“Here to connect” AFKLM’s digital expansion includes cargo.one
A strong driver of digitalization, having launched its own myCargo booking platform in 2018 under a “here to connect” motto, Air France KLM Martinair Cargo has now opted to extend its
digital channel offer by also publishing its capacities on cargo.one. This is part of its extensive multi-channel distribution strategy to provide the best customer access and seamless
connections to its wide network of 295 destinations in 110 countries, served by more than 500 aircraft. The first phase of its partnership with cargo.one has already been completed. It looked at
how cargo.one can grow the airlines’ reach and visibility by analysing behaviour in one of AFKLMP's main markets. “Close monitoring and evaluation of the partnership benefits showed that
cargo.one has indeed expanded the reach and exposure of Air France KLM Martinair Cargo's existing digital offering, making it a valuable addition,” the release states. So, now the roll-out
onto cargo.one will take place market-by-market, depending on customer demand, opening up the airline capacity to existing and new freight forwarding customers around world. cargo.one and Air
France KLM Martinaair Cargo sales teams will collaborate to reap the full benefits from cargo.one’s digital sales enablement expertise.
Gertjan Roelands, SVP Sales and Distribution Air France KLM Martinair Cargo, said: “The cooperation with cargo.one fits in with our overall channel strategy. We have our own full-service
platform, myCargo, where we offer all of our services, including our most recent feature, Modify my Booking. We are investing significantly in our digital offering and expect to launch some
unique new services soon in myCargo. Based on customer traction, we have decided to extend our cooperation with cargo.one by connecting our booking option. We believe this channel compliments our
own online platform. We have been cooperating with third-party portals for some time now and we are delighted to add this new partnership. For us, it is key to be where our customers are!”
Moritz Claussen, Founder and Co-CEO of cargo.one, commented: “I am delighted that Air France KLM Martinair Cargo sees demonstrable value in working with us globally for its distribution.
After a successful start, and gains in incremental revenue and operational efficiency, it is exciting that our teams will now continue to work closely to iterate on the industry-leading technical
infrastructure, processes and expertise that the airline and cargo.one can combine in this partnership.”
National Airlines welcomes 8th Boeing 747-400
Just a couple of weeks after announcing the arrival of a fuel-efficient, Boeing 747-400 Extended Range Freighter (ERF), registration N663CA (MSN 35237), to its fleet, U.S.-based National Airlines
has not welcomed its 8th B747-400 factory freighter. Introduced to cope with the huge demand in moving oversize shipments, registration N537CA (MSN 33749) has a maximum gross payload of up to 124
metric tons. Its ERF-sister surpasses it with a payload of 128 tons. Both aircraft will enable National Airlies to better serve its global network of over 200 airports with customized charter
missions. The airline has been growing its fleet since 2010 and today owns 8 B747-400 freighters (6 B747-400BCF, 1 B747-400ERF, and 1 B747-400F), as well as two aircraft for passenger charters:
an A330-200 and a B757-200.
“National further endorses our fleet modernization plans through the addition of an 8th B747-400F aircraft to offer robust cargo transportation opportunities to our customers. We believe that
modernizing and expanding National’s freighter fleet will enhance our service offerings and innovative capacity options,” remarked Christopher Alf, Chairman of National Air Cargo Holdings,
Inc. Of the ERF addition in SEP22, he said: “The introduction of the B747-400 ERF aircraft is part of our greater vision to modernize our fleet and enhance our service offerings for our
customers. Our prime focus is not just rapid fleet expansion, but also to offer newer and innovative air freight solutions to the post-COVID global market to meet growing specialized cargo
demands.”
Dronamics to fly on fossil-free synthetic fuel
Dronamics has chosen to test UK-based Zero Petroleum’s ZERO® SynAVGAS® fuel to power its ‘Black Swan’ drone. The fossil-free synthetic fuel is produced by petrosynthesis: carbon dioxide is drawn
from the air and combined with renewable hydrogen made from water. Rather than pollute the air with 755g CO2 emissions per ton-km tank to wheels, as is the case in ordinary kerosine-powered belly
freight, Zero Petroleum’s fuel solution will enable entirely carbon neutral flights. The direct drop-in fuel is scalable, and was already tested in the UK’s Royal Air Force (RAF) aircraft last
year, even achieving an entry in the Guinness World Records® for the 'First aircraft powered by synthetic fuel' that year. ZERO® SynAVGAS® had been used in a ROTAX-powered aircraft. The company
also offers an automotive petrol solution under the name of ZERO® Syn95®, which has been featured on BBC's Top Gear, and was used to power the Duke of Richmond's motorbike at the Goodwood
Festival of Speed.
