Global aviation services group and charter specialist Air Partner has appointed Oliver Giesen as head of onboard courier (OBC) – global.
Giesen will be responsible for identifying opportunities to drive the growth of Air Partner’s OBC division, focusing on the aerospace, automotive, fashion and pharmaceutical industries.
He will be based in his home country of Germany, which is a prominent manufacturing hub in Europe and conveniently located for US- and Asia-bound delivery services.
Giesen’s appointment is part of Air Partner’s investment in the growth of OBC delivery to enhance its time-critical services.
Pierre Van Der Stichele, vice president of global charter, said: “There are huge untapped opportunities for OBC services to fulfil, from high net-worth individuals and fashion houses to financial institutions and car manufacturers.
“Door-to-door OBC services are of growing importance to those for whom safe and urgent delivery, by hand, of items is critical, such as sensitive documents, parts for cars to meet manufacturing deadlines, and last-minute additions to the catwalk at global fashion shows.
“Oliver brings a wealth of industry experience to Air Partner with an extensive background spanning logistics, supply chain visibility and operations. With over a decade’s experience in roles at NEO Air Charter GmbH and Chapman Freeborn Airchartering, Oliver refined his expertise in logistics operations and business development. After delving into supply chain visibility for over two years, Oliver now returns to logistics, leading Air Partner’s OBC division.”
The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) has appointed six new members to its board of directors.
These board members include Jannie Davel, senior vice president of MSC Air Cargo; Martin Drew, chief strategy and transformation officer at Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings; and Avianca Cargo senior vice president Diogo Elias.
Also joining are Dirk Goovaerts, chief executive of Continental Europe, Middle East and Africa at Swissport International; Boon Kiam Kuah, senior vice president, cargo services at SATS; and UPS director of industry affairs Nichole Schulz.
TIACA director general Glyn Hughes said the new board members are joining at a busy time for the organisation.
“2024 is a critical year for TIACA and having strong leadership in place is vital to the association as we continue to grow and invest in programs that support the industry such as BlueSky, Invest in Climate Action and the Air Cargo Training Library,” he said.
“The team is also actively planning for the latest edition of Air Cargo Forum, November 11-14 in Miami which is expected to draw 4,000-5,000.
“Additionally, the Board has tasked the Secretariat to continue to expand other TIACA programmes that tackle industry challenges through a united voice to enhance a safe, efficient and robust air cargo industry, designed to meet the needs of today whilst anticipating the needs of tomorrow.”
The association added that it currently has a full board seat allocation with one vacancy as it has reserved a seat for a representative of the shipper community, but additional seats may become available as current board terms end.
In February, TIACA launched a ‘Climate Action Platform’ carbon-offsetting programme to help smaller companies invest in reducing their impact on the climate.
ULD management specialist Jettainer has appointed Gert Pfeifer as general manager Europe, effective April 1.
Pfeifer joined Jettainer 15 years ago and has held a variety of leadership roles in IT and operations. Most recently, he held the position of head of operational excellence supply chain and was responsible for areas including fleet management, ULD engineering, the repair and maintenance processes and new customer integration.
He also played a key role in the development of digital twins, virtual images of real ULDs, to identify any additional potential for improvement from the very first to the final use of containers and pallets.
Pfeifer’s new responsibilities include developing and implementing a regional sales and operations strategy for Europe to enhance and ensure the market always driven and reliable ULD management service.
He and his teams will handle all aspects of customer relations in the region, including sales, operations, and customer service, reinforcing Jettainer’s dedication to excellence in serving its customers.
“Our new structure is designed to reflect the specific customer needs and market situations in the various regions. It brings us closer to our customers, which subsequently benefits our entire global customer network,” said Thomas Sonntag, Jettainer’s chief executive.
“Thanks to his many years with the company, particularly as Head of Operational Excellence Supply Chain, Dr Gert Pfeifer has in-depth knowledge of the ULD market and our customers’ requirements and has all the skills needed to drive Jettainer’s growth in Europe.”
