ACW digital 30th November 2020

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WORLD ACW Digital is sponsored by AIRPORTS.COM FREIGHTERS.COM

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Tabloid page bled.indd 1

05/11/2020 10:35

The weekly newspaper for air cargo professionals No. 1,109

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30 November 2020

The audacity of control

A COOL SOLUTION ON THE TARMAC

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a COUVERTURE is “changing the face of temperature-sensitive shipment handling” in airports. la COUVERTURE is a hybrid thermal cover that is unique in the air cargo market: it offers a level of protection near to that of a thermal dolly at a much lower cost, while also being as easy to use as a standard thermal cover.

It protects temperature-sensitive shipments (+15°C to +25°C) from temperature variations - heat or cold during the tarmac handling phase thanks to the use of innovative materials.

“La COUVERTURE is the first hybrid solution, halfway between a thermal dolly and a cover, to meet the specific need to protect temperature-sensitive products from the airport’s cargo warehouse to the airport apron,” says Marco Del Giudice, owner of la

COUVERTURE. Solutions currently on the market are either very expensive, such as refrigerated trolleys and trucks, or are not suited to the specific requirements of airport handling, demanding both robustness

and protection against extreme thermal variations. La COUVERTURE addresses both of these issues by combining the best of both solutions while also eliminating their limitations, says Del Giudice.

It took one year of development to

create la COUVERTURE, with testing of prototypes in real airport handling conditions, including in mid-summer in Rome and in refrigerated containers.

Following this research and development la COUVERTURE can now offer five-hour protection for ULDs on the tarmac thanks to innovative cooling materials (PCMs – phase change materials) that absorb heat.

And the innovation does not stop there: la COUVERTURE is fitted with a GPS tracker, allowing its location within the airport to be identified. In addition to its technical innovation, another key feature of la COUVERTURE is its sustainability.

Partly made of recycled bottles - 192.5 PET bottles per cover - it is strong and reusable, and using la COUVERTURE is carbon-neutral.

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INSIDE BARCLAYS-BDO LOGISTICS INDEX

CONFIDENCE in the UK logistics sector has fallen to its lowest-ever level, according to the latest Barclays-BDO Logistics Confidence Index, ...

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VIRGIN CARGO NEW SERVICE

VIRGIN Atlantic Cargo has launched a new cargo service from London Heathrow to San Juan. Commencing on November 24, it is the ...

PAGE 3 SWISSPORT READY FOR COVID VACCINES

SWISSPORT is busy establishing operational readiness for the handling of highly temperature-sensitive vaccines.

Vaccines and ...

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Sebastiaan Scholte appointed CEO of Kales Group WORLD Freight Company (WFC) has announced that Sebastiaan Scholte is the new CEO of Kales Group, one of the industry’s leading general sales and service agents (GSSAs).

Scholte will take over from Dirk Hazenoot, who decided to step down after having worked for almost 20 years for the company, the last two years as CEO.

“I want to thank Dirk for all his years of hard work and dedication, helping to grow Kales Group,” commented Vikram Singh, group CEO of WFC, who owns Kales Group.

Scholte has over 20 years of experience in different senior management roles in Aeromexico Cargo and Cargolux and as CEO of Jan de Rijk Logistics as well as chair-

man of the Cool Chain Association and TIACA chairman.

“I am excited to join Kales Group,” Scholte states. “GSSAs play a crucial role in the air cargo supply chain and Kales Group is a very well-known reputable brand in the market. I am looking forward to working with the group’s airline partners and growing the business.”

SIGINON AVIATION CONTRACT

KENYA-based Siginon Aviation has renewed its ground handling agreement (SGHA) with Cargolux in its operations at Nairobi’s Jomo ...

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NEWS

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Barclays-BDO Logistics Confidence Index falls to lowest-ever level CONFIDENCE in the UK logistics sector has fallen to its lowest-ever level, according to the latest Barclays-BDO Logistics Confidence Index, which assesses the expectations of more than 100 senior decision-makers across the sector.

The Confidence Index has fallen from 49.7 in 2019 to 47.1 in 2020, continuing the downward trend seen in recent years and taking the score to its lowest level since the survey began in 2012.

