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22/06/2021 10:56

The weekly newspaper for air cargo professionals No. 1,138

28 JUNE 2021

The voice of the shipper

Page 6

O CANADA! A

ir Canada and Air Canada Cargo have revealed the initial list of planned routes for the Boeing 767-300ER freighters scheduled to enter service this autumn. Air Canada is in the process of fully converting several of its Boeing 767 aircraft into dedicated freighters in order to fully participate in global cargo commercial opportunities. When the first converted 767 freighters enter service in October, they will fly primarily out of Toronto Pearson International Airport and will operate on routes linking Toronto to Miami, Quito, Lima, Mexico City and Guadalajara, the first time Air Canada Cargo will serve this destination. Additional destinations to be served in early 2022 include Halifax, St. John’s, Madrid and Frankfurt as more freighters enter service.

Air Canada Cargo’s launch routes for newly converted freighter aircraft this autumn

Cargo marketplace

Long-term stability “These freighters will provide longterm stability and growth for our cargo customers, in particular the freight forwarding community who require reliable air freight capacity year-round,” said Jason Berry, vice president, cargo at Air Canada. “They will allow us to continue building on the success of our cargo-only flights and are an important part of our future growth. “I am excited to have these aircraft enter service, a milestone for

and the floor is reinforced to carry additional weight. Air Canada Cargo plans to have two freighters in service by the end of 2021, with more to join the fleet in 2022. The addition of dedicated freighter aircraft to Air Canada’s fleet will allow Air Canada Cargo to provide consistent capacity on key air cargo routes, which will facilitate the movement of goods globally. With these freighters, Air Canada Cargo will enhance its capabilities to transport goods such as automotive and aerospace parts, oil and gas equipment, pharmaceuticals, perishables, as well as handling the growing demand for fast, reliable shipment of e-Commerce goods.

Air Canada Cargo that also opens up a world of opportunities for us and our customers.” Air Canada has begun the process of converting certain of its Boeing 767s that have been retired from its

passenger fleet into fully dedicated freighters. As part of that process, all seats are removed from the aircraft, a large door is cut into the fuselage to allow for loading of palletised cargo,

In the autumn of 2020, Air Canada successfully concluded a collective agreement amendment with its pilots represented by the Air Canada Pilots Association for contractual changes to enable Air Canada to competitively operate dedicated cargo aircraft in the cargo marketplace. Since March 2020, Air Canada has operated more than 9,000 allcargo flights using its wide-body passenger aircraft as well as certain temporarily modified Boeing 777 and Airbus A330 aircraft, which have additional available cargo space due to the removal of passenger seats.

INSIDE

KENYA AIRWAYS TO RESUME LHR

KENYA Airways (KQ) is resuming flights to Heathrow from Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. The direct flights are set ... PAGE 2

MORE AERO ENGINES FOR HACTL

HONG Kong’s largest independent handler, Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl), is making a bid to increase Hong ... PAGE 2 UK DRIVER SHORTAGE TURNS CRITICAL

THERE are calls for the British army to mobilise as the national shortage of truck drivers escalates. ParcelHero says the UK has a shortfall ... PAGE 4

ANTONOV FLIES WITH 5 BLACK HAWKS

ANTONOV Airlines has transported five S-70i Black Hawk helicopters on a single AN-124100 flight from Rzeszów, Poland, to ... PAGE 4

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NEWS Kenya Airways to resume flights to London

KENYA Airways (KQ) is resuming flights to Heathrow from Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. The direct flights were set to restart from June 26 2021 following the lifting of the suspension of flights to/from the United Kingdom by the government of Kenya. “The resumption of flights to London, United Kingdom (UK) is in line with our plans to grow and expand our routes as restrictions lift which will positively impact the flow of trade and tourism across the region by offering our customers convenient travel across the world. This route offers our customers key connections to key destinations. We remain fully committed to offer our customers an onboard travel experience that has their health and safety in mind,” said Julius Thairu, chief commercial and customer officer.

