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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. 1,173
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28 MARCH 2022
Lufthansa’s new freighter flies to Ukraine
LOGISTIC-AIDE-UKRAINE TO DELIVER HEALTHCARE RELIEF
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INSIDE
MEET OUR NEW EDITOR
SALLY GETHIN has now taken up her role as Editor of Air Cargo Week. She brings 30 years’ experience in aviation journalism ... PAGE 2
EVANS JOINS CHARTERSYNC ...
DIGITAL air cargo business, CharterSync, is appointing Digital Founders’veteran and entrepreneur, Andy Evans, as its non-executive director ... PAGE 2
OFF TO DENMARK ...
After two years online, the Nordic Cargo Symposium is back for a day of in-person talks tackling the biggest issues facing air freight... PAGE 4
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logistic-aide-ukraine.org online platform has been launched to connect relief organisations transporting healthcare supplies to Ukraine with specialist supply chain companies. The not-for-profit initiative, launched by pharma supply chain information platform Validaide, has already matched a global Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) with a warehouse provider in Poland to facilitate the movement of aid. The Validaide platform has over 900 subscribers specialised in healthcare logistics and its team was able to search this network to identify 20 potential providers to help the NGO, culminating in a match. “The matchmaking has so far been facilitated by Validaide with staff vol-
unteering their time,” said Eelco de Jong, co-founder and managing director, Validaide. “We are at the beginning of this process, but we envision that moving forward the different parties will be able to find each other directly from the logistic-aide-ukraine.org website. “The goal of this initiative is to help ensure humanitarian aid gets delivered.” Shippers transporting cargo to Ukraine can visit the logistic-aide-ukraine.org website and either ask for support or search the forum database for a relevant supplier to contact directly. Suppliers can post services or search the forum for organisations needing support.
A WORLD FIRST PREVIEW ...
For Peli BioThermal, LogiPharma 2022 will be the stage to unveil a brand new product. says Adam Tetz, director of worldwide marketing... PAGE 6
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NEWS
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Meet our new editor
SALLY GETHIN has now taken up her role as editor of Air Cargo Week; an experienced aviation journalist across all media, she is also a guest news commentator on travel, aerospace and aviation
matters for a number of major television and radio outlets. Her experience of aviation journalism covers three decades starting with the launch of Air Traffic Management, a major publication for the air traffic control sector, and Airport Support which followed technology and investment issues at airports around the world. She subsequently led the monthly Freight Management International title, reporting on multimodal cargo, transport and logistics issues and then became the USA specialist contributor for Jane’s Airport Review. In 1999 she edited Inflight magazine which was followed by her Inflight News, the first e-newsletter of its kind for the sector. She continues to track the latest developments in all aspects of aviation news offering analysis and insights to new audiences worldwide. Sally holds a BA degree in German from UCL and a post graduate diploma in journalism. She is fluent in German and also speaks French, Italian and Welsh.
CharterSync appoints Andy Evans as non-executive director
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Network Aviation Group appointed GSSA for Air Tanzania in Kenya NETWORK AVIATION GROUP has been appointed as cargo GSSA for Air Tanzania in Kenya. The UK and the United Arab Emirates (Dubai) are also included as offline sale points.
which will be operated by Air Tanzania, the country’s national flag carrier. It will be used to capitalise on Africa’s burgeoning cargo demand with demand on the African
Air Tanzania’s flights from Nairobi (NBO) to Dar Es Salaam (DAR) started on November 26, 2021 and are operatesd bytwo A220 passenger flights daily. Air Tanzania also has plans to fly to the UK and Dubai, with the aim to start by the end of 2022. At the Dubai Airshow in November 2021 Tanzania placed an order for a B767-300 freighter aircraft
continent growing rapidly over the last 12 months, according to official IATA statistics. Chief executive, Ladislaus Matindi, said: “Adding to our 787 fleet and the introduction of the 737 Max and 767 Freighter will give Air Tanzania exceptional capability and flexibility to meet passenger and cargo demand within Africa and beyond.”
