Regent Craft and LATAM Cargo are Sustainability Award winners
Towards the end of the TIACA Executive Summit, just before the closing remarks, the association announced and handed over sustainable, glass trophy prizes to the winners and runners-up of its 5th
Sustainability Awards.
Viviana Gonzalez Auza, Head of Global Accounts at LATAM Cargo, accepted the Corporate Category prize on behalf of her company, with the words: “This moment is a milestone, motivating us to
keep doing initiatives that leave a positive impact on South America and the world – after all, South America is home to 40% of the world’s biodiversity. I am sure that the key to success is
through collaboration, and it is very important, by taking action NOW, that we achieve the common goal of being a sustainable industry.” LATAM Cargo had entered its Necessary Destination
program - a comprehensive and robust compendium of initiatives that aims to drive sustainable development in South America through three fundamental pillars: Climate Change, Circular Economy, and
Shared Value.
The winners of the Start-up/Small Business Category were digitally voted in by the Executive Summit audience, following the completion of all three finalists’ individual, 8-minute presentation.
Three very different projects were illustrated: Pledge showcased its Freight Emissions Calculation and Offsetting tools, Regent Craft (battling third-party technical problems with the screen
through most of the presentation), introduced its SeaGliders that will unlock emission-free cargo transportation between coastal cities once they go fully commercial in the next couple of years,
and lastly, VRR presented its Collapsible Container solution to address the global ULD imbalance. The choice was difficult, and possibly tipped by sympathy votes due to the technical troubles;
the first prize of USD 10,000 went to Regent Craft, with Pledge and VRR Collapsible each receiving USD 2,500. Apparently a very close vote for all three, according to TIACA.
Main sponsor, Chris McDermott, CEO of CHAMP Cargosystems, said: “It has been terrific to see so many remarkable submissions for this year's Air Cargo Sustainability Awards. I'd like to thank
the jury for their unwavering commitment in reviewing all of the entries. I would also like to congratulate the worthy winners of the corporate and the Start-Up and Small Business
awards.”
Steven Polmans, TIACA Chair, added: “After reviewing all the entries, the level of innovation and thought that has been put into making air cargo more sustainable, truly gives me hope. […] I
thank everyone who participated in the awards for sharing their work and look forward to getting information out there on all of the good work the industry is doing to become more
sustainable.”
BlueSky Sponsorship Fund to accelerate sustainability
A year since its official launch, TIACA’s BlueSky program - the only one of its kind created specifically for the air cargo and logistics industry and designed to provide individual companies
with a verified independent assessment of their sustainability credentials – has received a firm foundation in the form of a community sponsorship initiative. The announcement was made during the
Sustainability panel at TIACA’s Executive Summit in Brussels, last week. The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA), Air Cargo Belgium and Brussels Airport formally launched the first TIACA
BlueSky community program. This means that Air Cargo Belgium and Brussels Airport Company have established a sponsorship fund to support 15 members with their BlueSky assessment by co-sharing
their fees within the community program. Each member receives its own, individual assessment, plus the results flow into a community report outlining Air Cargo Belgium's shared sustainability
objectives. Between now and Q2/24, the community sponsorship will provide additional support for participating organizations and the collective results will illustrate to Brussels Airport and Air
Cargo Belgium where their community could benefit from additional sustainability project initiatives across the 8 areas of focus: Decarbonization, Elimination of Waste, Protection of
Biodiversity, Support for Local Economies and Communities, Improvement of Lives and Social Well-being, Efficiencies and Profitability, Attraction, Retention, and Development of Employees, and
Building and Nurturing Partnerships.
Steven Polmans, TIACA Chair, explained: “One of TIACA's main focuses is to collaborate and unite the industry. The launch of a BlueSky Community program shows how much we can get done if we
work together for a common front. This initiative is focused on creating a sustainable future by assessing and tracking where an airport community is on its path towards a sustainable air cargo.
I couldn't be happier that Brussels Airport and Air Cargo Belgium have chosen to embrace this initiative and encourage their community to continue their progress toward a sustainable future. We
all know that Brussels Airport takes pride in all of its efforts toward sustainability; it shows in all they do. We look forward to seeing the results of the BlueSky assessment as well as seeing
how the Brussels air cargo community continues on its path to sustainability.”
Geert Aerts, Chief Cargo & Real Estate Officer, Brussels Airport Company, commented: “As a leading organization within the Stargate EU Green Deal initiative, Brussels Airport has recently
successfully completed the BlueSky assessment. With this first TIACA BlueSky community program, Brussels Airport continues to pioneer, in collaboration with our tight-knit BRUcargo community
towards a more sustainable cargo industry.”
