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27/04/2022 15:33

The weekly newspaper for air cargo professionals No. 1,186

27 JUNE 2022

ACW World Air Cargo Awards winners 2022 ...

QATAR BECOMES A $1.5 BILLION AIRLINE

Page 6

INSIDE

STRIKE AVIATION JOINS TIACA ..

STRIKE Aviation has joined TIACA (The International Air Cargo Association). The GSSA expects the move to strengthen its competitive position ... PAGE 2

GCL SIGNS SAUDI DEAL ...

EVENTS transportation specialist Global Critical Logistics (GCL) has signed an exclusive commercial partnership agreement with SAL ... PAGE 3

FORTO LOOKS EAST ...

atar Airways Group reported a record net profit of QAR 5.6 billion ($1.54 billion) in the 2021/22 fiscal year. It attributed its performance in the most difficult period ever in the global airline industry to its agility and continued focus on customer needs and evolving market opportunities, as well as the efficiency and the commitment of its employees. The profit was not only a record for Qatar Airways Group, but also among all other airlines that have published financial results for this financial year worldwide, it said. Overall revenue increased to QAR 52.3 billion (U$14.4 billion), up 78% compared to last year and a remarkable 2% higher than the full financial year pre-Covid (2019/20).

Qatar Airways Cargo said it remained the leading player in the world as its revenue experienced a growth of 25% over last year with 25% annual growth in cargo capacity (measured in available tonne kilometres). Despite the challenges of Covid, the carrier increased its network to more than 140 destinations in 2021/22, opening new routes including Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire; Lusaka, Zambia; Harare, Zimbabwe; Almaty, Kazakhstan and Kano and Port Harcourt, Nigeria in addition to resuming flights to key markets across Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. The company has operated continuously the largest network among all Middle Eastern airlines, as measured by number or destinations as well as weekly flights. Qatar Airways Group CEO Akbar Al Baker, said: “This year Qatar Airways Group celebrates a quar-

ter of a century of history since its relaunch, while maintaining strong performance and growing profitability. “The Qatar Airways Cargo division also earned three major industry awards, including Cargo Operator of the Year at the ATW Airline Awards; Cargo Airline of the Year, and Cargo Industry Marketing & Promotional Campaign Award at Air Cargo Week’s World Air Cargo Awards. These achievements not only highlight our exceptional brand reputation but also our outstanding hard work across the Qatar Airways Group family.” Qatar Airways Cargo transported more than three million tonnes, securing 8% of the global market. It has also transported more than 600 million Covid-19 vaccine over the course of the pandemic to date as well as enhancing its Pharma service.

DIGITAL forwarding and supply chain company Forto has expanded into Eastern Europe with an office in Warsaw ... PAGE 4

LESS MEANS MORE RELIABILITY ...

LONDON Gatwick is to impose caps on the number of flights in July and August to give a more predictable and reliable flight programme ... PAGE 12

aircargoweek.com

NEWS

Strike Aviation joins TIACA to get close to customers STRIKE Aviation has joined TIACA (The International Air Cargo Association). The GSSA said it expected the move to strengthen its competitive position and help it remain at the forefront of key events and developments in the sector. Chief operating officer for Europe, Julia Knecht-Ostwaldt, commented: “Strike Aviation’s experience and expertise in the market over 25 years of operation is vast, but we oper-

ate in a highly dynamic sector that is affected by even small changes in the global economy, not to mention the upheavals of recent years. “One of our ambitions is to be as close as possible to our customers, to anticipate their needs and to provide personalised, tailor-made freight transport services for each shipper. Being even more deeply involved in our community of industry professionals will allow us to stay one step ahead—anticipating

market changes, preparing for the necessary development phases and, most importantly, meeting our customers’ expectations.” Knecht-Ostwaldt said Strike Aviation would

Regional Symposium in Amsterdam, in the Netherlands, at the end of June, where ideas will be exchanged on how to address air freight challenges at regional level. We work

also join TIACA’s sustainability initiatives, which provide one of the air cargo industry’s key benchmarks for sustainable operations. She added “We have to admit that the air transport industry is rather inert, and we feel sufficiently vibrant and strong to be able to contribute to a fundamental change in this area. By becoming a member of TIACA, we will be happy to share our ideas on how to change certain business behaviours in our segment.” Andrius Antanaitis, director of business development for Europe at Strike Aviation said membership would open new avenues to events and platforms in the industry. “One of the upcoming events is the TIACA

in a global industry but we face different challenges in each of our regions, and we have to find the right solutions for each. “The ideas circulating among TIACA members will undoubtedly help us to fine tune our business strategy to different regions of the world, and we will be happy to pass on our experience to other players in the market,” he emphasised, adding: “We get a lot of feedback from the exhibitions and conferences we attend. Strike Aviation is a flexible, driven organisation that adapts quickly to change, so being in a space where industry changes are most strongly felt creates a very important added value for us.”