Air Canada inaugurates cold chain handling facility DIGITAL air cargo business, CharterSync, is appointing Digital Founders’ veteran, entrepreneur and investor, Andy Evans, as its non-executive director (NED). CharterSync co-founder and co-director Ed Gillett says: “Andy will be a great asset for CharterSync, bringing with him invaluable experience of creating, leading and monetising businesses driven by disruptive technology and innovation. Andy’s insights and experience will be invaluable to us as we continue to grow and scale over the coming years.”
Over the last 20+ years, Evans has founded, built and sold three media and technology businesses. In 1999, he founded one of the UK’s first digital publishing businesses and first vertical ad-network Net Communities. He also founded the UK’s first podcast production company in 2005. Latterly he invented and patented an advertising technology business which sold less than three years after he founded it. He now leads a growing investment portfolio and community of digital founders encompassing innovators spanning various industries from e-commerce to kids’ entertainment.
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AIR CANADA CARGO has inaugurated its new cold chain handling facility at Toronto Pearson International Airport. The $16-million project expands and enhances Air Canada Cargo’s cold chain handling capabilities for shipments such as pharmaceuticals, fresh food and other perishables. Jason Berry, vice president, cargo, at Air Canada said: “This is an exciting day for Air Canada Cargo as we take another step forward in our evolution. The enhanced temperature-controlled facility is the only one of its kind for a Canadian airline and positions Air Canada Cargo to continue successfully growing our business, including the launch of our dedicated freighter aircraft. “This investment, and the others that are to follow, will allow us to better serve our customers and I am very excited for what the future holds for Air Canada Cargo.” The upgraded facility will feature over 2,787 sq m (30,000 sq ft) of temperature-controlled areas and an expanded cooler to fully meet the
requirements of cold chain shipments. These enhancements are the first step in a multi-year investment plan for the facility and are part of several planned infrastructure investment projects for Air Canada Cargo. The extended cooler can accommodate more unit load devices (ULDs) and loose shipments with +2°C to +8°C and +15°C to +25°C temperature requirements, provide additional racking, and an upgraded dedicated area for active temperature control units. To contribute to Air Canada’s long-term net zero emissions goal, the renovations included the installation of energy efficient equipment such as temperature controllers that will constantly monitor the conditions inside the facility and only regulate the temperature as needed, resulting in reduced energy consumption. Rapid roll-up doors have also been installed to minimise the energy loss when the cooler is accessed to store or retrieve goods. LED lighting has been installed throughout the facility, further reducing energy consumption.
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NEWS
Satco opens Air Cargo Safety Research Centre in Ohio ULD manufacturer Satco has opened the world’s first manufacturer-owned Air Cargo Safety Research Centre (ARC) in Miami Township, Ohio. The $10 million ARC facility aims to optimise the manufacturing process and safety of unit load devices (ULDs), ultimately increasing the safety of air cargo transportation. Satco says that the safety and innovation of the air cargo industry impacts everyone from the pilots flying the planes, the passengers they carry and the communities they fly over. President and CEO, Mike Proctor, explains: “Our goal has always been to provide world-class, safe products that airlines, cargo and freight companies can trust to protect their employees, assets and the general public. This new facility houses state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment and increases our testing capabilities, providing the space we need to continue pushing innovation to move the industry forward.” With the huge increase in products using Lithium-ion batteries, the risk of fire in cargo carried on aircraft has become more prominent, and a focus point of the ARC
is the fire safety test facility or burn lab, says Satco. During a test, a controlled fire is set inside a ULD within the lab. The facility is monitored by 12 thermal imaging and HD video cameras and multiple thermal sensors to understand how ULDs are affected. The tests run for a minimum of six hours and temperatures can reach over 1,400°F. The facility also houses a component testing area where ULD parts can be tested for fire resistance and safety. Senior vice president of operations and maintenance services at Satco, Michael Howell, added: “This facility gives us even more control over the safety of our products. We don’t have to wait in line at other testing facilities because we have our own. We are able to run tests whenever we need to and can quickly evaluate our products and get them to market faster.”
