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WORLD ACW Digital is sponsored by AIRPORTS.COM FREIGHTERS.COM
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The weekly newspaper for air cargo professionals No. 1,088
6 July 2020
A legacy of Aéropostale pioneers
POLMANS ON THE MOVE STEVEN Polmans, popular and well respected director of cargo and logistics at Brussels Airport Company, has decided to make a career change by the end of 2020. He has been working for Brussels Airport since 2010 and been in the lead of the cargo and logistics team since 2011. In the past 10 years, Polmans has grown Brussels Airport’s cargo business into one of the most innovative in the industry. The achievements in terms of pharmaceuticals, community work and digitisation have been industry-leading and recognised worldwide, also in the form of multiple Best Cargo Airport of the Year Awards. He will continue leading the Brussels Airport cargo business over the next months, as he will keep his leadership functions at Air Cargo Belgium and TIACA in this period. His successor will be announced later. “Brussels Airport wishes to thank Steven for all the great work he has done in the past years,” said an airport statement.
UPS ANNUAL SUSTAINABILITY REPORT
UPS has launched its 18th annual sustainability report, Accelerating Sustainable Solutions. The digital report is fully interactive and details ...
SAL LAUNCHES KFIA PHARMA FACILITIES
SAUDI Arabian Logistics (SAL) has launched operation of its state-of-the-art pharma facilities recently opened at the Dammam-based ... PAGE 3 DHL’S “PERFECT FLIGHT” TO NYC
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rip & Co and SII have joined forces in order to develop efficient products to transport cargo on board passenger flights. They now have received a tremendous number of requests from companies and corporations all over the world. Their new products are designed specifically for cargo in cabin applications. Suitable for all sorts of cargo, efficient loading and unloading resulting in a higher revenue.
During the COVID-19 crisis, many companies have been coming up with
INSIDE
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Trip & Co: Patent pending for cargo in cabin innovations
Creative initiatives
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initiatives to create new types of revenue streams and business-models for airlines and airfreight handling. Examples of the cargo in cabin solu-
tions Trip & Co and SII have recently developed are the Cargo Seat Bag (CSB) and the Cargo Stowage Container (CSC). The CSB and the CSC
will be delivered with a supplemental type certificate (STC) approval. In addition, they meet and exceed all current regulations. “We have received a huge number of requests from companies all over the world to create more cargo in cabin solutions like the Cargo Seat Bag which can help to overcome these difficult and challenging times in the aviation industry. “This gives us the confidence that we are on the right track.” says Tijmen Koster, CEO of Trip & Co. More innovative products are to be launched on very short notice, Koster added.
DHL Express conducted a ground-breaking demonstration flight early in the morning of July 1. On its flight from the DHL hub in Leipzig ... PAGE 4
SOFTBOX’S NEW ECO PACKAGING
SOFTBOX, a leading global innovator and provider of temperature control packaging solutions for the pharmaceutical, life science ... PAGE 6
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Coventry University in Poland to offer aviation management degree
COVENTRY University has added an undergraduate programme in aviation management to the course offer at its new campus in Wrocław, Poland. The university has hosted its first online open day to showcase its courses, which also include undergraduate degrees in Digital Technology, Business Management and Leadership, and Cyber security. Prospective students with an enthusiasm for commercial aviation
can now apply to study for a BSc Honours in Aviation Management when the Wrocław campus opens for its first intake in September this year.
Resilient professionals
The highly focused business management degree is designed to develop resilient professionals who can proactively apply specialist knowledge, skills and capabilities in a diverse, global aviation industry.
