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The weekly newspaper for air cargo professionals No. 1,144

16 AUGUST 2021

Dubai: On the top of the world

POSTPONED

The “2 + 2” Transport Logistic Americas supply chain forum and the TIACA Executive Summit has been postponed to March 2022

he “2 + 2” Transport Logistic Americas supply chain forum and the TIACA Executive Summit scheduled to be held in San Francisco September 21-24, 2021, will be postponed to March 22-25, 2022. Organisers say that with the recent announcement by the US administration that the existing travel ban on people arriving from the UK, EU, China, India, South Africa, Brazil, and others will not be lifted in the foreseeable future meant that it is impossible to welcome all delegates who have indicated their desire to attend. They add this is very disappointing news as recent indications were that the ban was anticipated to be lifted soon. It is also unfortunate that COVID19 infections, particularly the Delta variant, are rising and thus additional restrictions are to be expected, which means that parts of the new event concept cannot be fully realised. “We are confident that the revised dates will provide sufficient additional time for greater numbers of people to be vaccinated and address the current rise in infections. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this postponement causes, but I’m sure you will agree with us that it was the right decision to take,”

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INSIDE

SILK WAY WEST AIRLINES IN AFRICA

SILK Way West Airlines has signed an interline agreement with Kenya’s Astral Aviation. This interline agreement is to provide cross-selling ... PAGE 2

INTO AFRICA WITH QATAR AIRWAYS

QATAR Airways enhanced its presence in Southern Africa with the launch of a new linked service between Doha and Lusaka and ... PAGE 2 FIATA’S YIFFYA REGIONAL WINNERS

FIATA (International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations) and TT Club, international freight transport insurer, reveal this year’s regional ... PAGE 3

MORENO JOINS CCA BOARD

management and staff at TIACA and Messe München said. “We further hope that you will continue to support the event with these new dates, and if you elect to

carry your sponsorship, registration forward, we will guarantee the same conditions as the original commitment. In closing, the management and staff at TIACA and Messe

München, the event co-organiser, extend our thanks and appreciation in advance for your support and look forward to welcoming you to San Francisco in the spring.”

MIGUEL Rodríguez Moreno, senior manager climate control products, Qatar Airways Cargo has joined the Cool Chain Association (CCA)’s ... PAGE 4

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NEWS

Silk Way West Airlines expands Africa footprint SILK Way West Airlines has signed an interline agreement with Kenya’s Astral Aviation. This interline agreement is to provide cross-selling benefits for both sides by using the wide network of flights to and from Africa. In line with the agreement, Al Maktoum International Airport of the UAE, also known as Dubai World Central (DWC), will function as the key transit point. Silk Way West Airlines will carry shipments to Dubai, handling them over to Astral Aviation’s flight to Nairobi. The agreement will allow Silk Way West Airlines to broaden its network toward Africa, since the carrier had no scheduled services within that continent. Subsequently, the networks of carriers will be in a position to complement each other, as there is a number of markets where both airlines do not overlap with one another. “It is another success for us having such a large network across the African continent. The benefits of this interline agreement are of great interest. In cooperation with Astral Aviation, we expand our footprint into Africa,” said Johnny Rubio, Silk Way West Airlines’ chief commercial officer ISMEA (Indian Sub-