Swissport expands key airline contracts in Asia

SWISSPORT has renewed and expanded several key airline partnerships in Asia. A contract with Air France, KLM and Air Calin has been renewed for Tokyo Narita and expanded to include Tokyo Haneda in Japan, and Seoul Incheon, South Korea. In South Korea, Swissport has also extended its long-term partnerships with Lufthansa, Cathay Pacific and FedEx Express Korea. “Swissport Japan has been proudly handling Air France KLM for three years,” said Toralf Sonntag, Swissport senior vice president Asia, “and we are delighted to expand our footprint to Haneda and Incheon.” Swissport will support two daily flights at Haneda airport and manage cargo volumes of 25,000 tonnes per year at Incheon. At Narita airport, Swissport supports a daily flight each for Air France and KLM and five services a week for Air Calin. In South Korea, Swissport has also extended its 15+ year partnerships with Lufthansa Cargo and Cathay Pacific and its 10+ year relationship with FedEx Express Korea. “Following a long and competitive tender process, Swissport Korea is proud to continue its partnerships with Lufthansa Group, Cathay Pacific and FedEx Express Korea,” Sonntag said.

More aero engines in Hactl’s sights

ACW 28 JUNE 2021

ong Kong’s largest independent handler, Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl), is making a bid to increase Hong Kong’s involvement in the movement of aero engines through the establishment of a new Aero Engine Handling Centre (AEHC). Hong Kong is one of only two locations in Asia which have certified repair, modification and overhaul facilities for Rolls-Royce Trent engines, used in the Airbus A330, A340, A350 and A380, as well as the Boeing 777 and 787 Dreamliner. Hactl believes that, with enhanced facilities and streamlined procedures, it can help to attract more aero engine traffic to and through Hong Kong. Aero engine handling is already big business for Hactl: it currently handles an average of two units per day. The new facility complements Hactl’s existing ability to process aircraft engines, which often weigh over 8 tonnes and are frequently valued at over US$20 million.

Double-checking Hactl has installed an additional, dedicated outsize weigh-scale to facilitate double-checking of shipment weights. Meanwhile, enhanced aero engine handling procedures have been drawn up, including the imposition of a 5kph towing speed limit. All engine ground movements will now take place in convoy with pilot cars front and back. A new, fast-track route has been introduced to reduce towing distances, clearly marked with height restrictions to prevent collision with overhead obstacles. Only the most experienced of Hactl’s tractor drivers will be entrusted with the towing of aero engines. Hactl is training additional staff in the special disciplines surrounding the handling of this valuable, delicate cargo, and is forming a

dedicated aero engine handling team. Hactl’s proven ability to handle freighters of all kinds gives it a strong advantage in dealing with this specialised commodity. The renowned Antonov AN-124 freighter is featuring increasingly in the transport of aero engines, as its giant maindeck cargo compartment can carry up to five of the largest engines simultaneously, compared to the more common B747 and B777 freighters which can only carry three engines, partially dismantled. Denis Kiselev, aerospace and MRO manager for Volga-Dnepr Group, which is the largest operator of the AN-124, says: “Volga-Dnepr Group has extensive experience and competence in aero engine transportation. We are pleased to see that a long-standing partner such as Hactl is among those forward-thinking companies who understand the importance of developing aero engine handling, have acted on their own initiative to anticipate future customer needs, and are investing in upscaling and upgrading their facilities. “Reliable partnerships such as that we have with Hactl, will boost our aero engine transportation business.” Says Paul Cheng, Hactl general manager – service delivery: “Aero engines are very large and heavy, but also delicate and among the most valuable commodities we process. We are upgrading all aspects of our handling to ensure we continue to provide the ultimate in efficient and safe handling, while paving the way for potential future growth.” He concludes: “By enhancing Hactl’s capabilities for handling this highly-specialised and challenging cargo, we aim to enhance Hong Kong’s reputation as an important link in the global aero engine maintenance and repair network. This should attract additional aero engine business to Hong Kong and Hactl, and benefit our airport community, airline customers and service partners.”

