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06/07/2020 16:55

The weekly newspaper for air cargo professionals No. 1,092

3 August 2020

Sustaining the industry’s future

SAB SENATOR Asia Bridge starts to Changi

amburgb a s e d S E N ATO R INTERNATIONAL’s successful ‘SAB’ service, with its own controlled cargo flights has now been expanded to Asia. The SAB SENATOR Asia Bridge will serve Singapore as the first Asian destination regularly and directly from Germany, from/to Frankfurt. The new destination of Singapore Changi Airport is a perfect hub for the Southeast Asia and Australia/New Zealand region. This gives customers even more effective and faster options to safely transport their freight to the

desired destination, says the forwarder. The new route goes from Frankfurt International Airport to Singapore Changi Airport on the outward leg and from Singapore via Dubai-World Central International Airport to Frankfurt-Hahn on the return leg. There

were two flights in the first week. From August 2 2020, the service will initially be offered once a week, outbound every Sunday, returning Monday. “With this new destination, we are building a direct bridge to

Asia,” says Tim-Oliver Kirschbaum, CEO of SENATOR INTERNATIONAL. “Singapore Changi Airport serves as an ideal hub for transports in Asia and the Pacific. We are thus responding to the increased demand for freight flights in this region from and to Europe.” With the expansion of the network to Singapore, the product “SAB” now connects four destinations worldwide on a regular basis. The SENATOR Atlantic Bridge serves Chicago-Rockford and Greenville-Spartanburg while the SENATOR Africa Bridge serves Johannesburg.

Emirates resumes flights to Clark from August EMIRATES has resumed bellyhold services to Clark with six weekly flights from August 1, boosting its global network to 68 destinations in August and connecting customers to Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific and Africa. With the resumption of flights to Clark, Emirates will now operate with scheduled services to two gateways in the Philippines, with services to Manila

being in operation since June 11. Furthermore, the network of destinations that it now serves in South East and East Asia has reached 13, across ten countries and territories. All flights to Clark will be operated with a Boeing 777-300ER. Flights between Clark and Dubai will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays as EK2520,

which departs Dubai at 02:55 and arrives at Clark International Airport at 15:45, while EK338 will depart Clark at 17:15 and is scheduled to arrive in Dubai at 21:40. Flights to Clark on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays will operate as EK2572 and will depart Dubai at 04:50 and arrive in Clark at 17:40. On the same days, the return flights to Dubai, operating as EK338, will depart Clark at 19:10 to arrive in Dubai at 23:35.

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INSIDE BOEING SECURES AFG ORDER

RESPONDING to strong nearand long-term express cargo demand, Aircraft Finance Germany (AFG) signed an agreement with Boeing ... PAGE 2

DPD SMASHES EV TARGET

UK parcel delivery firm DPD has smashed its own 2020 target for 10% of its van fleet to be zero emission, electric vehicles, five months ahead ... PAGE 4 SIGN OF GROWTH AT BRU

ALTHOUGH first half results are still negative, Brussels Airport is reporting a solid growth of 4.8% in volumes for the month of June. ... PAGE 4

FUNDING FOR CUSTOMS TRAINING

NOTING that with immediate effect, UK Customs intermediaries can apply for £50 million of new funding, first announced ... PAGE 7

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At what A4A applauds EPA proposal to time will adopt ICAO emissions standard packages arrive? BERLIN-based artificial intelligence and logistics startup Parcello starts an open beta in the USA to predict parcel arrivals to within a few hours in the world’s strongest economic area. At the start, all shipments from USPS, UPS, FedEx, DHL and Amazon’s own delivery service are supported. The official tracking will be extended by a delivery time window of up to three hours, even if the delivery company itself does not provide any information about the delivery time. All user shipments are used to train an algorithm. The service is currently only available on the Parcello website and, unlike in the German-speaking world, not yet as an app or B2B solution. Managing director Gerald Reimertz justifies this decision with the statement that in the first phase it is important to evaluate as many data sets as possible so that the forecasts are as accurate as in Germany. He says: “We expect that it will take between one and two years until we have received enough data sets for valid forecasts. “Even if the parcel delivery does not differ significantly from the DACH (Austria, Germany and Switzerland) region, we can still train our algorithms specifically for the new challenges and thus tickle out a few percents.” Through COVID-19, more and more items have been ordered online in the USA and the forecast for the growth of the e-commerce market in the USA to over €330 billion in 2020 will probably even be exceeded.