This fall in confidence comes against a backdrop of unprecedented domestic and global uncertainty created by the pandemic in addition to ongoing concerns over the UK’s future relationship with the EU and the continuing skills shortages. The Index number, however, masks the high degree of polarisation in the views of operators, with results differing depending on the sectors they are most exposed to. A third of operators reported current business conditions as either the same or more favourable than 12 months ago, despite the economic disruption. Those focused on e-Commerce and last-mile deliveries have fared relatively well, while others operating in manufacturing sectors, such as automotive, aerospace, oil and gas saw unprecedented levels of disruption.

The results are similar when asked about which industries are providing the greatest business opportunities in 2021 with more than a half of the operators

surveyed (55%) saying online retail, 32% saying manufacturing and only 6% of respondents highlighting the automotive sector. This reflects how changes in consumer buying habits away from bricks and mortar stores to online purchasing and manufacturers direct selling have been exacerbated by COVID-19. To illustrate the impact of COVID-19 on the sector, the vast majority of respondents (94%) stated that they have utilised the UK government’s Job Retention Scheme and staff furloughs to help them through the pandemic.

Human capital In keeping with other industries such as retail and hospitality, the adoption of technology to address business challenges has rapidly accelerated this year.

To help overcome talent shortages, more than two fifths (42%) of operators stated they are using technology to replace human talent. Many businesses are continuing to invest in sustainability with more than seven in ten (72%) putting funds into green-related projects over the next 12 months.

Logistics continues to be a strong and resilient sector and remains a major contributor to the UK economy. The total combined UK revenue for the 100+ companies surveyed is £16.4 billion and, even under the current highly uncertain eco-

nomic conditions, nearly half (49%) of them say they still expect to see profits increase over the next 12 months.

In the context of a changing market, it is perhaps no surprise that M&A is in the plans of many companies, driving many to adapt by extending existing service offerings or targeting new customer markets or industry sectors. The number of companies expecting to make acquisitions is close to the all-time high of 2017, with 38.9% of respondents saying they are likely to make an acquisition within the next 12 months.

Ian Cranidge, head of transport and logistics at Barclays Corporate Banking, said: “[This year] has been an unprecedented year – never has the industry faced such a plethora of multifaceted challenges. However, longer term this is an extremely resilient sector which is ready to bounce back once the pandemic passes.”

Jason Whitworth, partner, M&A advisory and logistics and supply chain management at BDO, said: “As we stand today, it feels like we are still in the eye of the storm. Given this, it is no surprise confidence is low. Encouragingly, the responses reveal a continued appetite to invest for the future - searching out new markets and added value services, developing technology, automation and sustainability projects, and attracting training and retaining good people.”

AirAsia’s Teleport expands to 70 new cities in SE Asia

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eleport, the logistics venture of AirAsia Digital, has completed the accelerated rollout of its delivery services in 70 cities across Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines over the last 30 days.

Businesses in any of these 70 cities can now partner with Teleport to have items instantly delivered to their customers within one hour. Teleport can deliver almost anything, from food, groceries, documents, flowers and even laundry.

Pete Chareonwongsak, CEO of Teleport said: “Our mission is to make delivery simple, fast and affordable for everyone. With a one-hour delivery promise, we hope that all local merchants and businesses will benefit. Soon, businesses can experience 24 hour express deliveries between cities as well as cross-border delivered by Teleport.

“The goal is by next year, with a click of a button, you can send almost anything instantly to anywhere AirAsia flies to.”

In Malaysia, Teleport is now present in Klang Valley, Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, Tawau, Labuan, Kuching, Miri, Bintulu, Sibu, Alor Setar, Ipoh, Johor Bahru, Kuala Terengganu, Kota Bahru, Langkawi, Penang and Melaka.

Qatar Airways reveals World Cup aircraft QATAR Airways, the official partner and the official airline of FIFA, has unveiled a specially-branded Boeing 777 aircraft painted in FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM livery, to mark two years to go until the tournament kicks off on 21 November 2022.

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Chapman Freeborn goes outsize Down Under

CHAPMAN Freeborn, a worldwide market leader in aircraft charter solutions, has managed an unusual heavy and outsize cargo operation in Australia. While Chapman Freeborn manages outsize cargo operations daily, from time to time a challenge knocks at their door.

A consignment of highly specialised industrial cargo for a project in Western Australia required exceptional professionalism and attention to detail. The cargo was manufactured in Germany and sent to Australia on an expedited basis due to the high value and importance of the consignment. Chapman Freeborn professionals made sure that the unique cargo was managed with the utmost care. The shipment, weighing 92 tonnes in total, consisted of exceptionally large pieces that were 15m in length and weighed 17 tonnes each. Because of the over-dimensional length of the cargo, a nose loader was required and a full Boeing 747-400 freighter was used for transportation.