Zero Petroleum Co-Founder and CEO, Paddy Lowe, stated: “As a former Formula One engineer, I have spent my entire career working on cutting edge innovation, so I am very excited for Zero
Petroleum to partner with Dronamics and CFS Aeroproducts on this potentially ground-breaking project. Operating an autonomous delivery network on this scale makes great sense but to carry these
heavy payloads over such great distances would be impossible using electric power. Our fossil-free fuels, which have a carbon neutral lifecycle and can be produced in a factory on any site close
to water and renewable power, are the ideal way to deliver this as a fully sustainable alternative to the existing air freight solution.”
Dronamics Co-Founder and CEO, Svilen Rangelov, remarked: “Sustainability is a vital part of our plans and as the first drone cargo airline in the world we are delighted to have secured an
agreement for Zero Petroleum to supply their fuel for Dronamics' future drone network. Not only is the fuel entirely sustainable and fossil-free, but the modular manufacturing process also has a
small footprint so it fits perfectly into our future droneport plans, potentially enabling the fuel to be produced on site. We are very excited to work with the team at Zero Petroleum as we move
towards commercial operations in the coming year.”
There’s a splash of color on Dubai’s tarmac this month
It is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and dnata has decided to support the cause by painting one of its pushback tractors pink – the same color as the ribbons used to represent Breast Cancer
Awareness initiatives. The eye-catching Douglas 600 tractor serves as a reminder for people to go for regular screening to ensure early detection of any breast cancer (which affects men, too, by
the way). Steve Allen, CEO of dnata Group, explained: “Each October, our teams come together and collaborate with local charities to increase awareness of breast cancer and raise funds for
research into a cure for the disease. This year we will continue our efforts to support this important cause and make a difference in the fight against breast cancer.”
With more than 450 pushbacks being carried out every day at Dubai Airport, the visibility will be big on this one – also because it completely stands out from its peers. pushback tractors
“play a crucial role in making sure aircraft are positioned precisely on the taxiway for taxi and take-off,” the release emphasizes, detailing that dnata has circa 170 licensed pushback
operaors to drive a variety of tractors ranging in 100 to 750 horsepower. The latter is used to maneuver a fully loaded Airbus A380.
October has been designated as Breast Cancer Awareness Month since 1985, and every year, people and companies come up with creative initiatives to create awareness and encourage donations. dnata
Travel, too, pledged to give a part of every passenger ticket booked during this month. Back in 2017, dnata Philipines put a lot of effort into an awareness youtube video, which deserves more
than the just under 700 views that it has until now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTg8Ge6wl4g
Atlas Air welcomed its second Boeing 747-8 freighter
In time for the upcoming Christmas peak, Atlas Air has taken delivery of the second of its planned four new Boeing 747-8 freighters. The first was received in June and operates on behalf of
Cainiao. Atlas Air ordered these four freighters in 2021, and they are the last 747 freighters ever to be produced by Boeing. Billed as “the most capable, technologically advanced and
environmentally friendly widebody freighter, providing 20% higher payload capacity and 16% lower fuel consumption than the very capable 747-400F,” the largest 747 freighter variant has
a payload of 134 tons. “We are pleased to receive this additional 747-8F, and to add more capacity and value to our customers,” said John Dietrich, President and Chief Executive Officer
of Atlas Air Worldwide. “Atlas’ investment in these new aircraft underscores our commitment to environmental stewardship through the reduction of aircraft emissions, resource consumption and
noise.”