European aviation unites in call for support for green recovery from COVID-19 WITH the gradual restarting of passenger air transport in the coming weeks, leaders from over a dozen air transport associations representing Europe’s aviation sector have issued an urgent call for EU leaders to prioritise specific decarbonisation initiatives in their allocation of future COVID-19 recovery funding. European aviation continues to reel from the sudden collapse of the air transport system over the last months and is amongst the sectors most heavily impacted. But these challenges are compounded by the need to meet ambitious climate change goals going forward. Ensuring an accelerated deployment of existing decarbonisation solutions and adequate investments to bring new technologies forward will be key – investments which should be at the heart of the EU’s COVID-19 recovery strategy. In the meantime, existing financial instruments, such as loans, could also be made available to provide urgent relief. Europe’s aviation sector is committed to contributing to the recovery of European economies in line with the Green Deal objectives, and to the benefit of all. The sector therefore calls on policymakers to include smart measures to support Europe’s civil aviation sector during its recovery. This requires ensuring that aviation climate action is eligible
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for funding under the mechanisms foreseen by Next Generation EU and the new Multi-annual Financial Framework (MFF). A combination of public and private investment is necessary to allow air transport leaders to speed up work to decarbonise the sector - in line with the EU goal of climate neutrality by 2050. Olivier Jankovec, director general of ACI EUROPE, said: “Benefitting from these support measures will help our sector regain its economic viability – a prerequisite for safeguarding both air connectivity and our ability to keep investing in decarbonisation. Airports – along with our partners in the aviation eco-system – have been brought to their knees by this crisis. Our determination to pursue climate action, in line with ACI EUROPE’s commitment to Net Zero carbon emissions under airports’ control at the latest by 2050, remains as robust as ever – but our ability to invest has been hit hard. Aviation is one of the sectors where decarbonisation is particularly challenging.”
Specific proposals 1. Boosting the production and uptake of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs) in Europe
through a dedicated and stable set of policy measures and public investment plans. Such measures would notably be welcomed within the “ReFuel EU Aviation-Sustainable Aviation Fuels” initiative and include: Direct capital investment (or ownership) in SAF production facilities, enabling the necessary de-risking required to debt finance projects as well as the execution of off-take contracts with aircraft operators; Making Europe the centre of excellence for the development and production of SAFs through the construction and funding of commercial scale SAF projects from globally
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approved technology pathways. 2. Implement a green incentive scheme for airlines and aircraft operators to replace older aircraft (fixed wing and helicopters) with more modern and environmentally friendly aircraft. Use public funds dedicated to the recovery to provide such incentives to aircraft operators. 3. Increase public funding and public co-funding rates for Civil Aviation Research & Innovation (Clean Aviation and SESAR): Use resources from the recovery funds to inject additional capital beyond the amount that will be provided through the MFF and Horizon Europe, in particular. European disruptive technologies and innovative fuels, including hydrogen, can generate deep and long-term emissions reductions towards the EU’s Climate Neutrality in 2050. 4. Continued investment in the European Air Traffic Management system (ATM): Enhance the benefits of the Single European Sky and temporarily provide 100% public funding for the deployment of SESAR technologies with proven sustainable and environmental benefits. 5. Investment in sustainable airport and heliport infrastructure: Ensure funding eligibility of projects related to energy efficiency, renewable energy and electrification.
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Southern gentleman and pioneer of international express industry
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obinson was born in Shreveport, Louisiana. Until the age of 31 he meandered through life – school, university, a two-year stint in the US military as a courier for classified documents, before a move to San Francisco and a job, in 1969, as a driver for a local courier company. There, Bill met Larry Hillblom and together with Adrian Dalsey, Robert Lynn and a couple of other workmates formed DHL. Funded entirely out of its own cashflow, DHL expanded internationally across the Pacific, pioneering a new industry: international air express. This industry enabled globalisation and facilitated today’s 24/7 interconnected world. Before DHL, companies trying to do business overseas were dependent on the post office or airfreight to move essential business documents from place to place. DHL offered a significantly quicker and more efficient solution, which paved the way for modern just-in-time supply chains. The founders established DHL’s core global network and overcame significant opposition to the new industry from postal authorities, regulatory bodies and competitors. Bill travelled extensively, establishing operations in new countries and securing DHL’s fragile, economically challenged network. He supported Larry Hillblom in the battle with Adrian Dalsey for control of DHL, thus ensuring that it was Larry’s visionary genius that prevailed and that DHL survived. He lobbied US senators during DHL’s five-year battle with
Natalie and Sheila, two of ‘Bill’s’ beloved chimps
William (Bill) Armistead Robinson III Born December 1, 1938. Passed away June 10, 2020. the powerful US Civil Aeronautics Board to obtain an operating permit and urged the filing
Chimp Haven
