ACW 17th January 22 by Azura International

GLOBAL A

MANAGEMENT

WORLD AIRPORTS .COM ACW Digital is sponsored by FREIGHTERS.COM

FREIGH

FRE

tabloid page sample.indd 1

11/01/2022 14:22

The weekly newspaper for air cargo professionals No. 1,163

17 JANUARY 2022

GETTING BACK TO NORMAL?

TO INFINITY AND BEYOND

Antonov moves Turkish satellite for launch by SpaceX

Page 6

INSIDE

SCHMID NEW CEO OF COLOGNE-BONN

THE supervisory board of Cologne-Bonn Airport has elected Thilo Schmid as the new CEO of Cologne-Bonn Airport. Schmid will ... PAGE 2

SHORTAGES DUE TO OMICRON

WITH a tidal wave of Omicron cases, many logistics firms across the UK are panicking as existing supply pressures are exacerbated by high ... PAGE 2 SUCCESS FOR BIFA TRAINING

THE British International Freight Association (BIFA) has confirmed that elements of the online CDS eLearning course it launched in ... PAGE 2

ntonov Airlines in co-operation with Bollore Logistics Space has transported Turkey’s new telecommunication satellite Turksat 5B on board one of its AN-124-100 aircraft from Toulouse to Florida, later launched by the US aerospace company SpaceX. The cargo weighed a total of 60 tonnes including a special container measuring 14.69 m in length, 5.45 m in width, and 4.36 m in height, designed by Air-

bus Defence and Space specifically for moving these types of satellites on AN-124-100 aircraft. “The expertise of the Antonov Airlines technical crew and engineers guaranted the smooth and efficient transport of this delicate and unique cargo,” said Sergii Bilozerov, commercial executive, Antonov Airlines. “An external crane in conjunction with the onboard crane and winch of the AN-124-100 was used to load

and unload the container, as well as special loading equipment designed and manufactured by Antonov’s in-house engineers.” SpaceX launched the Turksat 5B satellite on December 18 from Cape Canaveral, USA on behalf of the nation of Turkey and it will be the most powerful satellite in use by Turkey that will increase communications band capacity and will serve Turkey and neighbouring countries for 35 years.

GROUNDFORCE PORTUGAL RENEWS

GROUNDFORCE Portugal’s Management System has been recognised by APCER (Portuguese Association for Certification) with ... PAGE 3

aircargoweek.com

NEWS

Staff shortages due to Omicron causing panic in logistics industry WITH a tidal wave of Omicron cases, many logistics firms across the UK are panicking as existing supply pressures are exacerbated by high numbers of delivery drivers, warehouse workers and other logistics staff isolating at home, says UK-based manual handling experts, Midland Pallet Trucks. Despite orders to work from home where possible to contain the virus and reduce transmissions, recent Government guidance does little to protect businesses in the manufacturing and logistics industries, where work is unable to be completed at home. Although double-vaccinated workers no longer have to quarantine for 10 days, the lack of testing availability will prove difficult for businesses trying to monitor Covid infections in warehouses across the country. According to Midland Pallet Trucks, many businesses in the industry will be affected by the rising coronavirus cases and will be put under extreme threat from sudden staff shortages. There are also fears among experts that the supply chain disruptions seen during 2021 will return after increases in employees isolating. Warehouse operators are already under

extreme pressure due to the recent rapid seasonal demand, as well as the rise in returns that will be making their way through the supply chain throughout January. Warehouses are being urged to stock up on vital manual handling equipment like pallet trucks, manual stacker trucks and lift tables from Midland Pallet Trucks to help them operate as efficiently as possible in spite of shortages. Phil Chesworth, managing director of Midland Pallet Trucks says: “With Omicron cases higher than ever, we’re definitely seeing a huge surge in the number of staff off isolating. “The challenges that come with staff quarantining are amplified by seasonal handling requirements – there really couldn’t be a worse time for these staff shortages to happen after the holiday rush that we just experienced. “We’re encouraging warehouse operators to do what they can to run as smoothly as possible; taking advantage of any support the Government offers, making sure you’re stocked up on durable and effective manual handling equipment, and encouraging staff to test daily to reduce the impact potential infections could have on their business.”

