Payload Asia | January-February 2025

Sustainable Aviation EMERGING TRENDS IN

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EDITOR’S NOTE

Dear Reader,

As the air cargo and logistics industry evolves, sustainability remains at the forefront of every conversation. From reducing carbon emissions to optimising supply chains for a greener future, the momentum towards sustainable aviation is stronger than ever.

In this issue of Payload Asia, we spotlight industry leaders and innovators who are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. In our C-Suite section, we bring you exclusive insights from The International Air Cargo Association’s Director General, Glyn Hughes where he discusses their vision for a more sustainable and digitally connected air cargo community.

Neste, a global leader in renewable fuels, provides insights on how they are powering a sustainable future with innovative solutions that are reshaping the aviation fuel landscape.

Meanwhile, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol shares its journey toward becoming one of Europe’s most sustainable airports, focusing on operational efficiency and community engagement to reduce its carbon footprint.

On the technology front, Kale Logistics discusses how digital solutions are playing a pivotal role in optimising cargo handling and streamlining processes, paving the way for more efficient and eco-friendly logistics operations.

This issue reflects our commitment to bringing you stories that matter—stories that not only showcase innovation but also inspire the air cargo and logistics community to strive for a more sustainable future.

Warm regards,

Eugenio

Chief Editor

Monina

All Nippon Airways first in Japan to achieve IATA CEIV Lithium Batteries certification

Emirates SkyCargo heads into 2025 with a 15% increase in cargo capacity to meet surging global demand

Etihad Cargo operates over 300 flights from Ezhou to Abu Dhabi

Saudia Cargo achieves strong

Singapore Airlines Group and Aether Fuels sign MOU for sustainable aviation fuel

Hong Kong Air Cargo launches flights to Glasgow Prestwick Airport

Vietjet announces partnership with OpenAirlines to enhance fuel efficiency with AI-driven optimisation

Cathay Cargo becomes first carrier to exchange shipment information using IATA’s ONE Record data protocol with forwarders in everyday usage

Turkish Cargo makes eBookings more efficient and flexible for customers through direct data connection to CargoWise

Korean Air Cargo and Vienna Airport extend cooperation in cargo handling

Brussels Airport records 23.6 million passengers; 733,000 tonnes of cargo in 2024

HKIA air traffic grows robustly in 2024

2024 marks record air cargo year for Vienna Airport

Changi Airport reports handling 67.7 million passengers in 2024

Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport recognised by IATA for pharma handling excellence

Air India extends SATS and WFS partnership with 14 new cargo and ground handling contracts across global networks

Lufthansa Group awards Swissport with ground handling contract at London Heathrow

Swissport takes over as new ground handler at Frankfurt Airport

Asia Airfreight Terminal and SATS HK forge a strategic partnership with DHL

Atlas Air signs MOU with SATS and Worldwide Flight Services to expand global cooperation

DB Schenker launches Ezhou-Frankfurt air cargo route, strengthening Sino-Europe aviation logistics network

DANX Carousel acquires German timecritical expert LPR as part of ongoing European growth

deugro USA expands by opening a further warehouse facility

DHL Freight officially inaugurates its new logistics terminal in Berlin

Dachser and Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft expand research partnership

New Carousel Logistics Birmingham Airport facility reduces delivery times and carbon emissions

Schiphol

J&T Express reports 32.5% parcel volume growth in Q4 2024, Southeast Asia market surged by over 60%

FedEx expands International Connect Plus service to Singapore, boosting growth opportunities for local businesses

New UPS flight between France and Hong Kong to support growing exports

HAECO extends line maintenance partnership with EVA Air in Hong Kong

GA Telesis Engine Services (GATES) achieves Malaysian CAAM certification, strengthening global jet engine MRO leadership

ST Engineering secures contracts with major Middle Eastern operators for CFM567B and LEAP-1A engine maintenance

cargo.one offers CMA CGM AIR CARGO capacity, boosting the airline’s digital reach and market responsiveness

Norwegian Cargo selects WebCargo by Freightos for first foray into digital air cargo booking integration

Riege Software partners with CargoAi to expand Scope’s digital air freight capabilities

China Cargo Airlines appoints Tam Group as GSSA in the Philippines

Thai VietJet partners with ECS Group’s AVS GSA Thailand to boost cargo operations on Bangkok-Mumbai route

Astral Aviation appoints Network Aviation Group and HIT Cargo Asia as General Sales Agents for key global markets

Cathay Pacific and SITA announce agreement to expand network connectivity across 51 global airports

Africa’s first Airport Cargo Community System to be developed by Kale Logistics Solutions

Qatar Airways Cargo and Unilode announce a major digitalisation partnership

Air cargo demand up 3.2% in January, says IATA

TIACA’s Executive Summit 2025 will be held in Hong Kong

Stefan Behrendt heads Dachser Food Logistics

SingPost appoints Neo Su Yin as Group Chief Operating Officer

Lufthansa Cargo appoints new executives for Europe and Middle East, Africa & South Asia & CIS regions

Steffen Fessler joins Jettainer as Head of Cool ULD

Hellmann: Lee I’Ons appointed new Regional CEO IMEA

Seafrigo opens in Vietnam and appoints Fabian Hautiere to head up the country

NEWS - CARRIERS

All Nippon Airways first in Japan to achieve IATA CEIV Lithium Batteries certification

All Nippon Airways has become the first Japanese carrier to receive the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Center of Excellence for Independent Validators in Lithium Batteries (CEIV Lit-batt) certification on December 24, 2024. This

rigorous certification program recognizes ANA’s commitment to the highest safety standards and compliance for the transport of lithium batteries.

With the growing use of lithium batteries in electric vehicles and other industries, particularly in Asian markets, the demand for safe transportation of potentially hazardous materials is rapidly increasing. ANA’s comprehensive lithium battery handling processes, including staff training, specialised equipment, safety protocols

STARLUX orders five more A350F freighters

STARLUX Airlines of Taiwan has placed a firm order with Airbus for five more A350F freighters. This doubles an initial order from the airline last year for five of the allnew cargo aircraft. The A350F fleet will be

operated by STARLUX Cargo on some of the world’s busiest freight routes.

To date, STARLUX Airlines operates a fleet of 26 Airbus aircraft including the A321neo, the A330neo and the A350-900.

Currently under development, the A350F can carry a payload of up to 111 tonnes and can fly up to 4,700 nautical miles / 8,700 kilometres. Powered by the latest RollsRoyce Trent XWB-97 engines, the aircraft will bring a reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions of up to 40% when compared to previous-generation aircraft with a similar payload-range capability.

and quality control within the route networks, mainly at its international cargo hub at Narita International Airport, met IATA’s stringent certification requirements. This certification further strengthens ANA’s commitment to ensuring the safe and reliable transport of lithium batteries across its network.

In addition to the CEIV Li-batt certification, ANA has also earned IATA’s CEIV Pharma and CEIV Fresh certifications for its pharmaceutical and perishable transport. ANA remains dedicated to expanding its services and enhancing quality across all operations.

The A350F features the largest main deck cargo door in the industry, with fuselage length and capacity optimised around the industry’s standard pallets and containers. Over 70% of the airframe is made of advanced materials, resulting in a 46-tonne lighter take-off weight than the competing derivative. The A350F is also the only freighter aircraft that will fully meet ICAO’s enhanced CO2 emissions standards, coming into effect in 2027.

At the end of November 2024, the latest generation widebody A350 Family had won 1,345 orders from 61 customers worldwide, including 55 for the all-new A350F from 10 leading cargo carriers.

Emirates SkyCargo heads into 2025 with a 15% increase in cargo capacity to meet surging global demand

Throughout 2024, the demand for Emirates SkyCargo’s specialist product portfolio, extensive global network and all widebody fleet continued to grow exponentially, with no signs of slowing down. To meet the burgeoning global demand, the airline has wet-leased two additional Boeing 747 freighters, starting 2025 with a 15% increase in critical main deck cargo capacity, compared to January 2024.

The multi-year lease for the Boeing 747s was signed with the Compass Group, one

of Emirates SkyCargo’s longstanding and most reliable partners. This investment in additional Boeing 747F capacity enables the airline to unlock immediate capacity to cater to customer demand, while the partners discuss avenues for further expansion of the collaboration.

Emirates SkyCargo’s leasing strategy complements its owned fleet, which continues to grow. In 2024, the airline received two of its new Boeing 777Fs, which immediately entered service, with a focus on the increasing demand of eCommerce shipments from Asian markets. The additional aircraft also enabled Emirates SkyCargo to expand its network of destinations served by freighters to 38, with the deployment of a weekly freighter to Copenhagen, Denmark.

The Emirates SkyCargo active operating fleet now consists of 10 Boeing 777Fs and six wet-leased Boeing 747s, bringing the

aircraft count to 16. The airline also has 13 Boeing 777Fs on order, with expected delivery between 2025 and 2026. This substantial orderbook will support the airline through its next phase of growth, while it explores all options for the future fleet, including the Boeing 777-8F and Airbus A350-1000F.

Facilitating the swift, reliable and efficient movement of goods, Emirates SkyCargo harnesses the widebody fleet and multifrequency schedules of Emirates’ passenger operations. The recently increased passenger flights to key cities including Madagascar via the Seychelles, Uganda and Ethiopia, followed by Johannesburg, South Africa and Melbourne, Australia before the end of the financial year, will further bolster the freight division’s capacity to transport goods worldwide. Finally, the arrival of the first A350, which entered service this month, will further boost bellyhold capacity, offering 12 tonnes on every flight.

Etihad Cargo operates over 300 flights from Ezhou to Abu Dhabi

Etihad Cargo has operated 329 scheduled flights and charters from Ezhou Huahu Airport to Zayed International Airport, further reinforcing its position as a trusted partner for customers across diverse industries, including pharmaceuticals, e-commerce, and perishables. Since the carrier’s inaugural flight to Ezhou Huahu Airport on August 18, 2023, making it the first international airline to operate flights to Ezhou, Etihad Cargo has demonstrated its commitment to strengthening connectivity between Abu Dhabi and key markets in Asia, Europe, and beyond.

Ezhou Huahu Airport, Asia’s first dedicated freighter hub, has provided a strategic base for Etihad Cargo’s operations, facilitating the movement of over 18,700 tonnes of export cargo and more than 400 tonnes of imports through Abu Dhabi since 2023. The introduction of a sixth weekly scheduled flight in July 2024 and a seventh flight in 2025 have boosted the carrier’s network, ensuring seamless and efficient connections to key global markets. The recently achieved IATA CEIV Pharma certification by Ezhou Huahu Airport’s ground handling services has further improved its capabilities to support specialised cargo requirements, particularly for the pharmaceutical sector.

Ezhou Huahu Airport, with its advanced facilities and strategic location, has emerged as a key logistics hub, enabling the seamless movement of goods across Asia and beyond. Its extensive network of 36 international cargo routes, combined with Etihad Cargo’s global connectivity through Abu Dhabi, has created significant value for customers seeking efficient and reliable cargo solutions. The collaborative efforts of

partners, stakeholders, and local authorities have been essential in driving the success of Etihad Cargo’s operations in the region.

Etihad Cargo’s operations in Ezhou are a key component of the carrier’s extensive network in Greater China, which will grow to 23 weekly freighters and 25 weekly passenger flights in 2025.

Saudia Cargo achieves strong growth, reinforcing global logistics leadership

Saudia Cargo has achieved significant milestones in 2024, driven by a strategic focus on innovation, expansion, and sustainability. These achievements reinforce its commitment to the national economy and strengthen its role in the global supply chain.

The company transported 577,870 tons of cargo, marking a 27% growth in transported weight and a 13% year-over-year increase. It also operated 193,599 flights, a 6% rise from 2023. E-commerce shipments saw a 23% surge, totalling 64,107 tons, while highvalue shipments contributed 54% of total revenues. With a 92% on-time performance rate, Saudia Cargo enhanced its reliability and expanded its network with new routes to Shenzhen, Athens, and Nice.

Supporting local exports, Saudia Cargo transported 13,740 tons of homegrown goods, up 14% from 2023. Strategic partnerships, including an MoU with Red Sea Global and a collaboration with the Royal Commission for AlUla, further boosted

connectivity and tourism. Additionally, the company partnered with the Saudi Logistics Academy to upskill 300 employees, fostering a skilled workforce.

Advancing sustainability, Saudia Cargo joined the Sustainability Champions Program, issued its first Sustainability Report, and established a committee to oversee carbon reduction efforts aligned with IATA’s net-zero target. It also enhanced its digital capabilities by 10%, launched a specialised e-portal, and improved cybersecurity, earning an 81.8%

rating from the National Cybersecurity Authority.

