SHORT SHOTS

Air France KLM Martinair Cargo launches “Cargo Toolbox” App

Expanding on its previously launched “Mr Beam” app, which is aimed at supporting pallet builders (to build more successfully than we would expect from the original Mr Bean…), KLM Cargo’s Compliance Knowledge Centre (CKC) has now come up with an industry first, according to its press release: “a unique app for the airfreight industry, which can be used for so-called co-loading segregation checks (e.g. for dangerous goods), based on IATA norms” called the “Cargo Toolbox”, and AFKLMP “will be the first airline to start using this ‘Cargo Toolbox’ app and will make it available to all others in our sector, free of charge.” Addressing a key issue, namely safety and compliance when it comes to co-loading, the Cargo Toolbox app-in-an-app includes a new co-loading instructions app based on machine learning that, the more it is used, will become better and faster at recognizing symbols on labels, and quickly indicate if co-loading is possible or not. Downloadable from the Apple and Google Play stores and thus available in the user’s target language, the “Cargo Toolbox” is a helpful, on-the-job tool for all those involved in cargo segregation.
Kester Meijer, Director Operational Integrity, Compliance & Safety at KLM Cargo explained the concept approach: “In this way, KLM Cargo hopes to improve safety throughout the cargo chain, addressing key compliance and safety themes. This can only be achieved together with the entire cargo community, which means handling companies as well airlines. It doesn’t matter who you work for. We believe it is important to get knowledge out onto the work floor as quickly and clearly as possible, without having to consult manuals that are often heavy and complex. The manuals containing relevant information aren’t always within easy reach, which is why we came up with the app,” and pointed to further development plans: “We want to create a lost-and-found app next year. If you encounter a package drifting around, you simply scan the barcode sticker and get the information you need.”

SASI expands into China

Strategic Aviation Solutions (SASI), a Montreal, Canada-based independent advisor to the aviation industry, and the Aerotropolis Institute China (AIC) have inked a pact, facilitating the delivery of training programs, seminars, and workshops throughout China in the air cargo, logistics, and airport economic areas. The agreement entitles AIC to represent SASI’s Training and Learning division in China for delivering existing SASI courses and workshops in Zhengzhou and Shanghai, both in English and Mandarin. These are the bullet point of the cooperation:
Within the AIC, to establish educational standards and requirements;  develop and deliver specialized training and workshops in China; provide AIC with “Train the Trainer” solutions, and offer high level focused Seminars, Workshops and Training as mutually agreed.
John Kasarda PhD, President, Aerotropolis Institute China (AIC) commented: ”As a thought leader and accomplished consulting organization in airport, air logistics, and aerotropolis development, AIC will combine its China and worldwide experiences with SASI's impressive Air Cargo Professional Advancement programs to provide participants with cutting-edge knowledge and results-directed strategies.”
Stan Wraight of SASI stated: “With one of the most respected teams in air logistics training and learning within SASI, led by Lilian Tan and Charles Edwards, SASI has delivered global training solutions and workshops for Airlines, Airports, GHA, GSSA, Forwarders and almost every discipline involved in air logistics on a global basis over the past 10 years.” He went on to say: “Government authorities, financial institutions such as the World Bank, TSA, Customs etc., have trusted in SASI and taken part. This broad experience and history will greatly assist SASI and the AIC in the coming years to develop specific for China all capabilities and solutions.”

