SHORT SHOTS

Avianca joins Cargo iQ, bringing quality focus to LatAm

With immediate effect, Avianca, in joining Cargo iQ, has taken it upon itself to encourage its own partners to focus on and improve air cargo quality, together. It joined Cargo iQ last week, triggering the expansion of the association’s footprint in Latin America. The cargo carrier has committed to “driving global standards to strengthen its processes and looks to support regional and global uptake of Cargo iQ membership,” the release explains. That means generating awareness and change among its partners and suppliers, about adhering to international standards and practices so as to ensure efficiency in the overall supply chain and drive improved service quality control.

Better quality, more transparency on weak points, and by staying up to date with the latest trends and best business practices in the ever-evolving air cargo transportation industry, Avianca will benefit from Cargo iQ and position itself higher in the market, proving that it is a safe, reliable partner.

Leonel Ortiz, Head of Cargo Development, Avianca Cargo, explained: “Our main motivation for joining is that we share a common mission with Cargo iQ and that is the constant quest to apply common global standards and improve quality to promote a better global air cargo industry. In addition, it is also aligned with our purpose to strengthen our processes, elevate our value proposition, generate efficiencies, and ensure higher quality of products and services to our customers.”

Lothar Moehle, Executive Director, Cargo iQ, said: “We welcome Avianca Cargo to the Cargo iQ community at this important moment in our global expansion. As Cargo iQ grows its representation in the Latin America region, Avianca Cargo will be supporting our efforts to bring more actors in the chain on board and align them to Cargo iQ standards.”

Ortiz concluded: “This will facilitate the exchange of best practices and experiences that will contribute to further strengthening our processes and efficiencies. In an industry where reliability and visibility are critical factors, building these capabilities and being part of a recognized organization can make a difference in customer preference.”

That’s a lot of bull(s)!

Not an everyday shipment, unless you happen to be a world leading equine, livestock and exotics transportation air charter company: 161 bulls needing transport from the U.S. to Botswana. A bovine challenge that Intradco Global successfully completed back on 22MAY23. The selection of Gray Brahman, Angus, Brangus, Charolais, Beefmaster, Santa Gertrudis, and Red Brahman breed bulls, weighed a grand total of 90,000 kgs, Loaded into 35 cattle crates, they were being flown to Botswana as part of a breeding program. The livestock departed from Greenville–Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) in South Carolina, heading for and safely arriving at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) in Botswana.

As with every animal transport, and particularly one of this size, a great deal of advance planning was required. Even more so, since it was the first time that GSP airport was hosting a cattle transport and thus required authorization from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to be recognized as a temporary export port. Specialist equipment was required to load the cattle crates into the aircraft. Intradco’s expert team were in constant close contact with the client, operator, both airports, USDA and handling to ensure that every aspect of the operation ran smoothly. “This operation was a team effort and a special thanks go to the USDA and GSP Airport, Canada Operations Team Project Managers Erica Resendes and Monique Huras, as well as Intradco Global’s professional grooms, Zac Carroll and Lyn Gardner, who looked after the animals throughout the operations, from loading them onto the aircraft, accompanying them through the flight, and unloading them in Botswana,” the press release underlines. Planning that paid off, since the client’s feedback was: “It was a pleasure working with Intradco Global and I’m not used to having so much help. They made my job much easier!”

Tom Lamb, Regional Manager North America, said “Intradco Global faced a few challenges in the planning and implementation of this operation but the team was able to bring this together to a successful outcome, with all parties happy. Using our expertise, we were able to overcome the obstacles faced when using a new airport, bringing in our equipment and staff, while working closely with the USDA and GSP airport to achieve a great result. Our experienced grooms watched over the animals throughout to ensure their comfort and safety was a priority.” 

Partners in Humanitarian Efforts

Qatar Airways Cargo and Airlink have a long-standing and strong partnership, sharing the same ESG-focused ideals. That partnership was renewed in APR22 for another three years, with the agreement that Qatar Airways Cargo will transport 500 tons of relief supplies free of charge. Since the renewal, it has already carried 58 shipments on behalf of 22 organizations offering 2.1 million USD in transportation relief. 351 tons of humanitarian supplies have already been distributed to 5.8 million people in seventeen countries. Among them: Afghanistan, Pakistan, Philippines, Sudan, Sri Lanka, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Lebanon, Jordan, Bangladesh, Türkiye, and Syria. The shipments are a wide range of crucial relief supplies such as medicines, medical supplies, hospital beds, solar equipment, nutritional supplements, water and sanitation supplies, tarps, blankets, hygiene kits, and food assistance. Airlink's nonprofit partners which assist global communities impacted by disasters and other humanitarian cities around the world also benefit from Airlink’s partnership with Qatar Airways Cargo.

