ACW 19th June 23

The weekly newspaper for air cargo professionals

No. 1,235 19 June 2023

Qatar Airways Cargo achieves world first ...

THE AUTOMATION OF AIRFREIGHT AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

workers, high throughput rates have to be managed, while digitalisation is advancing at an ever faster pace. The evoBOT provides an initial response to this development. During its first test runs at Cargogate at Munich Airport, the autonomous robot proved how versatile it is.

Optimisation

“The development and expansion of the cargo and logistics sector are essential components of our corporate strategy. We welcome every initiative to optimise and digitalise handling processes. The evoBOT will facilitate the dayto-day work of our employees in the cargo area and make the workplace more attractive,” Jost Lammers, Chief Executive Officer of Munich Airport, explained.

“Our evoBOT is the beginning of a new population of autonomous vehicles and robots. With its arms, and the fact that it moves on two wheels, it represents a step on the path to the humanoid future of robotics. The practical test carried out at Munich Airport impressively underpins the potential of this development. The evoBOT can work as a fellow colleague in a wide range of applications,” Professor Michael ten Hompel, Managing Director of Fraunhofer IML, emphasised.

Potential

Autonomous vehicles and robots will have a major impact on the future of airfreight in times of a shortage of skilled workers.

Developed at the Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics IML, the evoBOT now offers a taste of this. The robot –

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INSIDE

DELIVERING EXCELLENCE IN A ...

IN an expanding and highly competitive charter broker sector, it is imperative for companies to elevate their offerings

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MERGING TRADITION AND ... CHARTER brokers play a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of airfreight. These companies provide freight forwarders with

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which keeps itself perfectly balanced – mastered a first practical test in the cargo terminal and on the apron of Munich Airport.

Transformation

Airfreight is currently undergoing a profound transformation. Despite a shortage of skilled

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The dynamically stable transport robot is particularly characterised by its arms and the adaptive load pickup made possible by them. It can take on a wide range of tasks such as handling hazardous goods, transporting parcels for longer recurring distances, relieving employees during lifting and overhead work, procuring materials or even providing support during the loading and unloading of aircraft. Despite its load capacity, the evoBOT is exceptionally agile on its two wheels. It can reach a maximum speed of up to 60 km/h and transport a load of up to 100 kg. It can operate either alone or with others. Thanks to its good manoeuvrability, the evoBOT can be operated in various areas both indoors and outdoors. Its low carbon footprint also contributes to its diverse use.

COOL CHAIN ASSOCIATION ... SWITZERLAND-BASED Lamprecht Pharma Logistics and France-based Logfret have become the latest members to join the Cool Chain ...

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CHAPMAN FREEBORN LOOKS TO ...

RENOWNED air charter specialist Chapman Freeborn has celebrated its 50th anniversary, sharing its vision for the future. The company ...

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DELIVERING EXCELLENCE IN A COMPETITIVE CHARTER BROKER SECTOR

IN an expanding and highly competitive charter broker sector, it is imperative for companies to elevate their offerings to maintain a competitive edge.

Recognising this, Air Charter Service (ACS) has prioritised the cultivation of a culture centred on delivering value and expertise to their clients.

This core principle is deeply instilled in the comprehensive training provided to their staff, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the industry.

“Network, knowledge, experience, expertise, language, compliance, relationships (with carriers and clients), streamlining the process and taking the pressure off the customer. Time saving, cost saving – the list goes on,” Dan Morgan-Evans, Global Director of Cargo at Air Charter Service, said.

Market dynamics

Despite fluctuations in airfreight demand, ACS remains optimistic about the market for the remainder of the year and into 2024. The company has secured promising forward bookings for the remainder of the year, surpassing initial expectations.

“So far so good. We have some good forward bookings for the “season” which I wasn’t confident on at the start of the year so that’s positive. Business has held up well for us in the charter market,” Morgan-Evans added.

While the types of cargo have returned to what they were pre-pandemic, there has been a significant increase in charter requirements compared to pre-pandemic levels, indicating a strong demand for ACS’s services.

Digital developments

ACS prides itself on embracing technological innovation while staying true to the traditional elements that have made it a key player in the charter broker space. Their bespoke internal system, which has been operational for over 15 years, has continuously evolved to improve efficiency.

Automation of back-office tasks allows ACS brokers to focus on enhancing customer experiences and nurturing

crisis.