Atlas Air has not just been taking delivery of aircraft, but has also welcome many new pilots over the year, both for the B747 as well as the B777 freighters. On 26SEP22, Atlas Air Worldwide
Holdings, Inc. announced that its Atlas Air, Inc. subsidiary and MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company SA have entered into an agreement, wherein Atlas Air will provide long-term ACMI (aircraft,
crew, maintenance and insurance), and will operate all four of its new and incoming Boeing 777-200 freighters on a global basis for MSC. Ordered in JAN22, the first of the new 777-200F will be
delivered in Q4 2022.
“We are pleased to welcome MSC as a new customer, and look forward to supporting MSC as it develops its airfreight business and further enhances its position as a global leader in
transportation and logistics,” said John Dietrich, President and Chief Executive Officer, Atlas Air Worldwide. “This new agreement will allow MSC to capitalize on the state-of-the-art
service solutions provided by our aircraft and crews, as well as the unparalleled air cargo expertise brought by our Atlas team.”
Soren Toft, Chief Executive Officer, MSC, said, “We are delighted to announce the development of MSC Air Cargo, an exciting new offering for MSC clients. This strategic partnership with Atlas
Air is the first step into this market and we plan to continue exploring various avenues to develop air cargo in a way that complements our core business of container shipping. Atlas Air’s fleet
of 777 freighter aircraft is well-suited to support our entry into air cargo and this strategic initiative will ensure we meet the cargo requirements of our customers.”
TIACA names its Sustainability Jury
As the Miami event moves ever closer, and the application deadline for the Air Cargo Sustainability Awards (now in its third year), has closed, TIACA has appointed and announced the jury panel
what will examine the entries. Consisting of six experts in their industry sectors, and known to be active promoters of sustainability and the future of air cargo, the panel will be responsible
for independently vetting and selecting the winner in the Corporate category, as well as short-listing the three potential winning entries in the Start-Up/Small Business category. The Jury
members are:
- Chris McDermott, Chief Executive Officer, CHAMP Cargosystems
- Liana Coyne, Director, Coyne Airways
- Andrea Tang, International Trade Lawyer, FIATA
- Patricia Varela, Assistant Manager Operations Innovation & Change Management, IATA
- Hendrik Leyssens, Vice President, Global Operations, Cargo, Swissport, and
- Ariaen Zimmerman, Independent Advisor, Industry Thought Leader
Whereas the Corporate winner will be revealed and recognized for their sustainability efforts, in advance of the Air Cargo Forum in Miami, 08-10NOV22, the three potential winners in the Start-up/Small Business category will be invited to pitch their sustainability project idea at the Miami conference. The audience will then live-vote their favorites, leading to the final decision as to who. The winning project team will receive $10,000 USD, and the two runners-up will each be awarded $2,500 USD.
Chris McDermott, CEO of CHAMP Cargosystems, the company that has sponsored the Awards exclusively since they were first held in 2019, stated: “The word Sustainability has now achieved a level
of recognition, challenging us to consider our impact on the planet and our stewardship for future generations. We therefore look forward to seeing how companies can respond to this challenge in
this year's TIACA Sustainability Awards, which we are delighted to sponsor for a third successive year.”
Steven Polmans, TIACA Chair, commented: “2022 has proven to be a year of innovation and change for the industry with eyes focused on ensuring a sustainable path for the next generation of air
cargo leaders and the application received this year reflect this progressive spirit. I am sure it will be challenging for our jury to select the winners. We have to thank CHAMP Cargosystems for
their continued support as the exclusive sponsor of this award, without them we would not be able to formally recognize these efforts.”
Going state-of-the-art “up” over at JFK Airport
North America's largest third party on-airport developer, Aeroterm, announced last week that it has awarded Lödige Industries the contract to install its automated cargo system at New York's JFK
Airport. A new, 107,000 m² cargo facility is being built there as part of the first proper cargo modernization efforts in over 20 years. The cargo facility, due for completion in early 2024, will
boast mover than 50 dock doors, be able to handle three large freighters at a time, and will have an annual handling capacity of around 350,000 tons. It will be tenanted by JFK’s leading cargo
handler, WFS, which will have exclusive use of Lödige’s automation system featuring two elevating transfer vehicles on three-level ULD storage racks for 218 ULD positions, three truck docks, a
castor deck area and 14 elevating workstations. All designed to ensure maximum storage and space efficiency, as well as safe, functional operations.