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THE Universal Freight Organisation has announced a new member in Oman, Modern Hot Point. Located in Muscat, MHP provide a full range of freight forwarding and additional services. Muslem Nasser Al Abrawi, managing Partner said: “Modern Hot Point is a global supplier of transport and logistics solutions,

CAAi to train through Aviation Skills Retention Platform

CAA International (CAAi), the technical co-operation and training arm of the UK Civil Aviation Authority (UK CAA), has been appointed as a training provider under the UK Department for Transport’s (DfT) Aviation Skills Retention Platform (ASRP). The ASRP launched in February 2021 to support skills

Modern Hot Point join UFO

retention within the UK aviation industry. It is designed to help individuals showcase their experience and develop their expertise while helping businesses find the skills they need – aiding redeployment and recruitment, skills retention and development activities across the aviation sector. Aviation professionals currently unemployed who worked within the UK aviation sector before the pandemic will be eligible for enrolment, with course placements funded by the DfT. CAAi is offering 16 virtual and e-Learning course titles, covering multiple areas of aviation regulation, oversight and compliance, including safety risk management, air law, just culture and industry recovery.

Social enterprise Sophie Jones, head of operations and training at CAAi, commented: “COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on UK aviation, that has sadly led to many colleagues from across the sector out of work. As a social enterprise, it was important for us to help as many people as possible get back into work. We are delighted to be part of the Government’s Aviation Skills Retention Programme. By offering our courses via ASRP, we hope to help aviation professionals develop valuable skills to support their efforts for redeployment and recruitment.” adding value with extensive knowledge. “We have a wide experience in industry specific logistics solutions like pharmaceutical, retail and automotive. “We offer great air, sea and overland freight services that are fast, effective and safe with no delays.”

Finn cho Carg

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02/06/2021 12:54

NEWS

Antonov flies with five Black Hawks ANTONOV Airlines has transported five S-70i Black Hawk helicopters on a single AN-124-100 flight from Rzeszów, Poland, to Angeles, the Philippines. The cargo weighed 35 tonnes in total, including loading equipment, and is the second delivery of the Polish-built S-70i Black Hawk helicopters to the Philippines. The loading procedure was completed using the AN-124100’s winches. Each S-70i helicopter measured 17.52 m long, 3.2 m wide, 3.9 m in height and weighed 5.6 tonnes. Detailed loading and unloading plans were developed by Antonov Airlines’ in-house engineers to ensure the safe stowage and transport of the military cargo within the AN-124-100’s cargo cabin specifications. “Although the total payload in terms of weight was quite light for our aircraft – loading five helicopters safely and transporting them without damage takes considerable collaboration. We have been working closely with Sikorsky as well as their logistics supplier Helicopter International Shipping Services (HISS) to ensure that all current and future programme requirements are met,” said Amnon Ehrlich, director North America – aerospace, government and defence programmes.

Airfreight employee UK driver shortage indicted in Oz smuggling turns critical TWO Sydney men – one an airline freight worker – have been charged in connection to the 2020 seizure of 156 kilograms of pseudoephedrine, as a result of Operation Ironside. An AFP-led investigation into the activities of an airline freight employee suspected of using his role to advise multiple criminal syndicates about law enforcement interest into incoming consignments, resulted in officers executing two search warrants on Tuesday, June 8 2021.