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ACW 27 JUNE 2022

NEWS

Global Critical Logistics signs LATAM Group agrees Saudi SAL events deal Chapter 11 exit plan

EVENTS transportation specialist Global Critical Logistics (GCL) has signed an exclusive commercial partnership agreement with SAL Saudi Logistics Services. SAL will provide exclusive logistics services to all GCL companies in the Kingdom for sectors including entertainment, live events, sports, motorsports, arts and film and television production. It will cover projects originating in Saudi Arabia and those requiring solutions into and out of the country. GCL CEO, Paul Martins, said: “Our group has been supporting live events in the Kingdom for several years now and it has been exciting to witness the incredible development and growth of this industry and related sectors in Saudi Arabia. “Being part of the positive transformation that the country is driving is a privilege that we do not take lightly and working with a strong local partner is key. SAL is not only well established as the clear leader of integrated logistics services in Saudi Arabia, but equally has the desire and vision to further develop and grow logistics solutions for critical end markets.” Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic and social reform framework aims the country into a top destination for the entertainment industry. “In order to deliver high-quality, dependable, and on-time solutions for critical projects, it is of utmost importance to understand local regulation, requirements, and ways of work-

ing,” said Martins. “Partnering with a locally established leader that shares our ambition for zero-failure service delivery is the best way for us to ensure that we can deliver the high-quality value proposition that our customers expect.” SAL handles 99% of Saudi Arabia’s inbound and outbound air cargo through its operations at Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Madinah and many other domestic stations, and has been building a Logistics Solutions team focused on end-to-end services for time-critical end markets. It has established a country-wide network and experienced staff across all modes of transport. SAL managing director and CEO Faisal Al-Bedah, added: “GCL is one of the leading international companies providing critical logistics services and has a key role in facilitating entertainment and art activities. The importance of this partnership reflects on Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which puts considerable focus on sports and entertainment industries, in turn reflecting positively on enhancing the quality of life within the Kingdom.” Recent GCL acquisitions include film and television logistics specialist Dynamic International at the end of last year and Madrid-headquartered Asesores de Flete. It has also expanded its activities in Miami, Portugal, South Africa, and Singapore to better serve its clients.

LATAM eBookings go live on WebCargo platform LATAM Cargo has become the first South American carrier to go live on WebCargo. Real-time bookings with LATAM are now available on 27 lanes on the Freightos-owned platform. LATAM Group SVP marketing and devel-

opment Jorge Galvez, said: “The industry is shifting towards digital collaboration and, as the leading carrier of South America, we want to provide customers with reliable and efficient solutions and a broad set of options that allows them to choose what works best for them. “As part of our digitalisation roadmap we decided to partner up with WebCargo by Freightos to provide our customers access to our capacity. This collaboration is an important milestone in LATAM Cargo’s digital roadmap.” CEO of WebCargo by Freightos, Manuel Galindo, added: “Global trade moves faster than it ever has before. With innovative partners like LATAM Cargo, forwarders can move at the same pace, improving efficiency across over 100,000 quarterly bookings.”

THE US Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York has approved LATAM Airlines Group’s Chapter 11 reorganisation plan for its subsidiaries in the US, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. LATAM Group said it was now focused on the implementation of the corporate actions necessary to complete the exit from Chapter 11 in the coming months. This includes approval at the extraordinary shareholders’ meeting of the new capital structure contemplated in the plan, the registration of shares and bonds in the securities registry of the Financial Market Commission (CMF) and the implementation of the respective preferential offering periods of the convertible shares and bonds in favour of LA-

TAM’s current shareholders. Once effective, the LATAM Plan will inject about $8 billion through a combination of a capital increase, by issuing convertible bonds and new debt. This includes $5.4 billion of financing backed by major shareholders (Delta Air Lines, Qatar Airways and Grupo Cueto) and LATAM’s major creditors. The Group expects to exit Chapter 11 process during the second half of 2022. LATAM Airlines Group CEO Roberto Alvo, said: “We are very satisfied with the judge’s confirmation of our restructuring plan. This is a very important step in the process to emerge from Chapter 11, and we will continue working hard to complete the remaining steps in the coming months.”

