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WORLD AIRPORTS .COM ACW Digital is sponsored by FREIGHTERS.COM
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The weekly newspaper for air cargo professionals No. 1,252 16 October 2023
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AFKLMP ENHANCES CARGO SOLUTIONS
INSIDE MOVING LOGISTICS TOWARDS A ...
With an increased focus on tackling climate change, businesses are increasingly recognising the need to reduce their carbon ... PAGE 2
DB SCHENKER INVESTS IN ...
DB Schenker has successfully completed three of its four major development projects to provide larger, state-of-theart operations in Ireland ... PAGE 4
CNN AND CARGOAI TRANSFORM ...
Singapore, home to a dynamic logistics sector, once again paves the way for global air freight operations. Cargo Community Network (CCN) ...
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ir France KLM Martinair Cargo has launched a new PLUS service level, reflecting its ongoing commitment to improving product quality and service standards. Available with immediate effect, this new service is specifically intended for cargo shipments requiring extra priority. It seamlessly complements our existing product range and provides a wide array of benefits for key customers. The main benefits of our PLUS service are: High priority: PLUS customers are given priority when booking shipments and Extra care: PLUS shipments get preferential treatment during loading and unloading. “The PLUS service level perfectly completes our product portfolio, offering an intermediate option between our general cargo and express products. This extra option has long been on our customers’ wish list.” Mathieu Fleisch, VP Products & Verticals at Air France KLM Martinair Cargo, said. Our Express product remains the optimum choice for shipments requiring
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late delivery, early pick-up, or shorter connection times. Booking a PLUS shipment is a hassle-free process. Customers can book PLUS easily and flexibly online via our myCargo customer portal or by contacting our dedicated customer service team. “The introduction of our new PLUS service level is a new step in our commercial transforma- tion, which is intended to deliver a best-in-class customer experience. Last month, we achieved a record 78% online bookings. This new service offers an extra alternative and enhances our online customer journey, making it even easier for customers to do business with us.” GertJan Roelands, SVP Commercial at Air France KLM Martinair Cargo, said. The new PLUS service level is equally available for bookings on CMA CGM AIR CARGO to destinations within the scope of our joint venture. Air France KLM Martinair Cargo is committed to constantly improving and delivering excellence in airfreight solutions.
NORTH AMERICA’S REGIONAL ...
Whether in North America, Latin America, Europe or Asia, American Airlines has spent the past 75 years building its operation into a position ... PAGE 12
The cornerstone of a global economy ...
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aircargoweek.com
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Moving logistics towards a sustainable future WITH a sharper focus on tackling climate change, businesses are increasingly recognising the need to reduce their carbon emissions. However, many struggle to navigate the complex landscape of emissions measurement and reduction. That’s where Pledge comes in. Pledge, a tech company that aims to help businesses achieve net-zero emissions, has just released its free-to-access Freight Emissions Calculator. Pledge’s founders drew on their experience of creating software products used by millions to create a platform that provides accessibility and transparency for businesses in the fight against climate change. “Technology has a vital role to play in helping decarbonise the planet,” said David de Picciotto, CEO and Co-Founder of Pledge. “We believe that by combining our collective knowledge and experience with a goal we all feel strongly about, we’re able to create a solution that fosters positive change for the planet.” Concerned by the climate crisis, Pledge specialises in logistics and supply chain—an industry known for its high emissions. By focusing on this specific sector, Pledge aims to drive meaningful change in the industry and help businesses reach their sustainability goals.
Decarbonising the industry AZura International, Robert Denholm House, Bletchingley Road, Nutfield, Surrey RH1 4HW, United Kingdom
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The logistics industry currently accounts for approximately 11% of all human-created carbon emissions worldwide, making it one of the largest contributors to global warming. “We’ll need to tackle every high-emitting industry, including the logistics supply chain. The problem with the logistics supply chain is that there has been little progress so far with its decarbonisation,” de Picciotto explained. Pledge aims to change that narrative by providing effective solutions and empowering businesses to take meaningful action in reducing their carbon footprint. Integrating technology, particularly through Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions, plays a pivotal role in combatting climate change in the logistics industry. With high levels of data fragmentation and a lack of standardisation regarding shipment and emissions data, the industry faces significant challenges in measuring and analysing emissions. “Integrated tech solutions are the most efficient way to help collate shipment data, turn it into emissions data, and provide meaningful insights to enable companies the ability to implement emissions reduction strategies and fight against climate change,” he added.
Calculating emissions Pledge’s Freight Emissions Calculator is an open-access tool that enables users to calculate the carbon emissions of their freight shipments. Leveraging the same backend features as Pledge’s comprehensive carbon emissions measurement platform, the calculator provides accurate results and allows users to enter additional information to enhance accuracy. Pledge’s advanced algorithms fill in data gaps using accredited, industry-recognised calculation methodologies, ensuring transparency and reliability in emissions reporting. “We’ve built it so it’s really easy to use — it actually walks you through the first few steps to get you started. After that, you’re free to add any extra information you have available to increase the accuracy of your results,” de Picciotto said. Pledge collaborates with various stakeholders in the industry including freight forwarders, technology providers, and industry associations such as BIFA and WCAworld to stay connected to industry experts and meet customer needs. “Our current customers include several leading freight forwarders such as Zencargo, Ligentia, and Europa Worldwide — the largest privately owned logistics company in the UK. We’re seeing demand for sustainability solutions picking up, and we expect more customers to join our platform in the near future,” he stated.
Verifiable records Amid growing concerns about greenwashing, Pledge places transparency at the forefront of its solution. They have developed a feature called Clarity™, which provides visibility into
Pledge’s calculation methodologies and results. This ensures a clear, verifiable record of which methods and assumptions were used to reach an emissions calculation, enabling visibility right down the supply chain. Pledge continually refines and enhances the Clarity™ feature as their methods improve, further solidifying trust in their emissions reporting. “Being clear about how calculations are broken down is critical for any carbon emissions measurement product. In fact, it is one of our most important values — transparency,” de Picciotto highlighted. Pledge’s Freight Emissions Calculator aims to show the ease and speed with which accredited carbon emissions calculations can be performed. By showcasing the power of the full Pledge platform in a free-to-access setting, users can see how it can offer them the insights they need to set longterm emissions reduction strategies. If they like what they see, they can sign up for a 14-day, no-obligation free trial with the Pledge platform.