Recognised for excellence, Saudia Cargo received the “Excellence in Air Cargo Operations in the Kingdom” and “Best E-Commerce Carrier in the Middle East” awards. Looking ahead, the company plans to expand its fleet with next-generation aircraft, adopt AI-driven logistics, and implement eco-friendly transportation methods. With Saudi Arabia’s strategic location, Saudia Cargo remains committed to economic growth and Saudi Vision 2030, guided by its promise, ‘Life Uninterrupted.’

NEWS - CARRIERS

Singapore Airlines Group and Aether Fuels sign MOU for sustainable aviation fuel

The Singapore Airlines (SIA) Group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to potentially source neat sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from Aether Fuels

(Aether), a climate technology firm that plans to set up SAF production plants in the UnitedStates of America and South East Asia.

The agreement outlines the SIA Group’s intention to procure neat SAF for five years when Aether plants begin commercial production, with an option for a five-year extension. The neat SAF will be blended with regular jet fuel before being supplied to selected airports served by Singapore Airlines and Scoot.

Aether will use waste carbon feedstock to produce the fuel, employing its innovative and proprietary Aether AuroraTM

technology. This method reduces plant capital cost, increases production efficiency, and achieves higher SAF yields compared to existing techniques.

Aether was incubated and funded in 2022 by Xora, a deep-tech venture firm backed by Temasek. Since then, it has grown its Southeast Asia team while expanding its operations in Chicago, where its research and development hub is located. Aether’s upcoming commercial-scale production projects in the United States of America and South East Asia will produce Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA)-certified SAF. These projects are set to achieve a minimum greenhouse gas reduction of 75%, significantly contributing to the aviation industry’s sustainability efforts.

Hong Kong Air Cargo launches flights to Glasgow Prestwick Airport

Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK) has welcomed Hong Kong Air Cargo (HKAC) flights starting from 11th February 2025, making it the first Far East airline to operate at the airport.

Hong Kong Air Cargo’s first flight to PIK will be an Airbus A330-200F operating from Hong Kong, with additional flights already planned for 18th and 25th February 2025.

The first Hong Kong Air Cargo flights will be carrying shipments from three of the top four e-commerce platforms – SHEIN, Temu, and TikTok – all of which operate out of

Hong Kong.

Each flight will carry up to 60 tonnes of cargo, which will be processed and sorted at PIK before final mile delivery by Royal Mail Group and EVRI.

PIK’s Business Development team is now focusing on securing cargo for the return leg to Hong Kong. The airport is collaborating with Scottish export associations to increase exports flying out of PIK, avoiding the trucking of goods to London Heathrow Airport.

Vietjet announces partnership with OpenAirlines to enhance fuel efficiency with AI-driven optimisation

Vietjet has signed a strategic partnership with OpenAirlines, a global leader in AIdriven airline fuel efficiency solutions. With this collaboration, Vietjet becomes the first airline in Vietnam to adopt SkyBreathe®, an advanced AI-powered platform that analyses flight data to optimise fuel consumption and reduce carbon emissions.

With SkyBreathe®, Vietjet will harness AI, big data algorithms, and machine learning to analyse extensive flight data and enhance fuel efficiency. The platform consolidates information from multiple sources, including aircraft sensors and fuel reports, into a unified platform. Having processed data from over 21 million flights, SkyBreathe® leverages the world’s largest fuel efficiency database for airlines.

The SkyBreathe® 360° eco-flying platform pinpoints key fuel-saving opportunities and provides tailored recommendations for pilots and flight operations managers. By tapping on SkyBreathe®’s intuitive interface and detailed analytics, Vietjet is projected to reduce fuel consumption by 2% and cut CO2 emissions by over 96,000 tons annually.

Vietjet will also introduce the SkyBreathe® MyFuelCoach application to all its pilots,

providing personalised eco-briefings and debriefings. This application helps pilots track performance, identify improvement areas, and implement best practices to optimise fuel efficiency, ultimately lowering fuel consumption and minimising environmental impact.

the newest member of the SkyBreathe® Community, Vietjet joins 73 airlines worldwide committed to advancing sustainable aviation. Through this dynamic network, Vietjet will receive ongoing support from OpenAirlines’ fuel experts to optimise performance and fully leverage the benefits of SkyBreathe®

This partnership reflects Vietjet’s commitment to sustainable development, supported by strategic collaborations with international aviation and technology leaders.

Cathay Cargo becomes first carrier to exchange shipment information using IATA’s ONE Record data protocol with forwarders in everyday usage

Cathay Cargo has become the first carrier to adopt the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) ONE Record data protocol in some of its day-to-day operations with forwarders. This achievement is one year ahead of IATA’s target date for ONE Record implementation, which is scheduled for January 2026.

In December 2024, three freight forwarders on the Chinese Mainland – Sinotrans Air Freight, WECAN International Freight Forwarding International Logistics and ALL-LINK Logistics – started exchanging electronic air waybill (eAWB) and shipment status information with Cathay Cargo using an application programme interface (API) designed to ONE Record data protocols.

In January 2025, Sinotrans Hong Kong Air Transportation Development became the first Hong Kong forwarder to submit eAWB information and is now able to review shipment information from Cathay Cargo using ONE Record data protocols.

IATA’s ONE Record initiative enables end-toend transparency for consignments, logging progress as they pass through multiple links in the air-cargo chain from shipper to agent, airline, warehouse and statutory authorities such as customs, following IATA’s protocols for APIs – the interfaces that enable users

to connect to the system and share data in a secure way.

Sinotrans uploaded its eAWB information through ONE Record via a specialised digital interface coordinated, designed and hosted by Cathay Cargo’s innovation partner, Global Logistics System (HK) Company Limited (GLS), which also designed other industry-leading digitalisation projects for the carrier’s commercial and operational settings, including Click & Ship, Cathay Cargo’s online booking platform.

This connection enables all stakeholders in the shipment process to extract richer data from ONE Record beyond the standard departure and arrival data derived from CIMP (Cargo Interchange Message

Procedure), the standard communication link between airline and forwarder. With ONE Record, multi-dimensional data from Cathay Cargo’s next-generation Ultra Track solution, like temperature and geolocation, can be accessed, and the same applies to data from cooltainers with data transmitters, particularly Envirotainer’s Releye packaging.

The air-cargo industry has many stakeholders, including shippers, forwarders, airlines, ground handlers and customs services, all of which need to see and process cargo and its data before, during and after the transport process. IATA’s ONE Record is designed to make shipment information relevant to stakeholders visible and accessible.

Turkish Cargo makes eBookings more efficient and flexible for customers through direct data connection to CargoWise

Boasting the world’s widest international flight network, Turkish Cargo continues to provide innovative and flexible solutions to the air cargo industry through digital transformation. Through a direct data connection with CargoWise, Turkish Cargo offers shippers on the platform real-time rates, capacity availability, and e-Reservation services within the leading logistics operating system used by the world’s largest freight forwarders and 3PLs.

The eReservation integration between CargoWise and Turkish Cargo’s management system, COMIS, enables real-time access to air cargo rates, flight availability, and booking confirmations. Shippers can easily choose the suitable flights and make bookings with Turkish Cargo, all without leaving the CargoWise platform. The API connection enhances operational efficiency by eliminating errors due to manual data

entry. This approach makes processes more transparent and helps reduce costs. Turkish Cargo continues to provide its

business partners with more flexible, efficient, and reliable solutions by accelerating digital transformation projects in the logistics industry.

NEWS - AIRPORTS

Korean Air Cargo and Vienna Airport extend cooperation in cargo handling

Korean Air Cargo continues to rely on the proven cargo handling quality of Vienna Airport. A four-year extension of the existing handling contract between the airport and

the Korean airline has been signed and will now run until the end of 2028. Thus, Vienna Airport is continuing its successful partnership with Korean Air Cargo, which has been in place since the airline’s first flight to Vienna in 2004.

The collaboration between Korean Air Cargo and Vienna Airport has been continuously adapted and deepened over the years, most recently as part of an extended cooperation agreement in Seoul-Incheon (ICN) on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the

Brussels Airport records 23.6 million passengers; 733,000 tonnes of cargo in 2024

In 2024, Brussels Airport welcomed a total of 23.6 million passengers, up 6,4% on 2023. Moreover, the airport saw its network expanded with 10 new passenger destinations and five new airlines. Brussels Airport also recorded continued growth in the leisure segment, in both holiday travel and visits to family and friends. Overall cargo volumes increased by 5%, totalling 733,000 tonnes, and the cargo division welcomed four new airlines.

Passenger traffic

Brussels Airport served 23.6 million passengers in 2024, up 6.4% from 2023, driven by holiday travel. Ten new destinations and five airlines were added, mainly expanding intercontinental routes. Notable launches include Brussels Airlines to Nairobi, TUI fly to Curaçao, and daily

flights to Shanghai by Hainan Airlines and Juneyao Air.

Transfer passengers made up 14% of departures, highlighting the airport’s role as a key Star Alliance hub.

Top destinations were Spain, Italy, Germany, Turkey, and Morocco. In December, passenger numbers rose 11% to 1.77 million, boosted by Christmas travel.

Cargo

In 2024 the total cargo volume amounted to 732,797 tonnes, or a 5% increase compared to 2023. Flown cargo at Brussels Airport recorded a 5% increase compared to 2023, which is in line with the global trend. Four new airlines started cargo operations at Brussels Airport: LATAM Cargo, Lufthansa Cargo, Farcargo and Virgin Atlantic.

In the full-freight segment, volumes remained stable compared to 2023, with a slight increase of +0.1%. Belly cargo increased by 23% due to the continued recovery of passenger flights and the new intercontinental destinations. The integrator segment also remained stable (-0.2%) compared to 2023.

HKIA air traffic grows robustly in 2024

Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) saw strong growth in 2024, driven by the launch of three-runway operations. Flight movements in December rose 12.5% yearon-year to 33,550, nearing pre-pandemic levels and setting new daily records.

Passenger volume in December increased by 18.3% year-on-year to 5.1 million, with significant growth in traffic to and from Southeast Asia, Mainland China, and Japan.

Cargo throughput for the month rose by 6.6% to 446,000 tonnes, fueled by a 6.8% rise in exports, particularly to key trading regions in Europe, the Middle East, and Australasia.

For the full year of 2024, HKIA handled 53.1 million passengers and 363,305 flight movements, reflecting increases of 34.3% and 31.6% from 2023, respectively. Total cargo throughput grew by 14.0% to 4.9

partnership in 2024. This agreement was signed to intensify the cooperation in order to meet the increasing demand for air cargo services between Korea and Vienna as a hub for Central and Eastern Europe. In addition to the extended handling contract, both sides plan joint marketing initiatives and knowledge transfer in areas such as logistics systems as well as the expansion of optimal services for freight forwarders and customers. The new Memorandum of Understanding with Incheon Airport also strengthens Vienna Airport’s position as a leading European cargo hub for the transportation of goods between Asia and Europe and supports the long-term partnership between the two locations

The primary import regions in 2024 were Asia, Africa and North America. Asia also ranked first in terms of exports, followed by North America and Africa.

In December, total cargo volumes carried through Brussels Airport recorded a 38% increase compared to December 2023. Flown cargo increased by 43%, partly driven by the year-end peak and the announced increase in flights by LATAM Cargo. Volumes increased across all segments: full freight (+57%), express services (+28%), belly cargo (+49%), and trucked cargo (+14%).

Flights

Brussels Airport recorded 198,617 flight movements in 2024, up 3% from 2023. Passenger flights increased by 4%, with a record average of 144 passengers per flight due to larger aircraft and higher load factors. Cargo flights rose by 1%.

The airport allocated 15,866 night slots, within the legal limit of 16,000. There were 16,175 commercial night flights, slightly fewer than in 2023. Night flights without slots dropped by 28% over two years to 1,055, due to proactive measures by Brussels Airport and aviation authorities.

In December, flight movements grew by 8% to 15,609, with passenger and cargo flights both increasing.

million tonnes, driven largely by a 20.2% surge in exports, particularly to Europe, North America, and the Middle East.

The airport continued expanding its network with new destinations and routes in January 2025. HK Express launched flights to Sendai, while Hong Kong Airlines resumed services to Vancouver and Gold Coast. Shenzhen Airlines added a new route to Nanjing, and Air Premia began flights between Hong Kong and Seoul.

2024 marks record air cargo year for Vienna Airport

Vienna Airport ended the year 2024 with new record figures for air cargo volumes: A total of 297,945 tons of cargo were handled, which represents a significant increase of 22% compared to the previous year and plus 5% compared to the pre-crisis year 2019. In particular, the positive development of longhaul services boosted the cargo results at the airport, as there was strong demand for the additional belly capacities in passenger aircraft. With a total of 4,238 tons in 2024, the airport also achieved a new all-time high in pharma handling (up 15.3 %).

