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EDITORIAL
Head of Editorial: Jack Salter jack.salter@outpb.com
Deputy Head of Editorial: Lucy Pilgrim lucy.pilgrim@outpb.com
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UNIFYING THE WORLD
Welcome to our sixth edition of Supply Chain Outlook magazine.
Marshalling this issue’s front cover is Unifi, North America’s largest provider of aviation services.
Founded in 2018 as a joint venture between Delta Air Lines and the Argenbright Group, Unifi has evidently experienced rapid growth since its inception.
The company provides a wide range of essential services from the moment passengers arrive at the airport – whether checking in, picking up bags, or loading them onto the plane – to ensure everything runs smoothly.
In many global markets, the ground handling space has been dominated by a small number of established providers, creating an opportunity for Unifi to introduce new approaches and drive meaningful innovation in the space.
“We have the scale, experience, and capabilities to disrupt those markets and offer a fresh alternative,” says Chief Commercial Officer, Ying McPherson.
International trade, meanwhile, has always been dependent on port services, which Inchcape Shipping Services (Inchcape) recognises having been in business since 1847, boasting nearly two centuries of experience.
As a global provider of port agency, marine services, and digital solutions, the company’s mission is to use technology and its global network to help partners connect to a smoother, smarter ocean.
“There is huge opportunity out there in the supply chain market at the moment, but it requires having a deep understanding of customers’ requirements and building solutions that hit the mark and add value to their business,” confirms David Pratt, Regional CEO – Asia Pacific.
Nulogy expertly provides solutions to help manufacturers, co-packers, and other organisations in the extended supply chain run more efficient and responsive processes, as well as supporting brands in their external supply chain management.
The company is primarily based in Canada and predominantly works with businesses across North America and Europe, supported by an emerging operational footprint in Latin America and Asia.
“We were born out of the supply chain base for very large, fast-moving consumer goods brand suppliers,” adds Christine Barnhart, Chief Industry and Ecosystem Officer.
A world of supply chain wonders awaits in this issue, which is complete with JP Logistics, Vector Logistics, Albuquerque International Sunport, and Skytanking.
We hope that you enjoy your read.
Jack Salter Head of Editorial, Outlook Publishing
LABUBU BOOM CHARMS CONSUMERS
CHINESE TOY COMPANY
Pop Mart is currently facing unprecedented supply chain challenges due to the viral success of its popular Labubu plushie dolls, which have created a global craze. Available in various forms, including standalone figures, pendants, bags, and bag charms, the latter is the most sought-after option
EUROPE & MIDDLE EAST
TANKERS
and is becoming increasingly difficult to obtain.
Labubu is a collectable character created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung as part of the Monsters series and is known for its mischievous grin. Demand has been propelled by celebrity endorsements and social media hype, resulting in out-of-stock situations.
ALTER COURSE AS TENSIONS RISE
OIL TANKERS HAVE steered away from the Strait of Hormuz following the US attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities. At least six vessels have altered their routes, including two large crude carriers, three chemical tankers, and one refined products carrier.
As one of the world’s most important shipping routes and
a crucial oil transit choke point, approximately 20 percent of global oil consumption passes through the strait, which connects the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea.
Any disruption in this area could significantly impact global supply, affecting world markets and international trade and leading to increased fuel and production costs.
EUROPE & MIDDLE EAST
FORTIFYING FREIGHT FOUNDATIONS
UNDER ITS LONG-TERM Industrial Strategy, the UK government has committed £600 million to accelerate the development of logistics and industrial sites. It will establish a national Supply Chain Centre to enhance resilience and improve coordination of investments.
The centre will manage both public and private investments across freight corridors, intermodal infrastructure, and warehousing clusters. A supporting Supply Chain Observatory will also monitor vulnerabilities and dependencies, drawing on lessons learned from disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic and following Brexit.
Although logistics has not been granted foundational sector status, its systemic importance to economic growth is recognised. These investments will benefit long-distance freight movements and enhance digital resilience.
ASIA PACIFIC
TURBO CHARGING
MAJOR CHINESE CAR
MANUFACTURERS have committed to making payments to their suppliers within 60 days following government intervention to support steelmakers.
For instance, Chery, one of China’s largest automotive companies, has stated its intention to accelerate capital turnover within the supply chain. The industry faces significant pressure due to factors such as price wars and excessive competition.
This initiative aims to boost industrial production and enhance the financial health of the automotive
EUROPE & MIDDLE EAST
supply chain in response to government pressure and the need to curb aggressive pricing practices amongst manufacturers.
PRIME OPPORTUNITIES
SHOPPING GIANT AMAZON
is investing £40 billion in the UK over the next three years, during which it plans to open four new warehouses and create thousands of jobs. It is already one of the largest private employers in the country, with approximately 75,000 staff members.
Two fulfilment centres are expected to open in the East Midlands in 2027, whilst another
two will be completed in Hull and Northampton, with scheduled openings this year and in 2026, respectively.
In addition, two new buildings will be constructed at Amazon’s corporate headquarters in East London. Other plans include establishing new delivery stations, upgrading its transport network, and redeveloping Bray Film Studios in Berkshire.
NORTH AMERICA
A WAVE OF TRADE
THE NUMBER OF CARGO SHIPS heading to the US, primarily from Asia, has increased in the Pacific Ocean. Recently, 68 container vessels were reported on their way to the West Coast’s neighbouring Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach as businesses rush to stockpile ahead of global tariffs.
There are concerns that a sudden and sustained increase in shipping volumes could lead to congestion, putting a strain on operations. If imports rise above 20 percent, which is considered the standard limit, and remain high throughout the summer, the risk of disruption will increase.
NORTH AMERICA
US UNPLUGGED
TAMPONS, AN EVERYDAY ESSENTIAL, are the latest item to be impacted by supply chain shortages, becoming increasingly scarce in retailers across the US. This situation follows crises involving baby formula and hormone replacement therapy.
Organisations focused on menstrual health have observed a significant decline in the availability of sanitary products. The CFO of Procter & Gamble (P&G), the manufacturer of the US’s largest tampon brand, Tampax, has acknowledged challenges in sourcing necessary materials for production such as cotton, rayon, and plastic.
However, a P&G spokesperson described this situation as “temporary”. The company also pointed to high demand, which has surged in response to its advertising campaign featuring Amy Schumer, aimed at promoting openness about menstruation.
WHAT QUALITY COSTS
Whether it’s an aerospace prototype project or a new automotive programme, the road to quality begins long before final assembly. Rupert Musgrove, UK Managing Director of G&P, explains why improving quality control higher up the supply chain can lead to lower costs, improved efficiencies, and zero defects on the production line
Writer: Rupert Musgrove, UK Managing Director, G&P
Most companies understand that stringently monitoring quality in the supply chain is hugely important, but for complex products manufactured in the automotive, aerospace, and off-highway industries, it becomes a necessity. In the automotive industry, for example, around 80 percent of product value
is added by external suppliers, with a typical programme directly or indirectly engaging thousands of suppliers across Tiers 1, 2, and 3
Utilising such a wide-reaching and diverse portfolio of tiered suppliers, whilst certainly adding value, also presents a unique challenge – each supplier generally carries a very small
risk of product defectivity, but this rises in correlation with the number of suppliers in the chain. Suddenly, the risk of receiving poor-quality parts becomes very real. Just look at the number of expensive vehicle recalls and quality issues over the past few years – practically every original equipment manufacturer (OEM) in the automotive and aerospace industries has been affected at some point, and it almost always makes headlines. With the sheer number of suppliers involved, it’s not unusual for quality issues to escape when pushing to get production over the line. However, this almost always has a detrimental impact in the long term, especially from a brand and financial perspective.
This problem can also be amplified by the fact that companies responsible for shipping sub-standard products
are not typically those responsible for the eventual warranty costs.
THE COST OF QUALITY
Without effective management, quality-related costs can be as high as 15-20 percent of sales revenue. That is why investing in quality management processes throughout the supply chain is one of the most effective methods to reduce overall costs associated with poor-quality parts.
There are four key areas in which the cost of quality impacts a business: prevention and appraisal costs, which together are the cost of good quality, and internal and external failure costs, which combined are the cost of poor quality.
For example, there may be internal costs associated with rectifying issues, but there can also be external costs and loss of sentiment if a product or project goes to market with demonstrable quality issues or failures. The four costs of quality were first described by American quality expert and businessman Armand V. Feigenbaum in a 1956 Harvard Business Review article but are nevertheless just as relevant today.
Let’s look at each of these in more detail:
Cost of good quality:
1) Prevention costs – Proactive investment aimed at avoiding effects and issues. Examples are the introduction and measurement of quality management systems, established specifications, implementing quality plans, and providing training programmes to upskill the team.
2) Appraisal costs – These are costs associated with measuring and monitoring activities to meet quality standards, such as the testing of parts, materials, equipment, processes, supplier ratings, and audits.
ABOUT THE EXPERT
Rupert Musgrove is an experienced leader with 25 years’ expertise in enhancing customer experience, product quality, and operational excellence in both the automotive industry at Jaguar Land Rover and consumer electronics at Dyson.
His key achievements include improving the customer experience and product reliability at Dyson, reducing warranty costs, and advancing vehicle quality at Jaguar Land Rover. In 2024, Musgrove became UK Managing Director of G&P, specialising in delivering quality management services across the off-highway, automotive, aerospace, defence, and household goods sectors.
Cost of poor quality:
1) Internal failure costs – The financial costs of quality issues before the product reaches the market, i.e. reworking, reproducing, scrapping, failure analysis, and addressing issues.
2) External failure costs – Expenses from issues once the product is in the market – recalls, warranty claims, customer service, and legal liabilities. It also includes the effect these might have on the company’s reputation, value, and future profitability.
So, what are the most common causes of poor quality in complex product supply chains? The most frequent issues are parts that don’t meet required specifications, manufacturing defects, inadequate process control, assembly errors, and
insufficient component information and traceability.
In sectors with complex products, quality issues can be catastrophic. It is not just an immediate financial issue either – there are reputational and legal factors to consider. As long as an OEM does not have full and effective management of its entire supply chain, the quality of its final product will always carry risk.
The only true solution? Robust quality management – and not just at the final assembly stage.
SPECIALIST QUALITY MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS
For companies seeking to better understand where quality issues may be arising in their supply chain, G&P brings its wide-ranging expertise
to bear. The multi-award-winning company provides a holistic approach to quality management backed by 30 years of international expertise. With a unique process developed through extensive industry experience, G&P provides independent engineering, technical, inspection, and rectification services to OEMs and tiered suppliers across the manufacturing chain, alongside managing its own talent division.
G&P’s quality management consultants implement quality management systems, helping businesses experiencing challenges with their supply chain or facing quality or delivery issues to navigate the situation with confidence. They can deploy agile and scalable resources skilled in supply chain
quality management, including Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) to achieve Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) and Supplier Quality Assurance (SQA) to resolve issues and improve process capability.
The company has developed a service to deploy agile and scalable human resources, ranging from highly skilled vehicle technicians integrated directly in OEM operations, identifying and rectifying build issues, to programme managers and supplier quality engineers working in the supply chain to improve quality and capability at source.
Its highly skilled teams can inspect, identify, and rectify nonconformances, address root causes, use real-time data analysis to track and trace every element across the
manufacturing supply chain, and even set up supply chain firewalls to prevent out-of-spec components from reaching the final production line.
By rectifying these upstream issues through quality inspection, containment, control, and rework, OEMs can prevent disruption within operations whilst ensuring manufacturing teams can deliver their original build schedule.
G&P has a proven track record of working with its customers to develop a deep understanding of their unique quality, efficiency, and profitability requirements to provide meaningful programme outcomes.
The company has developed the capability to implement these processes quickly for emergency situations or as part of a longer-term
managed service to control the quality of components coming into manufacturing operations and prevent unnecessary disruption.
Working with an external quality management partner brings a number of benefits. First, it relieves pressure on in-house teams. Secondly, it is a welltested route to quickly and efficiently identify quality issues and implement solutions in a timely and cost-effective manner.
Finally, it allows customers to leverage the knowledge and abilities of a highly skilled team with decades of accumulated experience across multiple manufacturing industries.
PROPELLING PERFORMANCE THROUGH INTEGRATED PARTNERSHIPS
As a strategic partner for its clients, BT Industries serves a diverse range of industries. Strategic Growth Executive, Hilton Loring, provides insight into how the company helps streamline supply chains through a customised approach and core attributes
Writer: Rachel Carr
Boasting over 25 years of experience and branches across South Africa (SA), BT Industries’ (BTI) growth has brought together decades of deep-rooted expertise in fasteners and components.
“Since the merger, we’ve grown steadily and intentionally, evolving from a niche fastener distributor into a full value chain partner. Today, as an Integrated Distribution Partner (IDP), our model goes beyond logistics to encompass the entire supply cycle from technical support and sourcing to inventory management and strategic replenishment,” opens Hilton Loring, Strategic Growth Executive.