Scott Courtnell joins Omni Airline Services OMNI Airline Services expands its leadership team with the appointment of Scott Courtnell as director sales, marketing and digital from January 2022, based in the London Heathrow office. With over 20 years’ experience in the aviation sector Courtnell draws on years of management experience across both operational and commercial areas. Most

recently having held positions within Swiss WorldCargo and South African Airways. In his role, Courtnell is tasked with continuing Omni’s service levels to its airline clients and customers as it reinforces its position in the UK. Courtnell comments: “I’m thrilled to support the team led by Peter Brooks and look forward to the new challenge

this position represents. It’s a very exciting and important time for GSSAs as we look to assist and engage the digital transformation of our industry and airline partners. We know it will be crucial to understand the needs of the market, customers and airlines as we look to advance the digital experience. We will be there supporting our customers every step of the way.”

STILL reading a printed copy of Air Cargo Week?

Consider switching to the digital version.

Contact subs@azurainternational.com and say you would rather read the weekly publication online. 2

ACW 17 JANUARY 2022

ANOTHER YEAR OF SUCCESS FOR BIFA TRAINING THE British International Freight Association (BIFA) has confirmed that elements of the online CDS eLearning course it launched in Autumn 2021 to help prepare BIFA members and others to operate HM Revenue and Customs’ (HMRC) Customs Declaration Service (CDS) will start to be incorporated into the trade association’s other online live customs training courses from this month. “There has been a great response to the CDS eLearning course since it was launched. In response to feedback from the 200 plus delegates who have taken the course, we decided to start adding content including useful CHIEF/CDS correlation tables, to our other customs-related training courses,” explains executive director Carl Hobbis, who manages BIFA’s training activities. He adds: “Despite having to deliver our entire portfolio of courses online in 2021, it was an excellent year for the trade association’s training programmes. “Over 1,000 learners were trained during our video conferencing sessions and a further 1,000 plus have completed our various eLearning courses. “They say that success breeds success and this month will see the appointment of an additional full-time trainer to our training delivery team. “Feedback from delegates on the CDS eLearning course, reveals that nearly 60% of learners would prefer face-to-face sessions, but the new variant has put a stop to the reintroduction of the classroom sessions that we had just started to implement, which is disappointing.” The CDS eLearning training launched in September 2021 and was developed by BIFA in conjunction with leading Customs software firm Agency Sector Management (ASM) to educate users on the main

differences between CHIEF (Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight) and CDS. Since its introduction, the course has had over 200 enrolments and provides hands on tuition, practical exercises and a technical resource, finishing with an assessment. BIFA director general, Robert Keen adds that the trade association took the initiative and worked with ASM to create a relevant training course to help BIFA members understand and implement the different working methods involved with the new system, replacing CHIEF in a phased transition ending in April 2023.

Main differences He says that the CDS eLearning course is suitable for anyone completing Customs declarations and covers the main differences between CHIEF and CDS to enable users to submit Customs declarations for exports and imports via the new system no matter which software supplier is used. The course consists of eight modules, which offer an introduction to CDS; as well as the data elements required, and the UK Trade Tariff and customs procedure codes. Other modules cover commercial relationships, arrangements and valuation; methods of payment and authorisations; as well as documents, certifications and authorisations indicators. Keen concludes: “Whilst dual-running of both systems will continue, we know enough about the new CDS system to be confident in offering a training course to BIFA members and others that provides cost effective and invaluable advice and information. It is designed to help them to prepare for when CDS will serve as the UK’s single customs platform at the end of March 2023.”

