SHORT SHOTS

The first two Boeing 777 freighters are here!
Within just eight days, CMA CGM AIR CARGO has taken delivery of two Boeing 777 freighters, ordered early last year, bringing the airline’s fleet to a total of six aircraft within the space of just 15 months. The first was delivered on 31MAY22. The second delivery was celebrated in Everett, WA, USA, on 07JUN22, with a signing ceremony wherein CMA CGM ordered a further two B777F, due in 2024. By 2026, the airline founded in MAR21, will have doubled its fleet to 12 aircraft: four existing Airbus 330, four B777F, and four new A350 freighters, due to enter service in 2025/2026. Following a recent long-term partnership agreement, CMA CGM AIR CARGO also has access to AF-KLM’s fleet of six freighter aircraft and is consequently in the process of shifting its current base from Liege, Belgium, to Paris-Charles de Gaulle, France, this year.
The latest fleet additions will be deployed on routes within Europe, to North America and Asia, as the network develops. With its goal to offer complete, agile, end-to-end solutions to CMA CGM group’s customers, the shipping company has not just invested in aircraft and partnerships but has also actively pursued an acquisition strategy to construct this end-to-end framework. In addition to owning CEVA since 2019, the company recently bought Ingram Micro’s e-commerce and return logistics business, invested in last-mile logistics provider, Colis Privé, and is currently in the process of acquiring automotive contract logistics provider, Gefco.
Olivier Casanova, CEO of CMA CGM AIR CARGO, stated: “The reception of our first two Boeing 777 Freighters, and this new order of two additional aircraft represents a milestone in our fleet expansion. With four Boeing 777 Freighters by 2024, complementing our existing fleet of 4 aircraft, CMA CGM Air Cargo will enlarge its network, linking Europe, Asia and America and provide a tailor-made range of transportation and logistics solutions to our clients, thanks to a modern, technically, and environmentally efficient fleet.”
Ricardo Cavero, Vice President Europe, Israel & Turkey Sales & Marketing, Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said: “We are delighted that CMA CGM AIR CARGO has placed an incremental order for two new Boeing 777 Freighters. With the delivery of its first two freighters, CMA CGM AIR CARGO will deliver on its promise to its customers to provide end-to-end logistics solutions. The Boeing 777 Freighter unrivalled operating efficiency will allow CMA CGM to operate the airplane across an extensive, global air freight network.”

The first new cargo feeder operator in 20 years
Quite an achievement by Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA-based and 2004-founded airline, AirDialog, to become Fedex’ first new cargo feeder operator in 20 years. Its inaugural flight carried cargo from Gallup and Albuquerque, with more routes to come over the next 18 months as the airline ramps up its fleet and team. The airline is currently actively recruiting staff for all kinds of positions within its air cargo sector. Operating Cessna 208 Caravan aircraft for its cargo operations, the airline holds an FAA Part 135 certificate granting it the authority to operate on-demand, unscheduled air services. “Many Part 135 operators offer critical passenger and cargo service to remote areas, providing a lifeline to populations that would not otherwise exist,” the FAA website explains.
David DeRose, President and Director of Finance for AirDialog, exalts: “It’s a groundbreaking opportunity to be a part of the FedEx feeder network, and we look forward to expanding cargo operations to serve customers in the Southwest and beyond.” A former Ameriflight executive, like AirDialog’s Director of Cargo Strategy and Recruiting, Jeff Drees, he is no stranger to cargo given that “Ameriflight became the biggest 135 cargo carrier in the world, operating 175 aircraft in the U.S. and Puerto Rico for the largest logistics integrators and all overnight shippers,” his biography reveals. The two gentlemen, together with Lee Tomlinson, AirDialog’s Director of Operations, whose background spans numerous cargo airlines, collectively bring more than 100 years of cargo industry expertise to the company.

Partner investors buy Envirotainer
Just over 3.5 years after buying into the business, co-investors Cinven and Novo Holdings have agreed to sell the leading global provider of temperature-controlled transport solutions, Envirotainer, to the Swedish-registered, global investment organization, EQT X fund (EQT Private Equity), and Abu Dhabi-based Mubadala Investment Company (Mubadala). Peter Gisel-Ekdahl, CEO of Envirotainer, commented: “The support of Cinven and Novo Holdings has enabled us to continue to develop best-in-class solutions to support our clients and the healthcare industry, including the recently launched Releye platform and our new CryoSure solution which has enabled us to enter into a new and attractive part of the temperature-controlled transportation market. As a result, Envirotainer has continued to maintain a market-leading position and to serve all top pharmaceutical companies. We are very excited for the company’s next chapter.”
The next chapter is now with EQT and Mubadala who, pending antitrust approvals will be acquiring the business which meanwhile owns a fleet of around 6,700 containers, employs roughly 375 employees in 20 countries, and is valued at EUR 2.8 billion, in the second half of this year. They will focus on accelerating Envirotainer’s expansion in APAC, help to scale the newly launched CryoSure offering, and continue the successful roll-out of third generation Releye containers, alongside other investments in technology innovations, digitalization, and operational sustainability.
Camilla Macapili Languille, Head of Life Sciences at Mubadala, said: “Envirotainer plays a mission-critical role in the healthcare ecosystem by ensuring the safe and reliable delivery of drugs from pharma companies to hospitals, clinics, and ultimately, patients. Their extensive international footprint ideally positions Envirotainer to meet the pharma industry’s growing need for global temperature-controlled distribution and as the undisputed market leader, they are continuing to pioneer developments in the sector with forward-thinking R&D innovation. We have strong conviction in the company’s growth trajectory and will work closely with management and our partners at EQT to ensure its long-term success.”
Ali Farahani, Partner within EQT Private Equity’s Advisory Team, stated: “The active temperature control for air transportation of temperature-sensitive pharma products offers attractive exposure to the growing biologics end-market. Envirotainer is the clear global leader with significant scale advantages, superior operations, and industry-leading performance. Moreover, the company has a clear purpose of enabling access to life-saving pharmaceuticals and offers reusable solutions with significantly less CO2 emissions compared to traditional solutions. We see significant growth potential remaining and we look forward to partnering with the management team to unlock the full potential together with our partners at Mubadala.”

