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22/02/2018 15:00
The weekly newspaper for air cargo professionals Volume: 21
Issue: 8
26 February 2018
Southwest expands into international routes
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S domestic low-cost carrier Southwest Airlines is to begin shipping cargo to select international destinations beginning in May 2018, subject to requisite government approvals. The first international destinations the airline plans to serve are Mexico City, Cancun, Cabo San Lucas/Los Cabos, and Puerto Vallarta with more international destinations planned for 2018. “By offering the cross-border services that our customers are looking for we are able to help meet the needs of businesses throughout the United States and, soon, in Mexico,” says Southwest Airlines’ vice president of cargo and charters Matt Buckly. “As we enter the international cargo market for the first time, Customers will have more opportunities to experience the friendly and reliable service for which our cargo team is known.” The airline credits the rollout of its new point-of-sale and back office accounting system, Southwest Cargo Suite (SCS) as the reason it is now possible to develop from a domestic US carrier to an international airline. SCS is
expected to take the place of the current system in March 2018, and along with international capabilities, give customers the ability to make advanced cargo bookings, and utilise eAWBs. At the same time as it is announcing international expansion of its cargo services, the airline has been awarded a significant industry award by the Airforwarders Association. For the ninth consecutive year, the carrier earned the AfA’s Domestic Carrier of the Year award. As launch customer of the Boeing 737 MAX 8 in North America, the company operates the largest fleet in the world of Boeing aircraft. The aircraft offers 1,543 cu ft / 45.69 cu m of cargto capacity.
THE SEVENTH Air Cargo India trade exhibition and conference was inaugurated yesterday by Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation economic advisor Vandana Agarwal, who was the guest of honour. Soon after the launch, she visited the Saudia Cargo stand, which displayed an unique thematic design focused on ‘Fly Perishables & Fly Pharma’ which drew the attention of her and other delegates. She emphasised on the strong relations and growing trade between India and Saudi Arabia and conveyed her thanks to Saudia Cargo’s efforts in facilitating business with India. Major Indian exports include fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, basmati rice, textiles and machinery, while it imports organic and inorganic chemicals, metal scrap, leather, gold and oil from Saudi Arabia. With India one of the fastest growing cargo and aviation markets in the world and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s major bilateral economic partner, Saudia Cargo is upbeat over the three-day
exhibition Air Cargo India 2018. Saudi Arabia is the fourth largest market in the world for Indian exports after China, US and the UAE. Its major exports include food products, electronics, machineries and raw materials. The Kingdom, accounts for India’s major imports, primarily oil, metal products and precious stones. Bilateral trade between the two countries was valued at $25 billion in 2016-17. At the event, Saudia Cargo showcased its capabilities and expertise in handling general and special cargo, among other specialised freight services, in keeping up with the event’s “fly perishables & fly pharma” theme for the booth. Saudia Cargo exec-
Air cargo services between the US and Mexico have benefited from the Air Transport Agreement cthat came into force just 18 months ago.. The agreement was signed by US Transportation Secretary, Anthony Foxx and Mexico’s Secretary of Transport, Gerardo Ruiz Esparza on December 18, 2015 and icame into force on August 21, 2016 following four years of collaboration between the US and Mexican governments.
MANAGEMENT CHANGES AT SCHIPHOL GREEN LIGHT FOR GBA SERVICES ON GERMAN ROADS LOVERS GET THEIR FLOWERS ON VALENTINE’S DAY SWISSWORLD CARGO HOPEFUL FOR A GOOD 2017
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CEIV for Brussels Airlines Cargo
Saudia Cargo upbeat over Indian air cargo market prospects utive director commercial Rainer Muller underscored the event’s importance. “Air Cargo Indiia 2018 will give us the opportunity to connect with our peers, share experiences with each other and discuss at length possible solutions for the challenges that we face,” he says.
AT THE Air Cargo India conference held in Mumbai, IATA awarded Brussels Airlines Cargo with its CEIV (Centre of Excellence for Independent Validators), recognising its pharma transport expertise. “The CEIV certification is about implementing the right processes and creating a culture of continuous awareness in order to raise the quality level of our services on a daily basis. “During this journey and through local and international cross-industry collaboration, such as Pharma.Aero, Brussels Airlines Cargo is engaged in an open dialogue with pharma shippers and forwarders. The most important element is to increase the end-to-end transparency for all stakeholders,” says Brussels Airlines cargo business development manager, Reinout Puissant.
