DoKaSch developing market presence in India
DoKaSch Temperature Solutions has appointed a Business Development Manager India as it looks to expand its reach in the world’s third-largest producer of pharmaceuticals. James Savio, who joins DoKaSch from Etihad Airways Cargo’s GSA, InterGlobe Air Transport, where he was Regional Manager South, knows the Indian market very well. Prior to InterGlobe, he was Regional Manager Bangalore at Allied Aviation Private Ltd., and Manager Sales and Services for Singapore Airlines Cargo’s GSA, Aviation Travels Private Ltd. He also holds a qualification in Quality Management for Pharmaceuticals. “Due to my previous career, I’ve gained valuable insights about what the freight customers want and demand. The companies are looking for reliable temperature solution partners such as DoKaSch Temperature Solutions. That’s a big advantage for our company. I want to expand the market presence of DoKaSch Temperature Solutions across the Pharmaceuticals main markets in India, and also ensure that DoKaSch TS is valued as a trusted and reliable safe temperature solutions company in India and global,” he commented.
Andreas Seitz, Managing Director at DoKaSch Temperature Solutions, explained: “India is an important market for the production of pharmaceuticals, biosimilars and biotech. With James Savio as Business Development Manager India DoKaSch TS is further expanding its engagement in this region.”
DoKaSch TS has been operating a service station at India’s key pharma location, Hyderabad International Airport since 2021. Pharma and biotech companies, of which many are based in India, are instrumental in driving modernization at India’s airports so that pharmaceuticals are handled safely and in temperature-controlled facilities. DoKaSch’s Opticooler® is a core, trusted element in high quality pharma supply chains.
ST Engineering breaks the ground on new MRO hangar
A cause for celebration over at ST Engineering. The ground-breaking ceremony held on 23SEP23 and attended by industry and government partners, signified the start of its S$170 million, 84,000 m² MRO capacity expansion in Singapore with the addition of a new hangar facility at Changi Airport, next to the Changi Airfreight Centre in Changi Creek. Designed with sustainability and operational efficiency in mind (thus solar panels, electric vehicles, and paperless processes), and equipped with four widebody hangar bays, a hybrid paint and maintenance bay, the first hangar bay should be operational in mid-2025, and the other three by the end of 2026. Thus, the company is responding to the rising demand for airframe maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services in Asia Pacific. “When fully operational, the facility will contribute an additional 1.3 million manhours annually,” around 10% of ST Engineering’s current global airframe MRO capacity. That translates into 550+ additional jobs (including roles such as licensed aircraft engineers, planning and production control specialists, mechanics, warehouse and logistics personnel), and ST Engineering’s longstanding customer, Japan Airlines, will be the first airline to have its aircraft serviced in the new facility.
Jeffrey Lam, President of Commercial Aerospace at ST Engineering, said: “This is a significant development for us given that the Asia Pacific region is one of the key markets for ST Engineering. With the regional aerospace industry poised to grow strongly in the coming decade, the additional capacity will allow us to better fulfil our commitment to longstanding customers to support their rising maintenance needs, as well as to capture future growth opportunities. This new significant commitment in Singapore also underlines the fact that Singapore continues to be a strategic growth location even as we expand our footprint in other global markets.”
Tan Kong Hwee, Executive Vice President at Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), explained: “Singapore’s aerospace industry is well-positioned for growth as global air travel rebounds. EDB is delighted to support ST Engineering, a successful homegrown enterprise, to capture new business opportunities leveraging Singapore’s position as a leading MRO hub in the Asia Pacific region. We look forward to the exciting career opportunities for Singaporeans in this industry with positive long-term prospects.”
Silk Way West Airlines is live on cargo.one
The promise announced in MAY23 that Silk Way West Airlines would go live on cargo.one in the fall of 2023, appears to now have become reality. On 20SEP23, the airline announced that it had “taken a significant step forward in improving its customers’ experience with the launch of services bookable via the cargo.one platform. This initiative will facilitate a seamless booking experience and underscores Silk Way West Airlines' commitment to innovation and customer-centric services.”
With that, Silk Way West Airlines has facilitated the booking process and extended its customer reach, since cargo.one offers a user-friendly interface and has a wide user base. cargo.one users can quickly get an overview of space available on the airline’s routes, along with real-time pricing and booking opportunities. For Silk Way West Airlines, those bookings enable it to optimize its capacity utilization, ultimately reducing costs and improving the overall efficiency of its business. “By combining Silk Way West Airlines' global reach and cargo.one's cutting-edge technology, the air cargo industry is poised for a new era of convenience and efficiency. Silk Way West Airlines and cargo.one look forward to welcoming new and existing clients to the platform,” the release proclaimed.