Cainiao goes green with new solar panels
CAINIAO NETWORK, the logistics arm of Alibaba Group, is now using electricity generated by photovoltaic power generation systems on its bonded warehouses, which span over 100,000 sq m. Located in Hangzhou and Ningbo in Zhejiang Province, these are the first warehouses to adopt renewable energy sources within the local bonded zone. Cainiao reports that it can store 7.862 megawatts of energy with an annual power output of over 8 million kilowatts hour (kWh), or the energy consumption of 3,000 households a year. The initiative is estimated to reduce carbon emissions by 5,535 tonnes a year, equivalent to the yearly carbon intake of 700,000 trees. Installed on unused spaces such as the warehouse roof, the solar power system enables Cainiao to produce its own electricity to support operations while contributing towards the Chinese State Grid for broader usage. In the warehouse, the electrical output is used to power energy-efficient operating systems. For example, the energy-saving lighting system measures the amount of light within the warehouse through sensors in real-time to automatically adjust the number of lights to switch on. Energy-saving conveyor belts will also be able to automatically start or stop the motor based on real-time parcel volume, says the logistics company. Cainiao’s general manager, global supply chain, import business, Sun Beibei: said: “The successful launch of Cainiao’s first warehouse zone with a photovoltaic power generation system is just the beginning of sustainable measures that we have planned. We aim to build an eco-friendly global logistics network for our merchants and brands across the globe to reduce carbon footprints together.”
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NORDIC CARGO SYMPOSIUM (PREVIEW REPORT)
FEATURE
Nordic Air Cargo Symposium
2017 After two years of online events, the Nordic Cargo Symposium is back for a day of in-person talks tackling the biggest issues facing the air cargo industry. This year’s conference will be held at the Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel in Copenhagen, Denmark on April 5, 2022.
Tuesday, April 5 08:30: Registration and morning coffee 09:00: Welcome key notes Thomas Woldbye, CEO, Copenhagen Airports; Thomas Crabtree, Market Analysis – Air Cargo, Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Conference chairman 09:25: Key note address:
The Importance of Cargo – The Way Forward Max Knagge, president & CEO, SAS Cargo Group 09:50: The Bigger Picture – The Road to Recovery • Review of challenges, opportunities and trends • Sustainability within the value chain • Collaboration and the supply chain Ashwin Bhat, chief commercial officer, Lufthansa Cargo AG; Glyn Hughes, director general, TIACA; Mads Drejer, global COO & CCO, executive vice president, Scan Global Logistics 11:00: Coffee [sponsored by Logicentres] 11:30: Pharma – Challenges for Air Freight Logistics • Enhanced collaboration • Sustainability & reliability requirements • CEIV/GDP, Quality Thiago Parigi Raymondi, global key account manager pharma, Kuehne+Nagel; Morten Würger, head of airfreight Norway, DB Schenker 12:45: Lunch 13:45: Update Market Trends – The Nordics and Worldwide 14:00: Innovation & Digital Transformation • How to optimise digitalisation in the supply chain? • Driving innovation in logistics • Sustainability through new technology Henrik Ambak, chairman Cargo IQ & SVP cargo operations worldwide, Emirates; Fredrik Wildtgrube, vice president, Finnair Cargo; Camilo Garcia Cervera, global VP business development, Webcargo by Freightos 15:15: Coffee 15:45: The External Environment • Assessment of how trade conflicts affect the air cargo industry • The capacity crunch – how long and how to deal with it? Julian Dragendorf, partner, McKinsey & Company 16:00: A Sustainable Future – Implications for the Air Logistics Industry • Going green – what does it mean in practice? • Will shippers skip non-environmental friendly solutions? Celine Hourcade, founder & managing director, Change Horizon; Marie Louise Hansen, head of corporate responsibility & ESG strategy, Copenhagen Airports; Name TBA, SAS Cargo 17:00: Concluding remarks 17:10: End of conference & coffee
A warm welcome to Denmark Lars-Gunnar Comén, director of Euroavia International, organisers of the Nordic Air Cargo Symposium (NACS), welcomes delegates to Denmark. “I might say that in these turbulent times it is so important for the air cargo industry to meet again and learn, network, and discuss how to best face the current challenges from still prevailing pandemic capacity issues to the unexpected war in Europe. “Impact on supply chains and the air logistics industry is huge. NACS 2022 is probably the first major physical air cargo conference in Europe this year where we can meet and discuss the way forward. “It is exciting to finally meet again for the first time after two long years with no traditional conferences. We notice a strong interest from many countries to join this year’s Nordic Symposium, it’s a great opportunity for networking! “Copenhagen is one of the most cosy capitals in Europe and very tourism friendly. If you have time outside of the conference, hang out in Kongens Have, take a stroll in city centre, eat smørrebrød (traditional Danish open-faced sandwich) and do not miss the chance to try Danish pastry!”