STOP PRESSI
Stand sales soar at Air Cargo China exhibition ORGANISERS of the Air Cargo China exhibition in Shangai in May are experiencing soaring stand sales for the event which will lead to the biggest and best ever event. See more, page 2
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NEWSWEEK
Air Cargo China 2018 set to be ‘best ever’
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ales of stands for Air Cargo China, to be held in Shanghai in May, are breaking records and are set on producing the biggest and best ever trade exhibition, say organisers Messe Munchen. More than two months before the event, to be held at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre, the exhibition is set to become bigger and better than ever before, says Messe Munchen deputy exhibition director Rudolf Schmid. The event in 2016 is pictured right. He says: “Registrations so far by air cargo companies are up by ten per cent on the last Air Cargo China event. The floor area has been increased to 1,849 sq m.” A growing rush at the start of registration to secure stands also means that only 12 per cent of stands are still available, so organisers are keen that prospective exhibitors apply as quickly as possible to avoid disappointment. Azura International is the exclusive sales partner for Messe Munchen and is responsible for marketing stands at Air Cargo China 2018. Azura International operations director Kim Smith says: “We are so close to selling out the stands for Air Cargo China 2018.
Almost 90 per cent have been sold and it is not even March. I cannot remember enthusiasm for becoming an exhibitor at Air Cargo China being so high this far in advance of the event. I have no doubt this will be the premier event for industry networking in Asia this year.” Companies interested in becoming exhibitors at the event should contact sales@azurainternational.com
AA Cargo picks up debut AfA International Carrier of the Year
AMERICAN Airlines Cargo has been named the International Carrier of the Year by the Airforwarders Association (AfA), a trade group that represents the interests of US-based air freight providers. The award was announced during the Air Cargo Conference in Austin, Texas. The International Carrier of the Year award recognise American’s dedication to customer service, on-time performance, reliability and security, among other factors, says the AfA. “This award is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our team members around the world,” says American Airlines Cargo president Rick Elieson. “It also shows that our dedication to continual improvement – in our technology, our systems and our processes – is keeping us at the forefront of the industry. Thank you to the AfA for recognising our efforts, which will only continue this year and beyond.” This is the first time American Airlines Cargo has won the AfA International Carrier of the Year award.
ACW REWIND TWO FREIGHTER aircraft, two different fates. The A380F never flew. The 747-400LCF was used to help move Dreamliner parts.
New plan signed for A380Fs Vol 10, Issue 9 5 March 2007 UPS AND Airbus have signed an agreement altering the delivery terms for the integrator’s 2005 order for 10 A380 freighter aircraft. Deliveries of A380Fs to UPS had been due to start in 2009 but the aircraft maker announeced in 2006 that there would be a six or seven month delay to this schedule. UPS is the sole remaining customer on the books for freighter version of the A380, with other potential customers, such as FedEx, cancelling their orders following the announcement of delays in delivery times. BOEING’S SECOND B747-400 Large Cargo Freighter has begun test flights after being rolled out of its modification site at Taiwan’s Taoyuan International airport. It was newly painted in the Dreamlifter livery.
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Cargo boosted by Schiphol changes
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chiphol Cargo is to merge with Amsterdam Airport Schiphol’s existing aviation and marketing department. Maaike van der Windt (pictured) will head up the new Aviation Marketing and Cargo division from its launch on April 1. Jonas van Stekelenburg, who has headed up Schiphol Cargo for close to three years, will support the development of the division before leaving for a new challenge outside Schiphol later this summer. “The new department puts cargo at the heart of our airport and the teams will benefit from the combined expertise and the synergies this will bring,” says van Stekelenburg. Van der Windt has two decades of experience working in the aviation industry and joined Schiphol Group as head of aviation marketing last year after working in a number of senior management roles for Brisbane Airport, Australia. “The new structure will ensure that cargo is robustly represented in the future,” says van der Windt. “Furthermore, we recognise the importance of belly capacity beside full freight capacity and aligning cargo with passenger network and business development ensures we optimise opportunities.”
Van der Windt will report to André van der Berg, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol’s chief commercial officer (CCO), ensuring that cargo continues to have a direct line into the hub’s leadership team. “Cargo is important to Schiphol and aligning the departments in this way ensures that we can continue to develop our service quality for our freight community,” says van der Berg. “I would like to thank Jonas for his dedication to Schiphol Cargo, his pursuit of enhanced ground operations, and for driving digital efforts under the Smart Cargo Mainport Program.” Van Stekelenburg initiated various digitalisation solutions for shipments, including advanced trucking data, Customs data, and flower production and shipment data.
NEWS WEEK WORLDNEWS NICK Weston of Weston Aviation has been elected to the position of BACA deputy chairman. He will share the role with Volker Meissner of Argus International during a transition period as BACA moves forward to its next stage of development. One of Weston’s key aims is to ensure that BACA becomes “the global broker association” representing and speaking on behalf of air charter brokers worldwide. SWISS logistics service provider Natco handled the project management and transportation of broadcasting equipment for Swiss Radio and Television Corporation’s (SRG SSR) coverage of the 2018 Olympic Winter Games in South Korea. Airfreight was used for some of the consignment from Zurich to South Korea. After the cargo’s arrival at Seoul airport, Natco organised its distribution to the House of Switzerland, the IBC and the various sporting event sites.
