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Drone Delivery Canada reveals its Robin XL with automatic cargo deployment capabilities
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rone Delivery Canada (DDC) will begin testing of its Robin XL (Robin). The Robin has a lifting capability of 25 lbs of payload, a travel range of 60 km and is designed for harsher climates. It is larger than DDC’s Sparrow cargo delivery drone. The Robin has an electric power plant. The Robin is engineered for harsher environments, heavier wind capability and colder temperatures than the Sparrow. “Our engineering team has been working alongside various commercial partners and clients to develop the Robin to satisfy their commercial requirements,” stated Paul Di Benedetto, CTO at Drone Delivery Canada. “We are very excited to commence
flights with the Robin as our technology continues to evolve to address the requirements of our customers around the globe,” added Di Benedetto. The Robin XL will also feature the option to have automatic cargo deployment, no longer requiring a handler to remove the cargo upon arrival. With this automated payload release option, the Robin will be able to automatically release the cargo at its pre-defined drop off location and return to its originating point. The requirement for a cargo handler at the receiving side will no longer be required with this cargo deployment system. The Robin will begin commercial testing in southern Ontario and the company looks to announce commercial routes for the Robin as early as Q2, 2020.
Al-Saleh will step down as CEO of Agility Global Integrated Logistics ...
AFTER 13 years as CEO and 22 years at Agility, Essa Al-Saleh will be step down from position of CEO of Global Integrated Logistics. “Essa’s legacy is spearheading 40+ acquisitions and integrating these businesses into a single network of more than 18,000 employees, operating in 100+ countries, and contributing near $4 billion in revenue. Essa is a true leader: he built a strong company culture while driving consistent improvement in growth and profitability. He leaves Agility GIL in a position of strength,” said Tarek Sultan, Agility vice-chairman and CEO. Al-Saleh will be succeeded by industry veteran Chris Price, who currently heads Agility’s nearly $1.5 billion Asia Pacific logistics business and has been with the company for thirty-six years. He will become GIL CEO on May 1.
... as Hete retires as ATSG CEO
JOE Hete is to retire as CEO of Wilmington Air Transport Service Group (ATSG), the aircraft leasing and air transport service company, but is expected to stay on the board of directors with probable election as chairman of the board. He leaves the position after seven years. Rich Corrado will continue his current position of president, as well as taking Hete’s place as CEO. NORWEGIAN has maintained its leadership position as the largest foreign airline in New York City for 2019, after surpassing Air Canada in February 2019, according to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s (PANYNJ) year-end traffic statistics. The airline currently offers eight nonstop routes from JFK airport to Europe.
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ACW 9 MARCH 2020
aircargoweek.com
Freight forwarders urge common sense in UK-EU future relationship talks
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head of the first formal meeting for the negotiation of the future relationship between the UK and the EU, Robert Keen, the director general of the British International Freight Association said that both sides should do everything they can to achieve a free-trade agreement with zero tariffs and zero quotas. Keen said: “As a trade association that represents companies that handle the majority of the UK’s visible trade, we recognise that the UK and EU have now revealed their hands. “Common sense and compromise will be needed to avoid a no-deal scenario at the end of 2020, and every effort should be made to ensure that trade between the UK and the EU will be done across borders that are as frictionless as possible with our members hands not tied by costly red tape and over complex customs arrangements. “BIFA has always stated its belief that a nodeal scenario would be the worst outcome, as it is likely to increase trade barriers and impose significant restrictions on the exchange of goods between the EU and the UK.”