“Our national footprint and ongoing investment in infrastructure, systems, and people have enabled us to support a broad spectrum of industries, including high-volume manufacturing and more complex, high-specification sectors such as renewable energy, mining, and automotive.”
As a privately-owned South African enterprise with decades of operational heritage stemming from the merger, BTI has established itself as a trusted partner in the supply chain, providing tailored solutions that help reduce complexity and costs for clients.
“We have positioned ourselves as the partner of choice for integrated distribution solutions. We are strategically equipped to offer smart, efficient solutions for complex manufacturing sites and large assembly lines,” Loring affirms.
BTI’s tailored solutions help unlock value throughout the supply chain by simplifying processes and minimising expenses. Its customers include leading original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and manufacturers in the automotive, appliance, solar, mining, and infrastructure sectors.
DRIVING INNOVATION AND COLLABORATION
Operating across SA with branches in Johannesburg, Durban, and Port Elizabeth, BTI is supported by a robust team of skilled professionals.
In addition to its national reach, it maintains a strong global footprint, partnering with trusted international suppliers, service providers, and manufacturers in Europe, Asia/China, North America, and Australia.
“This expansive worldwide network ensures that we’re able to deliver quality-assured, technically validated products that meet exacting
specifications with the flexibility and reliability our clients depend on. We go beyond supplying – we’re experts in ‘Solutioneering’,” specifies Loring.
What sets BTI apart is its ability to understand and resolve customers’ unique technical, operational, and commercial requirements.
“We combine deep technical experience, a strong quality culture, and a commitment to operational precision with a transparent, partnership-based approach. Our ability to manage complexity whilst optimising supply chain performance makes us strategic partners, not
just vendors.”
At BTI, the tailored and transparent approach begins with partnership. Through its Solutioneering methodology, it collaborates closely with clients to deeply understand their challenges and co-develop the most effective solution for each strategic project.
“This consultative process is supported by clear communication, structured methodologies, and full transparency to ensure that every step is traceable, accountable, and aligned with client expectations. It’s how we build trust, deliver precision,
and consistently add value where it’s needed most,” Loring highlights.
EMBRACING A GREENER FUTURE
BTI is continuously investing in the evolution of its business, from strengthening technology and systems to refining its procurement approach. Every initiative is aimed at improving efficiency and value.
BTI’S CLIENT-CENTRIC SERVICES
• ENGINEERING AND TECHNICAL DESIGN – The BTI team optimises fastening solutions – from concept to production – in design, total cost, assembly-performance, and complexity.
• QUALITY ASSURANCE – Highly experienced experts are responsible for the entire quality process, ensuring all products are made exactly to specification as per the Production Part Approval Process (PPAP). At the production stage, precision is prioritised to meet the highest quality standards.
• TRACEABILITY – Based on real-time data, traceability solutions complement quality systems and are designed to drive supply chain-level efficiency and visibility, improving quality control and mitigating risks.
• STRATEGIC SOURCING AND PROCUREMENT – A wide range of global suppliers provide consistent access to the best possible supply chain solutions. By performing supplier audits, gap analyses, and follow-up audits, the supply base is designed around individual requirements.
• PLANNING AND FORECASTING – A full-service value chain focusing on driving supply chain security and risk management of suppliers, vendors, logistics, and transportation, identifying, analysing, and mitigating risks.
• LOGISTICS SOLUTIONS – Providing warehousing and distribution services in all major centres, allowing a tailored door-to-door solution.
• VALUE CHAIN SOLUTIONS – This includes, but is not limited to, raw material sourcing, manufacturing, finishing, and supply.
• SOLUTIONEERING – Investigating the problem and finding the best solution at the best price and turnaround time.
Furthermore, BTI is demonstrating its commitment to being a progressive, future-focused partner by growing sales and marketing capabilities whilst advancing sustainability.
“One of our most recent strategic developments has been activating a dedicated solar and renewable energy division. Recognising the rapid growth and critical importance of this sector in SA, we’ve made a deliberate investment in both resources and talent to support our expansion into this sphere,” shares Loring.
This includes recruiting senior professionals with deep expertise in the solar and engineering, procurement, and construction landscapes and expanding the BTI
leadership team to drive focused growth in this market.
“It’s a natural lateral move for us – leveraging decades’ worth of technical expertise, strong supplier relationships, and proven supply chain reliability to bring dependable, quality-driven solutions to the solar industry.
“We’re excited about the value we can unlock here and remain confident in our ability to serve as a trusted distribution partner in this evolving energy space,” he enthuses.
TRANSFORMING SUPPLY CHAINS
BTI has evolved from a full-service fastener and component provider
“WE COMBINE DEEP TECHNICAL EXPERIENCE, A STRONG QUALITY CULTURE, AND A COMMITMENT TO OPERATIONAL PRECISION WITH A TRANSPARENT, PARTNERSHIPBASED APPROACH”
– HILTON LORING,
STRATEGIC
GROWTH EXECUTIVE, BT INDUSTRIES
into a dynamic IDP, showcasing its commitment to delivering innovative solutions and exceptional value to clients.
“We collaborate closely with our clients to understand the value chain as a complete supply model, working to identify and remove inefficiencies across technical specification, sourcing, warehousing, packaging,
logistics, and stock replenishment,” explains Loring.
This combination of value-added activities reduces complexity, enhances efficiency, and supports improved working capital throughout the value chain, especially in highvolume manufacturing environments.
“Our top priority remains delivering exceptional service to our clients,
strengthening our partnerships, maintaining high standards, and ensuring that we continue to meet and exceed expectations across every touchpoint. As we grow, this commitment remains unchanged,” he urges.
“Simultaneously, we’re strategically expanding our presence in highdemand sectors such as renewable energy, mining, and industrial manufacturing. We’re focused on reinforcing our position as a solutions-first IDP, enhancing efficiency, and driving value throughout the supply chain.”
Sustainability, transformation,
and talent development also remain key pillars of BTI’s long-term vision, always placing clients at the centre, as Loring believes the company’s true strength lies in its partnerships.
BTI enhances supply chains by bolstering their strength and efficiency in preparation for future challenges and opportunities.
“Whether the requirement is offthe-shelf, engineered-to-spec, or a fully IDP solution, we stand ready to deliver with the expertise, flexibility, and reliability that only decades of experience can provide,” Loring resolutely concludes.
SWITCHED ON
With
new ways to play and connect gamers, the long-awaited Nintendo Switch 2 has finally arrived. We consider how the console navigated unprecedented demand and supply chain disruption to set an impressive sales record
Writer: Jack Salter
Launched in June, the Nintendo Switch 2 has become Nintendo’s fastest-selling console ever, with over 3.5 million units sold globally in the first four days.
It builds on the success of its predecessor, the Nintendo Switch, which was released in 2017 and has sold over 150 million units, making it the third best-selling console of all time after the PlayStation 2 and Nintendo DS.
Evidently, gamers around the world are showing their enthusiasm for the Nintendo Switch 2 as an upgraded way to play at home and on the go.
Indeed, the new, more powerful device has a faster processor, 256 gigabytes (GB) of internal storage, and redesigned magnetic Joy-Con 2 controllers with mouse functionality.
It additionally has a larger, vivid screen capable of full 1080p highdefinition display and 4K when connected to a compatible TV or monitor, as well as more natural, clear, and balanced sound quality, whether playing with the built-in speakers or headphones.
Nintendo Switch 2 gamers can take advantage of these powerful upgrades to processing capability,
In this photo provided by Nintendo of America, Trenton B. and Abigail B. play the Mario Kart World game in Rockefeller Plaza ahead of purchasing their Nintendo Switch 2 system at the Nintendo NEW YORK store. Nintendo Switch 2, the seamlessly social, all-inone Nintendo platform, is available now
plains, a desert, and even the ocean.
Mario Kart World includes dynamic weather conditions, new game modes, and up to 24 drivers at once –the most in series history.
In July, Donkey Kong Bananza will also be released exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2, allowing players to smash and bash their way through a wild, mayhem-packed action adventure.
speed, and graphics performance, with benefits including smoother frame rates, sharper visuals, and faster loading speeds.
The system also debuts GameChat, enabling groups of up to 12 players to voice or video chat and share game screens in real time with friends online, bringing the feeling of playing together in the same room.
The Nintendo Switch 2 launched alongside Mario Kart World, featuring a series-first interconnected world where players can drive virtually anywhere, including across cities,
DEMAND AND DISRUPTION
Given the record-breaking sales of the Nintendo Switch 2, the supply chain has played a pivotal role amid unprecedented demand, with the company forecasting sales of 15 million units during the current financial year.
Nintendo is strengthening its production capacity to respond to this strong demand and focusing
In this photo provided by Nintendo of America, fans take photos ahead of purchasing their Nintendo Switch 2 system and Mario Kart World. Nintendo Switch 2, the seamlessly social, all-in-one Nintendo platform, is available now
In this photo provided by Nintendo of America, Nintendo of America Executive Vice President, Devon Pritchard, sells the first Nintendo Switch 2 system to an eager fan following the midnight system launch at the Nintendo SAN FRANCISCO store in Union Square. Nintendo Switch 2, the seamlessly social, all-in-one Nintendo platform, is available now
In this photo provided by Nintendo of America, fans pose with their Nintendo Switch 2 systems at the brandnew Nintendo SAN FRANCISCO store in Union Square following the global launch of the system. Nintendo Switch 2, the seamlessly social, all-in-one Nintendo platform, is available now
on sales promotion in an effort to exceed the sales forecast.
Its launch was a test of Nintendo’s supply chain management to minimise disruption from US President Donald Trump’s trade war.
Pre-orders in the country were immediately suspended in April after tariffs were imposed on countries in East Asia, including China, which is a significant manufacturing base for the Nintendo Switch 2, and Vietnam, where consoles destined for the US are primarily made.
Despite these tariffs threatening to disrupt global manufacturing costs, the temporary pause on preorders in the US enabled Nintendo to maintain the original launch price of USD$449.99, although some accessories such as docks and controller straps did see price increases.
NINTENDO SWITCH 2 FEATURES –WHAT’S NEW?
GAMECHAT – Lets groups of up to 12 people chat, share screens, and hang out together whilst playing games.
SCREEN – The console’s bigger 7.9-inch screen allows players to enjoy smooth gameplay with greater clarity thanks to a highdefinition LCD display.
DOCK – Connecting the Nintendo Switch 2 dock to a TV unleashes even greater detail on the big screen.
PLAY MODES – Enjoy games anytime, anywhere in TV mode, tabletop mode, or handheld mode.
STAND – The Nintendo Switch 2 can be placed in tabletop mode using a large, stable stand. With 150 degrees of freedom, players can always find a comfortable viewing angle.
JOY-CON 2 – The new Joy-Con 2 controllers are designed to magnetically attach and detach from the console with ease. The mouse sensor on the side of each controller can also turn surfaces like a table or lap into a mouse pad.
PERFORMANCE – Powerful processing and immersive graphics open the door to new ways to play.
SOUND – Games can be enjoyed with more immersive, threedimensional sound.
INTERNAL STORAGE – The Nintendo Switch 2 comes with 256GB of internal storage, eight times more than the previous model, for keeping game downloads, save data, and more. The system can also read and write data faster.
In this photo provided by Nintendo of America, Nintendo of America President, Doug Bowser, sells the very first Nintendo Switch 2 system to an eager fan following the midnight system launch at Nintendo NEW YORK in Rockefeller Plaza. Nintendo Switch 2, the seamlessly social, all-in-one Nintendo platform, is available now
RIDING HIGH IN AFRICAN HEALTH
Leaders in empowering the healthcare community across Africa, Riders for Health expertly overcomes logistical obstacles with a comprehensive, reliable transport system that delivers critical supplies to the continent’s hardest-to-reach areas. We explore its pioneering solutions
Writer: Lucy Pilgrim
The efficient delivery of healthcare persists as a critical challenge for Africa’s most inaccessible areas, perpetuated by a limited network of road and transport infrastructure that become major barriers to the supply of vital medical supplies and healthcare professionals.
Indeed, private transport is hard to obtain across the continent due to high operational costs and unreliability, particularly for areas outside of major cities.
What little there is of the road network suffers from rough terrain which, compounded with minimal driver training, makes for a highly laborious task when delivering even the most basic healthcare supplies.
Evidently, many African healthcare facilities still have a long way to go before they can establish central
distribution hubs, causing remote communities across Africa to routinely suffer from limited stock of essential medicines and care.
These factors culminate in an increasingly unstable and sparse healthcare supply chain, making the provision of basic medical amenities such as immunisations, bed nets, birth control, and medications incredibly challenging.
Ready to tackle these continent-wide barriers head on, Riders for Health (Riders) strives to boost the delivery of African healthcare by providing world-class transport management services, ensuring both medical personnel and supplies are distributed quickly and reliably to previously inaccessible populations.
As an African social enterprise, Riders’ comprehensive transport system was purposefully built to
overcome obstacles specific to the continent, operating across The Gambia, Nigeria, Malawi, Lesotho, and many other African nations.