MIA turns into a FTZ
MIAMI-DADE Aviation Department (MDAD) has gained final approval from the US Department of Commerce to designate Miami International Airport’s entire 3,200-acre land parcel as a Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) magnet site. The designation allows existing or prospective airport tenants to operate manufacturing, warehousing and/or distribution centres on airport property and have federal tariffs deferred, reduced or eliminated. The site, an expansion of Miami-Dade County’s existing FTZ 281, will allow companies to receive and process materials and merchandise with reduced or eliminated Customs duties upon entry into the country at MIA. Miami-Dade County mayor, Carlos A. Gimenez says: “The MIA FTZ creates an attractive business opportunity for companies to begin or expand their operations directly on-site at the cargo gateway of the Americas.” MDAD chief of staff, Joseph Napoli says: “Our FTZ magnet site approval dovetails perfectly with our growth strategy as one of the world’s leading pharma hubs.”
Booking urged for 28th CNC Partnership conference ORGANISRES of the 28th CNS Partnership Conference to be held May 6 - 8 at the La Quinta Resort & Club in Palm Springs, California, are appealing for attendees to secure their place at the event. IATA director of sponsorships and exhibitions Mike Huntington says: “We’re only a couple of months away from CNS 2018. Time is running out to secure your place and join the record number of delegates who will come together on Sunday, May 6 to launch this year’s CNS Partnership Conference.” The programme will feature two panel discussions during the plenary sessions. The first is on the growth of air cargo and the role technology plays in such anticipated progression. In the second, the panel will look how fostering relationships between airport officials, airline operators, forwarders, and handling agents improves the day-to-day air cargo operations in America’s airports. CNS has launched an event mobile app, which allows visitors to gain access to the latest event information. CNS’s develops and distributes programs and services to all air cargo providers. For more information, visit cnsc.net.
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NEWSWEEK German green light for GBA Services Second half 2017 boost for AF/KLM
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BA Services’ recently launched German division has received approval to operate as a carrier of secured air cargo/mail under the newly strengthened German Aviation Act, which takes effect in March. As a registered haulier, GBA Logistics Germany is now approved for the ground transportation of all air cargo that is secured, working for known consignors and regulated agents. The German Aviation Act imposes stricter regulations than those set by the EU, requiring shippers, freight forwarders and hauliers working on their behalf to create a security manual setting out their procedures. Companies involved in the
ground transportation of air cargo in Germany must appoint a security manager, and provide all drivers with security training as well as conduct background checks. The approval process was done by GBA’s own internal trainer and avsec expert, Maik Maertens, (pictured), an accredited Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA – Federal Aviation Office) instructor. He says: “For our existing customers as well as freight agents and their customers, GBA can now provide services which adhere to the new regulation.” GBA operates a fleet of vehicles in Germany that are all TAPA (Transported Asset Protection Association) II compliant with electronic locks and seals, anti-hijack prevention and GPS tracking devices.
CARGO at Air France KLM experienced a strong turn around in the second half of 2017, with traffic and revenue improving substantially. The airline group says improvements were driven by solid demand growth to and from Asia at the beginning of 2017 and from Latin America in the second half of the year, which it says enabled optimised revenue management steering. In the fourth quarter tonnage increased by 2.7 per cent to 301,000 tonnes and by 0.7 per cent for the whole year to 1.1 million tonnes. Traffic measured in revenue tonne kilometres increased by 3.3 per cent in the fourth quarter to 2.3 billion and by 1.8 per cent to 8.6 billion for the year. Fourth quarter capacity increased by 3.3
per cent to 3.6 billion, meaning load factors remained at 63.2 per cent, and capacity in available tonne kilometres were up 0.9 per cent to 14.3 billion for the year, with load factors improving by 0.6 percentage points to 59.9 per cent. Total cargo revenue was up 6.8 per cent to €583 million in the fourth quarter and by 0.9 per cent to €2 billion for the year. Net results for the whole company in 2017 was €1.1 billion excluding the significant balance sheet de-risking linked to the de-recognition of two pension plans, which cost €1.4 billion.
