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The weekly newspaper for air cargo professionals No. 1,039

Remembering Ian.

RiverOak acquires Manston

8 July 2019

An appreciation of IMJ, ACW’s longest-serving editor

tone Hill Park has sold its interests in the defunct Manston Airport site to RiverOak Strategic Partners. Contracts for the former airport, which closed in May 2014 were exchanged on 2 July and completion of the purchase is expected to take place early this week. The site is subject to a Development Consent Order, examining RiverOak’s proposals to reopen Manston as a freight hub. As the new owners, RiverOak will be able to carry out survey work vital to the conclusion of the DCO process. Stone Hill has agreed to withdraw its objection to the DCO as well as two outstanding planning applications for housing and mixed use on Manston, and no longer participate in the Local Plan Enquiry. George Yerrall, a director of RiverOak Strategic Partners says: “It has been a long process with SHP and we felt the time had come for the parties to come together to negotiate a

settlement of the ownership issues. We now look forward to focusing on securing development consent and making rapid progress towards the re-opening of Manston with all the economic and other benefits we believe it will bring to Thanet and East Kent.” Since Manston closed in May 2014, there has been a strong local campaign to reopen the airport, with RiverOak Investment Corp offering to act as an indemnity partner to fund a compulsory purchase order by Thanet District Council. The compulsory purchase order was rejected due to the US investment firm not providing the required information. In December 2015, RiverOak announced it would launch a development consent order to reopen the airport. In March 2017, RiverOak Strategic Partners was established to manage the DCO of Manston, with the intention of making the Kent airport an international freight hub.

Flynn to retire as Atlas Air CEO as Dietrich takes over LEADERSHIP will be changing at Atlas Air next year, with William Flynn becoming chairman of the board and John Dietrich filling the role of CEO. After 13 years, Flynn will retire on 1 January 2020 and become chairman of the board, while executive vice president and chief operating officer Dietrich will become president and COO with immediate effect, retaining presidency when he assumes the role of chief executive officer. Chairman of the board Robert Agnew will become the board’s lead independent director on 1 January. Agnew says the leadership tran-

sition plan will ensure continued success in the future, saying: “Given John’s depth of experience and proven track record of performance, we are confident that he is uniquely suited to take on the chief executive officer role and lead Atlas into its next growth phase.” He also thanked Flynn for his leadership, saying he has built a more dynamic and profitable company. Agnew says: “Under his leadership, we have grown our fleet, diversified our service offerings, broadened our customer base, and developed

Pages 6 & 7

INSIDE CARGO CITY PASSES MILESTONE

THE larger warehouse building at BUD Cargo City has been structurally completed, and a topping out ceremony was held to mark the occasion. ... PAGE 2

LATAM FLIES TO COPENHAGEN

LATAM Cargo has become the first cargo airline to offer direct services between Scandinavia and Latin America, with flights to Copenhagen ... PAGE 4 THE MILLION DOLLAR HOLE

AIRCRAFT owners or lessors turn to Elbe Flugzeugwerke (EFW), the joint venture between ST Engineering Aerospace and Airbus, when ... PAGE 8

ETIHAD HAS A CLEAR VISION

a world-class team of talented, customer-focused employees. Bill is well-prepared to have a significant impact as chairman of the board.” Flynn says: “It has been a great privilege to lead the company through

this period of tremendous growth, and strengthen our position as a leader in global aviation outsourcing. I am proud of our dedicated and experienced employees, and the business we have built as a team.”

ROLLING out its new strategy meant 2018 was the best year in Etihad Cargo’s history, according to managing director Abdulla Mohamed Shadid ... PAGE 10

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BUD Cargo City passes major milestone

he larger warehouse building at Budapest Airport’s BUD Cargo City has been structurally completed, and a topping out ceremony was held to mark the occasion. Nine months after the start of construction, the structure has been completed and now the interior will be fitted out before it is due to be handed over at the end of the year. To mark the occasion, contractor Merkbau and Budapest Airport held a joint ceremony, where the airport’s chief property and cargo officer spoke about the role of airfreight. René Droese says: “The current international trade conflicts undoubtedly pose challenges for the representatives of the industry, but we are confident, as the volume of air cargo handled by Budapest Airport is characterised by stability in 2019. We believe that with all efforts and steps to create an ideal home for air cargo at BUD, we will attract much more cargo from our catchment zone in the future than today.” The logistics base under construction on the Vecsés side of the airport will consist of a 21,600 sq m warehouse hall and office section, another 11,200 sq m close by for forwarders and a 32,000 sq m concrete apron.

The apron will provide additional parking positions for the simultaneous handling of two Boeing 747-8 Freighters. The building is expected to be completed by the end of the year at a cost of €50 million, financed by Budapest Airport from its own resources.