Before acceptance onto the aircraft, the cargo was load planned for maximum centre of gravity flight efficiency with both the main and lower decks being used.

To ensure the smooth and quick operation, external equipment comprising two main deck loaders and two cranes was used to load and offload the cargo and the visitor permits were arranged for the trucks to receive the cargo direct on the apron. The consignment bypassed the terminal in Australia by exiting the airport through the emergency access gate and it was organised that the customs authority would clear the consignment electronically.

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Virgin Atlantic Cargo announces new service

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irgin Atlantic Cargo has launched a new cargo service from London Heathrow to San Juan. Staring from November 24, it is the first time that the airline has operated cargo flying to Puerto Rico. It will serve the destination twice weekly on a Boeing 787-9 aircraft.

This new fast, efficient cargo service will present new opportunities for companies

looking to export and import goods such as pharmaceuticals, medical devices and electronic devices between prime markets in the UK and Europe and Puerto Rico.

“We are delighted to welcome San Juan to our network,” commented Dominic Kennedy, managing director of Virgin Atlantic Cargo.

“Over 11 million kgs of cargo move between Puerto

Rico and Europe each month and we are confident Virgin Atlantic Cargo will gain a healthy share of this market.

“Since the start of the pandemic, Virgin Atlantic Cargo has played a vital role in global supply chains and transporting essential goods around the world. We are bringing in new destinations in line with demand to expand our cargo-only offering.”

Jost Lammers remains Association of European Airports president

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ost Lammers, CEO of Munich Airport, has been re-elected president of the Airport Council International (ACI). Lammers has led the umbrella organisation of European airports in this position since July 2019 and will continue to represent the

interests of over 500 airports in 45 European countries for another year.

In his keynote speech at the annual congress of the ACI Europe in Brussels, the ACI president made clear demands addressing the political decision-makers in the EU.

EL AL AND ETIHAD AIRWAYS SIGN MOU

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L AL Israel Airlines, the national airline of Israel, and Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, are set to explore deeper co-operation following the signing of a virtual Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

The wide-ranging MOU covers scope to introduce joint codeshare services between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv, as well as on the global flight networks beyond the two carriers’ hubs.

The MOU also contains plans for greater commercial co-operation in the fields of cargo, engineering, loyalty, destination management and the optimal use of pilot and cabin crew training facilities.The MOU was signed ‘virtually’

by Tony Douglas, group CEO of Etihad Aviation Group, and Gonen Usishkin, EL AL CEO. “Following EL AL’s historic flight to Abu Dhabi, the first-ever flight between Israel and the UAE, this MOU is the foundation of what we envision

will be a strong on-going relationship between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv,” said Douglas. “We look forward to examining ways in which the two flag carriers can work more closely together.”

Usishkin added: “Following the normalisation of diplomatic relations between Israel and the UAE, we have been provided a great opportunity to examine the possibility of co-operation with Etihad Airways.

“This MOU is only the start and we believe that together, the two flag carriers will be able to provide our mutual customers with the best possible product and service.”

Both carriers’ engineering and cargo divisions are also set to begin talks about greater co-operation. These discussions would look at optimising MRO opportunities, as well as ways to increase volumes of freighter traffic flowing into and out of Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv.

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NEWS

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SWISSPORT IS READY FOR COVID VACCINES SWISSPORT is busy establishing operational readiness for the handling of highly temperature-sensitive vaccines. Vaccines and indeed many pharmaceuticals require rigorous tem-

perature control throughout the entire supply chain. While some types of COVID-19 vaccines might only call for temperatures around -20°C or in a range from 2°-8°C, others will likely

require extremely low temperatures in the range of -70°C. In collaboration with Brussels Airport, Air Cargo Belgium and Hazgo, Swissport demonstrated its ability to handle highly temperature-sensitive air cargo at its stateof-the-art 3,620 sq m Pharma Center in Brussels. Two separate shipments were delivered to the facility. One arrived in a container cooled to -70°C, while the other shipment was transported in a more conventional 2°-8°C temperature range. Swissport’s top-notch infrastructure, combined with know-how

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regarding dry-ice handling allows for a seamless temperature-control throughout the entire airport handling process, from the acceptance at the cargo warehouse to the transport on the apron with special vehicles and right into the aircraft.