ACS reveals $700 revenue in 2017
LEADING aircraft charter specialist Air Charter Service has revealed that the company’s revenue was $677 million in the financial year ending January 31st 2018, a 39 per cent increase on the previous year. Across all divisions, the company arranged almost 15,000 contracts in 2017, up from 12,500 the year before. Cargo flights increased by 11 per cent, to 4,300 contracts arranged across 2017. The company revamped its onboard courier division two years ago and that also enjoyed a good year, increasing job numbers by 52 per
cent to 1,670. Group CEO Justin Bowman (pictured) says: “Our cargo figure of $300 million was somewhat boosted by charters related to the hurricanes in the Caribbean and the southern States of America, along with other one off contracts, but underlying growth is still impressive. “Another pleasing aspect was the fact that the growth was spread across the world with 14 out of our 20 worldwide offices experiencing at least double digit growth, with our European, American and Far Eastern offices proving to be the star performers.” “Bowman adds: “All of this means that ACS is now the largest charter brokerage in the world and we hope that the buoyant market for aircraft charters will continue into this year. It is an exciting time at ACS right now – two weeks ago we opened our 21st office, in Manhattan.”
ATSG selects IFS Maintenix
AIR Transport Services Group (ATSG), a provider of medium wide-body aircraft leasing, air cargo transportation and related services, has selected IFS Maintenix to deliver comprehensive fleet maintenance management across its two cargo airline subsidiaries, ABX Air and Air Transport International, and its aircraft leasing subsidiary, Cargo Aircraft Management. ATSG has experienced strong growth in recent years. To meet evolving operational demands, ATSG’s airline subsidiaries – ABX Air and Air Transport International (ATI) – and its aircraft leasing subsidiary – Cargo Aircraft Management (CAM) – sought a modern,
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scalable software solution that could drive greater standardisation and maintenance management process efficiencies. ATSG’s subsidiaries selected IFS Maintenix to deliver engineering, planning and line maintenance functionality, helping ATSG optimise tmaintenance management for its fleet. “ABX Air, ATI and CAM needed a solution that could deliver value in short order with minimal disruption to our business,” says ATSG vp, controller, Matt Fedders. IFS Maintenix svp, aviation and defence Scott Helmer says: “We are extremely pleased to have ATSG join our expanding customer community.”
Emirates flies first UAE satellite to Seoul
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mirates SkyCargo has transported the first satellite developed and built by Emirati engineers in the UAE to Seoul on its journey into space. The KhalifaSat was developed and built at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC). The remote sensing satellite will provide earth images for a variety of industries. It was flown from Dubai to Incheon International Airport in South Korea on a Boeing 777 Freighter that was specially chartered for the occasion. Emirates SkyCargo also unveiled a special branded truck to mark the event. Emirates divisional senior vice president for cargo, Nabil Sultan says: “Over the years Emirates SkyCargo has transported a wide variety of unusual cargo but being able to transport the first satellite manufactured in the UAE is a unique honour. We are delighted to bring our expertise in air transportation to the table on this historic and momentous occasion.”
The satellite project was launched in 2013 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president and prime minister of the UAE and ruler of Dubai, with the aim of manufacturing the first space satellite on UAE soil. MBRSC assistant director general for scientific and technical affairs, Salem Al Marri says: “We needed a partner who had the capability and expertise to transport KhalifaSat from Dubai without compromising its sensitive instrumentation and components. Emirates SkyCargo worked with us over a three month period to make sure that the entire transportation process went smoothly.”
NEWS WEEK WORLDNEWS ELBE Flugzeugwerke (EFW), the joint venture between ST Aerospace and Airbus, has entered into a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Guangdong Aerocity Holding Co., Ltd. (GDA) for a potential order of 10 A320 Passenger-to-Freighter (P2F) conversions to be carried out by EFW.
The Emirates SkyCargo and MBRSC teams worked together from November 2017 to plan the movement of the satellite, which was first moved from the latter’s manufacturing facility in Dubai to the Emirates SkyCentral DWC freighter cargo terminal at Dubai World Central on a dedicated remotely monitored truck travelling on a geo-fenced route with a police escort.
TURKISH carrier MNG Airlines Cargo has partnered with CHAMP Cargosystems to use the IT provider’s newly developed security compliance service, Traxon Global Security (TGS), for meeting the Air Cargo Advance Screening (ACAS) security requirements. With ACAS currently piloting in the US, TGS will enable MNG to comply with its recently mandated filing requirements for air cargo transported from Turkey to/via the USA.
SEKO now under one roof at Amsterdam Schiphol
SEKO Logistics is continuing its global expansion by opening its second largest operation in Europe, located in Amsterdam’s Schiphol Logistics Park. The facility is double the size of SEKO’s previous locations in Amsterdam and brings its entire service under one roof for customers using SEKO’s cross-border e-commerce, omni-channel and international transportation fulfilment solutions. The location iincorporates a 10,000 square foot high value storage case and a segregated area for dangerous goods shipments.
