After transport logistic Europe comes transport logistic Southeast Asia
Messe München used the backdrop of the transport logistic - air cargo Europe to advertise its first ever transport logistic - air cargo Southeast Asia this 01-03NOV23. CFG already reported on the
plans in an exclusive interview last month: https://www.cargoforwarder.eu/2023/04/02/exclusive-interview-messe-m%C3%BCnchen-targets-singapore/.
The official press release went out on 08MAY23, describing the event as Messe München’s “first multimodal logistics trade fair in Singapore. [This] event will be the most influential meeting
place for logistics, mobility, IT, and supply chain management in Southeast Asia.” Whilst it already hosts a fair in China, that country is large and different enough to merit its own event.
Singapore, on the other hand, is a melting pot and key strategic hub for Southeast Asian countries, and home to many international companies. It offers the perfect gateway also to Oceania. The
press release illustrates Singapore’s logistical importance, citing the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index (LPI), which places the country in first place among the 179 countries included in
the index, and points out that ASEAN countries in general are growing in logistic importance.
Stefan Rummel and Dr. Reinhard Pfeiffer, Messe München's co-CEOs, present at a press event prior to the first day of the transport logistic, agreed: “Singapore has become an important asset
in Messe München's strategic positioning, which for us extends far beyond Southeast Asia. The fact is: Germany still belongs to the world's top group in logistics. This is precisely why the
world's leading logistics trade fair, transport logistic, is held here in Munich for many years – with multiple spin-offs in China, Turkey, South Africa and now Southeast Asia, for example.
Singapore is the logistics world champion. Where else, if not here, should the latest addition to the transport logistic cluster be launched?”
Michael Wilton, Managing Director of MMI Asia, Messe München’s regional subsidiary, explained: “Singapore is the gateway to the greater Southeast Asia region and the most dynamic and exciting
hotspot for transport and logistics right now. Many global companies are already active here, and many more want to come to reap the rewards of the attractive conditions. By offering transport
logistic and air cargo Southeast Asia, we are creating a platform for shippers and transport and logistics service providers to develop and expand their business in the region. We are
experiencing great interest in our new trade fair across all modes of transport.”
FAA approves Swiss Airtainer SA’s ultralightweight container
Just weeks after the official first flight of the new, lightweight container from Zurich to San Francisco (CFG reported: https://www.cargoforwarder.eu/2023/04/16/swiss-worldcargo-revolutionizes-cold-chain-logistics/
), Swiss Airtainer has been accorded FAA Approval. This opens up a whole new market for the company and gives both U.S. flag carriers as well as airlines in countries accepting FAA approvals, a
chance to opt for a more environmentally friendly fleet of containers. The Airtainer weighs around 250 kg less than its counterparts, which translates into a CO2 saving of at least 45%. The
pharma-specific container is not just green, but also smart. Its 18 built-in sensors enable real-time monitoring and optimum cooling conditions throughout the transport process. It has been
developed in line with pharma companies’ needs and its data integrity, traceability, and auditability features are fully compliant with the industry’s serialization requirements, ensuring the
highest level of security and regulatory compliance.
Eduard Seligman, CEO of Swiss Airtainer, announced: “We are delighted to receive the FAA approval, as it solidifies Swiss Airtainer's position as an industry leader in sustainable and
data-driven transport solutions. This is a testament to our dedication to creating innovative, eco-friendly containers that not only reduce carbon emissions, but also offer enhanced data
capabilities for real-time preventive management of life-saving medicine transport.”
Nicholas Martin, COO of Swiss Airtainer, emphasized: “We want to acknowledge the FAA’s efficient and comprehensive approach navigating this process and appreciate their thorough review and
open communication to help us reach the final approval.”
Stephen Maietta, Senior Vice President at Swiss Airtainer, commented: “The U.S. flag airlines are another important stakeholder in the temperature-controlled air freight community, and we are
thrilled to have the opportunity to begin meeting their demands. Our solution’s sustainability aspects, coupled with its data integration capabilities, position Swiss Airtainer as a new and
innovative choice for airlines seeking to reduce their environmental footprint while leveraging valuable insights to enhance their operations.”