Swissport expands in Vienna SWISSPORT International has opened its second air cargo warehouse at Vienna International Airport, bringing its total space to 7,000 sq m. The Swissport operated facility, which has a surface area of 2,100 sq m, has direct airside access, allowing shipments to be transported to and from the aircraft much faster than before. Swissport is one of two air cargo handlers at Vienna airport who can provide director access to the airport apron. Willy Ruf, senior vice president Central Europe of Swissport says: “We are pleased to be able to offer our clients even shorter transit times for their shipments going through Vienna. The opening of the new warehouse is another step to meet our strategic goal of offering direct airside access at each of the 15 airports at which we offer cargo services in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.”

Old News

he 35th Edward Warner award, the highest honour in the world of civil aviation, has been conferred by the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) on Petro Vasilyevich Balabuyev. The award was given to the Ukrainian in recognition of his eminent contribution to international civil aviation through his work as an aircraft designer. Dr Assad Kotaite, ICAO president, presented

ACW 8 JULY 2019

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The facility was built by Vienna airport’s operator, Flughafen Wien, and Swissport has entered into a long-term lease agreement. As part of the arrangement, Swissport has relocated its cargo documentation services to new offices in the building, offering clients a one-stop service.

Antonov’s designer receives 2001 Edward Warner award 8 October 2001 the award on the opening day of the 33rd session of the ICAO assembly. Kotaite cited Balabuyev’s role in the development of the AN-22, the world’s first widebody aircraft, the AN-72 and AN-74 designed to perform short take-offs and landings from unpaved runways, the AN-124, capable of transporting large-scale cargo with a mass of up to 150 tonnes and the AN-225, with a 250tonne capacity, maximum take-off weight of 600 tonnes.

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ACWBITES AIRFREIGHT throughput declined 5% at Singapore Changi Airport in May to 172,000 tonnes, bringing the total for the year to 820,000 tonnes, down 5.9% on 2018. THE St. John’s International Airport Authority (SJIAA) in Canada board of directors has named Peter Avery as chief executive officer. The executive leader and professional engineer has been with SJIAA for 14 years as director of infrastructure and most recently director of infrastructure and planning. OSCAR de Bok has been appointed to the supervisory board of Deutsche Post, succeeding John Gilbert from 1 October, who has left for personal reasons. TURKISH Airlines took delivery of its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on 26 June. The aircraft will operate nonstop international routes such as Atlanta.

LATAM Cargo adds Copenhagen to freighter network LATAM Cargo has become the first cargo airline to offer direct services between Scandinavia and Latin America with flights to Copenhagen, Denmark. The Boeing 767-300F route will cut transit times by up to 48 hours, and will transport an estimated 20-25 tonnes on each weekly flight. The round-trip increases connections to between Scandinavia and different Latin American markets with an outbound service including Copenhagen, Denmark; Viracopos, Brazil; Montevideo, Uruguay; Santiago, Chile; and Quito, Ecuador. The route will be via Miami, USA; Brussels, Belgium and then back to Copenhagen. The main Scandinavian industries to benefit from the route are pharmaceutical companies, car makers and the oil and

paper sectors, though LATAM Cargo says shortterm machinery and other businesses are expected to play a major role. Gabriel Oliva, senior vice president for North America, Europe and Asia for LATAM Cargo says: “The size and strength of our network are the pillars that make us a strategic partner for our customers in providing the support needed to take their shipments to their final destinations in less time.” Kaspar Andreas Nissen, air cargo specialist at Copenhagen Airports says: “Adding a direct link is not only important to the

handling and shipping of pharmaceutical products, it is equally important to the food ingredients industry and automotive parts industry which also requires stringent and efficient transportation.”

Dachser India gains CEIV Pharma DACHSER India has been awarded IATA CEIV Pharma certification for its Mumbai and Hyderabad branches, making it one of the few accredited companies in India. Huned Gandhi, managing director of Dachser Air & Sea Logistics for the Indian Subcontinent says: “Obtaining the CEIV Pharma certification is an important milestone for Dachser India. It emphasises our continued focus for providing highly reliable logistic services to our valued

customers in the LSH (life science and healthcare) segment.” Vinoop Goel, regional director for airports and external relations – Asia Pacific for IATA says: “With India being a major supplier of pharmaceutical products, Dachser India’s CEIV Pharma certification will give pharmaceutical companies confidence and assurance that their cold-chain logistics requirements are being met.”

SWISS WorldCargo has approved the use of CSafe RAP active containers. Susanne Wellauer, head of pharmaceuticals and healthcare vertical industry management at Swiss WorldCargo says: “Our partnership underscores not only a continued focus on quality in shipping temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical goods worldwide every day, but also

our dedication to finding the best solutions for doing so.” Jeff Pepperworth, CEO of CSafe Global says: “Adding Swiss WorldCargo to our directory of airline partners approved to fly the CSafe RAP certainly extends our ability to serve more life-science customers with this state-of-the-art air cargo container solution.”