With over three decades of experience, the organisation has cultivated a vast network of healthcare provider partners, comprising both governmental and non-governmental organisations who, by working with Riders, have access to reliable transport solu tions to deliver healthcare wherever it is needed.
As such, the company strives to create a world in which the healthcare supply chain works sufficiently for everyone, everywhere.
facilitate effective health transport services across Africa at a sustainable cost.
This is achieved by building a reliable transport system and supporting infrastructure that fosters a robust network of medical supplies and healthcare staff.
Managing a vast fleet of motorcycles allows healthcare workers to travel to remote locations and provide critical services such as disease detection and prevention, as well as numerous follow-up appointments.
It collaborates with partners across the entire lifecycle of healthcare delivery, from the initial planning and budgeting stages to procuring and replacing vehicles and training riders.
The organisation’s fleet management solution also includes preventative maintenance services that avoid vehicle failures for the duration of their use. Its services additionally provide a reliable supply of high-quality replacement parts, ensuring dependable delivery when it is needed most.
Thanks to the work of Riders, various outreach clinics have been established which provide immunisation, pre- and post-natal services, water testing, health education programmes, HIV/AIDS testing, and much
RIDERS’ SERVICES –AT A GLANCE
• Fleet management
• Outreach healthcare
• Sample transport
• Emergency health transport
• Medical supply chain logistics
• Training
more, guaranteeing effective disease prevention and surveillance.
With the steadfast belief that reliable ambulances are the foundation of a strong emergency referral system, Riders’ likewise offers a worldclass fleet of ambulances and route planning and budgeting solutions, addressing issues like limited access to correctly equipped vehicles, minimal maintenance systems, and fuel shortages.
TRUSTED AND SECURE TRANSPORT
The challenge of transporting highly sensitive samples to medical laboratories across the continent additionally persists as an acute challenge.
Bridging the gap in the continent’s medical supply deficiencies, Riders pioneers sample transport services for leading health organisations across sub-Saharan Africa.
The organisation specialises in the transportation of more than one million biohazardous substances and test results, which typically degrade quickly and are highly sensitive, particularly over long distances in extreme weather conditions.
Samples are transported in a timely and secure manner using a motorcycle courier system, which is highly distinguished thanks to the expertise of Riders’ team who leverage decades of industry knowledge and experience to select the most suitable vehicles for the job.
The organisation additionally trains couriers to international standards in the safe handling of hazardous substances and guides them on how best to maintain their vehicles.
With the aim of secure and reliable healthcare at the core of the organisation’s operations, Riders’ state-of-theart healthcare transport system continues to transform the lives of those in Africa’s hardest-to-reach communities and drives the continent’s medical landscape forwards.
The global resource for supply chain professionals and organisations
Building on the global success of our regional titles – EME Outlook, Africa Outlook, APAC Outlook, and North America Outlook – Outlook Publishing is proud to introduce a digital magazine and web platform, dedicated to the supply chain sector.
As supply chain organisations worldwide confront unprecedented change, embracing technological innovations and incorporating critical environmental sustainability agendas, now more than ever is the time to showcase the strides being taken in this dynamic sector.
A multi-channel brand, Supply Chain Outlook brings you the positive developments driven by organisations across the global supply chain industry through its various platforms. Discover exclusive content distributed through its website, online magazine, social media channels, and dispatches delivered straight to your inbox with a bi-weekly newsletter.
Through this compelling new venture, we foreground the movers and shakers of the industry. To participate as a featured company and join us in this exciting endeavour, contact one of our Project Managers today.
SKY-HIGH SERVICE
North America’s largest provider of aviation services is targeting international expansion. Ying McPherson, Chief Commercial Officer at Unifi, takes us onboard this exciting journey as the company continues to elevate its technologies, people, and partnerships
Writer: Jack Salter | Project Manager: Poppi Burke
We are the largest aviation services provider in North America – and soon, the world.”
Founded in 2018 as a joint venture (JV) between Delta Air Lines and the Argenbright Group, Unifi has evidently experienced rapid growth since its inception.
Indeed, since the COVID-19 pandemic, the company has more than doubled its employee count to more than 40,000 and tripled its
revenue to become a multi-billiondollar organization, with 220+ airport stations across the US, Canada, UK, and Ireland.
“Our growth has been driven by both organic expansion and strategic acquisitions,” continues Chief Commercial Officer, Ying McPherson, citing the purchases of Up & Away and Prospect Airport Services.
“As we continue to grow, we remain focused on expanding
geographically and strengthening the breadth of our services.”
Unifi provides a wide range of essential services from the moment passengers arrive at the airport –whether checking in, picking up bags, or loading them onto the plane – to ensure everything runs smoothly.
It also assists passengers at the gate, provides wheelchair services, and manages employee transportation by offering buses to get staff where they need to go.
“Additionally, we handle aircraft cleaning and pushback operations to ensure safety and cleanliness,” McPherson adds.
FIVE-YEAR STRATEGY
Unifi has a five-year strategy comprising two main pillars –continued strength in North America and targeted international expansion.
On the North American front, its approach remains consistent, with the company committed to investing in the right people and empowering them through advanced technologies.
“Because we’ve been early adopters of innovations, we’re several years ahead of many competitors, putting us in a strong position to sustain our leadership,” acclaims McPherson.
“Our strong culture, built on passion, integrity, and empathy, will be key to elevating our team and driving excellence in performance.
That’s how we plan to continue driving success across North America.”
Internationally, Unifi has spent the last couple of years laying the groundwork and is now reaching a tipping point, with its customers actively looking for partners who can bring something new to the table.
In many global markets, the ground handling space has been dominated by a small number of established providers, creating an opportunity for Unifi to introduce new approaches and drive meaningful innovation in the space.
“We have the scale, experience, and capabilities to disrupt those markets and offer a fresh alternative,” McPherson tells us.
“Our next focus is on building stronger brand recognition, particularly in Europe, where we believe we can truly change the game.”
LEVERAGING TECHNOLOGY
As Unifi grows, leveraging technology to drive innovation will continue to be a top priority.
Indeed, the company’s focus is on giving employees the tools and technology they need to work smarter and more efficiently.
A great example is its predictive and prescriptive analytics model, which was launched in January 2023 in partnership with Artis Consulting, a trusted Microsoft partner.
The system provides risk values at organizational, regional, contract, and customer levels based on 30 variables and more than 500 data points, including staffing numbers, tenure of leadership and employees, training, equipment quality and age, weather, and more.
Data modeling allows Unifi to target areas needing additional focus and support to ensure it delivers the highest quality of safe, reliable service.
OVER THE COURSE OF YOUR CAREER, HOW HAVE YOU SEEN NORTH AMERICA’S AVIATION INDUSTRY EVOLVE?
Ying McPherson, Chief Commercial Officer (YM): “One of the biggest shifts in the industry has been the surge in costs – particularly labor costs driven by inflation and the overall increase in cost of living.
“As a result, the aviation industry is pivoting very quickly, with a strong push toward innovation and cost efficiencies to drive profitability. While these themes have always been part of the conversation, the urgency has intensified overnight; everyone wants rapid change and efficiency, often within very quick timeframes.
“This accelerated demand for innovation is an industry-wide challenge, placing significant pressure on the supply chain, especially for service providers. We’re being asked by our customers to deliver solutions that should ideally evolve over years, not months.
“Fortunately, Unifi has the foresight and agility to navigate these pressures much more swiftly than our competitors. From our company’s inception, we’ve prioritized early investment in technology – well before many of our competitors.
“While the current demands are still challenging, our proactive approach has positioned us to respond more effectively. I’d say we’re several years ahead of others in our space who are only now beginning to explore how technology can drive efficiency.”
HOW DOES A FEELING OF TEAMWORK, CAMARADERIE, AND PERSEVERANCE AMONGST STAFF HELP UNIFI TO OVERCOME OBSTACLES?
“This company has always been built on people, plain and simple. From day one, our success has come from assembling a strong, values-driven team that works together with purpose and resilience. We don’t shy away from challenges – in fact, overcoming obstacles is part of our DNA.
“When you have the right people in the right roles, aligned around a shared vision, there’s almost nothing you can’t push through.
“Whether it’s responding to industry disruptions, navigating operational hurdles, or scaling for growth, our team’s ability to stay focused, support one another, and adapt quickly has been the foundation of our progress.”
“When our system flags up contracts and areas of concern, we initiate contract support calls that assemble a team of local leaders, regional operational champions, safety experts, training teams, compliance specialists, and ground support equipment (GSE) leads,” explains McPherson.
“Together, we look at what is creating risk and implement strategic support actions to fortify the overall health of our operations, ensuring a safer working environment for all. It’s about being proactive and making smarter decisions to keep everything running smoothly.”
INVESTING IN INNOVATION
Another impactful innovation is Unifi Station Analytics, which consolidates live data from multiple systems into a single, intuitive platform.
With over 13 integrated dashboards – and more being added regularly – the app provides Unifi’s leaders a comprehensive, real-time view of key performance metrics across staffing, safety, recruiting, training, and customer service.
The system is role-based, meaning Station Managers can drill into specific data for their location, while Regional Managers can view insights across their broader portfolio.
“This level of tailored visibility allows us to manage workforce planning, track learning compliance, monitor employee punch-in status, respond to real-time staffing changes, and even understand attrition trends and exit survey results – all in one place,” McPherson informs.
From recruiting pipelines and overtime rates to equipment availability and customer key performance indicators (KPIs), Unifi’s leaders therefore have one source of truth to refer to.
As a result, the platform eliminates silos, reduces guesswork, and enables smarter, data-driven decisions that ultimately improve service delivery and operational efficiency.
Revolutionizing Airport Operations with Cutting-Edge Technology
In today’s fast-paced aviation industry, operational efficiency and seamless passenger experiences are essential for success. AvTech, a leader in aviation software solutions, is transforming airport operations through its innovative Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) technology. By streamlining workflows and enhancing real-time communication, AvTech has significantly improved key operational areas such as PRM/SSR passenger assistance, cabin services, and the management of janitorial and busing operations.
Proven Results in Airport Management
AvTech offers a suite of applications designed to tackle the evolving challenges of airport operations
Extensive Reach – AvTech’s technology is now used in over 300 airports worldwide, proving its scalability and adaptability.
50% Reduction in Passenger Complaints – Enhanced efficiency in passenger services has led to a noticeable decrease in customer grievances.
Seamless Integration with Existing Systems – AvTech’s applications are designed to integrate smoothly with airport and airline operations, ensuring an efficient transition with minimal downtime.
Reliable Data for Confident Decision-Making – With real-time insights and analytics, airport managers can make informed decisions that optimize operations and reduce costs.
Comprehensive Solutions for Modern Airports
AvTech’s solutions have demonstrated measurable improvements across global airports
Passenger Assistance – AvTech’s cloud-based solution efficiently manages services for passengers with reduced mobility (PRM) and unaccompanied minors. By integrating real-time assistance requests and multi-channel notifications, the system ensures timely and compliant support, improving the overall passenger experience.
Cabin Services – The CabinView application optimizes workflows, tracks team performance, and enhances accountability. Airports utilizing this system have reported a 12% increase in productivity within the first six months of implementation.
Janitorial Services – AvTech’s janitorial management solution connects cleaning teams in real time and optimizes resource allocation. With built-in analytics, airport managers can track performance trends, ensuring facilities remain clean and operational at all times.
Transit Management – The AvTech Transit application automates transport scheduling for passengers moving to and from remote stands. With real-time vehicle tracking and automated work orders, this system enhances efficiency while minimizing delays.
Conclusion
AvTech’s aviation software solutions are reshaping airport operations by increasing efficiency, improving passenger satisfaction, and reducing operational bottlenecks. Through advanced applications tailored to address specific challenges, AvTech empowers airport teams to work smarter and more effectively. As the aviation industry continues to evolve, AvTech remains at the forefront of innovation, providing airports with the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly complex operational landscape.
UNIFI LINES OF SERVICE
• Check-in assistance
• Baggage handling
• Passenger assistance
• Gate assistance
• Aircraft cleaning and detailing
• Unarmed security
• Janitorial
• Maintenance
• Employee and passenger transport within airport premises
• Ground handling operations
“Technology like this empowers our frontline and leadership teams to stay proactive, aligned, and agile so we can continue to deliver the high standards our customers expect,” prides McPherson.
Elsewhere, Unifi continues to make active investments in technology to increase employee retention and engagement.
“Given that the new generation we’re hiring are very tech savvy, we enable them to do tasks efficiently so that they can, more importantly, focus on what the customer wants – taking care of passengers,” she emphasizes.
Its OnTheJob app, meanwhile, was created specifically for aviation frontline employees and addresses
the company’s unique operational challenges.
A one-stop shop for staff to access their work schedules, paid time off (PTO) hours, and pay statements, OnTheJob addresses the need for more flexibility.
“The app allows employees to bid on shifts based on seniority and trade them with others,” McPherson reveals.
