Last week, we exclusively reported that Cargolux decided to re-insource many of the IT services so far provided by CHAMP Cargosytems. Our article has triggered a tremendous response.
Among the reactions was a call from a CHAMP manager objecting to what he sees as “some misleading contents” in our report that needed clarification. Consequently, we offered both SITA, CHAMP’s
majority shareholder, and the CHAMP management the opportunity to deliver statements, explaining their view. These we would publish in full, we assured, regardless of the contents.
Unfortunately, this offer was turned down by SITA and CHAMP, as they told us two days later.
In contrast, CHAMP CEO Arnaud Lambert used his in-house channel “NEWS” to comment on our article and explain his position (documented below). There he accused our publication of delivering
“wrong facts and misleading information, including changing the context of what Cargolux has shared with them.”
These allegations we consider as being of defamatory character. They are baffling, to put it mildly.
Therefore, we decided to publish the relevant documents, enabling readers to form their own view.
At this point, we would like to emphasize that we feel committed to investigative, fact-based, and truthful reporting. Our intention is to promote a better understanding of the air cargo industry
and not to harm any company or individual through our publication.
However, if we are deliberately accused of spreading misinformation we respond with the means at our disposal.
The following three documents displayed here should evidence who plays foul and who does not.
Voila, here we go!
Heiner Siegmund
Part 2 - NEWS, CHAMP in-house mag
Author: CEO Arnaud Lambert
CHAMP in the press - CEO’s office
Dear Colleagues
It is not my habit to comment on what is in the press, but when it is false and damaging for CHAMP I can’t remain silent.
You might have read the article at https://www.cargoforwarder.eu/2018/12/01/exclusive-cargolux-bids-champ-farewell/
Like you, I have no issue for journalists to have their own opinion but at least they should, as professionals, ensure the veracity of their facts and ensure completeness of their
information.
In this case the article is paved with wrong facts and misleading information, including changing the context of what Cargolux has shared with them.

I have been in contact with the CEO of Cargolux and their Head of Public Relations. Both are, like me, outraged by this article which is not in line with what was presented to them for
proofreading. They will follow-up with this journalist.
Let me confirm you that the re-insourcing of the Enterprise Services with Cargolux has been a strategic decision on their part on which we work in full collaboration. This re-insourcing will also
strategically allow CHAMP to focus even more on its core business and for what we are world leader: IT solutions for the air cargo industry.
On that note, I can confirm that Cargolux has signed last Friday a new contract with CHAMP for the provision of Cargo Services for the long run and a specific contract to secure a smooth
Enterprise Services exit throughout the first half 2019.
Regarding the industry as a whole, CHAMP is well positioned on the market with a continuous growth of its customer base (but yes, we can’t win them all!) and a portfolio in continuous evolution
driven by innovation.
Been in a leading position is always a challenging journey and 500 CHAMPions are making it a fabulous and successful one.
Best regards, Arnaud
Addenum: Original document; orthographical mistakes / typos left uncorrected.
PART 3 - Email received from CV’s Head of PR, Moa Sigurdardottir on 30 Nov:
Dear Heiner,
Thank you for sharing the article.
Please see below some info from our side.
In 2004, Cargolux split its IT division into a separate legal entity called Champ Cargosystems. At the time, this was a global trend to better identify and manage IT costs and spending. In
addition, it enabled the company to optimize and continuously improve IT services by leveraging the IT expertise of a specialist IT service provider. Outsourcing IT was not uncommon at this
time.
In light of the changes in the logistics and aviation industry, and the resulting demands of our business, Cargolux is revising and adapting its IT architecture and IT operations strategy.
To achieve this, we want to leverage more standardized IT services and specialized IT service providers, such as Champ for cargo management and IT cloud services for basic IT.
By doing this, Cargolux not only improves every functional element but also the cost base for these services. In addition, Cargolux can focus on differentiating elements of the core business,
which are developed in-house. For example, providing APIs to our customers to enable digital interaction with them.
