsible for interline products. Over the past seven years, he has held positions of increasing responsibility in the US and Asia-Pacific. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Corbi has been leading the Delta Cargo Charter team from Atlanta, a dedicated team focused on the

Gonzalo Hernandez safe and reliable transportation of essential goods around the world on aircraft that otherwise would have been parked. To date, Delta has operated more than 900 cargo-only flights. Hernandez, meanwhile, replaces Eric Anderson, who has returned to Atlanta to take up the position of director of cargo strategy, alliances and technology. In this role, Anderson will be responsible for leading the commercial strategy for cargo, including alliances, marketing and communications, product development and digital

Jonathan Corbi transformation. “Gonzalo, Eric and Jon bring a wealth of experience to their new roles having all worked in the business for a number of years,” said Eric Wilson, managing director global sales, Delta Cargo. “I’d like to thank them for their commitment to Delta Cargo and look forward to the business growing further under their leadership.” Hernandez has been based in Amsterdam for the past three years, from where he managed cargo sales for EMEAI. During his time, the region saw

Eric Anderson sales growth of 33%. He joined Delta Cargo in 2009, following Delta’s merger with Northwest Airlines, and has held a number of roles of increasing responsibility since his first position within the Latin America and Caribbean cargo revenue management entity where he managed the region’s pricing and inventory. Anderson, meanwhile, joined Delta in 2007, moving to Delta Cargo in 2017 to lead the Asia-Pacific Sales team based in Tokyo, Japan, where he grew the business and implemented the cargo JV with Korean Air.

Swissport appoints Liam McElroy as head Western Europe

iam McElroy has been appointed head of Swissport’s Western Europe region, comprising the UK and Ireland. He succeeds Jason Holt and assumed his new role on July 1. McElroy, who was previously interim chief operating officer of the airport ground services unit in the UK and Ireland, has been promoted to head up Swissport Western Europe with immediate effect. In this new role, he will steer Swissport’s ground services and cargo handling activities in the UK and Ireland. McElroy reports to Luzius Wirth, executive vice president EMEA and member of group executive management of Swissport International. “We are pleased to welcome Liam as new head of Swissport Western Europe. He can build on many years of relevant professional experience and has been successfully leading our Western Europe ground services unit as its COO on an ad interim basis,” says Wirth. “We are grateful to Jason for his valuable contributions to Swissport over the years.”

AIR CARGO’S FIRST STEPS TO A STRUCTURAL RECOVERY IN JUNE

NAAI: Aviation industry must adopt best practices for sustainability

NORTH American Aerospace Industries Corporation (NAAI)’s managing principal/general manager, Sven Daniel Koechler, PhD, believes the aviation industry can do more to promote sustainability. The top executive of this endto-end aircraft recycling solutions provider stated: “We are about to break ground on our planned aircraft recycling facilities in the GlobalTrans Park in Kinston, North Carolina. Although, we are looking to build a profitable business, it is equally important that, in doing so, we apply sustainable practices to protect our environment. We believe all sectors of the aviation industry from recyclers, MROs and FBOs to the airlines and leasing companies should be striving to promote sustainability.” The company will be constructing one of the largest hangar systems in the world. The three-part hangar system comprises: a 33,166 sq m dismantling shop, a 14,102 sq m MRO facility and a 11,148 sq m paint shop for both narrow body and wide body aircraft. In addition, there is a 7,500 sq m space designated for storage and offices. Proprietary processes will be applied that will enable

multiple aircraft to be processed simultaneously. The goal will be to recycle as much of an aircraft as possible to reflect a zero waste philosophy. Koechler continued stating, “Sustainable aviation could not be timelier as the pandemic has increased the number of decommissioned aircraft substantially and aircraft bone yards were already very full. “An estimated 600 aircraft are retired in the US each year. This number is probably 15% higher this year due to the pandemic.”

Parking aircraft FlightGlobal estimates that 17,000 aircraft will be decommissioned by 2030. This number is increasing with airlines retiring older aircraft earlier than planned due to COVID-19. Parking aircraft for a long time is costly and poses environmental hazards. Faster, more efficient recycling processes can substantially reduce potential risks to the environment, while presenting significant financial benefits to aircraft owners.