Illegal drug seizure It is alleged a 51-year-old Darling Point man, who is an airline freight worker, and a 36-yearold East Hills man were involved in importing 156 kilograms of pseudoephedrine in fabric rolls from India via air cargo, which was seized by Australian Border Force officers in October 2020. On June 8 2021, police executed search warrants at the homes of the East Hills man and the Darling Point man. Approximately AUS$15,000 in cash and multiple electronic devices were seized from the East Hills home, while a mobile phone was seized from the search warrant at Darling Point. Both men were arrested at their homes and charged with importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled precursor, namely pseudoephedrine, contrary to section 307.11 of the Criminal Code (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is 25 years’ imprisonment. The 36-year-old East Hills man was scheduled to appear before Central Local Court in June while the 51-year-old Darling Point man is scheduled to appear before Central Local Court on August 4 2021. Police have not ruled out further charges against the men.

ACW 28 JUNE 2021

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THERE are calls for the British army to mobilise as the national shortage of truck drivers escalates. ParcelHero says the UK has a shortfall of around 70,000 drivers that could lead to delays and compromise Road Feeder Services (RFS) out of many UK airfreight gateways. Last October, the home delivery expert ParcelHero warned of an inevitable driver shortage as around a quarter of a million EU workers fled the UK in response to new Brexit employment rules. ParcelHero’s head of consumer research, David Jinks MILT, says: “Home deliveries of food and goods are already being impacted by the driver shortage, with some stores also running low on stock. We could soon be facing shortages as bad as those at the start of the first lockdown, which could mean a return to the rationing of staple foods.

SATA Air Açores join CHAMP’s Traxon cargoHUB community SATA Air Açores has signed to join CHAMP’s Traxon cargoHUB community. The longtime CHAMP customer joined the largest air cargo community service, in addition to signing for Cargospot Mobile, CHAMP’s warehouse handling mobile application – revolutionising and streamlining its handling and warehouse operations. Building on its digitalisation from nine years ago – when the airline joined the CHAMP community to automate cargo management and regulatory compliance operation – SATA is seeking to drive e-cargo in the Portuguese air cargo community.

Forwarding heavyweight K+N reveals its key to growth Half way through the year, it seems the only way is up for forwarding heavyweight Kuehne+Nagel

he Switzerland-headquartered logistics provider was awarded best forwarder of the year 2021 back in May at ACW’s World Air Cargo Awards, demonstrating popularity and service satisfaction amongst customers. The figures also reflect this success. In the first quarter of the year, Kuehne+Nagel’s net turnover was an impressive CHF 6 billion (£4.7 billion). In the air logistics sector, this net turnover was CHF 1.7 billion (£1.4 billion), an increase of 51.2% on 2020 Q1 figures. Translated into tonnes of airfreight, this is no mean feat. Cargo carried totalled 433,000 tonnes in the first quarter of 2021, +16% year-on-year. Just last month, Kuehne+Nagel completed the acquisition of Asian logistics provider Apex International Corporation (Apex), part of the company’s organic growth strategy. Dr Joerg Wolle, chairman of Kuehne + Nagel International AG, commented: “With this transaction we are expanding the Group’s service offering, networks and potential for growth, in Asia and globally.” What sparked this success? “Back in 2017 we fully reset strategy and actions for air logistics at Kuehne+Nagel, aiming to reach our ambition Yngve Ruud, as the largest air logistics forevp, air logistics warder globally by the end of K+N 2022,” Yngve Ruud, executive vice president, air logistics explained to ACW. “External driving-forces like market conditions, customer behaviours driven by the end-consumer, technology developments and newly-arisen disruptors put a question mark for the future. “We envisioned that these market dynamics would directly impact how logistics companies execute their business; hence, continuing to perform in a ‘business as usual’ environment would mean missing the opportunities. We were ready to take on this challenge and transform the way we do business.”

“Apex has a very experienced management team with a proven record of success and I am confident that their success will continue within our family,” said Ruud.

Digital advancements are key to growth Harnessing the latest digital advancements has been key to growth. “Our platform, myKN is a complete digital offering across all modes of transport, with an advanced collaboration module, reporting and quote, book, track functionalities for a fully digital, easy and 100% automated interaction with our customers. Today, myKN handles more than one million quotes and customer requests per annum. “With our TMS AirLOG being fully rolled out, we have a onefile global system, which gives full transparency, external and

NEWS internal, of the whole shipment life cycle. AirLOG is the backbone and prerequisite for our eTouch development.”