Record figures for cargo handling in Vienna – return of major Asian airlines boosts growth

The return of major airlines from Asia such as Hainan Airlines and All Nippon Airways (ANA) to Vienna provided additional attractive belly capacities between Vienna and Shenzhen, Chengdu and Tokyo.

Simultaneously, airlines such as Qatar Airways increased their frequencies to Vienna. The additional cargo space led to a significant increase of 44% in the cargo transported on passenger aircraft to 125,103 tons. With 82,610 tons, freighteronly cargo remained approximately at the previous year’s level, (minus three percent). In 2024, trucked volumes increased by 24% to 90,199 tons, significantly contributing to the new freight record. 163,026 tons of import cargo arrived at Vienna Airport in 2024 and was distributed from here within Austria and to many neighbouring markets in Central and Eastern Europe. The growing e-commerce volumes from Asia also contributed to this significant 20% increase in import volumes. Exports from Vienna amounted to a total of 134,918 tons of cargo. This figure also rose significantly by 23% compared to the previous year. The most important markets here are also Asia and the USA.

New record at the competence centre for pharma handling at Vienna Airport

The Vienna Airport Pharma Handling Center, which is available to all airlines at Vienna Airport for the handling of temperature-sensitive goods, continued to grow strongly. The previous record year 2023 was surpassed again in 2024 with 4,238 tons, an increase of 15.3%. Vienna Airport is one of only a few airports in the CEE region to have its own competence centre for pharmaceutical handling, with an interruption-free cold chain for the highly competent handling of pharmaceutical goods.

Changi Airport reports handling 67.7 million passengers in 2024

Singapore Changi Airport handled 67.7 million passenger movements in 2024, registering a 14.8% year-on-year increase. This was 99.1% of the passenger movements recorded in 2019, prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. Aircraft movements, totalled 366,000 in 2024, up 11.5% compared to 2023. A total of 1.99 million tonnes airfreight throughput was recorded in the year, surpassing 2023’s level by 14.6%.

In Q4 2024, Changi Airport handled 17.8 million passengers, up 10.7% from Q4 2023, fully recovering to pre-pandemic levels. Aircraft movements rose 9.3% to 95,300, and airfreight throughput increased by 15% to 521,000 tonnes. December was the busiest month, with 6.4 million passengers, the highest since December 2019. The busiest day was 21 December, with 226,000 passengers. North Asia saw the fastest

growth, up 40% year-on-year. The top five markets were China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia, and Thailand. China became the largest source market, surpassing pre-Covid levels by 6%, with strong growth from Hong Kong and Japan. The busiest routes were Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Jakarta, Denpasar, and Hong Kong, while Shanghai re-entered the top 10 with 94% growth.

On the cargo front, growth was seen across all cargo flows – exports, imports and transshipments contributed by major improvements in cargo flows between Singapore and China, as well as the United States. Growth was also driven by the recovery of Singapore’s electronics exports and re-exports, strong global demand for cross-border e-commerce shipments and the modal shift from ocean to air freight arising from disruptions in maritime

Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport recognised by IATA for pharma handling excellence

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has formally recognised Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) as a hub for certified pharma handling, following efforts by the Puerto Rico Life Sciences Air Cargo Community to improve cold chain operations in the region.

The Community has been working closely with SJU and the Department of Economic Development and Commerce of Puerto Rico (DEDC) to support logistics providers in achieving the Center of Excellence for

Independent Validators (CEIV) Pharma, including training initiatives for smaller organisations, and government subsidies for the accreditation cost.

This has resulted in the certification of seven members: American Airlines, Prime Air Corp, ETH Cargo, Expeditors, César Castillo, Isla Frio Refrigeration, and Ground Motive Dependable Airline Services (GMD).

The CEIV initiative was launched five years ago by Industry University Research Centre Inc. (INDUNIV), which is currently facilitating

transport. For the year, Changi’s top five air cargo markets were China, Australia, the United States, Hong Kong and India.

In 2024, Changi Airport welcomed two new freighter airlines in 2024 – Shandong Airlines, which also resumed passenger services during the year, and Air Incheon. Two new freighter city links were added, connecting Singapore to Haikou and Nagoya.

As of January 2025, 100 airlines operate over 7,400 weekly scheduled flights at Changi Airport, connecting Singapore to 163 cities in 49 countries and territories worldwide.

a second round of further accreditations across the Community.

The CEIV Pharma accreditation, established by IATA, serves as the global standard for transporting pharmaceuticals, ensuring that critical products are correctly handled in line with stringent requirements.

The continued drive for accreditation and education across Community members has been a crucial step in strengthening Puerto Rico’s pharma operations. With further CEIV Pharma certifications in the pipeline, the Community and its partners will continue to advance the standard of pharma operations across the island.

NEWS - GROUND HANDLING

Air India extends SATS and WFS partnership with 14 new cargo and ground handling contracts across global networks

Air India has awarded cargo and ground handling contracts to SATS Ltd (SATS) and its wholly-owned subsidiary Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) across multiple major airports in regions in Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North America.

The airline renewed 11 contracts and awarded 14 new contracts after a global tendering process, significantly expanding Air India’s partnership with SATS and WFS. The new cargo handling and ground handling stations span across North America, UK, Europe, and Asia, including but not limited to stations such as Chicago, Washington Dulles, London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Birmingham, Frankfurt, Milan, Kuala Lumpur, and Hong Kong.

“We are honoured that having conducted a global review of the cargo and ground handling market, Air India has chosen to make such a significant and growing commitment to SATS and WFS,” said Bob

Lufthansa Group awards Swissport with ground handling contract at London Heathrow

Swissport International, the global leader in airport ground services and air cargo handling, has won a five-year contract with Lufthansa Group to provide ground

handling services for its airlines at London Heathrow Airport (LHR) until 2030. As part of the agreement, Swissport will provide a full range of ground handling services for more than 40 flights per day, including passenger services, ramp handling, baggage management, aircraft cleaning, air cargo handling, and lounge hospitality services. The contract covers all flights of Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Lufthansa, and SWISS at one of the world’s busiest airports.

Ensuring a successful start of operations, Swissport will be investing significantly into new ground service equipment (GSE) already ahead of April’s launch. With more than 80 per cent of the incoming motorized vehicles being electric, Swissport

Menzies Aviation expands global presence with new offices in Pakistan

Menzies Aviation, the leading service partner to the world’s airports and airlines, has announced the inauguration of its first global support offices in Pakistan marking

a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to foster growth and innovation in the region.

To mark the inauguration of the new IT Infrastructure and Service Desk, Menzies’ Group CEO, Philipp Joeinig was joined by Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif to unveil a commemorative plaque inaugurating the offices.

A delegation, which included Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar and Minister of State for IT Shaza Fatima Khawaja along with Menzies’ SVP Operations MEA, John Henderson also came together to discuss the opportunities

Chi, CEO Gateway Services, APAC, at SATS. “Our extensive capabilities and global network, along with the exceptional service our teams provide, uniquely position us to offer unparalleled international coverage to our airline partners. We highly value our partnership with Air India and are excited to represent the airline at these locations.”

“Streamlining our logistics processes and enhancing service levels across passengers and cargo are instrumental to the ongoing transformation of Air India. By strengthening our partnership with SATS and WFS, we look forward to delivering a world-class operation for our customers around the world,” said Ramesh Mamidala, Head of Cargo, Air India.

underscores its commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. Every new addition to Swissport`s fleet at Heathrow Airport will also be equipped with enhanced damage prevention safety systems, which are crucial for ensuring seamless airport operations.

In the UK and Ireland, Swissport supports Lufthansa Group airlines at other locations, including Newcastle, Dublin, Birmingham, London Gatwick, and Cork. Swissport also provides cargo handling services across four Lufthansa Group airline brands at its modern air cargo centres at Heathrow Airport. With this latest ground handling contract for Lufthansa Group, Swissport reinforces its presence at Heathrow and solidifies its role as the leading player in the UK airport services market. Currently, Swissport employs more than 800 employees at Heathrow Airport and serves some 40 airlines.

to foster collaboration and encourage sustainable economic growth.

The new offices, located in Islamabad, Pakistan will serve as a hub for the multinational business’s IT and service operations. This strategic move highlights its long-term vision to strengthen its footprint in South Asia, driving innovation and delivering world-class solutions to its airline customers and airport partners.

Menzies new offices build on its existing presence in Pakistan where it currently operates as Menzies RAS following a joint venture with Royal Airport Services (R) in 2020. Menzies-RAS employs more than 2,800 people and operates at eight airports across the country, including Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Multan, Faisalabad, Quetta and Sialkot.

Swissport takes over as new ground handler at Frankfurt Airport

Swissport International, the global leader in airport ground services and air cargo handling, has started as a new ground handler at Frankfurt Airport (FRA). Operations were successfully kicked off servicing the early morning flights of KLM, Air France and LOT at Terminals 1 and 2. Frankfurt will soon become Swissport’s largest site in Germany and one of its most significant operations in Europe.

Swissport has started its ground handling operations in Frankfurt with a skilled team of over 350 airport ground service professionals. As the year progresses, newly hired staff will join each month to accommodate new customers, peak travel seasons around Easter, and the summer holidays. Recruiting will continue also beyond summer, to prepare the takeover of

the remaining flights of wide-body aircraft, which during a transition phase until 31 October 2025, will be handled by a thirdparty provider who has been temporarily subcontracted under the ground handling license of the airport operator Fraport.

In August 2024, Swissport was granted the ground handling license at Germany’s most important hub by the Ministry of Transportation of the State of Hesse, following a competitive tender that included six bidders. The license, valid for seven years, allows Swissport to provide ground services to all carriers operating at Frankfurt Airport. Swissport’s portfolio includes passenger services at check-in and gates, baggage handling, aircraft pushback, and the loading and unloading of cargo.

Asia Airfreight Terminal and SATS HK forge a strategic partnership with DHL

Asia Airfreight Terminal, a subsidiary of SATS Ltd, and SATS HK Limited, a joint venture between Hong Kong Airlines Ltd and SATS, have established a comprehensive partnership with DHL Air Capacity Sales, the commercial division of DHL Aviation that manages airport-to-airport cargo capacity across its global network, at Hong Kong International Airport. Building on SATS’ ongoing partnership handling DHL network carriers at Singapore’s Changi Airport, this collaboration brings together AAT’s cargo expertise and SATSHK’s specialised ground handling capabilities to enhance Hong Kong’s position as a key air cargo hub.

The partnership commenced successfully in January 2025 with AAT handling cargo operations for key DHL network carriers. Since then, the parties have handled more than 50 weekly freighter operations. Meanwhile, SATSHK provides ramp handling solutions, ensuring seamless ground operations for these carriers at HKIA.

AAT provides comprehensive cargo handling services for leading airlines, including physical cargo handling, documentation processing, and specialised solutions. SATSHK delivers a full spectrum of ground handling services encompassing passenger

Atlas Air signs MOU with SATS and Worldwide Flight Services to expand global cooperation

Atlas Air Inc., a subsidiary of Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc., a leading global provider of outsourced aviation logistics, announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SATS Limited and Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) to expand their global cooperation and to leverage each other’s networks.

The MoU aims to build on the strong working relationships between SATS, WFS and Atlas Air, particularly in North America where WFS provides handling for the airline at eight major airport gateways: Chicago, Dallas Fort Worth, Denver, Houston, Indianapolis, Miami, New York JFK, and Seattle. In addition, the agreement will also expand cooperation in Singapore, the headquarters of the SATS Group, as well

as in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This includes strengthening relationships for warehouse services, freighter ramp handling, and crew transport solutions.

The MoU is the first of its kind between Atlas Air, which operates the world’s largest fleet of B747 freighters and SATS, one of the world’s largest providers of air cargo handling services. It expands the relationship between the partners to work together on a fully integrated ground and cargo handling model to address the growing demands of e-commerce as well as network solutions to facilitate growth in air cargo volumes, including perishables, pharmaceuticals, and other high-value shipments. The partners will also collaborate on the development of digital and automation solutions to

Swissport has been active at Frankfurt Airport since 1995 with its cargo handling unit. In November 2020, the company opened a state-of-the-art air cargo warehouse, including a modern pharma centre at Cargo City South. Additionally, Swissport’s subsidiary N*ICE has been offering de-icing services in Frankfurt since 1999, and its subsidiary AFS has provided fueling services in Frankfurt since 1988.

handling, ramp operations, flight operations, baggage services, and load control. Both organisations are committed to operational excellence and superior customer service in supporting the aviation community at HKIA.