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irlines for America (A4A) – the industry trade organisation representing the leading US airlines – has applauded the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposal to adopt the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) fuel efficiency and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions standard for future aircraft. The rigorous global standard, which was the culmination of six years of rigorous assessment by government, environmental and industry experts, was agreed to by the Governing Council of ICAO in 2016 and endorsed by all ICAO Member States for codification as an international standard in early 2017. The standard, which takes into account safety, technological feasibility and environmental benefit, applies to new models of commercial aircraft starting this year and existing in-production models starting in 2023.

EPA’s proposal to adopt the ICAO standard will further enable US airlines to meet the industry’s hard-hitting goals to achieve carbon neutral growth in the near term as well as cutting net carbon emissions in half in 2050 relative to 2005 levels. Adoption of the internationally agreed aircraft certification standard is also critical to further enable US aviation, as US aircraft manufacturers need to have their aircraft certified to the standard to be able to sell their aircraft in the international market and for US airlines to be able to deploy those aircraft in international service. “EPA’s proposal to adopt ICAO’s fuel efficiency and CO2 certification standard for newly manufactured aircraft is good for our industry, for our country and for the world,” said Nancy Young, A4A vice president, environmental affairs. “Although the US airlines are already driven

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to be highly fuel- and carbon-efficient, this stringent new emissions standard will help US airlines make a green industry even greener.” US airlines are helping to lead the fight against climate change with myriad measures including developing and deploying sustainable alternative jet fuels, investing in more fuel-efficient aircraft and operating them in more efficient ways. In fact, American carriers improved their fuel efficiency by 40% between 2000 and 2019 and transported 58,000 tonnes of cargo per day last year while contributing just 2% of the United States greenhouse gas emissions. US airlines have also committed to a second international agreement under ICAO called the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), which calls for carbon-neutral growth in international civil aviation beginning next year.

A STEP CLOSER TO CARBON NEUTRALITY BY 2022 S ITA, the technology provider for the air transport industry, continued to make significant progress across a series of key environmental programmes in 2019, moving the company closer to its ambition to be carbon neutral by 2022. The key programmes to reduce SITA’s carbon footprint focus on targets for operations, business travel and working environment. The company’s newly published CSR Report cites a 12% fall in operations emissions since 2018 (and a 41% reduction since 2011), along with an 18% fall in energy consumption since 2011 at the 26 offices where it captures energy data. The results were achieved by converting to renewable electricity, improving energy efficiency of office spaces, server consolidation, investment in tele/videoconferencing facilities and reductions in waste from operations. According to the report, over 42% of energy in the 26 offices measured comes from renewable sources, with six SITA sites now using 100% renewable energy. This is part of a programme to switch to 100% renewable or green tariff electricity for all of SITA’s largest offices by 2022. “We first reported on SITA’s environmental impacts in 2012, and every year since have invested in expanding and continuously improving our programmes, while tracking them closely against annually agreed targets,” said Barbara Dalibard, CEO, SITA. “The evolving expectations of customers, partners, suppliers and other stakeholder groups make it important to report on sustainability activities and achievements in a completely transparent way. “SITA has been doing this for years and it is now a part of our declared ambition to be carbon neutral by 2022, in line with our Planet+ programme.” To achieve carbon neutral status, SITA is

SITA reports reductions in carbon emissions and increasing use of renewable energy

working with Natural Capital Partners and follows ‘The CarbonNeutral Protocol’ which requires rigorous and independent assessment of emissions. SITA’s Planet+ carbon neutral programme builds on more than two years of reducing carbon emissions from business travel. Tracking began in 2018 and within one year SITA achieved a 7.3% decrease in business travel emissions helped by investments in collaborative technologies. The Planet+ programme now encompasses emissions from energy consumption at 25 SITA office premises where nearly half (45%) of SITA employees work, as well as from shipping and waste. SITA’s data center emissions, which account for only 6% of total energy emissions,

are also closely monitored with initiatives taken in 2019 to reduce this further. In the last two years SITA has offset 25,500 tonnes of CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent) by funding carbon offset emission reduction projects around the world that support the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future. SITA’s initiatives have been successful in benefitting developing communities around the world with solar power, clean water, and digital classrooms. SITA’s Environment Policy also encompasses the safe and responsible recycling of IT assets, both SITA’s own assets or those of customers. Working with approved suppliers to monitor and ensure compliance, SITA recycled over

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17,000 pieces of IT equipment in 2019 – around half on behalf of customers. SITA’s commitment to a sustainable future is reflected in the recent announcement that seven of SITA’s main offices have ISO14001:2015 (Environmental Management Systems - EMS) certification, which is the framework for managing environmental impacts and ensuring best practice around environmental management. SITA has formally reported its environmental, economic and social performance since 2011 using the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) disclosures framework. These CSR Reports also serve as SITA’s communication on progress as United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) participants.