Where to now? Ruud noted that for years, there has been a clear trend of consolidation within the industry, which he believes will continue. “The reasons behind this trend are complexity, capital intensive operation, and the constant need for technological investments. With COVID-19, it has become clear that size matters to offer the best product to the customer. Therefore, we see the global leading air logistics providers increasing their accumulated market share, and I believe this will be a catalyst for further consolidation,“ he said. “In the last 18 months, logistics has proven to be critical for the global economy and, in particular, air logistics. The global response to the pandemic is a prime example of the vital part we play in today’s world. “The industry reacted with urgency, agility, and assertiveness to support global supply chains in an unprecedented way. After all, we don’t just ship perishables - we ensure people all over the world enjoy fresh and quality products. We don’t just ship high-tech - we drive innovation and digitalisation of the world. And we don’t just ship vaccines - we help save lives.“

Customers, technology and people Kuehne+Nagel began the transformation with the establishment of three key pillars: customers, technology and people. “We already had a solid foundation: strong position in the industry, our tools and expertise, and, most importantly, our culture and people. So, by leveraging the activities, actions and cultural aspects of our organisation that had served us well, we, at the same time, focused on undertaking the necessary transformational strides required to address changes in the industry. “Navigating challenges and turning them into opportunities would help distinguish ourselves from our competitors and deliver on our mission in a long-term and sustainable manner,” Ruud noted. Key milestones since 2017 demonstrate how the company has executed this strategy. For example, the new transport management system (TMS), AirLOG, has been rolled out in more than 100 countries in less than 16 months. Ruud explained how the focus of recent acquisitions were either aimed at completing the company’s service portfolio (like, clinical trials via QuickSTAT), strengthening their leading position (like, premium AOG service via Sterling) or closing a white spot (like, perishables business in the US via CFI). “With Apex, we have taken a giant step to fulfil our ambition to expand our strong footprint in Asia and North America - now we are positioned as the market leader on the Transpacific trade lane. “We have gained prime access to air cargo capacity and capacity management and a proven and robust co-loading concept that will be further developed. Additionally, we have strengthened our high-tech, e-Commerce, and e-mobility service portfolio.

ACW 28 JUNE 2021

THE SHIPPER’S VOICE

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From the shipper’s mouth JEFFREY Kemprecos, head, communications, government affairs & market access, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) told ACW that the company depends on a global network of trusted, accredited partners to ensure the timely delivery of our high quality, innovative GSK medicines and vaccines to our customers and the patients who need them. “It is a long journey from medicine and vaccine discovery and development to manufacturing and delivery into the 150 markets where we operate today. “Ensuring delivery is even more of a challenge when trying to meet an accelerated delivery timeline, demanding creative thinking, flexibility and innovative solutions,” said Kemprecos.

What shippers want

Understanding the shipper’s needs is imperative for forwarders to provide valuable service. Specific demands may differ depending on the consignment but many are universal.

From the forwarder JANA Schebera, managing director, China, Tigers explained that Tiger’s main shippers are multinational corportations from various industries, including manufacturing and healthcare but they also include small and medium sized retailers and e-Commerce traders. As to why Tigers is their forwarder of choice, she believes there are many reasons: flexibility and speed being important factors. “Tigers are able to offer a range of solutions in a challenging market that is down on capacity,” she told ACW. Other factors such as technology supported services with full visibility of the supply chain, competitive pricing, and personalised service also influence shipper’s decisions to choose the forwarder.