Freek De Witte, Director Air Cargo Belgium, added: “From the point of view of shippers and also from a societal perspective, the air cargo sector has a specific challenge when it comes to
becoming more sustainable. As Air Cargo Belgium we want to stay ahead of the curve by implanting this unique approach towards a ever more sustainable air cargo community.”
Qatar Airways Partners with United for Wildlife
Qatar Airways announced last week that it has become The Royal Foundation's United for Wildlife (UfW) program’s Official Airline Partner. The move aligns with the airline’s own stance on
protecting wildlife and combatting illegal wildlife trade. Its “WeQare” Chapter ‘ReWild the Planet’ (see CFG articles: https://www.cargoforwarder.eu/2021/02/01/qatar-airways-cargo-s-weqare-goes-wild/ and
https://www.cargoforwarder.eu/2021/05/13/of-lions-leaders-and-the-big-five/ ) addresses much of what the UfW and its Buckingham Palace Declaration stand for. The UfW was founded by Prince William
and The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales in 2014, as an initiative to tackle illegal wildlife trade and protect endangered species. Qatar Airways is certified to the industry
standard for the prevention of illegal wildlife trafficking in aviation. Thus, its staff is trained in the awareness, detection and reporting of illegal wildlife trade, and the airline itself
maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards the transportation of illegal wildlife and products. It recently participated in the United for Wildlife Global Summit in Singapore, and hopes to inspire
others to join in the cause of preserving the planet's precious biodiversity.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “The illegal and unsustainable wildlife trade threatens our global biodiversity, and poses a risk to health and safety,
particularly in marginalized communities. We are taking measures to disrupt this illicit trade in order to conserve biodiversity and safeguard our delicate ecosystems. […] United for wildlife has
brought together various businesses in a unique collaborative approach that share the same mission as ours. We remain committed to collaborating with our stakeholders to raise awareness of the
impact on the illegal animal trade, working tirelessly to deliver Qatar Airways Cargo – WeQare Rewild the Planet initiative to protect our planet's most vulnerable species.”
Amanda Berry OBE, CEO of The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales, commented: “As a founding member of our Transport Taskforce in 2016, Qatar Airways has a longstanding
partnership with United for Wildlife and has consistently demonstrated commitment to tackling the illegal wildlife trade around the world. They were the first airline to complete the IATA IEnvA
IWT certification and have implemented several initiatives to help prevent wildlife trafficking through their network. Qatar Airways' enhanced level of support in their capacity as the Official
Airline Partner is another example of their dedication to eradicating this harmful trade and preserving biodiversity for future generations.”
Kale to create Türkiye’s first CCS at IST
The future of airports and successful cargo communities, lies in intelligent digital cargo community systems (CCS) – this was clearly demonstrated in Brussels, recently, by Nallian’s track
record. Now, one of its peer software providers, Kale Logistics Solutions (Kale) has been selected to implement the Türkiye’s first Airport Cargo Community System (ACS) over at the world’s fourth
largest airport: Istanbul Grand Airport (İGA), to digitalize and facilitate cargo data exchange. Called Airport Kargo Paydaş Platformu (KPP), the cargo community platform developed by Kale, will
be implemented at İGA in collaboration with TroyNet. Once operational, KPP will enable İGA's operators and the local cargo community of forwarding agents, road feeders, cargo handling companies,
airlines, customs, and security agencies to share and source all kinds of cargo-related information on the single, common platform. Through faster and higher quality data exchange, İGA’s aim of
becoming a regional cargo transfer center for the world's leading cargo companies, will have a far better chance of success. Working as a community through end-to-end digitalization, has a
positive impact on efficiency, streamlining procedures, and automating communication. All that translates into faster cargo lead times and processing, reduced costs, and improved asset
utilization.
Selahattin Bilgen, Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO), İGA, stated: “Istanbul is a critical air cargo connection point, and we are determined to develop and expand our air cargo network –
the implementation of KPP is an important milestone in providing best-in-class services to our customers and stakeholders. We want to take our place in the sector as one of the world's most
important global transfer centers and with this system, we will encourage digital trade, facilitate business, and establish a digital infrastructure to ensure that cargo moves faster at the least
possible cost.”
Vineet Malhotra, Director and Co-Founder of Kale Logistics Solutions, revealed: “For more than a decade, Kale has been combining its deep industry knowledge and experience of working with
more than 100 air cargo stations to help airports transform into smart logistics hubs. Our next-gen ACS is transforming İGA's cargo operations with tech agility by supporting seamless customer
experience and optimizing value chains for airports and nations at large.”