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MAG APPOINTS NEW MANAGING DIRECTOR FOR EAST MIDLANDS

A new managing director has been appointed at East Midlands Airport (EMA). Clare James MBE replaces Karen Smart who is leaving EMA to take up a similar role at Manchester Airport, which is also owned by MAG (Manchester Airports Group). James’s immediate focus will be to help the airport bounce back from the biggest crisis the aviation sector has ever seen. She will also build on the progress that has already been made in taking forward ambitious plans to grow EMA’s unique offer as both a key airport for leisure travel and the UK’s most important for express freight and dedicated air cargo traffic. As the figurehead of one of the East Midlands’ most high-profile businesses, James will continue to champion the important role the airport plays in the success of the regional economy and job creation. James has many years of experience in aviation and, like her predecessor, began her career in the RAF, where she served for 26 years, resulting in the rank of Group Captain. In fact, their paths first crossed 26 years ago when they were both officers serving in the Falklands. For the past year James has held the position of operational excellence director at MAG where she led the group’s restart and recovery programme in response to COVID-19.

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Delta Cargo commits to more sustainable future Social Responsibility), a global non-profit business network and consultancy dedicated to sustainability. “We’re proud to join SAFA as we accelerate our sustainability goals while also being aligned with our customers and their values,” said Shawn Cole, vice president – Delta Cargo. “We are in the midst of the worst global pandemic in living memory, but we can’t afford to take sustainability off the agenda. “Through this commitment, we are supporting Delta’s goal to be a more environmentally-friendly airline for generations to come.”

DELTA Cargo has joined the Sustainable Air Freight Alliance (SAFA), a business-led collaborative initiative aiming to reduce its members’ environmental footprint. The move aligns with Delta’s pledge earlier this year to become the world’s first carbon-neutral airline. The airline has committed $1 billion over the next 10 years to mitigate all emissions from its global business. The SAFA is a collaboration between shippers, freight forwarders and airlines to track and reduce emissions from air freight and promote responsible freight transport. It is facilitated by BSR (Business for

Silk Way West Airlines continues Boeing secures AFG multi-year “strategic partnership” order for 737-800BCFs esponding to strong gives us the opportunity to with ACL Airshop

near- and longterm express cargo demand, Aircraft Finance Germany (AFG) signed an agreement with Boeing for two 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighters (BCF). The 737-800BCF offers operators newer technology, lower fuel consumption and better reliability than other standard-body freighters. Primarily used to carry express cargo on domestic or short haul routes, the aircraft is capable of carrying up to 23.9 tons (52,800lbs) and flying up to 2,000 nautical miles (3,750 km). “We are always looking for the best way to invest and deploy aircraft that support our customers,” said Peter Koster, AFG’s head of freighter trading. “The 737-800BCF

serve a growing market with a workhorse that can reliably and efficiently fit into most operators’ fleets.” The 737-800BCF now operates across four continents. Boeing has 132 orders. To date, the company has delivered 34 737-800BCFs. “Aircraft Finance Germany is known for creating bespoke solutions that allow their customers to win in a dynamic market. We are pleased that they are investing in the 737-800BCF,” said Ihssane Mounir, Boeing’s senior vice president of commercial sales and marketing. “The 737-800BCF capitalises on the Next-Generation 737’s efficiency and reliability and the converted freighter program is a great way to extend the life of the platform.”