continent, Middle East, Africa). According to Sanjeev Gadhia, Astral Aviation’s chief executive officer, the Kenyan carrier is “honoured” to enter an interline agreement with Silk Way West Airlines, which will enable us to reciprocate with cargoes, originating from its African network, to connect to Silk Way West Airlines’ destinations. “We will continue to forge new alliances and partnerships during the pandemic in line with our philosophy of promoting co-operation and collaboration with airlines and all members of the supply chain, as this will enable our respective clients to benefit with better options and connectivity from our PELI BioThermal is celebrating officially receiving respective networks,” said Gadhia. its UK Business Hero Award. An award ceremony was staged at Peli BioThermal in Leighton Buzzard, where the accolade was officially presented to the company on behalf of the British Chambers of Commerce, which acknowledged “the incredible work EMIRATES has restarted services to UK businesses have been doing to support local Glasgow in the United Kingdom, with 4 communities, innovate and meet new demands during the Coronavirus pandemic.” weekly flights from August 11 2021. The award presentation was conducted by BedUntil October 30, flights between fordshire Chamber of Commerce chief executive, Dubai and Glasgow will operate four Justin Richardson and Chamber chairman Richard times a week on Emirates’ Boeing 777Cooper. Richardson announced Peli BioThermal 200LR. Emirates has resumed services to were one of just 110 businesses in the UK to receive over 120 passenger destinations. the prestigious UK Business Hero accolade out of 55,000 chamber members. The company was one of QATAR Airways enhanced its only 10 based in Bedfordshire who were recipients presence in Southern Africa with of the award, which he said recognised “civic minded the launch of a new linked service business giving back in a time when a lot of people between Doha and Lusaka and needed help.” Harare. Businesses and traders Richardson added: “As a chamber of commerce will also benefit from the airline’s we want to thank Peli BioThermal for everything you cargo offering, allowing more are giving back to the local community and say very than 30 tonnes of cargo capacity well done. We are proud to have your organisation per week, each way. in our network.”

Peli BioThermal receives Business Hero Award

Emirates restarts flights to Glasgow

Peli BioThermal were selected as a UK Business Hero following a campaign by the British Chambers of Commerce alongside the local Chamber network, which saw the company receive royal recognition with a letter of congratulations from The Countess of Wessex GCVO, who supported the campaign.

Accolade The company was nominated for the accolade for its efforts during the pandemic which included loaning some of its award-winning temperature controlled shippers to help with the delivery of essential pharmaceuticals direct to the homes of housebound patients during the coronavirus crisis. The company’s products continue to play a critical part in the global pandemic response, including the safe transportation of vital vaccines worldwide. Paul Terry, Peli BioThermal’s director of sales EMEA, said: “We are delighted and honoured to officially receive this prestigious UK Business Hero award. It is in recognition of all the extensive efforts of everyone at the company who continue to provide essential support locally and globally throughout the pandemic.”

ACW SUPPLEMENT SERIES TO BE LAUNCHED NEXT MONTH

A SERIES of monthly supplements to Air Cargo Week is to be launched in September. The first will cover the Middle East, the pivotal region of international aviation hubs positioned between the major economies of the East and the West that forms the backbone of much global airfreight activity. Air Cargo Week editor James Graham says: “This is an exciting development for ACW. “All of the Air Cargo Week editorial team are working to produce a supplement worthy of its 20 years+ as a leading information source.” The supplements are planned to be feature-based insights into relevant topics while comprehensive news coverage will continue to be carried in the newspaper and on aircargoweek.com’s 24/7 news feed. Graham explains: “We have taken this

ACW 16 AUGUST 2021

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approach in planning the content to allow an in-depth view of trends and business opportunities in the region. This will be a great opportunity to look behind the news headlines and talk to those who are moving the freight agenda along in the region.” While the series will start with the Middle East, the supplements will extend their coverage to other vital and exciting areas of the industry. The second, to be published in October, will look at Latin America. November’s supplement will look at developments and business at World Airports. Graham says: “The later supplements this year show how we are planning on covering every aspect of the global industry. I look forward to the industry’s response to our new initiative.”

NEWS

YOUNG INTERNATIONAL FREIGHT FORWARDERS OF THE YEAR AWARD REGIONAL WINNERS

FIATA (International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations) and TT Club, international freight transport insurer, reveal this year’s regional winners of the Young International Freight Forwarder of the Year Award (YIFFYA). For over 20 years, the YIFFYA has been providing valuable training opportunities for young talent in the industry. The award also provides young professionals looking to develop their knowledge with significant networking opportunities. Today, in the context of the disruptive effects of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, investing in and nurturing the future talents of the freight forwarding industry has never been so crucial, making the YIFFYA competition more relevant than ever. “We are pleased to have received such exceptional work from young professionals for this year’s award, despite the challenges we

continue to face globally due to the pandemic,” said FIATA president, Basil Pietersen. “The quality of the dissertations and relevance of the topics addressed this year – covering areas such as bales of fabric, medical supplies, out of gauge plant, and laboratory equipment – truly demonstrate the resilience of the supply chain. It is an honour to contribute to the shaping of bright young minds in our industry.”