Mr. Wolfgang Meier, CEO of Silk Way West Airlines, stated: “We are thrilled to embark on this journey with cargo.one. This endeavor is an exciting milestone that perfectly aligns with our commitment to providing innovative solutions and superior customer experiences. We believe that the integration of cargo.one's digital platform will set a new standard for air freight booking.”
Hermes launches LMS training tool
LMS stands for Learning Management System and is Hermes’ solution to increasing digital proficiency within the air cargo industry. Unveiled by CEO, Yuval Baruch on 20SEP23 at the Air Cargo Handling & Logistics event in Athens, Greece, Hermes is the first and only software provider to offer training via an LMS which will “revolutionize training, support, and implementation”. Successful tool implementation depends on user acceptance, so a “digital, self-service, educational tool designed to make learning about air cargo processes and HLT's Cargo Management System (CMS) simple, intuitive, and effective,” will significantly improve adoption. The platform contains training content such as structured courses, FAQs, instructional videos, and how-to guides. It is an internally hosted, centralized hub that is used by both HLT customers and employees. Its course offering (spanning the entire cargo operation) can be customized to suit the respective business. Among the options on offer are instructions on air waybill acceptance, an introduction to dangerous goods, ULD information, and other detailed product-specific courses. Digitally accessible at all times, means that Hermes users can regularly refresh their knowledge and take fully benefit from Hermes CMS’ functionalities. Reception of the LMS is very positive as “a significant number of HLT customers and prospects have already expressed interest in using the LMS to train their staff and support upgrades or implementations, with some already making use of the software to great success,” according to the company.
Yuval Baruch, Chief Executive Officer, HLT, commented: “The LMS will lead to more knowledgeable staff, faster and improved onboarding, and more efficient software implementations, which makes it so valuable. To utilize the vast advantages and innovations offered by digitalization, we must work towards a greater standard of digital proficiency than currently exists. The LMS sets a new standard by creating an environment where customers and staff can find support and training to use HLT products, making learning easier and more efficient than ever.”
Mário Rosa, Chief Information Security Officer and Project and Applications Manager, Groundforce Portugal, declared: “The Hermes LMS represents the most efficient, cost-effective method of training we have used so far. The LMS has been easy to use and has provided our staff access to all the information they may need when using our Hermes technology, saving us time, effort, and money whilst ensuring our staff are the most knowledgeable they can be.”
Kerry Logistics Network wins ESG awards
CFG doesn’t usually report on awards unless they appear to make sense. Kerry Logistics Network’s recent wins could provide food for thought for other companies looking to improve their ESG goals. For the second year running, Kerry Logistics Network Limited has won the ESG Benchmark Award - Silver Award and the Outstanding Sustainability and Dividend Growth Award at the Institute of ESG & Benchmark (IESGB)’s ESG Achievement Awards 2022/2023, for its endeavors in Environmental, Social and Governance ('ESG') and sustainable practices. The IESGB judged companies operating in Hong Kong on any positive impacts they have had in the realm of sustainable practices. The applications ran under the theme of ‘ESG Champions: Pioneering Sustainable Development’. The fact that Kerry Logistics has won two years running might well be down to the fact that the company established a Sustainability Committee last year, “responsible for evaluating sustainability-related risks and opportunities, recommending ESG strategies and monitoring sustainability reporting,” the release states.
Intrigued by the WeKare message in the photo, strongly reminiscent of Qatar Airways Cargo’s WeQare initiative, a quick Google search reveals Kerry’s detailed 86-page Sustainability Report, which shows WeKare (launched 2022) as being an employee-centric initiative within the company. Kerry appears to have an active and clear ESG strategy (3-year approach), has secured its first sustainability loan, and follows the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). It was also the first logistics company in Hong Kong to deploy a 5.5-ton electric truck, striving to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Ellis Cheng, Executive Director and Chairman of the Sustainability Committee of Kerry Logistics Network, commented: “We are delighted to be recognized by the IESGB again for our sustainability performance and ongoing progress in ESG. Over the last year, we have made great strides in our sustainability strategy and governance structure, while expanding the scope and depth of our social commitment and initiatives. In the future, we will remain committed to adopting ESG best practices and driving meaningful changes in our community, as we continue to march forward towards our target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.”
Qatar Airways Cargo and Xiamen Airlines partner
And that partnership creates a first for China, namely Xiamen Airlines becomes the first Chinese airline to operate non-stop passenger flights between Mainland China and Qatar. The first flights will start on 20OCT23, with Xiamen Airlines operating daily Boeing 787-9 services between Beijing's Daxing International Airport (PKX) and Doha's Hamad International Airport. From 31OCT23, these will be complemented by twice-weekly Xiamen Airlines flights (using a Boeing 787-8) from Xiamen (XMN), in Fujian Sheng’s special economic zone, to Doha. With these newly instated services, Qatar Airways Cargo’s customers benefit from additional cargo capacities feeding into and out of its Doha hub, linking one of the world’s largest economies.