Schmid appointed CEO of Cologne-Bonn THE supervisory board of Cologne-Bonn Airport has elected Thilo Schmid as the new CEO of Cologne-Bonn Airport. Schmid will form the new management of CologneBonn Airport together with the second managing director and CFO, Torsten Schrank. Prof Klaus-Dieter Scheurle, chairman of the supervisory board commented: “We are delighted that we have been able to secure the services of Mr Schmid, a recognised airport expert who has both extensive knowledge of aviation and considerable experience in airport management. Cologne-Bonn Airport is facing major eco-

aircargoweek.com

nomic and environmental challenges that need to be overcome on the path to climate-neutral airport operations. We are convinced that he will carry out these tasks with great commitment and determination, together with all our staff and will lead Cologne Bonn Airport into a sustainable and successful future.” Schmid started as managing director handling services at Düsseldorf Airport in 2012. Since 2019, Schmid was responsible for all operational and commercial divisions at Düsseldorf Airport, with a total of some 900 employees. Schmid has many years of experience in aviation and in

his 20‑year career has worked in the transport and logistics sector, including within the Lufthansa Group. He has occupied various managerial positions and acquired sound knowledge of all operational processes; he also has great experience in effective co-operation with all of the relevant stakeholders at an airport. He succeeds Johan Vanneste, who had been president and CEO of Cologne-Bonn Airport since May 1, 2018. “We thank Johan Vanneste for all he has done and his great service during the biggest crisis in aviation, and wish him all the best for his future,” said Scheurle.

NEWS

Groundforce Portugal renews Management System Certification GROUNDFORCE Portugal’s Management System has been recognised by APCER (Portuguese Association for Certification) with the normative reference ISO 9001:2015. Groundforce Portugal reports that it is ISO 9001 – Quality Management certified in all its stations – Lisbon, Porto, Faro and Madeira. This certification regulates the best market practices in Service Quality Management, assuring that the company’s operation is guided by the highest standards of quality and safety. Groundforce says: “The renewal of this certification, almost two years after the beginning of a pandemic that disproportionately affected the aviation sector, is a source of immense pride and a demonstration that, despite the many uncertainties that surround us, everyone in Groundforce Portugal always puts the most important thing above everything else: providing a high-quality service and in total safety to

their customers.” According to APCER: “Despite the atypical circumstances experienced and the profound changes that the company and the sector are going through, the organisation maintains its Integrated Management System operative and effective.” Other strong points were also highlighted by the audit: the resilience of the audited team in a highly adverse situation created by the COVID-19 pandemic; the search for business alternatives, while maintaining the quality of service provided to the customer; the experience of the technical team; the details of the internal audit; the implementation of biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and the evaluation of customer satisfaction, with scores of 88%, an excellent result in spite of the current situation and in line with previous years.

Atlas Air Worldwide orders four new B777 freighters

ATLAS Air Worldwide Holdings has ordered four new Boeing 777 freighters in response to strong customer demand for dedicated international wide-body airfreight capacity, particularly in the fast-growing e-Commerce and express markets. The first of the four new 777-200LRFs is expected to be delivered in November 2022 with the other three expected to be delivered throughout 2023. The investment will bolster Atlas’ 777 fleet, which currently includes 14 freighters that the company operates or provides to customers on a dry-lease basis through its Titan Aviation Leasing subsidiary. “We are excited to expand our fleet and service offerings for our existing and prospective customers with these four new 777s. “With the best team in the industry as well as our focus on innovation and prudent fleet management, Atlas is serving the evolving needs of the global supply chain and delivering value for our customers,” said John W. Dietrich, Atlas Air Worldwide president and chief executive officer. “These new aircraft will

advance our strategic growth plan as we continue to capitalise on strong demand for dedicated airfreight capacity. This investment aligns with our disciplined approach to deploying capital and meets our strict return guidelines when investing in aircraft. We anticipate this transaction will drive strong earnings and cash flows, and enhance shareholder value,” Dietrich added. Atlas’ investment in these new 777s – the largest and longest-range twin-engine freighter in the world – underscores the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship through the reduction of aircraft emissions, resource consumption and noise. “We are honoured that Atlas Air Worldwide, as a global leader in airfreight, has once again selected to grow with Boeing and our freighter family. “These new 777 freighters provide Atlas with more capacity, fuel efficiency and operational flexibility for its customers,” said Ihssane Mounir, Boeing senior vice president of commercial sales and marketing.