Swiss WorldCargo approves use of CSafe RAP

Black rhino dies on flight to Tanzania ZAMBEZI the black rhino has died while being transported from the UK to Tanzania, where he was due to help re-populate the Serengeti. The 17-year-old male from Port Lympne Reserve in Hythe, Kent was being transported from Lydd Airport in an Antonov 74 when he died for unknown reasons. He was being accompanied by a team from the Grumeti Fund Reserve alongside one of his keepers and a vet from Africa. The Aspinall Foundation, the British charity promoting wildlife conservation operator of Port Lympne Wild Animal Park and Howletts Wild Animal Park says it has successfully moved eight black rhinos to Africa, which has resulted

ACW 8 JULY 2019

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in a least 15 calves in 24 years. Damian Aspinall, chairman of The Aspinall Foundation says: “Like everyone at The Aspinall Foundation, I am shocked and devastated by the loss.” He says the cause of death is not known but a full examination and enquiry will be carried out to see if there are lessons to be learnt. Aspinall says the work in breeding critically endangered species and returning as many to protected areas in the wild will continue. He says: “It is my firm belief that these animals do not belong in captivity, our long-term goal is to see all zoos phased out or, if they’re not, to see them truly doing conservation work.”

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NEWS A

an loved Wales and all things Welsh, thanks to his family roots in the principality. It was fitting for a man whose favourite quote was “I have not begun to fight,” from John Paul Jones of Led Zepplin, that, unbidden, words from the great Welshman Dylan Thomas came to mind to those who visited Ian on his deathbed: “Do not go gentle into that good night/ Rage, rage against the dying of the light.” Not that his last days saw Ian descend into self-pity or introspection. He was as generous to visitors to his bedside as he had been welcoming throughout his working life, never descending to self-pity or recrimination. Since his death last month, appreciation has come from those that Ian wrote about and those he helped in their writing careers. One of the first to show an appreciation was Ram Menen, a founding member of The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) and divisional senior vice president for Emirates SkyCargo for three decades. He said: “We have all lost a good friend and the industry has lost a great journalist. I have known him for decades, as I recall, just before he took on the role of the editor at the start of the publication. He was always very genuine and a true gentleman. “I always enjoyed my interaction with him, both on and off work-related activities. He was a very hard working journalist; however, he always found time to have a quick beverage with me and share some intellectual discussions. I always enjoyed my interviews with him as he really had an in-depth knowledge of the industry and was never worried about misquotations from him.

THE NEWS OF HIS PREMATURE PASSING HAS SHOCKED AND DEEPLY SADDENED ALL WHO KNEW HIM “It was always great to see him on Facebook enjoying his life in retirement with Anne. We have all lost a good friend and the industry has lost a great journalist.” Ian joined A-Z Group as news editor of Air Cargo Week between the launch issue of May1998 and regular publishing of the newspaper in September that year. Working under the second ACW editor, Martin Roebuck, Ian began to raise his profile in the industry, spreading the brand of the newly-launched newspaper and cultivating the contacts that would put the newspaper in a strong position against its well-established incumbent rival, Air Cargo News. After the sudden departure of Roebuck in

ACW 8 JULY 2019

Ian Martin Jones 1947 - 2

Ian’s first front page 14/12/98

First page as editor 10/01/00

thoughts about returning it to his design and content ideas.”

bered as the true gentleman who performed a difficult job while still making a friend of everyone he encountered.” Fellow airfreight industry PR, Jamie Roche,

Into the good night

Ian in 1

948

December 1998, Ian stepped up to take the editor’s role while remaining news editor. He was confirmed in position as editor in January 2000 after a year.

Do not go gentle

Present editor ACW James Graham, who also served under launch editor, Andrew J Baker, Roebuck and Ian as reporter, recalls the moment that he announced his promotion to the role of editor. Graham says: “Ian came into the office carrying a piece of paper, presumably his contract, uttering the historical reference: ‘I have a piece of paper in my hand’. “Working with Ian on the early era of Air Cargo Week was fun and something I cherish. In coming back 20 years after I was let go following 9/11, I attempted to return the newspaper to the values that Ian had started on his eventual journey to editing 666 issues in the 13 years he was here. “I have not reached the ton but Ian was very appreciative of the changes I had made and my

Leading airfreight and transport public relations veteran Derek Jones had a long relationship with Ian, promoting the various airfreight clients to the newspaper. Jones says: “I knew Ian for around 30 years, in his various editorial posts, and as a freelancer. I always found him friendly, approachable, thorough in his research and accurate in his reporting. But, more than that, he was always good-humoured, patient and gentlemanly – even when he was suffering the same tight deadlines to which we are all slaves in the logistics media business. In short, he was a true professional, and an ambassador for whatever publication he represented. “My clients all liked him, and always commented on what a nice chap he was, and how well he knew his subject matter. And my many other industry friends and associates also regarded him in the highest esteem: that’s how he could always seem to get through so easily to the top people in our business, even where others struggled.” He continued: “I knew and worked with Ian’s many staff over all those years, too; and I know what deep respect and affection they hold for him. I think we all regarded Ian as a kind of father-figure who was – even when much younger – somehow wise beyond his years. “In all those years I knew and worked with Ian, I never heard anyone – employee, industry contact or competitor – speak of him in less than the highest terms. The news of his premature passing has shocked and deeply saddened all who knew him, including myself. He’s a great loss to our industry - but he’ll be rightly remem-

agreed: “Ian was an accomplished and highly respected journalist and editor. He honed his skills in the national press in Fleet Street before seamlessly transitioning into the world of B2B media, recognising the need to not only report the latest news to his global air cargo audience but also a responsibility to promote the industry and encourage its growth, which he did successfully over so many years. “I will always remember his welcoming smile and positivity whenever we met and his love of a good story. Most of all, Ian was just a lovely, decent man who excelled at his job and made friends wherever he went.