Supportive “Having been supportive of FIATA’s inspirational initiative to encourage young professionals in the freight forwarding sector for so many years, we at TT Club are continually heartened by the enthusiasm of the entrants to these awards,” said Mike Yarwood, managing director, loss prevention. “I would also like to acknowledge the forwarding companies,

from national associations aligned with FIATA that encourage their employees to spend time and effort in laying out the details of their work projects for scrutiny. Such companies deserve recognition as responsible employers and praise for their professional development programmes.” Both FIATA and TT Club are thrilled to continually recognise the inspirational and dynamic minds of the young freight forwarding community. Traditionally, the four regional winners would present their dissertations at the FIATA World Congress, with final judging and the announcement of the global winner taking place during the event. However, with the postponement of this year’s congress, the judging will be completed remotely and the global winner will be announced in November 2021.

Region Europe: Glauc Fornes Gil, FETEIA, Spain Dissertation: More than just a freight broker Region Africa and Middle East: Justin John Goedhart, SAAFF, South Africa Dissertation: Agents of sustainable development Region Americas: Georgina Alejandra Perez Perez, CIFFA, Canada Dissertation: Delivering essential tools to the Western and Eastern Canadian Arctic Region Asia-Pacific: Muhammad Wasif Wiqar, PIFFA, Pakistan Dissertation: Million-dollar shipment

ANC experiences record cargo volumes

The Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) experienced record air cargo volumes during the first half of 2021 and saw a strong recovery in passenger traffic. Between January and June, 1.73 million tonnes of air cargo transited ANC, a 23.45% increase over the first half of 2020. “E-commerce ‘tech-celeration,’ port delays and low product inventories are causing a significant increase in air cargo activity. “Our central location on the trans-Pacific trade lane, coupled with our efficient infrastructure and special transfer rights, have resulted

in greater utilisation of ANC by shippers to maximise their air-cargo potential,” said Jim Szczesniak, the Anchorage Airport director. “We are seeing a continued shift in supply chains from periodic, container-sized shipments via ocean cargo to more regular, pallet-sized shipments via air cargo. With more than $1 billion in private sector cargo developments in the pipeline at ANC, we expect this growth trajectory to continue.” ANC is expecting continued strength in air cargo traffic numbers for the remainder of the year, with air cargo about to enter its peak season.

Qatar Airways statement on Airbus A350

IN addition to its regular checks to ensure the continued safety and security of its aircraft, Qatar Airways continues to closely monitor the significant condition across its Airbus A350 fleet in which the fuselage surface below the paint is degrading at an accelerated rate. Following the explicit written instruction of its regulator, thirteen aircraft have now been grounded, effectively removing them from service until such time as the root cause can be established. Qatar Airways has already taken action to return its A330 fleet into service with immediate effect to offset some of the impact of the grounded A350 aircraft and is presently looking at other solutions too. Qatar Airways is co-operating with all the leasing companies affected by this A350 grounding who have started to inspect their impacted aircraft. Qatar Airways Group chief executive Akbar Al Baker, said: “With this latest development, we sincerely expect that Airbus treats this matter with the proper attention that it requires.”

ACW 16 AUGUST 2021

NEWS

Hactl takes ANTONOV FLIES MINING EQUIPMENT its first TO ARGENTINA robotic step

QR Cargo’s Moreno joins CCA board MIGUEL Rodríguez Moreno, senior manager climate control products, Qatar Airways Cargo has joined the Cool Chain Association (CCA)’s board of directors. He will take part in the CCA’s seventh perishables conference, which will be virtual for the first time, on September 15 at 15.30 CET. Moreno brings over six years’ experience in cargo, including four years as global pharma development manager for Etihad Cargo. “It is an honour to join CCA’s Board of Directors and I look forward to sharing our expertise while at the same time hearing from other stakeholders so we can collaboratively improve and enhance the cool chain,” said Moreno. The conference, sponsored by the South African Perishable Products Export Control Board (PPECB), will focus on innovation and technology, giving an introduction to current CCA projects supporting a quality-driven temperature-controlled supply chain.

ntonov Airlines has safely transported 40 tonnes of mining equipment from Vatry, France, to Comodoro Rivadavia, Argentina, to meet a strict deadline and ensure mining operations continued. The oversized cargo sections, which included a large semi-autogenous grinding (SAG) mill head, were split into four sections, and transported on an AN-124-100 aircraft chartered by Dynami Aviation. “Airfreight was the only way to safely transport this mining equipment and remain within the customer’s timeframe to limit any impacts on mining operations,” said Jérémy Sigault, operations manager, Dynami Aviation. Antonov Airlines’ AN-124-100 was chosen for this project because of its ability to accommodate more than 700 cbm of unusually shaped cargo.