ACW 17 JANUARY 2022

NEWS DB Schenker heads into 150th anniversary year IN 2022, DB Schenker celebrates its 150th anniversary. Building on extensive experience in supply chain management, the company has long been one of the world’s leading logistics service providers. This year marks the anniversary with external and internal festivities, underlining DB Schenker’s vision of advancing businesses and lives by shaping the way the world connects. On July 1, 1872, Gottfried Schenker founded DB Schenker in Vienna in Austria. His approach of combining individual shipments to collective consignments was a game-changing innovation for that time. The company’s reach has expanded around the globe and into all modes of transport. This year, DB Schenker is looking ahead towards further shaping the industry’s future through innovative, digital, and sustainable solutions.

Under the slogan “150 Years Elevating Lives”, the anniversary year features an internal employee competition connecting all colleagues across countries and even continents. With the help of a dedicated smartphone app, employees can count their steps and track further physical and mental activities. For all sporting achievements counted, DB Schenker says it will donate to carefully selected charitable organisations that relate to the company’s commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. In Q1, 2022, all donations raised will be given to WeForest, an environmental protection organisation, to support tree planting, forest conservation, and further local sustainability projects in Brazil and Ethiopia. Upcoming charity projects will include ocean and air protection and social initiatives.

SHARON Davies has been recognised in the UK’s New Year honours list and made MBE for services to logistics, after 26 years with DHL. In her role as vice president of regulatory and public affairs for DHL Express Europe, Davies is responsible for communication with government to highlight the role and importance of the industry. In the early stages of the pandemic she worked closely with key government departments and trade associations to ensure the industry was recognised as an essential service. This enabled it to keep operating on the frontline to support customers and serve the needs of the public during lockdown. In recent times, Davies has also been responsible for ongoing communication with government on Brexit, highlighting potential challenges and proposing solutions on behalf of customers as well as carriers. Roy Hughes, EVP network operations and aviation Europe at DHL: “I’m delighted that Sharon has received this recognition. She’s an incredible ambassador for our business and over the course of her career she has become a positive and powerful voice for our industry, working collaboratively to find solutions to some of the challenges we face collectively and to raise the profile of the work we do.”

In addition to her role at DHL, Davies was also chair of the Management Committee and a Trustee of the Industry and Parliament Trust (IPT) supporting engagement between Parliament and UK business. Beyond her core role Davies has been pivotal to some of the DHL’s major CSR initiatives. These include a conservation effort to re-home two Sumatran tigers to ZSL London

Zoo, and the crowdfunded initiative, Masks for NHS Heroes, in which DHL transported PPE into the UK then distributed it to various dropoff points such as care homes. Committed to supporting women in business and logistics, Davies helps steer DHL’s role in the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women, supporting female entrepreneurs in Kenya and South Africa. She is a mentor to aspiring female colleagues as part of the DHL4Her programme and has been recognised in the past Everywoman in Transport and Logistics awards as an ‘Industry Champion’. Davies says: “This is a huge honour and I feel very humbled to be recognised in this way. I’m proud and grateful to be part of an industry that does such vital work as well as working for a business that gives me the opportunity to make a positive impact in such varied ways.”

STILL reading a printed copy of Air Cargo Week? Consider switching to the digital version. Contact subs@azurainternational.com and let them know that in future you would rather read the weekly publication online.

ACW 17 JANUARY 2022

DHL’S SHARON DAVIES AWARDED MBE

Supporting engagement

aircargoweek.com

San Bernardino DIGITAL ONLY.indd 1

23/08/2021 12:32

AZ freight.com

The World’s Most Trusted Online Freight Database

A very warm welcome to this week’s newly signed-up PREMIUM MEMBERS COMPANY NAME:

CONTACT DETAILS:

interCONTAINER (Australia)

2/370, Norton Street, LEICHHARDT, NSW, 2040, Australia +61 02-9555 7666 https://azfreight.com/freight-forwarder/intercontainer/

Freight Solution Limited (China)