WE HAVE ALL LOST A GOOD FRIEND AND THE INDUSTRY HAS LOST A GREAT JOURNALIST Ian in 2018 with Des Vertannes aircargoweek.com

7 - 2019 - An Appreciation

The life of IMJ

IAN was born in Trowbridge, Wiltshire to Evan and Margaret Jones. He had one sister, Dr Margaret, who survives him. A great lover of oysters and Scandi Noir tv drama, Ian relished the travel opportunities provided by his time as editor of ACW. As well as oysters and seafood, Ian loved everything Greek: this was most clear in the wedding reception organised for his and Anne’s wedding where a Greek banquet was put on. All plates survived the dinner. In his leisure time, Ian enjoyed gardening, crossword puzzles, Suduko and early rock and roll, and the music of Bo Diddley. He also indulged in the writing of novels, none published, as an outlet for a more creative writing activity. His television tastes were very much detec-

An ACF issue 2006

“His inspiration will doubtless live on in the many journalists and industry colleagues who had the pleasure to work with him and to learn from him.” Airfreight consultant Roger Kagan echoed Jones’s comments. It was “sad news, and as one in freight I kept “falling over him”. I recall him very well at Handy Shipping amongst others.”

Rage, rage

When Air Cargo Week emerged in the 1990s, Des Vertannes, formerly of IATA, Etihad and GulfAir Cargo recalls his initial thought was the publication would struggle to maintain its weekly schedule. He says: “Its competitors were twice monthly or monthly with the only weekly paper being a multimodal journal largely focused on ocean and road freight with minimal air cargo content. However when I first met Ian he was calm, assured, quietly confident of his plans and simply professional in approach and through his editorials. He probed and pressed for the right topics to print and headline and his reports gained credibility and broader geographical attention within a few years. “Ian was a wonderful human being, soft spoken, kind, patient but intolerant of those that let him down. I got to know Ian extremely well and he truly did everything he could to promote and extol the value of the air cargo industry.

“We shared a passion for the Algarve and the local Portuguese tinto, exchanging many stories and experiences mostly relating to venues for fine cuisine and particular wines. I was thrilled to see Ian last September at Emma Murray’s 10th anniversary celebration of her company and our last communication was when he was in hospital on 14 May planning a lunch at one of many pubs he knew in the ‘Fens’ with our wives. I will miss him as will the industry he served.. My thoughts are with Anne, his family and friends. Bless you IMJ and RIP friend.”

Against

Emma Murray, London-based industry PR recalls: “It feels as if it was only last week, but we are probably talking over two decades ago, that I found myself on a journalists’ airline junket, sitting on a coach in Shanghai next to the inimitable Ian Martin-Jones – as it turns out, our first of many trips together in the pursuit of an air cargo splash. “It was immediately apparent that he was fantastically good company, and also clear that he knew his job, and so, rookie as I was, I relaxed into spending time with him, enjoying the banter, whilst ruthlessly exploiting his knowledge and, let’s face it, copying his style. “I stole his calm and composed approach to the press conference situation. He would ask the question, and if the answer did

Staff memories of working with Ian

Megan Ramsey, ACW 2007-2012

fixture on Ian’s desk at the Air Cargo Week office was an enormous blue ceramic mug, continually refilled with coffee throughout the day. That mug of his, which must have held nearly a pint of liquid, was marked ‘Carpe diem’. It suited him well. He sparkled with energy, enthusiasm and wit, and loved to tell stories of the various adventures he had had during a lifetime of travelling the world. One year, after Air Cargo Europe in Munich, Ian took the ACW editorial team on a road trip around Bavaria. He organised everything and did all the driving, relishing his role as official tour guide. It was a wonderful way for all of us to wind down from the adrenaline rush of producing

daily newspapers at the exhibition and ACW awards. Those of us who worked for Ian always felt we were working with him. He won our respect and love by the genuine care he always showed for his team, as well as his professional dedication to quality. Whatever the pressures, he quietly got on with doing an excellent job. I have always been incredibly grateful for his guidance and encouragement in pursuing a career in journalism. He was an inspiring mentor, an excellent boss and a great friend.