AS PPE volumes faded, global air cargo volumes in June provided the first real indicators of structural recovery. The industry seems to be ‘slowly’ getting back up on its feet as volumes in the first four weeks climbed 6% versus the full four weeks of May. Latest air cargo market analyses by CLIVE Data Services also showed volumes in the last week of June were 12% higher than in the final week of May. The year-onyear performance gap further closed with global volumes at -25% versus June 2019, compared to the -31% annual disparity for May. Available capacity in this reporting period remained flat, but the last two weeks of June saw capacity creeping up slowly week-over-week by around 1.5% per week. CLIVE’s ‘dynamic loadfactor’ of 71% in June - based on both the volume and weigh perspectives of cargo flown and capacity available – recorded its highest level since CLIVE began measuring the industry’s weekly performance in 2018. Managing director Niall van de Wouw says CLIVE’s latest analyses will help address industry concerns over the distorted state of the air cargo market. “As gov-

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ernments around the world acted to protect their societies, they became unlikely (price-insensitive) customers of international air cargo capacity for urgent supplies of PPE,” he says. “While our data for May and now June has shown month-on-month improvements, and airlines have been reporting peak weeks and months for cargo, the big question has been ‘what happens when PPE volumes dry up?’ Now the noise of PPE is starting to fade, we can see where the industry is really at – and we do see an improvement. “Our June analyses seems to suggest the first steps towards a structural market recovery. Despite the decreasing demand for PPE in June, we still see that the volumes increased over May. We are starting to see a more recognisable airfreight market following more logical economic principles and more logical rates. The dynamic load factor in June was at a level we did not even see during normal peak Christmas periods, resulting in yields that are still well above the 2019 levels,” he comments. Whether returning general air cargo volumes are a consequence of lower air freight

rates or production starting up again, he says, only time will tell. Niall adds: “In July, we would traditionally expect to see an influx of belly capacity for the summer holiday season, but that’s not there at the moment. The next test will be how an influx of ‘normal’ passenger flights, which are not driven by cargo demand, will impact dynamic load factor.”

PCN bespoke Virtual 1-2-1 Booking System goes live

PROJECT Cargo Network’s newly-launched bespoke Virtual 1-2-1 Booking System has gone live. Project Cargo Network (PCN) president and CEO, Rachel Crawford FCILT said: “We are aware that communication and connections are vital, and we have very much enjoyed ‘seeing’ our Members during our regular Zoom meetings, which have included guest speakers from CMA CGM and CargoWise. “At the moment, we are living in a very different world and we don’t yet know what the future holds with regards to the gathering of large groups.”

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New head of Swissport Cargo Belgium KOEN Gouweloose has been appointed head of Swissport Cargo Belgium from 1 July. Houssein Ouchen will manage Swissport’s cargo operations at Liège airport. In his new position as the head of Swissport Cargo Belgium, Gouweloose will oversee the strategic and operational management of Swissport’s cargo activities in both Brussels and Liège, with a strong focus on navigating the company through the post COVID-19 recovery phase. Starting on 1 July, Houssein Ouchen also joined the Belgian cargo organisation. He is managing the growing business activities in Liège. “Koen Gouweloose can build on many years of relevant professional experience in international air freight management and is very familiar with the different stakeholders in Belgium,” says Willy Ruf, senior vice president central and eastern Europe of Swissport International. “Together with Houssein Ouchen and Brussels station manager Ile de Nutte, Koen is tasked with further developing and growing our thriving cargo business in Brussels and Liège.”

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Smiths Detection launches iCMORE algorithms for lithium batteries and dangerous goods SMITHS Detection, a leading detection and security company, has launched iCMORE detection algorithms for lithium batteries and dangerous goods for use by its HI-SCAN 10080 XCT scanner, becoming its first explosive-detection system (EDS) to offer these options. The algorithms enhance the scanner’s detection capabilities by helping identify lithium batteries, flammable liquids and solids as well as compressed and liquefied gasses, which can pose a risk should they ignite or explode. With iCMORE, Smiths Detection can now reliably and accurately detect potentially dangerous lithium batteries, alongside other dangerous goods, across both its conventional X-ray and its EDS technologies. The iCMORE lithium batteries and dangerous goods algorithms are complementary adaptions to existing screening technology. Although the screening of dangerous goods is not yet mandatory in hold-baggage and air cargo screening, the increased level

of safety for passengers, staff and assets is a key driver for the implementation of this technology. Rechargeable and non-rechargeable lithium batteries – which power everyday devices such as smartphones, tablets, cameras, laptops and power banks – are classified as dangerous goods by the air-transportation industry because of their ability to ignite during flights. Since 2006, the US Federal Aviation Administration has recorded more than 260 incidents of smoke, heat, fire or explosion involving lithium batteries in air cargo or baggage. Furthermore, the transporting of flammable liquids and solids as well as compressed and liquefied gasses continues to pose threats to airport operators, airlines and cargo companies. To be shipped by air, dangerous goods require special treatment and additional declarations according to International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations. Through automatic object recognition, iC-