No. 1002 Shennan East Road, Huang Bei Str, Luohu District, Shenzhen, China +86 +86 131 6991 4310 https://azfreight.com/freight-forwarder/freight-solution-limited/

TLM AZ LLC (Azerbaijan)

BUILDING 2 NO 20, MEMMED EMIN RESULZADE ST, BAKU, Azerbaijan +994 515167241 https://azfreight.com/freight-forwarder/tlm-az-llc-2/

scorpions logistics (Lebanon)

Sabra Bldg, 5th Floor, Beirut, Lebanon +994 515167241

THIS COMPANY ESPECIALLY INVITES ENQUIRIES FROM: Spain, France, United States, South Africa, Qatar, United Arab Emirates

Freight Lines India Pvt Ltd (India)

https://azfreight.com/freight-forwarder/scorpions-logistics-4/ 2nd Floor Adhikari Chambers, 61 New Link Road, Mumbai, 400053, India +91 2267294800 https://azfreight.com/freight-forwarder/freight-lines-india-pvt-ltd-7/

Not a member? Sign up now and enjoy all the benefits of Premium Membership: • Premium Companies are the first to receive quote requests via the AZFreight Quote Request System (QRS). The QRS is a free service providing the best way for importers and exporters to find the right forwarder for shipping anything anywhere; • Premium Companies are given prime position at the top of companies listed in your country. Your company name will stand out with an eye-catching link straight to your own page together with your full-colour logo; • Choose where you get business from! Our unique algorithm will position your company in front of ALL visitors from the countries you want to target: on the Homepage, the AZ Directory page and on ALL free listing pages • Premium Companies are listed first when users search the AZ Directory. Your listing is highlighted in green and appears before all others. Premium Companies are the only ones to have their logos displayed in search results; • Premium Companies are displayed as Pop-ups in the Premium Bar. When users arrive on a listing page which matches your country and company-type they will be reminded that yours is a Premium Listing in that country; • Premium Companies are promoted in Air Cargo Week print and Digital (readership 24,000); • Premium Companies are promoted across the Azura International Social Media Platforms (18,500 followers).

NEWS Temperature-regulated solutions kept pharma logistics running I

holds up to six of DoKaSch’s Opticoolers, a charter flight can load 30 or even more. Nevertheless, cargo flight capacity is still limited and therefore expensive. Compared to passive packaging solutions, however, the RAP Opticooler offers space for 5 Euro pallets. Therefore, it also makes more efficient and thus more economical use of the currently limited and expensive freight space. “Due to the changeover of aircraft, we had to provide a much higher number of containers at once. Our strategy is focused on 100% container availability, and that is what pharmaceutical shippers rely on. Accordingly, we always keep a reserve, so we managed to cover the unforeseen demand. Our forward-looking strategy has paid off,” says Seitz.

FOR nearly two years, the COVID-19 pandemic has been severely impacting global industry, trade and supply chains. Uncertainties or disruptions in ground-based supply chains continue to drive up demand for air freight to this day, making capacity less available. Moreover, intercontinental flights are still not at pre-pandemic levels. The resulting severe capacity shortage required all parties along the supply chains to quickly adapt to an unprecedented situation.

Temperature-controlled supply chains Even in normal operations, the temperature-controlled logistics of pharmaceuticals is a complex and demanding task. Many life-saving medicines and active ingredients must be transported at precise temperatures to remain undamaged and maintain full efficacy for patients. There is no room for inaccuracies in this process. But due to the pandemic in many cases the carefully planned transport routes were no longer available and could not simply be rescheduled. This is because not only packaging solutions have to be qualified for cold chain transports, but also the exact route, means of transport and transport duration are clearly defined. Normally, pharmaceutical shippers can use alternate routes that are also fully qualified. However, due to the unprecedented situation, even these were no longer available in many cases.