“The four pieces of cargo were loaded and unloaded using the AN-124-100’s onboard cranes and will be used in the creation of new tunnels at a mine near to Comodoro Rivadavia,” said Olha Danylova, commercial executive, Antonov Airlines. “We thank our partner Dynami Aviation for its professionalism and dedicated team which always contribute to a successful transportation.”

Crew rest The cargo’s journey took two days via Sal, Cabo Verde, where there was a crew rest and refuelling stop, and a second technical stop at Viracopos, Brazil. Antonov Airlines, a Ukrainian project cargo airfreight expert, has seen an increase in charters for mining projects.

HONG Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl) has taken its first step into robotics with the opening of a new Automated Parts Store (APS) for its giant container and loose cargo handling systems. The new, robotically-operated parts dispensing system enables urgently-needed spares to be quickly accessed around the clock, both for routine maintenance and in the event of occasional breakdowns. Hactl’s automated and highly complex Container Storage System (CSS) has 11 levels, is 260 m long, features a giant ULD racking system that holds 3,500 units and stores and retrieves up to 8,000 tonnes of air cargo per day. Meanwhile, its automated Box Storage System (BSS) handles loose cargo, using 10,000 stillages that run on tracks between the cargo pick-up and build-up areas. These giant machines are the beating heart of Hactl, working 24/7/365 to maintain Hactl’s mission-critical operations, which often process over 100 wide-body freighters daily, and often 16 or more at the same time. Routine maintenance, as well as occasional breakdowns, employ an 80-strong team of engineers and technicians, who are constantly visiting parts stores to collect the components they need. Says Hactl chief executive Wilson Kwong: “Hactl is a mission-critical operation for its customers and the whole airport, so minimising downtime is vital in the daily operation of our core Cargo Handling Systems. The APS robot will immediately save more than 1,500 manhours per annum, while a mobile app that enables technicians to order spare parts from any location will also be introduced in due course, further improving our efficiency. “This is also an important technological step for Hactl. This is yet another illustration of Hactl actively driving innovation and efficiency in its operations through continuing investment.

Managing the upcoming GRF regulations THE International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) is introducing the new Global Reporting Format (GRF) regulation later this year with the aim of tackling a key aviation concern, runway excursions. Providing a standardised method for reporting surface conditions of runway contaminants (such as rainwater, snow, ice, etc.), GRF intends to establish a common language between the airport and airline staff involved in the flight procedure. Reporting surface conditions will mean air traffic services (ATS), airport operators and dispatchers will have an objective way of communicating to flight crew, allowing them to use real time runway condition reports for performance calculations in take-off and landing and alerting to any degrading conditions. What’s involved in the GRF methodology? GRF comprises an assessment executed by airport operations staff using a Runway Condition Assessment Matrix (RCAM) and the consequent assignment of a Runway Condition Code (RWYCC) based on type, depth and percentage of coverage for each third of the runway. This code is complemented by a

ACW 16 AUGUST 2021

description of the surface contaminant, compiled as a Runway Condition Report (RCR) and transmitted to the flight crew to determine limitations for departure or arrival as well as to airport operators to resolve an unsatisfactory runway condition.