ACS’s support extends across its various departments, including search and rescue teams, evacuation flights, and worldwide cargo teams that arrange charters for medical supplies, food, shelter, vehicles, and essential equipment. With specialised teams located in 31 offices worldwide, ACS effectively responds to humanitarian disasters by gathering crucial information, pricing, and availability, ensuring a coordinated and timely response.

“Over the past 30 years ACS has been responding to humanitarian disasters, and in fact the company was founded on early work for the UK Government and the United Nations,” Morgan-Evans stated.

“This work has remained a mainstay of our activity, and as the company has grown and evolved so has our humanitarian effort, which is enabled by our global presence.”

Growing footprint

In recent months, ACS has focused on global expansion, exemplified by the appointment of Alfie Arrowsmith as Regional Vice President of Cargo for North America. This strategic addition to the team enables ACS to swiftly tap into specific markets and grow its footprint worldwide.

“I think we have been focused on global expansion since 2004 when we opened ACS Inc in New York. It is a tried and tested formula,” Morgan-Evans explained.

relationships with clients and carriers. This commitment to personalised service sets ACS apart from online booking platforms, as chartering a widebody aircraft demands expertise, knowledge, and trust between all parties involved.

“I think this is what has made ACS so successful through the years. I completely get the need to innovate and bring technology into our business but chartering a widebody aircraft is not like booking an Uber – it requires expertise and knowledge. It also requires a level of trust between customer, broker and airline – this can’t be developed online,” MorganEvans explained.

As sustainability and digitalisation reshape the airfreight industry, ACS recognises their importance for future development. The company invests significantly in its IT department and outsourced developers to drive digitisation efforts.

Additionally, ACS maintains a dedicated department focused on Corporate Environmental and Social Responsibility (CESR) to improve sustainability both within the company and among its staff.

Founding mission

ACS has been at the forefront of delivering vital aid to areas struck by disaster in recent months, highlighting the fundamental role the company plays in fulfilling its mission. Over the past year, ACS has been involved in numerous humanitarian charters responding to crises such as the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, flooding in Pakistan, earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, the cyclone in Myanmar, and the Sudan

“On the Alfie front - He brings a huge wealth of experience in the US market and helps bring some leadership in a market where we have expanded very quickly – and of course he is just returning to where he came from!”

ACS trains teams well in advance, ensuring a seamless transition and rapid market penetration. By maintaining a global presence, ACS leverages local knowledge, mitigates regional downturns, and instills confidence in clients by being present in the departure and arrival locations, along with proficiency in the local language.

“Being completely global means we have a huge network for procurement through local knowledge, we protect ourselves from any regional downturns and it gives our clients confidence having a presence where the cargo is either departing or arriving to – and the local language.”

Merging tradition and technology

Charter brokers play a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of airfreight.

These companies provide freight forwarders with unparalleled speed and flexibility, surpassing other methods of transportation.

CharterSync, a rising player in the market, understands the significance of this role, particularly in the current climate.

Supporting the sector

The global goods trade has been affected by numerous factors such as slowed economic growth, sanctions, manufacturing challenges, supply chain disruptions, and inflation.

Despite these challenges, there are reasons to be optimistic in the airfreight industry. During this period of change, the return of belly capacity to the market necessitates the expertise of charter brokers, such as CharterSync.

“Whilst there are positive indicators for cargo demand, there is no doubt that there is a period of readjustment taking place,” Ed Gillett, co-founder and director of CharterSync, said.

Dedicated charter flights often become the optimal choice for critical supply chains, where time plays a crucial role in determining cost.

The company works to address these needs by revolutionising the chartering process, ensuring quicker and better management than ever before.

Tailored solutions

CharterSync’s approach lies in merging the traditional elements of the charter broker industry with the opportunities provided by technology.

Their aim is to make the air charter industry seamless, effortless, and accessible to all stakeholders.

“CharterSync is in a unique position to adapt to a forwarder’s needs,” Gillett explained. By combining the right blend of technology and an experienced team, CharterSync adapts to the specific requirements of each freight forwarder.

Some forwarders benefit from accessing CharterSync’s technology to expedite their supply chains, while others find value in the specialised support provided by a dedicated charter sales executive.

Tackling challenges

Ultimately, CharterSync works to help forwarders to cut back on time-consuming tasks and focus more on delivering enhanced value to their clients.

Technological innovation forms the backbone of CharterSync’s strong suite of services.

Digitisation has addressed many pain points in the charter broker sector, enhancing agility, responsiveness, and simplifying the booking process.