An appalling tragedy in animal transportation at Madrid Airport

How can such animal cruelty occur? Originally destined for flight C2501 to Malabo, on 02OCT20, 26,000 chicks were left abandoned in transit at Madrid Barajas airport in Spain for three days without food or water, according to a press release on 07OCT20, published by Spain’s National Police. A heart-wrenching video showed the state the birds were in when the police had arrived on the Sunday, and two animal protection organizations, Salvando Peludos and Asociación para la Liberación y el Bienestar Animal (ALBA), had been called in to rescue the survivors.
Apparently, rain had initially damaged the cardboard cartons the chicks had been packed in to, leading to the shipment becoming unfit for further transport. According to the police, the airport company had contacted the shipping company, but they had refused to take responsibility, therefore the chicks were simply left to their fate, abandoned in the cargo terminal. Why it took so long for the police to be notified, remains a mystery.
The stench was overpowering and 6,000 of the 26,000 chicks had already died by the time the police arrived, while those still alive were suffering from hypothermia and had resorted to eating the carcasses out of hunger. In the end, just 3,200 survived after a call via social media channels had been made for the donation of heat lamps to help treat them. They have now been taken in by animal sanctuaries and foster homes.
A full investigation is being made and those responsible face charges of animal cruelty.

dnata keeps things cool over in Singapore

With the addition of high-tech cool dollies last week, dnata has become the first air service provider in Changi Airport in Singapore to offer a fully integrated, temperature-controlled cool chain for pharma cargo, where it already operates a state-of-the-art, CEIV-Pharma-certified 1,400m² pharma and perishable handling center. dnata Singapore is also a recent member of the Singapore Association of Pharmaceutical Industries (SAPI) and is thus preparing to ramp-up for imminent COVID-19 vaccine transport challenge.
The latest addition to its temperature-sensitive handling service, the cool dollies serve to avoid temperature deviations as well as contamination during transport from the warehouse to the aircraft and vice-versa. In addition to a seamless cool chain for temperatures ranging from -18°C up to +25°C, the dollies are also environmentally friendly and autonomous since they are fitted with solar panels.
Dirk Goovaerts, dnata's Regional CEO for Asia Pacific, explained: "It has become increasingly crucial for both airlines and freight forwarders to be supported by a reliable, certified handler that can protect their pharma shipments and ensure the products remain in perfect condition until they reach the end customer. We constantly invest in our people, facilities, equipment, and processes to provide world-class services to our customers. Our latest investment in cool dollies underlines our commitment to ensuring the highest quality of supply chain management when handling temperature-sensitive cargo. We continue to enhance our operations to deliver the promises our customers make, every day."
Lim Ching Kiat, Managing Director, Air Hub Development, Changi Airport Group (CAG), welcomed the cooperation within the industry: "The cool dolly services further enhance Singapore as a reliable and quality air hub for pharma and perishables products. […] Changi currently features the largest IATA CEIV Pharma certified air cargo community in Asia Pacific. Together with our community, we are preparing for the effective global air transportation of Covid-19 vaccines."

Spreading the Cargo Human Care message across the world

It was a sad day for all the volunteers and beneficiaries of Cargo Human Care e.V, (an aid organization set up by pilot Fokko Doyen and Lufthansa Cargo employees back in 2007), when the MD11 registration D-ALCH was phased out in March this year. The airplane covered in colorful footprints from the children at the Mothers’ Mercy Home in Nairobi, Kenya, had served as a global ambassador for the organization since 2015. Now the same B777F that took over D-ALCH’s previous name, "¡Buenos días México!", has also taken over its responsibility and recently emerged from the Lufthansa Technik hangar in its new Cargo Human Care livery. It proudly bears the Cargo Human Care logo and slogan "Step by step. Giving children a future," along with portraits of Kenyan children living in the "Mothers' Mercy Home" orphanage, painted by founding member, Franka Doyen. Chennai, India, will be its first port of call this weekend, flying under LH8472.
Fokko Doyen, President of Cargo Human Care and flight captain at Lufthansa Cargo, is delighted with the new livery: "Cargo Human Care is a matter of the heart not only for me, but also for many colleagues. I am very proud that we now have a new ambassador who carries Cargo Human Care around the globe."
"Social commitment has always been part of Lufthansa Cargo's DNA. With the new motifs on the freighter, we are not only continuing our commitment to supporting Cargo Human Care, but also the United Nations' sustainable development goal 'No Poverty'," Lufthansa Cargo Chief Operations Officer Harald Gloy explained.