Cargo airports Simply put, being able to reduce the risk to runway excursions in cargo flights is a key motivation for airports handling cargo to implement GRF requirements. Cargo flights are unique in that they are operated during non-standard – and less-favourable – hours relative to passenger flights. This can increase the runway safety risk, especially during early morning when visibility is still low and the runway conditions have yet to be inspected to assess the changes in surface conditions during the night. Additionally, cargo aircraft are considerably heavier to maximise capacity. During adverse conditions, these aircraft require the precise RWYCC to calculate available loads to meet the regulatory requirement for take-off and

Managing the upcoming GRF regulations by Rafie Grinvald, vice president of Product at Xsight Systems. landing. During emergency situations, heavy aircraft have smaller error factors, especially on shorter runways. The surface condition data communicated to cargo flight air crew must be as precise as possible, given its significant impact on the aircraft braking action distance to remain on the runway, and proximity to the centreline. In cases where the aircraft is not equipped with automated calculation devices, there is greater reliance on information provided by the ground crew and ATS.

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How can cargo airports easily comply with GRF with no impact to flight capacity? Airports operating cargo flights benefit from AI and automation-based technological solutions to optimise operations on contaminated runways. Xsight Systems has developed ArcWize, an advanced runway monitoring solution that automatically detects contaminants on the runway 24/7 via remote equipment located on each third of the runway. The system measures parameters that are in line with GRF requirements and automatically indicate the correct RWYCC, alerting operators during degrading conditions. Using ArcWize’s continuous assessment and remote visualisation of the runway surface, cargo airports can be confident that a standardised condition report will be automatically provided without the need to close the runway for manual inspection. This is especially true when conditions degrade and sporadic manual inspection is insufficient, leaving aircraft vulnerable. The report can then be accurately communicated to flight crews, supporting their real-time decision making and braking action calculations.

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GSSA

ECS Group backs CMA CGM AIR CARGO’s Middle East expansion

PARIS-BASED ECS Group is backing the expansion of the CMA CGM Group as the airline operation develops its airfreight division by adding three new destinations: Dubai, Beirut and Istanbul. They will complement its existing Airbus A330-200F-operated services to and from Liège, Chicago, New York and Atlanta. ECS Group, the world leader in commercial air freight services, will be in charge of selling capacity on CMA CGM AIR CARGO’s services to all its destinations. With its services to Dubai, the CMA CGM Group can also provide its customers with a combined Sea-Air offer comprising shipping, logistics and air freight. That will give them the benefit of an end-to-end, agile full-service offering. CMA CGM AIR CARGO also plans to start up regular services from Liège to Beirut and Istanbul over the next few weeks. From its Liège

base, CMA CGM AIR CARGO will offer rapid connection times between these new destinations and the United States. CMA CGM AIR CARGO represents a major new component of the CMA CGM Group in both operational and commercial terms. It is also a new milestone in the Group’s strategic development, with the aim of providing Group customers with a complementary range of services covering both shipping and logistics. Xavier Eiglier, executive vice president CMA CGM AIR CARGO, stated: “Strategically located at the crossroads between several continents, these new destinations will help speed up CMA CGM AIR CARGO’s development. “As we demonstrated by shipping humanitarian relief from France to India, CMA CGM AIR CARGO enables the Group to deliver even more agile, full-service solutions to meet the most urgent needs.”

NAS flies in the face of the pandemic at Frankfurt NETWORK Airline Services Frankfurt has been tributed as one of the ‘Top Airline Performers for High Frankfurt Cargo Volumes’ in 2020, with an increase of 16% in tonnage compared to the previous year. Frankfurt Cargo Services or FCS, a Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) subsidiary, has recognised its top-performing airline clients of 2020, which includes NAS FRA, for their efforts and proactiveness in responding to disruptions to the air cargo industry caused by the Coronavirus pandemic.

Cider cup Every year FCS awards each client with a customised Apfelwein-Bembel cider cup which signifies their success in the Frankfurt air cargo market throughout the past

year, somewhat of an annual tradition. Patricia Heilbrink, managing director Europe at Network Airline Services commented: “We’d like to thank FCS for recognising our efforts throughout the last year and especially for their cooperation and support during these unprecedented times. Colleagues at NAS Frankfurt come together as a team time after time with their dedication and hard work, we have been able to support our customers not only in Europe but around the world to help beat the COVID19 virus despite

various restrictions and safety measures.” As 2021 continues, NAS Frankfurt, with its global colleagues, will continue to work together with their airline customers towards a successful recovery of both passenger airlines and wider air cargo markets.