Aloha to more capacity at Haiwaiian HAWAIIAN Airlines has introduced two aircraft types that will bolster air cargo activity in the Pacific island chain. The airline recently introduced the Airbus A321neo, a next-generation, super-efficient aircraft that will complement Hawaiian’s current fleet of Airbus 330-200, Boeing 767-300 and Boeing 717 aircraft. In the spring, the airline is planning to expand its freighter operations out of Honolulu to each of Kahului and Hilo using newly delivered ATR 72-200Fs. The narrow-body, mid-range A321neo will be utilised primarily between the neighbour islands and the mainland allowing cargo customers to bypass major airport transit hubs. “The A321 aircraft will provide our customers with enhanced options for shipping their cargo to and from Hawaii, resulting in greater convenience and cost-efficiencies,” says Hawaiian Airlines Cargo managing director Brad Matheny. The carrier took delivery of its maiden ATR72-200F last year. After two more aircraft are delivered, Hawaiian will add Kona to its dedicated cargo network. All routes will be operated as overnight services.
FlyUs snaps up Global Cargo
DUTCH-HEADQUARTERED GSSA FlyUs has further expanded its European network with the acquisition of Munich-based Global Cargo Management, which has a branch office in Frankfurt. The decade old company joins the growing FlyUs international network and extends the FlyUs global reach to 17 countries. GCM will be rebranded to FlyUs GmbH at a later date. “We are delighted to welcome Global Cargo Management into the FlyUs group because their proactive attitude perfectly complements our strong presence in many other locations,” says FlyUs founder and managing director, Carlo de Haas..
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COOL CHAIN Airlines make sure lovers get flowers on Valentine’s Day
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alentine’s Day is a busy day for the air cargo industry, with airline flying millions of flowers around the world. UPS ramped up its lovegistics network to deliver an estimated 88 million flowers around the world in time for Valentine’s Day. The company will handle more than eight million pounds of blooms for US consumers, enough to fill 64 wide-body Boeing 767s. To ensure flowers are delivered in perfect condition, UPS transports the shipments from Latin American countries through Miami International Airport, to the final recipient in less than two days. UPS Americas global marketing manager, Frank Diaz says: “Delivery must move at the speed of ‘love at first sight’. This is why we rev up our operations to move more than 514,000
boxes of flowers. We take helping love bloom seriously.” The precious blooms are carefully transported in temperature controlled aircraft and trucks, and once they arrive at UPS facilities in Miami, they are rushed to a refrigerated warehouse cooler the size of five basketball courts. US Customs and Border Protection agents quickly inspect and sort the boxes for fast clearance before flower distributors pick them up, getting them a step closer to delivery. The Elite Flower executive vice president, Galo Sanchez says: “For years, UPS has helped us spread the love to our customers across the country, ensuring we receive our flower shipments on time and get them in the hands of sweethearts everywhere. “As the largest privately-owned flower farm in Colombia, we depend on a reliable logistics
partner to ship millions of blooms during this important holiday.” Over a two week period, Air France KLM Martinair (AFKLMP) Cargo shipped around 3,000 tonnes of flowers from production and export nations including Kenya, Ecuador and Colombia to Europe. AFKLMP used Boeing 747-400 Freighter capacity and combi aircraft to generate additional capacity to and from the flower producing destinations. The capacity is mainly intended to supply the European markets, primarily the Netherlands, Italy, UK, France and Russia, as well as Japanese consumers. AFKLMP Cargo executive vice president, Marcel de Nooijer says: “We are strongly committed to the flower market and successfully met seasonal peak flower demand again for this year’s Valentine’s Day.” Transporting flowers is a delicate process, and the less often they are physically handled during transportation the longer they maintain their value. During the flight on AFKLMP’s aircraft, a constant temperature of between two and eight degrees Celsius was maintained. To ensure flowers move seamlessly from growers to wholesalers, Royal FloraHolland, Schiphol Cargo and AFKLMP Cargo have initiated the Holland Flower Alliance, a group of
floricultural logistics professionals, dedicated to the pursuit of innovation and sustainability in the floral supply chain. Royal FloraHolland, located in Aalsmeer, the Netherlands, is the largest trading centre for flowers in the world and plays a crucial role in onward distribution. Cargolux Airlines International added close to 1,200 tonnes of extra capacity to meet the peak demand, adding to the 20 weekly flights out of Nairobi, Quito and Bogota. Kenya, Ecuador and Colombia are the most substantial providers of flowers, with Kenya catering for seven per cent of world trade, and European markets comprising of 35 per cent of Kenya’s flower harvest. Emerging economies in Asia are quickly becoming blossoming markets for flowers. Flowers must be delivered to distribution centres in Europe within 48 hours of their harvest to preserve their condition, and Cargolux uses thermos blankets that ensure an additional protection for temperature sensitive shipments, while the fleet of Boeing 747 Freighters are equipped to transport perishable goods. Cargolux product manager for fresh and temperature controlled commodities, Stavros Evangelakakis says: “We are operating a fleet which has the state-of-art thermal capabilities, in order to guarantee the reliable transport of flowers to lovebirds around the world.”