The successful implementation underscores the shared commitment between the three parties to strengthening HKIA’s position as a leading air cargo hub.

provide expanded supply chain visibility and traceability of cargo throughout the combined networks.

Reflecting their shared commitments, Atlas Air, SATS and WFS have also pledged to achieve further collaboration on major international airfreight trade lanes and cooperate on green and low-carbon initiatives which minimize the environmental impact of air cargo.

SATS and WFS handle over 237,800 tonnes of airfreight annually for Atlas Air at these locations, carried onboard some 5,300 freighter flights.

DB Schenker launches Ezhou-Frankfurt air cargo route, strengthening Sino-Europe aviation logistics network

On January 7, 2025, a Boeing 777 freighter loaded with diverse goods successfully departed from Ezhou Huahu International Airport, embarking on its inaugural flight to Frankfurt, Germany. This marks the official launch of DB Schenker’s Ezhou-Frankfurt regular cargo route, establishing another significant air logistics corridor between Central China and Europe.

The regular cargo route will be operated by the globally renowned Etihad Cargo, departing from Ezhou every Tuesday, with a stopover in Abu Dhabi before arriving in Frankfurt the following day. The route will accommodate a wide range of cargo categories, covering e-commerce, high-tech,

electronics, industrial goods, consumer and retail products, and automotive parts. The estimated annual cargo volume is expected to reach 5,200 tons. DB Schenker will provide stable freight capacity to support SinoEurope trade through this route and foster continuous bilateral economic cooperation.

As the first dedicated cargo hub airport in Asia, Ezhou Huahu International Airport has shown remarkable growth since its inauguration in July 2022. This 4E-level international airport has currently opened 30 international and 53 domestic cargo routes, connecting major economic regions worldwide. In 2024, the airport maintained the fastest growth rate in China, ranking fifth in cargo throughput nationwide, with a cumulative volume exceeding 1.2 million tons, demonstrating enormous development potential.

The unique location of Ezhou Huahu International Airport was a key factor for DB Schenker in choosing to establish the operations there. The airport is situated in Echeng District, Ezhou City, 75 kilometres

DANX Carousel acquires German time-critical expert LPR as part of ongoing European growth

DANX Carousel has strengthened its position as the leading European provider

of time-critical logistics solutions with the acquisition of German-based in-night logistics, repair, and field services specialist LPR Group.

LPR offers German-wide services covering both night and day-time express services, emergency logistics and returns management, as well as warehousing and on-site servicing, including the installation, maintenance, and replacement of consumable materials, and on-site repairs.

Founded in 1988, the LPR Group has 500

away from Wuhan, and within a 1.5-hour flight radius of five major national urban agglomerations, including the Yangtze River Delta and Pearl River Delta regions. The three main railway lines, seven highways, and five deep-water ports surrounding the airport constitute a comprehensive multimodal transportation network, ensuring solid support for cargo distribution.

From a strategic perspective, the Ezhou Huahu International Airport region is accelerating the development of emerging industry clusters, including aviation logistics, healthcare, intelligent manufacturing, and optoelectronic information. This is highly compatible with DB Schenker’s advantages in logistics and transportation solutions, creating substantial opportunities for expanding integrated logistics services. The airport aims to develop into an organisational platform for international and domestic trade connectivity by 2025, serving as an important power driving force for high-quality regional economy development.

employees, including 200 service engineers working in the field, supported by a repair centre specialising in maintenance, preconfiguration, refurbishment, inspection, and warranty services.

LPR also plays a key role in the rollout of smart energy meters as part of the ongoing conversion of the gas network, as well as aftermarket servicing.

The LPR acquisition comes in a year in which the DANX Carousel Group made several acquisitions to consolidate its position as a leading time-critical logistics provider.

DANX Carousel has been owned by private equity firm Axcel since 2022.

deugro USA expands by opening a further warehouse facility

deugro (USA), Inc. has expanded its warehouse and laydown space footprint in

The new facility, COLT, which stands for Cedar-Port Operations and Logistics Terminal, is already in operation. It will serve as an additional warehouse facility alongside deugro’s existing facility in Baytown, Texas.

With a total space of 47 acres (19 hectares), or slightly larger than 2 million square feet (185,000 m²), COLT offers extensive laydown areas, including indoor space, to accommodate various activities for both new and existing clients in the project and supply chain industries.

Furthermore, the fully fenced facility is able

to operate 24/7 and is approved to store all kinds of hazardous materials. It features indoor warehouse space of 165,000 square feet (15,330 m²), an outdoor concrete hardstand area of 40 acres (16 hectares), or 1.74 million square feet (162,000 m²), as well as 214 dock doors and 935 trailer parks.

Strategically positioned at 2828 FM 1405, Baytown, Texas 77523, adjacent to the Houston Ship Channel and near all major Houston Port terminals, COLT provides easy access to the major highway system, ensuring the swift movement of goods and materials.

Houston, Texas by adding a second facility at Cedar Port Industrial Park in Baytown, Texas.

DHL Freight officially inaugurates its new logistics terminal in Berlin

DHL Freight officially inaugurated its new terminal in Berlin-Marienfelde. With a footprint of 5,200 square meters, 48 loading docks and cutting-edge infrastructure, the site replaces the existing facility in Berlin, which has reached the limits of its capacity. Thanks to its central location and sustainable technology, the new terminal sets standards in logistics and environmental awareness for the region in and around Berlin.

The terminal was built in accordance with DHL’s sustainability strategy, with a holistic concept for more sustainable logistics clearly in focus: in terms of local transport, the vehicle fleet is being converted to alternative drives – from electric forklifts to natural-gas-powered trucks to batteryelectric trucks that are already being used for deliveries on the last mile. The technical infrastructure of the terminal itself is consistently aligned toward energy efficiency: a heat pump system ensures the right temperature control, while a rainwater

cistern optimises water consumption. An energy-saving LED lighting system is installed as standard. Charging stations with electricity from renewable sources are available for both cars and trucks used for local and long-distance transport. The holistic energy concept is also supported by a photovoltaic system and wind turbines.

The new terminal in the Marienfelde district is part of DHL Freight’s long-term growth strategy. Through its location in south Berlin, the terminal improves not just the efficiency and quality of services for customers in and around Germany’s capital, but also strengthens the entire European network. In addition to handling LTL and FTL transports, the site will also test innovative logistics solutions to better serve future needs.

The terminal was built on a former industrial site located on Buckower Chaussee in the south of the city. The project was developed and implemented by Operatio GmbH and

Dachser and Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft expand research partnership

Global logistics provider Dachser has expanded its research partnership with the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft effective February 1, 2025. As part of the DACHSER Enterprise Lab, which has been bringing science and logistics practice together in mixed innovation teams since 2017, the familyowned company is now cooperating with both the Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics IML in Dortmund and the Fraunhofer Institute for Intelligent Analysis and Information Systems IAIS in Sankt Augustin, near Bonn.

Fraunhofer IAIS is a leading scientific institute in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and big data in Germany and Europe. Its roughly 380 employees help companies optimise products, services, and processes, and they offer support in the development of new digital business models.

Together with the universities in Bonn and Dortmund, Fraunhofer IML and Fraunhofer IAIS are partners in the Lamarr Institute for Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence,

Bremer Berlin-Brandenburg GmbH. Ground was broken on the site in November 2023. Within just 14 months, a modern freight forwarding facility was built on the 20,000-square-meter site that replaced the previous downtown terminal. In addition to the Marienfelde terminal, DHL Freight operates another site in the region in the town of Wustermark. Together, the two sites provide an ideal starting point for logistics services in the Berlin-Brandenburg region.

which was founded in 2022. The institute is one of five university centres of excellence for AI that receive funding from the German government.

New Carousel Logistics Birmingham Airport facility reduces delivery times and carbon emissions

Carousel Logistics has opened a new airside facility at Birmingham Airport to consolidate its cargo handling operations.

The cargo hub triples Carousel’s previous handling capability and is projected to reduce up to 50,000 miles of road transport per year.

Cargo unloaded at Birmingham Airport was previously sent to Carousel’s site in Coventry before making its onward journey.

Opening this new facility removes this unnecessary step, with goods now sorted

and shipped directly from the airport to their final destination.

The in-night logistics specialist has also invested in new lower-emissions equipment at Birmingham Airport as part of its longterm sustainability strategy, with forklifts and belt loaders now electrically powered, ground power units running on HVO biofuel, instead of diesel, and a new fleet of electric vans.

J&T Express reports 32.5% parcel volume growth in Q4 2024, Southeast Asia market surged by over 60%

J&T Global Express Limited announced its key operating data for the fourth quarter and full year of 2024. The company achieved a total parcel volume of 7.39 billion in Q4, a 32.5% year-over-year (“YoY”) increase, with an average daily volume of 80.3 million parcels. For the full year 2024, J&T Express handled 24.65 billion parcels, representing a 31% YoY increase and a 30.7% increase in average daily volume to 67.3 million parcels.

Q4 growth was primarily driven by Southeast Asia and China, coinciding with the peak e-commerce season in these key markets. In Southeast Asia, J&T Express saw parcel

volume jump 62.5% YoY to 1.4 billion in Q4. Full-year parcel volume in the region reached 4.56 billion, a 40.8% YoY surge, significantly exceeding market expectations of industry growth.

In China, Q4 parcel volume grew 27.4% YoY to 5.91 billion. Full-year volume reached 19.8 billion, a 29.1% increase, outpacing industry growth in the first eleven months of the year.

Parcel volume in New Markets (including the Middle East and Latin America) reached 74.4 million in Q4, a marginal 0.1% YoY increase.

Full-year volume grew 22.1% to 280 million parcels.

Throughout 2024, J&T Express continued to invest in infrastructure, expanding its transportation fleet and deploying automated sorting equipment. The company’s line-haul vehicles grew by 1,300 vehicles in Southeast Asia and 900 vehicles in China, reaching totals of 4,600 and 7,100 vehicles, respectively. The number of automated sorting machines across all markets increased by 45 to 279.

J&T Express also strategically optimised its network partnerships and outlets, upgrading sorting centres to enhance operational efficiency. As of year-end 2024, the company operated 19,100 outlets and 238 sorting centres.

FedEx expands International Connect Plus service to Singapore, boosting growth opportunities for local businesses

FedEx has expanded its FedEx® International Connect Plus (FICP) service to Singapore, offering e-tailers a reliable and cost-effective shipping solution to key destinations in the U.S. and Europe. Already available in markets like China, Hong Kong SAR, and Japan, the service supports the growing demand for cross-border e-commerce from Asia.

With e-commerce in Asia projected to reach USD 13,209 billion by 2030, the expansion aligns with FedEx’s commitment to facilitate global trade. In Singapore, the e-commerce market is expected to generate USD 5.91 billion in 2025, growing to USD 8.40 billion by 2029. FICP allows Singapore-based merchants to offer customers affordable international

New UPS flight between France and Hong Kong to support growing exports

the high fashion, food + drink and aerospace sectors. It is also home to expanding dental and pharmaceutical outsourcing markets.

France continues to be the largest exporter of wine and other food products to Hong Kong and Asia which accounts for over 20% of its total export market. The industry, however, does face increased competition from other European markets as culinary tastes change in the market. Maintaining quality, and brand reputation through customer experience will be crucial for sustaining market share.

shipping with delivery times of 2 to 3 business days to the U.S. and Europe.

Key benefits of FICP include cost savings, flexible delivery options like pick-up from designated locations, and seamless integration with both online and offline shipping automation. Customers also benefit from extensive parcel tracking and visibility through FedEx Delivery Manager® International.

To enhance customer satisfaction, FICP offers Picture Proof of Delivery, providing visual confirmation that a package has arrived. This feature adds reassurance for recipients, even when they are not present to receive the package.

The flight operates five times a week and connects French businesses with one of the country’s most rapidly growing export markets. Hong Kong is home to large consumer bases in

Recovering strongly since the pandemic, thanks to experiential retail and hosting new season launches, Hong Kong’s luxury fashion market is projected to grow by 4.92% (2025-2029) resulting in a market volume of US$2.92bn in 2029, with Euromonitor expecting Hong Kong to maintain its lead as the location with the highest per capita spending on luxury goods until 2028.

As people live longer, there is greater demand for complex pharma treatments, including dental care supported by customised implants, fillings, enamels, and materials which is leading the French dental market to grow by an expected 6.6% CAGR till 2030.

To quickly meet the needs of their customers, French dental companies with and without domestic capacity are increasingly looking abroad to outsourcing markets like Hong Kong which have well-developed dental laboratories and manufacturing hubs to provide support. The Hong Kong dental lab market is expected to grow at 6.3% CAGR until 2030.