“Today’s demonstration shows that, thanks to the successful and long-standing collaboration with our airport partners, Swissport is ready to play its part in the logistical challenge to globally distribute a COVID-19 vaccine. We are ready,” commented Koen Gouweloose, head of Swissport Cargo Services Belgium.

Of 115 cargo warehouses which Swissport runs around the globe, 72 are equipped with temperature-controlled facilities. At this time, 13 Swissport facilities are certified under the IATA Center of Excellence for Independent Validators (CEIV) Pharma standard, the British MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) and other recognised organisations.

“We have been investing heavily in infrastructure and services for pharmaceutical air cargo over the past few years, which is exemplified by our state-of-the-art Swissport Pharma Centres at multiple locations across the globe. We are very proud that Swissport is able to play a leading role in airport logistics for the distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine,“ added Hendrik Leyssens, VP global operations – cargo at Swissport.

PML FLYING HIGH WITH NEW AIRFREIGHT CHARTERS PML, the global perishable cargo specialist, is investing in chartering its own airfreight flights to maintain its pivotal role in maintaining the supply of fresh produce during the pandemic and post-Brexit.

PML is working with Kenya Airways and has chartered a B787 Dreamliner aircraft which will fly from Nairobi to Heathrow twice a week with Kenyan exports. The two weekly flights will run

until the end of December and carry 36 tonnes of cargo per flight. From January, the capacity will increase to 42 tonnes. With the flights departing at 04.00 local time on Wednesdays and Sundays, PML will be able to successfully deliver fresh produce into the UK the same day.

The move to charter a bespoke PML airfreight flight comes hot on the heels of the company setting up a

dedicated in-house charter airfreight service.

Commenting on the most recent investment in chartering airfreight flights exclusive to PML, sales director Nick Finbow comments: “We remain committed to providing a seamless service to our clients. We were keen to identify a solution that would ensure our ability to guarantee the fastest transfer of perishable goods.”

Pharma.Aero sees eight m PHARMA.AERO is growing its membership base with three new full members – Dubaibased logistics and transportation services company First Priority Cargo, global 4PL BDP International and Lima-based ground handler SAASA (Servicios Aeroportuarios Andinos S.A.). Over the course of the last two months, Pharma.Aero has seen eight new members.

“The membership of Pharma.Aero continues to grow with like-minded logistics companies,” Jeremy Mitchell, director, Pharma.Aero stated. “First Priority Cargo has been a long-time partner of Sharjah Airport. We are delighted that First Priority

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is becoming a member, a testament towards the growing significance of pharma at Sharjah Airport. Pharma. Aero also welcomes BDP International, which has been delivering global logistics services for the Pharma industry for decades and SAASA, which provides handling and storage of pharma shipments. The joining of SAASA enlarges our network in South America.

We look forward to the new collaborations that could emerge between these new members and our existing members.”

Ditlip Sitlani, vice president, business intelligence and operations at First Priority Cargo, said: “We strive to be the best in

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New Timestrip indicators track vaccine cold chain specifications

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imestrip, the developer of smart indicator technology, has released two new ranges designed to be used with the latest coronavirus vaccines now becoming available. The indicators track temperature and time to ensure that vaccines are fresh when administered to patients.

The Timestrip VTT 24 (Vaccine Thaw Timer) is an event thaw indicator with 24hr time indication calibrated to run at fridge temperatures. It can be packed with vaccines that require storage at -70°C in the ultra-cold chain, and automatically starts monitoring as the vaccine is thawed and transferred to chilled conditions at the hospital or surgery. It then tracks the time from thaw at 6hr, 12hr and up to 24hrs, meeting the specifications for use from manufacturers such as Pfizer.

The Timestrip VRM range (Vaccine Refrigeration Monitor) comprises three indicators.

One is designed to indicate the thawing event of the vaccine; another will time 30 days duration in refrigerator conditions (2°C-8°C), helping the user to manage the vaccine manufacturer’s guidelines for use. Then, when the vaccine has been taken from the refrigerator and prepared for use, a third indicator monitors how long it has been exposed to temperatures above 8°C, typically at room temperature. The time ‘run out’ for the VRM VOR12 (Vaccine Out of Refrigerator) is up to 12 hours, with shorter times to an alert being seen at higher temperatures.

Both indicators provide a clear irreversible

SIGINON AVIATION HANDLING CONTRACT WITH CARGOLUX RENEWED KENYA-based Siginon Aviation has renewed its ground handling agreement (SGHA) with Cargolux in its operations at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). The renewal of the SGHA marks a 20-year old business partnership between Siginon Aviation Limited and Cargolux that has grown over the years guided by service excellence and mutual benefit.