ilk Way West Airlines has confirmed a five-year ULD (Unit Load Device) agreement extension with ACL Airshop, a leading international service partner for outsourced ULD management and customised logistics solutions, commencing earlier in 2020. This alliance extends the long-standing business relationship between the two companies. ACL Airshop has been a service partner with other airline units of Silk Way Holding for well over 10 years. Silk Way West Airlines and ACL Airshop are working together to enhance the logistics efficiencies of Silk Way’s ULD fleet, including the introduction of Bluetooth innovations for real-time tracking of ULDs. That, combined with ACL’s global Operations Center in Amsterdam and network-wide “ULD Control” programmes and the innovative “FindMyULD” mobile App all operate together for better utilisation rates and cost efficiencies for Silk Way. “We pursue a lean and agile business

strategy. Continuous improvement in ULD logistics is one of our strategic priorities. It contributes directly to the bottom line while facilitating top-line growth,” said Emile Khasanshin, vice president global cargo operations for Silk Way West Airlines. “ACL Airshop has saved us wellinto seven figures in new fleet-wide efficiencies. “We seek supplier partners who can meet our rigorous cost expectations and flexibility requirements, demonstrate smart usage of the latest technologies, as well as customer-oriented business processes. ACL Airshop has become a ‘strategic partner’ for us.” “We cherish our large existing service partnership with Silk Way West Airlines,” said Maurice van Terheijden, managing director EMEA for ACL Airshop. “We are honoured and privileged to continue our efficient, cost-effective, flexible solutions for five years with Silk Way.”

Descartes and dnata expand network for real-time air cargo tracking DESCARTES Systems Group has revealed that dnata is deploying Descartes Core Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) readers across its global cargo operations to support the tracking of international mail, parcel and cargo shipments. “We rely on best-in-class facilities and state-of-the-art cargo handling technologies to provide over 150 airlines with premium services for approximately three million tonnes of cargo annually,” said Guillaume Crozier, divisional vice president operations and product development at dnata. “The innovative Descartes solution is expected to help us further improve service efficiency as we move customers’ cargo smoothly from one destination to another, tracking its progress in real-time the entire way.”

Descartes Core BLE readers capture the movement of ULDs that have either Descartes or third-party BLE tags attached. The readers are part of the Descartes Core BLE Network and a Descartes Global Logistics Network service. Shipments can be tracked whether in the air or on the ground via the Descartes Core ULD Tracking solution to help air carriers and their partners automate freight tracking and improve asset management by providing real-time visibility of air shipments bundled into a single ULD container or pallet. In addition to location, other sensor-based information such as precise temperature, movement and humidity can be monitored. This data, combined with forecasting of asset location re-

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quirements, helps carriers reduce ULD fleet losses, better match capacity with ULD inventory and reduce the costs associated with misplaced equipment or the requirement to lease a number of additional ULDs. “We’re pleased to help dnata provide customers with complete visibility into their ULD assets by introducing global ULD tracking across its cargo warehouses,” said Scott Sangster, vice president, global logistics service providers at Descartes. “Our solution allows air cargo handling agents to increase the value of their network and the overall reach of BLE-enabled tracking locations worldwide, which contributes to more efficient air cargo logistics,” noted Sangster.

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22/07/2020 12:08

DHL Express increases fleet with B767-300F conversions

DHL Express and Boeing have announced that DHL Express will add four 767300 Boeing Converted Freighters (BCF) as part of the logistics compa-

Unilode equips all dnata warehouses with readers to boost ULD operations UNILODE Aviation Solutions, the global leader in outsourced Unit Load Device (ULD) management and repair solutions, and dnata, one of the world’s leading providers of ground handling and air cargo services, have signed an agreement to equip all dnata warehouses with Unilode’s Bluetooth readers to enhance the efficiency of ULD operations in the global network of their customers. Unilode’s IATA award-winning digital solution transmits data on the geolocation of the ULDs and can also share other relevant information such as temperature, humidity, shock and light, using ULDs equipped with Bluetooth digital tags and a network of Bluetooth readers and mobile devices. Guillaume Crozier, dnata’s divisional vice president for operations and product development, said: “We are delighted to partner with Unilode to deliver more value for our customers by taking

CEVA GOES FLATPACK IN MEXICO FOR IKEA

CEVA Logistics Mexico has been appointed to operate a new dedicated warehouse to support IKEA Mexico’s operations in the country. This facility opening is an extension of the existing successful global partnership between CEVA and the world’s largest furniture retailer. The Mexico City IKEA Store will become the company’s first retail location in Latin America and CEVA has been awarded a multi-year contract to operate it. CEVA will be responsible for all operational activities of the new distribution centre and will utilise its Matrix IT platform to manage all the warehouse processes. The partnership between CEVA and IKEA Mexico heralds economic growth in the region and the creation of job opportunities, says the forwarder. Says Dominik Dittrich, CEVA’s executive vice president of contract logistics, North America: “We are delighted to have been awarded this long-term contract with IKEA Mexico. This is testimony to our expertise in customer and retail logistics and to our dedication.”