Action and pressure Pledge witnesses a combination of company-led sustainable initiatives and regulatory pressure driving the industry towards sustainability. Forward-thinking logistics service providers voluntarily seek solutions like Pledge’s Freight Emissions Calculator to align with their sustainability values. Simultaneously, regulatory measures such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) in Europe and similar regulations worldwide will require all companies to comply, beginning as early as next year. “We see a mixture of reasons for why companies are signing up to our platform. On the one hand, we have customers who’ve approached us because they want to offer their customers the chance to measure or offset their emissions to provide a sustainable service. On the other hand, regulations will eventually force every company to comply starting as soon as next year, and we’re seeing companies signing up to our platform to be compliance-ready for that eventuality” he said. Pledge’s Freight Emissions Calculator has garnered enthusiastic reception from the logistics industry. The calculator’s ease of use and accuracy has attracted a diverse range of customers to Pledge’s platform, including both traditional and digital freight forwarders, as well as software vendors. The growing interest in sustainability solutions within the industry is evident as more businesses sign up for Pledge’s 14-day free trial. With a positive industry response and increasing demand, Pledge expects to onboard more high-profile customers in the near future, further amplifying the impact of its sustainability platform. “Although it’s early days, it’s encouraging to see interest from so many different freight forwarders and software players in the industry,” he said.
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DB Schenker invests in Ireland
DB SCHENKER has successfully completed three of its four major development projects to provide larger, state-of-the-art operations in Ireland. As part of a €94M investment in new facilities across the country, sites at Shannon (County Clare), Leixlip (County Kildare) and Baldonnel (County Dublin) are now complete and fully operational. An additional new facility in Dublin is shortly to commence construction to house DB Schenker’s land operations in Ireland and is scheduled for completion in January 2025. Demand from healthcare and technology customers is powering strong growth across DB Schenker’s business in Ireland, which now employs 800 people. The global logistics provider initiated extensive facility investment to cater for ongoing and new customer needs across the country. Eoghan Turner Head of Real Estate for the UK & Ireland says: “The last three years have seen a period of major growth at DB Schenker which has resulted in significant new investment in Irish Real Estate, as well as the upgrading of our property portfolio across the UK & Ireland cluster. We have been successful in delivering several largescale projects, not least the construction of our 220,000 sq. ft. LEED Gold Leixlip facility, a long-term lease of 130,000 sq. ft at Baldonnell Business Park, and the delivery of our new facility in Shannon. We will continue to concentrate on similar high quality, sustainable assets as we go into the future”. Advanced warehousing capabilities alongside automated facilities and combined with the introduction of electric vehicles into its Irish transport fleet are key components of DB Schenker’s ongoing growth strategy across Ireland.
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Drone deliveries for everyday goods grateful for the hospitality of the people of Odenwald and the openness with which they have welcomed the project and the LieferMichel team.” “We believe that a drone-based delivery service in rural areas can be a win-win situation: Residents benefit from better supply options, retailers can increase their customer catchment area without having to set up delivery services themselves. We also expect ecological benefits, as trips for smaller errands in particular can be substituted in this way,” explains Prof. Dr. Kai-Oliver Schocke, Director of the Research Lab for Urban Transport (ReLUT) at Frankfurt UAS. Dr. Robert Zores, Chief Digital Innovation Officer (CDIO) at REWE digital, is pleased about the start of the project: “We have been working on the topic of autonomous mobility in the Research & Innovations division for years and always have one goal in mind – to offer our customers new shopping experiences and to make shopping convenient and easy. We are a pioneer and trailblazer in German food retailing. In addition to numerous projects in urban areas, we are also looking forward to testing offers in rural areas and to learning and further developing technology and processes together with the project partners.” Michael Reinartz, Head of Innovation at Vodafone Germany: “We are delighted that the DroLEx team is relying on Vodafone’s mobile network to fly the LieferMichel drone, underscoring the crucial role that mobile technology plays in commercial drone flight. After all, especially over longer distances, only a highly responsive mobile network offers the necessary reliability to enable automated drone flights – and thus innovative applications such as food delivery by drone.” WINGCOPTER and the Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences (Frankfurt UAS) has launched the “DroLEx – Drohnen-LastenradExpress-Belieferung“ (“Drone-Cargo Bike Express Delivery”) project. Under the name “LieferMichel”, the pilot project offers residents of remote districts in Michelstadt, Hesse, the opportunity to have groceries and consumer goods delivered to their homes quickly and emission-free by Wingcopter delivery drone and cargo bike. The drone deliveries are intended to sustainably improve local supply in the region. The project is being funded by the German Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) as part of the “Innovative Air Mobility” funding directive with a total of around 430,000 euros. Initially, the two districts of Rehbach and Würzberg well outside Michelstadt will be served. Residents of these districts can order everyday goods such as non-perishable milk, eggs, fruit and vegetables, canned food and many other non-refrigerated products via the website www.liefermichel.de and have them delivered to their homes at a desired time. The orders are flown by Wingcopter to set landing points just outside of the villages. To start with, a wide range of products from the local REWE store will be available for selection. Other local retailers will be added to the platform as the project progresses. The pilot project is being scientifically accompanied by the Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences, which is evaluating the service from an economic and ecological perspective. The Frankfurt UAS also takes care of the cargo bike rides. It has a profound expertise in the field of last-mile logistics with cargo bikes and small electric vehicles (LEV – light electric vehicles). Alongside the city of Michelstadt and REWE, Vodafone and Riese & Müller were won as associated project partners. The mobile communications company Vodafone provides the necessary mobile communications infrastructure so that the Wingcopter drones have a secure and stable connection to the ground station throughout the flight. The cargo bikes used are produced and provided by e-bike pioneer Riese & Müller, also based in the Odenwald region. In the villages involved, many local retailers have closed their stores in recent years, forcing residents to drive to Michelstadt or other towns to do their shopping – in some cases well over 10 kilometers each way. Especially for smaller errands weighing up to four kilograms, LieferMichel users can now leave their cars behind. Another advantage is that flying with the all-electric delivery drones is more environmentally friendly. Based on the experiences in Michelstadt, a sustainable and scalable business model is to be developed to improve local supply in other rural regions of Germany as well through fast, ecologically reasonable and reliable delivery of everyday goods by drone. After all, although many smaller stores have disappeared in rural areas in recent years, food delivery services that deliver orders within a few minutes have so far been limited to urban areas. The project partners see enormous potential here. The project will initially run until the end of 2023 and will be continued if it proves successful. Tom Plümmer, CEO of Wingcopter, comments: “We are really proud to pilot LieferMichel, the first drone delivery service for groceries and everyday goods in Germany. Our biggest goal is to gain experience and evaluate, together with the residents, an environmentally friendly and efficient service that creates real added value for the population in rural areas. We are deeply
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World Courier and Swiss WorldCargo announce SAF partnership SWISS WorldCargo has announced an agreement with World Courier, a global specialty logistics provider and a part of Cencora (formerly AmerisourceBergen), which will support the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) within the Swiss airfreight division. World Courier’s investment in SAF, which represents the highest investment that Swiss WorldCargo witnessed so far, will be the equivalent to supporting more than 2,000 shipments from London to Switzerland, and will result in 146,513 kg of reduced carbon emissions. The agreement between World Courier and Swiss WorldCargo reflects the two parties’ shared commitment to establish more sustainable practices across the biopharma logistics and airfreight industries. SAF, which is made from renewable biomass and waste resources, is a biofuel used to power aircraft that has similar properties to conventional jet fuel but with a fraction of its carbon footprint. In fact, SAF can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 80%, according to the International Air Transport Association. The collaboration will help to advance the production of SAF, which is one of the enablers for the transition of aviation to carbon neutrality. The SAF manufacturer is certified according to International Sustainability & Carbon Certification European Union (ISCC EU) and complies with the requirements of the Renewable Energy Directive and the certification system ISCC EU, which is approved by the European Commission. “At Swiss WorldCargo we invest in driving positive change in the airfreight landscape and are directing our efforts to make collaborations such as the one with World Courier a new reality in the near future. World Courier’s investment in SAF with Swiss WorldCargo is in fact a statement of our shared commitment for a more sustainable future of our logistics industry” says Lorenzo Stoll, Head of Cargo at Swiss International Air Lines. “Our partners trust us to deliver pharmaceutical products around the world, ensuring they can reach the patients who need them. As we continue to enhance our service capabilities, we remain focused on investing in solutions and implementing practices that enable us to establish more efficient and sustainable operations globally. Our collaboration with Swiss WorldCargo directly aligns with our strategy and reflects the commitment across Cencora to achieve our enterprise-wide science-based carbon reduction target,” said Alex Guite, Senior Vice President of Global Operations & Services at World Courier. Cencora is committed to the science-based target initiative to reduce its absolute Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions 54.6% by FY2032, based on FY2019. A small ceremony to celebrate this cooperation was held at the Bush House in London, where Gieri Hinnen, Head of Cargo Global Sales at Swiss WorldCargo, and Susanne Wellauer, Vertical Industry Pharma & Healthcare representative at Swiss WorldCargo, handed over a carbon emission reduction certificate to the World Courier’s representatives and thanked them for their dedication and investment.