Etihad Cargo Plan B to save the planet ETIHAD Cargo has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with B Medical Systems to develop an airline-specific passive temperature-controlled solution for drugs, vaccines and high-value pharmaceuticals. The Middle East carrier will collaborate with the Luxembourg-based manufacturer and global distributor of medical refrigeration devices to develop more sustainable temperature-controlled container units using passive cooling technology. The units will retain temperatures from -80 to 25°C for up to five days without requiring an external power source, with load capabilities ranging from two to 1,500 litres. The reduction in power needed to maintain the temperature will significantly reduce carbon emissions while the containers’ robust design and multiuse capabilities will give an operational life of over ten years. Trials of the sustainable container units will commence shortly, and a commercial launch date will be announced following completion. B Medical Systems’ current product portfolio includes products that use solar energy as well as green refrigerants. Martin Drew, Etihad Aviation Group’s senior vice president for sales and cargo, said: “Etihad Cargo is the first airline globally to collaborate with a partner in the development and launch of units specifically tailored to air transportation. Partnering with B Medical Systems is the

latest step by Etihad Cargo to achieve its sustainability targets. “By replacing legacy active cold chain air transportation containers with aviation-specific units that consume less energy, Etihad Cargo is future-proofing the transportation of pharmaceuticals, providing a better solution for customers, the aviation industry and the environment.” Jesal Doshi, deputy CEO of B Medical Systems, added: “Our mission at B Medical Systems is to create technology that helps save lives across the world. Transportation of temperature-sensitive specimens needs a robust cold chain. “Etihad Cargo’s operational knowledge, along with our expertise in creating quality medical cold chain solutions will enable us to develop aviation-specific sustainable units for the safe, effective, and environmentally friendly transportation of temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals and specimens.” Etihad Cargo and other partners in the Emirate established the HOPE Consortium in 2020 to distribute vaccines around the world. Abu Dhabi has also strengthened its capabilities as a life sciences hub through a pharma collaboration with Belgium, a leading global pharmaceutical centre, establishing a global distribution corridor between Abu Dhabi and Brussels to serve the world in vaccine delivery and future life science needs.

ACW 27 JUNE 2022

NEWS

CAAi helps ZeroAvia get electric planes into the air

CAA International (CAAi) is to provide regulatory advisory services to green aviation company ZeroAvia to support the design and development of its hydrogen fuel cell electric propulsion system. ZeroAvia has since 2018 been working with aircraft operators, owners, and manufacturers towards supplying the world’s breakthrough zero-emission engines together with related infrastructure and fuel. In the latest phase of the project, it plans to install 600kW hydrogen-electric powertrains on 9-19 seat demonstrator aircraft, replacing the conventional engines and aims to achieve type certification by the end of 2024. The company is targeting stand-alone certification for aspects of its powerplant including the electric propulsion and power

ACW 27 JUNE 2022

generation systems in the same way that a turbine engine is certified today. This then facilitates installation on various airframes through an airframe-specific supplemental type certificate. Over the coming months, design and certification specialists from CAAi will carry out a programme of workshops with ZeroAvia to identify gaps in certification specifications and safety requirements that may warrant modifications to the hydrogen-electric propulsion system. Speaking after the project kick-off meeting, CAAi senior manager of international development, Jolanta Rekiel-Taylor, commented: “By helping to navigate some of the regulatory requirements needed for safe operation, we are committed to helping ZeroAvia achieve its goal of supplemental type certification by late 2024.” Head of airworthiness at ZeroAvia, Dominic Cheater, added: “The test flights that we have conducted of our hydrogen-electric powertrain have built a lot of excitement about the potential for zero-emission aviation, but the real revolution will be having a configuration which is certified by the aviation regulators and put into commercial use. To get there, we need the continued commitment and expertise of our own team and the support of specialists like CAAi.” The project is due to start in June 2022 and is expected to be completed in 2024.