Korean Air Cargo preparing for “perfect transportation” of vaccine

Korean Air has been busy not only on the passenger side with its “Care First” program in the combat against COVID-19 infection, but it also recently formed a task force within its cargo business, to ramp up for the requirements the COVID-19 vaccine transport will bring once it is finally developed. Its task force is made up of Korean Air cargo sales and special cargo experts who are systematically analyzing factors such as ensuring the correct storage temperature, necessary facilities at departure, transit and arrival, safety and security measures, monitoring processes, employee training, and adequate dedicated storage facilities. In fact, Korean Air Cargo which already holds CEIV Pharma certification and operates a 1,292 m² temperature-controlled handling warehouse at its Incheon International Airport cargo terminal, is planning to expand this with an additional 1,872 m² Cool Cargo Center at Terminal 2 next year, which will be used for the smooth transportation of the vaccines.
The airline has already been involved in a number of PPE and medical supply transports and has experienced a rapid increase in fresh and pharma shipments over the past few years. Temperature-sensitive shipments accounted for 10% of its total cargo volume last year.

Packwise’s Smart Cap goes into pilot phase

Packwise is a tech startup offering Internet of Things solutions and which has developed a smart sensor especially for chemical and liquid shipments in Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBC). No larger than the palm of a hand, the Packwise Smart Cap which has a 5-year battery life, can be simply attached to any kind of IBC, and then proceeds to monitor fill level, location, temperature, and movement. Its uses included track and trace capabilities, automatic reordering, automated damage notifications, demand forecasting, theft protection via digital alarm, best-before date surveillance, and the avoidance of cross-contamination. All data is encrypted and transmitted to the Packwise Flow web application where it can be analyzed, set to trigger notifications/alarms, and interfaced with a pre-existing Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system upon request. Digital tracking will help to minimize loss, theft, and idle times, for example. Should the IBC become unusable, the Smart Cap can be removed just as easily and remounted on a new IBC.
The device is currently being tested by 25 businesses using IBCs in the chemical production, chemical logistics, and food logistics sectors across Germany, Switzerland, UK, Netherlands, and Austria. The aim is to launch full scale production in January 2021
"There are an estimated 10 million IBCs in Germany alone and up to 300 million across the globe, meaning the impact of improved logistical capabilities will be huge for the chemical, liquid, and food industries, plus a great benefit for the environment," said Gesche Weger, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Packwise.
"Smart Cap users are able to increase service levels to their customers because fill levels and overall stock can be observed, monitored, and replenished in line with demands while benefitting from optimized distribution and recovery routes."

An important certificate for Frankfurt Cargo Services GmbH

Frankfurt Cargo Services GmbH was awarded the CEIV-Pharma certification on 29SEP20, having successfully completed the rigorous auditing process. It is an important achievement for one of the world’s largest cargo handling companies based in one of the largest airports, and one that comes at just the right time given the impending COVID-19 vaccine transports.
“The requirements that apply to safe storage and transportation of pharmaceutical products have been evolving steadily in recent years. Pharmaceutical handling is very demanding. It requires clear and stable processes for product safety. Earning certification according to the IATA CEIV standard confirms to us and our customers the quality of FCS’s longstanding activities in this segment,” Stefan Kassau, Manager Processes & Pharma Handling at FCS said, adding “It is the basis and incentive for continuing and building on our successful work and guaranteeing our customers that their pharmaceutical consignments will be handled safely at Frankfurt Airport.”
“In the course of the certification process, the FCS special warehouses were equipped with a state-of-the-art new temperature monitoring system and underwent an in-depth audit. Functionality and safety for the products was confirmed by the necessary temperature mapping activities,” Christoph Cyranek, Manager Quality Assurance & Performance Improvement at FCS, stated. “As part of our preparations for the logistics involving Covid-19 vaccines that is presumably coming up, this certification comes at just the right time, of course. As the first step, we already decided to expand our existing infrastructure so even more handling space can be provided for active refrigerated containers.” FCS is now working towards GDP certification which looks at the entire process of transportation from the producer through to the end customer, independent of air freight, and is the EU “good distribution practice” (GDP) certification for medical products for human use.

Brigitte Gledhill

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