A spanner in the supply chain With the initial disruption of the pandemic, supply chains were sent into disarray and with this shipper’s needs have changed. “Demand for airfreight has increased as other transport modes such as seafreight and rail are facing extreme bottlenecks. Overseas demand for Chinese products remains extremely strong and there’s big pressure on lead times leaving no alternative to airfreight even though rates are at relatively high levels compared to the long-term trend,” said Schebera. “Tigers offer a variety of solutions combining various transport modes in order to enable savings for our customers. We also utilise hubs in Europe and the US in order to offer the most reliable service experience for our customers at a competitive price. We are staying very close to the market partnering with airlines and charter operators to offer the most competitive solution in the current market environment. “We stay in contact with the shipper through regular calls and video calls with new and old shippers, and regular QBRs with our key customers. We also have an instant pricing tool available for registered clients, which proved very helpful in a fast changing market.”

ACW 28 JUNE 2021

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NEW TECHNOLOGY

Supply chains avoid own goal thanks to predictive technologies

he Euro 2020 is finally here after a year’s delay. Despite the easing of COVID-19 restrictions with pubs finally allowed to open their doors, many fans are expected to cheer on their nation from the sidelines at home, prompting the first ‘stay-at-home’ tournament in a generation. With fans shunning the pub in favour of the patio, data-driven supply chain company. C.H Robinson is predicting a boom in BBQ’s and a frenzy in football memorabilia resulting in an upturn in the home delivery market. But how do sport-related consumables reach consumers’ front doors? Chris Mills, director of account management, transportation at C.H. Robinson Europe, said: “The sports industry, like any other, is dependent on supplies and deliveries aided by intuitive supply chains that can get goods from A to B. Not dislike professional footballers, supply chains have been in training for months ahead of Euro 2020 as they gear up for the spike in demand from armchair supporters for electrical goods, garden furniture, BBQ’s and frozen foods. “With some consumers reluctant to visit the high street, online has increasingly become the convenient way to shop. Harnessing historical data and intelligence, we’ve helped

suppliers, manufacturers and retailers prepare for a huge surge in online purchases and warned about the potential for them to be concentrated in a small timeframe ahead of the tournament.”

Microsoft alliance C.H. Robinson’s alliance with the Microsoft Corporation combining the power of its Navisphere multi-modal transportation management platform with the multinational technology company’s Azure cloud platform and Internet of Things can create a logistics solution that supports the need for enhanced real time insights and visibility. It incorporates machine learning and artificial intelligence to support predictive analytics, IOT device monitoring for greater intelligence on products

whilst in transit, premier data security and increased application speed. “Collaborations such as these are critical to adapt to the abnormal strains that are placed on supply chains caused by major surges for goods online, like the situation that’s occurred pre-Euro 2020. “Our predictive analytic technologies mean we have the capability to see things and act on them before they happen. This helps supply chains deal with the unpredictable and takes supply chain management from real time to prior time, from ‘track and trace’ to ‘predict and prevent’ to enable supply chains to respond to ever changing market conditions before they occur. “Access to data allows us to predict trends and notify customers before issues occur and this foresight will ensure this is a tournament to remember for all the right reasons.”

Logistics employees lose two days of productivity a month

IT has been no secret that logistics companies are investing more in technology and pushing towards digitising processes. It has been a prominent trend, spurred on by the pandemic that has reached all points of the supply chain. E-Commerce has boomed since the beginning of the pandemic, with sales increasing by 27.6%. Higher demand for cargo calls for processes to be optimised and streamlined. A recently published global research report by mobile and IoT management solutions provider, SOTI, found that 74% of transport and logistics companies had already begun to invest in mobile technology, wearables and IoT solutions in 2020. Some 80% will continue to invest throughout 2021. The Mobilising the Delivery Workforce: State of Mobility in Transportation and Logistics 2021 Report interviewed 550 IT decision-makers in the transport and logistics industry across eight countries (UK, U.S., Canada, Mexico, Germany, France, Sweden and Australia), to understand the trends and solutions that are driving their organisations and how the pandemic affected operations. Despite this widespread investment in technology from T&L companies in 2020 and 2021, SOTI’s research indicated that this investment was not delivering the desired outcomes, with respondents suggesting that a lack of integration with existing systems is limiting productivity, creating siloed workflows and ultimately causing workers to lose valuable time when out in the field. On average, organisations are losing 3.3 hours per employee each working week dealing with technical or system difficulties, with a global average of 14 hours lost per employee per month (15 hours in the UK). “The pandemic has put a spotlight on the need for an integrated technology strategy,” said Sarah Edge, director of sales, UK and Ireland, SOTI. “While we are seeing a clear investment in technology from T&L companies, we are not seeing a cohesive strategy for the implementation and integration of new tech to counteract the repercussions of the pandemic. It is crucial for T&L decision-makers to understand that an absence of integrated devices in their operations results in wasting time and leaving money and productivity on the table.” ACW 28 JUNE 2021