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LOGIPHARMA
LogiPharma 2022 Schedule DAY 1, 5th April
6:20 - 8:00 ‘Festival of the French Riviera’ drinks reception
7:45 - 8:45 VIP Breakfast Briefing Advancing Our Industry Post-Pandemic 8:50 - 8:55 LogiPharma Welcome - Will Robinson, programme director, LogiPharma 8:55 - 9:00 Chairman’s Opening Address: David Kurk - conference moderator, LogiPharma 9:00 - 9:40 Keynote Panel – Lessons Learned From Rapid Covid-19 Vaccine Roll-Out Danny Hendrikse - VP intercompany operations, Pfizer; Sheena Behn - VP global supply chain and strategy, AstraZeneca; Alberto Simon Rojo - VP supply chain management, Curevac; Richard Peck - director international logistics, Clover BioPharma Driving digital transformation for operational resilience. 9:40 - 10:00 KEYNOTE - Achieving agility post-pandemic Shabbir Dahod - chief executive officer, Tracelink; Frank Binder VP, head of global supply chain management, Santen Achieving supply chain sustainability 10:00 - 10:40 KEYNOTE PANEL DISCUSSION - How can you make meaningful changes in your ESG supply chain network? Florence Noblot - head of environment, social and governance, supply chain, DHL; Stephan Gotthardt - SVP supply chain, EU, TEVA; Juliette White, CBE - VP, global SHE and sustainability, AstraZeneca 10:40 - 11:00 KEYNOTE INTERVIEW - From ambition to action: How to implement sustainability innovation Ruud van der Geer - head of cold chain EMEA, MSD; Tobias Cervenka - sustainability advisor, South Pole 11:00 - 11:45 Morning Networking Break 11:00 - 11:50 MASTERCLASS Room 1 (50 minutes) Tracelink/ MASTERCLASS: Sustainability in condition monitoring Bettina Wisthaler - sustainability advisor and BD manager, South Pole 11:00 - 11:30 INNOVATION ZONE - Showcase 1 11:30 - 11:45 INNOVATION ZONE - Showcase 2 11:45 - 5:40 TRACK A: Advancing pharma supply chain strategy and planning/ TRACK B: Driving digitalised, data-driven supply/ TRACK C: Mastering Temperature Controlled Operations/ TRACK D: Optimising interconnected logistics and distribution/ TRACK E: Interactive workshops/ TRACK F: MASTERCLASSES/ TRACK G: MASTERCLASSES New frontiers in customer-centricity 5:45 - 6:20 PANEL DISCUSSION – Final mile and distribution lessons learnt from Covid-19 Major Gen. Christopher J. Sharpsten - director of supply, production and distribution, Operation Warp Speed; David Ruiz Peret - global head of customer integration, MSD; Matthew Roberts - VP global logistics and transformation, GE Healthcare; Diego Lauritano - director logistic centre, Bologna University Hospital; Karine Javelle - Senior director fulfilment, Baxter
DAY 2, April 6th 8:00 - 8:55 Registration and Welcome Coffee 8:00 - 8:55 VIP’s Breakfast Briefing and Networking Mastering interconnectivity and communication for visibility 8:55 - 9:00 Chairman’s opening address David Kurk - conference moderator, LogiPharma 9:00 - 9:40 Pioneering the true end-to-end supply chain Emre Ozcan - VP global head of strategy and business operations, Merck; Jens Schader - CVP strategic partnerships, Boehringer Ingelheim; Christophe Suizdak - director global supply chain, Cytiva; Federico Lupp - head of bulk development EMEA and APAC, Sonoco Thermosafe 9:40 - 10:00 FIRESIDE CHAT – Unlocking Your End-To-End Potential with IBP Chris Vos - VP global head of supply chain planning, Roche; Gary Connors - partner, Oliver Wight 10:00 - 10:40 PANEL DISCUSSION – How can our industry collaborate to embrace digital transformation