The transition has begun and will be implemented over the next few years. During this phase, some of Champ's services will be discontinued during 2019. However, with Champ Cargospot for cargo
management, Champ will continue to provide a significant Cargolux IT service.
Best regards
Moa
PART 4 - Article published in CFG on 1 December, author: Heiner Siegmund
Transition has begun
… the carrier has decided to undertake a radical reassessment of CHAMP’s holistic Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, provided to Cargolux for inventory reasons, sales support, maintenance
management, marketing aspects, human resources or financial transparency, facilitating transactions in real-time. In other words, all these key ERP tools based on CHAMP technology are currently
scrutinized and replaced by others in the months ahead.
This is confirmed by CV’s head of communications Moa Sigurdardottir to CargoForwarder Global. In light of the changes in the logistics and aviation industry, and the resulting demands of her
airline’s business, “Cargolux is revising and adapting its IT architecture and IT operations strategy,” she states.
To achieve this, “we want to leverage more standardized IT services and specialized IT service providers, such as CHAMP for cargo management and IT cloud services for basic
IT.”
Ms Sigurdardottir went on to say: “Cargolux not only improves every functional element but also the cost base for these services. In addition, Cargolux can focus on differentiating
elements of the core business, which are developed inhouse.”
For example, “providing APIs to our customers to enable digital interaction with them.”
According to her, the transition has begun and will be implemented step by step. “During this phase, some of CHAMP’s services will be discontinued during 2019,” Ms Sigurdardottir
announces. She emphasizes however, that CHAMP’s core product Cargospot for cargo management “will continue to provide a significant Cargolux IT service.”
Addendum: Sentences written in bold for easier comparison with Cargolux’s input.
Final remark:
It would be desirable if CHAMP CEO Mr Lambert could specify which “wrong facts and misleading information,” our report of last week contains.
In regard to his insinuation that we “changed the context of what Cargolux has shared with us,” we expect his apology.
For further insights pls read: CHAMP Keeps Losing Ground
Heiner Siegmund
Write a comment
Leonidas, no not the cocolates (Sunday, 09 December 2018 23:29)
THIS IS SPARTA.!!!
In your visage Mr Lambert, so nice to read that virtual front kick, unlike you, no lies, no half truths, just facts.
Quite a difference from the advertisement you payed for on 2 other platforms this week.
Now go dig up what you can to shift the blame on someone else, nobody will believe you anyway.
"la meule des Dieux moud lentement, mais elle n'en moud que plus finement"
Do pass this on to your right hand, who will certainly feel the divine wrath, rather sooner than later, for his numerous misconducts and yourself for helping silencing them.
Kali su mera Malakas
One of CHAMP Manila Employees (Monday, 10 December 2018 08:00)
This CEO is weak and incompetent.
Col. Kurtz (Saturday, 15 December 2018 23:18)
"Let me confirm you that the re-insourcing of the Enterprise Services with Cargolux has been a strategic decision on their part on which we work in full collaboration."
Lambert, you pathetic gobshite, of course it was a strategic decision on their part, started years ago, certainly not yours, dropping the only customer keeping this entity alive, and of course you work in full collaboration like you have a choice you big eejit, they own 49% of your derrière.
" I have no issues with journalists having their own opinion"
JESUS MARY JOSEPH!
Praise you, Lambertus , oh great leader and guide us to enlighrment
Journalisr=reporter= they report FACTS!
As for the word " outraged", Lord almighty, you know who was outraged ? the staff members whose belongings were urinated on by your big bollocks of a canine.
These people are still waiting for you to apologise and pay for dry cleaning BTW.
Why don't you just quit and enjoy the millions you inherited? You like the glitter way too much, that's why, the shiny things, the titles, president of this, CEO of that.
Even with all the revelations made here I'm pretty sure you'll not only cash in a nice fat golden parachute but another similar position in another company, not the staff though.
Are you going to take your BFF of a vp with you?
Careful if you do though, you take him with all the skeletons in his closet, well you know that don't you, as you actually supplied the closet and the lock yourself.
Can't wait to see that smirk wiped off your face.