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38 years of evolution in air cargo management IN an industry known for its constant change, Network Aviation Group has stood the test of time, celebrating 38 years of growth and success. Founded in 1985 as a UK-based cargo management company representing a single airline, Network Aviation Group has since transformed into a global player, managing its own freighter fleet and operating across five continents.
A journey of milestones “Network Aviation Group has evolved over the last 38 years from a UK-based cargo management company representing a single airline, to a company operating across five continents and managing its leased B747 freighter fleet,” John Gilfeather, Network Airline Services Sales Director, said. “Starting from the UK in 1985, the company was based on a philosophy of providing the right quality and quantity of human resources to the carriers we represent.” Key milestones in the group’s journey include the establishment of GSA (General Sales Agent) offices across Europe and the United States in the 1990s, followed by expansion into the Middle East, Africa, and Asia from 2000. Today, Network Aviation Group operates in 35 countries globally. Notably, the company ventured into scheduled services two decades ago, utilising a leased DC 10 freighter to operate flights from Belgium to various African destinations. Over time, this operation has grown significantly, now boasting a fleet of three B747 freighters that conduct scheduled and charter services from the hub in Liege, Belgium, to destinations worldwide.
Adapting to the current climate In the face of the ever-changing aviation landscape, Network Aviation Group demonstrates its adaptability and resilience. The current climate has presented unique challenges, with traditional volumes on scheduled lanes experiencing reductions. To overcome this, the group has introduced new routes and increased the utilsation of part charters to alternative
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destinations. Additionally, conflicts in certain regions have led to airspace closures along scheduled routes, prompting freighter and passenger planes to navigate diversions and alternative paths. “Traditional volumes on our scheduled lanes have reduced in the current climate. Network manages this challenge by introducing new routes and increasing the amount of part charters to alternative destinations,” Gilfeather stated. The COVID-19 pandemic presented both unprecedented challenges and opportunities for Network Aviation Group. The need for remote work and the suspension of scheduled services impacted operations directly. However, this situation spurred the managed fleet of Network Airline Management to expand its scheduled and charter operations to Asia and North America. Moreover, the pandemic prompted the company to play a critical role in operating passenger aircraft as cargo-only flights, supporting global efforts to combat the pandemic. As Network Aviation Group continues its journey, marked by resilience, innovation, and adaptability, their advice to new airlines looking to expand their cargo operations is rooted in a customer-centric philosophy. “Network Aviation Group prides itself on being easy to do business with,” John Gilfeather, emphasised. By listening to customer needs and developing products and services around those needs, Network Aviation Group remains a stalwart in the aviation cargo sector.
Innovations and e-commerce One of the group’s distinguishing factors is its innovative approach to cargo loading and transportation. “Network’s philosophy has been always to build up an extensive database of how out-of-gauge cargo can be loaded safely and securely onto the aircraft,” John Gilfeather noted. This meticulous approach gives Network Aviation Group a commercial advantage, enabling them to accept certain cargo sizes that other airlines might not be aware can be loaded safely.
“The combination of our cargo management system together with an experienced and proactive team allows the team to view the volumes of the cargo delivered and ensure we can fly cargo as scheduled but also be able to take advantage of full and part charter opportunities as they arise. Key to this is the experience and trust between the commercial and operational teams,” Gilfeather explained. With the rise of e-commerce and online shopping, Network Aviation Group has adjusted its cargo services to cater to the growing demand for efficient shipping solutions. The company has adapted its cargo reservation system to accommodate mail documents, offering real-time tracking information to retain business from this increasingly significant market segment. Sustainability is also at the forefront of Network Aviation Group’s priorities. “The group is committed towards Net Zero emissions,” John Gilfeather affirmed. This commitment encompasses strategies related to fuel supply and leased aircraft, reflecting the company’s dedication to environmentally responsible practices.
Future ready To stay ahead in the fast-paced aviation industry, Network Aviation Group leverages advancements in technology through its in-house system and dedicated IT department. This unique combination enables the company to swiftly incorporate new developments within the industry into its operations. “Network Aviation Group prides itself on being easy to do business with, we listen to our customer’s needs, the freight forwarders and develop our product service offering solely around their ever-changing needs,” Gilfeather said. By fostering a strong relationship between their commercial and operational teams, Network Aviation Group ensures reliability in their scheduled and charter services, even in the face of supply chain disruptions. “Strategies to navigate through potential future challenges need to remain dynamic and flexible to meet any and all future challenges, pandemic or otherwise,” Gilfeather added.
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www.cargo-net.co.uk
Advertorial
YOUR PREMIER AIRFREIGHT WHOLESALE EXPERTS In an increasingly interconnected world, efficient cargo delivery is the linchpin of global trade. The airfreight forwarding business is no place for the faint-hearted. As an airfreight forwarder, you understand the stakes. Every cargo delivery must be swift, secure, and smooth. That’s where Cargonet, your dedicated neutral airfreight wholesaler, comes in. For over a decade, Cargonet has served as a crucial link in the logistics chain, connecting airfreight forwarders with the resources they need to succeed. Our role? To ensure you, our valued customers, can meet and exceed the demands of your clients with unmatched efficiency.