of DHL’s lawsuit against the agency that resulted in the issuance of the all-important permit. In 1979, Bill became president and CEO of DHL’s Americas operation at which time DHL began flying its own aircraft and launched its first major advertising campaign. During DHL’s second decade he sat on the DHL board of directors who collectively determined the focus and direction of DHL’s combined global operation. In the space of little more than 20 years, the DHL network spanned 220+ countries and territories, providing the essential global connectedness that allowed international business to grow and prosper. National governments the world over now viewed air express as essential to their economic prosperity. As Deutsche Post DHL Group Chairman Frank Appel notes: “Bill Robinson encapsulated the very spirit of DHL – an entrepreneur
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with a global outlook and an ability to break down barriers while building bridges. “We are very grateful to Bill for the foundations he put in place for the express industry, which continues to drive global trade and deliver immense value for our customers around the world today.” A great animal lover, Bill’s philanthropy after retiring from DHL in the 1980s, included Chimp Haven, the 200-acre sanctuary in Louisiana where chimpanzees retired from medical research can go to live out the remainder of their lives in conditions as close as possible to those they would have enjoyed in the wild. He also established Robinson’s Rescue, a low-cost spay and neuter clinic for dogs and cats that helps to lower pet overpopulation and the associated euthanasia of healthy, adoptable pets. Intensely private by nature, as the years passed, Bill increasingly retreated from society. He never married and had no offspring. He had itchy feet, a legacy of the constant travel he undertook to build DHL’s network. With wealth acquired from the sale of DHL to Deutsche Post he created a comfortable world for himself: a series of properties from Alaska to Florida between which he regularly travelled, accompanied by a small coterie of trusted and caring support staff. Friends were welcomed with generous hospitality. Over time this world shrank to a single property in Shreveport, his beloved Myrtle Hill Plantation, where he passed away, peacefully, in his own bed.
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UPS publishes 18th annual sustainability report UPS has launched its 18th annual sustainability report, Accelerating Sustainable Solutions. The digital report is fully interactive and details efforts that took place during 2019 to advance the company’s 2020 and 2025 sustainability goals in alignment with its enterprise strategy. Most notable is surpassing four goals one year ahead of schedule, including $123.8 million in charitable contributions, 21.7 million employee volunteer hours, 15.4 million trees planted and a 3.1% reduction in auto accident frequency. “UPS established sustainability goals in 2016 to address our environmental impacts, advance industry-leading safety programs, and strengthen the communities where we live and work,” said Suzanne Lindsay-Walker, UPS chief sustainability officer (CSO) and vice president of environmental affairs. “We believe our customers and stakeholders deserve the most credible information about our sustainability performance. That’s why we are an industry leader in comprehensive sustainability reporting and disclosure that meets global standards.
Disclosure for investors “In addition, UPS is expanding our disclosure for investors by introducing its first Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) report. “The report allows investors to more easily compare companies within and across industries. It also highlights UPS’s commitment to further align business imperatives with sustainability strategies, including the company’s ongoing efforts with alternative fuels.” In the last decade, UPS has invested more than $1 billion in alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles and supporting infrastructure. The company is now the largest user of renewable natural gas in the transportation industry and has a specialised alternative fuel and advanced technology fleet of more than 10,300 vehicles.
DHL and AFKLMP Cargo make medicinal products transport more transparent DHL Global Forwarding and Air France KLM Martinair (AFKLMP) Cargo have set out to improve transparency in the pharmaceutical logistics chain. Together, the two leading players in the airfreight pharmaceutical industry have created a direct host-to-host connection to enhance the data reliability and availability for their customers. Information about deliveries can be easily accessed and monitored via DHL’s LifeTrack Portal. Nina Heinz, global head of network and quality, DHL Global Forwarding, explains: “When securing product integrity and patient safety in the supply chain, data transparency is key. Taking a partnership approach to automating shipment data sharing for cargo characteristics like container temperatures is an essential step to providing our customers with peace of mind about how their ship-
ments are being moved across the globe.” AFKLMP’s global head of pharmaceutical logistics Enrica Calonghi adds: “This is an important milestone and yet another example of our strong innovative ambition. Within pharmaceutical logistics, we aim to create transparency and visibility in each step of the cold chain. It is the next stage in the digitisation of our industry.”
By joining forces, DHL Global Forwarding and AFKLMP Cargo enhance the integration of their systems and enable shared temperature readings for active pharma solutions. In the pharmaceutical industry, total transparency of the logistics chain is fundamental in order to maintain the integrity of the product.
The joint solution enables a host-to-host connection through an application programming interface (API) that allows for system-based integrated information sharing about the shipment journey, including all shipments’ important milestones and temperature checks for active containers. This facilitates both higher standards for reliability and real-time updates of product temperature in the cold chain while it is transported in special climate-controlled containers. Currently, this service is provided at AFKLMP’s largest life sciences hubs in Amsterdam Schiphol and Paris CDG. Based on this first proof of concept, the two companies have agreed to extend the roll-out of active container temperature readings to all the main pharma network points.