Active packaging solutions As a result, transports often took longer than

More flexibility

usual because they got stuck or the available routes were longer. Since passive packaging solutions can only maintain the desired temperature range for a given limited time, demand increased for reliable active packaging solutions like the DoKaSch-Opticooler. “Electrically powered and fully air-conditioned the Opticooler maintains the desired temperature level, for example between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius, at all times. In this way, it ensures with maximum reliability that the cargo remains safe and undamaged in all climate zones,” explains Andreas Seitz, managing

director of DoKaSch Temperature Solutions, adding: “Furthermore, the Opticooler can easily be used as an interim storage facility if the necessary cool infrastructure is not available. Active packaging solutions thus provide a safety buffer for delays, flight cancellations and changed transport routes and are thus an important contribution to a reliable cold chain.” In addition to the change in routes, the increased use of charter flights also pushed up demand for the Opticooler. After all, while a regular scheduled passenger flight usually

“In order to serve demand even better and more flexibly in the future, DoKaSch is expanding its global presence and will soon open several depots for its Opticoolers at important export locations for vaccines and pharmaceuticals. Furthermore, the company is continuously expanding its network through agreements with major airlines. The improved, worldwide availability of the Opticooler enables DoKaSch to respond more quickly to requests and avoids empty container positioning flights. This not only has a positive impact on customers’ costs, but also saves CO2 emissions. “Flexibility and short response times are key, even in uncertain times, and we place great emphasis on this in our team and processes,” adds Seitz.

ACW 17 JANUARY 2022

PANDEMIC R A

How to prepare for global logistics in 2022 Mike Short – president of global freight forwarding at CH Robinson

his year was a difficult year in global logistics due to ongoing volatility. We worked alongside customers navigating the Suez Canal block, hurricanes and cyclones, port and terminal closures due to COVID-19 outbreaks, customs and trade changes, labour shortages and more. I’ve been in the industry since 1997 and I have never seen this level of continual disruption across the entire supply chain for this length of time. However, with this year’s volatility, I was also given a frontrow seat to a new level of hyper collaboration – including individuals going out of their way to help each other, more strategy sessions between shippers and forwarders, and continually leaning into historical data and current market insights to find smarter solutions. As we approach another potentially volatile year, here are some key strategies for global shippers to consider.

Seek creative solutions At year-end, we typically see a jump in demand as shippers meet quarter-end quotas and prepare for the upcoming Lunar New Year, during which many factories in China shut down. However, in early 2022, shippers will also be juggling potential delays from the Winter Olympics, which will be hosted in Beijing throughout February. All of this is amid a strained supply chain market, which will take time to ease. As you prepare for 2022, consider what different modes, trade lanes, or inland transportation strategies you can implement in your supply chain. For example, while it may not be feasible to transport 100 per cent of your freight via air, air freight continues to be the fastest way to replenish inventory, so prioritising specific freight can help keep cargo moving. In fact, CH Robinson is running on average 15-17 air charters a week globally for customers looking to avoid the congested ocean ports, and we don’t expect that number to decrease at the start of the new year. Additionally, as demand and rates will likely continue to stay elevated through the beginning of next year, less-than-con-

ACW 17 JANUARY 2022

tainer load (LCL) shipping is a strategy to consider. Typically, space for LCL shipments is easier to find especially in a constrained capacity market, since you are only looking for some container space versus an entire empty container. We also continue to see large cost savings with expedited LCL services compared to today’s airfreight environment. Keep in mind, LCL shipments are not going to bypass congestion at the ports, so inland strategies need to be considered. Currently, many ocean carriers are looking to move more IPI (interior point intermodal) cargo versus focusing on port-to-port. We were able to help increase the flow of cargo inland for our customers by sending more 53-foot containers so cargo on the smaller 40-foot ocean containers can be efficiently consolidated in the larger ones and loaded onto trucks or trains to be taken to inland destinations more quickly. Overall, this increased our container capacity by 25% in Southern California, for example. As you can see, looking at only one portion of the supply chain or one mode can only get you so far. It’s important to consider all areas to keep your cargo moving.