This belief drives us to offer customised services that meet your specific needs and assist you in navigating any challenges you may face. A UK-based customer’s testimonial encapsulates this commitment perfectly, “Cargonet is our unwavering ally in airfreight. Their exceptional rates, wide-ranging capacity, and personalised customer service are unparalleled.” As we help you serve your clients better, we don’t forget our responsibilities. In an industry where compliance and security are paramount, we take every measure to ensure that cargo entrusted to us is handled with the utmost care and strictly adheres to all regulations. Furthermore, as a company deeply committed to the environment, we make it a priority to minimise our carbon footprint through sustainable practices. By choosing Cargonet, you’re not only choosing a service that benefits your business, but also one that contributes to a greener planet. In essence, choosing Cargonet as your airfreight wholesaler means choosing to enhance your business’s efficiency, flexibility, and profitability. It means being able to promise your clients a service that is superior in its reliability and reach. It means gaining a competitive edge in the marketplace. For more information: We invite you to experience the difference that Cargonet can make to your airfreight business. Explore the services we offer by visiting our website at www.cargo-net.co.uk, or reach out to us directly at sales@cargo-net.co.uk to discuss a custom solution tailored to your needs. With Cargonet your cargo is our commitment, your success, and our shared goal.
So, what makes an airfreight wholesaler like Cargonet the ideal choice for forwarders? It all starts with our offering of competitive rates and vast capacity options. These benefits directly translate into cost savings and flexibility for your business, helping you to deliver outstanding service to your clients while protecting your bottom line. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Our global reach allows you to extend your services to every corner of the world. With our extensive network and strong partnerships with carriers, you’re able to guarantee your clients a truly global service. At Cargonet, we pride ourselves on our customer-centric approach. We believe that every customer is unique and deserves personalised solutions and services.
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Silk Way West’s newly delivered Boeing 777F takes flight SILK Way West Airlines has announced the first commercial flight to Istanbul by a newly delivered Boeing 777F aircraft. The Boeing 777F is the world’s largest twin-engine and most efficient and environmentally friendly freighter on the market. This addition to the Silk Way West Airlines fleet will contribute to the airline’s sustainability goals and ensure its commitment to reducing emissions. The new aircraft will replace the Boeing 747-400F that previously operated the BakuIstanbul route, delivering a range of general cargo. By embarking upon this exciting journey with its new state-of-the-art aircraft, Silk Way West Airlines strengthens its position on the global air cargo market. The expansion marks a further step in Silk Way West Airlines’ efforts to expand its international network to meet the increasing demand for cargo transportation. “We are immensely proud to witness this momentous occasion as our new aircraft, the Boeing 777F, stretches its wings for the first time,” said Vugar Mammadov, Vice-President of Silk Way West Airlines. “This marks the beginning of an exciting chapter for our airline, as we continue to uphold the highest standards of safety and reliability while embracing the evolving landscape of cargo transportation. I am confident that our fleet renewal and expansion will further strengthen the company’s leading position in the global airfreight market for the next 15-20 years.”
CCN and CargoAi transform airfreight operations
SINGAPORE, home to a dynamic logistics sector, once again paves the way for global airfreight operations. Cargo Community Network (CCN) and CargoAi, have announced a strategic partnership designed to transform global air freight operations. This alliance signals a pivotal moment in the logistics sector, leveraging advanced digital tools to enhance efficiency and operational transparency. CCN, an IT logistics organisation with a rich three-decade history, has successfully integrated CargoAi’s cutting-edge CargoMART platform into its data collaboration platform, CUBEforall. With its launch in November 2022, CUBEforall has served as a beacon of innovation, designed to streamline global freight forwarding through efficient data sharing and seamless shipment processes. CargoAi, a revolutionary presence in the air cargo arena since 2019, brings its acclaimed CargoMART to the partnership. This platform offers a suite of services powered by an AI-driven search engine that optimises results based on specific cargo information. CargoMART’s multitude of functionalities, including airfreight rates, flight schedules, eBooking, eQuote, real-time tracking, and CO2 emissions calculations, signifies a commitment to environmental sustainability. The integration of CargoMART into CUBEforall symbolises a proactive approach to dismantling long-standing data silos that have impeded collaboration and productivity in the industry. Teow Boon Ling, CEO of CCN, notes, “This alliance with CargoAi represents a significant stride towards our goal of unified, efficient freight forwarding. By integrating CargoMART into CUBEforall, we’re enhancing our platform and underscoring our commitment to the cargo community.” Matt Petot, CEO of CargoAi, echoes this sentiment: “Our partnership with CCN allows us to extend our innovative solutions to a wider network. Our shared vision is to simplify global air freight forwarding processes while delivering an unparalleled user experience.” This partnership marks a significant stride forward for the air freight industry, demonstrating the transformative potential of digital integration and collaboration in driving innovation.
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RAPID GROWTH AND IN
S “By entrusting ULD management to experts like Jettainer, we have streamlined cargo handling processes and optimised our fleet’s ULD utilisation”
Since the launch of WestJet Cargo’s dedicated freighters several months ago, the business has reported significant growth and benefits. These have included enhanced connectivity between Europe, Asia, and Canada via Calgary, and expanded market reach to stations like Miami (MIA) and Havana (HAV), each with their own scheduled cargo capacity. Moreover, WestJet Cargo has introduced the airfreight charter product and flew their ever first charter between Calgary and Houston servicing the oil and gas industry. In addition, the airline has served the Vancouver market, operating 20 tonnes of weekly cargo capacity for the transportation of cherries to Asian markets. These developments highlight WestJet Cargo’s commitment to meeting the evolving demands of the Canadian market and the broader North American airfreight industry. “The introduction of our new four dedicated freighters has significantly boosted our cargo capacity to over 2,000 tonnes weekly. It has also expanded the types of cargo we transport,” Kirsten de Bruijn, Executive Vice President at WestJet Cargo, said. “Starting from 22nd April until the end of September, our dedicated freighter has been instrumental in transporting a variety of products and commodities,” she continued. In terms of cargo capacity, the top products transported during this period include general cargo, perishables, mail, dangerous goods and pharmaceuticals. These new freighters have enabled WestJet Cargo to efficiently handle a diverse range of cargo types and significantly increase its overall cargo capacity, facilitating the transportation of various products and commodities across its network.
