SHORT SHOTS

AC Cargo awards contract to SASI for upgrading YYZ hub
Air Canada Cargo has awarded a major contract to Strategic Aviation Solutions Int’l (SASI) for the review and upgrade-planning phase of their Cargo Hub at Toronto Pearson International Airport. According to SASI’s Senior Executive Director Stan Wraight, the scope of the project is a complete review and upgrade proposal for the facility including the I.T. enhancements and material handling processes in order to ensure maximum efficiency and customer satisfaction.
“We are very proud to be awarded this major contract with such a prestigious client as Air Canada Cargo in the North American Market. SASI has engaged BeCon Projects to assist and ensure a complete and timely delivery to the full satisfaction of Air Canada Cargo,” stated Stan Wraight of SASI and Uwe Beck of Frankfurt, Germany-based consultancy firm and project developer BeCon.

Finnair Cargo expands freighter capacity ex Brussels
Starting 5th October Finnair Cargo will introduce a third freighter on its feeder service between Brussels and Helsinki. From the same date the A350 passenger aircraft serving this route on Wednesday and Thursday will be downsized to smaller planes. “These aircraft are too big for this route,” says Tim Ceha, branch manager of the airline’s Belgian GSA, IAS. On the route between Brussels, its Western-European cargo hub, and its home base Helsinki, Finnair Cargo deploys DHL A300Fs. At present, these fly on Saturday and Sunday. In the new schedule the Sunday flight will be suspended. The Saturday flight will be complemented by a freighter service on Wednesday and Thursday. “The belly capacity on the A350 flights was some 24 tonnes,” says Tim. “We are now adding 40 tonnes.” What Finnair Cargo is selling in Brussels is its Asian network mainly.

AA Cargo seeks CEIV Pharma certification
American Airlines Cargo has signed an agreement with The International Air Transportation Association (IATA) to obtain CEIV certification for handling of pharmaceuticals and healthcare products according to valid international standards. Obtaining the certification is part of the carrier’s program to enhance and evolve its cold-chain efforts made over the last few years.
According to AA Cargo, initial stations will include their home base Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) and Miami International (MIA). At MIA, American’s step will back the airport’s pharma hub initiative. In addition, AA Cargo plans to also certify Philadelphia International (PHL), thus supporting its dedicated, 25,000 square-foot pharma and healthcare handling facility that went online in 2015.                                            
IATA’s Center for Excellence and Independent Validators (CEIV), impartially validates the capabilities associated with the proper transportation, handling and storing of delicate, temperature-controlled pharmaceutical shipments.

Brussels Airlines: Christina comes, Lars goes
Former Lufthansa executive Christina Foerster (45) will be joining the Management Board of Brussels Airlines as new Chief Commercial Officer as of 1 October. Mrs Foerster follows Lars Redeligx in this position, who has successfully repositioned the business model, market approach and brand of Brussels Airlines during the past three and a half years. Lars becomes Chief Commercial Officer and Spokesperson Europe of the LSG Group.
Christina will report directly to CEO Bernard Gustin. Mrs Foerster holds a master’s degree in Business Administration and started her career 1999 at The Boston Consulting Group. Three years after, she moved to Deutsche Lufthansa, to take over a variety of responsibilities as Project Manager Corporate Strategy, General Manager Product Management Intercontinental, VP Network and Fleet Development. In 2014, she was appointed Senior VP Network, Group & Alliance Development at the LH Group of Airlines, including Swiss and Austrian. “We've known Christina for many years, working extensively with her on topics like network, alliances and fleet. With her analytical skills and international experience, she will actively support us in further reinforcing our competitiveness within an extremely challenging market environment,” stated CEO Gustin.

Jacqueline Casini to head LH Cargo communications
The 44-year old graduate of national economics takes up her new position on 1 November. Her range of duties comprises the internal and external communication as well as the marketing communication. Further, Mrs Casini will be responsible for steering the carrier’s environmental management. 
Jaqueline follows Michael Goentgens who decided to leave the freight airline at the end of this month after six years in this function to become Group Manager Corporate Communications at carmaker Opel AG.
Jacqueline has a remarkable track record in the field of communication and marketing. Since 2014, she is responsible for internal and external communications at the Erwin Hymer Group, Europe’s leading producer of motorhomes and caravans. Prior to that, she advised and serviced international enterprises that intended starting business activities in the German market. Before, she was Head of Marketing at Spanish firm AT4 Wireless, a testing and certification company belonging to German audit specialist DEKRA.
“I am happy to welcome Jacqueline Casini on board,” stated CEO Peter Gerber of LH Cargo. “With her vast experience she will further develop Lufthansa Cargo’s communications successfully.”

Fraport, Beijing Airport and Air China sign MoU
Frankfurt operator Fraport AG, Beijing Capital International Airport Co. Ltd., and Air China have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for future mutual cooperation. Main aim of the trio is the upping of flights between Beijing and Frankfurt.
In addition to coordinating communications and marketing activities, the MoU will focus on developing special customized airport services at the airports involved.
The step follows a recent wide-reaching partnership announcement made by Air China and the Lufthansa Group to jointly operate all flights between Europe and China as part of a commercial joint venture.

Speaking at the MoU ceremony Fraport’s Senior VP Sales and Customer Service, Winfried Hartmann, stated: “This cooperation agreement underscores the growing importance of Frankfurt as a preferred gateway to Germany and Europe for Chinese leisure and business travelers.  In the future, we will be able to expand traffic connections to and from China, which is vital for Germany’s export economy and tourism industry.”
Winfried went on to say: “At the same time, both airports will be able to match their service offerings to the specialized needs and wishes of passengers at the corresponding airports.”

Cargolux appoints Zehren
Luxembourg’s flag carrier has confirmed the appointment of Claude Zehren as “EVP and Nominated Person Flight Operations.” Claude took over all duties from his predecessor, Jason Holt, on an interim basis on 1 September. Mr Zehren has been with Cargolux for 18 years and his wealth of experience, not only as a pilot, but also as a member of the management structure, is a valuable asset for Flight Operations and for Cargolux.
“Cargolux pilots have always strived to deliver the highest standards in operation and safety. Their spirit and motivation is unparalleled and I am very much looking forward to continue my work with these colleagues in my new position,” Zehren

Heiner Siegmund