Utilise data and technology Although this past year has rendered a lot of unique situations and 2022 may do the same, historical data can still help us find solutions. Finding common trends and themes in your cyclical data can give you an information advantage to make smarter decisions for your supply chain. Additionally, the right technology tools can give you the visibility and predictability you need to adjust. For example, with the ongoing port congestion and delays, CH Robinson enhanced the vessel routing and tracking features within our transportation management system, Navi-

aircargoweek.com

sphere, to increase the efficiency and accuracy of port ETAs and automatically send updates if changes were discovered. This is important because ocean shipping is only one piece of the equation. Having visibility to changes in real-time gives our team and customers a chance to react and adjust other tactics down the road.

Look to global trade opportunities While congestion and shortages continue across transportation modes, one area where you may find opportunities for savings is in your global trade strategy. Since each country’s trade policies are unique and can change, it is important to have regular meetings with your trade advisor to break through the complexity of your total landed costs, including understanding your costs to import, identifying duty recovery possibilities, and reducing your duty exposure via trade agreements.

Final Thoughts While there is no one-size-fits-all approach, the above options provide shippers with strategies to help mitigate delays and identify potential savings as we enter another potentially unpredictable year. Shippers have had to become increasingly nimble and informed over the past year, and going into 2022 it’s critical to remain agile, be open to alternative solutions, and stay informed on the latest market insights.Goals (SDGs), as well as building plans to execute and measure their efforts.asked to also look at their supply chains and begin monitoring how their own vendors and suppliers contribute to their environmental impact.

C RECOVERY A

You have to trust in the future, it has a good chance of happening ping habit will continue well beyond the current pandemic and many are investing in it. “Moreover, demand could be even stronger as international sea freight is experiencing disruptions. The important thing for the future is to remain innovative in a world in perpetual motion, to succeed in anticipating needs. This is why ECS Group offers and continues to develop “new abilities” for its customers and invests in the technology sector.” What will be the biggest change going forward? “Digitally driven technology is going to be the future of air cargo busi-

ness and supply chain,” Thominet predicts. “Awareness and adopting any new technology have been the biggest challenge among various stakeholders. With changing times, it becomes important for stakeholders to invest in adopting and upgrading technologies to make them smarter and efficient. “There is also a growing interest in the ability to innovate, to think of new services and solutions to respond to paradigm shifts that are sometimes sudden (as the pandemic has shown us) but with a strong touch of sustainability concern.”

ir cargo plays an imperative role in the world’s recovery from the pandemic. Not only is the sector shipping vaccines from one side of the globe to the other, it is providing some much needed reliability in a time when other modes of transport cannot. Adrien Thominet, ECS Group chairman, says his market confidence is “undeniably” strong as we ride the wave into 2022. He notes: “Yields remain high and demand remains strong, even if airlines are still facing a difficult economic situation with the added risk of higher fuel costs. We have to trust in the future, it has a good chance to happen after all.” As an industry heavyweight ECS Group has led the way when it comes to adapting to the changing market. Thominet says the change at the ECS Group has been building for years. “We have a real capacity to find solutions to face new challenges. This is due to our desire to constantly innovate, whether it be the development of new abilities or technology. These are actually two of the four pillars of our global “Augmented GSA” strategy, which will be further developed in 2022.” Thominet highlights the importance of digital solutions as we come out the other side of the pandemic, a trend that has been accelerated amidst the disruption. “Carriers are focusing on revenue optimisation to offset the general economic difficulties they are experiencing in terms of passenger traffic. Thus, they are more sensitive to the issue of digitalisation and innovation. Becoming better can necessitate investment and the air cargo industry has understood this. We ourselves have thought of and invested in a new strategy with the concept of “augmented GSA” and its four pillars: new abilities, technology, commercial, and sustainability - allowing us to better respond to customer’s demand. “Agility is not an add-on, it’s a must have.” Going forward, he also believes there will be shifts in the way business is done. He says: “On a completely different level, the biggest shippers will try to secure capacity by buying directly from the operators.” Another notable change: “Post pandemic many airlines will be looking to outsource their belly and freighter capacity. When it comes, ECS Group stand strong, welcoming this opportunity to meet airlines requirement both locally and globally.” As uncertainty has become normal, and as the Omicron variant sweeps across the globe is it too soon be optimistic about air cargo growth? It’s not too soon, says Thominet. “Trade exchanges remain active and strongly supported by e-commerce, which really took off during the lockdown. We know that this new shop-