Seamless strategy To position itself perfectly for this period of expansion, WestJet Cargo strategically assembled a dedicated team of cargo experts to ensure the seamless operation of its cargo services. “These professionals bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, allowing us to better understand the unique needs of our cargo customers and develop tailored solutions,” de Bruijn said. “At the same time, we have consistently worked on expanding our network to reach a broader range of destinations but also our accessibility to various markets, ultimately providing more options and convenience to our customers.” WestJet Cargo’s partnership with the GTA Group has been instrumental in increasing its shipping capacity. This collaboration
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has enabled them to meet the growing demand for cargo transportation and offer more comprehensive services to its customers. “Our partnership with the GTA Group has been pivotal,” de Bruijn said. “This strategic alliance has enabled us to meet the demand for cargo transportation and offer a broader range of services to our customers.” WestJet Cargo’s collaborative attitude is also visible in its partnership with Jettainer for outsourced Unit Load Device (ULD) management which has also enhanced the efficiency of its cargo operations. “By entrusting ULD management to experts like Jettainer, we have streamlined cargo handling processes and optimised our fleet’s ULD utilisation,” de Bruijn added. “This partnership has allowed us to focus on our core competencies while benefitting from Jettainer’s specialised expertise in managing cargo containers and pallets.”
Digital delivery In their pursuit of delivering a state-of-the-art cargo service, WestJet Cargo has partnered with SmartKargo to leverage technology and create a modern platform that streamlines the booking and management of cargo shipments. “WestJet Cargo has fully embraced digital innovation within the cargo industry through its strategic partnership with SmartKargo and the utilisation of a state-of-the-art air cargo management platform,” de Bruijn explained. This platform leverages innovative technology, to enhance the carrier’s operational efficiency and customer service capabilities. In addition, it has partnered with Wiremind to focus on capacity forecasting enhancements and the renewal of their cutting-edge solution Skypallet. “We’re exploring advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven forecasting mechanisms, integrated into Wiremind’s CargoStack Optimise solution,” de Bruijn stated. “This AI-driven system combines machine learning and a sophisticated algorithm to produce precise cargo capacity forecasts, accounting for factors like blocked capacity due to baggage and existing cargo bookings.” This digital innovation empowers WestJet Cargo’s teams to make data-driven decisions, ensuring efficient and reliable cargo services for its customers.
Specialised services Passionate about ensuring it has the capability to meet the demands
FEATURE
D INNOVATIVE SERVICES of its customers, tailoring offerings to guarantee cargo is safely, securely and efficiently moved from A to B, WestJet Cargo recently unveiled a new service. The launch of Bike’Air marks a notable addition to its specialised services, offering a premium solution for the transportation of motorcyles across Canada, the US, and Europe. “With Bike’Air, customers can enjoy the convenience of dropoff and pick-up services tailored to the destination of their choice, ensuring the safe and secure transportation of their valuable motorbikes,” de Bruijn said. In addition to Bike’Air, WestJet Cargo is recognised for its expertise in pet transportation and guarantees the well-being of cats and dogs during their journey thanks to a dedicated team and specialised facilities. “With the introduction of our new freighters, we have expanded our charter services, providing more capacity for the transportation of a wide range of commodities,” she continued. “Our expert team is experienced in delivering tailor-made solutions to meet the specific requirements of our customers, ensuring efficient and reliable charter services.”
Strong commitment to serving markets Alongside its global presence, WestJet Cargo has a strong commitment to serving the North American market. The American market in 2023 has proven to be a challenging landscape for cargo operators, especially for new market entrants like WestJet Cargo. Among fierce competition with well-established players, WestJet Cargo has had to vigorously contend for its share of the market. However, despite these challenges, North America remains its home ground, and they are unwavering in their commitment to serving the country and customers with a best-in-class team. “Our dedication to delivering exceptional service and meeting the unique demands of this market reinforces our position as a reliable and customer-focused cargo operator in North America,” de Bruijn said. “We emphasise our dedication to this region through the expansion of our freighter activity and the enhancement of our belly network in the Americas,” she highlighted. “Our investments in the future of air cargo in this region are clear indicators of our commitment.” With the newly installed SATCOM, WestJet Cargo is extending its reach even further, with ambitious plans to continue developing its footprint in the coming months.
“WestJet Cargo is poised for growth and is excited about the opportunities that lie ahead in the North American air cargo market,” de Bruijn said. Heading into 2024, WestJet Cargo is strategically focused on several key areas to further enhance its position in the air cargo industry. These include expanding its portfolio of services to cater to a broader range of customer needs, seeking partnerships with complementary airlines to extend its network reach, exploring the establishment of multiple hubs to optimise logistics, addressing the unique requirements of Canadian territories, and leveraging digital solutions and technology to streamline operations and enhance customer experiences. “These strategic priorities underscore our commitment to innovation, growth, and providing top-notch cargo services to our customers in the year ahead,” she said.
“WestJet Cargo is poised for growth and is excited about the opportunities that lie ahead in the North American air cargo market”
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NORTH AMERICA
FEATURE
North America’s regional resilience
“You’ll see us continue developing innovative customer solutions in this space utilising our world class facilities”
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hether in North America, Latin America, Europe or Asia, American Airlines has spent the past 75 years building its operation into a position where it is ready to move you or your cargo. Providing more than 100 million pounds of weekly cargo lift to key destinations, from flowers and fruit to life saving medicine, American Airlines Cargo utilises its two hubs – Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) and Miami (MIA) to serve the world. These are two of the carrier’s highest traffic cargo hubs. A significant proportion of shipments touch either hub, with DFW being home to American’s headquarters and with the most flight connections, while MIA is a key gateway for Latin American traffic that continues domestically within the U.S. and across to many global destinations. “From our perspective, as a North America based carrier, we’ve seen a lot of resilience in this region. We have the benefit of moving a lot of cargo even just within the domestic U.S. market, thanks to our network. But even at the beginning of the pandemic, our lanes between the U.S. and Europe were always in high demand. Those routes, as well as up from Latin America, remain strong,” Indy Bolina, Head of Global Sales at American Airlines Cargo, said.
Facilities and focus Whatever cargo customers need moving, be it perishables, high value, dangerous goods, pets and animals, life science, temperature control, or more, American Airlines Cargo delivers customised services. With its diverse range of facilities, the carrier aims to provide a suite of products for every occasion. Out of its Philadelphia site, the airline runs what it sees as the jewel in the crown of its healthcare offering, supporting life sciences that needs to move long distances swiftly, efficiently and in specific conditions. “Our facility in Philadelphia is state-of-the-art,” Bolina explained. “Specifically as it relates to pharmaceutical and healthcare handling, we are strategically placed to support the Northeast pharmaceutical corridor of the U.S.” “Our entire station in Philadelphia is CEIV Pharma certified, along with our hubs at DFW and MIA, and we are currently in the process of accepting new fleets of temperature controlled ULD container options from multiple partners,” he continued. Life Sciences, healthcare and pharmaceuticals are a priority area for American Airlines Cargo. While Philadelphia remains strategically important, the carrier has strong capability in these verticals across multiple geographies and have some exciting developments coming soon. “You’ll see us continue developing innovative customer solutions in this space utilising our world class facilities,” Bolina added. These facilities enable the movement of perishable and temperature-controlled commodities which are key for American Airlines Cargo in and out of the U.S..