ELEVATE FROM THE HEART
Shaping the way Unifi engages with employees, as well as clients and their passengers, is its ‘Elevate from the Heart’ mindset.
This stems from a deep belief that exceptional service begins with intent, care, and respect.
To help embed this philosophy, Unifi has partnered with Horst Schulze, co-Founder of The Ritz-Carlton and a pioneer in world-class hospitality.
With his guidance, the company has refined its service standards and developed a field-based, in-person training program focused on soft skills that truly elevate the customer experience, such as active listening and warm smiles.
“We believe that small, intentional
acts of kindness have a transformative ripple effect,” McPherson elaborates.
“Ultimately, ‘Elevate from the Heart’ is about creating a workplace where people feel seen, supported, and inspired to do their best – because when we take care of our people, they take care of everything else.”
Falling under the ‘Elevate from the Heart’ umbrella is Unifi After Dark, a powerful initiative that invests in frontline employees’ well-being, morale, and sense of belonging.
The Unifi After Dark team works behind the scenes, showing up overnight to transform breakrooms in stations across the country.
Led by Chief Operating Officer, Greg Kennedy, and a hands-on group of senior leaders and team members, the effort includes everything from painting walls to replacing furniture and appliances, creating spaces that reflect the value Unifi places on its people.
“These surprise makeovers are designed to elevate our employees, provide a welcoming space for rest, and reinforce the message that their hard work doesn’t go unnoticed,” shares McPherson.
GST SMARTrack™ >>
GST SMARTrack offers advanced technology for Cabin, Water, and LAV services. SMARTrack supports dedicated web-, mobile-, and self-dispatch capabilities for airports of various sizes. With GPS tracking, supervisors know where their agents are, in and around the airport at all times.
<< GST PAXTrack™
GST PAXTrack offers comprehensive features for wheelchair services, which include support for aisle-chair assists, preboarding assists, deal transfers, curbside check-ins, real-time agent locations, agent relocation, and more.
GST SMARTClean™
GST SMARTClean is designed specifically for janitorial services and facility management . GPS validation helps confirm tasks assigned to each gate, office, walkway, etc. and maximizes efficiency in cleaning within airports. Real-time messaging among agents and supervisors keeps the airport clean at all times.
<< GST Tracker®
GST Tracker is a US patented solution of nationwide asset tracking for real-time tracking of vehicles, mobile phones, tablets, movable equipment , chassis, personal tracking devices, and more In addition to offering airport ground services, this system is widely utilized by law-enforcement agencies and first responders.
“WE ARE THE LARGEST AVIATION SERVICES PROVIDER IN NORTH AMERICA – AND SOON, THE WORLD”
– YING MCPHERSON, CHIEF
COMMERCIAL OFFICER,
UNIFI
RECOGNITION AND CELEBRATION
As employees are at the heart of Unifi, the company is committed to recognizing and celebrating their contributions.
Through its Rewarding Excellence and Celebrating Heroes (REACH) program, Unifi highlights individuals and teams who go above and beyond in embodying its values and delivering excellence.
This includes the CEO Values Champion Award, honoring individuals who exemplify the company’s core values of passion, integrity, and empathy.
Moreover, the Station Excellence Award recognizes station leaders who demonstrate outstanding performance in key operational principles such as safety, innovation, collaboration, and customer satisfaction.
“We also take pride in celebrating service milestones through our Service Anniversary Awards, recognizing the dedication and loyalty of our team members as they grow with us over the years,” McPherson adds.
Another way in which Unifi acknowledges its incredible team is through the Elevating People newsletter on LinkedIn.
Weekly, the company shares powerful stories highlighting the personal journeys of its frontline agents, from career growth and acts of service to moments of integrity and compassion.
“This newsletter is all about putting a spotlight on the people who make Unifi what it is,” she enlightens.
“It’s our way of honoring their contributions, sharing their successes with a broader audience, and reminding our entire network that behind every great operation are individuals with heart, resilience, and purpose.”
Far beyond these recognition efforts, Unifi celebrates its staff by meaningfully investing in their growth and future.
One of the most impactful ways it does this is through the Unifi Leaders Touchdown training program, a signature initiative designed specifically for newly promoted or emerging field leaders, giving them the skills, tools, and confidence to succeed.
“The program reflects our belief that recognition isn’t just about saying “well done” – it’s about showing employees that we believe in their potential and are willing to invest in it,” McPherson affirms.
The results speak for themselves - 83 percent of participants have stayed with the company, and teams led by them see lower attrition due to the strong leadership.
SUPPLIER SUPPORT
As well as its employees, suppliers are absolutely critical to Unifi’s success as the company depends on them for the high-quality equipment, materials, and services that keep its operations running smoothly at airports around the world.
GSE vehicles, for example, are used to tow aircraft, fuel planes, and manage de-icing – essential to the services Unifi provides.
“Without reliable suppliers, we simply couldn’t deliver on our operational promises,” states McPherson.
This is one of the key reasons why Unifi entered into a JV with Alvest Equipment Services (AES), a GSE services provider, to ensure it has consistent access to the best support services available in the market.
The company’s supplier partnerships go well beyond equipment and industrial needs, however, as it also collaborates with employee benefit providers who help take care of staff members.
“For instance, we partner with Payactiv, which gives our employees early access to wages they’ve already earned – a powerful tool in promoting financial wellness,” McPherson notes.
“We also work with Reliance Matrix to provide a robust Employee Assistance Program, offering shortterm counseling, financial coaching, caregiving resources, and a broad range of well-being services. These benefits are designed to reduce stress, support mental health, and
EXPERT SERVICE, CUSTOM DESIGN, TRUSTED BRANDING
Safety Decals is a family-owned company with over 75 years of experience in delivering highquality, custom decals for businesses across various industries. Our mission is to enhance workplace safety, strengthen brand identity, and provide outstanding customer service with every order. Whether you need high-visibility safety labels, custom branding for your fleet, or durable industrial signage, we provide expert solutions tailored to your needs.
DESIGN AND CUSTOMIZATION MADE EASY
Our in-house graphic design team works closely with you to create the perfect decals for your needs. From concept to final product, we ensure your decals align with your branding, meet industry standards, and deliver the clarity and visibility required for workplace safety. Whether you have a detailed vision or need help with design, we’ve got you covered.
PREMIUM QUALITY, BUILT TO LAST
We use only the best materials, including highvisibility reflective options, UV-resistant inks, and industrial-strength adhesives. Our decals are designed to endure extreme weather, heavy use, and demanding job sites, ensuring they stay in place and remain legible when it matters most.
CUSTOMER SERVICE THAT WORKS FOR YOU
We pride ourselves on our exceptional customer service. Our team is here to guide you through every step of the process, from selecting the right materials to finalizing your order. We prioritize fast turnaround
times, attention to detail, and ensuring you get exactly what you need, when you need it.
BUILDING YOUR BRAND
Decals aren’t just about safety – they’re also a powerful branding tool. We help businesses create eye-catching decals that reinforce their brand identity on equipment, vehicles, and signage. Whether you need company logos, fleet graphics, or branded safety labels, we deliver high-quality solutions that keep your brand front and center.
EXPERIENCE YOU CAN TRUST
With decades of experience in the printing industry, Safety Decals is dedicated to providing reliable, top-tier products with a strong focus on customer satisfaction. We’re more than just a supplier – we’re your partner in safety and branding.
make life a little easier for our team members.”
Strong supplier relationships therefore don’t just support Unifi’s operations – they help maintain a motivated, supported workforce, which in turn drives service quality and client satisfaction.
“It’s a full-circle approach that starts with trusted partnerships,” she acknowledges.
PURPOSE AND PRIDE
Corporate social responsibility (CSR), meanwhile, is deeply rooted in Unifi’s core values.
The company believes in making a tangible impact not just in the aviation industry but in the communities where it lives and works – and beyond.
One of Unifi’s most powerful CSR initiatives is its annual meal packaging partnership with Rise Against Hunger, a global humanitarian organization focused on ending hunger and promoting sustainable community development.
“In 2023, we hosted our largest ever multi-site, multinational meal packaging event, engaging over 600 Unifi team members across six
locations in the US and India,” excites McPherson.
“Together, we packaged more than 90,000 nutritious, shelf-stable meals –a significant increase from the 15,000 we packaged just two years prior.”
These meals are distributed globally to support communities facing food insecurity, including children and families in countries like South Africa and India.
In fact, meals packaged at its Atlanta Operations Center last year provided food for 150 students in Johannesburg for an entire school year, helping to fuel not just their nutrition but also their education and development.
“What makes this initiative even more meaningful is the hands-on involvement of our employees, from frontline team members to executive leadership. It’s an energetic, teamdriven event that our employees look forward to each year,” McPherson delights.
“Many of our team members have deep personal connections to the communities being served, adding an extra layer of purpose and pride to the work we do.”
YEAR OF RESILIENCE
For 2025, Unifi’s strategic priorities are focused on operational safety, financial discipline, customer and employee experiences, and global expansion.
The former remains a top priority as customers trust Unifi with missioncritical services – a responsibility it takes seriously.
“We are committed to running safe, secure, and reliable operations across every location we serve,” McPherson declares.
“Our goal is always zero injuries and zero aircraft damage. While this may be ambitious, it’s the standard we hold ourselves to and relentlessly pursue.”
This commitment drives Unifi’s ongoing investments in training, accountability, and continuous process improvement, ensuring safety is deeply embedded in every aspect of its operations.
From a business perspective, financial discipline is key to ensuring longterm sustainability. Unifi is focused on operational efficiency and cost control so it can continue to deliver value to partners while reinvesting in innovation and frontline excellence.
“We’re also doubling down on the customer experience, ensuring our standards consistently reflect the quality and care our customers expect,” says McPherson.
“In parallel, we believe a great employee experience leads to better service outcomes. That’s why we’ve rolled out tools and programs to improve engagement, responsiveness, and performance in the field.”
Looking forward, global expansion is one of the company’s most exciting goals in light of the growing demand from international markets for innovative, high-performance partners.
Unifi is uniquely positioned to meet this need with its proven operating model, advanced technology investments, and customer-first culture.
“BECAUSE WE’VE BEEN EARLY ADOPTERS OF INNOVATIONS, WE’RE SEVERAL YEARS AHEAD OF MANY COMPETITORS, PUTTING US IN A STRONG POSITION TO SUSTAIN OUR LEADERSHIP”
– YING MCPHERSON, CHIEF COMMERCIAL OFFICER, UNIFI
“We’re ready to bring our services to new regions and redefine the standard for aviation support services worldwide,” McPherson enthuses.
“We plan to strengthen our presence in existing markets while strategically expanding into new ones. While we are already the largest aviation services provider in the US, we see substantial growth opportunities in Canada, the UK, Ireland, and continental Europe –regions where our integrated service approach and people-first philosophy can bring immediate value to airport operations and airline partners.”
DRIVEN BY DIVERSIFICATION
Diversification is another key part of Unifi’s future strategy and has
always been one of the company’s strengths.
“What sets us apart from many of our competitors is the breadth of services we provide. While some larger players tend to specialize in either above-wing or below-wing services, Unifi does both – and more,” outlines McPherson.
“We’re proud to offer a comprehensive suite of solutions across the airport ecosystem.”
Indeed, Unifi’s vision is to become the operational ecosystem for everything in and around the airport.
That means expanding beyond traditional aviation services into adjacent sectors where it can deliver value with the same operational rigor and people-first approach.
“We believe the possibilities are endless when you start with the right foundation – a culture that attracts and retains top frontline talent through competitive pay, career growth, and a strong sense of purpose.
“When people want to work for you and they’re empowered to deliver excellence, it opens the door to new services and opportunities to support our customers in ways that go far beyond traditional ground handling,” McPherson concludes.
As the company continues to grow, diversification will be a key driver, allowing Unifi to not only deepen its value to current partners but also enter new markets with confidence and credibility.
mediarelations@unifiservice.com
unifiservice.com
UNITING SUPPLY CHAIN COMMUNITIES
Equipped with a multitude of purpose-built solutions, Nulogy extracts value and facilitates real-time collaboration to efficiently solve the biggest supply chain challenges. Christine Barnhart, Chief Industry and Ecosystem Officer, delves into the company’s unmatched expertise
In order to operate effectively, organizations across the North American supply chain must synchronize and balance the demands of stakeholders – including customers, investors, and staff – with their needs and goals.
On top of this, companies must also consider the socioeconomic context in which they are operating, taking into consideration natural disasters, geopolitical conflicts, and socioeconomic strains.
These particular pressures have mounted in recent years, becoming an omnipresent force for supply chain professionals.
Yet, the industry is at a turning point, entering into a digital age that is introducing new processes and tools and a fresh perspective to the market, fostering greater collaboration and efficiency.
“The stressors may change from time to time and the priorities shift, but the core of what a supply chain
The company predominantly works with businesses across North America and Europe, supported by an emerging operational footprint in Latin America and Asia.
As supply chain market innovators, Nulogy’s 200+ employees primarily reside in R&D and product development, helping a diverse range of clients.