Siginon Aviation is based in Kenya with two cargo centres in Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and Eldoret International Airport in Kenya. Meshack Kipturgo, managing direc-

tor says: “We are honoured and delighted to celebrate a 20-year milestone with our long-standing customer Cargolux. The renewal is indeed timely and comes at a time when Siginon Aviation has recently acquired ramp handling equipment to satisfy

our airline customers such as Cargolux.”

Siginon Aviation is a member of the IATA Ground handling Council (IGHC), a certified IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operators (ISAGO) and an EU regulated agent (RA3).

indication to healthcare staff that conditions of storage and handling have exceeded acceptable conditions, and that the vaccine consignment cannot be relied upon.

Based on safe chemical technology, both the VTT 24 and VRM range overcome the limitations of batteries used at ultra-low temperatures.

“We continue to innovate our patented technology to bring the benefits to important applications such as vaccine distribution, supply and last mile handling,” commented Nora Murphy, commercial director of Timestrip. ”Using these indicators, healthcare professionals worldwide can be supported cost effectively, and guided through soon to be routine practices of handling and managing these vital resources.”

ht more members join customer service and pharma safety is an important part of the end to end journey.

We are pleased to join an organisation which understands the care and responsibilities we should all have in this industry.

We look forward to adding value and sharing of our thoughts and new ideas with the entire Pharma.Aero membership.”

Simona Ravera, director of sales, EMEA lifesciences and healthcare, business development solutions, at BDP International shared: “Following our long term strategic plan and initiatives related to the life sciences and healthcare industry such as to build around customer needs

and service models in end to end pharmaceutical logistics, BDP International is happy to be part of Pharma.Aero.

“The nature of this business requires strong industry co-operation. We do believe in a collaborative approach which promotes the exchanges of good practices.”

Enrique Vargas Loret de Mola, SAASA CEO, added: “SAASA’s aim is to have the highest standards in the handling of Pharma by providing training tools to our team of collaborators and adequate infrastructure to ensure product integrity and be part of a globally recognised network.”

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PALLETS

The future is bright for PALLITE DESPITE a challenging year, PALLITE, the Northamptonshire-based alternative pallet company, are innovating and expanding.

Started in 2008, PALLITE was conceived out of a shared need for an alternative to regular, bulky, wooden pallets. Today, PALLITE is a range of lightweight, strong, clean and recyclable paper pallets as well as collapsible pallet boxes, insulated pallet boxes, layer boards and pallet feet, all made from 100% recyclable paper honeycomb board, which contains over 75% recycled content.

ACW spoke to Matthew Marks, compliance and sustainability manager at PALLITE about the company’s role in the airfreight industry.

“The air industry has responded extremely positively to PALLITE products, including our pallets, shipping crates and thermal boxes,” explains Marks. “The air industry was looking for a product that could be made bespoke, a quick turnaround and cost-effective and PALLITE had the answer.

More importantly our solutions are lighter than wooden alternatives and 100% recyclable at end of life.”

The light pallet design reduces total distribution costs. PALLITE’s pallets are around 20kg lighter than traditional pallets, making consignments more cost effective. “Our products are lighter than their wooden counterparts, proven by a Life Cycle Analysis that compare raw material procurement, product manufacturing, products in use and end of life,” Marks explained. “The analysis demonstrated that PALLITE was more environmentally friendly than wooden pallets and can reduce CO2 in the

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supply chain by lowering the overall load weight.”

This environmentally conscious aspect of the pallets was a draw for British Airways choosing PALLITE to work in line with their new initiative to reduce emissions on all flights. Mark added: “Whilst we have kept the BA shipments the same, we have managed to reduce BA’s CO2 output with shipments.”

Customers can access the CO2 calculator on PALLITE’s website to calculate their CO2 savings.

squAIR-timber awarded a Solar Impulse Efficient Solution label

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olar flight pioneer Bertrand Piccard’s Solar Impulse Foundation has embarked on a hunt for 1,000 innovative ideas that prove that sustainable solutions

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can also be economically attractive. squAIR-timber, developed by trilatec, replaces wood pallets and beams used in air freight transportation with comparable solutions made out of cardboard fibre. squAIR-timber products are 80% lighter than wood, dramatically lowering fuel consumption and helping to reduce CO2 emissions from global air freight transportation.

