AIR CARGO CHINA REVIEW
Panel discussions that tackled a trio of issues
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series of panel discussions outside the main Air Cargo China hall allowed participants to hear a range of experts, both inside and outside the airfreight industry, share their expertise and thoughts on what the future might hold for the industry. Three panel discussions tackled the topics of blockchain, future developments and collaboration. Each of the 90-minute events was hosted by industry veteran Maresch Ltd owner and managing director, Bernd Maresch.
Blockchain arrives
Unheard off until quite recently, the idea of Blockchain is forcing its way to the top of the airfreight agenda, even if many in the industry still lack an understanding of its meaning. In a wide-ranging and thoughtful discussion, Jettainer managing director Carsten Hernig; Tongji SEM, School of Economics and Management professor of global business and strategy professor Ulf Henning Richter; and Brussels Airport cargo business development manager Sara Van Gelder took on the challenges of using Blockchain technology to Increase transparency, data security and efficiency within air cargo. In his presentation, Professor Richter answered the question that many have: what is Blockchain technology? He said: “It is simply a de-centralised database.”
“Opportunities multiply as they are seized.” In Townes’ view, these new opportunities for the industry must be seized. “It all boils down to the shipper asking: where’s my stuff?” Another panellist pointed out that in the 20th century, “it was cash and the customer who were king; now, AI is the king.”
The internet is now a long established business tool. What is more recent is arrival of the ‘Internet of Things’ (IoT), to say nothing of drones, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain, robotics and disruptors. This range of risks and opportunities were discussed by ECS Group CEO, Adrien Thominet; Lufthansa Cargo COO and executive board member Dr. Alexis von Hoensbroech; Ranger Aerospace CEO and founder, Steve Townes; and IATA regional cargo manager, Lindsey Niu who talked about how the power of the internet and how the resulting IoT is shaping the future air cargo world. Quite simply, can it be a curse and blessing at the same time? Key to the panellists’ observations is that the industry needs a “new mindset”. In many ways, the industry remains a very traditional placed to work.
20th century hangover
The future arrives
Sun Tzu speaks
Despite this being a talk on the future of air cargo, Townes did not hesitate to bring in the words of a Chinese general, Sun Tzu, who wrote:
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ACW 28 may 2018
aircargoweek.com
Working together
The final panel discussion, staged on the last morning of the event, tore into the idea that many in the industry as it is now work in silos where they should collaborate. Instead, the industry must come together to create a seamless supply chain. Too many roles are distinct and time-consuming and are hangovers from 20th century practices. The key to the direction of industry developments and collaboration along the supply chain and the rise of air cargo communities: are they capable of meeting the ever-rising transport needs of perishables and pharmaceuticals. The danger over the horizon is undoubtedly Amazon, whose name was uttered very soon into the discussion. Gazing into their crystal balls were Swiss WorldCargo senior director, head of business development and customer experience, Andrés L. Perez; Qatar Airways Cargo senior manager cargo products, David Beecham; Miami International Airport section chief, aviation marketing, Miami-Dade Aviation Department, Dimitrios ‘Jimmy’ Nares; Changi Airport associate general manager, cargo and logistics, Jaisey Yip; and Brussels Airport head of cargo and logistics, Steven Polmans, who is also the vice president of TIACA.