CMA CGM Group moves towards Bolloré Logistics acquisition
What CFG reported on in APR23 (https://www.cargoforwarder.eu/2023/04/20/bollor%C3%A9-logistics-faces-takeover/), is now happening, On
08MAY23, CMA CGM Group announced that it has granted a put option to the Bolloré Group to sell the transport and logistics operations of Bolloré Logistics – a move that Bolloré Group has
accepted, however, which requires examination by employee representation, and subsequent customary regulatory approvals, prior to going ahead. “The deal would be the largest since the CMA CGM
Group was founded in 1978, and would represent a major strategic milestone in the Group’s development of its logistics activities, which the Group has been building since 2019, alongside the
original CMA CGM shipping business,” the release underlines, stating combined revenues of around USD 24 billion (2022 results of CMA CGM Group’s logistics activities and Bolloré
Logistics).
And, more significantly, the acquisition would place CMA CGM Group in the Top Five list of global logistics players. Alongside previous acquisitions of CEVA, Ingram Micro Commerce & Lifecycle
Services and Colis Privé, and GEFCO, Bolloré Logistics now adds to an ever-growing pallet of logistics expertise which includes eCommerce, contract logistics, automotive logistics, sea and air
freight, creating a truly flexible multimodal operations provides. Bolloré Logistics is currently a world leader in transport and logistics solutions for the luxury goods, fragrances and
cosmetics, healthcare, aerospace, and defense sectors. “The combined entity would have an annual shipping volume equivalent to more than 2 million TEUs of sea freight and 0.8 million tons of
air freight,” the release reveals, declaring CMA CGM Group a subsequent “world leader in transport, logistics,” as it solidifies its end-to-end transport and logistics solutions.
DB Schenker launches Circular Economy Logistics
“Driving resilience and growth in an ever-changing environment through our Circular Economy product that includes reverse logistics. This is our contribution to our and our customers
sustainability ambitions,” Jacques Retief, Executive Vice President, Contract Logistics / Supply Chain Management, DB Schenker Region Americas, stated back in FEB23, upon DB Schenker
becoming the Reverse Logistics Association’s only diamond member logistics company. Now, on 09MAY23, at the transport logistic in Munich, DB Schenker announced the launch of its new Circular
Economy Logistics product line which will greatly support the logistics of electronic items requiring return, repair, or refurbishment. With over ten million devices being handled each year, and
a market forecast to double in size in the coming years, DB Schenker’s efforts in covering reverse market management operations and offering its customers a one-stop-shop, do not come a minute
too soon. “With a growing number of contract logistics sites engaging in circular operations on all continents, DB Schenker already proves its market leading capacities in Circular Economy
Logistics. Far more than ten million printers, smartphones or entire server structure are handled annually, with additional millions of devices being screened for damages and repaired. Beyond
this, 1.5 million devices, such as tablets, laptops or wearable electronic devices are returned to the original manufacturer for recycling of their components,” the press release details.
The new reverse logistics process includes return initiation as well as return and repair processing, low carbon warehousing, and a choice of environmentally friendly packaging materials.
Hessel Verhage, Board Member for Contract Logistics at DB Schenker, explained: “Our Circular Economy Logistics product line is our commitment to realizing DB Schenker's sustainability
ambitions, while driving business value for our customers around the world. We invest in the future of reverse and return operations to support global leading manufacturers in accomplishing their
ESG mission. After building up market leadership with our partners in recent years, we are now ready to support more of our customers around the globe to set up effective reverse logistics supply
chains.”
WestJet and Jettainer extend collaboration
Both companies have agreed on a long-term extension of their partnership, announced at the air cargo Europe trade show in Munich. Over the coming years, Jettainer will continue to manage and
maintain WestJet’s entire ULD fleet, providing additional main deck containers as the airline now launches its first freighter services. WestJet currently operates a Boeing fleet of more than one
hundred 737-700, 737-800, 737 MAX 8 and 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. 2023 will see a significant expansion to its cargo operations with the inclusion for the first time of four 737-800BCFs in its
fleet. Three Boeing Converted Freighters have already entered service and the fourth one will join in due course. Customers will benefit not only from WestJet Cargo’s additional capacity, but
also from connections between Canada and the Caribbean, Europe, Japan and the United States.
Flight punctuality and meeting the promise to its customers is top of WestJet Cargo’s management agenda, emphasized Kirsten de Bruin, Executive Vice-President Cargo WestJet, at the Munich fair.
“Outsourcing ULD management allows us to fully focus on cargo sales, knowing that we have a competent partner taking care of our growing container and pallet needs. As we now launch and scale
up our cargo division, Jettainer’s niche expertise will play a key role in our development. We look forward to many more years of successful partnership,” she stated.
