SHORT SHOTS

A new global digital platform to bring the logistics industry together

Given that COVID-19 led to the cancellation of all transport logistic exhibitions’ physical events this year, it has announced its first Global Webinar Day 2020 which will take place on 12NOV20. Intended as the “first global, digital meeting point for the logistics industry,” the series of 6 90-minute webinars hosted from the six transport logistics global locations, are free to participants and will be held in English (wit h the exception of the China-focused one) on the following location-specific topics in a one-day digital trip around the world: "Chinese logistics for a growing e-commerce market" (China), "When will India become a formidable power in the global air cargo market?” (India), "What are the chances for Turkey to be the logistics hub of the Eurasian Region?" (Turkey), "Future forward - what does it take for Africa to create a competitive landscape for air cargo?" (South Africa), "A six-month outlook - how are economy and supply chains developing?” (Europe), and finally "Trends that will shape the growth of air cargo business in the Americas post pandemic" (USA). You can register for as many sessions as you wish and will have access to the recording of the sessions you registered for, afterwards. Registration is via https://www.stattimes.com/global-webinar_2020

Singapore Airlines resumes world’s longest non-stop service

From 09NOV20, Singapore Airlines will again run its 18 hour 40 minutes non-stop flight from Changi Airport, Singapore to New York (John F. Kennedy Airport), and on 11NOV20 its first flight back again. Operated by an A350-900 three times a week, the airline looks to satisfy cargo demand from a number of industries, though mainly pharmaceuticals, e-commerce, and technology companies. Originally the route had been Singapore-Newark until the COVID-19 pandemic forced the service to be stopped in MAR20.

“The new service will provide the only non-stop air cargo link from the US Northeast to Singapore, which serves as a regional distribution hub for many major US-based companies,” SIA stated.

As with many other airlines, SIA has suffered a massive 98% year-on-year drop in passenger figures (in September), though as more borders are opening, the number of passengers transiting at Changi Airport are also slowly growing. The mix of passenger and cargo traffic should support the route, while SIA closely monitors developments in the US prior to deciding to resume more destinations.

From people to post – Qantas’ A321 P2F is the first worldwide

As part of a $1 billion, 7-year contract deal regarding domestic and international air freight agreed between Qantas and Australian Post last year, Qantas Freight received the first of three A321-231 Passenger to Freighter Conversions from Vallair on 14OCT20, and thus became the launch operator of the world’s first Airbus A321 freighter converted aircraft. The conversion of MSN 835 was carried out by EFW in at ST Engineering’s facility in Singapore. Fittingly, the aircraft’s registration is VH-ULD – now that it carries containers instead of people. The new freighter is able to take 9 more tons of cargo compared to Qantas’ existing B737F fleet: in other words, 50% more capacity.

“The A321 is the future of freighter conversions,” said Gregoire Lebigot, CEO – Vallair. “Not only is this freighter variant better for the environment due to its 20% reduction in fuel burn, but it offers enhanced performance across range, payload and volume with a unique capacity for fourteen container positions in the upper deck and ten more on the containerised lower cargo deck. Thanks to its fly by wire technology, the A321 is more advanced and the aircraft is still in production. Converting a passenger plane to cargo is an extremely complex undertaking which needs to be managed by highly experienced people. This applies not only to the physical conversion process, but also in terms of engineering and project management. It has taken several years of hard work to reach this milestone and Vallair is delighted to be in the position to deliver the very first conversion of this type to Qantas Freight who will operate the aircraft on behalf of Australia Post.”

Vallair’s foresight is paying off: a host of freight operators have already placed orders, amongst them SmartLynx Malta and start-up GlobalX with delivery dates in early 2023. Vallair’s forecast is that e-commerce will fuel demand and there could be around 400 A321F flying by 2030.

Kalitta Air will be “The Big Twin” launch operator

GECAS Cargo announced last week that Kalitta Air has entered into an agreement to become the launch operator of “The Big Twin” – the name given to the 777-300ERSF as it will be the world’s largest twin-engine freighter. Kalitta Air has agreed to lease three of these passenger-to-freighter conversion aircraft and can expect their delivery in 2023, adding to its sizeable, almost 40-strong cargo fleet which also includes B747-400F, 767-300SF and 777F versions.

Kalitta Air owner, Conrad Kalitta, explained the decision: “Providing air express delivery all around the world for virtually any type of freight, the addition of these three 777-300ERSF freighters will help us meet the needs of our customers.”

Speaking on behalf of GECAS, its SVP and Manager Cargo, Rich Greener, stated: “We are delighted to continue our 15-year relationship with Kalitta Air and proud they’ve become the launch customer with the 777-300ERSF freighter for its future air cargo operations. The 777-300ERSF shares extensive commonality with the production 777-200LRF. That’s a benefit to any operator looking to bring a new type into their fleet.”

Powered by GE90 engines, “The Big Twin” will provide 25% more capacity and up to 21% less fuel-burn per ton than current 4-engine freighter variations. The conversion program is jointly funded by GECAS and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).

Brigitte Gledhill

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