CharterSync’s platform offers an extensive range of charter solutions from operators worldwide, catering to different cargo types. This increased choice and transparency empower forwarders to explore options beyond traditional means.

“We are constantly upgrading our suite of added services to our customers, Gillett said, citing their recently rolled out fully end-to-end booking process and management system.

Empowering individuals

Critics may argue that while CharterSync is forward-thinking in the digital realm, it still relies on traditional elements of the charter broker industry, similar to its competitors. However, CharterSync believes that technology and human interaction are not mutually exclusive but complementary. Their competitive advantage lies in the perfect balance between technology and an experienced team. While technology outpaces human efficiency in certain stages of the charter process, it empowers individuals to provide value that exceeds what traditional processes alone can offer.

“Whilst our technology is helping to advance human performance and capabilities, it does not act as a substitute to all the traditional elements in the charter process. In fact, human interaction and technology cannot replace each other, they can only complement each other,” Gillett said.

Evolving arena

Over the past four years, the charter broker sector, including CharterSync, has witnessed significant evolution driven by an everchanging geopolitical landscape. Remaining agile and responsive has been crucial for CharterSync’s success.

The industry’s attitude towards technological innovation has also transformed during this time. The air cargo charter sector, which was historically lagging in digital transformation, is now increasingly open to change and embracing technology.

“The air cargo charter industry has been well behind the curve in embracing the benefits of digital transformation, and so it has been a challenge to innovate a whole sector and challenge the status quo,” Gillett stated. “However, in the last four years there has been an evolution in the receptiveness to change.”

As the industry progresses, CharterSync believes that more charter brokers will embrace the benefits of technological advancements.

With technology set to play a pivotal role in the future, CharterSync believes that those who adapt and innovate will be well-positioned to thrive in this dynamic market.

“All stakeholders in the air cargo industry will be looking to technology, and how to keep pace with an ever evolving economy,” Gillett said.

Cool Chain Association welcomes two new members

strides within the industry.

“We look forward to taking our collaboration with them to the next level.”

“By joining the CCA, Logfret envisions that the capabilities of NEOLink, Logfret, and other members will create a harmonious future through like-minded contributions to the industry, with the aligned goal of creating a more sustainable world,” Marc Millet, CEO, Logfret, said.

“We believe that improving the supply chain and focusing on our environmental impact can only happen through mutual exchange and collaboration,” Gian Alessi, Managing Director, Lamprecht Pharma Logistics, added.

SWITZERLAND-BASED Lamprecht Pharma Logistics and France-based Logfret have become the latest members to join the Cool Chain Association (CCA).

Lamprecht Pharma Logistics, a logistics solution provider for pharmaceuticals, and Logfret, an international freight forwarding company offering digital solutions, both have a dedicated focus on optimising cool chain solutions within their supply chains.

“Lamprecht Pharma Logistics and Logfret bring a wealth of experience in managing cold chain risk which aligns with the CCA’s mission to improve the temperature-controlled supply chain,” Stavros Evangelakakis, Chairman, CCA, said.

“They have joined us at an exciting time with our organisation spearheading Technical Committee projects and bringing to life events that have been in the pipeline, to make greater

AFKLMP Cargo’s newly renovated warehouse opens at Chicago O’Hare International Airport

Continued growth

ORD has seen a significant increase in network capacity and cargo volumes since November 2020. Over the past few years, there has been a notably higher demand for freight in the pharma, aerospace, chemical and e-commerce cargo sectors. It became increasingly evident to AFKLMP Cargo that, with the promise of continued growth, a long-term expansion of full- freighter supply was required.

AFKLMP Cargo’s job is to connect. That means providing customers with the capacity they require, so that their cargo can get to where they need it to be. With demand increasing, expansion became essential to ensuring that AFKLMP Cargo’s operational processes remain robust, enabling to fulfil its business potential.

“The Air France warehouse at O’Hare is a key asset with good growth outlook, which is why we have invested in both infrastructure and more resources at our Chicago hub. After a six-month renovation period, we are proud to share that the capacity of our Chicago warehouse has increased by a sizeable 40%. This growth is supplemented by a streamlining of operational processes and reassessing the safety compliance of our warehouse, ensuring that our ORD cargo hub has optimised efficiency in order to offer to our Air France and KLM customers a best-in-class service to serve the Midwest Region,” Christophe Boucher, Air France Cargo Executive Vice President, said.