MORE supports image operators by detecting dangerous goods without increasing their workload, as it requires little training and generates very low false-alarm rates. “As a trusted partner to airports across the world, we are striving to develop new technologies to counteract new and emerging threats,” said Richard Thompson, global director aviation for Smiths Detection. “The iCMORE modules for both lithium batteries and dangerous goods further enhance the HI-SCAN 10080 XCT, streamlining the hold-baggage and air cargo screening process without burdening operators. “Using this technology will not only make aviation safer but can also help prevent costly fines for shipping dangerous goods in a non-compliant way as well as helping safeguard the global supply of goods, which is essential given the need for medical supplies – for example – to be shipped without interruption.”

BURKINA Faso-based 2MT Transit has joined the UFO forwarders’ network. With offices in the country’s capital, Ouagadougou, they offer complete freight forwarding, customs and logistics services. Mahamadou Savadogo, managing director, says: “Created in 2004 by a team of transport professionals, 2MT Transit quickly asserted it-

self as the forwarder whose quality of service is a constant. “For over 15 years, we have worked with hundreds of companies and individuals across the African continent and beyond from a wide range of different industries. “We owe the development of our freight forwarding, transport and customs know-how

and expertise to the professionalism of our employees. “Providing customised solutions, they know how to react quickly to new challenges and initiatives,” he added. “2MT Transit is a key player in Burkina Faso and since 2012, we have been the exclusive representative of UPS.”

2MT Transit joins UFO network in Burkina Faso

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MGH flies SpiceJet charters amidst COVID-19 pandemic MGH Group, the global cargo GSA of SpiceJet, actively supported SpiceJet’s freighter flights from Singapore to Chennai and Bengaluru carrying crucial medical supplies at the start of the global pandemic. This support was given while extending full support to the airline’s regular cargo operations to Hanoi and Bangkok. “Ajay Singh’s bold and farsighted move to set-up an independent cargo arm for SpiceJet has paid rich dividends by not only ensuring that the key supply chain remains intact but also providing healthy cash flows for the Company when passenger operations have been completely grounded. “He’s a true visionary. No other Indian carrier runs a dedicated freighter fleet and it was indeed a bold bet to make in 2018,” said Anis Ahmed,

founder and CEO of MGH Group. SpiceJet along with the MGH Group has been planning to further expand its freighter operations and add multiple global routes to its fast-expanding network considering increasing demand for essentials and medical supplies globally.

Dedicated cargo arm SpiceXpress, SpiceJet’s dedicated cargo arm, launched in September 2018, operates on both domestic and international routes and is powered by SpiceJet’s fully integrated transportation network including air-cargo, ground-transportation and warehousing facilities across the sub-continent. SpiceJet has helped transport essential sup-

plies including face masks, sanitisers, essential surgical supplies, IR Thermometers (required to detect COVID-19), Hazmat suits and and Coronavirus Rapid Test Kits both within and outside of the country. SpiceJet has transported more than 4,000 tonnes of cargo on over 430 flights since the nationwide lockdown began in India - some 70% of all air cargo carried by Indian airlines. SpiceJet, India’s second-largest airline, has ferried crucial medical supplies to and from Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Kuwait, Abu Dhabi, Ho Chi Minh City, Colombo, Kabul and Dubai, amongst other places. SpiceJet’s cargo operations have been significantly boosted by the airline’s passenger aircraft fleet where both its B737 and Q400 aircraft have been operating cargo-on-seat flights.

PrimeAir hits the ground running for Eastern Airlines in Ecuador

PRIMEAIR, a well-known GSA in the Americas, with 20 years of experience in Ecuador alone, providing full-service cargo support on the ground is supporting Eastern Airlines’ B767 Extended Range widebodies between Aeropuerto Internacional José Joaquín de Olmedo (GYE) and New York’s JFK. The re-start of service certainly comes as a big relief for the region’s perishables industry. With the boost this move represents in available air cargo capacity, shippers here can get back on board with fast and efficient delivery of goods to the US, says the airline. “When the pandemic began, passenger carriers – and the crucial belly capacity they provide – dropped out of the market. This left remaining worldwide freighter capacity to be used primarily to transport PPE and other medical equipment. Now as travel restrictions begin to ease, Eastern saw the time was right to rein-