During that time I found him to be very dedicated and a superb editor. He was totally professional at all times. I regarded Ian as a friend and valued work colleague. I remember on one business trip together to the Middle East in August. Ian loved being outside and even though the humidity levels were intense at that time of the year he insisted on us

not come, he would simply ask again, unphased and appearing slightly confused “Hugh Grant Style” - he would pursue that question until it was answered, or not, and proceed accordingly with his copy. “As time went by, I grew from cub reporter to launching a PR business - Ian was there at every step, encouraging and reassuring, and always with good humour.” She concludes: “Thank you, Ian, for everything you taught me, for being such great good fun, always, and for having faith, sometimes when others did not. A true gent and a pro, you will be sorely missed - for those of us who worked with you and knew you well, a privilege.

The dying of the light

Phillip Hastings, former ACW correspondent recalls: “I worked with IMJ for many years, both on Air Cargo Week and Heavy Lift & Project Forwarding International. “Few editors worked so conscientiously and put in as many hours to ensure their publication appeared on time and with good editorial content as Ian. “Yet even when under great pressure to meet a deadline, his dry sense of humour usually shone through, albeit it often laced with the healthy dose of cynicism which tends to come with the territory after decades of working as a journalist! A good man to work with and I will remember him with a smile.”

Mike Bryant, Deputy Editor ACW 2006-2012 s editor, Ian was my boss when I joined the Air Cargo Week team as deputy editor. It was very quickly apparent that he was a superb editor as well as a brilliant boss. He was a calm and reassuring presence in amongst the occasional tumult of a weekly publication, passing on his wealth of experience and his skills completely unselfishly. When under pressure, he never attempted to pass on any of the load, instead always keeping calm and ensuring that a high quality magazine was produced. And not once was it published late. He managed the responsibilities of running the editorial team without seemingly even thinking

about it – always a sure sign of somebody born to lead. Even during the long days of producing a daily event [newspaper] such as for the Air Cargo Europe or Air Cargo China exhibitions, for which 16-hour working days were the norm rather than the exception, his reassuring hand at the tiller meant that the work was done well, while making sure the job was always enjoyable. He will be greatly missed by all those who worked with him and by those who had the privilege of calling him their friend.

Alex Brown , Design & Production Manager, ACW 2008 to present

Richard Broom, Former ACW Sales Director worked with Ian Martin Jones for over fifteen years.

tive and crime fiction. This included Scandi Noir and, towards the end of his life, Breaking Bad. In later life, his wife Anne introduced him to opera, taking him to performances of the classics, such as Pucini’s Tosca and the Marriage of Figaro. Given his Welsh background, it comes as little surprise he had an interest in rugby while also being interested in cricket. Before marrying Anne, Ian had had a long relationship with Dorothy, who died in the mid-1990s. During his time at ACW, Ian found himself jetting off around the world on many occasions. Not surprisingly, this meant he met a number of celebrities on his travels. Among them were British politican Nigel Lawson and cricketer Mike Gatting. However the personality that Ian enjoyed meeting most was supermodel Claudia Schiffer.

eating our steaks outside rather than in the comfort of the air conditioned dining room. During the course of the meal we both were dripping with sweat and by the time the espressos came around at the end of the meal he could not stand it any longer. He threw himself into the fountain that was situated close to where we were eating and cooled off. Ian was a great guy and a very decent and

kind individual. We will miss him.

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had the pleasure of working with Ian for five years. During our time together working at Air Cargo Week we worked on hundreds of newspapers and magazines together. We went on various trips together, including Shanghai and Munich where we produced the ACW dailies. I had a lot of fond memories with Ian; I remember Ian organising a

chauffeur to bus us all around the sights of Shanghai which was amazing. This showing evident that he would always go out of his way for others. And he never expected anything in return. He will be greatly missed by me and so many others. A great loss to anyone that had the privilege of meeting

him. Rest in peace mate!

ACW 8 JULY 2019

FREIGHTER CONVERSIONS

Making a ‘million dollar’ cargo hole ,

The question – to convert or not to convert – might sound like it came from Shakespeare’s famous Hamlet but it really comes from a spreadsheet

ircraft owners or lessors turn to Elbe Flugzeugwerke (EFW), the joint venture between ST Engineering Aerospace and Airbus, when they have decided that a passenger aircraft can have a second life as a full freighter. According to Wolfgang Schmid, vice president sales and marketing for Airbus freighter conversions at EFW, the decision to convert reflects a low projected utilisation of the converted aircraft. He says there is a tipping point for an aircraft owner when they A330-300P2F in flight (rendering) have to decide whether is it worth getting two to three more years from an asset as a passenger and bellyhold aircraft or convert it for maindeck freight with a possible 10 to 15 further years of utilisation. He says: “The decision to convert is always about planned utilisation. If you consider using a freighter for 10 to 12 hours a day, you get a new aircraft. If you plan to use it for around two to three hour days, then a converted aircraft is best.” Schmid is part of the A321 and A320 P2F conversion programmes, launched in 2015, the result A330-300P2F interior of a collaboration between STEA, Airbus and EFW. STEA is responsible for the engineering development phase, up to the Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Airbus contributes to the program with Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) data and certification support, while EFW leads the overall programme and marketing and sales.