“We were born out of the supply chain base for very large, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) brand suppliers,” Barnhart adds.
Since then, the company has developed five core solutions within its main platform.
Firstly, Nulogy’s legacy product, sold on the shop floor, allows contract packagers and manufacturers to schedule production processes, manage labor, provide block code and batch traceability, and maintain quality, alongside many other elements that would be expected in production.
The company additionally offers its Supplier Collaboration Solution, a complementary product predominantly sold to large supplier organizations and their customers.
“This allows us to create what I call virtual vertical integration. Many big brands are equipped with great tools to manage their own supply chain, but as they go into the supply base, they lose visibility.
“Therefore, our Supplier Collaboration Solution helps build not just the integration needed but the business processes required within the context of external manufacturing,” she explains.
Nulogy’s Smart Factory Solution was also launched at the beginning of 2025, which focuses on making facilities more efficient, effective, and productive through machine monitoring, production tracking, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) improvement capabilities.
Elsewhere, the Connect Solution,
which is utilized across all its products, enables the company to use powerful low and no-code integrations, electronic data interchange (EDI) integrations, and application programming interfaces (API) integrations.
“This solution also allows us to provide custom workflows and build notifications. Therefore, it’s a really great complementary solution that lowers the cost of implementation across our platforms,” Barnhart expands.
Finally, Nulogy’s Data Solution captures all the data developed within its platforms and was developed in conjunction with Snowflake – a leading cloud-based data storage organization that provides a platform to make the solution accessible to customers.
Nulogy exports data into the Snowflake platform so customers can marry data with their own requirements, whether it be warehouse management systems, enterprise resource planning (ERP), or advanced planning.
“The Data Solution gives customers a lot more of a holistic view of what’s happening, not just within their facilities but their suppliers’ facilities as well.”
PURPOSE-BUILT FOR VALUE
Nulogy is distinguished by its cuttingedge solutions that are purpose-built for the external supply chain and developed using the company’s 20+ years of experience in solving problems in this space.
“Purpose-built refers to the fact that we started the business with the question of how we solve supply chain challenges,” emphasizes Barnhart.
Indeed, Nulogy set out to support supply chain operators working with a vast range of brands, each with different processes and requirements. On top of this, the company recognized that the depths of relationships may also differ for each customer.
COULD YOU ELABORATE ON YOUR WORK TO ELEVATE THE REPRESENTATION OF WOMEN IN THE SUPPLY CHAIN?
Christine Barnhart, Chief Industry and Ecosystem Officer:
“My involvement in promoting underrepresented demographics in the supply chain, particularly women, is something I’m pretty proud of.
“I have been one of the biggest supporters of the Women in Supply Chain Forum since its inception. I’m also a big part of the Supply Chain Leaders in Action program that helps women in the industry and an area of concentration in my position on the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM) board.
“I think women have come a long way in the supply chain, as I can remember being just one of two women in the room when I started out in manufacturing over 25 years ago, but there’s still a long way to go.
“At the current rate of change, it’s a question of whether the planet will be carbon neutral before women are paid equally to men.
“It’s unacceptable and something I think everyone should be challenging in order to shift the paradigm.”
Nulogy was therefore built to address these complex but all-toocommon obstacles, leveraging its rich background in supply chain challenges, which differs from the broad but limited capability of other solution providers.
“We started with a deep understanding of what it takes to be a manufacturer for somebody else, which I would say is very unique,” she highlights.
“In every decision we make, we’re adding a capability or function and asking ourselves – does the customer, brand, or brand supplier get value out of this?”
As such, the company facilitates better collaboration between customers and suppliers so both sides of the equation extract value from the solution.
Nulogy equally places great consideration into the investments it makes to deploy solutions rapidly and aid suppliers in a cost-effective way.
Typically, ERP implementations can take months or even years, particularly on a global scale. Nulogy, however, has an entirely different mindset, allowing suppliers and brands to obtain the most value.
“We need them talking to each other in a more robust and dynamic way, almost instantaneously. Therefore, we measure the return on investment (ROI) of our solutions in weeks or months to ensure both suppliers and customers are getting value quickly and efficiently,” Barnhart details.
DEMOCRATIZING EFFICIENT DATA
Nulogy is most acutely differentiated by its Smart Factory Solution, an acquisition the company made last year that helps manufacturers manage their facilities more effectively with state-of-the-art machine monitoring and production and OEE tracking capabilities.
The Smart Factory Solution aptly demonstrates how solutions can be deployed efficiently and quickly. It is also incredibly scalable, allowing users to implement additional capabilities as the operation matures.
The solution is also horizontally applicable, meaning that a vast range of manufacturers can benefit from having better visibility of what’s happening at every level.
“Companies can often lose a lot of time during the manufacturing process, which can have a depreciable impact on their capacity. You want these assets to run at peak performance, because if they are not running, companies are not making money.
A CRITICAL LINK IN THE CHAIN
Nulogy’s staff base is an integral component of the company’s success. Therefore, it regularly rewards employees who go above and beyond in demonstrating Nulogy’s values.
“If you’re not good to the people that work for you and with you, you’re not going to be successful or go very far in my opinion,” Barnhart reflects.
Moreover, the company prides itself on having a flat organizational structure with strong collaboration across all levels and teams.
Nulogy also focuses on hiring people who have strong domain expertise and are humble and collaborative, making a meaningful contribution to workplace culture.
“Having never worked for a Canadian company before, I’ve found Nulogy has the easiest group of people I’ve ever worked with as they are incredibly collaborative and everybody just wants to do their best,” she smiles.
“IN EVERY DECISION WE MAKE, WE’RE ADDING A CAPABILITY OR FUNCTION AND ASKING OURSELVES – DOES THE CUSTOMER, BRAND, OR BRAND SUPPLIER GET VALUE OUT OF THIS?”
– CHRISTINE BARNHART, CHIEF INDUSTRY AND ECOSYSTEM OFFICER, NULOGY
“This is the core of what our Smart Factory Solution does, unlocking the ability to monitor machines on the plant floor, track production, and make data-based improvements,” Barnhart enthuses.
Indeed, the solution makes it quick and easy to deploy methodology, democratizing data and technology for small and medium-sized enterprises alongside big conglomerates.
FOSTERING EFFECTIVE PARTNERSHIPS
This year will see Nulogy continue to explore the concept of connected planning, in which it works with key partners to deliver advanced solutions.
In today’s fast-moving world of consumer packaged goods (CPG), companies are under constant pressure to optimize production, reduce costs, and accelerate their time to market. Whether launching a new snack line, beverage, pet food, or health and wellness product, brands need more than just a manufacturer that can churn out products - they need a strategic partner that provides operational efficiency, flexibility, and industry expertise.
That’s exactly what MSI Express brings to the table.
Led by CEO Charles Weinberg, MSI Express is more than just another contract manufacturer. The company has positioned itself as a leader in the space by focusing on engineeringdriven solutions, intelligent supply chain management, and a deep commitment to helping brands scale efficiently.
“Instead of operating as a transactional vendor, we take a holistic approach to manufacturing, ensuring that clients not only receive high-quality products but also benefit from cost optimization, streamlined logistics, and reduced lead times,” says Weinberg.
MSI ExpressStrategic Partner in Contract Manufacturing and Packaging
Many brands enter partnerships with manufacturers expecting a simple exchange: specifications are provided, production begins, and products roll off the assembly line. But MSI Express challenges this conventional model by asking deeper, more strategic questions:
1. Can the product be manufactured closer to its final distribution points?
2. Are there ways to adjust the formulation or packaging to save costs without compromising quality?
3. Could automation be leveraged to improve efficiency without requiring a massive upfront investment?
These considerations set MSI Express apart, making it a true extension of the brands it partners with rather than just another supplier.
“Customers come to us because they trust us to address their needs”
The Power of Strategic Manufacturing
Manufacturing is no longer just about producing goods at scale. In today’s competitive market, it must be done intelligently, efficiently, and with a keen eye on the broader supply chain. MSI Express understands that costs don’t just stem from production itself - they arise from transportation, warehousing, material waste, and logistical inefficiencies.
Take, for example, a food brand which was struggling with high freight costs because its production facility was located in the Northeast while its biggest markets were in the Midwest and West Coast. MSI Express analyzed the situation and proposed a multi-facility approach, shifting a portion of production to strategically located plants. This significantly reduced shipping costs and delivery times, resulting not just in financial savings but also in faster product availability, fewer out-of-stock situations, and improved retailer relationships.
This ability to optimize manufacturing and logistics holistically is one of MSI Express’s key
differentiators. Instead of simply taking orders and producing goods, the company deeply examines a brand’s operational model, finding ways to improve efficiency at every stage of the supply chain.
“Customers come to us because they trust us to address their needs - whether related to supply, quality, pricing, or introducing new products. Our goal is to consistently deliver effective solutions and be the trusted producer of their products. Excellence in providing solutions is at the core of what we do,” says Weinberg.
Ensuring Quality Without Compromise
MSI Express’ success has been attributed to our core principals: safety, quality, and productivity. MSI Express places a strong emphasis on quality control and food safety, operating GFSI-certified facilities that meet some of the strictest industry standards. Rather than reacting to quality issues after they arise, the company employs real-time quality monitoring systems to catch potential problems before they impact production.
For brands in highly regulated industries such as health and wellness, supplements, and pet food, rigorous quality assurance is non-negotiable. MSI Express doesn’t just meet regulatory requirements - it exceeds them, ensuring that every product leaving its facilities is safe, consistent, and ready for market success.
A True Partnership for Long-Term Success
Looking ahead, MSI Express remains proactive, collaborating with clients to identify growth opportunities - whether through capacity expansion, new product development, or line extensions. The company’s goal is to align with customers’ long-term plans, ensuring it has the capacity and innovation needed to support future success.
MSI Express continues to set the standard for what a modern contract manufacturer should be - flexible, innovative, and relentlessly committed to delivering value.
marketing@msiexpress.com www.msiexpress.com
Charles Weinberg, CEO, MSI Express
The company partnered with OMP and Kinaxis in 2023 and 2024, respectively, which occurred after many of Nulogy’s FMCG customers wanted better visibility of their supply chain base and therefore needed more connected planning capabilities.
As a result, Nulogy launched its Connected Planning strategy across all departments, functions, and external partners.
This acts as a key building block for end-to-end supply chain orchestration, which is critical to achieving the balance between meeting the demands of customers and needs of stakeholders.
Orchestration through the deployment of technology helps users make real-time, outcomebased decisions, paving the way for the future of supply chain and reducing their impact on the planet.
“Let’s not be a mile wide and an inch deep. By working together, we can figure out what we’re really good at and then cooperate and collaborate to solve problems for our customers in a way that is
easy for them to deploy.
“This is the journey we are on, and Connected Planning is a big part of that,” Barnhart insights.
MASTERS OF THE SUPPLY CHAIN
Nulogy has a wealth of additional technology and implementation partners that are utilized in a number of ways.
For example, the company works with Snowflake for joint development and implementation of technology solutions, harnessing their rich industry knowledge.
“Historically, Nulogy has always done its own implementation, but now, as we expand our portfolio and product offerings, we are actively engaged in recruiting implementation partners to help us scale and engage industries never served before,” Barnhart states.
By working with partners that are
“RATHER THAN QUESTIONING HOW TO DEPLOY AI EFFECTIVELY, WE ASK WHAT THE PROBLEM IS AND WHAT DATA AND AI WE HAVE AVAILABLE TO SOLVE IT”
– CHRISTINE BARNHART, CHIEF INDUSTRY AND ECOSYSTEM OFFICER, NULOGY
embedded in industries the company serves, it can deliver not just the right capabilities but also the best forms of implementation to its customers.
In addition, the creation of Barnhart’s role as Chief Industry and Ecosystem Officer has become the cornerstone of Nulogy’s supply chain strategy, working with key players in the industry such as Gartner, Supply Chain Leaders in Action, and the Association of Supply Chain Management, alongside other masters of the supply chain.
“I work with industry partners and really rich supply chain thought leaders, as well as technology and alliance partners, bringing them all together in an ecosystem to determine what’s happening in the market and how best to solve problems,” Barnhart tells us.
FORWARD-THINKING INVESTMENTS
In line with global supply chain evolutions, Nulogy is exploring the vast potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and how it can be used in the future of supply chain management.
“Rather than questioning how to deploy AI effectively, we ask what the problem is and what data and AI we have available to solve it,” Barnhart comments.
With this in mind, Nulogy is developing new capabilities, set to launch later this year, which will better leverage 20 years of historical data as well as real-time information to make better recommendations and prescriptions.
“This will allow us to confidently advise clients on how best to utilize their data to make better decisions every day.
“It will also help reduce waste and labor time while optimizing production and the cost of goods, ultimately satisfying the customer to the best of our ability.”
As Nulogy navigates the future of the North American supply chain, it hopes to expand into new, more discrete industries and verticals, particularly with its Smart Factory Solution.
Market expansion and the deepening of partnerships are also key priorities going forward.