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“We see a lot of flowers and fresh fruit from Latin America, and salmon coming from Europe via LHR continue to move in strong volumes,” Bolina explained. “Out of the U.S., American moves a lot of asparagus and other fresh produce, along with pharmaceuticals and Dangerous Goods.”
Simplifying the booking process American Airlines Cargo has embraced the potential of digital innovation through its movement into eBooking platforms, giving greater access to the carrier’s network around the globe. While operating thousands of monthly flights between key regional destinations, American Airlines Cargo’s move onto online booking platforms has allowed it to continue meeting the unique needs of its customers by providing users of the platform with direct connections from more than dozens of origins to established and emerging markets. “To simplify the booking process and meet our customers’ needs, American Airlines Cargo offers several digital booking options including via our website: aacargo.com, third party booking platforms and customer direct API connections,” Bolina said. “Around 50% of our bookings are made online. That share of online bookings has grown in recent years and we expect that growth trend to carry on as we continue to enhance digital solutions to make it easy for customers to do business with us,” Bolina cotinued.
Seasonal peaks and schedule changes The market in a state of correction due to a number of macroeconomic factors, such as rising inflation and interest rates, as well as increases in long-haul widebody capacity. Despite the changing dynamics, compared with 2019 - the last “normal year” in the industry, American Airlines Cargo sees itself in a “good place and performing well.” “Looking at our own business, our expanded network this year has opened many more markets with increased capacity, allowing us to say “yes” to more customers,” Bolina said. “Developing those new relationships where we may not have been able to accommodate them in different market conditions is positive,” Bolina added. To build on this, American Airlines Cargo is braced for some schedule changes, continuing the expansion the airline saw over the summer. Fresh from adding more than 400 widebody flights per month over the summer, compared to summer 2022, American Airlines Cargo is looking at multiple trans-Atlantic widebody routes that are now year-round rather than seasonal. “We always welcome more widebody capacity on popular routes between the U.S. and Europe, particularly because a lot of that traffic continues within the domestic U.S,” Bolina stated. “We will have more announcements to come regarding our new winter schedule.”
Reserve your stand today: sales@azurainternational.com Official Sales Partner
CHENNAULT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT CHENNAULT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT is a leading hub of aerospace activity strategically located in the south-central U.S. in Lake Charles, Louisiana. The airport serves corporate, military, civilian, and general aviation with such services as maintenance and government contract fuel. Chennault’s tenant partners include Northrop Grumman, Citadel Completions, LandLocked Aviation Services, Louisiana Millwork, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Louisiana National Guard, and a new air cargo pass-through facility.
Introduction
Chennault is a world-class, business-friendly complex. It’s the trusted home base of choice for top companies in aerospace and other industries, with capacity and capability that make it ideal for expansion and new development.
Efficiency and Flexibility
Chennault has seen $39 million in capital improvements over the last five years, including a new, expandable air cargo pass-through facility that is ready for a tenant partner.
Cargo Capacity
With Chennault, you’re easy in, easy through, easy out. It’s the ideal site for locating air cargo operations. The reasons: •
Sign a five-year lease agreement on our new air cargo facility and you’ll get two years free.
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Brand-new expandable pass-through facility that includes significant ramp space with room for oversized cargo and equipment staging — and 1,000 feet of finished office space.
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Uncongested airspace and ground space.
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It’s in Foreign Trade Zone 87.
Special Services
Chennault offers on-site U.S. Customs foreign clearance, 24/7 security and fire protection, uncongested airspace with minimal to no ground delays, an FAA contract air traffic control tower, ILS and GPS approaches, and Part 139 certification.
Air Cargo Growth
Chennault also offers opportunities for air cargo growth through: •
Close connection to the nation’s No. 12 deepwater port by adjacent rail service.
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Adjacent interstate.
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South-central U.S. Gulf Coast location.
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Experience in hosting air cargo operations.
Contact
Col. Kevin Melton (Ret.), Executive Director ciaa@chennault.org 1-800-272-2422 Chennault International Airport 3650 Sen. J. Bennett Johnston Ave. Lake Charles, Louisiana, USA 70615-6949
chennault.org
See us at Air Cargo Americas Booth 831
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AIR CARGO AMERICAS PREVIEW
Adaptability in America’s GSSA sector
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wo decades ago, a General Sales & Service Agent’s (GSSA) primary focus was solely on the sales of airline services. However, in contemporary times, the role of a GSSA has seen remarkable transformation, driven by shifting customer demands, technological advancements, and global disruptions. “The utilisation of digital marketplaces is becoming increasingly common, although they are generally viewed as complementary to the traditional sales channels. GSSA’s continue to play a crucial role in providing customer service and post-sales support,” ATC Aviation CEO Ingo Zimmer said. To meet the changing market dynamics, ATC Aviation was open about how players in the space are actively exploring and identifying new markets, drawing insights from various data sources such as IATA, CASS, and Seabury. “Leveraging this data, we are equipped to offer guidance to our airline clients regarding market trends and fluctuations, allowing us to adapt and respond effectively,” Zimmer added.
Turbulent times Like others in the industry, ATC Aviation faced many difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a shift in the approach they took to their operations. “The pandemic forced us to adopt digitisation at a neverbefore-seen pace,” Zimmer explained. “As a result, we established a flexible strategy allowing team members to work remotely and have reduced office space in our 54 offices around the world as far as possible. This transition’s first stage was challenging, but we made it through it with the help of our team’s combined efforts.” This approach has delivered significant gains from their efforts amid the embrace of technological innovation. With the ability to work without interruption from anywhere in the world, ATC Aviation is ready to assist all its customers in selling passengers to freighter charters, as seen in their support of immunisation campaigns all over the world.
North American network Operating in 11 major cities and all six major US export gateways, ATC Aviation has seen how the market throughout the Americas has evolved amid changing customer demands. In general, air export volumes have grown steadily during the years ATC Aviation has been active in the US. Unsurprisingly
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so has air capacity, particularly on the transatlantic lanes. “The US is seen as the world’s biggest air cargo market, but it’s mainly an import driven market,” Timothy Pfeil, ATC Aviation President and Managing Director, highlighted. “ATC has expanded our menu of services to our airline partners to take advantage of the opportunities to service imports and this has enabled us to expand into lines of service not commonly associated with GSSAs.”
Managers’ Index is below 50 points. “We are expecting an increase in demand as from the second quarter 2024. Yields should have reached the bottom and are expected to go slightly up,” Zimmer said.