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advantage of the latest technologies. Unilode’s innovative solutions will further increase our digital footprint and help us efficiently manage and track ULDs across our operations. “We continue to enhance training, processes and technology to provide the best possible services to our customers.” Benoît Dumont, Unilode CEO, said: “Unilode is currently digitising its entire ULD fleet of 140,000 units with tags and is rolling out a Bluetooth reader network infrastructure in over 250 locations worldwide. “Our new agreement with dnata will help us accelerate the creation of Unilode’s digital ecosystem and enable us to increase ULD visibility, data accuracy and asset stock control, in addition to providing our customers with important information on their cargo. We look forward to partnering with dnata in Unilode’s innovative digital journey.”

ny’s efforts to continue modernising and growing its fleet with modern cost-efficient and reliable freighters. “We are excited to in-

troduce additional B767 freighters to the DHL Express air network,” explains Geoff Kehr, SVP global air fleet management DHL Express.

Qatar Airways launches flights to Cebu DPD smashes EV target five months early UK parcel delivery firm DPD has smashed its own 2020 target for 10% of its van fleet to be zero emission, electric vehicles, five months ahead of schedule. As a result, DPD now has the biggest, greenest delivery fleet in the UK. At the start of 2020, DPD had just over 130 EVs on the road and the rapid rise to becoming the most sustainable parcel delivery company in the UK has created enormous benefits already. Dwain McDonald, DPD’s CEO commented, “Despite everything that is going on, we’ve been really focused on getting EVs on the road and delivering for us this year. Yes, you need to be trialing new technology and looking at future concepts, but you have to start making a difference now, and that’s what we are doing.”

QATAR Airways has launched another new destination during this crisis with Cebu, Philippines joining Brisbane and Toronto as new destinations to join the airline’s global network in the past few months. The national carrier of the State of Qatar will also resume its first China flights, with a once weekly Guangzhou service. The airline’s mix of modern fuel-efficient aircraft has meant its network has never fallen below 30 destinations throughout this crisis and has enabled the airline to adapt its plans and continue adding new routes. Qatar Airways Group chief executive, HE Akbar Al Baker, said: “We are delighted to be launching a new direct service to Cebu, offering another gateway into the Philippines. “Being the airline that has never stopped flying since COVID-19 hit, it has been Qatar Airways’ mission to take people home safely during the pandemic, and we have helped more than two million people get home to their loved ones since February.”

(FROM left to right): Gerhard Haas (branch manager Gebrüder Weiss Graz), Michael Schmid (managing director Goldbeck-Rhomberg), Wolfram Senger-Weiss (CEO Gebrüder Weiss), Alexander Liebewein (branch manager Goldbeck-Rhomberg Salzburg), Martin Reinprecht (project manager Gebrüder Weiss) and Martin Gasser (project manager Goldbeck-Rhomberg).

Gebrüder Weiss is expanding in Styria near Graz

ebrüder Weiss is expanding in Styria. On July 22, the official ground-breaking ceremony for a new location with a total area of 70,000 sq m was held in Kalsdorf near Graz. The logistics terminal, planned for €26 million, will replace the current location. The previous facility in Alte Poststraße had

recently reached its capacity limits. Construction work on the new terminal already started in April. The originally planned ground-breaking ceremony had been postponed due to the corona crisis. The opening of the new branch is planned for next spring.

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“After completion, we will have a state-ofthe-art logistics location for our customers and our 180 employees. With this facility, we will also be able to bundle orders that were previously distributed over several operating locations in the region,” says Gerhard Haas, branch manager Gebrüder Weiss Graz.