They are manufactured out of 100% recycled paper.

Each metre of material can carry up to 5 tonnes with a tare weight of just 1.2 kgs. By way of comparison, wood has a tare weight of 3-4 kg per metre.

“When transporting pharmaceutical products by airfreight, some of our customers already rely completely on squAIR-timber, because the transition to our sustainable solution is easy and reliable, especially with standardised packaging,” explains Andreas Langemann, managing director of trilatec.

Jettainer, the exclusive sales partner for squAIR-timber, would like to congratulate trilatec. “squAIR-timber is a really innovative system with huge potential to make airfreight transportation more sustainable. We were extremely excited about this solution from the outset.

“It’s a perfect fit with our portfolio of innovative loading equipment and control solutions,” said Thorsten Riekert, chief sales officer of Jettainer.

For example, if a customer were to ship 25 standard sized pallets by air, 3,440 miles, 52 times in the year, they would save: 246 tonnes of CO2 total in transport; 21.5 tonnes in the load; 105,092 litres of diesel and £38,834.85 in fuel.

Staggeringly, this is the equivalent of: 52.5 fewercars on the road in the year; 43 home’s electricity for a year; 31,463,795 smartphones charged or 4,079 trees planted and grown for 10 years.

With the effect COVID-19 has had on the air-

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freight and logistics industries, PALLITE continues to innovate to find solutions to problems. “As expected, the pandemic really shifted focus for the business. Our normal business of B2B customers, including airfreight, really took a downturn with uncertainty as to how or when things will return to normal,” Marks explained.

“We quickly shifted gear and then started to look more towards the consumer market to see if there was anything our product could help with.

Within two weeks we launched our first online store The Paper Hive, selling revolutionary pop-up desks that have received nothing but 5* reviews and used by companies such as Gymshark and The Open University.”

Marks assures PALLITE are confident about the future and opportunities post-Brexit. “Due to new legislation all transit packaging must be heat treated to ensure compliance to the standard ISPM15.

But, all PALLITE products are ISPM15 exempt meaning they are do not require heat treatment and are export ready.

‘The future for PALLITE looks bright, even with all the current uncertainties going on. We are seeing a normal business resuming as more customers get back to normal, and the reception of our new products and product ranges has been outstanding. This year also saw us finally take the plunge and start looking at markets internationally. We have a joint venture with Madison Polymeric Engineering, based in Branford US and working closely with resellers based in France, Germany, Israel and Poland,” added Marks.

Envirotainer adds 57% more RAP e2 capacity in the US

ENVIROTAINER have announced that they are increasing their RAP e2 network capacity in the US by 57%. The four new RAP e2 stations in New York, Miami, Philadelphia and Seattle will increase the capacity to securely ship both COVID-19 vaccines as well as all other medicines.

“Adding New York, Miami, Philadelphia and Seattle to the stations that handle our RAP e2 units brings the best active temperature-controlled solutions in the market closer to the manufacturing hubs of our pharmaceutical customers,” explains Eddy Cojulun, chief sales officer at Envirotainer.

He continues, “In light of upcoming COVID-19 vaccine shipments and the expected demand surge that it will bring, having the right solution readily available will significantly reduce the time-to-market for these life-saving vaccines once they are ready for global distribution.”

Envirotainer has invested in building the largest fleet of active ULD containers and the global network of stations to support customer demand.

This puts Envirotainer in a prime position to handle upcoming COVID-19 vaccine distributions, as well as taking care of other forthcoming temperature-sensitive shipments, independently if they require a 2-8°C or -20°C controlled environment. This is part of Envirotainer’s strategy to expand capabilities across the globe to meet the upcoming demand for secure temperature-controlled solutions in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“The US has always been a strategic

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market for Envirotainer, and we will do everything in our capabilities to support our customers here,” commented Brian Cooper, head of sales, Americas.

“Just looking here in the US, we have more RAP-size capacity than most competitors do in the entire world. That’s saying something about how serious we are about helping our customers here in the US and across the world.”

The addition of JFK, MIA, PHL and SEA will bring the total number of RAP e2 stations for the mainland US to 11 and one in Puerto Rico.

The other RAP e2 stations serving customers are located in northern New Jersey, Atlanta, Chicago, Indianapolis, Dallas/Fort Worth, Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Juan.