As it builds its cargo airline subsidiary from scratch, WestJet’s newly hired team of experienced and motivated cargo staff will focus on tapping into the ever-growing e-commerce business along
with other valuable commodities that the region offers, such as perishables. April 22, 2023 saw the successful first freighter flight in WestJet’s airline history take off, kicking off a rapidly
expanding network of pure cargo services, complementing its long experience in belly freight operations. Jettainer provides a highly efficient and reliable ULD (Unit Load Device) management
service to WestJet, with a fleet of more than 1,000 containers and pallets for baggage and freight. The container fleet has consisted predominantly of lightweight AKE units and has now been
expanded to include freighter specific main deck containers. Additional equipment needed at short notice has flexibly been supplied via the lease&fly service.
“Our dedicated teams, openness to innovation, and the highest level of transparency help companies be successful in the long term. We are very much looking forward to accompanying WestJet in
realising its ambitious development plans,” Kothari Shailendar, Managing Director of Jettainer Americas Inc., stated while announcing the contract extension at air cargo Europe. HS
Silk Way West Airlines launching on cargo.one
cargo.one's 40+ airline partners are set to grow by one more this fall, when Silk Way West Airlines’ capacity becomes available for booking. Forwarders can then look forward to routings via the
airline’s Baku hub to more than 40 key destinations across Europe, the CIS, the Middle East, Central and Eastern Asia, and the Americas. In particular, its expertise in carrying larger shipments
(thanks to its nose-door aircraft) brings a digital USP to the cargo.one platform. As the Caspian Sea region’s largest cargo airline, with a fleet of 12 B747F, it transports almost half a million
tons of cargo each year, and has embarked on a clear expansion strategy. The latter will now greatly benefit from its presence on and collaboration with cargo.one, since this opens up new
customers and markets, along with intelligent digital data analysis through cargo.one 360leap, for example.
The global partnership announcement was made at the air cargo Europe in Munich on 09MAY23. President of Silk Way West Airlines, Wolfgang Meier, said: “Our partnership with cargo.one is an
important milestone in our ambitious digitalization journey. By bringing our capacity to cargo.one's expansive customer base, we will both broaden our reach and enable many more forwarders to
benefit from our services. cargo.one and Silk Way teams are collaborating very closely, and we are relying on their proven expertise to enhance our buying journeys and drive up our share of
digital air cargo sales.”
Moritz Claussen, Founder & Co-CEO of cargo.one, stated: “For the many thousands of agents who are thriving with digital bookings on cargo.one, the addition of Silk Way West Airlines'
capacity is fantastic news. Due to its keen awareness of the changing market, Silk Way West Airlines is now putting cargo.one, as the best-in-class digital enabler, at the center of its digital
sales growth trajectory.”
Lufthansa Cargo growing its eCommerce solutions
Lufthansa Cargo wants Frankfurt Airport to become “one of the world’s most important eCommerce hubs in the future” [year as yet undefined]. At the air cargo Europe, it unveiled plans
developed together with its subsidiaries - logistics service provider, heyworld, and customs broker, CB Customs Broker- which include the expansion of its European medium-haul network, two
additional A321 freighters, and two key focus points: increased digitalization and hub expansion.
The latter refers to its eCommerce hub at Frankfurt Airport’s Cargo City Nord, which was commissioned by heyworld in 2019. Here, eCommerce shipments are quickly and automatically separated from
general freight, for efficient onforwarding. With the eCommerce transport chain being managed entirely by heyworld, eCommerce shippers are presented with “cost-efficient, fast and transparent
solutions”. That hub will be complemented by CB Customs Brokers’ joint venture with handling company, GEORGI Handling and a new eCommerce terminal in Cargo City South, focused on eCommerce
from Asian airlines. Both hubs will benefit from CB Customs Brokers’ eCommerce software, designed to facilitate and speed-up customs clearance. CB Customs Broker is “one of the first customs
clearance agencies in Germany to have digitized 90% of the necessary customs clearance processes through the use of its own automation software.”
Ashwin Bhat, CEO of Lufthansa Cargo, declared: “We clearly experience and see eCommerce as a growth market. A decisive success factor for online trade is the resilience and speed of the
supply chain. We want to make Frankfurt a leader in this segment by offering an integrated, holistic solutions for shipping, customs clearance, and the further transport of eCommerce shipments.
With the new solution and partnership of our subsidiary CB Customs Broker and partner GEORGI, as well as the offer of heyworld, we can accompany our customers from the first to the last mile of
their freight transport - all from one source.”
Boris Hueske, Managing Director of heyworld, commented: “Our eCommerce hub at Frankfurt Airport enables us to meet growing customer needs for fast deliveries.”