Elisabeth Oudkerk, SVP Cargo Sales & Network Planning at Qatar Airways Cargo, explained: “China has always been a key market for us and our customers. We are delighted to be able to offer our clients even more capacity. We will now serve 9 destinations in Mainland China, offering over 2,800 weekly tons of cargo capacity. We welcome Xiamen Airlines and look forward to working closely with them.”
Mr. Tong Qianju, Vice President of Xiamen Airlines Cargo, commented: “Xiamen Airlines Cargo is very happy to expand its network reach for the first time to the Middle East, and we are very honored to do this with one of the top air cargo carriers in the world – Qatar Airways Cargo. Qatar is a huge hub for air cargo in the Middle East, and this relationship with Qatar Airways Cargo strengthens Xiamen Airlines' commitment to air cargo excellence. We look forward to working closely with Qatar Airways.”
3 new senior positions filled to drive Menzies’ freight business
Menzies Aviation’s rapid cargo development is being fortified with the appointment of three new senior posts – the company’s first Global Head of Cargo, Beau Paine, and two regional supports: Kayla Moa for Australia, and Karl Aldwinckle for Europe.
Beau Paine, who has been with the company since 2005, recently moved from leading its Australian cargo team from 2018, to becoming Senior Vice President Cargo OSEA (Oceania and South East Asia) in 2021. A role he retains in addition to now being Menzies’ Global Head of Cargo. “Beau takes the reigns during an exciting period for Menzies’ cargo business, which has recently opened several new locations including Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) and Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) in the U.S. and José María Córdova International Airport (MDE) in Colombia,” the release states. He will oversee the many global projects currently underway, from a joint venture (JV) with Bangalore International Airport Limited (BLR) in India to construct a new 250,000-ton-capacity domestic cargo facility and expand its international cargo facility. Other cargo capacity and sustainable modernization projects include a JV at Santiago International Airport (SCL) in Chile, and one with South African Airways (SAA) Cargo at O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) and Cape Town International Airport (CPT). His key responsibility in close liaison with Menzies’ regional cargo teams, will be to develop and strengthen its position as the leading cargo handler in the market, including digital enhancements such as the global roll-out of a next generation warehouse management system labeled Menzies Aviation Cargo Handling (MACH), delivered in partnership with Wipro.
Kayla Moa, Vice President Cargo Operations, Australia, also with Menzies since 2005, is responsible for the company’s local cargo operations. Karl Aldwinckle, Vice President Cargo Europe and based at London’s Heathrow Airport (LHR), has the task for growing the company’s presence across Europe, as well as supporting the roll out of new technologies.
Philipp Joeinig, CEO, Menzies Aviation, said: “We are delighted to announce the appointment of Beau, Karl, and Kayla to new positions within our cargo team. Our cargo business has rapidly expanded, growing from 49 locations in 2021 to 75 this year, and we have ambitious plans to take this even further. With signs that cargo demand is strengthening, we’ve created a solid platform for growth, and I look forward to working with Beau, Karl, and Kayla as we undertake this new chapter in our cargo journey.”
Airblox brings Neel Jones Shah onto its Board
Airblox this week announced that it has appointed Neel Jones Shah, the Executive Vice President of Airfreight Strategy and Carrier Development at Flexport to its Board of Directors. A well-known face in all things finance and forecasts within the air cargo industry, he looks back on a solid industry background having held leading positions at United Airlines, Delta Airlines, and JS Aviation Consulting, before joining Flexport in 2017. In addition to his newest role now as Airblox Board Member, Neel is a Senior Advisor for the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), long-time member of the Board of Trustees at The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA), and a Board Member of both Amerijet International as well as Global K9 Protection Group (K9PG).
Airblox’s press release heralds his appointment as “a new chapter in the company's journey to redefine the air cargo digital landscape. With Neel's strategic vision and extensive experience, Airblox will continue its mission of making air freight management smarter, faster, and more efficient.”
Edip Pektas, Founder of Airblox, declared: “We are truly honored to welcome Neel to the Airblox Board of Directors. His unparalleled expertise and deep industry knowledge are widely recognized. His visionary leadership aligns perfectly with Airblox's mission to revolutionize the air cargo industry through innovation and digital transformation.”
Over on LinkedIn, Neel Jones Shah’s comment to all his well-wishers was: “Thanks to everyone for your warm wishes as I join the Airblox Board. It is really an honor to partner with Edip and Sanj as we grow the platform and drive real value to airlines and forwarders by leveraging digital contracts in our wholesale marketplace.”
Brigitte Gledhill
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