that achieves the ‘operationally resilient’ supply chain and thrive in a post-pandemic world? Frank Binder - VP, head of global supply chain management, Santen; Amy Shortman - VP product, Overhaul 10:40 - 11:30 Morning Networking Break/ MASTERCLASS - Hosted by Bluecrux/ MASTERCLASS - Hosted by Envirotainer 11:00 - 11:30 Innovation Zone - Showcase 1 11:30 - 11:45 Innovation Zone - Showcase 2 Personalising supply chains for novel modalities 11:30 - 12:10 PANEL DISCUSSION AND INTERACTIVE POLLING – How can you redesign your end-to-end supply chains now, to prepare for the network demands of the personalised and specialised medicine pipeline of the future? Rob Coyle - SVP pharma and healthcare strategy, Kuehne + Nagel; Andrea Gentiletti - VP - head of supply chain development, Bayer; Eoin Cleary - head of supply chain launch management, Roche 12:10 - 12:30 CELL GENE THERAPY CASE STUDY – How to boldly redesign your supply chain to get the ‘next gen therapies’ in your pipeline to market quickly 12:30 - 1:10 PANEL DISCUSSION – Cell and gene therapies; Leadership in the time of change Hussain Mooraj - partner and nextgen therapy practice lead, Deloitte; James Gregson - managing partner life sciences, Deloitte 1:10 - 2:20 Networking Lunch 1:10 - 2:00 MASTERCLASS - Hosted by Deloitte/ MASTERCLASS - IBP Implementation using education, process redesign and supporting technology in harmony to deliver benefits quicker Gary Connors - Partner, Oliver Wight 1:10 - 1:30 Innovation Zone - Showcase 1
A world first preview For Peli BioThermal, LogiPharma 2022 will be the stage to unveil a brand new product. Adam Tetz, director of worldwide marketing, Peli BioThermal says the company is pleased to return to the event for the seventh year. He adds: “We have an exciting new product we are going to reveal as a world first preview at LogiPharma in Nice, which is built upon the legacy of our other successful products, such as Crēdo Cube shippers and the technology therein. “We’re happy to be back at live trade shows again, now that the pandemic seems to be ebbing, as it gives us the opportunity to talk directly to our customers. We conduct a lot of collaborative work with our customers to qualify our products. It’s important for us to have the opportunity to have those oneon-one conversations about projects we are already engaged in or projects we have coming up. “As part of our pandemic response we took a number of our existing products and adapted them to utilise dry ice to meet
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the need for the initial super-cold temperature required for the vaccines for shipment. “Eventually the pharma companies were able to adjust some of their temperature budget to ensure vaccines could be stored or shipped at a more reasonable and easier to achieve temperature of -70C at the end of their trip, before they are administered to the patient. “This is a change we’re seeing throughout the cold chain logistics industry to create new products or adapt existing products to meet the pandemic response requirements. LogiPharma is a good place to showcase what we’ve achieved in this area.” Tetz adds that it won’t be all work: “When I’m in Europe, I always like to seek out a medieval cathedral to visit. Hopefully I can also visit the beach. During April in Minnesota, in the northern US where I am from, it’s typically only 5-10C, so going to a beach on the Mediterranean would be a great change of pace for me.”