ACW 17 JANUARY 2022

THE BACK PAGE DHL and Formula E extend partnership

HL and the Formula E have renewed their partnership and joint commitment to promoting e-mobility, smart cities and low-carbon lifestyles. As part of the agreement, DHL remains Official Founding and Logistics Partner to the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship and will continue to transport over 415 tonnes of the all-electric motorsport World Championship’s freight – including all race cars, batteries and charging units, and media and broadcasting equipment – helping Formula E with a tailored, multi-modal transport approach that maximises efficiency and reduces CO2 emissions.

Launch of Together Green Award The renewed partnership will see on- and off-track initiatives that highlight the joint DHL-Formula E commitment to environmental and social responsibility – and underscore DHL’s role as sustainability pioneer in the logistics industry. As part of the relationship, DHL will have exclusive rights to the DHL & Formula E Together Green Award, unearthing sustainability heroes across the globe. A local hero will be recognised at each ABB Formula E race location in Season 8, while accepting global nominations from individuals and organisations throughout the season for the inaugural award. The award winner will be announced at the end of season gala dinner in Seoul. DHL’s aim is to honour everyday sustainability heroes as global brand and sustainability ambassadors to recognise their ability to shift attitudes through awareness, and call attention to the power of positive action, however small, in building a more sustainable future. “Deutsche Post DHL Group will be investing 7 billion euros in clean operations and climate-neutral logistics through to 2030, which includes major investments in its fleet of e-vehicles,” says Arjan Sissing, head of global brand marketing at Deutsche Post DHL Group. “This – along with our goal to achieve zero-emission logistics by 2050 – is a major, industry-leading commitment on the part of DHL. But we also recognise that the small incremental developments and steps – the everyday engagement and commitment on the part of

individuals and organisations around the globe – are so important to moving the needle. The DHL & Formula E Together Green Award is meant to call attention to these heroes and hopefully amplify the impact they are having.” Formula E CEO Jamie Reigle comments: “DHL has been an integral partner to Formula E from inception and we are delighted to extend and enhance our collaboration. Transporting the freight is a fundamental aspect to the running of Formula E and DHL continues to do so with a passion for driving forward new sustainable measures which have relevance throughout the logistics industry. The new DHL & Formula E Together Green Award will elevate our partnership to a new level by providing a renewed platform to showcase sustainable initiatives at every race weekend. We look forward to working with DHL to set the standard in sustainable logistics for sport and inspire fans around the world to take actions to fight climate change.” Other joint Formula E and DHL initiatives of the enhanced partner package include DHL’s “Legacy Program”, with activities such as tree planting, a city street-art mural utilising carbon absorbing paints, participation

in community engagement at key Formula E race locations as well as DHL’s involvement in the “FIA Girls On Track” project, with on- and off-track activities to introduce young women (8-18 years) to a potential career in motorsport.

Sustainable transport solutions In 2021, DHL delivered the most sustainable season ever in terms of Formula E logistics, using biofuel for all road and sea freight from Formula E testing in Valencia 2020 up to the final race of the Season 7 Championship in Berlin, managing to offset all emissions for Formula E’s road and ocean freight two years ahead of schedule, and offsetting 611 tonnes of CO2 emissions (the same as 49,000 trees). For the upcoming 2022 season – the most extensive season ever, with a record 16 races, including three new cities (Vancouver, Jakarta and Seoul) – DHL looks to build on these accomplishments by gradually reducing the footprint of its air freight operations. With its slogan “Change.Accelerated”, the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship promotes electric mobility as a zero-emissions alternative to combustion engines and provides a platform for automotive manufacturers to develop and test new e-mobility technologies. The Gen3 racing car, scheduled for the 2022-23 season, will be the world’s most efficient racing car and is Formula E’s fastest, lightest and most powerful car to date. It is capable of a top speed of 320 km/h and regenerative braking will produce at least 40% of the energy consumed during a race.

aircargoweek.com