FOLLOWING the rescheduling of the Multimodal 2020 conference and exhibition to March 2021, organisers have launched Multimodal Connect. This online forum of focused webinars is designed to keep participants connected with the logistics industry via a state-of-the-art digital platform. The first online event for Multimodal Connect will be
‘Accelerating eCommerce fulfilment: capacity, compliance and profitability’ to be held on July 15 in partnership with the organisers of the eDelivery Expo. Events director at Multimodal, Robert Jervis comments: “Our first event, featuring expert speakers from across the eCommerce logistics arena, will investigate such issues as peak
delivery at all times; customer expectations; boosting capacity and achieving efficiencies; making fulfilment safe, as well as a case study on managing a double digit increase in deliveries. “The event will also allow the participants to connect and network prior to the live webinar.”
Joining forces
Multimodal launches Multimodal Connect
Qatar Airways launches three-weekly flights to Toronto QATAR Airways has started to operate three weekly flights to Toronto Pearson International Airport from July 4. The flights are operated by an Airbus A350900 offering around 18 tonnes of cargo capacity. Qatar Airways Group chief executive, Akbar Al Baker, said: “In these difficult
times, customers are looking for an airline they can rely on and trust. We have built a strong level of confidence with passengers, governments, trade partners and airports as a trusted partner during this crisis and we intend to continue delivering on this mission. “Qatar Airways has never stopped op-
erating to Canada throughout this crisis and we are pleased to be able to further strengthen our support to the people of Canada with the addition of these three weekly scheduled flights to Toronto.” With the addition of flights to Toronto, Qatar Airways will operate seven passenger flights per week to Canada.
FIT revs up for worldwide solo motor biking tour sponsorship ITALIAN freight forwarder Fortune International Transport is to sponsor a worldwide motor biking event. The solo tour of the world being undertaken by Maurizio Pistore will see one man and his motorcycle cover five continents, 61 countries and around 100,000km in 400 days. Fortune International Transport will be reporting on the trip on its blog. Pistore says: “It’s not my first time. Previous adventures have included the 2002 Omo River Motoraid, the 2003 Southern Africa Motoraid, the 2004 Route des Grandes Alpes, the 2005 Marco Polo, the 2006 America Sur, the 2008 Transafricanordsud, the 2010 El Mundo Maya and the AllSpain Around World Agility hasthe moved into a state-of-the-art, 11,000 sq m warehouse and office Solo Tour One in 2012-2013. And now, hereatI go facility ZALagain!” Port (Prat) in the Port of Barcelona.
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SAL launches pharma facilities at KFIA Cargo Village
SAUDI Arabian Logistics (SAL) has launched operation of its state-ofthe-art pharma facilities recently opened at the Dammam-based King Fahad International Airport’s Cargo Village. The new warehouses will support the infrastructure of pharma and medical equipment handling facilities as per the international standards of the World Health Organization (WHO), the European Union Good Distribution Practice and Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA). A subsidiary of the Saudi Arabian Airlines Corporation, SAL said the facility expansion plan is being implemented as scheduled at selected sites within the Cargo Village at the Dammam Station. Before expansion, the total area of the medical storage facilities stood at approximately 118 sq m but after expansion it reached approximately 542 sq m with an operational capacity of 14,000 tonnes a year as follows: 262 sq m of the facilities are dedicated for storing goods with temperature ranging between 15-25 Celsius whereas 262 sq m are used for
storing goods with temperature between 2-8 Celsius. The facilities can also be used for storing different types of medical cargoes with very low temperatures, often below zero.
Omar Hariri, SAL CEO, said in a statement: “We usher in a new phase of advanced cargo handling services for pharma and medical equipment. We are creating the proper environment and developing the infrastructure needed for the current period, which has seen an increasing demand on pharma and medical equipment cargoes during the COVID19 pandemic.” Saudi Arabian Logistics has enhanced the quality of its medical storage warehousing services, bought state-of-the-art temperature-controlling equipment and devices, and installed efficient safety systems to prevent risks. All the equipment and devices meet the quality standards of
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the European Union Good Distribution Practice (EU GDP) for handling and storing medicinal products, explained Hariri, adding that SAL qualifies its cadre to efficiently handle such types of cargo.