1:30 - 1:45 Innovation Zone - Showcase 2 2:20 - 5:10 TRACK A: Advancing pharma supply chain strategy and planning/ TRACK B: Driving Digitalised, Data-Driven Supply/ TRACK C: Mastering Temperature Controlled Operations/ TRACK D: Optimising interconnected logistics and distribution/ TRACK E: Interactive workshops/ TRACK F: MASTERCLASSES/ TRACK G: MASTERCLASSES Delivering true ops and tech innovation 5:15 - 6:00 PANEL DISCUSSION - How can you catalyse innovation in your supply chain operations between both internal and external stakeholders across your E2E supply chain to drive true efficiency and improve speed to market? Ferry Bakker - VP supply operations, Henkel; Stephan Gotthardt - SVP supply chain, EU, TEVA; Frédéric Zwahlen - SVP global technical operations, Vifor Pharma 6:00 - 7:00 ‘Beach Party’ Networking Reception – The 20th Anniversary That Never Was! DAY 3, April 7th 8:15 - 9:10 Welcome coffee Building your supply chain of the future 9:10 - 9:20 Chairman’s opening address David Kurk - conference moderator, LogiPharma 9:20 - 9:40 CASE STUDY - How to ensure customer-centricity remains at the forefront of your global strategy and technology roadmap Brian Thornley - VP global supply chain management, MSD 9:40 - 10:20 KEYNOTE PANEL DISCSUSSION – Update from PharmaLedger on brand-new Blockchain Paolo Migliari - executive director supply excellence, MSD 10:20 - 11:30 PANEL DISCUSSION - How can you best collaborate on your new sea freight operations developed from last year’s global disruption to benefit from leverage on the economies of scale and achieve more reliable delivery? Stephen Mitchell - compliance and quality manager, GSK; Volker Cloos - head of supply chain and logistics Asia, Eli Lilly; Brice Bellin - director healthcare and life sciences, Bollore 11:30 - 12:45 TRACK A: Catalysing innovation in end-to-end supply chains/ TRACK B: Mastering global logistics and distribution quality/ Track C: interactive workshops 12:45 - 2:00 Networking lunch Strengthening equal opportunities and workforce capabilities in pharma supply 2:00 - 2:40 DIVERSITY WORKSHOP - How can we collaborate to drive diversity and inclusion in our industry? 2:40 pm - 3:20 OXFORD STYLE DEBATE –The gap between the on-going digitalisation of the pharmaceutical supply chain and other verticals is growing
FEATURE
What can delegates expects from LogiPharma 2022? World Business Research, organiser of LogiPharma says: “Delegates can expect the biggest and best LogiPharma to date. We are finally in our new venue in Nice, having outgrown our previous home in Montreux. Aside from a glamorous new location, attendees will have the opportunity to take a deep dive into the most pressing issues facing supply chain leaders, in what has been the most tumultuous period for the pharma industry. More than 100 speakers will share their expertise over three jam-packed days of invaluable content, all designed to accelerate supply chain strategies. “The demand and appetite for LogiPharma is very strong this year, given that the last live event was in 2019, and the 2020 event was postponed with only a few weeks to go. Everyone seems excited to be back. All feedback we are receiving in terms of how speakers, sponsors and delegates feel about attending is all very positive. We are closely monitoring all local guidelines with regards to Covid restrictions, but don’t anticipate this being a huge
barrier, although measures will be in place to make sure the venue is well ventilated and regularly sanitised. “We have more networking available than ever before, which is what we’ve all missed over the last three years. Whether it’s through focused workshops, drinks receptions, demo zones or catching up with connections old and new over a drink, being back together and celebrating the 20th anniversary of LogiPharma, which never happened in 2020, will be more meaningful than
ever. “This year, there is more focus on interactivity than ever before. The buzzing exhibition hall is the perfect place to evaluate the latest supply chain solutions, but also to check out some of the competitions, giveaways and treats which the sponsors have on offer. Aside from this, the networking-led roundtables and workshops are the perfect opportunity to share and benchmark with senior supply chain leaders in an open forum.”