Late last year, worldwide service enhancements were made to over 35 countries across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, helping cut delivery times in Asia Pacific by up to two business days. The company also added over 200 flights from Asia Pacific to Europe and the U.S. to meet the 2024 peak volume demand.

UPS has added a new flight to its industryleading air network between Paris (CDG) and Hong Kong (HKG) to meet expanding export demand from French businesses.

HAECO extends line maintenance partnership with EVA Air in Hong Kong

HAECO announced the extension of its line maintenance contract with EVA Air until the end of 2026. This renewal covers nontechnical services, including cabin cleaning at Hong Kong International Airport, further solidifying the long-standing partnership between HAECO and EVA Air, which began in 2002.

HAECO has been delivering line maintenance support for over 300 monthly flights of EVA Air in Hong Kong. The renewed contract encompasses a range of aircraft types and models, including both passenger and cargo

aircraft such as the Airbus A321 and A330, as well as the Boeing 787, 777, and 777F.

As a global provider of world-class line maintenance services, HAECO delivers a diverse range of high-quality line maintenance, cabin, and AOG recovery solutions designed to enhance the service quality and efficiency of its airline partners. With an extensive network of stations in Hong Kong and in 17 cities across the Chinese Mainland, HAECO supports over 140 airlines and handles approximately 200,000 flight movements annually.

GA Telesis Engine Services (GATES) achieves Malaysian CAAM certification, strengthening global jet engine MRO leadership

GA Telesis Engine Services (“GATES”), a global leader in commercial aircraft engine maintenance, repair, and overhaul (“MRO”) services, proudly announces that it has achieved airworthiness certification from the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (“CAAM”). This significant milestone further underscores GATES’ unwavering commitment to delivering world-class engine MRO solutions to its customers worldwide.

The CAAM certification expands GATES’ regulatory portfolio and enhances its

ability to further serve airlines and operators in the ever-growing and dynamic Asia-Pacific region. With this new certification, GATES is authorised to provide comprehensive MRO services in Malaysia for a wide range of engine platforms under the CAAM’s stringent regulatory framework, ensuring the highest standards of safety, quality, and reliability.

The CAAM certification is a key element in GATES’ strategic plan to expand its capabilities and footprint in key airline

markets. This achievement follows a series of recent investments in advanced technologies, building state-of-theart facilities, and developing a highly skilled workforce, all aimed at delivering industry-leading turnaround times and cost-effective solutions.

With this certification, GATES continues to position itself as the go-to MRO provider for airlines, lessors, and operators seeking dependable, high-quality engine maintenance solutions. By partnering with the GA Telesis Ecosystem through GATES, customers can rely on a trusted provider that combines technical expertise, innovative solutions, and a customer-first approach.

ST Engineering secures contracts with major Middle Eastern operators for CFM56-7B and LEAP-1A engine maintenance

ST Engineering announced that its Commercial Aerospace business has secured maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) contracts for CFM567B and LEAP-1A engines with two major Middle Eastern operators. Under the multi-year contracts, ST Engineering will provide heavy maintenance services to the two operators from its engine MRO facilities in Asia.

Tay Eng Guan, Head of Engine Services at ST Engineering, said, “As a trusted engine MRO partner, we are continuously investing in our capabilities and services to better support our customers globally. Our market presence in the Middle East has been growing in recent years, and our latest contracts with the two new Middle Eastern customers provide a

strong foundation for collaboration with operators in this region. We look forward to building strong partnerships with them and delivering high-quality services that fully meet their operational needs.”

In addition to a strong track record in CFM56-5B and CFM56-7B engine services, ST Engineering is the first independent MRO provider in Asia to be designated a Premier MRO provider in CFM International’s LEAP open MRO ecosystem. Its Commercial Aerospace business added testing capabilities for the new-generation CFM LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engines at its Singapore facility in 2024 and is now expanding its capabilities to include LEAP Performance Restoration Shop Visit services.

NEWS - FREIGHT FORWARDERS

cargo.one offers CMA CGM AIR CARGO capacity, boosting the airline’s digital reach and market responsiveness

cargo.one announced that CMA CGM AIR CARGO’s global capacity is now available for instant digital booking. As the air logistics division of CMA CGM Group — a global leader in sea, land, air, and logistics solutions — CMA CGM AIR CARGO brings an extensive network to freight forwarders. Forwarders in the United States, Germany, France, The Netherlands, Belgium, and Italy, can now use the most seamless and user-friendly method to quote and book CMA CGM AIR CARGO services around the clock. The global partnership delivers CMA CGM AIR CARGO access to cargo.

one’s vast global footprint, and strong in-house digital sales expertise, gained from digitalising sales for more than 60 airlines globally.

Since April 2021, CMA CGM AIR CARGO has delivered strong air capacity options to complement its extensive maritime, ground and intermodal services. Leveraging modern facilities in Paris-Charles de Gaulles and a rapidly expanding fleet of all freighter aircraft, CMA CGM AIR CARGO offers forwarders high frequency, large capacity services from across Europe to important hubs in Asia Pacific. An extensive road feeder network linking its Paris hub with Milan-Malpensa, Amsterdam, Liege, Munich, and Frankfurt, ensures highly flexible and reliable capacity options. Additionally, CMA CGM AIR CARGO operates Transpacific routes connecting Greater China and North America.

With cargo.one, thousands more forwarders have better accessibility, booking speed and

convenience when quoting and booking CMA CGM AIR CARGO capacity. cargo.one’s intuitive interface delivers them the best possible supply solutions and the ability to make confirmed bookings in seconds, and so enhances their ability to win shipments around the clock. Customers booking CMA CGM AIR CARGO services on cargo.one also benefit from renowned expert support, and unique and innovative tools for managing shipments effectively.

As CMA CGM AIR CARGO continues to expand its fleet, it is leveraging cargo.one’s digital platform to accelerate global growth, enhance market responsiveness, and drive sales efficiency. Available in over 130 countries and the go-to digital platform in over 9000 forwarding branches, cargo.one will boost visibility for CMA CGM AIR CARGO services and ensure the airline capitalises on all its market strengths.

Norwegian Cargo selects WebCargo by Freightos for first foray into digital air cargo booking integration

Freightos, a leading vendor-neutral booking and payment platform for the international freight industry, announced that Norwegian Cargo, the cargo division of Norwegian Air UK, in collaboration with the independent Dutch GSA Euro Cargo Aviation (ECA), has joined the world’s biggest air cargo booking platform, WebCargo by Freightos.

This collaboration marks Norwegian Cargo’s first digital booking platform integration, bringing real-time eBooking capabilities to freight forwarders and enhancing access

to its extensive network which connects 40 European airports to Nordic countries, as well as intercontinental routes to key cities in North America, Asia, and the Caribbean.

The initial rollout will focus on major UK hubs, including London Gatwick (LGW), Manchester (MAN), and Edinburgh (EDI) and ensure seamless eBooking, enhanced visibility, and simplified operational processes for forwarders managing shipments within and beyond Europe.

Riege Software partners with CargoAi to expand Scope’s digital air freight capabilities

Book API. This collaboration empowers Scope users to instantly search for rates and book air cargo shipments with over 117 airlines directly within the TMS, significantly streamlining operations for users.

This partnership equips freight forwarders with a competitive edge, offering instant rate times, improved operational efficiency, and better service to their customers. The integration aligns with Riege’s commitment to modernizing logistics through innovative and user-friendly digital solutions.

Thanks to the live API integration, all Scope’s users now have access to:

• Real-time rates and capacity from over 117 airlines worldwide.

• Instant booking capabilities directly integrated into their TMS workflow.

• A user-friendly interface that eliminates the need to switch between platforms.

• Enhanced operational efficiency through faster responses to customer inquiries.

This strategic integration represents a significant step forward in the digital transformation of airfreight, combining Riege’s robust TMS with CargoAi’s cutting-edge digital solutions

Riege Software, a global leader in Transport Management Systems (TMS), is launching its integration with CargoAi’s innovative Quote &

China Cargo Airlines appoints Tam Group as GSSA in the Philippines

Tam Group has been appointed as the General Sales and Service Agent (GSSA) for China Cargo Airlines in the Philippines, with this appointment being recognised as the third territory in which Tam Group has been assigned this role, following Malaysia and Vietnam. This strategic alliance represents a crucial step in strengthening China Cargo Airlines’ operations across Southeast Asia. The partnership officially commenced on January 1, 2025.

The flights between the Philippines and China play a vital role in facilitating trade and commerce, connecting businesses and consumers across these two dynamic markets. China Cargo Airlines presently operates five weekly flights from Manila to

Shanghai and three from Cebu to Shanghai, utilising A320 series aircraft for these crucial routes. This connectivity supports the timely transport of goods, including perishables and electronics, enhancing economic ties and logistics capabilities between the countries. Notably, this agreement facilitates same-day delivery of perishables to major cities in Eastern China via Road Feeder Service (RFS), utilising the region’s earliest flight schedules.

This appointment is expected to create significant opportunities for both Tam Group and China Cargo Airlines, enhancing their market presence in the rapidly growing Southeast Asia logistics sector.

Thai VietJet partners with ECS Group’s AVS GSA Thailand to boost cargo operations on Bangkok-Mumbai route

ECS Group is pleased to announce a new agreement between Thai VietJet and its subsidiary, AVS GSA Thailand on the Bangkok-Mumbai route.

This collaboration boosts Thai VietJet’s cargo capabilities, leveraging ECS Group’s network and expertise to support the airline’s growing presence in the international cargo market. The first shipment under this agreement was successfully transported on January 21, 2025, on the Bangkok (BKK) to Mumbai (BOM) route.

This partnership allows Thai VietJet to enhance its cargo offerings and optimise

capacity utilisation on its daily BKK-BOM-BKK flights. Using A320/321 passenger aircraft, the collaboration focuses on transporting general cargo, spare parts and e-commerce shipments. Key exports from Mumbai will include pharmaceuticals and garments, with transshipment opportunities via Bangkok to Thai VietJet’s broad route network.

This partnership highlights ECS Group’s role as a global leader in air cargo services, while enabling Thai VietJet to expand its cargo operations and better serve the rising demand in key markets.

Astral Aviation appoints Network Aviation Group and HIT Cargo Asia as General Sales Agents for key global markets

Astral Aviation Limited, a leading African cargo airline, is pleased to announce two strategic appointments that will enhance its global presence and service delivery.

Network Aviation Group has been appointed as the General Sales Agent (GSA) for Europe and the United States of America, while HIT Cargo Asia will serve as the GSA for mainland People’s Republic of China.

These appointments reflect Astral Aviation’s commitment to expanding its global footprint and providing comprehensive air cargo solutions to its customers across key international markets.

Network Aviation Group appointed as GSA for Europe and the USA

Network Aviation Group, with its extensive

experience and established presence in Europe and the United States, will play a pivotal role in strengthening Astral Aviation’s cargo operations and customer engagement in these regions. Leveraging their vast network and expertise, Network Aviation Group will provide tailored cargo solutions and seamless access to Astral Aviation’s extensive African network.

HIT Cargo Asia appointed as GSA for Mainland China

HIT Cargo Asia, a leading provider of cargo services in the Asia-Pacific region, will represent Astral Aviation in mainland China. This partnership will enhance the airline’s ability to serve one of the world’s most dynamic and rapidly growing cargo markets. HIT Cargo Asia’s comprehensive market

knowledge and operational expertise will ensure efficient and reliable service delivery to customers in China.

Cathay Pacific and SITA announce agreement to expand network connectivity across 51 global airports

SITA and Cathay Pacific have announced a significant milestone with an agreement supporting substantial increases in network bandwidth at its airports, improving current capacity by up to five times while maintaining cost efficiency. This initiative aligns with Cathay Pacific’s strategic direction of increasing adoption of Cloud applications while ensuring optimal performance for legacy systems.

Cathay Pacific, an early adopter of SITA Connect, is upgrading to SITA Connect Go under a renewed agreement. The service will enhance network connectivity across 51 airports with dual Internet connections, offering up to 300 Mbps bandwidth. The transition includes a 12-month design, build, test, and implementation phase.

SITA Connect Go will facilitate a substantial bandwidth increase of up to five times the current capacity. This improvement will ensure enhanced efficiency and connectivity while maintaining cost optimisation. Using the new SITA airport infrastructure will allow Cathay Pacific to continue its smooth transition to Cloud applications, enhancing overall operational efficiency and scalability.

Africa’s first Airport Cargo Community System to be developed by Kale Logistics Solutions

Kale Logistics (Kale), announced that it will develop Africa’s first Airport Cargo Community System, and celebrated the landmark achievement alongside Mozambique Airport Handling Service (MAHS).

