SHORT SHOTS

Finnair Cargo’s opts for real-time bookings through CargoWise
Through a partnership between WiseTech Global and Finnair, CargoWise customers in 24 countries (across Asia, Europe, and the U.S.) can now access capacity and rate information via an API connection to Finnair Cargo’s operational system, SkyChain, with immediate effect. Freight forwarders are thus in a position to make bookings in real-time, and benefit from Finnair Cargo’s efficient network between Asia, Europe, and North America via its Helsinki COOL hub, which the press release boasts as being “one of the world’s most advanced and digitalized air cargo terminals that features modern technology and data monitoring systems as well as dedicated handling for temperature-controlled cargo.”
Senior Vice President of Finnair Cargo, Fredrik Wildtgrube, stated: “Finnair Cargo uses digitalization to radically improve transparency and efficiency of air cargo shipping processes. The direct data exchange with CargoWise allows us to share live data during the whole lifecycle from booking through to the execution of the Air Waybill, providing a seamless experience for our customers, without having to leave the CargoWise platform. As bookings are confirmed more quickly, it also enables Finnair Cargo to better optimize our capacity and quickly respond to shipment and market changes. We are considering expanding the data shared to also include AWB and customs information which makes this partnership with WiseTech even more valuable.”
Jorre Cobelens, Vice President Logistics Data and Connectivity at WiseTech Global, said: “Air cargo operators must operate in a constantly changing market where flight routes and allowable cargo may need to respond to sanctions, natural disasters, strikes, capacity constraints and fluctuating rates. Finnair Cargo’s enhanced direct eBooking interface provides freight forwarders with easy access to timely information to make informed decisions with transparency at every stage of the process. It improves efficiency and flexibility for the airline and their customers – which is particularly important for sensitive cargo. Our vision is for CargoWise to be the operating system for global logistics, increasing, productivity, visibility and data security across the end-to-end ecosystem. CargoWise now enables direct data exchange with most API connectable airlines, including Finnair Cargo, which helps bring this to reality.”

Envirotainer’s Releye Container now available on Air Canada Cargo
“Air Canada Cargo will be the first Canadian operator to use the new live monitored, temperature-controlled certified aircraft container, the Envirotainer #Releye RLP and larger RAP, as part of the AC Absolute solution. The Releye RLP and RAP containers are designed to meet the strictest requirements in pharmaceutical air freight,” the airline announced on LinkedIn as the month of SEP22 kicked-off. Air Canada Cargo was the first of the Canadian carriers to approve Envirotainer’s newest line of cool-containers, joining around a dozen other international airlines that have opted for the Releye® since it was launched last year.
The IATA CEIV-Pharma certified airline recently inaugurated its new, 10,000m² cold chain handling facility at Toronto Pearson International Airport hub, part of a CAD 16 million investment, and is focused on growing its pharmaceuticals business. The Releye® containers can manage 170 of operations on a single battery charge; currently the longest autonomy available among cool containers. They also contain 18 sensors that monitor the container’s location, internal and external temperature, battery level, humidity, door openings, the cargo loaded, and are equipped with GPS for real-time tracking.
“I am pleased to share that Air Canada has qualified the new Releye® RLP & RAP containers. Air Canada Cargo´s strong product capabilities will continue to be an asset to Pharma shippers globally. With the inclusion of the Releye®, the positive benefits to pharmaceutical and healthcare handling will be even greater,” Thomas Grubb, Global Key Account Manager at Envirotainer, commented.

Partnering to purchase 3 million liters of SAF
Though the signing happened a little while ago, on 20JUL22, the result will hopefully add to a greener, more sustainable future: United Airlines and Bolloré Logistics have come together to purchase three million liters of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) this year, in what they communicate is “an innovative partnership.” The initiative arose on the basis of Bolloré Logistics’ AIRsaf offer which it launched the same month, and which includes an end-to-end solution – in other words: environmentally responsible pre- and post-carriage procedures and the management of reusable transport packaging (CFG reported: https://www.cargoforwarder.eu/2021/07/04/short-shots/ ).
Philippe de Crécy, VP Airfreight Europe at Bolloré Logistics, explained: “Today's challenges such as global warming and the decarbonization of the air transport sector mean that our customers now have very specific expectations regarding the management of their supply chain. They now want to adopt eco-responsible solutions in line with their commitments. We were among the first to make this shift. With our partner United Airlines, we will continue developing our offer to achieve our scope 3 CO2 reduction targets.”
Jan Krems, President of United Cargo, emphasized: “At United, we have an ambitious goal to reduce 100% of our greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, without relying on traditional carbon offsets. Achieving this goal isn’t possible without working with partners to put sustainability at the forefront of our cargo business. We’re grateful to work with Bolloré Logistics on this commitment, and we are looking forward to creating a more sustainable air freight industry together.”