Miami International Airport: To normality and beyond P assenger flights from Miami International Airport are on the rise. As more Americans receive their COVID-19 vaccine and are keen to satisfy their vacation cravings, demand for passenger flights has shot up. In May, Miami Airport had on average 783 passenger flights a day, totalling 107,583 passengers. In February 2020, before the pandemic hit, passengers totalled 133, 524, a difference of just 25,941. The statistics are reassuring and a welcome positive indication that normality for the US aviation industry may be just around the corner. Jimmy Nares, section chief, marketing, Miami-Dade Aviation Department explained: “Despite the pandemic, MIA had a record year for cargo in 2020 with 2.3 million tonnes. Unlike most other airports, MIA was well suited to sustain its cargo business because of the high proportion of freighter operators serving our airport: approximately 80% of our cargo is transported on freighters and 20% as belly cargo. “As many passenger flights were grounded in 2020, these freighters continued and even increased their flights. In fact, in 2020, MIA had a record 59,000 cargo-only

flights, which is nearly 8,000 more flights than in 2019 (15% higher). “Our freighter operations continue to remain remarkably strong

during 2021, even as passenger flights and belly cargo capacity have been coming back robustly. “We are receiving confirmations from our international carriers of their phased return over the next several months, and so we also expect our trade with Europe to increase significantly this year, which was down by approximately 24% in 2020 (by volume). “Additionally, we expect

shipments of perishables, e-Commerce, and pharma, which all increased during 2020, to continue to remain strong. For these reasons, we anticipate having a very strong year for cargo at MIA in 2021.” As pax aircraft are reintroduced, there will be a shift in cargo trends that have been prominent this past year. “From MIA’s perspective, I do not expect we will see the continuation of preighters now that passenger flights operating at high load factors are coming back and freighter operations also remain strong,” said Nares. He also believes cargo charters, which have seen record high demand, will decrease as capacity steadies. “Charters have increased considerably since the pandemic began to help maintain high levels of cargo movement around the world, and this has also been the trend at MIA. “Before the pandemic, we had 90 airlines with scheduled service and 13 with charter service operating at our airport. Currently, we have 80 with scheduled service and 14 charters, so charters now make up a higher proportion of our overall air services. While charters will remain strong, I do expect they

will decrease slightly as regular passenger service continues to rebound.” As the airport’s passenger side rebounds, will cargo continue to play as important a part as it did during the height of the pandemic? Nares said this is certain and reflected in their investment in cargo facilities. ”Last year, our local government approved a comprehensive $5 billion dollar Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) to address the airport’s future capacity and operational needs. “While many of the projects will focus on redevelopment and modernisation of our passenger terminals, several components of the programme are also underway on the cargo side, including expanding aircraft parking positions and redevelopment and expansion of our cargo facilities.” “The $5 billion programme, which was approved in 2019, will span across the next 15 years, paving the way for future growth in passenger and cargo traffic at MIA. Travellers are projected to reach 77 million and freight to be more than four million tonnes by the year 2040.” From here, it’s to normality and beyond!

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