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MM WEBINAR

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transport logistic exhibitions Global Webinar Day

THE transport logistic exhibitions, the transport logistic and air cargo cluster of Messe München, successfully organised a new, purely digital and worldwide platform with the Global Webinar Day. On November 12 more than 1,800 international logistics experts exchanged views on current developments at the six transport logistic/air cargo locations. Messe München’s Global Webinar Day offered a wide range of topics with regional focuses. The event provided valuable insights into the markets of China, India, Turkey, Africa, Europe and the USA. Strengthening the airfreight market In India, the organisers discussed the question “When will India become a leading power in the global airfreight market?” Here Sanjeev Gupta, CEO of SpiceXpress, demanded that Indian airlines should wake up and face the challenge of moving international freight and thus become an air cargo hub between East and West. The experts agreed that all players in the industry, such as airports, airlines and shippers, but also the government, must work together to strengthen the location.

Gautam Mandal, director products, Cargo Flash Infotech, pointed out particularly great potential in the use of blockchain for the global air freight industry.

Digitisation in Turkey

nor cold chains to meet the temperature requirements and especially the freezing of vaccines everywhere. All experts agreed that close co-operation between all players was needed to meet the challenge.

Co-operation and exchange

only ACL Airshop noticed this, but also other international specialists for ULD management such as Jettainer or Unilode. Robert Fordree, executive vice president cargo at Menzies Aviation, also said that they had experienced a significant upswing in pharmaceuticals and e-Commerce around the world.

Despite the pandemic, 580,000 e-Commerce transactions per second were made on Single Day in China alone. As a ground handler, the company saw enormous fluctuations from massive peaks to a sharp drop in activity, so it faced the challenge of planning for this. Fordree warned that the world had neither the infrastructure

Messe München was satisfied with the Global Webinar Day. “Due to the worldwide coronavirus pandemic, all foreign events of the transport logistic network had to be cancelled since March. With the Global Webinar Day, we have therefore created a new platform for the exchange of ideas and experiences in the international logistics industry. The webinars were very well received.

“This shows us once again how important exchange within the industry is. We are therefore looking forward to the coming trade fair year with general optimism,” said Gerhard Gerritzen, member of the management board of Messe München, and at the same time thanked all the partner companies who helped organise the event. Messe München had involved MM Shanghai, MM India, EKO MMI and MM South Africa as well as the STAT Media Group in the planning.

During the session “What are Turkey’s chances of becoming the logistics hub for Eurasia?” the experts from Turkey saw great opportunities in digitisation for the logistics industry. According to Turhan Özen, chief cargo officer of Turkish Airlines, the airline lost almost 95% of its belly capacities due to the pandemic but was able to significantly accelerate its digital initiatives. Özen predicted that Turkey would be a global air cargo hub by 2024.

The pandemic is changing the African airfreight scene as experts from South Africa provided insights into how the changes by the coronavirus pandemic have also brought opportunities for the airfreight market in Africa. Peter Musola, manager, cargo commercial at Kenya Airways, explained that many foreign airlines had withdrawn from the market. Kenya Airways seized the opportunity and completed more than 1,000 cargo flights from April 2020 to date.

However, a clear legal framework was needed to further strengthen the location. Sanjeev Gadhia, CEO and founder of Astral Aviation, said: “Africa is still the most expensive air freight market due to high taxes and the infrastructure needs to be further developed”.

Supply chain synchronisation In the European session, the experts gave an outlook on the development of supply chains and the economy for the next six months. Prof Dr Dennis Ostwald, managing director of the WifOR Institute in Darmstadt, predicted that the GDP in Europe would fall by 7.5% this year. In his opinion, the current crisis is a much bigger one than in 2009. According to Jan Fransoo, professor of operations and logistics management, Tilburg School of Economics and Management at Tilburg University, there will be considerable fluctuations in the next four months due to the lockdowns in many European countries.

Governments are ensuring that there is liquidity and that unemployment rates remain moderate. As a result, people would continue to be willing to consume, but this would result in a sharp drop in inventories. Prof Fransoo said that the individual transport companies had to be flexible and should not look at the long-term contracts. Felix Herzog, associate partner for aerospace OEM and supplier at Porsche Consulting, pointed out that the recovery time for aerospace will be at least 24 to 36 months due to COVID-19.

“The industry must find a way to adjust production rates to reflect local markets. With supply chains no longer under pressure, this is an excellent time for manufacturers and logistics providers to rethink business models and service portfolios. We need to use the time now to optimise production lines and supply chains for the reviving business,” he appealed to the audience.