Improving operations

With greater capacity and leaner processes, AFKLMP Cargo’s customers can expect faster service, while being able to send more cargo with ease. The renovated warehouse boasts improved sustainability credentials, while having increased capacity for pharma, plus 60% more plugs for ACT containers. This makes it possible to handle greater volumes of specialised cargo, including from other airlines.

“O’Hare International Airport is a vital economic engine for the entire Chicago region, and air freight has been a predominant driver of our growth over the last several years. AFKLMP Cargo’s warehouse renovation in the South Airfield helps bolster the capacity and efficiency of our cargo operations at one of the world’s great cargo hubs, and I thank the entire team at AFKLMP Cargo for their commitment to the Chicago market,” Jamie L. Rhee, Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) Commissioner, added.

AS experts in connectivity, Air France KLM Martinair Cargo (AFKLMP Cargo) wants to ensure that its customers’ cargo can get to as many places as possible. The opening of AFKLMP Cargo’s newly renovated warehouse at Chicago O’Hare International Airport means this is now not only a wish, but a guarantee.

Chicago O’Hare International (ORD) is the largest international cargo airport in North America. Since 2022, ORD has been considered the world’s most interconnected cargo airport. It is the AFKLMP Cargo’s third cargo hub.

AFKLMP Cargo’s newly renovated facility meets its sustainability goals. By utilising energy- efficient technologies, such as LED lighting and electric forklifts, it has reduced its energy consumption while maintaining operational efficiency.

AFKLMP Cargo’s Air France and KLM wide-body belly flights operate six times a week for each airline, offering a reliable and efficient service. In addition, the carrier offers six weekly AF full-freighter flights and one weekly MP full-freighter flight. Its comprehensive trucking network ensures seamless transportation from ORD to 15 destinations in the USA.

CHAPMAN FREEBORN LOOKS TO FUTURE AFTER MARKING MAJOR MILESTONE

RENOWNED air charter specialist Chapman Freeborn has celebrated its 50th anniversary, sharing its vision for the future. The company, founded in 1973, has devised a strategic plan to enhance its products by focusing on its workforce and bolstering its regional offerings.

Throughout that time, the air cargo charter market has become the go-to option across various industries, including automotive, dangerous goods, heavy and outsized cargo, and time critical solutions, amongst others. Apart from being faster than sea or road freight, air charter is especially beneficial for high-value, low-volume shipments, with Chapman Freeborn looking to capitalise on this boom in the market.

Acknowledging the evolving landscape of the air charter brokering business Russi Batliwala, Chairman of the Board at Chapman Freeborn, explained: “The air charter brokering business has, over the past decades, been predominantly people and relationship driven.”

“Today, I firmly believe it’s not enough just to be a ‘nice guy’ to do business. The customers, understandably, want and expect more. They want more value added.”

Importance of diversification

Emphasising the company’s commitment to diversification, Batliwala highlighted how the charter broker has been growing its portfolio of niche services and increasing its value to customers, as well as recognising the ongoing importance of relationships in their business.

In recent times, Chapman Freeborn has made strategic investments, including the enhancement of its On Board Courier (OBC) product and the growth of its Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance (ACMI) leasing team.

Alongside this continued growth, the company attributes its 50 years of success to its ability to swiftly adapt and develop products in response to changing consumer demands.

“We’re heading for further diversification. We are very niche driven,” Batliwala explained. “Diversification has been what’s kept us going and what’s strengthened us over the last 50 years.”

“We’re probably stronger as a business today than we have ever been before. A lot of that has to do with our investors and our ownership, but the diversification that we’ve gone through has also played a major role.”

Next generation

While celebrating its traditional and historical role in the industry, Chapman Freeborn is dedicated to attracting the next generation of aviation experts and driving innovation in the ever-evolving sector. The company has launched an ambitious recruitment campaign in 2023 and has already recruited more than 80 staff members this year. Chapman Freeborn’s commitment to investing in people and expanding its services has been pivotal to its success over the past 50 years.

Outlining the company’s plans for the future Eric Erbacher, Chief Executive Officer of Chapman Freeborn, explained: “We are making significant investments in expanding our international office network and teams to strengthen our truly global presence.”

“Our group remains committed to significantly increasing our controlled capacity in key segments such as cargo and ACMI leasing over the coming years. Furthermore, we are intensifying our network of strategic partnerships and collaborations across the logistics chain to provide added value to our customers.”

While Chapman Freeborn used to be a centralised UK business,

TO THE MAJOR

charter broker, what am I getting? More importantly, they should look for charter brokers with the ability to offer, not only thirdparty capacity, but their own capacity.”