ACW 16 AUGUST 2021

EUROPEAN CARGO WFS acquires R.A. HAND, growing French presence WORLDWIDE Flight Services (WFS) has acquired Paris-based R.A.HAND, extending its specialist handling services to freight forwarders in France. Formed in 2010 and based at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, R.A.HAND works with international freight forwarding companies, providing cargo handling services, storage, distribution and deliveries to airlines for some 60 cargo agency clients. It employs a team of over 50 staff at its 6,800 sq m warehouse facility in Paris and generates revenues of €6.2 million annually. “R.A.HAND is a well-respected and professional company with a strong customer base in the freight forwarding sector,” said Hugo Rodrigues, new R.A.HAND vice president. “This is a strategic investment which supports WFS’ development plan in France and our own growth in providing handling expertise directly to freight forwarding clients, including those currently operating regular air cargo charter flights to provide the capacity and network their customers need. This is an important and growing part of our business in Europe, which R.A.HAND will seamlessly fit into.” The R.A.HAND handling operation at Paris CDG will work closely with WFS’ existing freight forwarder assistance team based in Roissy. Rodrigues says: “In this new role, I look forward to continuing the successful work carried out by Peter, alongside R.A.HAND’s experienced team of handling specialists. Our priority will always be the satisfaction of our customers,” he stated. Peter Caff former R.A.HAND president commented: “With WFS as majority shareholder and the leadership of Hugo Rodrigues, R.A.HAND can look forward to an exciting future. “The operations of the two companies are very complementary and will create a strong platform for growth.”

RESPONSIBLE GROWTH IS THE WAY FORWARD

t’s been a busy year for Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. The Dutch airport processed 837,671 tonnes of cargo from January to June 2021, up 27.7% on the same period last year. There was 572,111 tonnes carried on freighter flights, up 23.4% on the first half of last year and 265,560 tonnes in bellyhold, up 38.10% on the same period last year. “Although we see an increase in passenger numbers, airlines still realise that cargo is a very important business in these challenging times,” David van der Meer, cargo partnership director, Schiphol told ACW. “This results in a slight shift to directing time and resources to the revival of pax flights, but it is a limited shift at this point and we expect it to remain limited for some time to come.”

Airport of the Year Not only have cargo operations boomed but Schiphol also scooped up the Airport of the Year award at ACW’s World Air Cargo Awards back in May. “The award means a great deal, we feel supported by our local air cargo community partners but also internationally we feel supported to carry on with our efforts

to surpass expectations in our air cargo performance. “We also greatly appreciate the good work that the ACW organisation yearly puts into this event to make it happen. I think it is safe to say that we all miss our friends and hopefully we can catch up again soon face-to-face!” The cargo team, which was recently restructured, are riding the momentum built during the first half of the year. From March 1, the airport restructured the cargo division and brought its new Aviation Business Development Division under the umbrella of business unit Airport Operations and Aviation Partnerships. “Our organisational changes were on the one the hand driven by the COVID-19 crisis, but were

initiated internally. Schiphol aims to work more efficiently and our primary interest is to have our customers benefit from achieving our goal. In regards to operations, our restructuring brought cargo directly into our operations department. This allows shorter lines of communication, directly to the benefit of our customers,” said van der Meer. He added that the airport’s recent investments solidify this commitment to put customers first. “The most concrete example of recent investments into cargo infrastructure is the airport’s recent acquisition of Cargonaut, which is a company that aims to facilitate and optimise the exchange of information about

the cargo process to all stakeholders involved. Schiphol will renew Cargonaut’s Port Community System (PCS), incorporating suggestions from its users and future-proofing it for the cargo community. “In addition we are reinvigorating our Smart Cargo Mainport Programme. This programme entails several subprojects, mainly aimed at introducing hands-on solutions to digitalise the cargo process. “The programme is a community effort in which Schiphol takes the lead.

Zero emissions and waste “In terms of growth for the cargo business, we need to see it coincide with our integral strategy. As Schiphol is a congested major airport, we face the same challenges as our competitors: growth comes at a cost. We aim to grow but to do so responsibly, in line with our ambition to become a zero-emissions and zero-waste airport in 2030. “To achieve our goal, we’ll be working with the cargo community as a whole, keeping in mind that responsible growth is the way forward.”