GSSA

Network Aviation Group celebrates 35 years in 2020 NETWORK Aviation Group celebrated 35 years in the aviation cargo industry at the start of 2020. Formed in 1985 by Andy King and Andy Leslie as ANA Aviation Services, the company has grown over the proceeding 35 years to become one of the leading cargo logistics companies specialising in the management of cargo aircraft as well as performing the cargo sales and services functions for more than 30 airlines worldwide. Andy Leslie the group chairman said: “Network Aviation Group would like to thank all its customers, suppliers and staff for the amazing support and success over the last thirty-five years and we all look forward to many more successful years in the future.”

troduce service by deploying its scheduled B767-ER in the market starting June 18 – coupled with PrimeAir’s logistics expertise services on the ground,” it added. As Eastern’s designated GSA, PrimeAir is closely supervising the action on the ground in Guayaquil, filling the wide-body bellies of their once-weekly flights. PrimeAir has decades of experience handling specialised cargo, including perishables that make up a significant portion of the market, like fish from the coast of Ecuador, tropical fruits, and of course fresh-cut flowers. “We were here for Eastern when they first launched into Guayaquil and so we are so extremely gratified to be working with them again,” says Prime Group CEO Roger Paredes. “Due to the fact that we also have a significant presence in New York, it was only natural that they selected PrimeAir from the start.”

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ASIAN AIR CARGO

Asian air cargo weakens

reliminary May 2020 traffic figures released by the Kuala Lumpur-based Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) showed that the COVID-19 pandemic continued to weigh heavily on international air passenger travel and cargo markets in the region. In aggregate, the region’s airlines carried only 785,000 passengers in May, a staggering 97.5% decline compared withthe same month last year. Meanwhile, air cargo demand, as measured in freight tonne kilometres (FTK), fell by 19.0% year-on-year. With offered freight capacity decreasing by 20.1% for the month, the average international freight load factor rose just marginally, by 0.9 percentage points to 60.9%, reflecting the capacity crunch

experienced in preceding months as a result of the sharp declines in belly-hold space on passenger aircraft. Commenting on the results, Subhas Menon, AAPA director general said: “The plunge in passenger demand in the month of May, and declines in air cargo volumes, underscore the immense challenges that airlines are facing. “Overall, the region’s carriers transported more cargo compared to the previous month.

Cautious stance

Looking ahead to the future, Menon added: “With recent consumer surveys indicating an increasingly cautious stance on air travel, the return to normalcy will likely proceed slowly, reflecting the uncer-

tainty in the outlook, as states remain wary about lifting restrictions and continue to impose onerous conditions on travel.” Menon concluded: “We are hopeful that governments will act quickly to co-ordinate measures based on objective risk assessments that safeguard the health and well-being of the travelling public, for recovery of aviation to begin in earnest. “The recently announced Take-off guidance issued by the ICAO Aviation Recovery Task Force (CART) provides a comprehensive set of measures which should be adopted consistently across states. “CART anticipates that flights will restart in phases, initially between states where containment of the virus is apace, and public health capability, adequate,” Menon said.

Hactl steps up war on COVID-19

ong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl) stepped up its war on COVID-19 with the installation of thermal cameras in its staff canteen and throughout SuperTerminal 1 in April. The cameras were to help identify any individual with an abnormally high body temperature, which is a key indicator of potential infection with Coronavirus. In addition, Hactl has restricted the number of seats in use in its canteen in order to comply with distancing directives; only seats facing in the same direction were now available. Hactl’s canteen also provided a sit-down meal service only for its staff and tenants based in SuperTerminal 1; all others were able only to purchase takeaway food. Hactl’s large-scale canteen facilities normally cater for the company’s own 2,400-strong resident workforce, as well as workers for its many on-site industry tenants, along with large numbers of daily business visitors. Hactl also implemented additional temperature checks for all staff during their shifts or, in the case of office staff, after their lunch breaks. Meanwhile, Hactl continued with its original safety measures including a ban on business travel, restricting business meetings to teleconferencing, and home-working for some office staff. All staff and visitors to SuperTerminal 1 were temperature-checked before being allowed access to the building, all staff were provided with face masks and hand sanitiser, and shift rosters were constantly reviewed in order to minimise the number of staff on site at any one time. Says Hactl head of human resources, Jason Lee: “The safety of our own and our customers’ staff remains our highest priority, and I am therefore pleased to report that we have so far had no confirmed cases of COVID-19 among our staff. I attribute this at least partially to the speed with which we took action, and the effectiveness of our various measures. “But it is clear that nobody is exempt from this awful disease, and our hearts go out to all those who have lost loved ones – including, sadly, frontline staff from the logistics sector who have fallen victim to COVID-19, while bravely helping to sustain essential supply lines in the face of this unprecedented threat. “For the time being, we continue do the only things we can – we maintain our vigilance, and we preserve and strengthen our protective measures in the hope that our good fortune may persist.”