Vision 2030 Saudi Arabian Logistics works to provide integrated logistics operations and ground handling services. It acts as a link between land and sea shipping and the Saudi airports in line with the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program, which is one of the pivotal themes of the Vision 2030, especially in the light of the gigantic economic transformation the Kingdom has been seeing. The company contributes to reinforcing and developing the infrastructure to act as platforms and warehouses for handling different types of cargo while enhancing the quality of cargo equipment and warehousing facilities related to international trade and electronic commerce.
Neutral Air Partner collaborates with PayCargo
NEUTRAL Air Partner (NAP) has collaborated with PayCargo, aiming to provide digital air freight payment and settlement solutions to its members. “We are pleased to announce the implementation of an advanced online freight payment and settlement system powered by PayCargo. NAP members will be able to use the PayCargo system for payments and settlement in different continents around the globe,” says Christos Spyrou, NAP CEO. PayCargo offers centralised visibility, a payment approval and tracking system, multiple payment options and 24/7 access. “Digitalisation in the payments and settlement process is essential for the future-ready air freight logistics provider. PayCargo platform will enable our members to improve cash collection, reduce manual effort and make the overall process more transparent and streamlined. It will also save them time and money when making payments, while improving operational efficiency and customer experience. Our long-term goal is to partner with PayCargo and to develop one global integrated netting system for our members” said Spyrou.
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TIACA’s Air Cargo Sustainability Awards
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he second International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) Air Cargo Sustainability Awards is now open for applications. The competition aims to recognise outstanding businesses and industry initiatives leading the way to a more sustainable air cargo. CHAMP Cargosystems, one of the leading industry IT solutions providers, has sponsored these key industry awards. “CHAMP is pleased to continue supporting TIACA for the second edition of the Air Cargo Sustainability Awards. The unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our industry is putting more than ever sustainability at the forefront of our priorities. After seeing several aftershocks in every corner of the world, we should thrive to collaborate and ensure fast and sustainable recovery. This event is a unique opportunity to influence the ´new normal´ and strengthen the value of air cargo which plays such an important role today,” states Arnaud Lambert, CEO of CHAMP Cargosystems. TIACA is calling for applications demonstrating solutions and practices making positive change in the 3+2 areas of TIACA’s sustainability vision for air cargo: supporting social welfare, economic development and environmental protection through innovation and partnerships. This year, two categories of leadership in sustainability will be awarded. Corporate Prize will recognise an established corporation, an international organisation or a scholar with a long-standing presence in the cargo community with a one-year free membership in the TIACA Sustainability Strategic Partnership Program, worth $10,000. The Start-Up Prize will recognise and encourage young growing businesses building their presence in the air cargo industry. The winner gets $10,000 with two runners-up getting $2,500 each. All shortlisted candidates will also be recognised with access to exclusive TIACA events and speaking opportunities, publicity in TIACA’s communication and networking opportunities. “The COVID-19 crisis has put our industry under an enormous pressure, but it has also given us a unique opportunity to rethink and optimize the air cargo business model and innovate faster than ever before,” said TIACA’s chair Steven Polmans. “I am confident that by embracing this opportunity we will make air cargo more sustainable and more resilient. And by launching this year’s award we want to recognise and encourage the change makers who are taking our industry forward.” A panel of independent industry and sustainability experts will choose the three shortlisted submissions in each category. The award finalists will be invited to present their solutions at the Air Cargo Forum 2020 in Miami, the largest air cargo networking event this year. Application is open until September 15, 2020.
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DHL’s “perfect flight” from Leipzig to NYC DHL Express has conducted a ground-breaking demonstration flight early in the morning of July 1. On its flight from the DHL hub in Leipzig to JFK International Airport in New York City, an A330-200F was scheduled to consume a considerably lower amount of fuel and generate reduced CO2 emissions. This has been made possible by the less busy airspace as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. DHL’s operating airline European Air Transport identified more than 50 actions to support a “perfect flight” to save jet fuel and reduce CO2 emissions. These ranged from a pre-flight engine washing to improve aerodynamics, to route optimisation using a state-of-the-art flight planning system and an optimal take off route with unrestricted climb to cruising altitude from Leipzig/Halle Airport, right through to a best possible descent procedure at New York John F Kennedy International Airport where the aircraft descended in a constant angle with minimum thrust. “It is our purpose every day to connect people and improve their lives,” said Alberto Nobis, CEO, DHL Express Europe. “We want to get our customers’ shipments to the desired destination country as fast as possible. That is
why we have locations in more than 220 countries and territories around the world. We are also aware of our responsibility towards the environment and we try to use innovative technologies to apply all possible levers in our logistics chain to become more efficient and environmentally friendly. Optimal routes and less jet fuel consumption will help us to become even greener.”