“A big focus for us is the expansion into other parts of Europe. We have a pretty good footprint in the UK, but we believe that we can help broaden the sphere of Europe and Latin America, making geographic expansion a key pillar for the company,” Barnhart concludes.
Tel: +1 (416) 204 0427 info@nulogy.com nulogy.com
LOGISTICS DONE RIGHT
Offering both traditional and e-commerce logistics, JP Logistics provides clients with a supply chain model customized exclusively for their businesses. John O’Neill, President, and Paul Goodwin, Vice President, tell us more about the company’s origins and plans for an expansive future
JP Logistics (JPL) doesn’t just anticipate clients’ logistics needs; it knows what it takes to understand businesses and industries inside and out.
Established in 1985 as a distribution center for major Canadian retailers, JPL quickly found success, expanding its offerings after customers requested additional services due to its outstanding abilities and prices.
Today, there is no job too big or too small; rather, it is about the relationships formed with clients. JPL is committed to taking care of all its customers’ logistics needs and acting as a valued partner to help streamline and manage operations with ease.
“We have grown through the decades with the mentality that a one-pallet client can turn into a 1,000-pallet client,” opens John O’Neill, President.
“In essence, we are a thirdparty logistics (3PL) provider that rarely says no and, in turn, services many industries from cosmetics, recreational, and construction to
business-to-business (B2B) retail, business-to-consumer (B2C) e-commerce, and everything in between.”
JPL boasts an incredibly diverse client base, including building supplies for distributors, retail packaging for stores, retail goods sold in stores, and e-commerce items to be shipped to consumers – making it a true one-stop 3PL.
With major hubs in Toronto, Ontario; Dallas, Texas; and Los Angeles, California, alongside smaller facilities scattered across the US, the company has expanded across North America as well as Europe and Asia.
“Our growth has been predicated on relationships, key partnerships, and associations from within the industry,” details Paul Goodwin, Vice President.
“As the younger generation works and socializes differently, the challenge in our expansion will be adapting to new buyers who are much more informed. Previously, you’d educate your customer on best practices; today, however, the
customer tests your best practices to see if there is something better.”
UNPRECEDENTED EVOLUTION
CAN YOU TALK US THROUGH YOUR CUSTOMIZED SUPPLY CHAIN MODEL AND HOW IT ALLOWS CUSTOMERS TO DEVELOP COST-EFFECTIVE, EFFICIENT SUPPLY CHAINS?
John O’Neill, President: “Our new customers are well-versed in the logistics world. We’ve always said – and it’s more important now than ever – that JPL needs to fit into the customer’s box, rather than the other way round.
“Suffice to say, it’s our job once presented with the customer’s scope of work is to design and implement the most costeffective, efficient, and personalized solution using all the tools at our disposal.”
With over four decades of supply chain experience, JPL has seen the industry evolve rapidly.
“The progression and evolution of technology is mind-blowing. When we started, the latest innovation was a spreadsheet from Lotus 1-2-3, pre-dating Microsoft, and my portable computer weighed 24 pounds and had a green monitor,” entertains O’Neill.
“Now, we’re able to provide services to our customers in multiple facilities across North America and the globe through a single interface.”
The most recent challenges the company has faced have been some of the toughest ones in its history.
Notably, the aggressive increase in lease rates on the continent after the surge in demand during and
after the COVID-19 pandemic was disproportionate to what customers were accustomed to and what they –and JPL – could pass on.
However, the company has not let these hurdles intimidate it – rather, it is embracing the future head-on through the confident incorporation of new and emerging technologies.
“The opportunities that lie ahead will be achieved through implementing as much technology into our ecosystem as possible in order to reduce the need for manual work done by people,” insights O’Neill.
This ability to successfully utilize rapidly advancing technology will be critical for the company to stay on the cutting edge of the sector and remain the most efficient and reliable 3PL it can be – a feat it fully intends to emerge from victorious.
One of the technological opportunities JPL offers is its Warehouse
Management System (WMS), which is designed to maximize both workflows and visibility.
Receiving, storing, and shipping are all managed through WMS, with every facet of the logistics operation tracked from start to finish, allowing clients to see their operation in real-time.
FACING CHALLENGES WITH RESILIENCE
Currently, JPL is in the midst of developing a brand new 150,000-squarefoot building alongside investing a lot of capital in racking.
At the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, when many landlords and 3PLs thought there would be no end in sight to e-commerce, warehouse rental rates increased nearly threefold, causing myriad issues for companies looking to grow further.
“As our lease came up for renewal, we were faced with the most
JPL AT A GLANCE
Maximizing efficiencies at evey point across the supply chain, JP Logistics has proudly built a supply chain model exclusively designed to meet clients’ transportation, warehousing, and fulfillment needs, all supported by state-of-the-art technology to ensure communication, accuracy, and on-time delivery.
Read on to learn more about the company’s innovative history and expansive plans for the future.
challenging price increase we’ve ever seen in our many years of business,” informs Goodwin.
“We needed to face the challenge directly and figure out ways to make our new facility incredibly efficient to offset skyrocketing rental costs.”
The solution involved moving to a 40-foot building, obtaining taller racking, and finding new material handling equipment (MHE) to insert them in a manner that would maximize the company’s cubic square footage and minimize labor costs.
Having been in the new building for over a year now, JPL finds that new ideas and solutions present themselves regularly – so the work isn’t done as of yet.
“Nothing has been more difficult than the move; it has been a real test for us, but we’ve come out the other side stronger than ever,” details O’Neill.
In addition to the barriers faced with the new building, the company has demonstrated resilience in navigating other difficult industry challenges, such as the recent mail and port strikes.
JPL recognizes these occurrences are to be anticipated and that contingency plans must be in place to confidently and appropriately manage them.
“Once the rumors start that something disruptive may happen, we need to actively plan for it. We must be the solution provider, not part of the problem,” expands O’Neill.
IMPLEMENTING TOOLS FOR THE FUTURE
In order to meet the future of the supply chain industry with seamless fortitude, JPL is focusing on automation, integrating new technologies, and packaging.
“We are in the middle of implementing a new WMS that boasts an enterprise resource planning (ERP) component, which enables the information from WMS to automatically bill the customer for our services with no manual human intervention,” insights Goodwin.
JP Logistics doesn’t just talk the talk when it comes to its family-like atmosphere, it walks the walk. Have a look at how the company recently celebrated St. Patrick’s Day! Linkedin Post
Integrated Supply Chain Solutions
Phone: 732-333-3238
sales@bws-logistics.com www.bws-logistics.com
BWS Logistics is a non-asset based 3PL company offering comprehensive transportation and warehousing solutions across diverse industries. With over 50 years of combined logistics expertise, they provide full truckload logistics, crossdocking, white glove services, local delivery, specialized transport, and warehousing solutions. Their technology-driven approach ensures exceptional freight visibility through a user-friendly customer portal. From alcohol distribution to pharmaceuticals, retail, and manufacturing, BWS delivers customized supply chain management with a single point of contact for seamless operations.
CUT COSTS ENHANCE EFFICIENCY
“THE OPPORTUNITIES THAT LIE AHEAD WILL BE ACHIEVED THROUGH IMPLEMENTING AS MUCH TECHNOLOGY INTO OUR ECOSYSTEM AS POSSIBLE IN ORDER TO REDUCE THE NEED FOR MANUAL WORK DONE BY PEOPLE”
– JOHN O’NEILL, PRESIDENT, JP LOCISTICS
This updated WMS will also be integrated behind the scenes into the company’s Transportation Management System (TMS) shopping courier costs, providing clients with the best and most cost-efficient freight rates.
The productivity gained will be monumental, and every single department in the organization will be positively impacted by this update.
Equally, as JPL continues to grow, it is highlighting its valued and priceless employees.
“We are lucky to have so many amazing long-term employees
supporting our goals as a business. Our job is to change their mindset from JPL being a mom-and-pop warehouse to a company that needs more processes and procedures in place in order to find success. To that end, we went out and hired a person to create, implement, and oversee all company procedures from desk to dock,” details O’Neill.
Having started a family business with his parents, O’Neill is tasked with implementing this mental transition to being an international company which will prove important to morale and growth in the years to come.
Despite this progression, however, JPL is still prioritizing a familylike atmosphere that values each team member and fosters a work environment where passion meets purpose.
This example of true leadership creates an ecosystem of appreciation and respect, driving an innovative future.
“Expansion is always the goal, as there will never be a finish line. As my son – who now works for me, making this a three-generational company – always says, ‘dad will stop working when he is in a box!’” O’Neill gleefully concludes.
Tel: 905-949-0046 sales@jpent.com www.jpent.com
THE GATEWAY TO NEW MEXICO
Albuquerque International Sunport is on a mission is to provide a safe, authentic, and exceptional New Mexican experience that connects families, businesses, and cultures. We check in with Richard McCurley, Director of Aviation, for the full story
Writer: Ed Budds | Project Manager: Poppi Burke
The North American aviation industry finds itself in a fascinating phase of both rebirth and transformation.
“We’re currently witnessing a strong recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, with passenger volumes sometimes now even surpassing pre-pandemic levels at many airports around the country,” introduces Richard McCurley, Director of Aviation at Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ).
“There is a firm focus on efficiency,
sustainability, and modernization, making it a dynamic space to operate in.”
Known for its distinct southwestern architecture and spellbinding cultural décor, ABQ is New Mexico’s largest commercial airport, welcoming over five million passengers each year.
“It’s a combination of regional identity, comfort, and innovation that makes us stand out,” McCurley acclaims.
Boasting a world-class art collection, unique amenities, classic
New Mexican cuisine, and many local artisanal gifts, the impressive facility is served by eight major airlines including Delta, Southwest, United, American, Sun Country, Spirit, and JetBlue.
Serving as the true gateway to New Mexico, ABQ offers non-stop service between Albuquerque and more than 32 destinations, all with worldwide connectivity.
HOW WERE YOU FIRST INTRODUCED TO THE AVIATION INDUSTRY?
Richard McCurley, Director of Aviation: “I had an opportunity to join the Houston Airport System (HAS) while going to college and immediately fell in love with the industry.
“My best memory was my first day of being certified to inspect the airfield and watching two Harrier jets coming in staggered, slowing down over the runway, and vertically landing using their thrust. I knew then that this was the career I wanted to be a part of.
“I have been in the aviation industry over 35 years – 29 with the HAS, one with the Rhode Island Airport Corporation as Chief of Staff, Acting Senior Vice President, and Vice President of Operations, and I have currently been working with ABQ for five years, half of which as Director of Aviation.”
From the moment visitors arrive, they are instantly immersed in the authentic spirit of New Mexico.
SUPERB SERVICE
As part of ABQ’s $90 million once-ina-generation terminal renovation, a complete revamp of the facility’s food and beverage options is underway, aiming to reflect the local food scene alongside new retail offerings with a focus on New Mexican-made products.
“What truly sets ABQ apart is its unique sense of place. We’re not just an airport – we’re a window into New Mexico’s rich culture, history, and natural beauty. From the adobeinspired architecture and beams to the local art displayed throughout the terminal, every detail reflects the spirit of the land of enchantment,” McCurley prides.
“However, the appeal is more than just aesthetics. ABQ is known for its warm, welcoming atmosphere
and exceptional customer service as we strive to make travel feel more personal.
“On the operations side, we are extremely proud of our efficiency and accessibility. We offer a smooth, less congested experience compared to many larger airports,” he adds.
SUSTAINABILITY AND CONNECTIVITY
Always looking to be forwardthinking, ABQ is now committed to being as sustainable as possible.
“At present, we are actively investing in green initiatives such as electrifying our fleet and working toward ambitious carbon reduction goals,” explains McCurley.
“In 2023, we earned our Level 1 Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA). This is globally recognized, with 27 airports in North America currently accredited at Level 1.”
This effort required ABQ to establish a baseline greenhouse gas
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(GHG) emissions inventory as well as publicly posting a new carbon policy statement.
“Developing the GHG emissions inventory involved extensive research into our utility usage, including electric, natural gas, generator, and boiler consumptions along with several other facility operations.”
ABQ also remains deeply committed to enhancing connectivity and providing more travel choices for its passengers.
“We’re pursuing new routes and partnerships to broaden our networks and make travel more accessible for everyone,” McCurley tells us.
“Additionally, we’re leveraging
innovative tools such as the Where We Fly interactive route map to help travelers explore and plan their journeys more efficiently.”
With traffic volumes climbing steadily, the facility will also direct a key focus on both efficiency and safety.
“We will continue investing in infrastructure upgrades, modernizing our technology platforms, and improving the passenger experience,” McCurley concludes joyfully.
www.abqsunport.com
ABQ ROUTE MAP
A LEGACY OF INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP
A global provider of port agency, marine services, and digital solutions, Inchcape Shipping Services takes care of all its clients’ international needs so they can concentrate on staying ahead of the competition. We revisit the company with David Pratt, Regional CEO –Asia Pacific
Writer: Lauren Kania
Project Manager: Poppi Burke
With a mission to use technology and a vast global network to help partners connect to a smoother, smarter ocean, Inchcape Shipping Services (Inchcape) boasts nearly two centuries of experience to support its clients’ operations, wherever they may occur.
