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ACWBITES A Cessna 208B Super Cargomaster operated by Martinaire Aviation crashed into terrain shortly after departure from Victoria Regional Airport in Victoria, Texas. The 208B was en-route to Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport when it impacted terrain in Victoria County northeast of its departure point at around 20.16 local time on Monday 9 December. The aircraft took off at 20.02 and crashed 14 minutes later. The pilot, the only occupant was killed. DRONE Delivery Canada’s Moose Cree First Nation’s project received the first conditional approval for one of its funding applications. Subject to entering a definitive agreement and satisfying conditions imposed by the funder, would enable Moose Cree First Nation’s Remote Communities Initiative to pay DDC for its drone delivery service from the first quarter of 2020.
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TIACA reaches out to unite the industry
THE International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) is changing its strategy to reach out to the entire air cargo chain to represent and unite the industry. The first step involves restructuring its membership fee with separate categories for small, medium and start-up companies allowing them to become full members at a reduced rate. TIACA is also working on initiatives in new sectors such as drones, autonomous vehicles and unmanned aerial systems who are creating new opportunities for the air cargo industry. The association intends to facilitate interest in these companies for greater reach and support them towards authorities and governments. In a move to increase focus on stakeholders not formally part of TIACA, an
agreement has been signed with Neutral Air Partner. As part of the deal, NAP members will automatically become full members of TIACA, allowing TIACA and NAP to work together on programmes, conferences, training and communication. Steven Polmans, chairman of TIACA says: “Collaboration and partnerships are and should be part of our DNA, so this deal with NAP is a very good example of a winwin situation for both our organisations. We have not done enough in the past for a big group of companies in our industry, so with this deal and the new membership opportunity for small and medium sized companies, we are reaching out to them to join forces and further build this very interesting and fascinating industry.”
Christos Spyrou (pictured), CEO of NAP, who will join the TIACA board on 1 January adds: “TIACA’s commitment to innovate the industry and to modernise the process of air cargo transportation is impressive. We are confident that working together with partners like these will drive direct value to our global customer base, and our members will acquire extensive knowledge and industry-leading expertise.”
Man’s best friend flies safely Down Under IATA recently certified Jetpets in Melbourne, Australia with CEIV Live Animals status. According to Sandy Matheson, managing director, Jetpets Animal Transport, the process to obtain the certification, was “the safety and comfort of our travelling animals.” Matheson said: “We felt the IATA CEIV Live Animals certification aligned with our Jetpets vision, and the certification has allowed us to feel extremely proud and confident that our processes and procedures ensure we are setting the highest standards of care for all of our animals in transit.” The company transports over 50,000 animals per year. “During the CEIV validation process Jetpets had the opportunity to review its framework, processes, procedures, and training for all of our employees,” Matheson said. “This enabled us to excel in our professionalism and enhance the quality of our service. We feel throughout the audit process we have been able to raise the bar in the industry and the certification is so
rewarding as it solidifies our confidence that we are leading the way when it comes to ensuring animal safety and welfare throughout travel. “Whilst we had processes and procedures in place, the work involved in documenting and cross referencing each step was involved and quite complex. However this has enabled us to have clear definition in our pet handling procedures.” Matheson considers that CEIV certification will positively affect operations and the business moving forward. He said: “We understand the importance of the role we play in taking care of peoples precious family members as they travel across Australia and the world. We encourage everyone in the animal transport industry undertake the CEIV Live Animals certification. We highly recommend the programme to all. The CEIV Live Animals certification can only enhance the practices within our industry and ensure that animal safety is of paramount importance 100% of the time.”
HONG Kong Airlines has been saved from collapse with a cash injection, the airline announced on Saturday 7 December. The cash injection followed urgent consultations with stakeholders including shareholders and management. The funding will be injected in phases. The airline says it has rolled out a consolidation programme to cut costs, optimise the network and improve customer experience. Hong Kong’s Air Transport Licensing Authority (ALTA) had attached new licence conditions in light of Hong Kong Airlines’ financial problems due to the rapidly deteriorating situation impacting obligations as an employer to pay
salaries and provide satisfactory service. The conditions were that Hong Kong Airlines must ensure a cash injection at a level determined by ALTA and raise and maintain its cash otherwise its licence would be suspended or revoked. ALTA says: “After reviewing all the information submitted by HKA in relation to the new conditions attached by ATLA, including the fact that HKA has raised the cash and cash equivalents to the level required by ATLA and pledged to maintain the level (Condition 2), ATLA has decided not to take further actions against HKA for the time being, pending the airline’s submission of further details regarding Condition 1.”
Cash injection for Hong Kong Airlines
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ACW 16 DECEMBER 2019
aircargoweek.com