Digital forwarder Forto moves into Eastern Europe DIGITAL forwarding and supply chain company Forto has expanded into Eastern Europe with an office in Warsaw. It has appointed Pawel Skwarlo as director Poland. He was previously airfreight director for Warsaw-based OMIDA Sea and Air and brings more than 20 years of experience with providers such as UTi Worldwide and DB Schenker. Forto co-founder and CEO Michael Wax said: “Pawel’s experience working with customers and building partner relationships in the local

especially in logistics. We have a lot to do when it comes to simplifying processes – especially in digitalisation. Forto brings exactly the right skillset with its offer. “With our digital approach, we can bring new experiences to customers in Poland.” Since its founding, Forto has grown from a small team in Berlin to a worldwide presence with offices across Germany and Asia including Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen, Singapore and Hong Kong.

market is just what we need to expand our presence and provide digitally-driven logistics to customers in the region. It’s exciting to have someone with Pawel’s knowledge and track record on board.” Pawel Skwarlo commented: “Poland is currently experiencing an exciting momentum,

In 2021, it opened offices in Copenhagen, Aarhus, Madrid, Rotterdam and Ho Chi Minh City. In 2022, Forto plans to further expand its footprint to customers in Belgium, Sweden and southern Europe. Earlier this year, the company announced a new Series D investment of $250 million.

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10/05/2022 16:03

WORLD AIR CARGO AWARDS REVIEW

WORLD AIR CARGO AWARD CELEBRATING THE BEST THE IN

s broadcaster Nadia Dunn said, the World Air Cargo Awards are: “A landmark event after two years of unbelievable challenges and upheavals in the industry. Air cargo’s ability to not only survive, but overcome constantly shifting obstacles has never been stronger.” Hosting the online event, she said the industry had also responded magnificently in providing help and support to Ukraine, she added. The unique annual awards ceremony recognises those who have achieved so much. Azura International director Norman Bamford also had some good news for participants. Planning had started for next year’s awards, and they would once again be a live event, he said. Freight forwarders are the key to the supply chain and play a vital role in keeping cargo moving. In presenting the Air Freight Forwarders Award, Air France KLM Martinair Cargo senior VP for sales and distribution, Gertjan Roelands, said: We would like to express our gratitude to our customers for their help and support.” Shipments spend up to 85% of their time on the ground, so the issues handlers face are complex and challenging. Handing over the Air Cargo Handling Agent of the Year Award, British International Freight Association executive director Carl Hobbis said the sector played a vital role in the safe, efficient and timely movement of freight through our airports. While one of the industry’s oldest professions, air charter brokers have really come into the limelight during the pandemic and indeed been the saviours of the world in an extremely tight market for capacity. Presenting Air Cargo Charter Broker of the Year, Glenn Hogben, chief executive of the Air Charter Association, explained that the last year has presented both great opportunities and many challenges. Brokers had to work very hard to overcome the operational restrictions, capacity shortages and rising costs, finding the best prices and right solutions for their clients. Airports are the beating heart of aviation. The Covid pandemic hit them especially hard but they are fighting their way back and cargo has taken a major role. Azura International director Norman Bamford, in making the Airport of the Year award, congratulated them on all they had achieved in a very difficult year. Cargo has become very important to airlines in the past two years and general sales agents have played an increasingly important role in helping them stay profitable. The Air Cargo General Sales Agent of the Year award recognises the part they had to play. Making the award, Awery Aviation Software founder and CEO, Vitaly Smilianets said the last 2½ years had been incredibly challenging and he thanked Air Cargo Week for keeping everyone in the industry informed. The customer is still king in the industry and looking after them can make the difference between success and failure, and the Air Cargo Industry Customer Care Award recognises this. The Air Cargo Industry Achievement Award recognises the high achievers, whether that is because of investment in the future, sustained growth, customer care, environmental awareness or sound strategies. The award recognises companies that have taken this to the next level. Next, the Information Technology for the Air Cargo Industry Award is a reflection of the embrace of faster, better systems. The added pressure for higher standards had been given a new urgency by recent events. The award recognises the finalists’ outstanding ingenuity. Making the presentation, Messe Munchen exhibition group director Dr Robert Schonberger said the past two years had shown the vital importance of IT. As the saying has it, ‘You can’t sell if you don’t tell’, and the Air Cargo Industry Marketing and Promotional Campaign Award reflects this, especially now in a world of social media. Getting your message across has become a key factor in market success. Making the award, TIACA director general Glyn Hughes said that the industry had continued to go through a period of great turmoil in the last 12 months and it was crucial that organisations presented themselves in the most positive light possible. Finally, the industry’s ‘Heavyweight Championship’ is arguably the Cargo Airline of the Year Award, said Nadia Dunn. This year, there was a wide selection of candidates and the competition was fiercer than ever, she said. Handing over the coveted title, ECS group executive chairman Adrien Thominet said he was proud to be associated with the award and the transformation of the industry along with its partners.