Dr Emre Serpen, Chief Executive, TroyNet, confirmed: “We are very pleased with İGA's decision to implement this project with our partner Kale, and we look forward to KPP making a positive
contribution to all stakeholders by enabling air cargo and logistics sector growth.”
Ampaire’s first hybrid electric flight
On 10NOV23, electric aviation technology developer, Ampaire, succeeded in completing the world’s first ever hybrid electric flight. Hailed as “a historic milestone and unprecedented leap
toward sustainable aviation”, the company’s own CEO, Kevin Noertker, took to the skies in Ampaire's flagship aircraft, the Electric EEL*, for the first-ever hybrid electric flight into Palo
Alto Airport, meeting with investors there to encourage funding for a greener aviation solution. “This milestone is a signal to the aviation industry and investors that Ampaire is rapidly
advancing toward commercial viability, aligning with global sustainability goals, and is ready to lead the new age of aviation,” the press release underlined.
Earlier this month, Noertker addressed the Regional Air Cargo Carriers Association’s (RACCA) annual conference in Scottsdale, AZ, underlining greener air cargo potentials: “We are delighted
to demonstrate our technology in front of regional cargo carriers. By deploying Ampaire's cutting-edge hybrid electric technology, we're not merely propelling aircraft, we're enabling a future
where sustainability and capital efficiency become the cornerstone of air cargo operations. This is about ensuring every parcel delivered is a step forward towards a greener, more connected
world.” The EEL uses up to 40% less fuel than its sister standard Cessna Skymaster. The parallel hybrid bears a conventional combustion engine plus an independent electric drivetrain,
offering a more sustainable solution for charter and short-haul cargo airlines. Its press release speaks of Ampaire being “at the vanguard of an industry on the brink of transformation.”
Aside from reduced fuel consumption and emissions, it can decrease operating costs, retain full flight distance capability, and does not require any new airport infrastructure such as new fueling
or charging stations. “These capabilities have enabled Ampaire to deploy these groundbreaking technologies broadly, including island hopping in Hawaii and Scotland, crossing the United
States, and journeying over Canada and Alaska.”
Kevin Noertker, CEO of Ampaire, enthused: “The flight into Palo Alto Airport is not just a technical verification of our systems but a clear message that the era of electric aviation is upon
us. Palo Alto is renowned as a stomping ground for innovative startups that embrace new ideas and technologies. We invite forward-thinking investors to fly with us on our journey as we redefine
the boundaries of air travel and push towards a zero-emissions future.”
*A little general knowledge for those of us who were not aware until now: Electric eels inspired the Italian physicist Alessandro Volta to invent the world’s first electric battery back in 1800.
WCAworld announces two new directors
With more than 12,000 member offices spread over 194 countries across the globe, WCAworld is the world’s largest network of independent freight forwarders. Its press release boasts that “The
combined logistics might of the WCAworld membership exceeds that even of the world’s largest multinational freight forwarders.” It has now appointed two new directors with a concrete focus
on parcels and e-commerce – two rapidly expanding cargo segments.
“WCAworld shows its commitment to final mile operations through the appointment of a new e-commerce Director and Director of World Parcel Alliance,” was the wording, introducing Harald
Oechsner as Director – E-commerce, and Steve Howard as Director World Parcel Alliance. Both report directly to WCAworld’s Chairman, David Yokeum, and will assist in supporting the network’s
members in growing their e-commerce and final mile business.
Harald Oechsner, who looks back on almost 50 years’ experience in global logistics – mainly in Asia and the U.S. (11 different countries overall), has also worked closely with WCAworld members
for half that time, and thus has “an unrivalled understanding of international logistics and e-commerce shipping [and is] well placed to drive the vision of WCAworld's e-commerce networks in
a way that delivers for its members.”
Steve Howard’s career in logistics and warehousing began back in 1990, and he is particularly well-versed in the trucking and final mile industry in the Americas. “He is past president of the
Customized Logistics and Delivery Association, having been on the board for 14 years. Steve was instrumental in ensuring that courier and trucking industries were never closed for operations
during COVID-19, this dedication and commitment to the industry will be invaluable to the members of the newly formed World Parcel Alliance,” the release maintains.
WCAworld Chairman, David Yokeum, commented: “We have listened to member feedback and appreciate that our members need additional support and opportunities to grow their e-commerce and final
mile businesses, and this is why we're investing now in our e-commerce network and have established the World Parcel Alliance. The World Parcel Alliance recently held its first conference which
demonstrated the exciting prospect of bringing together the best and most innovative last-mile providers. I look forward to working with Harald and Steve and seeing how quickly we can grow
together with our members.”
Brigitte Gledhill
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