New market model The success of GSSA’s models relies on numerous elements which have recently been growing in the market. The cornerstones include data use, technology integration, and a customer-centric strategy. GSSAs must also adopt flexible strategies, expand their reach, and prioritise sustainability. Being able to handle unexpected obstacles, adherence to regulatory requirements, nurturing talents, and effectively managing risks are all essential ingredients for success in this ever-changing industry. “Our extremely adaptable approach enables us to customise our services to meet any needs our partners may have,” Zimmer outlined. “Whether we are deploying a more conventional sales and booking solution or outsourcing our partner’s end-to- end cargo services, our core strengths in market research, business intelligence, and airline advice are essential to the success of our partner and set us apart from other GSSAs.” At ATC, all airline partner’s specific requirements are taken into account when developing strategy, planning, and daily objectives. By handling the complete cargo sales and servicing process, it aims to ensure clients can concentrate on their core businesses thanks to our cargo management philosophy. “We have the power, network, and financial backing as a worldwide organisation to respond to the industry’s continuous issues,” Zimmer continued.
Airfreight adjustment Globally, 2023 has been a very difficult year in terms of demand as well as yields. During the course of the last quarter tonnages are going slightly up but ATC Aviation does not expect an end of the year peak. Inventories are still well stocked, consumer demand is still low because of the inflation, some important economies are facing a negative Gross Domestic Product and the Purchasing
In order to strengthen its position, ATC Aviation is positioned to offer various digital services to clients, including online booking and tracking, digital documentation, data analytics and integration with other systems, etc. “These digital services help our partners/customers to streamline their cargo operations, reduce costs, and finally improve customer satisfaction, while also improving the accuracy and reliability of our operations,” Zimmer said. “ATC in the US has a best-in-class business intelligence offering. Whether it is market data or financial analysis or back office data services, we focus on using systems to not only steer our daily sales and customer engagement activities, but also support our partners with accurate forecasting and focus on delivering meaningful key performance indicators that enable them to benchmark performance in all areas of the business,” Pfeil added.
FEATURE
Transatlantic trade boom as travel returns Return to pre-pandemic position
Passenger travel is now closer to pre-pandemic levels due to an increase in demand, which is also contributing in an increase in freight capacity. This shift has led to changes in the dynamics between freight forwarders, airlines, and shippers, with an emphasis on optimising available capacity. IAG Cargo operates an airfreight network that uses the freight capacity of the passenger flights in the IAG group, through four hubs located at Dublin Airport, London Heathrow Airport, Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport and Barcelona Airport. “At IAG Cargo we are well placed to adapt and will continue to focus on how we can increase efficiency as a business whilst better serving our customers and colleagues,” Cervera said. “The rise of passenger travel has allowed us to further enhance our network capacity offering more choice, greater flexibility over where and when customers can ship their goods.”
Adapting to American alterations
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he transatlantic corridor is one of the world’s most important trade lanes, and a vital part of IAG Cargo’s network. Currently, serving 27 US destinations with over 400 weekly rotations from their hubs in Spain, the United Kingdom, and Ireland, IAG Cargo recently expanded its network to include Portland, welcome back Pittsburgh, and connect with Cincinnati. This expansion reflects their commitment to satisfying rising import and export needs of the region, allowing customers to benefit from a larger network that covers six continents. “London Heathrow, is an important connector for North American trade, enabling access to destinations across Europe, Middle East and Asia,” Camilo Garcia Cervera, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer at IAG Cargo, said. “As we approach the winter season, we’re looking to offer additional capacity across North America, to destinations such as Miami, Newark and New York.” “Popular items shipped across this trade lane includes high volumes of automotive parts from Southeast Asia, transferred via Europe, into the United States, as well as food and drink, e-commerce items, and pharmaceuticals.”
The growth of e-commerce has had a profound impact on cargo volumes in North America. Increased online shopping has driven the demand for faster, more reliable shipping, influencing logistics and transportation strategies. “Air cargo is essential to many facets of modern life and we work with major global e-commerce brands to ensure their goods arrive from one side of the world to the other as quickly as possible,” Cervera explained. Seasonable perishables out of the West Coast US are also driving demand on this trade lane, and in Midwest US, airfreight use within the automotive industry has been strong given the need to operate in a just-in-time basis where only air cargo can transport timecritical spare parts to its destination in hours rather than weeks. “Earlier this year we opened a dedicated semi-automated facility, New Premia, at London Heathrow,” Cervera said. “New Premia is over 10,000 sq m, allowing us to handle more than double the number of premium shipments than before.” The facility also contains a dedicated Constant Climate Quality Centre allowing the acceptance and storage of more temperature-sensitive cargo such as pharmaceutical and life-science products. With the value of US biopharmaceutical exports quadrupling between 2002 and 2022, this facility will benefit customers on both sides of the Atlantic whose goods transit via London Heathrow. Additionally, IAG Cargo announced last month that Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky International Airport would be the latest station in the United States to be approved to transport time and temperature-sensitive healthcare products. “The addition of Cincinnati raises the overall number of certified Constant Climate stations in the US to 21. Constant Climate is IAG Cargo’s cold chain solution for carrying pharmaceutical items, which saw a 45 percent rise in the amount of medicines moved over our network in the first half of 2023 compared to the previous year,” Cervera continued.
Boosting Canada’s connectivity
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ir Canada Cargo and Emirates SkyCargo recently announced a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing their respective distribution networks and customer service capabilities. The collaboration is poised to deliver an array of benefits, leveraging their complementary strengths to expand coverage and capacity across key markets. Speaking about the partnership, Matthieu Casey highlighted the synergies between the two networks: “Air Canada Cargo and Emirates SkyCargo’s networks have tremendous complementary qualities that include increased coverage and capacity in markets where we respectively have opportunities.” A standout feature of this partnership is the enhanced global access it provides. Air Canada Cargo is set to gain access to Emirates SkyCargo’s high-frequency distribution network, which spans a vast number of destinations across the Americas and APAC regions. The partnership will see the utilisation of both carriers’ networks to bridge gaps in coverage, ensuring seamless and reliable service to customers. This synergy is particularly evident in the shared European gateways, where the airlines operate under the same handlers, boosting visibility and reliability for cargo transfers.
Flexible focus The pairing provides wide-ranging flexibility to help both airlines meet the cargo needs of their customers. This strategic approach to capacity utilisation allows for efficient allocation of resources, ensuring that customer demands are met promptly and effectively. “The capacity offered from both carriers covers areas in the Americas and APAC regions mostly, with the strengths of the Air Canada network and that of the Emirates networks being leveraged where there are certain gaps and added opportunity,” Casey stated. “As an example, Emirates and Air Canada share an abundance of European gateways where
we have the same handlers, which increases visibility and reliability.”
Customers and communication Recent developments in the collaboration have focused on aligning operations at transfer airports and enhancing communication channels. These initiatives aim to streamline the customer experience by simplifying booking processes and providing real-time visibility of shipments. As Casey emphasised, customer satisfaction remains at the forefront of the partnership’s objectives: “The alignment of operations in the transfer airports as well as our communication to ensure that all customers have ease of booking and visibility
of their shipments are the areas that have been and continue to be developed, with the continual mutual goal of keeping customer satisfaction as our guiding light.”