TIACA extends Sustainability application deadline to 12SEP22
One more week to go, to get in your applications for this year’s Air Cargo Sustainability Awards and the chance to win money and recognition. This will be the fourth year that these awards take place – as always, initiated by The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA), and sponsored by IT solution provider, CHAMP Cargosystems. There are two categories for entry: either as a start-up or small business, or as a corporate company. The latter receives recognition: “Corporate Prize will recognize an established corporation, an international organization or a scholar with a long-standing presence in the cargo community,” the press release explains. For the former, the competition is an excellent springboard into the air cargo network. Not only does the winning project receive a cash-injection of USD 10,000, with each of the two runners-up receiving USD 2,500, but all three finalists also benefit from presenting their projects at the Air Cargo Forum in Miami on 08-10NOV22, thus gaining exposure and direct networking possibilities – also beyond the event.
The requirement for entry? Demonstrate a solution for sustainable air cargo operations, “that align[s] with the eight key objectives for a sustainable air cargo found in TIACA's Sustainability Roadmap.”
Glyn Hughes, Director General of TIACA, commented: “To date, we have received many quality applications for this year's awards, and we look forward to receiving additional applications during this extended period, in particular, I urge start-up enterprises to submit and to use the awards programs as a springboard to promote their creative innovations and solutions.”
Interested parties can check out TIACA’s Air Cargo Sustainability Award webpage for more information.

cargo-partner launches operations in Barcelona, Spain
01SEP22 saw the opening of cargo-partner’s first Spanish branch. Six colleagues are already poised to offer a complete portfolio of transport and logistics services, from air and sea freight to national and international trucking, rail transport and warehousing services. The team is planned to more than double in the next three months, as it expands to fourteen employees. With Spain as its latest new country, cargo-partner’s constantly expanding network now has access to EU's sixth largest economy, and one where “the logistics segment represent[s] 10% of the country's GDP,” comprising a variety of industries, including the automotive, foodstuffs and retail sectors. The geographical location of cargo-partner’s newest office links the network to all of Spain’s major logistics hubs, such as the ports of Barcelona, Valencia and Algeciras, the airports of Barcelona and Madrid, and the road transport hubs of Barcelona, Madrid, La Jonquera, Irún and Zaragoza.
Oriol Asturgo, Managing Director of cargo-partner in Spain, said: “The decision to open an office in Barcelona was driven by the needs of our existing customers in the region. Our office in Barcelona complements our network in Western Europe and allows us to benefit from synergies with other offices in the region to achieve faster transit times in road transport. In addition, we will use Spain as a hub for air and sea freight to speed up shipments from Europe to the Americas.”

Aspire gains a Mammoth business
Mammoth’s Senior Vice President of Operations, David Steinmetz, announced: “We are excited to partner with Aspire for the touch labor and maintenance requirements on our 777 freighter conversion programs. Their experienced leadership team and skilled workforce, combined with an impressive facility will be a win-win situation for both companies. Mammoth continues to create a centralized U.S.-base of operations, so Aspire is a natural fit for us.” The company announced on 29AUG22, that it had signed a multi-year agreement with Aspire MRO, for the passenger-to-freighter conversion and maintenance of its 777-200LRMF and 777-300ERMF freighter programs. Founded in DEC20, Mammoth Freighters LLC is specialized in converting Boeing 777 to make them “one of the most productive and economical 777 long-range freighters in the world.” Its launch customer was CargoJet in NOV21 (CFG reported: https://www.cargoforwarder.eu/2021/11/21/short-shots/ ).
The partnership with Aspire has been a while in the making, as Aspire’s President and Chief Executive, Phil Bathurst, stated on LinkedIn: “Exciting times at Aspire MRO. Lots of work and putting a great team in place to support it.” Aspire has built up a state-of-the-art 256,000 m² workspace in the former American Airlines maintenance facility at Fort Worth Alliance Airport. It boasts six widebody production bays and 777-specific tooling and work platforms, and has ambitions to become a leading MRO provider, bringing jobs to the Fort Worth region. Mammoth also has other facilities at Fort Worth Alliance Airport, for the company’s warehousing, main cargo door assembly, logistics, and kitting requirements.

Brigitte Gledhill

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