Real operating conditions The “perfect flight” was carried out under real operating conditions with the aircarft loaded to its usual capacity of approximately 60 tonnes of freight. The flight was scheduled to take off from the DHL hub at Leipzig/Halle on Wednesday July 1 at around 03:15 (Central European Summer Time). The arrival in New York City was scheduled for 12:05 pm (CEST) on the same day. DHL Express developed an optimal flight scenario in co-operation with all air traffic control units and other aviation partners along the Atlantic route, including German Air Traffic Control (DFS), Eurocontrol, NATS (National Air Traffic Services, U.K.), IAA (Irish Aviation
Authority), Shanwick Oceanic Control, NavCanada, ISAVIA (Iceland), IATA (International Air Transport Association), the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) and PANYNJ (Port Authority of New York and New Jersey). A total of 13 participating institutions committed to support an optimal flight route and altitude taking into account actual weather conditions, wind, and other air traffic during the flight. The jet fuel saving of the flight is anticipated to be 1,000 kg, which corresponds to a reduction in CO2 of 3,150 kg. Roy Hughes, executive vice president, DHL Network Operations Europe, said: “We are delighted to have so many partners on board for this flight. “Together we have thoroughly prepared for it and are looking forward to its execution, as well as the results. “Our ‘perfect flight’ can demonstrate a route to making air freight more efficient with the lowest possible fuel consumption and a reduction of CO2 emissions. With this demonstration flight we can gain important insights for the air transport industry and contribute to the Deutsche Post DHL Group’s climate goal of net zero emissions from transportation.”
BIFA OFFERS FREE BITESIZE TRAINING FOR YOUNGSTERS
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he British International Freight Association’s (BIFA) next event following the relaunch of its Young Forwarder Network (YFN) online will feature some free ‘bitesize’ training run by BIFA trainers, Graeme Wilkinson and Carl Hobbis. Set to take place online on Wednesday July 8, the training will be focused around Customs Procedures Codes and will be available exclusively to members of the YFN. Carl Hobbis, BIFA’s training development
manager says: “The development of BIFA’s YFN continues to be of great importance, and as always with YFN events, using the video conferencing online tool will enable participants to buildup their professional network and learn more about the industry. “We intend to make this training session fun, interactive and all participants will receive a BIFA certificate to count towards their Continuing Professional Development.” BIFA director general, Robert Keen says: “Our YFN is important to young people, so it is great that the network committee members are continuing to work together remotely to develop a plan to keep the network going
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during this unforeseen time. “We have plans for a series of various online events for the YFN. “Our recent virtual port tour, and an online quiz were both a great success and we have guest interviews, Q&A sessions and so forth all still to come.” BIFA launched the YFN in March 2019 to create several regional networking groups, operated by young forwarders and intended to help early talent and young BIFA members develop their knowledge and professional skills, but in a more social environment. Prior to the lockdown the success of the YFN had not gone unnoticed, with six regional groups established and over 20 networking events held, attended by hundreds of young individuals.
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DHL Aviation standardises electronic communication via Descartes Systems DESCARTES Systems Group has announced that Brussels-based DHL Aviation has selected Descartes’ Global Air Messaging Gateway as its preferred platform to standardise electronic messaging with its global customer base, including major freight-forwarding organisations, other airlines, postal service operators and express courier companies, as well as ground handling agents (GHAs). DHL will also deploy Descartes Air Shipment Management (ASM) to simplify its electronic document management for air shipments, and Descartes AEI, an on-demand solution, to collect, prepare and submit the required advance electronic information for global air cargo security filings to a growing range of countries worldwide. Based upon the Descartes Global Logistics Network (Descartes GLN), Descartes’ Global Air Messaging Gateway solutions help carriers, like DHL Aviation, speed connectivity to trading partners, monitor shipment status in real-time,
and communicate timely status updates to forwarders, GHAs and consignees. An industry-leading solution for multimodal, inter-enterprise electronic data exchange, the Descartes GLN provides members with a wide array of value-added services that span the entire shipment management process including contract management, freight booking, shipment tracking and security filings. “We’re pleased to expand our relationship with DHL, adding DHL Aviation to the growing list of carriers using Descartes’ solutions to enhance air freight communication with supply chain participants,” said Jos Nuijten, vice-president of network integration strategy at Descartes. “For over 20 years, Descartes has helped carriers across the globe shift to more electronic processes and we remain committed to advancing solutions to further automate and improve communications in the air cargo industry.”