ACW 27 JUNE 2022

DHL Global Forwarding Airfreight Forwarder of the Year 2022 sponsor: Air France KLM Martinair Cargo

“We feel honoured and proud to receive this recognition. The situation in the airfreight market with tight capacity and high demand at the same time is still far from normal. Being awarded “Airfreight Forwarder of the Year 2022’ in these challenging times reflects the great work our team does to keep our customer’s shipments moving! Therefore, I would like to thank not only my colleagues, but also our customers who place their trust in us.” Thomas Mack, Global Head of Airfreight, DHL Global Forwarding

Ethiopian Cargo & Logistics Services Air Cargo Industry Customer Care Award 2022

“We are very pleased, honoured and proud to accept the Air Cargo Industry Customer Care Award 2022 by Air Cargo Week for the second time in a row. This recognition tells us our customers are confident and happy with our services. We would like to thank all our clients who have given their vote of confidence for us and also the organiser Air Cargo Week in making this award successful.”

Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Ltd. (Hactl) Air Cargo Handling Agent of the Year 2022

“The past two years have been extremely challenging for us, with disruptions to our operations caused by circumstances beyond our control, and service standards sometimes below the high standards we set for ourselves. That our users still feel we deserve this recognition is therefore both gratifying and humbling. We thank them, and, I dedicate this award to the wonderful 2,200 Hactl staff who work through all weathers and challenges to help keep supply chains running.” Wilson Kwong, Chief Executive

Air France KLM Martinair Cargo Air Cargo Industry Achievement Award 2022

“We would like to thank everyone who voted for us at the World Air Cargo Awards 2022. “It is an honour to have been awarded the prestigious ‘Air Cargo Industry Achievement Award’ for pioneering the introduction of sustainable aviation fuel in the air cargo industry. More than ever, we are committed to contribute to the development of a decarbonized airfreight industry. Huge thanks also to all our teams for their constant efforts, which have enabled us to achieve such great results over the past year.”

Abel Alemu, Managing Director GertJan Roelands, SVP Sales & Distribution

FEATURE

RDS 2022 E INDUSTRY HAS TO OFFER

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challengs caused d service dards we deserve ing and his award through p supply

Air Charter Service

Hong Kong International Airport

Air Logistics Group

Air Cargo Charter Broker of the Year 2022

Airport of the Year 2022

Air Cargo General Sales Agent of the Year 2022 sponsor: Awery Aviation Software

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our clients, suppliers and friends in the industry that voted for us this year! “I am immensely proud of our staff here at Air Charter Service. Not only the cargo team but everyone involved in ensuring we continued to deliver the highest levels of service to our customers throughout this unique period for the air cargo industry. I would also like to thank our airline and industry partners who have often delivered in the most challenging circumstances.”

“We are honoured to receive the award. I’d like to thank the cargo community at HKIA for their professionalism and profound agility in maintaining HKIA’s position as the World’s Busiest Cargo Airport. Despite the challenges brought by the pandemic, HKIA handled 5 million tonnes of cargo in 2021 with uncompromised service quality and efficiency. HKIA will continue to enhance our cargo services, connectivity and digitalisation in order to reinforce our status as the preferred air cargo gateway.”

“We are extremely honoured to receive this award. This award is dedicated to each and every employee across the globe for their hard work and dedication during what continues to be a challenging time in the aviation industry. We thank our Principals and peers for voting for us, and the whole team will continue to focus on providing the highest service offering to our airlines and freight forwarders.”

Ian Kwok, General Manager, Aviation Logistics

Stephen Dawkins, Chief Executive Officer

Dan Morgan-Evans, Group Cargo Director

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cargo.one Information Technology for the Air Cargo Industry Award 2022

Qatar Airways Cargo

Thank you to our sponsors

Cargo Airline of the Year 2022 sponsor: ECS Group Air Cargo Industry Marketing & Promotional Campaign Award 2022

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“The entire cargo.one team is delighted to win the ‘Information Technology for the Air Cargo Industry” award. “More than ever, freight forwarding teams need a fantastic user experience and the strongest results from the technology they use. This World Air Cargo Award is a direct result of our focus on delivering exactly that for many thousands of air cargo bookers worldwide”.