Pharma upswing America concluded the transport logistic exhibitions Global Webinar Day 2020 with an outlook on “Trends that will shape the growth of the airfreight business on the American continent after the pandemic.”

Steve Townes, chairman and CEO of ACL Airshop, said that the COVID-19 pandemic is the worst crisis in the entire airfreight industry. Airlines defied the situation by establishing so-called “preighters” to transport vital goods. Efficient ULD management is particularly important due to the continuing uncertainties. Not

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ACW 30 NOVEMBER 2020

7

THE MAN WHO LIKES TO KEEP HIS COOL

THE AUDACITY OF CONTROL S

tart-up la COUVERTURE is not short of confidence.

Their ambition is to ‘control the uncontrollable’ in airfreight. That is a bold promise. Can it be backed up?

Marco Del Giudice, founder and owner, la COUVERTURE, thinks so.

“Of course, this is a slightly provocative statement that refers to the pharmaceutical industry’s general idea of the tarmac. In fact, until a few years ago, the aircraft loading and unloading area was considered a moment of very high risk – almost uncontrollable.

This is why we somewhat provocatively think that our product can control what until now was considered almost uncontrollable from that perspective.

“La Couverture is the result of a development from experts of the airport handling sector together with cold chain experts in order to offer to the global market a tailor-made product that preserves temperature sensitive products within the +15+25°C range from excursions.

“It is a global solution that can be adapted to suit every airport in the world. It solves the problem of temperature excursions on tarmac for temperature-sensitive products in the range of +15°C to +25°C. Compared to the thermal dolly of a refrigerated truck, we don’t have any CO2 emissions and we don’t need fuel or maintenance.

“It’s also important to mention that in order to obtain IATA Pharma CEIV certification, one of the requirements is to have a system for protecting shipments on the tarmac from extreme weather conditions.”

Hybrid thermal solution He says la COUVERTURE is a hybrid thermal solution halfway between a standard thermal cover and a thermal dolly. This brand-new product has been developed exclusively for airports’ handling needs in order to protect temperature-sensitive shipments from temperature variations for five hours in extreme climate conditions – hot or cold – from the airport cargo warehouse all the way to the apron area.

He adds that la COUVERTURE offers a level of protection near to that of a thermal dolly but without all the initial investment and without the usage and maintenance costs. It takes the form of a cover, but it is much more reliable and offers much higher performance than standard thermal covers. This makes it

a thermal solution that offers much better value for money, says Del Giudice.

Heat of the sun The hybrid thermal solution is composed of two parts: the top and the side. Both are joined by sever-

al Velcro strips all around the ULD. It is made using innovative materials - PCMs (phase change materials).

Sewn into the top layer of la COUVERTURE, these cooling elements absorb the heat of the sun and offer an additional barrier between direct sunshine and the product. The hybrid thermal solution is also partly made with recycled fleece material, giving a second life to 192.5 PET bottles per product.

Del Giudice adds: “Inside of la COUVERTURE, an innovative IoT tracker is installed to allow the product to be geo-tracked, and the user guide is on the side and is also available via a QR code. The materials used are robust and washable so that la COUVERTURE can be reused for at least three years, and it is also repairable, thanks to its worldwide network of repair stations.

“In other words, la COUVERTURE is a truly multi-use piece of equipment that protects temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals significantly better than products currently on the market.”

German, Italian and French teams were involved in the challenge to study, test and manufacture the product.

An Italian team designed and developed la COUVERTURE. The German team then took care of production of la COUVERTURE after a year of research and development to be able to manufacture the final product, not including the testing process. Finally, the French team developed and created la COUVERTURE’s image, from its name to its identity and is also responsible for all communications linked to the product.

It is a very simple and user-friendly solution, but we will also offer assembly and disassembly instructions on la COUVERTURE itself, as well as via a QR code link to our website’s user guide page, which is accessible via a normal smartphone.

La COUVERTURE is owned by MdG, a company based in Rome, Italy. The company was founded in 2010 together with MdG Consulting.

Would Del Giudice describe himself as a ‘disruptor’ in the market or a Next Gen Leader operation?

He says: “If being a Next Gen Leader means offering our industry a product that is totally dedicated to addressing a real need and that is both innovative and sustainable – in the sense that it is both long-lasting and environmentally friendly, in its manufacture and its use alike – then yes, la COUVERTURE is the product of a Next Gen Leader.”

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