Uwe Glunz, Managing Director of CB Customs Broker, emphasized: “Our new software solution is a real driver for online trade at the Frankfurt location. […] Via API interfaces, the solution can
be individually adapted and docked onto customers' existing logistics management systems. This simplifies the exchange of data and documents required for customs clearance and speeds up the
entire process.”
Lufthansa Cargo and CHAMP Cargosystems push ONE Record
“One dream, one soul,
One prize, one goal,
One golden glance of what should be,
It's a kind of magic.”
QUEEN could have been singing about ONE Record, except that this was still very much a dream at the time Freddy was crooning into his microphone on stage. Yet, it has been a possible reality for
a while now, shifting from “one dream” to “one sole” database, designed to improve data sharing, remove the risk of errors, and increase the transparency needed to all air cargo stakeholders to
do a good job – which should be standard as opposed to “a kind of [haphazard] magic”. “One golden glance at what should be,” is what Lufthansa Cargo and CHAMP Cargosystems tried to push at the
air cargo Europe, when they publicly committed to adopting ONE Record as an open data sharing standard. Data exchange via ONE Record is scheduled for before the end of 2023, starting with a
planned API for shipment tracking. The two companies have agreed to commit to implement the ONE Record standard within their respective IT infrastructures as a basis for interchanging data via
ONE Record in the future, and actively encouraged all partners and customers of the supply chain to join this journey towards modernizing the transportation industry. As the press release
explains: “ONE Record is a modern and free data sharing standard for the transportation industry. It is developed in a collaborative effort of the industry, orchestrated by IATA, to overcome
the limitations of the current data exchange system. After years of piloting and partial operational implementation, ONE Record is finally ready for rollout on a broader scale.”
Ashwin Bhat, CEO of Lufthansa Cargo, underlined: “Data is crucial to our industry's success, but we have been hindered by outdated data formats and legacy infrastructure for too long. ONE
Record has the potential to revolutionize the way we share information. It opens the door for a fundamental production optimization based on high quality data sharing.”
Chris McDermott, CEO of CHAMP Cargosystems, commented: “CHAMP is committed to accelerating the adoption of IATA ONE Record across the transportation industry worldwide. We believe that this
open data sharing standard will break down the silos of information and improve operational efficiency thanks to better data accuracy and completeness.”
CCA shines a light on avoidable pain points
The Perishable Products Export Control Board (PPECB) recently ran a second tracking trial to establish weaknesses along the supply chain. The Cool Chain Association member is involved in the
association’s efforts to develop best handling practice guidelines for perishables. It revealed the results at the CCA’s Annual General Meeting which was held against the backdrop of the
transport logistics – air cargo Europe exhibition in Munich on 09MAY23. Several significant areas had been identified, where measures can be taken to reduce food loss.
Whereas a trial in MAR23, involved the monitoring of farm-to-table export of cut flowers from South Africa to Europe, PPECB this time focused on the transport of raspberries from Cape Town, South
Africa to the UK. Raspberries are particularly vulnerable as they have a very low shelf life and are highly prone to damage during transport. 85% of Cape Town’s raspberries are destined for the
export market. Having assessed the quality of raspberries on the farm, and temperature management throughout the trade lane, handling processes, and a final quality evaluation on arrival at the
end destination, the recommendations made at the AGM included a reduction in cut-to-cool time (taken to bring the berries down to a temperature of around 5 ̊C), to within 60 minutes of harvest,
and using a lower air temperature of 0 ̊C instead of the current 2 ̊C, for blast cooling.
“Temperature fluctuations in the packhouse, in flight, and at the destination handling facility, while unavoidable, should be significantly reduced in duration to further minimize the
incidence of quality defects,” the release concluded.
More research is planned, looking into temperature tolerances to determine the duration of exposure to a particular temperature beyond which berry quality and shelf life are compromised, as well
as monitoring the internal temperature of the fruit, (which changes more rapidly than external air temperature), and deeper research into handling protocol upon arrival.
Vijan Chetty, General Manager, PPECB and Board of Director, CCA, disclosed: “Approximately 30% of all berry exports from South Africa to market have quality defects. In order to mitigate this
food loss, we need further research and trials into how handling practices can be optimized. The results of our two trials have already highlighted several actionable measures that can be taken
to protect product integrity and our continued research will help the CCA to hone a best practice framework to prevent spoilage and waste in the perishables supply chain.”
Brigitte Gledhill
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