Moritz Claussen, Founder & Co-CEO

“We see these awards as an important recognition of the work and excellence of our teams in providing the best possible services day after day. At Qatar Airways Cargo ‘moved by people’ is more than a slogan, it is the reason behind our successes. I would also like to thank our customers for their trust. Be sure that we will continue to develop and demonstrate the values and commitment that drive us every day, to build together the next cargo generation of tomorrow.” Guillaume Halleux, Chief Cargo Officer

ACW 27 JUNE 2022

NEWS

Rapid covid recovery for Cologne Bonn cargo business COLOGNE Bonn Airport says it had a better than expected financial year in 2021 in spite of the coronavirus pandemic, Although it made a loss of €14.5 million, this was less than half that of the previous year’s €31.1 million. President and CEO of Flughafen Köln/Bonn, Thilo Schmid said: “Thanks to the efforts of the whole team, the airport is coming out of the crisis well. Both traffic segments have developed positively this year, with the result that the company will return to profit in 2022.” He said the cargo business was an important stabiliser in the pandemic and once again “developed superbly” in 2021. The 986,000 tonnes handled (+14%) actually set a new annual record and the airport once again played an outstanding role during the pandemic in supplying people and companies in the Rhineland. Passenger traffic remained difficult in the first half of 2021, but there was a recovery from the middle of the year. In total, 4.3 million passengers used the airport (+38%) – around a third of the pre-pandemic level of 2019. Recovery is expected to continue in the summer and bring the 2022 total to around 9 million. As for cargo: “We are optimistic that we will be able to break through the one-million tonne barrier,” Thilo Schmid says.

Consultants impact team up with Cargo iQ

LOGISTICS consultancy Im3pact has joined the airfreight industry stakeholder organisation Cargo iQ as a strategic associate. Im3pact’s team of consultants will lend insight from their previous experience of direct involvement in the air cargo supply chain and from their current position as advisors to the sector. Principal consultant, Marie Seco-Köppen, said: “Standards are absolutely crucial as a common language across the multitude of players. They allow the air cargo model to

fully reap the benefits of technology while preserving its resilience. “This is where we believe initiatives like Cargo iQ are more relevant than ever and we look forward to active engagement and exchange with the Cargo iQ community.” Swiss-based Im3pact describes itself as a “boutique consultancy” that works with shippers, forwarders, airlines, and ground handlers to drive collaboration based on common standards and innovative technology.

Alterations made easy for airline customers AIR France KLM Cargo is launching a new ‘Modify my booking’ feature on its myCargo platform allowing customers to easily alter bookings at any time. They can create quotes, make bookings, track shipments, manage claims and access general information without having to cancel their booking in order to resubmit altered data such as date, time, weight, size or destination. The updated booking will not be executed until all necessary capacity for the updated booking has been confirmed, and users can go

ACW 27 JUNE 2022

back to the original booking during the modification process, eliminating any risk of losing the shipping slot. Senior vice president of sales and distribution, GertJan Roelands, noted: “Our teams have worked hard to develop ‘Modify my booking’, which gives our customers even more control over the way they want to do business with us. Online interaction with our customers is increasing rapidly. Last month we saw a record 70% of bookings coming in via our online channels.”

NEWS

Topo celebrates ten years of simple-to-use software SUPPLY Chain Software as a Service (SaaS) provider Topo is celebrating ten years in business and says it supports users in over 40 countries. It claims that its low code collaboration, automation and analytical solutions save users up to 70% in inputting time. Founder and CEO, Benjamin Eberle, said: “Ten years ago, we set out to build a low code solution that would enable genuine supply chain collaboration for organisations of all sizes. “We now support users in over 40 countries to build customised solutions and run more efficient, compliant, sustainable supply chains without the need to hire IT teams or outsource development to a third party. “We encourage users to think in terms of the only limit being their imagination because they can build the user interfaces, templates, and apps that their supply chain needs and save time and money.” Topo’s low-code solution enables users with no formal knowledge of coding to use visual interfaces with simple drag and drop features instead of having to be trained in coding languages. The platform has continuously evolved since its launch in 2012 to include features such as business intelligence and data analytics, automated workflows, instant communication, GPS tracking of factories and custom alerts. Following an integration with global trade association Amfori, it can provide users with social-related supply chain information, ranging from basic supplier data to detailed information on suppliers’ overseas factories. It also gives access to compliance information such as certificate numbers, expiration dates, and live data about the outcomes of different audit types. COO Tobias Grabler added: “Supply chain compliance is no longer only a box-ticking exercise to please the regulators. “Market expectations now also dictate that companies must prove their sustainable credentials, from environmental concerns to being free of misconduct. “Topo is supporting companies across the globe to achieve their supply chain sustainability goals.” Later this year Topo will open its first office in the US.