Timestrip Seafood’s fight against C. bot UK-BASED developer of ‘smart indicator’ technology, Timestrip, has introduced a product to protect seafood packaged in reduced oxygen environments during transport. Timestrip Seafood will detect breaches in temperature during processing and transport and is especially valuable with products such as crab meat and scallops. The indicators provide an indication when the food is stored above 3C, when it may develop Clostridium botulinum (C. bot) bacteria, responsible for food-borne botulism. Key advantages of Timestrip Seafood are the lack of special requirements for transport
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prior to activation and a very long shelf-life as well as being low-cost and simple to use. An early customer is South Bend Products in Washington state, who are using the product on crab meat “It will make an important contribution to controlling C. bot borne infection in many seafood lines,” says Timestrip CEO Reuben Isbitsky. Timestrip has activation tools available to automate the activation, conditioning and application process for the indicators, which are available in packs of 100 or on rolls of 4000.
COOL CHAIN Panalpina adds three agents to perishables network
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analpina has made three long-standing agents in Asia and the Americas full members of the company’s Perishables Network. The three were nominated following years of co-operation and a thorough vetting process. They are Cropa of Guatemala and Honduras; MIT Cargo of Sri Lanka; and TML of Pakistan. Agreements were reached at the Fruit Logistica 2018 trade fair in Berlin to intensify their co-operation with Panalpina. Panalpina aims to develop consistent standards for perishable logistics across the world, with global head of perishables Colin Wells saying: “In the perishables industry, shippers and local forwarders have traditionally followed their own practices. By working more closely together with our agents, we can establish our own standard and create a reliable and uniform environment for our customer where they enjoy the same experience wherever they may be.” The company also says that with improvements in infrastructure and production techniques, new transport routes and equipment, better packaging and more varied products can also drive opportunities for Panalpina’s agents.
Three new members
Panalpina global agent relations manager, Marco Spiess says: “For the new member agents, our Perishables Network is a door opener for the global market.” Cropa, with offices in Guatemala and Honduras, has been Panalpina’s agent in Central America since 1985, and has an extended portfolio of perishable services and a complete warehousing structure in El Salvador. Bananas are the main perishable export, with snow peas, berries, baby vegetables, asparagus, melon, mangoes, limes, shrimps and pineapples also proving important. MIT has been Panalpina’s agent in Sri Lanka since 1988 with operations including 24/7 temperature controlled warehousing facilities at the air cargo village within Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo. TML, which operates out of Karachi in Pakistan has been Panalpina’s agent since 2012, and offers reefer equipment backed by an experienced team offering expert handling and tailored multimodal transportation of fresh and frozen goods.
Delta extends Pharma 4
DELTA Cargo is making its Pharma 4 programme available at an additional eight destinations across its network, bringing the total to 49 stations. The airline has added Bogota, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Sydney, Sao Paolo, Frankfurt and Seoul, in addition to nine approved facilities across Europe that the airline operates in conjunction with its partners. Pharma 4 is one of four temperature sensitive shipping options the airline currently offers, and is designed for products that need to be shipped at room temperature such as prescription drugs and some biotechnology products. Delta was the first US global passenger carrier to receive IATA CEIV certification.
Bollare Logistics Korea gains IATA CEIV certification BOLLORE Logistics Korea has become the first transport and logistics company in South Korea to achieve IATA CEIV Pharma certification. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Center of Excellence for Independent Validators in Pharmaceutical Logistics (CEIV Pharma) is a certificate for healthcare airfreight shipments, ensuring proper handling of pharmaceutical products requiring temperature control. The Korean company began the certification process in the third quarter of 2015, and gained the certificate on 31 January 2018. Bollore Logistics Korea managing director, Thibault Janssens says: “We are proud to be the first CEIV Pharma logistics company independently certified in Korea. The certification reinforces our commitment to provide the highest standards of professionalism in handling the transportation of high-value pharmaceutical products under strict temperature and time-sensitive conditions.”