MAHS is a leading airport handling service company assisting aircraft, passengers, cargo, and mail in the airports of Mozambique, as the country sees year-onyear growth of air traffic: with fast-growing demand for capacity and soaring air cargo volumes, Mozambique is poised for exponential growth in the coming years.

With growing logistics demand, Mozambique is poised to become a multimodal cargo hub. MAHS is investing in digitalization to capitalize on this growth while prioritizing transparency and high-quality operations.

In the first phase, integration of finance and customs systems is to be installed along

Qatar Airways Cargo and Unilode announce a major digitalisation partnership

Qatar

Connect Go also includes three Gateways specifically designed to ensure optimal performance for legacy applications, facilitating the continued use of existing systems while achieving improved performance and connectivity globally.

SITA Connect Go enables fast deployment via SITA’s APH-V infrastructure, ensuring minimal downtime. Its flexible, customisable options let Cathay Pacific optimise connectivity and costs across its network.

The implementation phase, which started in April 2024, is expected to be completed in early Q2 2025 and become fully operational across 51 airports on the same date.

with the latest GALAXY 3.0 – Kale’s flagship airport cargo digital management system.

MAHS is looking to mitigate its critical challenges: revenue leakage, lack of visibility and transparency, eliminating physical paper trails, and, most importantly, data interchange between stakeholders.

Kale’s Airport Cargo Community System (ACS) provides stakeholders with enhanced visibility and transparency, enabling the real-time tracking and monitoring of cargo movements, incorporating automated regulatory compliance checks. These further streamline operations and ensure adherence to industry standards.

Initially, the services are to be extended to eight airports in which MAHS is operating, followed by a further twelve in the subsequent phase.

The partnership represents the largest ULD digitalisation programme undertaken by an airline. Qatar Airways Cargo will leverage Unilode’s advanced ULD digitalisation capabilities to gain data-driven insights and real-time visibility into ULD locations, sensory data, and asset utilisation rates. Through Unilode’s digital technologies Qatar Airways Cargo will continue to strengthen its position to be at the forefront when it comes to streamlining operations, optimising resources, increasing revenue opportunities, and boosting performance.

The partnership with Qatar Airways Cargo will make sure Unilode’s tag and reader network

is further extended to cover the carriage of ULDs on the airline’s global passenger and cargo network. The tag and reader network will be supported by E-ULD, Unilode’s in-house developed mobile app and web portal that enables real time visibility & tracking of ULDs, and Unilode’s Enterprise Data Warehouse and customer portal, which provide the airline with enhanced data analytics to improve ULD utilisation and further reduce costs.

With this partnership we are confident that it will reshape ULD digitalisation across the industry and contribute to a more connected, efficient, and sustainable aviation ecosystem. With Qatar Airways Cargo as our partner, we look forward to working together on developing and enhancing our digital solutions further.”

Airways Cargo and Unilode Aviation Solutions announce their partnership for the digitalisation of the airline’s fleet of over 42,000 ULDs.

Air cargo demand up 3.2% in January, says IATA

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for January 2025 global air cargo markets showing:

• Total demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTK), rose by 3.2% compared to January 2024 levels (3.6% for international operations) for an 18th consecutive month of growth.

• Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTK), increased by 6.8% compared to January 2024 (7.3% for international operations).

“January marked 18 consecutive months of growth for air cargo, but the month’s 3.2% year-on-year growth is a moderation from double-digit peaks in 2024. Similarly, yields, while still above January 2024 levels, saw a 9.9% decline from December as cargo load factors also declined by an average of 1.5 percentage points. While external factors such as trade growth, declining fuel costs and expanding e-commerce remain positive for air cargo, it is important to closely watch the evolution of market conditions at this time. In particular, the wild card is the potential for tariff-driven trade policies from the US Trump Administration. Fortunately, the air cargo industry is well practiced at dealing with shifts in the operating environment,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

Several factors in the operating environment should be noted:

• Year-on-year, industrial production rose 2.6% in December. Global goods trade grew for a ninth consecutive month, reporting a 3.3% increase in December.

• The Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) for global manufacturing output was above the 50-mark for January, indicating growth. At 50.62, this was the highest reading since July 2024. The PMI for new export orders rose to 49.37, remaining just shy of the 50mark, which is the growth threshold.

• In January, consumer inflation in the US and in Europe both rose by 0.1 percentage point to 3.0% and 2.8% respectively. Chinese consumer inflation rebounded to 0.5% in January, after progressively falling to 0.1% in the previous four months.

TIACA’s Executive Summit 2025 will be held in Hong Kong

The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) announced that the 2025 Executive Summit will be held in Hong Kong, June 2426, 2025. This global event hosted by Cathay Cargo is expected to draw over 350 senior executives from across the globe for two full days of conference and networking.

“TIACA is excited to bring the Executive Summit to Hong Kong, a key sector for ecommerce shipments within our industry. We are looking forward to a robust conference program focused on issues that affect the industry every day, from incorporating AI into the industry to abruptly changing tensions and regulations,” said Steven Polmans, TIACA Chair.

Cathay Cargo will kick off the event with a tour of their cargo terminal facility on June

23rd, followed by a welcome reception hosted by HACTL. The event will then proceed with two full days of the conference that will include a series of panel sessions, fireside chats and keynote presentations that will cover topical issues affecting the industry and challenge the day-to-day norm. After a full day of conference sessions, Cathay Cargo will then welcome delegates to a networking dinner.

“We are honoured that TIACA has selected Hong Kong to be the city for the Executive Summit 2025 and delighted that Cathay Cargo will serve as the host for this important industry gathering. Hong Kong has long been the world’s busiest international air cargo hub, with state of the art infrastructure and an integrated supply chain within the Greater Bay Area.

So, we look forward to welcoming industry leaders to our home to exchange insights, foster collaboration, and drive forward the future of airfreight with inspiration from the successes of this magnificent City,” said Tom Owen, Cathay Director Cargo.

“The team has done a great job to grow this global event and make it one of the mustattended conferences of the year. We look forward to welcoming senior executives from across the globe to come to Hong Kong to do business, participate in lively conference sessions, network with their peers and make meetings in a prime cargo hub. We look forward to welcoming the industry to Hong Kong this June,” said Glyn Hughes, TIACA Director General.

Seafrigo opens in Vietnam and appoints Fabian Hautiere to head up the country

Seafrigo, the cold chain logistics expert specialising in food logistics, has opened its first office in Vietnam. At the same time, it has appointed Fabian Hautiere to head up operations in the country as Managing Director.

A new office in Vietnam aligns with the Seafrigo Group’s long-term growth strategy to develop its own operations in key locations around the globe. The new office is located in Ho Chi Minh City, the economic capital of the country with easy access to the main ports and airports and also home to the leading exporters of seafood and fruit.

Stefan Behrendt heads Dachser Food Logistics

Stefan Behrendt took over responsibility for Dachser Food Logistics on January 1, 2025. He succeeds COO Road Logistics Alexander Tonn, who had also held the position of Managing Director Food Logistics since January 1, 2024.

Stefan Behrendt joined Dachser in 2015, initially as head of the Niederrhein logistics center in Neuss, where he successfully expanded the food transport and storage business. While still under outgoing Managing Director Alfred Miller, he moved to Dachser’s Head Office in Kempten on October 1, 2023. Since then, as Deputy Managing Director Food Logistics, he has dedicated himself to this business line’s strategic orientation and further development. Behrendt began his logistics career at DHL Freight before working for several years in international management positions and as a branch manager at the food logistics company Nagel Group.

The Food Logistics business line has grown strongly over the past two years through the acquisitions of Müller Fresh Food Logistics in the Netherlands, Frigoscandia in Sweden and the Nordic region, and Brummer Logistik in southern Germany and Austria. Today, Dachser’s food transport and storage business contributes around EUR 2 billion to the company’s revenue.

Dachser Food Logistics is represented by its country organisations in Belgium, France, Hungary, and Italy, in addition to its home market of Germany. Dachser is also the system leader of the European Food Network, which covers 34 European countries and offers manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers in the food market access to leading network coverage for groupage transports within Europe.

Vietnam will be both an air and ocean operation and will cater to exports and imports. It is one of the most dynamic and fastest growing economies in South East Asia with an average GDP growth rate of +6% for the last 15 years (excluding the 2 years of COVID where the growth rate was +2.7%). The country also has Free Trade Agreements in place with trading partners including the EU and Asia-Pacific countries.

Fabian Hautiere joins Seafrigo from Kuehne Nagel where he was National Key Account Manager specialising in consumer goods. He also has extensive experience on the operational side of the business where he worked as a Senior Supply Chain Manager for a leading fine food import company in Vietnam where he has lived for the last 12 years.

SingPost appoints Neo Su Yin as Group Chief Operating Officer

Singapore Post (SingPost) announced the appointment of Neo Su Yin as Group Chief Operating Officer (GCOO), effective 2 January 2025. In this newly created role, Su Yin will be responsible for the Singapore Business Unit, the International Business Unit and Property. Under transitional management arrangements, she will take guidance from the Chairman of the Board, Simon Israel.

The position of the GCOO is a pivotal role to translate transformation into tangible results, ensuring high quality execution, while fostering a culture of innovation

and continuous improvement. Su Yin will also support the Board in a review of the International Business Unit.

“The Board is pleased to welcome Su Yin back to SingPost as our Group Chief Operating Officer,” said Simon Israel, Chairman of the Board. “She has a proven track record and deep understanding of SingPost’s business and operations. Her appointment greatly strengthens our leadership’s focus on driving operational performance and excellence – a core foundation for sustainable growth.”

Lufthansa Cargo appoints new executives for Europe and Middle East, Africa & South Asia & CIS regions

Lufthansa Cargo welcomes two executives to new positions at the beginning of the year: Dr. Andre Schulz, previously Head of Region Middle East, Africa & South Asia & CIS, took over the position of Head of Region Europe on 1 January 2025. He has thus been responsible for all Lufthansa Cargo activities in the region since the beginning of the year, succeeding Oliver von Götz, who took over the position of “Head of Global Fulfillment Management” in the fall of 2024. Dr. Andre Schulz holds a doctorate in business and has been working for Lufthansa Group since 2008. After management roles at a number of international locations, including 17 years of corporate and sales experience, he joined Lufthansa Cargo in 2022.

He will be succeeded by Stephanie PöhnHelbig, presently “Head of Crew Control”

at Lufthansa Cargo, who will take up the position of “Head of Region Middle East, Africa & South Asia & CIS” from 1 March 2025. She will then manage Lufthansa Cargo activities for the region. Stephanie Pöhn-Helbig will be based in Frankfurt and with her nomination, Lufthansa Cargo is appointing another woman to the company’s management team. Over 30 percent of management positions are then held by female managers, which once again reflects the diversity of the company. The MBA graduate brings a diverse background in aviation from various national and international locations through her officer career in the German Air Force. After further positions in the airline and aviation industry, she joined Lufthansa Group in 2021 and Lufthansa Cargo’s crew management in 2023.

Steffen Fessler joins Jettainer as Head of Cool ULD

Steffen Fessler is taking over as Head of Cool ULD at Jettainer. In his new role, he is responsible for the operations and ongoing development of cool&fly, the unique cool ULD management service of the company. The service for airlines comprises full cool ULD order management

Hellmann: Lee I’Ons

with full responsibility for the entire process, minimising risks and costs. Jettainer manages around 12,000 cool ULDs every year.

In his previous position as Business Manager for Cargo Tools at Lufthansa Industry Solutions, Steffen Fessler was responsible for the implementation of various air cargo IT projects and already supported Jettainer in software development and infrastructure projects. In addition, Fessler gained extensive logistics expertise from his time at international building materials producer Puren, where he was heading the logistics department. He holds a master’s degree in Global Management & Governance.

“I am excited to further strengthen our global sales organization with Stephanie Pöhn-Helbig and Dr. Andre Schulz. Their understanding of various geographies, combined with their leadership experience will be a strong asset for Lufthansa Cargo and our customers in these dynamic markets. Their diverse backgrounds provide fresh and innovative perspectives and further enhance our focus on enabling global business,” explains Anand Kulkarni, Head of Global Markets at Lufthansa Cargo.