Having been in business since 1847, the company recognises that international trade has always been dependent on port services and prides itself on providing the local knowledge and means to deliver port calls that enable businesses to ship smoothly and trade successfully.
“With 260 offices in over 60 countries and an extended network of partner agents, Inchcape covers approximately 85 percent of the world’s commercial ports,” introduces David Pratt, Regional CEO – Asia Pacific.
Though port agency is Inchcape’s primary offering, it is truly a marine services provider, delivering services for marine supply chain and logistics, survey and inspections, a full range of liner agency products, information solutions, and global hub solutions such as its OneCape HUB and OneCape DA products.
The latter are designed to provide outsourced solutions to customers in terms of port call management and managing, auditing, and optimising disbursement accounts – a key part of a port call.
David Pratt, Regional CEOAsia Pacific
“It’s about port cost control and management on behalf of our principals, enabling us to continue our role as a reliable partner on both the operational and financial side and ensuring customers know they are always working with a trusted, global partner,” Pratt details.
Port agency plays a very unique role within the industry, one that Inchcape excels at. Although it may not be the most well-known part of the shipping process, port agency requires a team to coordinate safe, efficient, and costeffective solutions for both vessel and crew calling at a port.
Port agency can encompass anything from berth and operational planning for cargo operations to providing local support to crew and vessel, such as water supply or medical support. It’s a critical part of the shipping process and Inchcape provides a global solution, acting as a partner to vessel operators, charterers, ship managers, and shippers and receivers.
Since last featuring the company in 2022, the industry has notably evolved alongside the global economy.
One of the areas where Inchcape sees a strong growth opportunity is providing tailored solutions to each customer.
“There is huge opportunity out there in the supply chain market at the moment, but it requires having a deep understanding of customers’ requirements and building solutions that hit the mark and add value to their business,” Pratt confirms.
LEVERAGING A GLOBAL NETWORK
Inchcape differentiates itself from the global competition in a variety of ways. Most notably, it leverages the power of its global network to the benefit of its customers to improve operations, reduce costs, and make better data-driven decisions in every port.
HOW DOES YOUR UNIQUE GEOGRAPHICAL FOOTPRINT
ALLOW YOU TO OFFER CUSTOMERS A FULL RANGE OF SOLUTIONS DELIVERED WITH EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE AROUND THE WORLD?
David Pratt, Regional CEO – Asia Pacific:
“Our global process ensures that every customer, whether they are dealing with us in Singapore or South Africa, is going to receive a consistent, high-quality service and product.
“By offering our team the same training globally and working to continually refresh and upgrade our
training materials, it enables us to drive what we define as operational excellence and set a clear expectation for our team of a service level that we are proud to deliver to our customers.
“We are a service industry, and it’s the power of our people that makes a big difference. We need to ensure we’re always putting the best service forwards.
“Globally, Inchcape is investing in new system implementation, providing a common upgraded global platform which will continue to drive our industry-leading service delivery whilst also supporting new products for our customers. Continual improvement helps us strive to be the market leader in our industry whilst being supported by the largest international global network, enabling us to combine local and global knowledge to streamline and optimise port operations.”
“Our people, global connections, and product range are key factors for us,” Pratt specifies.
“It’s about understanding what our customers are looking for and how we can work to deliver value as part of that process.”
The company also recognises that trust is crucial for a long-term client relationship, and it works to ensure a mutual partnership to not only achieve the best results but also truly make a difference.
“We can see that Inchcape has been growing strongly for the last few years, and it’s because we’ve been able to deliver valueadding outcomes whilst investing in new technology that assists with providing perspective and transparency what is happening in global trade lanes and at local port level,” he expands.
Equally, the company provides strong governance and focuses on health, safety, security, and environment (HSSE) within the industry, always working to drive operational efficiency and ensure it’s functioning in the safest, most costeffective manner.
Inchcape prides itself on helping clients concentrate on their core businesses by providing real-time port data and information generated by its global network.
The company’s various networks allow it to source information at a local level whilst also providing global market intelligence to customers. This ability to offer insights and impacts on the logistics chain is crucial for many customers.
“Information is becoming a strong part of our service delivery. Cargo moves from origin to destination, so the ability to have our own local port network and business partners in over 85 percent of global ports gives us a key ability to provide global information across the entire cargo movement rather than in a single location,” further informs Pratt.
“THERE IS HUGE OPPORTUNITY IN THE SUPPLY CHAIN MARKET AT THE MOMENT, BUT IT REQUIRES HAVING A DEEP UNDERSTANDING OF CUSTOMERS’ REQUIREMENTS AND BUILDING SOLUTIONS THAT HIT THE MARK AND ADD VALUE TO THEIR BUSINESS”
–
DAVID PRATT, REGIONAL CEO – ASIA PACIFIC, INCHCAPE SHIPPING SERVICES
INNOVATION DRIVING EFFICIENCY
Inchcape has achieved enviable logistics growth over the past few years, with the company having recently expanded to 260 offices and opened new warehouses in Singapore.
“We looked at our ability to service the current logistics demands of our clients and recognised there are further opportunities in places like Singapore where customers are looking for additional support from their marine services provider,” Pratt explains.
The company opened its first warehouse 18 months ago, and within
INCHCAPE VALUES
GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE – The company connects the world and sees the bigger picture.
POWER OF PEOPLE – Inchcape leverages the strength of local agents’ knowledge and relationships.
PROGRESS – The company adopts new thinking and pushes for positive change in the industry.
just six months, it was full. Inchcape is now taking that growth capability and moving to a new facility later this year, quadrupling the size of the space available within the country.
However, Singapore is not the only location where Inchcape has expanded. It acquired and opened new offices in Norway, South Korea, Spain, the UK, Denmark, and the Philippines to name a few, with the company also looking to open in Brunei and other key locations in 2025.
“Customers come to us looking for an international agency that can represent and protect their interests within these locations, so we are expanding to meet these needs,” he informs.
Equally as important to continuing this growth is Inchcape’s ability to consistently provide reliable supply chain logistics.
Being a key component of each customer’s business in one form or another, the company delivers an effortless way to manage both the procurement and logistics process.
“Procurement can be an outsourced solution for a lot of our customers, helping them streamline their logistics channel, providing anything from provisions to spare parts,” insights Pratt.
“We give them full access to
a global network and reliable and carefully selected suppliers, streamlining communication through one centralised point and ensuring 24/7 worldwide access that’s fully supported with a strong governance and compliance mechanism.”
As a marine services provider, the company also enables its customers to optimise their supply chain from a pricing perspective, ensuring they receive the best service possible and tailoring each solution to individual requirements.
“Each customer is different and has unique needs. Our solution gives them that operational resilience whenever they need it,” asserts Pratt.
DEDICATED TO A CONNECTED FUTURE
With a long and storied history, Inchcape readily recognises that one of the primary components of its long-term success is its workforce.
Dews Pte Ltd has been licensed by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore since 2016 to supply freshwater using water tankers in the port of Singapore. We operate desalination plants that are mounted on water tankers to ensure a more sustainable and efficient way of delivering freshwater to the marine industry in Singapore. Our fleet consists of two water tankers, with a combined capacity to supply up to 1,000 metric tons of freshwater daily.
“People are our most valuable asset. We’re a service industry, so we need to be focused on supporting and enabling our staff,” Pratt affirms.
“People are the cornerstone of what we do on a day-to-day basis, and we have to be cognisant of how we can
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leverage their strength, knowledge, and relationships within the industry and provide them with room to grow and become entrepreneurial.”
In parallel, Inchcape prioritises corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives and works to assist its clients in lowering their emissions and carbon footprint.
As these customers move vessels around the world, Inchcape helps them manage their Scope 3 emissions in port through various methods.
“Our inventory management tool, which allows customers to manage and monitor their emissions, helps minimise both their costs and environmental impact,” he details.
Additionally, the company provides other eco-friendly offerings to its customers, including underwater cleaning, inspection for biofouling, and even sustainable boiler suits, further proving its ability to deliver innovative solutions.
As Inchcape looks towards the
Our expert team helps maritime clients reduce their environmental footprint, improve operational efficiency, and achieve sustainability goals while adhering to international environmental regulations and industry best practices.
future of the global supply chain logistics industry, it is planning to continue expanding its geographical footprint.
With the market constantly adapting and shifting in line with trade patterns and the global economy, the company is identifying growth opportunities and how it can further connect its customers to ports around the world in a seamless manner.
“We utilise our network to connect customers to our overall global capabilities. We are able to adapt to whatever market changes occur and provide customers with a solution wherever they may need it,” Pratt concludes.
As the competitive advantages afforded by carbon neutrality in South Africa’s logistics landscape continue to emerge, the freight industry is leveraging more and more innovative solutions. Annelie Govender, Chief Human Resources Officer and ESG Lead at prominent integrated cold chain logistics provider, Vector Logistics, outlines how the company is doing just this
Writer: Annelie Govender, Chief Human Resources Officer and ESG Lead
Project Manager: Ben Weaver
In an increasingly interconnected and environmentally conscious world, carbon neutrality has emerged as more than just a moral imperative –it is now considered a competitive advantage.
This is particularly true for the freight industry in South Africa (SA). Investors and stakeholders are placing significant emphasis on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles, with carbon neutrality acting as a litmus test for companies’ commitment to long-term sustainability and profitability.
The freight sector, a backbone of SA’s economy, is under intense scrutiny to align with global best practices in sustainability – not merely as a compliance exercise, but as a driver of innovation and growth.
Despite this clear direction, ESG and sustainability principles have faced their fair share of criticism, both locally and globally.
Some argue that ESG initiatives impose additional financial burdens on companies already struggling in a tough economic climate, whilst others question the tangible outcomes of sustainability strategies, dismissing them as mere box-ticking exercises.
Although these criticisms are not entirely unfounded, they overlook the transformative potential of ESG and carbon neutrality commitments.
Companies that embrace these principles are not only futureproofing their operations but also positioning themselves to attract investment and unlock new revenue streams.
As such, SA’s leading integrated cold chain logistics provider, Vector Logistics (Vector), is shifting gears in sustainability with the launch of its first fully electric net zero vehicles.
This roll-out marks a significant milestone in the company’s journey towards net zero, which it aims to achieve by 2050.
Having remained steadfastly committed to its ESG and carbon neutrality strategies, even in the face of pushback, Vector’s commitment is not about optics – it’s about seizing the opportunities that come with being a sustainability leader in the freight sector.
The company anticipates rolling out its first fully electric bumper-tobumper trucks as part of its fleet on South African roads later this year.
RESPONDING TO THE CLIMATE EMERGENCY
As sustainability remains at the heart of Vector’s business strategy, the company is committed to creating an agile, resilient logistics network that adapts to market changes whilst maintaining service quality.
The latest climate science research confirms that the world must move from 51 billion tonnes of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to net zero by
VECTOR AT A GLANCE
From its humble beginnings as an in-house distribution arm for Irvin & Johnson (l&J), SA’s premium supplier of top-quality Cape hake, Vector, has grown into an industry leader in multi-temperature logistics with a proven ability to service a wide range of needs.
Today, Vector is SA’s leading integrated cold chain logistics provider, specialising in temperature-controlled warehousing, distribution, and end-to-end supply chain solutions.
With a national footprint and commitment to operational excellence, the company partners with some of the country’s most recognised food brands to ensure the seamless movement of temperature-sensitive goods from production to retail shelves.
Backed by cutting-edge technology, sustainability-driven practices, and a team of industry experts, it delivers innovative logistics solutions that optimise efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and enhance customer satisfaction.
By combining its local expertise with an expansive network, Vector ensures that fresh, safe produce reaches customers across the region.
Keith Pienaar, CEO
2050 to prevent global warming above 1.5 degrees Celsius (°C).
Vector’s goal is to respond to the current climate emergency by reducing its GHG emissions by at least 42 percent before the end of 2030. To do this, it needs to embrace technology and innovation to prove that the freight and logistics sectors are at the forefront of these developments.
The global shipping industry, for instance, provides a compelling example of how innovation can drive progress. The world’s first carbonneutral ship was launched this year and demonstrates how industry leaders are exploring groundbreaking solutions to decarbonise their operations.
Whilst the reliance on alternative fuels such as methanol has its criticisms, the project underscores the importance of taking bold steps towards sustainability.
These kinds of innovations represent a step change in how the logistics sector is approaching
decarbonisation, and reinforces its dedication to developing valuedriven, environmentally conscious operations.
A TRAILBLAZING SOLUTION
Closer to home, SA’s road freight sector is also seeing significant strides in innovation.
According to the International Road Transport Union (IRU), a duplex approach to greening road transport is gaining traction. This strategy combines the use of cleaner fuels and advanced vehicle technologies with systemic changes such as optimised logistics and infrastructure upgrades.