‘Million dollar’

An not entirely serious Schmid sometimes tells customers that “I sell a million dollar cargo hole.” He does not, of course, say this just for humour but to suggest after a significant conversion cost, often greater than the list price of the aircraft, a client gets an asset that will be creating revenue long after it would have done as a passenger aircraft. He says: “We cut a cargo door and fit it out as a freighter. We take a frame and replace floors and take out seats to make a cargo hole for them to fill.”

Vallair flies with EFW

At the start of 2018, EFW secured a launch contract from Vallair Solutions (Vallair) for its A321 passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversion solution. The Luxembourg-based aerospace company is to convert 10 A321-200 passenger aircraft to a 14-pallet cargo configuration for Vallair. The first aircraft was inducted in the last quarter of 2018, scheduled for redelivery by end of 2019. A typical conversion process takes around a year, says Schmid.

positions) and lower deck (10 container positions). With a generous payload-range capability that can carry up to 27.9 tones over 2,300 nautical miles, the A321P2F is the ideal narrow-body freighter aircraft for express domestic and regional operations. Other P2F solutions that STEA and EFW have in their family of Airbus freighters include the A330 which has two variants – the A330-200P2F and the larger A330-300P2F. EFW redelivered the first A330-300 freighter in December 2017 following the successful completion of test flights in October and awarding of the Supplemental Type Certificate by the European Aviation Safety Agency on spot in November that year.

Going green

Schmid does not make a great play of the green element of aircraft conversion but accepts that, while it is not the main intention to create a greener aviation world, in fact re-using a frame that would otherwise face disposal has a payback. “Often the low utilisation of these aircraft as freighters will mean fewer hours flight and the burning of less fuel over time,” he says. In his conversation with Air Cargo Week, Schmid was very upbeat and positive on EFW’s prospects. The company is working on the first fly-by-wire conversions and just 18 months ago, DHL Express became the first operator to take delivery of the A330-300 P2F (Passenger to Freighter) converted aircraft. This delivery, which took place at EFW’s freighter conversion facilities in Dresden, followed the successful completion of test flights in October and awarding of the Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in November. DHL Express has firm orders for eight A330-300P2F units in total, with additional options to receive another 10. “DHL Express is very excited to be bringing the first A330-300 P2F into commercial operation within our international air network,” said Geoff Kehr, SVP, global air fleet management, DHL Express. “The first aircraft is scheduled to strengthen our Asia Pacific air network, bringing added capacity and increased efficiency to a market where we are seeing dynamic express volume growth.” “We congratulate DHL on the delivery of its first A330-300P2F. We are confident that this new-generation and efficient mid-sized freighter will bring significant benefits to DHL’s international express operations,” Christopher Buckley, Airbus EVP sales A330-300P2F outside said at the time. “With its large internal volume and unbeatable economics, the There are six months upfront before undertaking the conversion getting the engineering for the specific aircraft ready before EFW A330-300P2F allows operators to step up capacity in markets where existing mid-sized freighters are becoming too small.” targets a four to five month workshop time. The A330P2F programme has two variants – the A330-200P2F Vallair had supported the A320 family and saw a huge potential in the A321 P2F, not only as a replacement of the B757F, but as a and the larger A330-300P2F. The latter is ideal for serving the international express B2B and e-commerce cargo markets, which key tool for the cargo industry to achieve the projected growth. The A321 P2F will be the first aircraft to introduce a container- typically have a higher volume and lower density. The aircraft can carry up to 62 metric tonnes over 3,650 nauised lower deck to the market segment of narrow body freighters: a significant game changer for any hub and spoke operation. The tical miles, while offering 20% more cargo volume and lower A321P2F conversion program is the first in its size category to cost-per-tonne than other available freighter aircraft types with offer containerised loading in both the main deck (14 container a similar range.

AEI adds STAECO as authorised conversion centre Miami, Florida-based Aeronautical Engineers, Inc. (AEI) has selected Taikoo (Shandong) Aircraft Engineering Company, STAECO, as an Authorized Conversion Centre. “As we gear up production for the B737-800SF programme, we needed to expand our conversion line capacity,” said Robert T. Convey, AEI senior vice president sales and marketing. “STAECO is perfectly situated to serve the broader Asia-Pacific region and is an expert in narrowbody maintenance and modifications with vast experience performing cargo conversions.” AEI has three active Authorized Conversion Centres including, Commercial Jet Inc, in Miami, Florida; Commercial Jet Services in Dothan, Alabama; and KF Aerospace in Kelowna, Canada.

ACW 8 JULY 2019

The moves follows the February granting of an FAA Supplemental Type Certificate (ST02690LA) for the passenger-to-freighter conversion of B737-800 aircraft. The prototype B737-800SF freighter conversion (MSN 29121) was completed in December yet experienced a delay in certification due to the partial government shutdown. By offering a broad product lineup, including the highly successful B737-400SF, the AEI’s B737- 800SF is the latest freighter offering which promises to deliver on AEI’s long-standing reputation for building rugged and reliable freighter conversions, at a price point that owners and operators can afford, all with a straightforward approach to business.