Cargolux expands its reach into Ireland
Shannon on the Emerald Isle is the latest destination to feature on Cargolux’ cargo flight schedule. Since 09JUN22, a weekly flight connects Seattle with Shannon, flying from Los Angeles via Seattle and Shannon to Luxembourg. It is no stranger to the airport, having carried out ad hoc flights into Shannon over the years. This new, regular service and additional European gateway offers Cargolux’ international customers much-needed capacity, and consolidates the airline’s presence with the British Isles.
“This new frequency is a welcome development for Cargolux to connect with its global customers and expand services in the area. Shannon is a thriving commercial gateway, and we look forward to building our partnerships in the region,” says Domenico Ceci, Cargolux’s Executive Vice-President Sales & Marketing.
Mary Considine, CEO, Shannon Group which runs the airport, said: “We welcome the announcement by cargo operator, Cargolux. Cargolux has been operating ad hoc flights into Shannon for several years and this regular service cements the airline’s commitment to Shannon, on the back of growing demand in Ireland. The addition of Shannon Airport to their global network is another vote of confidence in our airport facilities. With Cargolux’s worldwide network covering over 75 destinations on scheduled all-cargo flights, this service will provide a convenient new option for the region’s manufacturing sector exporting to the global marketplace.”
The Luxembourg airline meanwhile has a fleet of 30 Boeing 747-8 and Boeing 747-400 freighters, and will now regularly be landing at Shannon alongside DHL, UPS, and FedEx, who all also offer scheduled cargo services there.

Senator International now belongs to Maersk
What was already communicated by in NOV21 (CFG: https://www.cargoforwarder.eu/2021/11/03/senator-flies-the-maersk-way/), has now been concluded: Maersk has completed its acquisition of global freight forwarder, Senator International, for an enterprise value of circa USD 644 million. A.P. Moller-Maersk’s CEO of Ocean & Logistics, Vincent Clerc, declared: “We are delighted to welcome the Senator team to our Maersk family. As a global provider of integrated logistics, we are improving our ability to provide end-to-end solutions to our customers. With Senator on board, we are ramping up our air freight capacity, network, and know-how significantly to cater even better for our customers.”
Tim-Oliver Kirschbaum, CEO of Senator International, commented: “By joining Maersk, our customers will have access to a broader portfolio of products for their business needs and provide them with a single point of contact. It’s a perfect match, and we are really excited about the next chapter in our united journey. Senator’s deep experience and solid transport network will be key to the continued joint success, and we will bring new opportunities to our customers under the Maersk brand.”
Senator is well established, with a solid air freight network comprising own controlled flights and long-term partnerships with best-in-class airlines, a well-established full container load (FCL) and less than container load (LCL) services alongside specialized services such as packaging, warehousing, and distribution across five continents. Maersk can now benefit from Senator’s extensive air cargo industry expertise, and will be able to offer its customers greater flexibility and more efficient supply chains in the face of recurring pandemic regulations und subsequent disruptions.
Maersk has recently increased its air cargo focus. It saw the birth of its own airline last week, and appointed Veli Polat to the position of Maersk Air Cargo’s Global Head of General Sales & Services Agent. Maersk’s ambition is to have circa a third of its annual air tonnage carried within its own controlled freight network, (a combination of owned and leased aircraft), and two thirds will go on strategic commercial carriers and charter flight operators.

BER welcomes Norse
Starting in August, Norwegian budget carrier Norse Atlantic Airways will offer long-haul flights from Berlin to New York and Los Angeles. JFK will be served daily and LAX three times a week. The New York flights complement United’s daily services to Newark (B767-300) operated since 28MAR22.
According to the Norse management, a Boeing B787 will be deployed on both routes. The decision shows that much disputed long-haul nonstop flights offered by a low-cost airline make a lot of sense not only because of lower air fares compared to established carriers but also for time saving reasons.
“Because there is no need to change planes at major hubs, the travel time for passengers is significantly reduced and cargo shipments move faster, too,” commented Torsten Jueling, BER's head of air freight. The B787 offers a capacity of 15 tons in its lower decks on the JFK route, depending on passenger luggage, while flights to LAX can accommodate less volume because of the longer flight duration.
As far as the freight market is concerned, Jueling refers to IATA findings. According to the organization’s statistics, there is a monthly export volume of around 300 tons from the greater Berlin region to New York and the eastern part of the USA, as well as around 100 tons to Los Angeles. From an air freight perspective, Norse's flights are particularly interesting for customers from the pharmaceutical sector (Bayer), the automotive industry (Tesla) and for turbine manufacturers and their suppliers (Rolls Royce, Siemens), Mr. Jueling notes.
The freight capacity of the B87 is sold by GSA Kales. The agent will perform all cargo sales, administrative and operational activities, making it the de facto cargo department of the new long-haul transatlantic airline. “It is the first Total Cargo Management (TCM) contract awarded to our group by an airline,” commented Nouri Neller, head of Kales Germany. This includes all freight sales and handling activities from the USA to Europe.
HS

Brigitte Gledhill

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