With cool&fly, Jettainer offers a one-stopshop service that covers all processes of cool ULD leasing and management for its customers. As an intermediary between the airlines and the suppliers, Jettainer’s cool ULD experts take care of ordering, efficient and timely positioning to reduce demurrage costs, monitoring and proactive interventions in case of irregularities. To ensure the smooth running of the entire cool ULD management journey, Jettainer runs a dedicated temperature control excellence center in Abu Dhabi, that operates 24/7/365. Steffen Fessler will lead the center with his innovative digital mindset, driving the expansion of cool&fly’s service while enhancing state-of-the-art technology and processes.

appointed new Regional CEO IMEA

Hellmann Worldwide Logistics is pleased to announce the appointment of Lee I’Ons as the new Regional CEO for the IMEA region and member of the International Executive Board, effective April 1, 2025. He succeeds Madhav Kurup, who has successfully led the region since joining Hellmann in 2008 and was recently promoted to the Global Management Board as the COO for Airfreight, Seafreight, and Contract Logistics.

A South African native, Lee I’Ons brings 30 years of logistics experience spanning Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. He began his career with a shipping agency in Durban

before moving on to Kühne+Nagel, where he held various senior roles over the past 26 years, most recently serving as National Manager Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and President of Middle East, and Africa.

In his new role at Hellmann, I’Ons will focus on accelerating growth within the IMEA region by leveraging his extensive connection to the region, its people, and markets. Together with his team I´Ons will build on the strong regional development of recent years, during which the IMEA region – now home to 2,000 employees across 14 countries and six vertical joint

ventures – remains a vital growth driver for Hellmann. The region includes some of the fastest-growing markets such as India, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, as well as emerging opportunities across Africa.

- TIACA

How TIACA is driving green innovation in air cargo

As the air cargo industry moves toward a more sustainable future, the challenge lies in setting ambitious targets and taking meaningful action. From reducing emissions to promoting greener technologies, industry players must navigate complex regulations, funding constraints, and evolving customer expectations.

At the forefront of this transition is the International Air Cargo Association (TIACA), which spearheads initiatives to guide businesses—large and small—toward more sustainable operations. In this exclusive C-Suite interview, Glyn Hughes, TIACA’s Director General, shares his insights on the industry’s key challenges, the role of collaboration, and the concrete steps TIACA is taking to drive long-term sustainability in air cargo.

Leadership and innovation in sustainability

For TIACA, sustainability is a broad commitment that extends beyond carbon emissions. Speaking about the TIACA BlueSky program, Hughes emphasises, “Each organization should establish a strategy specific to their operation, encompassing environmental, waste, people, efficiency, and community aspects.” Designed to support businesses on their sustainability

journey, the program assesses their current performance across key criteria. It provides a personalised dashboard with targeted insights, guiding organisations on areas for improvement.

Global collaboration for a greener future

Sustainability in air cargo requires a collective effort, and TIACA has made partnerships a core part of its strategy. “TIACA very much focuses on collaboration and partnerships,” Hughes says. The organisation shares its Insights Report, Roadmap to Industry Sustainability, and other key resources across the industry. Additionally, TIACA works closely with ESG experts and hosts the annual TIACA Sustainability Awards to highlight innovative solutions driving environmental progress.

Navigating challenges in sustainable air cargo

Achieving sustainability goals is not without obstacles. “Information overload is as challenging as lack of information,” Hughes points out, noting that regulations such as Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) mandates, CORSIA, EU ETS, CSRD, and ReFuelEU, create complexities for businesses, particularly smaller ones. “Carbon Offsetting is a good example,” Hughes shares. “Some smaller organisations would like to offset their

emissions, either on a shipment level or for a complete business activity.” To help make that process simple, TIACA launched an Invest in Climate Action platform, enabling companies to purchase carbon credits and invest in sustainable projects in developing regions.

Projects making an impact

TIACA is actively leading several initiatives to make sustainability more accessible. “As mentioned, we have our annual Sustainability Survey, Industry Sustainability Roadmap, BlueSky assessment program, Climate Action platform, and a newly launched Training library which provides numerous ESG and general cargo training solutions,” Hughes outlines. These programs offer industry-wide assessments and targeted tools to help companies take concrete steps toward sustainability.

The future of sustainable air cargo

Looking ahead, TIACA is aligning its efforts with global net-zero goals. “TIACA fully supports industry net zero by 2050 targets. We also advocate for enhancing industry action in support of the United Nations 17 SDGs,” Hughes states. This includes pushing for greater investment in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production and the global accessibility of SAF technology.

Brussels Airport hosted the first BlueSky community program workshop in April 2024, bringing together industry stakeholders to drive sustainability initiatives.

Beyond SAF, alternative energy sources will also play a crucial role. “SAF will need to grow exponentially from the less than 1% we see today to about 65% of industry fuel usage to help achieve the net-zero target by 2050,” Hughes says. He also emphasises the importance of green hydrogen, electrification for ground transport, and AIdriven efficiency improvements in making air cargo operations more sustainable.

Tracking progress and measuring success

TIACA’s sustainability surveys provide valuable insights into industry progress.

“On the positive side, the industry has taken huge steps to reduce usage of single-use plastic, and has invested heavily in modern energy-efficient fleets of aircraft and ground vehicles,” Hughes shares. However, he also notes a growing gap: “We are seeing fragmentation with larger organisations having dedicated teams and strategies in place, while smaller organisations find it more of a challenge.”

Supporting smaller businesses

Bridging this gap, TIACA is helping SMEs access tailored sustainability solutions.

“The BlueSky program is the best vehicle as it allows a company to receive specific personalised dashboards highlighting what they are doing well and where they

need to provide more attention,” Hughes explains. By providing SMEs with structured insights and resources, TIACA ensures that sustainability is not just for major players but for businesses of all sizes.

A vision for sustainable air cargo

As the industry continues its journey toward sustainability, Hughes underscores the importance of a responsible and inclusive approach. “The role air cargo plays in supporting the global economy is crucial in enabling enhanced global prosperity for all. So, we must safeguard this industry by being responsible, good global citizens,” he says. Beyond environmental impact, sustainability must also address social factors, creating opportunities for all, “regardless of gender, religion, academic background, or physical abilities.”

The power of collective action

For Hughes, collective action is not just beneficial—it’s essential. “Sustainability is increasingly becoming a key enabler of business with partners, customers, employees, regulators, and financial institutions demanding action. We should all therefore do what we can,” he urges. He stresses that the industry’s collective efforts will not only drive meaningful change but also help demonstrate to regulators that air cargo is capable of managing its own

GLYN HUGHES Director General, The International Air Cargo Association

sustainability journey, potentially reducing the need for additional regulation.

As TIACA continues to lead the charge in sustainability, its initiatives, partnerships, and strategic programs will play a critical role in shaping the air cargo industry’s greener future.

FEATURE - NESTE

Scaling sustainable aviation: How Neste is powering greener flights

With the aviation industry pushing toward net-zero emissions by 2050, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) has emerged as a key solution. Despite its potential, SAF still accounts for less than 1% of total global jet fuel consumption, underscoring the urgent need to scale production. As the world’s leading SAF producer, Neste is at the forefront of efforts to bridge this gap and drive sustainable aviation forward.

“SAF is a key lever to decarbonise aviation, but its current production capacity is limited,” says Alexander Kueper, Vice President Renewable Aviation Business at Neste. “We simply don’t have the luxury to wait anymore. This requires action and cooperation across the whole aviation ecosystem, including airlines, airports, fuel producers, governments, businesses using aviation for travel and cargo, and even individual travellers.”

Scaling SAF production: Meeting global demand

Neste is rapidly expanding its SAF production capacity to meet growing global demand. “Neste is the world’s leading producer of SAF with a current SAF production capability of 1 million tons per annum, which is roughly 1.25 billion litres,” says Kueper. “This will increase to 1.5 million tons per annum once the modification to our existing Rotterdam refinery in the Netherlands is completed this year, and further to 2.2 million tons after the ongoing expansion of our refinery in Rotterdam.”

With production facilities in Finland and Singapore, Neste operates the world’s largest SAF production facility in Singapore, enabling the company to serve customers in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. However, scaling production remains a challenge. “Governments play a crucial role

in creating a market and demand for SAF, as demand certainty is needed to attract investment into new production capacity,” Kueper explains.

Driving adoption: Partnering with airlines & expanding infrastructure

Neste has partnered with numerous airlines and logistics companies worldwide to integrate SAF into operations. “A good example is our cooperation with Singapore Airlines, to which we supplied SAF at Changi Airport last year, produced at our Singapore refinery and supplied into the airport via our integrated supply chain in the country,” shares Kueper.

Beyond airlines, Neste is deepening its collaboration with logistics companies. “A more recent example is the further strengthening of our existing cooperation with DHL Group, to which we already supply SAF, but with whom we will develop

a holistic, joint approach to tackling GHG emissions in transportation, both by air and by road,” he adds.

To enhance SAF accessibility, Neste is expanding fuel availability at major airports. “Neste has its own SAF supply capabilities at a selected number of international airports such as Amsterdam, San Francisco, and Singapore but is working together with partners to enable access to SAF at other airports across the globe—for example, with ITOCHU in Japan or Signature Aviation and Avfuel in the US,” says Kueper.

While SAF is currently blended up to 50% with conventional jet fuel, Neste is actively working toward 100% SAF certification. “For example, our cooperation with Airbus and Rolls Royce is researching the impact of using 100% SAF on aviation emissions,” he notes.

Policy & market dynamics: Unlocking SAF’s full potential

Government support is crucial in accelerating SAF adoption, particularly

through policies like the EU’s ReFuelEU Aviation regulation and the UK SAF mandate, which require airlines to incorporate a minimum percentage of SAF into their fuel mix. “Both have started with 2% in 2025, with the EU increasing to 6% in 2030 and the UK to even 10% by 2030,” Kueper explains.

Countries in the Asia-Pacific region are also moving towards similar mandates. “We see governments in Japan and Singapore implementing or developing similar policies,” he adds. “The availability of SAF to support the European mandates is there, with Neste alone increasing its SAF production capability to 1.5 million tons per annum this year, and we are not the only producer around.”

Global policy alignment is another critical factor. “Aviation is a global industry, introducing the need for global alignment. It is positive that ICAO has set an intermediary target for international aviation to be 5% less carbon-intensive by 2030, through the use of SAF,” Kueper highlights.

FEATURE - NESTE

The next generation of sustainable aviation fuels

While SAF is currently the most viable alternative to conventional jet fuel, Neste is also exploring future technologies such as Power-to-X. “SAF is basically a category of more sustainable fuels that can be produced from non-fossil sources in several ways,” explains Kueper. “Neste uses HEFA technology, which is currently the only commercially viable technology. Most of the SAF produced globally today is HEFA-SAF.”

Other production pathways, such as alcohol-to-jet, are scaling, while Power-toLiquids technology, which combines green hydrogen and captured carbon to produce synthetic fuel, is in early development. “Neste is not only looking into these future technologies but also into new future raw materials such as novel vegetable oils and lignocellulosic residues,” Kueper adds.

The circular economy also plays a major role in Neste’s strategy. “SAF is already a good example of circularity, as we’re reusing

FEATURE - NESTE

carbon already in the atmosphere for its production via the raw materials used,” he says. Expanding feedstock availability will be crucial for ramping up production.

“Independent reports like the World Economic Forum/Clean Skies of Tomorrow report estimate the global availability of waste and residue oils and fats to exceed 40 million tons by 2030. This will provide enough raw material to significantly ramp up SAF production,” he notes.

The road ahead for Neste and the aviation industry

Neste’s sustainability roadmap is ambitious.

“As far as SAF is concerned, the future milestones will be increasing our SAF production capability, first to 1.5 million tons per annum and then further to 2.2 million tons per annum,” says Kueper. “This will support mandates but also voluntary demand from businesses aiming to reduce emissions from their business travel and transport.”

Beyond SAF, Neste has set broader climate and sustainability targets. “We aim to support our customers in reducing their GHG emissions by 20 million tons per annum by 2030. We are well underway, having passed the 12 million tons mark,” he adds. “Additionally, we are working towards carbon-neutral production by 2035 and have set aspirational targets for climate, biodiversity, human rights, as well as our supply chain and raw materials.”

Neste’s push for sustainable aviation extends beyond just increasing SAF production—it’s about reshaping the entire industry’s approach to decarbonisation. With growing policy support, expanding airline partnerships, and ongoing advancements in alternative fuels, the company is driving the aviation sector closer to a low-carbon future. While challenges remain, Neste’s commitment to scaling SAF, broadening feedstock availability, and pioneering new technologies positions it as a key player in transforming aviation for generations to come.

ALEXANDER KUEPER Vice President Renewable Aviation Business, Neste

FEATURE - AMSTERDAM AIRPORT SCHIPHOL

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol sets the benchmark for sustainable airport operations

As the aviation industry grapples with the urgent need to decarbonise, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) emerges as a beacon of sustainable innovation. With a vision of achieving zero waste and zero emissions by 2030, the Dutch airport is taking bold steps to transform its operations and infrastructure in alignment with global environmental goals. As one of Europe’s busiest hubs, Schiphol’s commitment to sustainable practices sets an important precedent for the global aviation industry.