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“We believe the AEI B737-800SF will become the industry’s standard narrowbody freighter for the next 40 plus years,” explained Convey. “When compared to the B737-400SF, the B737-800SF has better fuel burn characteristics combined with a substantial increase in payload capability which will provide operators with improved operating economics.” The conversion incorporates a reinforced floor structure, a large 86” x 137” Main Cargo Door with a single vent door system, and a flexible Ancra Cargo Loading System. Additionally, the AEI B737-800SF includes a rigid 9g barrier, up to five supernumerary seats, a galley and full lavatory.

SAUDI ARABIA

Saudia Cargo wrestles with WWE equipment

Security training across airports

audia Cargo moved 175 tonnes of World Wrestling Entertainment equipment to Jeddah for the event at the King Abdullah Sports City on 7 June. The airline moved the WWE wrestling ring equipment that was forwarded by Sound Moves via a Boeing 747-8 Freighter and Boeing 777 Freighter from Maastricht, the Netherlands. Saudia Cargo provided special ground handling for the heavy loads at King Abdulaziz International Airport. The WWE Super Showdown was hosted in partnership with the Saudi General Sports Authority, and featured WWE superstars includ-

ing Roman Reigns, Undertaker, Kofi Kingston and Braun Strowman among others. The show was streamed live on WWE Network.

Saudi increases A320neo order

SAUDI Arabian Airlines has increased its Airbus A320neo Family order from 35 to as many as 100 aircraft, including 100 options. The order was announced at the Paris Air Show, and takes Saudia’s firm orders for

A320neos to 65, of which 15 are A321XLRs. The agreement was announced by His Excellency Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, director general of Saudi Arabian Airlines Corporation and Christian Scherer, chief commercial officer of Airbus. Saudia operates an Airbus fleet of 100 aircraft, consisting of A320ceos and A330ceos. The airline says the latest purchase is in line with the Group’s Transformation Program, which includes the establishment and growth of a dual-brand strategy of operating airlines catering to different customer segments in the Kingdom, the region and beyond.

IN May, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) conducted a training course in cooperation with the British Department for Transport focusing on cargo security over five days. The training course, which included several security agencies working at the airports aimed to improve the level of service at airports, raise the level of administrative and leadership skills, exchange experience and improve the performance and services provided. The course shed light on security procedures at airports and provide personnel with the expertise and ways of dealing with security equipment. It also provided staff with the latest security developments applied in international airports and keep them up to date with the latest specialised knowledge of solutions for

passenger and luggage screening. At the conclusion of the training sessions, the assistant to GACA president for aviation security, Mohammed Al Fawzan and the British Consulate to Saudi Arabia presented the certificate for the training sessions to the participants.

flynas to go further with A321XLRs SAUDI Arabian low-cost carrier, flynas signed a memorandum of understanding with Airbus for 10 A321XLRs at the Paris Air Show. The A321XLR is an evolution of the A321LR and from 2023, it will deliver a range of up to 4,700 nautical miles. The aircraft’s range means operators will be able to fly from India to Europe or China to Australia, and extend the reach of direct transatlantic flights. flynas also upgraded its order of 10 A320neos to A321neos. The airline operates a fleet of 30 A320ceos and two A320neos.

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ACW 8 JULY 2019

CARGO AIRLINE SURVEY

Etihad Cargo has a clear vision for the future

olling out its new strategy meant 2018 was the best year in Etihad Cargo’s history, according to managing director of cargo and logistics services, Abdulla Mohamed Shadid. Speaking to Air Cargo Week at air cargo Europe on 5 June, Shadid explained that Etihad Cargo has been implementing initiatives including reorganising the fleet, network, its proposition, digital and physical infrastructure. He says that all of these points helped Etihad Cargo close 2018 with its highest performance in the freighter fleet, profitability, aircraft utilisation and the mix of premium products. “I think it’s fair to say that that’s closed the best year ever, which obviously is a tough benchmark.” The fleet was transformed in 2018, with Shadid explaining that the airline asked what was its core fleet for the long term, resulting in the decision to remove the Airbus A330 Freighters from service and just focus on Boeing 777 Freighters. Etihad Cargo has five 777Fs. Having looked at the fleet, the next area to look at was the network and how to leverage the freighter fleet with passenger aircraft. About 70% of Etihad’s cargo is transported in the belly of passenger aircraft. Shadid says: “We’ve transformed the network. We went live with a new network in October last year, which focused on what we call core trade lanes. We had to define where we need to play, what’s Etihad’s strength.” Being based in Abu Dhabi, Etihad Cargo is in the centre of the Asia-Europe corridor, and even covers Asia – USA trade lanes. “We are right in the middle of that. That’s our core strength. We have a lot of shipments Shadid that come from the east, stop in Abu Dhabi and feed into our westbound aircraft and the other way round.” Some routes were dropped while new ones were opened, which Shadid says was all part of the strategy. The focus was on key markets such as China, India and Vietnam. Other bellyhold routes included Barcelona, Spain while Chinese routes have benefitted from the use of Boeing 787s. Shadid comments: “With that, it’s resulted in ending the year with probably the best network performance we’ve had. Combined with the fourth quarter it was good timing.” When looking at the commercial proposition, Shadid says it was important to integrate and get closer to the customer. He says this is more than filling capacity, it is about joint partnerships and longer term planning. As part of this, Etihad Cargo launched a global customer programme last month and revamped the loy-