C.H Robinson on European operations ACW: As it currently stands, how far does C.H Robinson’s network reach in Europe? Spokesperson: C.H. Robinson’s network spans customers and carriers globally. In Europe, we saw over one million shipments across our divisions in 2020, with more than 10,000 active carriers. Our business in Europe is supported by 1,600 employees based in 46 offices across 15 countries. Globally, approximately 20 core carriers move 72% of our air freight. Overall, we move over 225,000 TEU of global airfreight. ACW: What have been the challenges C.H Robinson has faced in this region throughout the pandemic? Spokesperson: Limitations on air travel saw capacity for airfreight drop off dramatically at the start of the pandemic and during the stricter lockdowns. It has been challenging for shippers to find space for their goods on an air freighter or reassigned passenger jet and, as a result, costs of transporting air cargo has risen to around ten times the pre-COVID-19 level. Although vaccine distribution is increasing, and we are seeing a spike in passenger travel, capacity relief is not on the horizon. Most current air travel is domestic, so planes are still not populating major global trade lanes. With uncertainty around travel restrictions, commercial flights are being cancelled because of low passenger demand. For passenger travel

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to have an impact on air capacity, business travel will need to return to pre-pandemic levels, which is unlikely to happen in the immediate future. ACW: Have there been challenges with EU-UK cross-border transportation since Brexit? How has this been resolved? Spokesperson: Brexit of course presents a new set of unique challenges not just for the UK and Europe, but worldwide. The EU accounts for about 54% of all goods imported to the UK and the EU is the UK’s largest market, accounting for almost half of all British exports. Britain’s departure from the European Union means businesses exporting or importing goods need to comply with additional administrative requirements such as providing customs and safety declarations, rules of origin, and health checks. ACW: The company is heavily involved in renewable energy logistics. What specific projects has CH Robinson been involved with recently in Europe? Spokesperson: Through expert insights and industry-leading technology built by and for supply chain experts, we help our customers across Europe fulfil - and even surpass - their sustainability targets. In pursuing greener supply chains for our

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customers, we have found that most activities that cut costs also reduce emissions. For example, our load and mode optimisation strategies help customers to leverage headhaul and backhaul capacity, resulting in reduced empty miles and effective utilisation of transportation equipment. ACW: What is C.H Robinson’s five-year growth strategy in Europe in regard to digital developments? Spokesperson: For many businesses, the pandemic and Brexit has highlighted the length and complexity of their supply chains and the fact they don’t have the all-important visibility of the geographical footprint of their supply networks. There is a move now to make supply chains shorter to build resilience and de-risk any future impacts of major disruptions. Our $1billion investment in technology and technology applications is C.H. Robinson’s largest ever investment in innovation – with the aim to test and scale up the next big supply chain ideas. This investment helps customers integrate and automate their transportation needs using a connected digital platform developed by and for supply chain experts. By investing in innovation, technology and physical assets we can continue to improve efficiency and performance by knowing where our customers’ freight is now and where is going to be through tailored, market-leading solutions.

EUROPEAN CARGO

Goal to set up new trends in cargo handling SKYPORT, Prague’s leading ground handler, is bracing for tech and digital developments after its recent acquisition by Ventus and Sky Logistica. The recent transaction includes approximately 20,000 sq m of airside property, as well as Skyport’s air cargo handling operations at Prague Airport in the Czech Republic and Košice and Bratislava Airports, both in Slovakia. “We have worked closely with the Ventus team to ensure a smooth and efficient transition. There have been no changes to our operations or personnel,” said Skyport CEO David Adamek. “Our goal now is to set up new trends in cargo handling. We are leaders in our sector, and we aim to be the most technologically advanced cargo hub in Europe.” Adamek noted that digital developments are well under way. “Most recently, we have implemented a full barcode and QR scanner system into our warehouse for full digital footprint coverage of all handling activities. “This allows us to precisely track all cargo, monitor the performance of different workstations, and improve our operations which will increase our quality of service.”

Finnair Cargo, a recent partner of Skyport will benefit from this offering, with the ability to tap into end-to-end real time visibility of its cargo as it moves through the facility. “We have also recently invested in upgrading and expanding the handling capability of our automatic loading systems (ALS),” Adamek said.