Jeffrey Bounds, SVP Program Management & Center of Excellence|The Americas at WFS, said: “Our new cargo facility, equipped with Lödige's state-of-the-art systems, is designed for maximum
efficiency. Thanks to this market-leading cargo handling technology, we are ideally equipped for future growth and can offer our customers the best possible service at all times.”
Bryan Rosenberger, Vice President Design & Construction at Aeroterm, commented: “As the first new cargo facility built at JFK in two decades, this project is an essential step in
revitalizing JFK as a cargo hub. On each development project, Realterm partners with both local and global groups for best-in-class expertise in design, construction, and specific air cargo
equipment. We are excited to partner with Lödige on this development.”
Jonathan Hardy, Managing Director USA at Lödige Industries, remarked: “The US cargo industry is showing a great sense of optimism this year, and we are proud to contribute to JFK's ambitious
modernization program. We are confident that our high-efficiency cargo handling solutions and years of local experience will support WFS in achieving its quality, speed, and safety goals and
continue to grow through increased efficiency in the new facility.”
Liesbeth Oudkerk is Qatar Airways Cargo’s new SVP Cargo
The position is finally filled. Qatar Airways Cargo announced recently that Liesbeth Oudkerk has come on board as its Senior Vice-President, Cargo Sales and Network Planning – a position
previously held by Kirsten de Bruijn who moved to WestJet in May of this year. Liesbeth Oudkerk, who will oversee the company’s sales and freighter network planning as well as the digital
transformation of internal and external customer support processes, joins the carrier from Air France – KLM, where she latterly held the role of VP International Stations. She brings 25 years of
aviation experience, having joined KLM in 1997, and been involved in network, schedule and freighter planning, ground services business development, and digital transformation: all strong focus
areas that will stand her in good stead as Qatar Airways Cargo evolves its Next Generation concept, taking air cargo to the next level. “I am thrilled about my new position and firmly believe
in Qatar Airways' vision of the industry. I look forward to bringing my expertise to such a diverse and committed team. I am honored and proud to accompany it all the way to the top,” she
commented.
Guillaume Halleux, Chief Officer Cargo at Qatar Airways, stated: “We are delighted to welcome Liesbeth to our team. She couldn't have joined us at a better time as we have just set the Next
Generation strategy in motion. Her extensive knowledge and expertise of the air cargo industry will be truly invaluable to us in these changing times.”
Swiss World Cargo announces new Head of Global Cargo Sales
On 07OCT22, Swiss World Cargo revealed that Dr. Gieri Hinnen will be its new Head of Global Cargo Sales with effect 01FEB23. He will succeed Alexander Arafa, who is going into early retirement at
the end of this year, have worked for Swissair, SWISS and Lufthansa Group for 28 years. Arafa took on the Cargo Sales role in 2016, coming over from being Head of Cabin Crew at SWISS. Similarly,
Hinnen is joining from a non-cargo role – he is currently Head of Labor Relations & HR Steering at SWISS – a position he has held since 2017. He has been with SWISS since 2009, in various
functions related to environmental and political affairs and strategic communication. Though cargo does not explicitly figure in his background, his responsibility as head of Swiss WorldCargo’s
commercial division will benefit from his multifaceted skills in IT, enviroment, consulting, marketing and communication to name but a few. The trilingual St Gallen alumni is a Guest Lecturer on
Emission Trading and Sustainability in Aviation with expertise in biofuels and emissions, amongst other things. He is also a published author, together with his brother, on complexity reduction.
His new responsibilities at Swiss WorldCargo include ensuring best-in-class airfreight services and solutions to the company’s cargo customers worldwide, to fulfil strategic revenue and
contribution targets. Hinnen, as part of the Cargo Management Team, will also be involved in defining Swiss WorldCargo's future strategic direction with regard to sustainability, innovation and
digitalization initiatives.
Lorenzo Stoll, Swiss World Cargo’s Head of Cargo, commented: “I am really pleased that we have secured Gieri's services for this role. And I am convinced that, with his broad knowledge and
solid experience within SWISS and the airline sector, he will play a vital part in giving our business a successful and sustainable future.”
Brigitte Gledhill
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