Healthy cargo figures show sign of growth at Brussels Airport

lthough first half results are still negative, Brussels Airport is reporting a solid growth of 4.8% in volumes for the month of June. For a typically hub airport heavily dependent on belly capacity and cargo in normal times, this is a strong result knowing that overall reported volumes are still “dark red”. Reporting positive numbers and continuing its effort in business development, the cargo zone of the airport truly justifies its community mentality in times of crisis, says the airport. Whilst the passenger terminals have been “eerily quiet” at Brussels Airport due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the cargo aprons have been action packed and in full spotlights. Initially cargo volumes at Brussels Airport, in line with global trends, dropped by 33% YoY due to the rapid belly capacity reductions as passenger airlines stopped flying and grounded their fleet. Quickly after week 13, cargo traffic started picking up again. Initially facilitated by a demand surge in PPE, which at times brought exotic carriers to Brussels Airport, but simultaneously supported by existing full freighter customers increasing frequencies, carriers commencing passenger freighter operations and the appearance of new tails. Full freighter volumes increased 71.5% in June versus last year. New airlines such as Amerijet, Silkway and Virgin Atlantic started operations to Brussels Airport, expanding the global network significantly. Also, integrator traffic showed continuous growth week over week, reporting a +29.5% YoY increase in June. “One of the strengths at Brussels Airport was the sense to tackle the rapid capacity reduction from a community standpoint. Different parties worked together reaching out to their network to get the traffic flows moving. This co-ordination and active facilitation between shippers, forwarders, handlers, customs and airlines truly made a difference and was already part of our earlier success. In these times of crisis, we could even leverage this with these volumes as a result,” says Steven Polmans, director cargo and logistics at Brussels Airport Company. The combination of increased frequencies, passenger freighters operations and new customers resulted in a YoY growth of 4.8% in flown cargo volumes for June. “An impressive result that shows that working together as a community and thinking outside of the box can pay off no matter the circumstances” commented Samuel Spelt-

doorn, whom only days before the COVID-19 lockdown joined the Brussels Airport Cargo Team as a cargo business development manager. In June, the highest import growth came from Africa and Asia with export volumes mainly growing towards Asia and North America. Export to Africa is still below the pre-Covid levels due to the grounding of home carrier Brussels Airlines but is slowly recovering as

Samuel Speltdoorn

more and more carriers resume flying. Along with facilitating a stable supply chain, the airport was also able to continue and stay on track with the BRUcargo West expansion, an immense project that initially saw direct impact from COVID-19 due to staff and material shortages. Also, a brand-new animal care and inspection centre was successfully opened during the crisis. Next to further investments in real estate, the airport also continues its investments on the airside: currently runway works on 25R/07L are ongoing and are scheduled to last six weeks. This will have a marginal impact on uplift for some full freighters but figuratively and literally paves the road towards a bright future with zero operational impact from major construction works, as this is the final phase of a major runway and apron redevelopment plan that lasted almost five years. It delivered three renovated runways, renovated taxiways and a state-of-the-art dedicated cargo apron with automatic docking and 400Hz connections. “The next months will remain very challenging as it remains a question if and when we might see a second wave of this virus and how it will impact our economy,” concludes Polmans. “It is clear that our community and infrastructure are ready for the future and to tackle any challenge in the meantime.”

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PHARMACEUTICALS

Peli BioThermal survey reveals biopharma’s sustainability focus

eli BioThermal, the global name in temperature-controlled packaging, has released results of its 2020 Biopharma Cold Chain Logistics Sustainability Survey. According to key opinion leaders in biopharma cold chain, the biopharma industry is increasing its pace to prioritise sustainability in business and operational strategies. Nearly half of all respondents always factor sustainability into cold chain purchasing decisions. “Biopharma companies work every day to manufacture and distribute drug products all over the world, and their primary focus is on the safety and efficacy of these life-saving products,” said David Williams, president of Peli BioThermal. To read the full “As biopharma companies begin to accelerate work on their sustain2020 Biopharma ability goals, our survey shows they expect the same of their supply Cold Chain Logistics Sustain- chain partners. The cold chain industry needs to continue its focus on improving green thinking to keep pace with its biopharma clients.” ability Survey, visit info.pelicanbiothermal. com/2020sustainabilitysurveyOverall, the survey uncovered three key trends. The first trend indicates that although 66% of organisations rate sustainability as report

