SHORT SHOTS

The A380 preparing for future life?
Airbus announced 22FEB22, that it has partnered with CFM International, the joint subsidiary of GE and Safran Aircraft Engines, to work on the hydrogen demonstration program it has long been planning (https://www.cargoforwarder.eu/2021/07/04/a380-becomes-guinea-pig-for-lh2-powered-aircraft/). The companies have often worked together on innovative products. This time, they will be testing a hydrogen-fueled, direct combustion engine – both on the ground and in the air, “in preparation for entry-into-service of a zero-emission aircraft by 2035.”
The test flights, due to take place in the next 3-4 years, are part of Airbus’ plans to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, in line with the Air Transport Action Group accord signed in OCT21: an ambition shared by CFM.
As previously indicated, none other than the shelved A380 will be deployed as a the “flying testbed”. It will be fitted with liquid hydrogen tanks prepared at Airbus’ facilities in France and Germany, and, once CFM has completed extensive ground testing, test flights will be carried out to establish the hydrogen combustion engine’s performance during cruising.
CFM International (CFM) is tasked with modifying the combustor, fuel system, and control system of the US-assembled GE Passport turbofan to run on hydrogen.
This particular engine was chosen “because of its physical size, advanced turbo machinery, and fuel flow capability. It will be mounted along the rear fuselage of the flying testbed to allow engine emissions, including contrails, to be monitored separately from those of the engines powering the aircraft.”
“This is the most significant step undertaken at Airbus to usher in a new era of hydrogen-powered flight since the unveiling of our ZEROe concepts back in September 2020,” Sabine Klauke, Airbus Chief Technical Officer, said. “By leveraging the expertise of American and European engine manufacturers to make progress on hydrogen combustion technology, this international partnership sends a clear message that our industry is committed to making zero-emission flight a reality.”
Gaël Méheust, President & CEO of CFM, stated: “Hydrogen combustion capability is one of the foundational technologies we are developing and maturing as part of the CFM RISE Program. Bringing together the collective capabilities and experience of CFM, our parent companies, and Airbus, we really do have the dream team in place to successfully demonstrate a hydrogen propulsion system.”

DHL GF takes GoGreen to the air
It works on the ground, so now is the time to give it flight. DHL Global Forwarding has opened GoGreen Plus for customers booking airfreight from last week. The carbon emissions reduction program that forms part of Deutsche Post DHL Group’s €7 billion, mid-term sustainability roadmap aiming for 30+% sustainable fuels by 2030, on its way to net zero emissions by 2050, was already implemented in ocean and road routes (CFG reported: https://www.cargoforwarder.eu/2022/01/09/dp-mail-travels-co2-neutral-across-the-globe/)
Thomas Mack, Global Head of Air Freight at DHL Global Forwarding, explained: “Every airplane and vessel emit their exhaust gases into the same atmosphere, and it is not decisive on which route, or which means of transport biofuels are used. From a technological standpoint, our GoGreen Plus Service is currently the simplest, most efficient, and sustainable way to reduce CO2 emissions in transportation. As one of the world's leading logistics service providers, we see it as our responsibility to lead the way to greener transportation and to set a good example for others to follow.”
Based on its “one atmosphere” approach, DHL Global Forwarding enables customers to select, across all its routes, which segments of their supply chain they wish to decarbonize. They can then add the GoGreen Plus Service during the course of their online air cargo booking made, for example, via the myDHLi customer platform, and DHL Global Forwarding will replace the amount of conventional fossil fuel needed with sustainable fuel. Customers also can opt for “Book & Claim” whereby DHL then passes the benefits of lower greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 3 emissions) on to their customers.
“The GoGreen Plus Service is based on the displacement principle: the more customers book the service; the more alternative fuel or clean technology is used - making transport chains greener step by step,” the press release reads, also emphasizing that other Group divisions will be included in the program since it is planned to be rolled-out across the entire company. DHL Global Forwarding recently ordered large volumes of sustainable aviation fuel through Air France KLM Martinair Cargo, and United Airlines’ Eco Skies Alliance, in preparation for the launch, and will continue to ensure that the appropriate amount of biofuel is purchased for each respective air or ocean freight shipment, and used in its partners’ ships and aircraft.

