AIR CARGO CHINA PREVIEW
Industry lands in Shanghai for Air Cargo China
T
he ever-popular biennial event, Air Cargo China is returning to the Shanghai New International Expo Centre between 16 and 18 May 2018. Air Cargo China is organised by Messe Muenchen and is an integral part of transport logistic China. At the last event in 2016, Air Cargo China occupied 5,000 square metres of exhibition space and welcomed 22,000 visitors from 65 countries. This year’s transport logistic China exhibition will once again showcase the entire value chain in one location, creating an environment to create new business relationships. China is a key market for the transport and logistics industry, as it is continuing to upgrade infrastructure including expanding airport facilities around the country. Messe Muenchen say
this is the perfect time to gain a foothold in the market and build on existing contacts, urging companies to “take advantage of this unique opportunity”. The conference will include the ever-popular Air Cargo China Forum.
The Air Cargo China forum will return with industry professionals giving their opinions on various topics. Technology and collaboration will be the focus of this year’s event, with discussions being moderated by MARESCH owner and managing director, Bernd Maresch on each day in meeting room N2-M42.
Is blockchain the answer?
The first session on 16 May, “Blockchain Technology – The Ultimate Way to Increase Transparency, Data Security and Efficiency within Air Cargo?” will discuss the value of blockchain, see some of the first results and find out what skills will be needed from employees in the air cargo industry to manage the technology. The industry longs for real-time information and transparency, along with reducing paperwork, but it remains to be seen whether blockchain is right for air cargo. The first session takes place between 10.30 and 12.00pm on the Wednesday. He will be joined by Lufthansa Cargo head of digital transformation, Boris Huske; Jettainer managing director, Carsten Hernig; Tongji SEM professor of global business and strategy, Ulf Henning Richter; and Brussels Airport Company cargo business development manager, Sara Van Gelder.
Making the right connections
“Interconnectedness” will be the word of the second session on 17 May, where the potential of the Internet of Things (IoT) will be discussed to help optimise fleets and warehouse management, as will the potential of steering drones over IoT technology. Maresch will be joined by ECS Group CEO, Adrien Thominet; Lufthansa Cargo chief commercial officer, Dr Alexis von Hoensbroech; Ranger Aerospace CEO and founder, Steve Townes; IATA regional cargo manager, Lind-
8
ACW 7 may 2018
aircargoweek.com
sey Niu; and Turkish Airlines chief of cargo, Turhan Ozen for the session titled “Futurama – The Power of the Internet and Its Resulting IoT Technology is Shaping the Future of the Air Cargo World. Curse and Blessing at the Same Time?” The panellists will also discuss the future of drones and how future cargo air vehicles could affect the industry. They will also ask how the industry’s mindset needs to change and whether drone technology will create a more efficient, safer and transparent world.
Collaboration
Meeting customer expectations can be challenging, but if supply chain partners can collaborate and work together they can share knowledge and improve the services they offer. Community and interest groups have been established, particularly focusing on premium products including pharmaceuticals. For the final session on 18 May, Maresch will be joined by Swiss WorldCargo head of business development and customer experience, Andres Perez; Qatar Airways Cargo senior manager for cargo products, David Beecham; Miami-Dade Aviation Department section chief – aviation marketing, Jimmy Nares; Changi Airport associate general manager – cargo & logistics, Jaisey Yip; Brussels Airport Company head of cargo & logistics, Steven Polmans who is also TIACA vice chairman; and Turkish Cargo special cargo manager, Bahadir Buyukkaymaz. The session, “Collaborations along the Supply Chain and the Rise of Air Cargo Communities: Capable of Meeting the Ever-Rising Transport Needs of Perishables and Pharmaceuticals?” will debate implementing regulations and who resources get allocated. Important questions will be raised about whether it is worth the effort, whether it causes greater fragmentation of the air cargo industry, how to promote real value to promote and solve issues and what is the best way to go.