Three key trends

very important, valuing sustainability hasn’t yet translated into widespread action. More than half of respondents - 53% - reported their companies do not currently use sustainable or green initiatives in their organisations. But organisations have a desire to work with companies that help them advance their sustainability goals, ultimately moving sustainability from valuable to actionable. In 2015, the United Nations and its member countries created Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to guide the world on a sustainable path to 2030. With mounting pressures to improve sustainability, including from consumers and corporate stakeholders, biopharma companies are actively looking for ways to preserve the planet, reduce waste and strengthen their brands. The second trend speaks to how cold chain partners can help advance biopharma companies’ sustainability goals and how biopharma companies seek to partner with like-minded organisations. More than half (53%) of biopharma companies indicate that it’s very important to choose cold chain packaging options that advance their organisation’s sustainability. Additionally, 64% of organisations enquire about sustainability when performing audits of suppliers and 52% indicated that they, too, were audited for sustainability by vendors supplying their organisations. It’s not enough anymore to say an organisation is committed to sustainability - proof is now important to prevent legal issues and protect reputation.

High value

The final trend reveals that recyclability and lower emissions matter. Greater focus is being put on how cold chain packaging is constructed, with increasingly high value placed on cold chain packaging that is recyclable or can more easily enter the waste stream. Nearly half of respondents (48%) always look for packaging with these characteristics. Likewise, the industry leans toward lighter, more energy efficient shippers that reduce carbon emissions for temperature-sensitive pharma products being shipped by air. More than half (56%) already use these shippers and 81 percent are likely to use energy-efficient packaging in the future. These solutions already exist, allowing biopharma companies to make quick progress toward sustainability goals.

PELICAN BIOTHERMAL WINS MAJOR ASIA AWARD FOR INNOVATION

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elican BioThermal was announced as winner of the Innovation in Supply Chain of the Year category at the prestigious Asia-Pacific Bioprocessing Excellence Awards 2020. It is the second successive year Pelican BioThermal has won an accolade at the awards ceremony celebrating excellence within the biologics sector. Benson Teo, Pelican BioThermal’s senior director of sales, Asia, said: “We are delighted

and excited to receive this prestigious award in recognition of the innovation and excellence our products and services continue to deliver to the sector.” David Williams, president of Pelican BioThermal, said: “Biopharma companies work every day to manufacture and distribute drug products all over the world and their primary focus is on the safety and efficacy of these life-saving products. Our survey shows they expect the same of their supply chain partners.”

NEWS TRADEFINDER

AIRBALTIC SELECTS APG AS CARGO GSSA FOR IRELAND airBaltic Cargo has appointed APG Cargo as its cargo general sales agent in Ireland. The new contract expands the relationship between airBaltic and the APG Network, the biggest passenger and cargo GSA network in the world. APG Cargo (Ireland) will be providing a full complement of cargo GSA services with enhanced co-operation with partner airlines and postal operators worldwide. airBaltic operates three Airbus A220 flights from Dublin to Riga weekly and two flights Dublin to Vilnius weekly with onward connections to its entire European network. The Irish cargo market will benefit from a global reach of 48 destinations on the airBaltic network, which include Helsinki, Moscow, Kiev, Abu Dhabi, Tbilisi, Tel Aviv and many more. In 2019, airBaltic Cargo carried a record amount of cargo and mail, 4,800 tonnes, which equated to 21% year on year increase. The growth can be partly attributed to the extra capacity airBaltic now offers with the introduction of the Airbus A220-300 aircraft to the fleet, one of the world’s greenest commercial aircraft. airBaltic is the first airline in the world to operate an A220-only fleet. Bob Matharoo, cargo director, APG Cargo (Ireland), commented: “We are delighted to represent such a dynamic airline and are proud of the trust airBaltic has placed in us. “APG Cargo will complement airBaltic’s online operations and provide global reach to the Irish cargo community.”

Airlines Turkey

azfreight.com Premium Listings Richard Burgess, president of the APG Network additionally commented “We are delighted to be expanding our co-operation with airBaltic and this appointment underlines the interest in our fresh and dynamic approach to expanding cargo sales for our partner airlines, not only through our cargo GSSA services but also through our unique cargo interline solution.” APG Airlines Cargo Interline Solution platform is a new innovative product to open up new markets for cargo sales and enables an airline to significantly increase its cargo interline revenue with multiple airline interline partners under one single agreement.