Trucking CDM platform welcomes Malaysia Airlines
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n July 1, Malaysia Airlines joined the Trucking CDM platform for its Amsterdam operation. The CDM’s objective – developed by CargoHub – is to provide transparency and predictability in the transport chain for air cargo industry stakeholders. Increasing the service level for transit cargo is the main reason for Malaysia Airlines starting to work with the Trucking CDM platform. “Improving the connection between incoming cargo and the arrival time of the truck is one of the aspects of that service,” says Keesjan de Vries, cargo manager Europe of Malaysia Airlines (right). “All parties involved should benefit from the CDM platform: reduction of waiting hours and less congestion on the roads around handlers’ warehouses in order to promise our customer that his cargo will arrive on time. It’s all about exchanging data which is enabled through the CDM platform. We are now starting at Schiphol Amsterdam but our aim is to participate at Brussels Airport as well.” Raoul Paul, founder of CargoHub is delighted welcoming yet another renowned airline to the Trucking CDM platform. He says: “In the CDM platform all truck movements are visible
to the handling agents and expected arrival times are continually updated. Predictability and transparency of trucking movements is necessary for all parties involved at the various airports in order to facilitate road transport of air cargo to its loading and unloading destinations as efficiently as possible. The more parties sharing their data on the CDM platform, the more benefits can be reached through the entire logistics chain.”
AFTER resuming flights on June 18 to domestic French destinations, Corsair has worked with the National Security Council Ivorian to recommence international flights to the Côte d’Ivoire, which started July 1. Corsair resumes its flights to Côte d’Ivoire during the week of July 6 with two rotations the first week. Then, from July 13, the company will serve Abidjan on the basis of three weekly flights, Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday with a gradual ramp-up, said the carrier.
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Softbox’s new ECO packaging solution SOFTBOX, a leading global innovator and provider of temperature control packaging solutions for the pharmaceutical, life science and cold chain logistic industries, has launched Tempcell ECO, a new curbside-recyclable temperature control parcel shipper. Tempcell ECO is made from 100% corrugated cardboard and utilises Softbox Thermaflute pat-
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ent-pending plastic-free insulation technology. Cardboard is used to create effective insulation layers that offer thermal efficiencies similar to those of traditional expanded polystyrene shippers, whilst being easily and globally recyclable. Once delivered to the end customer, it can be disposed of in either commercial or household curbside recycling bins, ready for collection by
the local authority. This ECO packaging solution is designed for the transportation of wide-stability temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical products and comes in a flat-packed format to help save space during delivery and storage. It is easy to assemble and recycle once used. Kevin Valentine, CEO of Softbox, said: “Amidst a growing sustainability movement to reduce waste, reuse, recycle and recover, there is a need for a TCP solution that uses less material in design and manufacture and does not require any specialist recycling. “Tempcel ECO is made from corrugated cardboard – it can be collected and recycled by your
local authority while also providing qualified temperature control.” Softbox actively considers its own impact on the environment. As part of this, it is committed to planting a tree for every 10 Tempcell ECO products sold in the US, having already donated enough funds to American Forests to plant over 20,000 trees in Q1 2020. Last month, Tempcell ECO was recognised by the Fast Company’s World Changing Ideas Awards 2020 and received an Honorary Mention for General Excellence. The awards recognise the work of companies that pursue innovation for the good of society and the planet.
Increased demand for RAP e2 when air cargo space plummets
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he pandemic caused by the virus COVID-19 has led to a severe shortage of available airfreight capacity. Many airlines have cancelled almost all international passenger flights, which has led to a decrease of air cargo space by 90%. Logistics departments at pharmaceutical companies are now racing to find new solutions for shipping their products. As companies try to maximise load volume efficiency, Envirotainer has noticed a significant increased demand for the large RAP e2 container. “We see a strong increase in demand for all units since the COVID-19 pandemic started, especially for our RAP e2. Pharma companies
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want to get as much product on each plane as possible and for that the RAP e2 is unmatched,” says Cihan Likogullari, global key account manager at Envirotainer. One of Envirotainer’s clients needed to ship a large volume of life-saving pharmaceuticals. Their only option in the current situation was to charter an aircraft. The charter cost was well over $1 million. Envirotainer’s RAP e2 would load more than twice as much product in the cargo belly compared to the passive units. Instead, the choice was between large active units such as RAP e2, designed to fit five EU pallets, and large passive units, with space for two EU pallets.