Guillaume Halleux, Chief Officer Cargo at Qatar Airways, said: “Partnerships are very crucial especially when they are for a noble cause. We are glad to support our trusted and qualified partner, Airlink, to transport humanitarian cargo, thereby impacting millions of lives globally. Airfreight plays a critical role in responding to crises and supporting the work of governments and NGOs around the world. With our extensive network, charter capabilities and extensive, young and modern fleet as well as support from our dedicated teams worldwide, we are able to support disaster-stricken areas swiftly.”

Steve Smith, Airlink President and CEO, added: “We are deeply grateful to have the support of Qatar Airways Cargo; together we are bringing aid and hope to millions of people. The reach of Qatar Airways Cargo’s network and the commitment of the Qatar team, have made it possible for Airlink and our partner network of humanitarian organizations to greatly expand the number of places and people we can help.”

WebCargo is facilitating digital interlining

With the help of ITA Airways, Qatar Airways Cargo, and IAG Cargo, WebCargo by Freightos has developed a digital solution to enable interlining on its platform. The first successful air cargo interline shipment was booked between ITA Airways and Qatar Airways Cargo, and has kicked off WebCargo’s vision for more streamlined and efficient interlining. Interlining can be challenging given different airlines’ IT systems and often manual processes and is therefore not used to full potential. With WebCargo’s Digital Air Cargo (DAC) milestone, the process becomes more efficient, reducing booking time “from days to seconds,” according to the press release. The Interline eBooking solution which is the result of the three airlines offered input regarding design and structure, is available to all airlines, including those not yet offering eBookings on WebCargo.

An ITA Airways spokesperson opined: “Digital interlining means efficiency, which is sorely needed to accommodate air cargo demand. It means offering increased network opportunities for customers and easing interline agreements’ full implementation, as well as enhanced, faster capacity access. We [are] excited to be pioneers of digital interlining.”

Manel Galindo, CEO of WebCargo by Freightos, explained: “Waiting two days to price and book cargo that can circle the globe in under a day simply does not work. This new functionality brought together two carriers with no recent record of interlining together, which demonstrates the power of the new product. We’re privileged to collaborate with so many leading airlines, tapping digitization to support global supply chains.”

Faisal Karamat, Vice President Cargo Customer Experience at Qatar Airways Cargo, stated: “At Qatar Airways, we are consistently investing in cutting edge-technology and […] advanced technology and innovative solutions to enhance our operational efficiency, visibility, security, and improve our overall performance. The WebCargo eBooking platform highly complements our existing services. The functionality is transformative and innovative, allowing us to efficiently extend our already extensive network. This platform provides us access to additional routes that further enhance our global coverage and enable the teams to book it instantly. It has been designed with a user experience mindset hence allowing for increased efficiency and speed which is crucial for air cargo.”

Jonty Brunner, Head of Strategic Alliances at IAG Cargo, commented: “We’re proud to have played a driving role in conceptualizing interlining. We’re excited for the potential efficiencies this will introduce for both airline relationships and their forwarding customers.”

And then there were two…

Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc’s subsidiary, Atlas Air welcomed the second of its order of four Boeing 777-200 freighters last week in Purchase, N.Y. Registration N708GT was ceremoniously received with a ribbon cutting ceremony carried out by Chris Dwyer from Boeing, David Cyrus on behalf of MSC, Graham Perkins from Atlas Air, Gavin Deeks for MSC, and Tony Slama from Boeing. The aircraft bears the livery of MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company SA, for which Atlas Air will be operating, supporting MSC’s Air Cargo Solution as part of a previously announced long-term ACMI (aircraft, crew, maintenance, insurance) agreement. That agreement encompasses a total of four Atlas Air Boeing 777-200 freighters that will complement the existing weekly service for the world’s largest shipping company. Currently, MSC is offering around-the-world service to airports such as Mexico City (NLU), Indianapolis (IND), Liege (LGG), Seoul (ICN) and Xiamen (XMN).

Michael Steen, Chief Executive Officer, Atlas Air Worldwide, stated: “Building on the successful launch of MSC’s Air Cargo Solution, we are very pleased to welcome this second 777 delivery as part of our long-term strategic partnership.  We expect our remaining two 777 aircraft to be delivered in the fourth quarter. We value the trust that MSC has in Atlas Air to support the expanding requirements of their global network, and are excited to leverage our expertise and industry-leading solutions.”

Jannie Davel, Senior Vice President Air Cargo at MSC, said: “The delivery of our second MSC branded aircraft represents another strategic component towards our offering that further connects trade lanes for our customers. In partnership with Atlas Air, we have built a solid foundation on which to expand our air cargo solution.”

AFKLM Cargo is IATA CEIV Lithium Batteries certified

It is encouraging to see another IATA CEIV Lithium Batteries certification, and no surprise that this time it is Air France Cargo of Air France KLM Martinair Cargo that has joined the small number of airlines certified thus far. 