Eager to expand Looking ahead, both Air Canada Cargo and Emirates SkyCargo express their desire to further nurture and expand this collaboration. The emphasis lies on customer-centric solutions and broadening the scope of service offerings. Casey noted, “We are anxious to continue to grow this collaboration and will certainly look at ways of enhancing our partnership in ways that benefit the customer and increase service offerings to the market.”
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AIR CARGO AMERICAS PREVIEW
Customer-centric cargo services
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ith nearly half a century of service in the air cargo industry, Amerijet has carved a niche for itself at Miami International Airport, operating a dedicated fleet of ten B767-300s and six B757-200 freighters. Whether moving oversized and heavyweight shipments, pharmaceuticals, electronics,
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perishable goods, textiles, livestock and animals, hazardous materials, valuable items, and relief supplies, Amerijet prides itself on its readiness.
Optimising opportunities Amerijet’s focus on “unparalleled market and product knowledge” isn’t just a tagline; it’s a strategic choice that permeates every aspect of
Amerijet’s business, reinforcing its reputation for quality, reliability, and expertise in a highly competitive industry. With local offices in all of their scheduled service locations, Amerijet works to ensure customers always have direct, localised support. “This customer-centric approach distinguishes the company, and our tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of each market,” Eric Wilson, Chief Commercial Officer at Amerijet International Airlines, said proudly. “The localised presence also facilitates rapid response to customer enquiries, contributing to high customer satisfaction.” The airline reflects this mission through its consistent focus on providing its customers with reliable capacity, schedule integrity they can count on, and strong on-time performance. “As an airline operating in the current economic climate, we are regularly optimising our routes to provide our markets with optimal departure and arrival times, taking into account the needs of our customers,” Wilson explained. “We always explore new opportunities, Amerijet has a designated charter team that works with various markets and customers, providing long and short-term charters.” For example, Amerijet is set to resume its second weekly frequency between Miami and Brussels, supporting peak season needs with nonstop access to Europe from Wednesday 15th November.
Innovation and improvements
Market movements
Customer connections
The entire industry is being influenced by multiple factors, including globalisation, technology advancements, consumer preference shifts, and economic conditions. Amerijet is clear that their approach to changing market demands is through being agile and flexible, making several large investments over the past two years. Some of the steps taken have included diversifying their fleet, upgrading their legacy cargo management system to a state-ofthe-art platform and upgrading all mission-critical operational and financial applications. Amerijet has also focused on bolstering its services around pharmaceuticals and perishable cargo to cater to the growing demand for urgent temperature-sensitive shipments. “At this time, we are undergoing our recertification for CEIV this week,” Wilson highlighted. “Amerijet was the first US cargo airline to earn IATA’s CEIV-Pharma certification in 2017.” Amerijet’s 40,000 sq ft perishable handling centre is equipped to handle all types of temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals and biomedical shipments, with cooling maintained by environmentally-friendly ammonia. “As a certified airline, we provide advanced temperature-controlled environments, robust security protocols, and real-time tracking, among other features. Our expertise in navigating complex regulatory frameworks also makes Amerijet a preferred choice for such sensitive shipments,” Wilson outlined.
While braced for future developments, Amerijet is open that the future can be unpredictable, as has been seen over the past few years. Accepting that you can’t always be ready for what’s coming down the road, steps can be taken to ensure the carrier is in a prime position to swiftly respond. “Although we do not have a crystal ball, conversations with our customers and partners lead us to expect the airfreight market downturn to continue through at least the first half of next year,” Wilson said. Product inventories remain high and market capacity is currently exceeding supply, putting downward pressure on rates. “The long-term outlook for the air cargo industry is strong and will continue to grow. Our industry is cyclical, and we have been through downturns before,” Wilson stated. “Amerijet will continue to take steps to ensure we remain a preferred option for our customers in the future.”
The demand for innovation in air cargo is growing rapidly as various sectors, including e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing, increasingly relying on airfreight for quick and efficient deliveries. Airlines are recognising the need to upgrade to more sophisticated technology, from digital data exchange to analytics and providing more transparency. For Amerijet, digital transformation touches multiple areas, ranging from cybersecurity to protecting data to automation in processes and providing its customers with digital platforms to ensure the ease of doing business with Amerijet, ranging from booking, tracking, and having a complete account overview. “During the past 18 months, Amerijet has implemented all of the above-listed digital transformation initiatives; we launched a new cargo platform and are currently testing load optimisation,” Wilson stated. “The Amerijet facility is the most modern cargo warehouse at the Miami airport. Our integrated import/export warehouse features automated freight weighing and dimensioning stations, ULD management, and by-pass roller systems to maximise handling efficiencies. In addition, our advanced monitoring procedures, real-time shipment alerts, and cargo tracking provide endto-end visibility of every shipment,” he added.
Meet in Miami Attending Air Cargo Americas, Amerijet is looking forward to connecting with its customers again, with the company’s incoming CEO Joe Mozzali set to be present at booth 708. “We will be talking about our strong operational performance,” Wilson announced. “We have worked very hard all year to provide customers with a reliable service, and the end of the year is our favourite time to showcase our schedule integrity.” “If you would like to learn more about our reliability, stop by our booth. See you in Miami!”
FEATURE
The cornerstone of a global economy
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iami is set to host Air Cargo Americas & Supply Chain Americas Show from 31st October - 2nd November. Air cargo plays a vital role in international trade, transporting over USD $6 trillion worth of goods, which represents approximately 35% of the world’s trade by value. Supply chains, often described as the lifeblood of the global economy, are responsible for the production and distribution of commodities. The importance of these supply chains came to the forefront during disruptive events like the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting their indispensable role in our daily lives. Organised by the World Trade Center Miami, the conference is set to be a pivotal gathering of top executives from the aviation and logistics industries. All sections of the aviation and logistics industries will be in attendance to exchange views and experiences to enhance the growth of the air cargo industry both globally, as well as in the Western Hemisphere. Airports, exporters, freight forwarders, shippers, importers, consignees, equipment and technology suppliers, among others, will all be present to share ideas and information. Conference sessions for 2023 will include global perspectives on the state of the air cargo and supply chain industries, providing progress reports and ongoing challenges in air and supply chain logistics in the international arena. Additionally, global demand and trends for
dedicated freighter aircraft will be discussed based on market outlook and forecasts, along with aircraft manufacturers’ views on fluctuating global demand. Leading companies will discuss how they are disrupting a traditional logistics paradigm by offering online cargo bookings. Industry trends also show renewed
interest in combining lower-cost seagoing transportation methods with airfreight. Discussions will focus on how ocean carriers view aviation as an indispensable component of maritime logistics. There will also be first-hand experiences on the globally increasing awareness toward sustainability within air and sea freight
transport, as well as real-time updates and perspectives on near-shoring advances within the hemisphere and their impact on reducing supply chain interruptions. The event promises to deliver an engaging and informative experience for anyone seeking to keep up with the rapidly evolving supply chain landscape.
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