Cathay Pacific announces HK$39bn in recapitalisation financing CATHAY Pacific has planned a US$5 billion recapitalisation plan that will help it maintain its competitiveness and operations, while continuing its commitments to Hong Kong as an international aviation, financial and commercial hub. This three-part plan is designed to provide Cathay Pacific with sufficient funds to withstand the industry-wide downturn, and a stable financial platform from which it will be able to conduct the wholesale

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review of operations required to transform its business to reflect the new global travel market dynamics. Cathay Pacific chairman Patrick Healy said: “We are grateful to the HKSAR Government’s capital support, which allows Cathay Pacific to maintain our operations. We are also grateful to our shareholders for their confidence in the long-term future of Cathay Pacific and in the ability of Cathay Pacific’s management team.”

NEWS TRADEFINDER Freight Forwarders

Bolloré Logistics extends Africa airlift

Hong Kong

Freight Forwarders

gainst the backdrop of the COVID-19 health crisis, Bolloré Logistics is extending until July 31 2020 its special weekly cargo freight service between Europe and West Africa, the Wara Air Service. To respond to air transport demand and continue ensuring the continuity of supply to the African continent, Bolloré Logistics has for three months provided regular weekly links between Europe and the countries of West Africa. Every week, freight is transported via two or three all-cargo flights from Bolloré Logistics’ airport hubs in Liège, Belgium, and at Roissy Charles-de-Gaulle, France. They serve the destinations of Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire; Bamako, Mali; Accra, Ghana; Freetown, Sierra Leone; Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; Conakry, Guinea; Niamey, Niger; Monrovia, Liberia and Nouakchott, Mauritania. Since the introduction of transport restrictions, some 30 flights have already ensured the reliable and secure shipment of 1,800 tonnes of goods intended for humanitarian aid, health materials and equipment, medical and food products, spare parts, telecoms equipment and other daily consumer

goods. For example, over 100 tonnes of mangos have been exported from Africa to Europe. Bolloré Logistics’ special weekly service may be extended further if airfreight capacity restrictions remain in place.

USA

Crisis unit Bolloré Logistics is closely monitoring the pandemic situation worldwide, and notably in Africa. The company has implemented an organisation system enabling the pursuit of logistics operations with a view to ensuring supply-chain continuity. It has set up a crisis unit staffed by experts tasked with overseeing an emergency plan and devising scalable solutions taking account of the directives issued by local authorities. “In the 48 African countries in which we operate, Bolloré Logistics proposes alternative transport plans adapted to the needs of our customers. We are harnessing our unique integrated logistics network to ensure the end-to-end shipments of all types of goods to the most remote areas,” said Jérôme Petit, CEO Africa, Bolloré Logistics.

Industry Events

Emirates SkyCargo’s heart belongs to Glasgow

EMIRATES SkyCargo will be operating scheduled cargo flights to 100 destinations across six continents during the month of July. As well as adding Glasgow to the air cargo carrier’s network, other new cities will include Accra, Algiers, Athens, Fort Lauderdale, Larnaca, Los Angeles, Male, Moscow (SVO), Phnom Penh, Rome, Santiago, Sialkot and Tunis. Emirates SkyCargo’s network expansion is in response to the growing economic activity and demand for air cargo capacity from markets across the world along with Emirates’ increased passenger flight operations. By offering multiple daily or weekly cargo flight frequencies to major production and consumer markets, the carrier is helping facilitate supplies of goods required for combatting the current pandemic as well as machinery and equipment required for manufacturing and several key economic sectors across global trade lanes. In addition to scheduled services, Emirates SkyCargo also operates a number of special charter flights every week to transport a range of commodities from Personal Protective Supplies (PPE) and pharmaceuticals to food and outsized machinery and components. The freight division of Emirates offers an innovative range of cargo capacity options for businesses and exporters on its modern, wide-body aircraft fleet. In addition to loading of cargo in the belly hold, Emirates SkyCargo has introduced loading of select cargo on the passenger seats and in the overhead bins of the passenger cabin of its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. Recently the carrier also modified 10 Boeing 777-300ER aircraft from its fleet by removing seats from the Economy Class in the passenger cabin to make room for additional cargo. Emirates SkyCargo also operates 11 Boeing 777 F full freighters currently deployed to over 30 destinations every week.