Etihad returns to Heathrow Terminal 4

ETIHAD AIRWAYS is increasing its four daily flights from Abu Dhabi to London Heathrow to five and, from July, will expand its services into Dublin to daily. It will also move its London operation from its temporary terminal at Heathrow 2/3 back to Terminal 4 from 22 June. The carrier will continue to operate daily to and from Manchester.

ACW 27 JUNE 2022

GENERAL SALES AGENTS

CARRIERS LOOK TO GSAS TO E

General Sales Agent (GSA) is a sales representative for an airline in a specific country or region. It is also one of the most common and important set of initials in the modern airfreight supply chain. Typically, a GSA is responsible for selling cargo space. A GSA will usually sell products from multiple airlines in one airport location or in a regional or geographical market. At its simplest, airlines normally use a GSA in areas where they do not operate to or from, allowing them to have a sales presence in a country at lower cost than opening their own offices. This gives shippers and forwarders a choice of carriers to select from in deciding who is to move a consignment or to access a preferred carrier even if it is not active in that market. An airline may also use their services because GSAs have historical ties with cargo agents which would be too time-consuming for the airline to build itself. The GSA receives a commission of around 3–5% on all revenue tickets and unit of cargo space sold in the region that it represents. All the costs related to running the GSA’s business are the responsibility of the GSA including insurance, rent, general office expenses and any travel within the country or region needed to promote and sell the product. General Sales and Service Agents (GSSAs) represent airlines to commercialise airfreight capacity and to supervise complex local operations. This makes them third-party operators.

Network expansion Vietnamese leisure airline, Bamboo Airways has selected the world’s largest integrated GSSA, ECS Group, to develop its cargo operations in four countries as it expands its network across Asia Pacific. Three years after its first passenger flights

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in 2019, Bamboo Airways is placing a strong focus on cargo operations within its network and therefore recently appointed Globe Air Cargo as its exclusive GSA representative in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines. “We are excited to represent Bamboo Airways - a young and dynamic carrier that is expanding its network and services in the Asia Pacific region,” Jilin Chiam, country manager Singapore of Globe Air Cargo by ECS Group, comments. “With cargo services to popular destinations such as Saigon, Narita, and Melbourne, the partnership with Bamboo Airways gives us new opportunities to bridge the network across the region and offer more solutions to our customers.” Bamboo Airways began operating A321 services between Saigon and Singapore twice a week on 29 April 2022. These increased to thrice-weekly flights on May 24, 2022. It has also served the Hanoi – Singapore route twice a week since May 4, 2022. The main commodities flying from Singapore to Vietnam are electronic goods, raw materials, spare parts, pharmaceuticals, and e-commerce, whilst the return route from Vietnam to Singapore includes perishables, electronics, and readymade garments. Noor Azizah, ECS Group’s regional VP Asia Pacific (excluding China), states: “We are honoured to act as GSA for Bamboo in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Operations to and from Singapore have already begun, and we can’t wait to start promoting the rest of the region. As we continue to strengthen our good partnership with Bamboo Airways, we look forward to assisting in implementing its strategic growth plans as it explores new horizons.”

La dolce vita In February this year, Global GSA Group added Aircargo Italia, Worldair and Star Cargo Italy

FEATURE

O EXPAND THEIR PRESENCE to the group. With this acquisition, it significantly expanded its position in Italy. Ismail Durmaz, CEO of Global GSA Group, stated: “The companies we added to our group have a long history with a proven record. This requires dedication and perseverance, which fits perfect into our mentality within Global GSA Group. Global GSA Groups’ goal for 2022 is to expand in new territories. This was the first step and we plan to finalise some other acquisitions this year.”

Aircargo Italia Aircargo Italia was founded in 1994 and has progressively opened its own offices in Florence, Milan downtown, Milan Malpensa, Rome Fiumicino, Bologna and Venice. Aircargo Italia not only executes GSA activities but, since 1996, has operated as a handling agent for a number of airlines through dedicated offices in Rome Fiumicino, Milan Malpensa, Bologna and

Venice. Services include document handling, ULD building control, supervision of loading, import and export operations and security control. Today Aircargo Italia represents Avianca, Malaysian Airlines, Pakistan Airlines and UPS. Andrea Caiano, president of Aircargo Italia, stated: “We are very proud to have achieved this great result. I think that becoming part of the Global Group family will finally allow our companies to compete on the global market with the best possible tools. We are very excited to start this new adventure. With the strength of Global GSA Group, we will be able to optimally utilise our potential and expertise.”