Pack your bags: we’re off to Nice Tower Cold Chain is making its LogiPharma debut. Nick Gilmore, global head of sales and marketing, Tower Cold Chain says the company is looking forward to showcasing its solutions: “The conference brings together stakeholders in the pharmaceutical cold chain sector. Coupled with Tower’s growth and expansion in recent years, LogiPharma seemed the perfect opportunity to continue to build on the collaboration during the past 24 months. “We’re delighted to be playing a pivotal role at LogiPharma this year, where we will be providing solutions to some of the key challenges in temperature-controlled logistics, as well as exhibiting our robust, reliable, and reusable containers. Our global head of supply chain, Kevin Doran, will be sharing Tower’s perspective in a panel discussion on using technology to improve sustainability of global logistics operations, held on Tuesday 5 April at 2:30pm. Visitors to the show will also have chance to see our containers up close, where they will be guided through the specific features and benefits of the Tower range, on Stand #21.”
A welcome return As in-person events make their welcome return, Daniela Vial, director of product development at Latam Cargo is looking forward to seeing colleagues face-to-face. She says: “The increased networking and in person conversations allow for better relationships and collaboration. “I think the data driven supply chain and data digitalisation will be hot topics at the event - as well how to achieve supply chain sustainability and the changes that need to be made in order to reduce environmental footprint. “During the last couple of years the impact of Covid-19 in the supply chain has been very disruptive and has triggered big changes and adjustments. “We believe that one of the key success points during this pandemic was the collaboration between shippers, forwarders, airlines, active and passive container solutions among other different participants in the supply chain. “Having this event in-person increases networking and engagement, allowing the building of closer and more collaborative relationships. “These forums bring together the top minds of those participants in an effort to present meaningful insights into supply chain challenges and present strategies and tools to reach efficiencies and agility in our operational procedures as well as technology that brings us closer to our clients, and therefore improve our services as a whole.”
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VIEW FROM THE MAINDECK
LUFTHANSA’S NEW FREIGHTER TO FLY AID FOR UKRAINE
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ne of the first missions of Lufthansa’s new A321 medium-haul freighter will be to fly aid cargo to Poland, the carrier’s cargo chief revealed at a livestream event to launch the new aircraft on 15 March. Chairman of the executive board and chief executive Dorothea von Boxberg said that the flight was only one of a number of fundraising and aid efforts, which also included raising funds and free transport on the Lufthansa road feeder system to Poland. Speaking before the first departure of the converted aircraft – which has been christened Hello Europe – on a service to Dublin, the carrier’s chief commercial officer, Ashwin Bhat said that the plane would provide Lufthansa with more flexibility. It could, he said, be used for charter services or even ACMI leasing deals. A second freighter is expected to enter service in late summer.
Both will be operated under a wet lease agreement by Lufthansa CityLine, with Lufthansa Cargo flight numbers. Lufthansa says the twin-engine Airbus A321 is one of the most versatile aircraft in its class, able to carry up to 24 containers or pallets and offering fast loading and unloading times. The initial route network will be centered on Frankfurt and will also cover Manchester, Dublin, Istanbul, Tel Aviv, Malta and Tunis, with Cairo joining the network on March 29. Lufthansa has ordered a fleet of 50 suitable containers but will lease units for the time being. Ashwin Bhat said that further destinations would be added to the network when a second aircraft joins the fleet in August, but these would depend on customer demand. The new aircraft would allow Lufthansa to cater to the fast-growing e-commerce sector partner at McKinsey, Travel, Lo-
gistics & Transport Infrastructure, Dr Ludwig Hausmann told the livestream event. He said that with the cross-border e-commerce market expected to grow to $1-2bn by 2025, there was opportunity for medium haul freighters like the A321F. They would, he predicted, “play a huge role.” Until now, most airfreight had been intercontinental, he said, but the e-commerce market would be different, with a much greater emphasis on intracontinetal freight. “Narrowbody freighters could come into play,” he believes and traditional cargo carriers could fill an important niche, offering a lower cost service than the integrators while offering faster deliveries than was possible by truck. The A321 had the added advantage that it was one of the most environmentally-friendly freighter aircraft in the sky.
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