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DANGEROUS GOODS
Digital cargo portal at Frankfurt to be piloted
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raport, the operator of Frankfurt Airport (FRA), and IT service provider Dakosy have concluded a co-operation agreement for a digital cargo portal at Frankfurt (pictured) for shippers of dangerous goods. This means, for the first time worldwide, the entire dangerous goods process will be fully digitised. The portal communicates all shipment details and dangerous goods-specific data completely electronically through only one interface – from the shipper to the airline. The launch of a pilot phase is planned for early May. Dakosy CEO Ullrich Wrage, says: “With the shipper portal, we are solving another significant challenge of the air cargo supply chain. Our solution will considerably simplify processes for all users across company borders. The ever closer collaboration with Fraport as a strong
partner for this innovative product allows us to contribute to drive forward the digital transformation in the air cargo industry on a consistent and on-going basis.” The legislation prescribes that, for every dangerous goods shipment, a Dangerous Goods
Declaration (DGD) must be included with the shipment. Due to documentation errors, there are delays for a significant portion of dangerous goods. With the new portal, these errors are usually identified and corrected well before arrival at the airport. Additionally, time-con-
suming manual entries are no longer necessary. As a result, delays and related costs can be avoided. Underlining the benefits of the new portal, Fraport executive director, operations Anke Giesen says: “The portal enables all players of the airfreight supply chain to make the process faster, more reliable, and more transparent. We at Frankfurt Airport are thus once again underscoring our position as an innovation leader in airfreight.” The project is an ideal complement to the eAWB initiative launched by IATA, as it promotes the digitisation of an additional airfreight document. Many ompanies have already committed to participating in the pilot phase at FRA. In the future, the portal may be expanded by additional product groups.
FAA sets $1.3m haz-mat civil penalties THE US Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) levied than $1.3 million in civil penalties in the six months from September, 2017 on five hazmat incidents. The most recent was a $63,750 civil penalty against J&J Tech Group of Miami for allegedly violating hazardous materials regulations when two passengers affiliated with the company in February, 2017 offered three checked bags containing hundreds of lithium ion batteries to American Airlines for shipment by air from Miami to Buenos Aires, Argentina. The shipment included 318 lithium ion batteries as well as 85 cell phones and 11 laptop computers that contained lithium ion batteries. In January, the FAA issued a $54,000 penalty against True Value Company of Georgia for offering a four-litre metal container of flam-
mable epoxy paint to FedEx for shipment to Arkansas. It was discovered after it developed a leak. In December, 2017, the FAA levied a $1.1 million penalty against Braille Battery of Sarasota, Florida for offering an air shipment of lithium batteries by FedEx in 2016. In September, 2017 Interscience of SaintNom-la-Breteche, France was fined $54,000 for offering six plastic bottles of flammable liquid disinfectant spray for shipment by air from Blagnac, France, to Nuevo Leon, Mexico. In June, 2016 DebMed USA of North Carolina offeredblithium metal batteries for transportation by air from Dallas-Fort Worth to San Francisco, California in the checked baggage of a DebMed employee The company received a $50,000 penalty in September, 2017.
DG training courses in Ireland DANGEROUS goods training company Peter East Associates is staging its first open dangerous goods by air course in Belfast, Northern Ireland from March 6 – 8 at the Dunsilly Hotel. The Hertfordshire-based training company, founded in 1986, has been delivering training regularly in Northern Ireland for many years in collaboration with local partners, but several Ulster-based companies and organisations have been requesting regular open courses as the alternative is to travel over to a course on the UK mainland. The course in Belfast lasts three days and is fully UK Civil Aviation Authority-approved.
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On the last afternoon, there is an open book exam and successful candidates receive a certificate that is valid for two years. Peter East is planning another Belfast course in October, and hopes to increase the frequency in 2019. A few weeks after the Belfast course, the company is running a course in Dublin, Ireland from April 23 to 25. Irish Aviation Authority-approved, it take place at the ALSAA Leisure Club at Dublin Airport. Peter East has been delivering dangerous goods courses in Ireland for over ten years, and has both open air and road and sea courses scheduled for 2018.
DANGEROUS GOODS
UPS expands Special Commodities Program
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PS has undertaken a major expansion of its International Special Commodities (ISC) program that expands its coverage by more than 50 additional international destinations. Customers can now ship biological substances, dangerous goods in excepted quantities and shipments utilising dry ice via UPS’s dangerous goods service to more than 100 countries. This latest expansion is a direct response to growing demands from biopharmaceutical manufacturers, diagnostics companies, laboratories, distributors and care providers to ship specialised commodities when security, time and temperature control are a high priority. UPS is now able to pick up and deliver packages under the International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations UN3373 (Biologic Substances, Category B, Diagnostic Specimen and Clinical Specimen) as well as UN1845 (Carbon Dioxide, solid or dry ice).