The certificate was presented to Christophe Boucher, EVP of Air France Cargo, on 11JUL23, when he visited the IATA offices in Geneva. It applies Air France Cargo and its hubs at Paris Charles de Gaulle and Chicago O'Hare. As always, the certificate is the positive result of strict audits carried out at the airline’s locations, that assess its adherence to regulations as laid out in IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) and IATA Lithium Battery Shipping Regulations (LBSR), safety standards, as well as adequate facilities, staff training and awareness, and handling processes. The certification will be shown in the IATA ONE Source registry so that stakeholders can see the quality confirmation. “The certification program of the Centre of Excellence for Independent Validators Lithium Batteries (CEIV Li-batt) is specifically designed to enable shippers, freight forwarders, cargo handling facilities and airlines to fulfil their safety obligations by complying with regulations for transporting lithium batteries,” the release explains.

Christophe Boucher, EVP of Air France Cargo, stated: “We are very proud of this certification that proves that Air France KLM Martinair Cargo applies the highest industry standard with regards to the handling of Lithium batteries. We keep on working on the different aspects of the handling and transportation of such shipments in order to ensure the maximum level of safety to our passenger and cargo customers.”

Frederic Leger, IATA Senior Vice President Commercial Products and Services, declared: “We congratulate Air France KLM Martinair Cargo on achieving CEIV Lithium Battery Certification. Lithium batteries are critical power sources for many consumer goods, and it is vital that we can ship them safely by air either with finished products or as components in global supply chains. That’s why we developed the CEIV Lithium Battery certification. It gives their shippers the assurance that they are operating to the highest safety and security standards when shipping lithium batteries.”

Maersk air cargo all the way from the USA

From Atlanta to the world: Maersk has just opened what employees are referring to as a game-changer in its air cargo services expansion. Talk is of its strategic Atlanta air cargo hub which was officially inaugurated earlier this month. A North American gateway to Asia Pacific – notably China (Shenyang) and Korea (Seoul). The new facility is located 2 miles/3.2 km from Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson International Airport (ATL), in Atlanta Tradeport's Foreign Trade Zone. Alongside benefits such as lower duties, reduced processing fees, quicker movement of goods from the port of Savannah and great access to the interstates I-75 and I-285, it offers 37,500 m² of warehousing space. ULDs can be collected directly from the plane and transferred immediately to the hub. 39 dock doors, two oversized drive-up ramps, a Bonded Container Freight Station (CFS) with U.S. Customs, and a U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Certified Cargo Screening Facility (CCSF) are available to enable fast, smooth, and secure handling of import and export air cargo.

“Atlanta is one of the most important commercial, financial, and centers of the southeastern United States. Over 75% of the Fortune 1000 companies have a presence in the Atlanta area, and the region hosts offices of about 1,250 multinational corporations,” the release explains why the location for the air cargo hub was chosen. With close access to commercial carrier capacity, it will mainly act as a forward staging facility for Maersk’s Greenville, South Carolina own controlled flight operations: five weekly B74F return flights to Hahn, Germany, and twice-weekly B76F flights to Shenyang, China, with onward connection to Seoul, Korea.

John Wetherell, Regional Head of Air Freight, North America, announced: “Maersk is strengthening our promise to customers of integrated, end-to-end logistics solutions by growing our air freight services in a strategic transportation hub. Our Atlanta facility enhances our offering, providing customers with superior supply chain flexibility supported by our expanded regional capabilities in warehousing and transportation. We will be able to leverage this connectivity to bolster our air freight network across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the world.”

dnata’s air cargo bouquets

42,000 tons of roses, orchids, home-grown gerbera, peonies, and a host of other flower types pass through dnata's Amsterdam Schiphol facilities each year. Of those, 27,000 tons come in on daily flights from East Africa and South America (mainly orchids, chrysanthemums, and roses), and 15,000 tons are exported – these include home-grown gerbera, gypsophila, and peonies. Though movements are daily, there are clear peaks such as Valentine’s Day, which sees a sharp increase in flower shipments in the three weeks running up to the day. 

Given the fragile nature of these perishable goods, dnata, which currently employs 1000 dedicated staff at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) and provides ground and cargo handling services to 37 airlines, there, operates dedicated cool chain facilities to ensure the right temperature and efficient, product-required handling. “dnata's highly-trained teams can typically empty a full freighter aircraft of flowers, and load them on to forwarding trucks in around 90 minutes,” the release states. There is more to come. dnata is planning to open a fully automated cargo center called dnata Cargo City Amsterdam next year. This will be “one of the largest and most advanced facilities of its kind. Including certifications for sustainability and eco-friendly design, the 61,000 m² facility will use cutting-edge technologies and be capable of processing over 850,000 tons of cargo annually,” it continues, referring to all kinds of specials: perishables, pharmaceuticals, dangerous goods, mail, live animals, aircraft engines and vehicles.

Jan van Anrooy, Managing Director, dnata Netherlands, said: “Understanding our customers' requirements is crucial to ensuring perishable items such as flowers preserve their freshness and longevity, maintaining the value for our customers. Our customer-oriented team and best-in-class facilities ensure that perishable cargo is processed quickly and efficiently throughout the transportation process.”

Brigitte Gledhill

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