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ACW 13 july 2020

7 09/07/2020 11:00

Cargo in the blood

Cargo and Other Stories by Lemon Queen

Audrey Serdjebi, founder & CEO, Lemon Queen

On a terrace in Marseille ...

he entire world has come to a standstill. Recent months have brought lockdown, loneliness, and fear of missing out on the world. Closed borders. An end to the cacophony of the streets. And then came our aircraft to split the silence – bringing masks and bringing hope. The economy isn’t going to stop completely – countries can still trade. Thanks to our local heroes, these links remain unbroken. The world has discovered our industry. Suddenly, airfreight has become a star of the small screen and of TV news. Aircraft holds, thought of by most as simply containing tourists’ luggage, are now seen in a completely new light. We, the technicians behind the scenes, the secret heroes of people’s everyday lives, have been praised and applauded. Called again and again to centre stage by people who, for the most part, didn’t even know that our jobs existed. So this week, I wanted this issue’s portrait to depict our industry as seen by someone to whom air freight was a mystery. And so I sit down at a terrace bar next to a couple in their sixties, or perhaps their seventies. I smile at them. They return the gesture, and I conclude that they could be good candidates. “Do you like planes?” “When they fly, yes!” the man replies. “But they are flying! Just look at the masks!” his wife quickly cuts in. And then we embark on a wide-ranging conversation that covers freight, what exactly it is, times gone by, the most romantic of love letters, NGOs, fish, and even humanitarian shipments. It’s true that people very often don’t imagine that they could be travelling on board a plane that’s filled with memories or carrying those making their final voyage. “But can you transport anything? How do you manage the temperature? What about stopovers? Are there special holds for live animals? And how do you make sure that no banned shipments, like trafficking of wildlife or weapons, take place?” This couple are certainly representative of a large section of the population. At 70, they – like many – are concerned about the tragic lack of masks in France. Like many, they jumped for joy when the first plane filled with masks landed on French soil. And like many, they have learned about our industry from another viewpoint. Suddenly, we were in the limelight. Their limelight. “You suddenly realise – 100 tonnes of masks! People often criticise aeroplanes for being polluting but it’s easy to forget just how important they are to us.” It’s reassuring to know that planes are continuing to land in

your country. “Knowing that our borders weren’t entirely closed, that the airports remained open to respond to people’s needs and to help keep the local economy going reminds us that life hasn’t come to a complete halt”. Like many countries, France has undergone lockdown and the situation was a source of great anxiety for many. But “when you have to stay cooped up at home, you need points of reference. Planes filled with food, flying across the sky, are a sign of survival.” We were soldiers in the shadows, and then the sudden spotlight we were placed under was a godsend for all those who were anxious and worried. “We managed to keep calm and wait it out. We knew that as long as the essential factories carried on working, the supplies would keep coming – thanks to the freight industry.” For them, air freight has taken on new meaning. E-commerce platforms have become even more exceptional in their eyes. “I must admit that I’ve often been delighted at receiving a parcel within 24 hours without ever thinking that there were dozens of men and women behind that miraculous feat,” says the man. His wife adds: “You don’t necessarily think about the industry as such.” And with good reason. EDI, ULD, consignees, ETA, LD3, handling, GSA, charters, and freight forwarders are all terms that are completely unknown to the public. And then suddenly, there was an awakening: “Seeing that all over the world, men and women were risking catching COVID-19 by coming to work to keep cargo on the move and prevent people from being isolated is absolutely incredible.” In France, everyone came to their windows at 8pm every evening to clap for our carers. I spoke with the couple for a long time. And I enjoyed their outlooks and their smiles when they talked about ‘my’ industry. I like the way that the entire world has discovered our work. But I also know that we don’t need to be in the limelight to carry out our missions. Our industry is suffering greatly from the damage caused by this unprecedented crisis. But everyone has now become aware of the absolute necessity of transporting goods by air. I like to look at things optimistically, and I say to myself that maintaining links between people is clearly a talent that should allow us all, as stakeholders in the logistics chain, to recover more quickly. Our industry is unique. We are unique. Airfreight is a key global talent in its own right. Our industry saved the world. And just like all heroes, we will soon return to the shadows to continue with our mission.

Lemon Queen is an airfreight industry public relations and communications agency in Paris, France

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