alty programme. Shadid says: “These initiatives have helped gain trust in the customers to shift more of the work to us. With our slightly reduced capacity versus last year, we’re still able to see strong load factors.” Premium products including pharmaceuticals and equine shipments were a major area of focus. Etihad Cargo was the first airline in the Middle East to be IATA CEIV Pharma certified, covering both the airline and the terminal. Shadid believes this is a good example of Etihad Cargo’s commitment to upgrade physical infrastructure. Refurbishment work should keep the infrastructure adequate for five to six years, but Shadid says Etihad Cargo is looking a long way into the future to secure long-term growth for Abu Dhabi. He says: “We’re not going to wait until the 11th hour, we’ve already started working in parallel to plan the new home for Etihad Cargo, a state-of-the-art facility that should come online in the next three or four years. That will cater for growth for the next 50 years.” The largest single area of investment is digital infrastructure. October last year was the cross-over from the old legacy system to IBS’s iCargo system. Describing this as a “big leap”, Shadid says: “22% of our book-

ings are now online. We’re looking to digitise a large percentage through a direct system connectivity with our major customers. We’ve already done some successful pilots with DHL Express and Schenker using a freight forwarder messaging system to allow basic bookings from their own systems.” The next step from not needing to call Etihad Cargo, send an email or log onto the customer portal is API to make a seamless connection between systems. Shadid says this would allow Etihad Cargo to digitise more than two-thirds of business. “We will not look to invest heavily in new freighters and capacity, we can smartly grow our capacity. But what we will definitely invest in more and more is digitalisation. I think that’s an area where Etihad aspires to become one of the most digitised airlines.” Shadid is satisfied that this will put Etihad Cargo in a strong position in the future. He tells Air Cargo Week: “It is still a work in progress. A lot of it was accomplished in 2018 and I think it has set the foundations for 2019 where, when the market has slowed down and everyone is feeling the pinch, we’re not immune to that, but it’s positioned us to weather this, especially in the first quarter as we continue to roll out these important programmes. That’s part of the Etihad transformation. We’re looking to build a business that is sustainable in the long-term and not one that is there to take advantage of a peak or two.”

10 years of success for Cargolux Italia IN 10 years of operations, Cargolux Italia has become Italy’s number one cargo carrier, a position it will work hard to maintain in the future. The Italian subsidiary of Cargolux Group has four Boeing 747-400 Freighters operating on routes to North America, the Middle East and Asia Pacific from Milan Malpensa Airport. The airline registered a profitable year in 2018 with stable results, strengthening its position in markets including Japan, China and Hong Kong. Cargolux Italia tells Air Cargo Week: “Additional frequencies to Zhengzhou and New York were added to the schedule, and the company continued to serve all African destinations in the Group’s network, on behalf of Cargolux.” The beginning of 2019 was challenging, with the end of the peak season and Chinese New Year celebrations impacting volumes, along with issues looming on the horizon such as trade wars and Brexit. Despite the headwinds, Cargolux Italia says it remains optimistic about

ACW 8 JULY 2019

the year. Fashion remains one of the strongest commodities, with pharmaceutical and avionics also on the up. The automotive and perishable industries have remained strong. Cargolux Italia has noticed a growing interest in its portfolio of specialised products. The airline says: “These tailored solutions offer a wide range of customer handling services for sensitive, time-critical, off-size, and hazardous commodities, among other things. Last year, throughout the network there was a strong demand for automotive and live animal shipments, two items that fall under the scope of our tailored products.” Being based in Milan puts Cargolux Italia in a strong position. Milan is located in Italy’s economic heart and geographically, it is situated at the crossroads of northern and southern Europe. It also allows Cargolux Italia to have direct, local contact with the customers, allowing it to

provide tailored, customised services. The airline says: “Over the years, Milan-Malpensa has also developed into a significant transition platform and hub for cargo operations, establishing itself as the number one cargo airport in the country. Basing an all-cargo operation in such a location is of course a significant advantage for Cargolux Italia.”

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Cargolux Italia says its success is an example of the potential of Italy’s airfreight market. It says: “The growth of Milan Malpensa Airport is also a clear sign of the opportunity to increase the importance of Italy on the European scale. We need to promote our prime position and attract business from neighbouring countries beyond the scope of Southern Europe.”

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