Worldair Worldair was founded two years after Aircargo Italia to provide international airlines with a comprehensive cargo operation in Italy. Its growth was so rapid that, in three years time, Worldair

had a network of offices throughout the most relevant Italian towns and the most important airports in the territory, with a presence in Milan Malpensa, Rome Fiumicino and Bologna. Today Worldair represents China Cargo and Oman Air.

Star Cargo Italy Cargo Italy was founded in 2012 with the purpose of commercialising the cargo transportation services of air cargo companies based in Italy or abroad. Today Star Cargo Italy represents Air Europa – Iberojet in Italy. Global GSA Group was founded in 1995 in Amsterdam the Netherlands as the first independent cargo General Sales Agent (GSA) in response to emerging and professional development of the air cargo business. Today Global GSA Group represents some 62 carriers and has its own establishments in 54 countries.

ACW 27 JUNE 2022

VIEW FROM THE MAINDECK LESS MEANS MORE RELIABILITY, SAYS LONDON GATWICK LONDON Gatwick is to impose caps on the number of flights in July and August to give a more predictable and reliable flight programme in the peak summer season. It follows reports of cancelled flights and queues of stranded passengers. The airport said it would gradually increase its declared capacity, starting at 825 flights a day in July to 850 in August, to give a more reliable and better standard of service. The move follows a significant and rapid upturn in traffic, with 800 flights using the runway on average each day. Gatwick is one of the busiest single-runway airports in the world, although plans are afoot to bring its secondary runway into regular use. The airport said the vast majority of scheduled flights this summer would operate as normal, and the move to carefully manage the airport’s declared capacity is designed to provide airfreight customers with a better, more predictable level of service. CEO, Stewart Wingate, said: “Gatwick prepared well for the restart of international travel by successfully reopening our South Terminal and we have now successfully recruited 400 new colleagues to help us process passengers quickly through security this summer. We are also working closely with our airlines to avoid disruption to passengers this summer, and while more newly recruited staff will start work in coming weeks, we know it will be a busy summer. “However, it is clear that during the Jubilee week a number of companies operating at the airport struggled in particular, because of staff shortages. By taking decisive action now, we aim to help the ground handlers – and also our airlines – to better match their flying programmes with their available resources.” Following the announcement, the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) called on the avi-

ation industry to take urgent measures to address worker shortages. It said it should work more collaboratively with governments and unions to raise standards in aviation and restore the industry as an employer of choice to rectify the capacity shortages and delays that have plagued the industry for months. ITF general secretary Stephen Cotton, commented: “Decisions made by airlines and airports during the height of the Covid crisis have come home to roost. The queues, delays and last-minute cancellations we’re seeing today are a result of a loss of more than two million skilled workers across airlines, airports, and aviation services. “This move by Gatwick wouldn’t have been needed if calls from aviation unions for staff retention programmes, and years of warnings that the floor for employment standards was dropping too low, hadn’t fallen on deaf ears. “Employers must work collaboratively with unions and governments across the entire sector – from airlines to airports – to fix the underlying issues that have crippled the industry. To solve this crisis, transport unions are calling for a coordinated industry-wide response to improve workers’ job security, employment standards and ongoing development programmes. Maintaining workers’ rights is fundamental to the longterm sustainability of the industry. “Employers and governments pointing the finger at each other will not fix this crisis. The supply chain is so fractured that only an industry-wide response will fix this. Governments need to step in and sit down with employers and unions across the industry to find sustainable solution to the crisis.” The Union added that workers who remain in the industry are struggling to cope with an overwhelming workload.

Around the world in 45 days RIDERS in Austrian forwarder Gebrüder Weiss Cycling around the World campaign are set to circle the globe for the third time. The ride was launched on April 1, with riders using an app to record and count the kilometres covered through to the end of September. The original aim was to cycle a total of 40,075km – the length of the equator. However, that goal was reached in just 45 days, so a second circuit of the Earth was made, which was completed in mid-June. Gebrüder Weiss has now set a new goal to circle the Earth for a third time covering a total of 120,225 kilometres. The beneficiary of the riders’ efforts is a re-forestation project in Togo, West Africa. For every 40km cycled, Gebrüder Weiss, in cooperation with campaign partner natureOffice, finances the planting of a tree. Two thousand trees will be planted now, and this is set to increase to 3,000 when the third circuit is completed. Cyclists from inside and outside the company are invited to participate to the end of September. Participants can choose from six challenges of different lengths, covering distances between 60 and 6,000 kilometres. Gebrüder Weiss is offering prizes for each challenge.

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