Speciman logistics
“This network expansion demonstrates our ongoing investments to continually build out an optimized supply chain to meet our customers’ demands,” says UPS vice president of global healthcare strategy Dan Gagnon. “As specimen logistics get more complex globally, organisations will need to rely on streamlined, end-to-end solutions that can help transport sensitive goods on time, undamaged and within temperature range,” he adds.” Healthcare and life science companies shipping high-value, time- and temperature-sensitive shipments to, from and within the US and global markets have access to UPS Proactive Response Secure – a solution combining shipment monitoring and risk management to help mitigate product spoilage. The service helps critical shipments reach their destinations even if unexpected events occur, and covers potential losses if products are damaged or spoiled. UPS delivers value to healthcare companies through a broad portfolio of specialized freight and small package transportation and distribution services. UPS’s healthcare network also offers services such as temperature-sensitive storage and transportation, around-the-clock monitoring and security, kitting and labeling as well as order management and accounts receivable. Services across all locations are accessible via one global IT order management platform.
Cambodian agreement
LOCAL MEDIA reports from Cambodia confirm that the Cambodia Civil Aviation Training Center (CATC) and the Cambodia Freight Forwarders Association (CAMFFA) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to work together in streamlining and standardising the transport of dangerous goods by air. Cambodian State Secretariat of Civil Aviation director-general Keo Sivorn said the new agreement is key in strengthening the local aviation industry and boost safety and lift security standards. “Through this MoU, we will exchange information on logistics and train staff on security matters,” he said.
FTA acquires TrainingTeam
AT THE start of the year, the UK’s Freight Transport Association (FTA) acquired TrainingTeam. The London Gatwick-based training company, established in 1988, provides specialist training at venues across Britain and online focussing on air cargo security and the movement of dangerous goods by air and other modes. “This acquisition strengthens our ability to ensure that our members are confident in the security and movement of dangerous goods across all transport modes,” says FTA chief executive David Wells. TrainingTeam was founded by Charles Manetta who was instrumental in the development of specialist training for the handling of dangerous goods and security training in the UK airline industry. He says: “I am delighted to be handing on the organisation to FTA, which is equally passionate about the industry, security and safety..”
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SWITZERLAND
Restructuring pays dividends for Swiss WorldCargo
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wiss WorldCargo should report good figures when parent Swiss International Airlines releases its results in March, writes Neil Madden. Head of cargo, Ashwin Bhat (pictured) tells Air Cargo Week that 2017 was “a very good year”. “In 2017, we saw an increase in terms of tonnage carried. In the first three quarters of 2017, Swiss WorldCargo transported 10 percent more in tonnage terms,” he says. “We’re proud of this increase, and reflects our greater utilisation and growing Boeing 777300ER fleet,” he adds. The performance comes while the cargo unit is still working through the restructuring Bhat introduced at the start of last year, the ultimate aim of which is to make the company more agile
and put customers at the centre of everything. “Although still ongoing, our restructuring has been successful thus far and has ensured internal alignment, collaboration, and one focus towards our customers,” Bhat continues. “All our top customers recognise and appreciate this focus. It also offers a new flexibility within our organisation, and has given many people an opportunity to pursue new roles within the company customised to their areas of expertise.” Last year Bhat confirmed that the safe handling of pharma would be a major focus for the company. One of the first steps undertaken by the management was ensuring that ground handling at hub partner Cargologic became both CEIV-certified and GDP compliant.
EuroAirport hears background noise MEASURED by value, 40 per cent of all Swiss exports are transported by air, with the lion’s share being handled at the major hub of Zurich. As a big exporter of expensive and fragile products - pharmaceuticals, watches, jewellery, etc - air freight is particularly important to Swiss shippers. Zurich Airport saw a 13.1 per cent increase in freight volume in 2017 over the previous year. A total of 490,452 tonnes passed through the major hub. Meanwhile, cargo through Geneva Airport posted an even bigger rise, 18.7 per cent, to reach 89,012 tonnes. EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse (pictured) recorded an increase in freight of 11 percent to 112,000 tonnes. Freighter business rose substantially by 40 per cent to 17,434 tonnes, while express saw a 10 per cent rise to reach 46,868 tonnes. In November last year, the airport was awarded the IATA CEIV Pharma certification,
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having initiated the process back in June 2016. For 2018, the airport’s management is forecasting an increase in freight of around five per cent. However, the airport is also trying to achieve a balance between business growth and noise abatement. While the overall noise burden has remained stable in local communities, night-time noise to the south and south-west of the airport has increased. Reviewing last year’s performance, EuroAirport director Matthias Suhr said that express freight by its nature often operates during the most sensitive time, between 11pm and midnight. Suhr says: “We’re working with operators to avoid delays in freight dispatch and to ensure that flight departures are closer to 23:00 rather than midnight.” However, the airport’s management concedes that arriving at a solution will be “highly complex” and will take time.
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