NEWS TRADEFINDER Airlines
Cargo in the blood
Turkey
Audrey Serdjebi, founder & CEO, Lemon Queen
T
his week, I wanted to get back to the future, and Luc is its perfect embodiment. Luc is rekindling the heritage that belongs to us all as air freight stakeholders by putting our roots at the heart of our future. It’s just the kind of beautiful story of air freight that I love. But this one is particularly dear to me because Luc is one of the challengers who stood out in the first NexGenLeaders challenge. In 2019, Luc Larrieu-Sans presented his project, Leg2. com: “A consultancy and IT solutions firm that aims to bring innovation to the oldest and most traditional aspect of air freight: mail.” As Luc says, “mail needs experts just as much as other special products do. Noone would dream of going without experts in DGR, AVI or Pharma.” And with good reason! Luc knows what he’s talking about. He fell into the industry from an early age: “it’s an everyday family story of a passionate father who encouraged his son to spend his summers working in warehouses and back offices. The smell of kerosene, the red carbon copies of the AWBs, and the noise of dot-matrix printers did the rest.” And after that, like many of us, he fell in love with cargo: “You can’t simply reduce freight to goods that move from one point to another. It’s the smell of jasmine freshly unloaded from Tunisia, the feeling of pride at being an essential link in the global economy, and the knowledge that you’re sharing identical challenges and issues in common with thousands of people all over the world”. And then, says Luc, he was “was lucky enough to spend a third of my career working at an airline and another in the world of post.” Leg2.com is the next big step, and one that he’s been preparing for three years now. “To be precise, since 16 March 2016. I was speaking at a conference, explaining just how much postal systems and airlines needed each other, despite the fact that they had enormous difficulties understanding one another.” When something so obvious knocks at your door, you let it in... And Luc has produced the goods. What I like about his project is his love for mail. It’s a passion for him. I’ve always had a soft spot for stories about love – and Luc talks about post as the oldest love story in our industry. “Mail shipments aren’t just cargo – they’re a legacy.
“A legacy of commercial aviation, which really took off as a result of post, a legacy of the Aéropostale pioneers, who risked – or lost – their lives to ship mail, and a legacy of the passions of the men and women who used letters to bring themselves closer together.” Luc’s project aims to maintain this link between people all over the world. “Aviation and mail had a shared destiny to live – it was simply not possible for them not to come together.” Luc’s in-depth expertise of mail products, his ingenuity, and his love of all things postal mean he’s now able to offer the industry a tailor-made service. And while the postal sector continues to be governed by the Universal Postal Union Convention, cargo is subject to its own rules. Airlines’ mail specialists have disappeared, and postal product specialists are almost non-existent. And it’s clear that “the recent expansion in e-commerce has created the need to align mail and air freight as much as possible – at a time where both sides lack the key skills.” I love Luc’s optimism – and his way of seeing the crisis as a driving force for creation is clearly key: “There’s only one way of emerging from this: keeping our positivity and imagination to transform this crisis into new opportunities. Mail is a part of this. With the explosion in e-commerce – a trend that has continued in recent months – it has absolutely huge potential. Postal services continue to have very high expectations in terms of air transport, and there are much better ways of meeting those expectations than are currently in place.” As a forward-looking businessman who knew just how to make an avant-garde company out of our history, Luc is, to my mind, the perfect embodiment of the new talents to whom our industry is opening its arms. And I think it’s fantastic! Leg2.com is “the only company that allows bridges to be built between the two interdependent worlds of mail and air transport. They conquered the skies together, but they haven’t grown in the same way or at the same pace, to the point where each knows almost nothing about the other. It’s time to bring them back together.” I really like love stories – and our industry truly is the sweetest of muses...
Freight Forwarders Hong Kong
Freight Forwarders USA
Lemon Queen is an airfreight industry public relations and communications agency in Paris, France aircargoweek.com 07_ 6 July 2020.indd 1
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