These developments are particularly relevant for SA, where the freight industry’s carbon footprint is a growing concern.
However, as highlighted by McKinsey’s research on decarbonising logistics, many organisations still grapple with how to implement effective sustainability strategies.
This knowledge gap presents an opportunity for innovators to step in
and provide solutions. For instance, third-party providers with expertise in green logistics can help companies design and execute tailored decarbonisation plans.
These collaborations can bridge the gap between ambition and action, ensuring that South African freight companies remain competitive on the global stage.
Vector’s trailblazing solution goes beyond convention by pairing Volvo battery electric vehicle (BEV) truck tractors with innovative solarpowered e-axle trailers, creating SA’s first fully electric bumper-to-bumper logistics system.
Unlike traditional electric trucks that focus solely on the vehicle’s powertrain, this solution integrates solar-powered e-axle trailers.
However, there are no solar panels on the truck or trailer itself; instead, both the truck and trailer batteries are charged at solar-powered charging stations at Vector’s distribution centres.
Whilst the trucks are in motion, the e-axle generates kinetic energy as the wheels turn, which helps charge the batteries.
For added resilience, the refrigeration system also includes a diesel back-up, intended solely for emergency use to ensure operational continuity for extended pre-cooling at depots when the solar battery power is depleted.
These net zero vehicles will support deliveries across Johannesburg and Cape Town, aligning with the sustainability goals of Vector’s clients whilst reinforcing its commitment to collaboration in achieving shared environmental objectives.
DRIVING SUSTAINABILITY FORWARDS
As part of its ambitious ESG strategy, Vector’s roll-out of net zero trucks aligns with its overarching goal of embedding sustainability into everything it does.
Annelie Govender, Chief Human Resources Officer and ESG Lead, delivering a speech for Vector Logistics
VECTOR’S GUIDING PRINCIPLES
As a socially responsible logistics provider, Vector’s robust mission, purpose, vision, and values ensure it continues to mindfully deliver seamless cold chain solutions and innovative supply chain expertise across SA.
MISSION – Drive dependable, sustainable supply chain solutions that power food delivery.
PURPOSE – Deliver success, one kilometre at a time.
VISION – Be the leaders in delivering quality food across Africa.
VALUES
• Care for and champion customers, colleagues, and communities.
• Remain trustworthy and deliver on promises.
• Exceed customer expectations.
• Listen to and look for opportunities to improve.
• Respect the planet and remain committed to sustainable solutions.
From electrifying its fleet to adopting renewable energy solutions and championing sustainable practices across the value chain, the company’s actionable approach to sustainability is notable.
The launch of its net zero fleet showcases Vector’s commitment to making a tangible, positive impact on both its environment and the communities it serves.
It is also equipping staff with bestin-class equipment and empowering them with the knowledge and skills needed to drive the company’s sustainability agenda.
Key features of Vector’s sustainability roadmap going forwards include transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs), such as the new BEVs and e-axle trailers, and expanding solar photovoltaic (PV) installations at its facilities to reduce reliance on the grid.
Furthermore, it is also delivering baseline sustainability training to 100 percent of its workforce.
AT THE FOREFRONT OF CLEAN ENERGY
For Vector, the push towards carbon neutrality is not just a local or regional trend – it is a global movement driven by stakeholders across the value chain.
European shareholders, in particular, have been vocal in their demands for best practices in sustainability. Their influence extends beyond mere compliance requirements as they shape the strategic priorities of companies operating in emerging markets such as SA.
These shareholders understand that carbon neutrality is not only an environmental imperative but also a key driver of risk management and value creation, with the latter also extending to internal stakeholders.
Vector’s staff, for example, have rapidly embraced this new future, and the company has been particularly encouraged by their response.
Employees recognise that being involved in such developments can be a competitive advantage as they can be at the forefront of a clean energy transition.
THE FUTURE OF LOGISTICS IN SA
By adopting green technologies and forming strategic partnerships with stakeholders, Vector is shaping the future of SA’s logistics industry.
The introduction of fully electric trucks not only reduces GHG and carbon emissions but also positions the company as a pioneer in sustainable logistics solutions.
Vector’s net zero trucks are a testament to the company’s vision of doing well whilst doing good.
As these vehicles hit the road, they pave the way for a more sustainable future, inspiring others in the industry to follow suit – delivering excellence whilst minimising environmental impact.
To remain competitive and continue to contribute meaningfully to the planet, Vector recognises it must lead with innovation and that its investments in EVs and renewable energy represent the future of logistics in SA.
It’s clear, therefore, that the road transport sector in SA is uniquely positioned to lead the charge towards a more sustainable future.
With a vast network of logistics providers at its disposal, alongside robust infrastructure and strategic importance in regional trade, the industry is ripe for innovation.
From adopting cleaner fuels to leveraging digital technologies for optimised route planning, the possibilities are endless.
By embracing these opportunities, SA’s freight companies can enter an exciting new phase of growth that aligns profitability with purpose.
In conclusion, the journey to net zero is not without its challenges, but
the rewards far outweigh the costs.
Achieving carbon neutrality is not just a competitive advantage – it lays the foundation for a sustainable and resilient logistics industry.
For SA’s freight sector, the path forwards is clear – innovate, collaborate, and lead. By doing so, the sector will not only meet the expectations of investors and stakeholders but also contribute meaningfully to the global fight against climate change.
Tel: 031 275 4500
vectorcomms@vectorlog.com
www.vectorlog.com
SOARING TO NEW IN SKY SERVICES
As a prominent player in the aviation industry, Skytanking provides a comprehensive suite of services within a global network. Regional Vice President, Dave Powell, discusses how the company contributes to connectivity
Writer: Rachel Carr | Project Manager: Nicholas Kernan
NEW HEIGHTS
The aviation industry is a vital and dynamic sector that significantly enhances worldwide connections and drives economic development.
It has witnessed substantial growth in recent years, which has been influenced by increasing air travel demand, technological advancements, and improved infrastructure. Major hubs in regions such as North America and Europe play a crucial role in facilitating international air traffic, whilst emerging markets, particularly in Africa, are rapidly developing, resulting in new routes and better customer experiences.
Skytanking has been uniquely positioned in the aviation industry for 25 years. Owned by PrimeFlight, it specialises in the management and handling of aviation fuel and has become an essential part of the sector.
The company plays a significant role in a global network of businesses that provide aviation services to airports, carriers, and their passengers.
“The management and handling of aviation fuel is the backbone of Skytanking and provides a strong foothold in all our endeavours. However, since 2023, we have complemented our fuel activity by building a robust European position in ground handling, maintenance, and cargo support,” introduces Dave Powell, Regional Vice President.
With a commitment to meeting industry needs, Skytanking’s services include into-plane fuelling, ground handling, cargo handling, maintenance support, aviation fuel storage and hydrant management, fuel facility investment, and engineering services in support of its airline, airport, and fuel customers.
PrimeFlight, meanwhile, has expanded its presence in the aviation
sector as an integrated services provider. The company focuses on improving efficiencies for airlines and airports and has made a significant impact by helping Skytanking optimise its operations.
“Since PrimeFlight purchased Skytanking, the company has enjoyed rapid growth through strategic investment whilst maintaining its position and brand placement as the market leader in the sector,” he informs.
“Through this acquisition, we have also been able to reposition our offer to customers and partners through the direct expansion of ground handling activities in Europe, providing an integrated passenger, fuel, and ground operations service.”
INNOVATION IN AVIATION
A crucial sector for a plethora of worldwide industries, aviation supports international trade, tourism, and business.
As major US and European hubs support global air traffic and more African markets emerge, airlines are responding by launching new routes and improving customer experiences.
Sustainability has also become increasingly important, with many aviation businesses investing in
fuelefficient aircraft and alternative fuels to reduce their carbon footprint.
Despite challenges such as regulatory hurdles and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the industry’s recovery and ongoing investments promise a bright future focused on efficiency and connectivity in a globalised world.
Indeed, governments recognise the aviation sector’s potential for economic growth and job creation, resulting in efforts to improve regulatory environments and investments in aviation projects.
Moreover, advances in aircraft technology and eco-friendly practices are making air travel more accessible and sustainable.
Given the numerous opportunities arising alongside the ongoing transformation of the aviation industry, Powell finds it a technologically evolving field to work in.
Powell is responsible for overseeing business and operational activities related to fuel operations in specific regions, including the UK and Ireland, the Nordics, Southern Europe, and Africa, where Skytanking has established plans for future expansion.
“One of the most interesting components of my role is the diversity of businesses I am exposed to and the people and cultures supporting them. It’s our staff who form our front line and passenger-facing experience, ensuring that quality and safety are an integral part of who we are and what we do,” he enthuses.
“The competitiveness of the sector provides a fast-paced and dynamic work environment, and our growth strategy creates a rich mix of new experiences whilst still being very close and connected to the everyday
HOW DO YOU TRAIN SKYTANKING EMPLOYEES TO ENSURE RIGOROUS SAFETY STANDARDS ARE ADHERED TO?
Dave Powell, Regional Vice President: “First-class training and awareness are critical. Skytanking invests heavily in ensuring all its staff not only meet industry expectations but exceed them for best-in-class results.
“Our entire workforce has access to first-class trainers, industry experts, and a digital platform that provides common procedures to ensure we operate globally at the highest standards. We recognise and reward the exceptional circumstances or contributions of our staff to encourage continuous learning.”
needs of customers in airport environments.
“I have a new vantage point with the role technology plays in our operations, as I have begun assisting with manging Skytanking’s IT and health, safety, security, and environment (HSSE) efforts, as we build our structure to support our current sites as well as any growth,” Powell reveals.
STATE-OF-THE-ART SERVICES
Skytanking utilises innovative and cutting-edge technologies and
systems for its fuel management and logistics.
“Airport fuel management systems have historically been based on simple technology; however, in the last 10 or so years, with the availability of web-based technology, the need for this man-power heavy activity to be more efficient, and the introduction of new providers into the IT space have forced a considerable evolution in the technology used.”
Moreover, the company’s airline and fuel customers require realtime connectivity, facilitated by technological innovations in to-aircraft and from-airfield data capacity, where information has become commoditised.
“At Skytanking, we are actively working with our partners to improve the use of technologies whilst driving standards higher,” assures Powell.
Alongside emerging technologies, sustainability is sky-high on the company’s agenda, as well as implementing measures to minimise the environmental impact of fuel supply and storage.
“At the heart of all our activity is the need to provide safe operations whilst protecting the fuel quality we manage for our clients. This responsibility comes with the absolute need to protect our staff’s working environment and respect our surroundings,” he outlines.
“As legislation and standards improve, so does awareness and tighter controls on the use and handling of fuels. Thus, we too need to move to ensure all our operational focus is in sync and driving to improve our own standards; it is what is expected of us from both the industry and our communities.”
INDUSTRY AGILITY
Skytanking provides professional services to a variety of airport capacities and sizes and has close relationships with both its fixedbase operator (FBO) in Scotland and its general aviation partners.
“The company’s experience and size allow it to enjoy market agility that others may be unable to match,” Powell prides.
“Over the past two years, we have enjoyed tremendous growth in new airports in South Africa, in cities such as Johannesburg and Cape Town, and in Norway at Oslo Airport.
“AT SKYTANKING, WE ARE ACTIVELY WORKING WITH OUR PARTNERS TO IMPROVE THE USE OF TECHNOLOGIES WHILST DRIVING STANDARDS HIGHER”
– DAVE POWELL, REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT, SKYTANKING
“We have also purchased various ground handling companies in the UK, providing a platform of experience England and Scotland, combined with new country entrances in Holland and Italy.”
Skytanking’s growth continues to be strengthened by its acquisitions, particularly Airbase GSE and Airworld Handling. These acquisitions have further expanded the company’s operational capabilities and market presence in Europe.
The purchase of Airbase GSE improves ground handling services and operational efficiency at key airports by providing air cargo unit load device (ULD) repair and logistics services, as well as cabin repair and maintenance services at London Heathrow Airport (UK) and Frankfurt Airport (Germany).
Airworld Handling, meanwhile, is a cargo and mail handler with a complementary border inspection post (BIP) business operating at
London Heathrow Airport.
Both acquisitions signify Skytanking’s entrance into border and cargo security and ULD management, as they bring valuable expertise and connections that align with the company’s goals of expanding its service offerings and geographical range.
“As a PrimeFlight company, Skytanking is able to benefit from a network of subsidiaries with global reach and vast operational knowledge in almost every facet of aviation support. Skytanking also has Engineering and Technical Services departments that provide clients with fuel-specific professional assistance, even if we are not currently present in that particular country.
“We have always had a strong presence in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Luxembourg, and South Africa, but in recent years, we have been successful in expanding organically and inorganically in Australia and are excited to continue
to build strong relations in the Middle East and Asia,” Powell concludes. As the aviation industry advances, it presents a plethora of opportunities for growth, innovation, and enhanced service delivery, all contributing to a more interconnected world, and together, PrimeFlight and Skytanking is poised to be a key component of this evolution.
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