Testing new technology “Various staff members are involved in testing new technology before it is implemented, and they provide our supervisors with essential feedback to make sure all technology is user-friendly before being rolled out. “Due to this testing process, staff are very comfortable with the new technologies as the product they receive has been fully tested and adapted to their exact needs.” As cargo volumes have been high and this is expected to continue, Adamek told ACW that Skyport will be hiring new staff to meet this growth. “We are frequently evaluating our processes and operations to ensure we have the team in place to ensure high quality service,” he said.

As for Skyport’s own growth, the company aims to concentrate on two aspects: quality of services, and workflow process optimalisation. “Both aspects are essential in heightening Skyport’s performance and achieving our ultimate goal of becoming the best handling agent in Europe,” Adamek added. As the leading handler in the Czech Republic, Skyport can handle any type of general cargo: intact Unit Load Devices (ULDs), live animals, dangerous goods, pharma products, radioactive cargo, vehicles and oversized shipments. “In Prague, we operate a fully automatic ULD storage and handling system that allows us to store up to 220 intact ULDs at once. The facility has three build-up/break down hydraulic stations and can transfer all cargo on board a fully loaded 747 onto roller bed trucks in under one hour. Our operations in Bratislava also offer handling special cargo, charter flights, and scheduled RFS trucks, like we offer in Prague.” With investments from Ventus and Sky Logistica and air cargo demand soaring, Skyport has positioned itself well for growth in the region.

ACW 16 AUGUST 2021

What do an Emirates cabin crew, Tom Cruise and the Crown Prince of Dubai have in common? E mirates is no stranger to bold advertising but its latest commercial takes it up a notch.The new advertisement features an Emirates cabin crew member in full uniform standing tall on the tip of the Burj Khalifa by Emaar at 828 metres above ground. She joins only a handful of individuals who have had the privilege to stand at the pinnacle of the world’s tallest building – including Tom Cruise and the Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

The ad was filmed without any green screen or special effects and was the result of rigorous planning, training, testing and a strict safety protocol. At the pinnacle of the building, the main protagonist had a reduced circumference space of only 1.2 metres at 828 metres high to pull off the stunt. A casting call was put out to Emirates’ very own cabin crew team and while there were some willing and capable candidates, a professional skydiving instructor was cast to ensure the highest levels of safety.

The 30 second clip opens with a close up of the cabin crew holding up message boards in a nod to the famous scene in the 2003 cult hit “Love Actually”.

Throughout filming and in preparation of the shoot, safety remained the main priority. A custom platform with an attached pole was built at the top for the protagonist to stand on. She was attached to the pole as well as two other different points directly to the pinnacle, through a hidden harness under the Emirates uniform.

As the camera pans out, audiences soon find that the crew, with her iconic red Emirates hat and uniform, is actually standing at the very top of the Burj Khalifa, giving audiences a panoramic view of Dubai’s skyline.The behind the scenes edit can be viewed on Emirates YouTube channel and across the airline’s other social media channels.

“ We invite all players in the

Filming started at sunrise to catch the golden hour light and the team, including the main star of the ad, began their ascent to the pinnacle before sunrise.The climb took 1 hour and 15 mins from level 160 of the Burj Khalifa and the team had to scale several tiers and ladders to reach the top.

industry to participate in our SAF programme. We believe that The team was at the pinnacle for around five hours. At 828 metres above ground this marks reducing the carbon footprint of the one of the highest ads ever filmed and was conceptualised and directed by Emirates’ in-house airfreight industry is key.”

“We always look to challenge the norm and push boundaries at Emirates. We do it every day through our innovative services, our best in class product and of course through our advertising.The calm and confidence of the cabin crew you see in the ad is an embodiment of our frontline team, serving travellers and ensuring their safety. We’re proud to be among a privileged few who have been allowed to film at the top of the Burj Khalifa by Emaar; and even prouder that we get to showcase our beautiful city, Dubai,” said Sir Tim Clark, president Emirates Airline.

brand team with the help of Prime Productions AMG, based in Dubai. The ad will be adapted for several different markets across the global Emirates network, incorporating relevant messages for different audiences.The first TV campaign will run in the UK.

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