In 2023, Schiphol became the first airport in the world to have its long-term net-zero targets validated by the Science Based Target initiative (SBTi). “Schiphol has set ambitious sustainability goals, including zero emissions by 2030 for Scope 1 and 2, and net-zero for Scope 3 by 2050,” says Denise Pronk, Head of Sustainability at Schiphol.

Achieving Airport Carbon Accreditation Level 5 in 2023, Schiphol is the only airport among Europe’s five busiest hubs to reach this milestone. “We are proud of these achievements and the teams involved in ensuring our commitment to more sustainable aviation,” Pronk adds.

Greener ground operations

One of Schiphol’s most groundbreaking initiatives is the electrification of its ground operations. Partnering with KES, Schiphol is

testing an Iron Flow Battery that supports electric ground power units (E-GPUs) by providing a consistent, substantial supply of electricity. With a maximum storage capacity of 500 kWh, the battery helps alleviate pressure on the energy grid while enabling aircraft to turn off their Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) that run on kerosene.

“Electric ground equipment is becoming ever more popular at Schiphol,” says Pronk. “But there are challenges, such as needing additional personnel to charge e-GPUs and managing battery charge levels during busy operations.” Despite these challenges, transitioning to electric ground support equipment, including electric buses that reduce emissions and improve air quality, is a crucial step toward creating a greener airport environment.

Harnessing renewable energy

Since 2018, Schiphol has powered its operations with 100% Dutch wind energy, thanks to a partnership with energy supplier Eneco. The airport is also expanding its use of solar energy, including a major solar panel farm that powers the entire P3 parking garage.

A significant shift away from natural gas is also underway. Pronk shares that Schiphol has implemented Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage (ATES) systems to drastically cut gas consumption. Between 2010 and 2024,

the airport reduced its gas usage by almost 70 million cubic meters—equivalent to the consumption of 46,000 households.

Terminal 3 has been equipped with ATES since 2019, significantly reducing gas dependence. In 2024, Schiphol continued its efforts to phase out natural gas with the successful delivery of a central ATES system at the Schiphol Central Business District. Almost all piers are now equipped with TES systems, and Pier E will be fully integrated with ATES by 2025. Looking ahead, Terminals 1 and 2 are set to implement ATES by 2030. Additionally, new buildings such as Pier A and the new Pier C are being constructed gas-free as standard, reinforcing Schiphol’s commitment to sustainable and resilient infrastructure.

FEATURE - AMSTERDAM AIRPORT SCHIPHOL

Sustainable Aviation Fuel

Schiphol recognises that Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is currently the most viable option to reduce aviation emissions in the short term. According to Pronk, blended SAF can reduce CO2 emissions by 70% to 90% compared to fossil kerosene. However, it is not yet fully sustainable, as current HEFA (Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids) SAF production is limited due to supply constraints and production challenges.

“In the short term, blended SAF is the best option to reduce emissions, but R&D is needed to develop e-SAF, like synthetic kerosene, which has the potential to be produced in volumes that are needed to decarbonise the global aviation industry,” says Pronk.

Zero-waste ambitions and community engagement

Beyond energy and fuel, Schiphol is tackling waste through a comprehensive zero-waste roadmap, collaborating with business partners to monitor and reduce waste production. One of the airport’s key strategies is setting up a monitoring system to track zero-waste goals, prioritising waste streams based on mass and their CO2 footprint. This approach allows Schiphol to identify areas that need improvement and work with partners to reduce waste generation at the source.

“We have developed a monitoring system to track our zero-waste goals. We prioritise streams based on the mass produced and their CO2 footprint. Many of our actions are based on reducing these streams,” says Pronk.

To gain deeper insights, Schiphol conducts targeted waste scans in various areas of the terminal, identifying specific products and passenger behaviours that contribute to waste. These scans help the airport understand which items are most

problematic and how to address them effectively. For example, single-use plastic items commonly discarded by passengers have been identified, prompting Schiphol to collaborate with partners to find more sustainable alternatives.

“We also conduct waste scans to gain insights into different areas within the terminal. This helps us identify products to address with business partners and understand passenger behaviours that need to be nudged to avoid and reduce waste,” Pronk explains.

Schiphol also recognises the importance of engaging with the local community to address environmental concerns, particularly noise pollution. The airport has taken proactive steps to encourage airlines to use quieter aircraft, offering reduced fees for quieter models and imposing higher charges on older, noisier planes. As of 2025, the loudest aircraft will be banned from operating at Schiphol.

To further support local communities affected by aviation activities, Schiphol has set up a €10 million annual Environmental Fund that will run until 2031. The fund is dedicated to quality-of-life improvements in the surrounding areas, demonstrating the airport’s commitment to balancing operational growth with community wellbeing.

Partnerships and future vision

Collaboration is key to Schiphol’s strategy, exemplified by its leadership in the TULIPS program. This consortium, funded by the European Union, brings together 32 European partners, including airports, airlines, knowledge institutions, and companies, to develop sustainable solutions that align with the European Green Deal.

The TULIPS program aims to reduce CO2 emissions from mobility and promote sustainability at airports through 17

concrete demonstration projects. These projects include testing an Iron Flow Battery and a hydrogen Ground Power Unit, as well as demonstrating solutions for unattended charging of electric aircraft. Additionally, Schiphol is conducting trials with electric trucks for the ‘last mile’ at the airport and experimenting with heat storage systems for buildings.

In line with its commitment to circularity, Schiphol is also working on improving the circular use of materials, addressing both passenger waste and construction waste as valuable resources. Plans are underway to conduct trials for the large-scale supply of more sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and further demonstrations of hydrogenpowered ground handling equipment—all of which play a vital role in achieving the airport’s sustainability targets.

“Collaboration with partners is crucial, learning from other airports and sectors. Integrate sustainability in everything you do. It takes effort and time, but in the end, it pays off handsomely for everyone,” emphasises Pronk.

With its ambitious goals and concrete actions, Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is proving that sustainable aviation is not just a vision but a reality in the making. As other hubs look to follow suit, Schiphol stands as a model of how the aviation industry can adapt and thrive in a more sustainable world.

DENISE PRONK Head of Sustainability, Royal Schiphol Group

FEATURE - KALE LOGISTICS SOLUTIONS

Kale Logistics Solutions leads digital-sustainability integration in global supply chains

The logistics industry faces a pivotal moment as companies navigate dual pressures: reducing environmental impact while enhancing operational efficiency. Kale Logistics Solutions leads this transformation, demonstrating that digitalisation and sustainability are complementary forces rather than competing priorities. By integrating sustainability as a fundamental component of its digital strategy, Kale has developed solutions that simultaneously streamline operations and deliver measurable environmental benefits— reducing carbon emissions, eliminating paper waste, and optimising supply chain efficiency from end to end.

Sustainability as a core business pillar

For Kale Logistics, sustainability is more than just a corporate statement—it is a strategic commitment. “As an organisation, Kale is committed towards sustainable development concepts and we consider it a key aspect of our growth. With regulators demanding adherence to environmental sustainability, industry stakeholders are looking at innovative alternatives with technology intervention,” says Rajesh Panicker, Co-founder and COO of Kale Logistics Solutions.

Panicker further explains that while sustainability was previously seen as an abstract goal, climate change concerns have made it a priority for all stakeholders. “The most seamless way to facilitate sustainability is through technology intervention. This is where our commitment and business approach come together. So far, we have transformed 100+ airports and ports worldwide with our digital strategy and made them adhere to sustainable development goals.”

UN accreditation and the impact of paperless trade

One of Kale Logistics’ most significant achievements is its UN accreditation for facilitating paperless trade. “On average, a single airport consumes 10 million copies of paper as there are 100s of documents involved to move one shipment. With our Cargo Community Systems, which integrate multiple processes and functions, the dependency on these papers reduces significantly,” Panicker explains.

This system has been successfully implemented at major airports, including Mumbai International Airport and HartsfieldJackson Atlanta International Airport, setting a new industry benchmark. “This is a benchmark we have set in the industry,

and it continues. Hence, the accolades which we received from the United Nations consecutively and for 11 years in a row, we have received Technology Solutions Provider of the Year,” says Panicker.

Digital transformation: Reducing environmental footprint

Kale Logistics has launched several digital initiatives aimed to reduce environmental damage in logistics operations. One of the most notable projects is Mumbai International Airport’s Cargo Community System, which facilitates paperless and contactless transactions for import operations. “The airport will not require hard copies of MAWBs (Master Air Waybill) and HAWBs (House Air Waybill) to be submitted by forwarding companies,” Panicker notes. “This digital initiative facilitates ease of business to support all forwarders, customs brokers, transporters, and customers, on the air import business with a ‘contactless’ and ‘paperless’ process, fast-tracking the deliverables factoring safety and security.”

Operational inefficiencies in logistics often stem from occupational hazards and resource exploitation. Kale Logistics addresses these challenges through fullscale technology adoption, with its Cargo Community System at the core of this

Kale Logistics’ Cargo Community System has been implemented at Hartsfield-jackson Atlanta International Airport.

FEATURE - KALE LOGISTICS SOLUTIONS

transformation. The system offers a single dashboard that enables seamless interaction among all stakeholders within the cargo complex, significantly reducing turnaround time and minimising dependency on natural resources. While paperless trade is a major sustainability benefit, the system’s ability to cut fuel consumption by reducing truck waiting times is equally noteworthy.

Another example is Atlanta’s airport congestion issue, where truck wait times soared to six hours. “The airport introduced advance truck slot management through Airport Cargo Community System, which streamlined truck flow to the airport as per available slots with the handling company,” says Panicker.

These initiatives have resulted in significant environmental benefits. “We conducted a study that showed by using our Cargo Community System, the Atlanta Airport Community had saved nine tonnes of CO2 from being processed since the beginning of 2021—the equivalent of planting more than 400 trees.”

Overcoming challenges in the shift to digital sustainability

While paperless trade is a major step toward sustainability, companies face challenges in transitioning to digital documentation. “Regulatory compliance and acceptance remain a major hurdle, as many countries still require physical documents for customs clearance and trade compliance,” Panicker explains.

Interoperability between different stakeholders also poses a challenge. “Interoperability issues arise due to different stakeholders using non-standardized digital formats, making seamless data exchange difficult.” To address these concerns, Kale Logistics provides integrated solutions that connect all stakeholders across the supply chain, ensuring a smooth transition to digital trade.

The future of sustainable logistics

The logistics industry has come a long way in its sustainability efforts, but there is still work to be done. “We see a massive transformation compared to what it was 10-15 years ago. IATA’s e-freight initiative launched in the late 2000s failed to get traction at that time, whereas now it is taken much more seriously. All airlines insist that handlers and terminal operators must have IATA-recommended messaging formats,” Panicker observes.

Despite this progress, achieving carbon neutrality will require more collaborative efforts. “The moment we consolidate all of them, then we will see a significant transition in terms of achieving net carbon neutrality.”

Kale Logistics is actively collaborating with industry stakeholders, government bodies, and technology partners to drive sustainability in the logistics and supply chain ecosystem. By partnering with port authorities and airport operators, the company has implemented community platforms that optimise resource utilisation, reduce paperwork, and improve operational efficiency—delivering significant environmental benefits.

Innovations on the horizon

Looking ahead, Kale Logistics is working on several major projects that will further enhance sustainability in logistics. “We are building sea-air corridors connecting some of the most important airports and ports, creating a multi-modal ecosystem for cargo movement,” Panicker shares.

Additionally, the company is focusing on hinterland connectivity initiatives that will transform regional logistics networks. “Already, the world’s 11th largest port in terms of container volume (Port Klang) has embraced our system, and they’re gradually entering the top 10 zone in the coming years. Similarly, we have several cornerstone projects that are reaping the benefits.”

A call to action for the industry

As digitalisation continues to drive sustainability in logistics, companies must take a proactive approach to adopting new technologies. Panicker offers a key piece of advice for logistics businesses looking to start their digital sustainability journey:

“Consistency is the key. If you are not consistent with your efforts, then you will be lost in the game, and your purpose turns out to be bleak as you don’t give any value addition. Therefore, focus on consistency and gradually implement digitalisation across processes.”

Kale Logistics’ journey illustrates that digital transformation serves as both an operational catalyst and environmental solution. Through strategic technology adoption and industry collaboration, Kale is pioneering a new logistics paradigm where operational excellence and environmental stewardship reinforce each other—creating a blueprint for a supply chain that delivers business value while preserving our planet’s future.

RAJESH PANICKER Co-founder and COO, Kale Logistics Solutions