BIFA: applications are now open for funding for Customs training

oting that with immediate effect, UK Customs intermediaries can apply for £50 million of new funding, first announced in June 2020, the British International Freight Association (BIFA), says that it hopes it will help its members to increase their capacity to make declarations ahead of 2021. Director general Robert Keen says: “Whilst we welcome the additional funding, as we did when the first two rounds of funding were announced, we can only keep our fingers crossed that it

produces the thousands of additional customs experts that the government agrees will be needed come January 1st 2021. “Along with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), which is running the scheme, we will be encouraging our members to take advantage of the funding, which could be used to support a business that is extending and taking on new staff, or to help train an existing employee to become competent in completing customs declarations. “As one of the country’s largest providers of Customs-related training courses, BIFA decided to replicate almost its entire course range and deliver it via video conferencing, due to the Covid-19 crisis preventing face-to-face training.” Keen concludes: “Government guidance allows furloughed employees to engage in training, provided that whilst undertaking the training the employee does not provide service to or generate revenue for their organisation. “Hence, we are encouraging members that have furloughed employees to take advantage of the additional funding that has been made available by applying for it to finance some of BIFA’s online Customs training opportunities for those employees, as well as employees that have not been furloughed. “

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ACW 3 august 2020

7 30/07/2020 11:01

Cargo in the blood

Cargo and Other Stories by Lemon Queen

Audrey Serdjebi, founder & CEO, Lemon Queen

What if our industry dared to break free of the stereotypes?

A “

ir cargo and sustainable development aren’t compatible.” “It’s polluting.” “It isn’t eco-friendly.” “And above all, it doesn’t want to be.” You hear things like this a lot. Stereotypes that are firmly rooted in our collective psyche. But are they actually true?

f you make the effort to look into it a little, you quickly realise that there are a lot of sustainability initiatives in place within our industry. Airlines, freight forwarders, suppliers, aircraft manufacturers – in short, all stakeholders in the chain. Biofuel research and development. Reusable and recyclable materials. Using technology to optimise hold space as much as possible. Zero paper. Eco-friendly cargo packaging. The Sustainable Air Freight Alliance, which is designed to reduce carbon emissions. IATA’s FACE programme to attract, develop and retain air cargo industry talent. The 1999 Montreal convention (ICAO), whose aims include the elimination of documentation from the air cargo supply chain. GoGreen solutions from DHL, developed to reduce emissions. Delta Air Lines’ investment of one billion dollars over the next 10 years with the aim of reducing all carbon emissions generated by its international activity. And recently, the major new project launched by Qatar Airways Cargo, We Qare, which is set to revolutionise sustainability within our industry by putting in place concrete actions that are designed with air cargo in mind.

here is no shortage of collective and individual sustainability initiatives within our industry. So why do people think that this industry is more polluting than any other? That it is less committed? Less responsible? Why do its actions have less reach than those of other industries?

aybe it’s simply because people don’t know about air cargo. Its activities. Its benefits for the world economy. Just how essential it is in our everyday lives (see “Cargo and other stories” in the 13 July 2020 issue of Air Cargo Week), despite the way it has been brought into the limelight during the crisis. The fact that air cargo is often the only way – as well as the fastest and most reliable – of providing emergency assistance and PPE, and of responding to sudden and uncontrollable events. Its lack of reputation.

he sector is poorly understood, and that makes it an easy mark. Let’s take the digital sector, for example. It enjoys a much better reputation and is synonymous with excellence and innovation. Sometimes even with eco-friendliness. A lot of these points are true. And yet digital is also much more polluting than air cargo.

o how can we make sure people know that our industry is committed and is acting? Firstly, through actions focused on image and communication. Ensuring others know about what you are doing has become almost as important as you yourself knowing what your work involves. And so the actions that are in place need to be enthusiastically promoted. To ensure they are well-known within the industry but also outside it. But there also needs to be better co-ordination between stakeholders, which would require a representative body – one that is structured and capable of co-ordinating actions, of drawing attention to them, and of uniting people around a cause, a project. One that is capable of exerting influence outside the industry. Of representing it and making its voice heard.

t the last edition of NexGenLeaders, sustainability was a hot topic among the next generation. They submitted a huge number of innovative projects with a sustainability focus, and we’re very optimistic about the next edition, where tomorrow’s talent will be able to put forward even more ideas.

here are more and more initiatives in place, and in general, our industry is on the path to sustainable development. The next edition of NexGenLeaders will be flying the flag for sustainability and will be more unifying than ever. Spread the word!

Lemon Queen is an airfreight industry public relations and communications agency in Paris, France

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