Azul Cargo, Brazil selects Globe Air Cargo as USA GSSA
Azul Cargo, a subsidiary of Azul Linhas Aéreas Brasileiras, and the largest cargo transportation company in Brazil, has partnered with Miami-based Globe Air Cargo, which will act as its exclusive GSSA within the U.S. The ECS Group subsidiary will carry out all cargo sales and administrative services connected to Azul's entire U.S. business, and support the airline Azul with the flight operations of its A330 passenger and passenger-to-freighter fleet. Azul operates nine flight connections to Viracopos-Campina International Airport (VCP), Brazil from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and Orlando International Airport (MCO), and is licensed to carry all commodity types.
Danny OLYNICK, Regional VP North America for Globe Air Cargo, said: “We are thrilled to represent Azul which is a fast growing and very dynamic Brazilian carrier with a lot of ambition. We have established a dedicated team here at Globe Air Cargo to support and develop Azul Cargo's U.S business to Brazil, and look forward to creating synergies with our ECS Group colleagues representing Azul in Argentina and Europe. We aim to maximize Azul's revenues and support it in accessing new destinations across the United States, both online and offline. What is particularly attractive about Azul, is its focus on e-commerce cargo deliveries all the way through to the last mile across Brazil: a fascinating expanded network challenge that we are more than happy to participate in.”
Juliano Martins, International Cargo Sales Manager at Azul Linhas Aéreas Brasileiras, commented: “As the leading cargo transportation company in Brazil, Azul Cargo is careful to select partners capable not only of providing the high service quality our customers know and expect, but also those with the vision and skill set to support our rapid expansion. In Globe Air Cargo, we are confident to have found an established, experienced partner for our U.S. business, and can expect a similar success to that we enjoy with other ECS Group partners.”

Etihad shows its heart for animals
Similar to Qatar Airways Cargo’s WeQare “ReWild the Planet” offer, Etihad Aviation Group’s cargo division, Etihad Cargo, has now launched “Forever Home”: a not-for-profit transportation initiative that supports bona fide rescue and animal welfare organizations in bringing animals to a better environment.
The CEIV Live Animals certified carrier not only demonstrates experience in carrying animals – it offers dedicated LiveAnimals and SkyStables products that ensure the species-specialized transport of all kinds of animals “from family pets to global conservation projects” – but the carrier is also heavily involved in animal welfare and conservation, having signed the United for Wildlife Transport Taskforce Declaration policy. It “commits to identifying and implementing actions to help prevent the illegal wildlife trade and encourage responsible sustainable tourism,” the press release emphasizes.
Martin Drew, Senior Vice President Sales and Cargo, Etihad Aviation Group, stated: “Forever Home reflects Etihad Cargo’s desire to assist in the relocation of live animal rescue missions, which may involve animals which have been abandoned, seized by authorities, or neglected, and can range from domestic animals to endangered species under CITES and the IUCN Red List– the multilateral treaty to protect endangered plants and animals. This policy will ensure any rescue mission is conducted by an approved and reputable organization in line with Etihad Aviation Group’s own ethics and compliance.”
“As one of the first airlines to sign the United for Wildlife Transport Taskforce Declaration, Etihad Cargo has a strong track record in animal welfare,” he continued. “Forever Home expands that commitment to cover all animals – whether they are pets, racehorses, or exotic species. All rescue requests will be subject to due diligence and, if approved, the rescue organizations or individuals can be assured of specialized animal transportation at the best possible rate.”

Cainiao secures another Atlas Air B787-8F
Atlas Air and Cainiao have added another B747-8F to their cooperation agreement, supporting the transport of e-commerce goods from China to the Americas: United States, Brazil, and Chile, in particular. It is due to commence operations for the logistics arm of Alibaba Group in the second quarter of this year, and add to the existing capacity that Atlas Air serves the company: since NOV21, the airline operates daily China-LatAm charters, for example. The new aircraft, one of the final four 747 iconic nose-door production aircraft to be produced by Boeing after 50 years of manufacture, stands out in its improved environmental performance: reduced aircraft emissions, resource consumption (16% lower fuel consumption than its B747-400F predecessor), and noise pollution, alongside a 20% higher payload capacity.
John W. Dietrich, Atlas Air Worldwide President and Chief Executive Officer, explained: “We are very pleased to extend our strong partnership with Cainiao with the placement of one of our new 747-8Fs, the best performing widebody freighter in the industry with unique nose-loading capability. Cainiao is a leader in the fast-growing e-commerce logistics market, and we look forward to continuing to support its global network with the superior and reliable service Atlas Air provides. This fuel-efficient, high-capacity aircraft reinforces the commitment to environmental stewardship that Atlas and Cainiao share.”
William Xiong, Cainiao's Chief Strategist and General Manager for Export Logistics, said: “Through our successful partnership, Cainiao has been able to offer our customers across the Americas with faster and more eco-friendly deliveries provided by Atlas’ global operating capabilities. We are excited to add the new Boeing freighter to our expanding partnership in response to the growing demand for e-commerce and greener logistics across the world.”

Brigitte Gledhill

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