With its rich history and forward-thinking approach, Chapman Freeborn continues to position itself as a leader in the air charter brokering industry.

with its increasingly expansive global footprint, there has been a shift toward the regions, with the appointments of regional heads for the US, Europe, Middle East, and Asia.

“It’s making us a lot more efficient. It’s making us more agile in reacting to various issues and it also covers cultural changes,” Batliwala added. “There’s no stepping back for us. We won’t be going back to a UK centric organisation in the future.”

Future focus

While there has been a lot of discussion about digitalisation within the airfreight industry, and Chapman Freeborn has, like others, embraced technological innovation, Batliwala believes customers still look for traditional stalwarts of the sector.

“I’ve been in the business for 37 years and I personally don’t believe in digitalising the whole industry. Most of the time, people charter aircraft because they have a problem. If someone’s chartering an aircraft, it’s because there’s a problem somewhere,” he explained. “Would I rely on a computer in that situation? No.”

As the company looks towards the future, Chapman Freeborn remains dedicated to nurturing relationships and fostering new connections. By intensifying its network of partnerships and collaborations, the charter broker aims to drive added value for its customers. Additionally, the company recognises the importance of attracting and retaining top talent to fuel innovation and remain at the forefront of the industry.

“Our business is all about value adding. Relationships play a big role but, ultimately, the charter broker buys and sells and takes a margin for what he does,” Batliwala said.

“I think everybody needs to question, when they go to a

“Diversification has been what’s kept us going and what’s strengthened us over the last 50 years”

QATAR AIRWAYS CARGO ACHIEVES WORLD FIRST

QATAR Airways Cargo, along with its ground handling partner Qatar Aviation Services (QAS) Cargo has announced its latest achievement – the IATA Centre of Excellence for Independent Validators in Perishable Logistics (CEIV Fresh) certification. With this certification, the cargo carrier reinforces its position as a reliable partner for customers seeking safe and efficient transportation solutions for perishable cargo. The IATA CEIV Fresh standard encompasses the entire supply chain, including both operational and technical aspects, ensuring that perishable goods maintain their freshness, quality, and integrity throughout the transportation process.

New benchmark

This remarkable milestone not only sets a new benchmark for excellence in the industry but also establishes the cargo carrier and its ground handler in Doha as the first and only airline worldwide with its Ground Handling Agent (GHA) to have attained the complete suite of IATA CEIV certifications – CEIV Fresh, CEIV Lithium Batteries, CEIV Live Animals, CEIV Pharma, IEnvA registered and United for Wildlife programme.

“Qatar Airways Cargo and QAS Cargo’s achievement of the IATA CEIV Fresh certification reflects our pursuit for excellence and our unwavering commitment to our customers, keeping them always at the heart of everything we do. Being the first and only airline worldwide along with our GHA to achieve the complete suite of IATA CEIV certifications is a testament to our dedication and hard work to delivering the highest standards of quality and reliability in air cargo transportation,” Guillaume Halleux, Chief Officer Cargo at Qatar Airways, said.

“We congratulate Qatar Airways Cargo, along with its ground handling partner Qatar Aviation Services (QAS) on successfully obtaining the IATA Centre of Excellence for Independent Validators in Perishable Logistics (CEIV Fresh) certification, further showcasing their commitment to maintaining high global standards. This certification is a boost to their service offerings, demonstrating efficient and high-quality handling of perishable goods. Qatar Airways Cargo and QAS Cargo are the first companies globally to complete the full suite of IATA CEIV certifications, reinforcing their position at the forefront of air logistics,” Brendan Sullivan, IATA’s Global Head of Cargo, added.

Proven ability

CEIV Fresh certification demonstrates Qatar Airways Cargo’s sustained commitment to the highest standards when handling and transporting perishable goods. This is achieved through quality and risk management, training for staff handling the transport of perishables, transparent and open communication as well as collaboration with its partners and stakeholders. By obtaining this esteemed accreditation, the airline and its ground handler, QAS Cargo, have proven their ability to meet the stringent requirements for the transportation of all kinds of fresh produce and perishables such as fruits, vegetables, seafood, meat and flowers.

Qatar Airways Cargo has consistently invested in state-ofthe-art facilities, cutting-edge technology, and robust quality control measures in the industry. This achievement reflects the firm dedication of Qatar Airways Cargo and QAS Cargo teams in providing superior service to their customers while prioritising the safety and well-being of any cargo being transported and offering a seamless cool chain for all perishable products.