This position is part and parcel of Jettainer’s strategic reorganisation in order to respond optimally to regional market trends and needs.
Last month, Jettainer appointed its chief sales officer Thorsten Riekert as chief commercial officer.
IGL Logistics has boosted the number of shipments it insures for customers by 81 percent after digitizing its cargo insurance processes while working with tech partner Breeze.
The U.S.-based global freight forwarder has automated and optimized most aspects of the insurance process, including quote generation, policy binding, and claims processing, by using Breeze’s platform, which integrates with IGL Logistics’ shipping booking workflow.
“The integration with Breeze underscores IGL Logistics’ commitment to providing cargo coverage that protects against a wide range of risks, to ensure we deliver a holistic service for our customers,” said Misty Vogel, C.F.O. / Executive Vice President of IGL Logistics.
“Digitizing the cargo insurance process enhances operational efficiency and means that we can quickly provide comprehensive, customer-driven, and cost-effective coverage for our customers.”
Breeze is a fully automated, digital insurance solution, providing instant all-risk cargo coverage in a way that is fully embedded in existing operational workflows.
“We are on a mission to improve the outdated and inefficient methods of purchasing and distributing cargo insurance prevalent in the traditional insurance industry,” said Eyal Goldberg, Chief Executive Officer, Breeze.
“By embracing a data-driven approach, Breeze’s platform empowers IGL Logistics to offer insurance to their customers that includes a wider array of cargo protection than their standard business coverage would.”
Between 60 and 80 percent of global cargo is un-or-under-insured with an estimated 30 percent of global shipments experiencing some form of loss or damage during transit while without adequate insurance coverage.
“Without insurance, businesses can be left facing substantial financial losses, operational disruptions, and potential reputational damage,” said Goldberg.
“Digitizing the insurance process ensures there are cost-effective, speedy solutions available to preserve the customer’s cargo and the relationship between them and their freight forwarder.”
This latest partnership reflects Breeze’s broader mission to improve outdated and inefficient methods of purchasing and distributing cargo insurance prevalent in the traditional insurance and logistics industry.
CargoAi has launched a new feature designed to make the process of finding and securing available spot cargo easier and more efficient.
The Air Freight Load Board enables airlines to access a database of available freight, plus detailed cargo specifications, directly in their CargoMART Airline App.
This new feature focuses on search functionality by allowing users to browse through a wide range of available freight listings, tailored to specific preferences and requirements.
It also offers real-time updates on available cargo, enhanced market visibility to enable carriers to make informed decisions and optimise their operations, and direct connections with the right contacts, eliminating the need for intermediary communication and accelerating the booking process.
“At CargoAi, we are committed to driving innovation and delivering unparalleled value to our customers,” said Matt Petot, chief executive at CargoAi.
“With the launch of the Air Freight Load Board, we complete our value proposition allowing forwarders to manage spot requests across airlines, previously available, and now giving the airlines the ability to proactively find these opportunities – continuing our mission to revolutionize the way businesses connect and secure cargo, empowering them to find and win more volume with greater ease and efficiency than ever before.”
The CargoMART Airline App comes with a full market analysis dashboard provides insights on the market conditions, helping local sales to adjust their sales and pricing strategy.
Delta Cargo has expanded its offering on online booking platform WebCargo by Freightos to include more destinations and products.
The airline added its general cargo product and tariff fares to the platform in 2020, but this has now been extended to include the carrier’s global network out of the US as well as its DASH Heavy for urgent individual shipments for the US domestic market and general freight and express heavy products for US exports.
WebCargo said that its users would now have access to more than 250 destinations served by Delta.
Meanwhile, Delta Cargo is also putting its capacity on Freightos’ US truck portal 7LFreight so customers can book less-than-truckload services and also flights.
Freightos chief executive Zvi Schreiber said: “The combination of global and domestic air cargo, particularly in the US, is a game-changer for more efficient global trade.
“7LFreight by Freightos already offers digital booking of domestic US LTL trucking, and today we’re excited to offer instant transparent booking of air cargo from the US across Delta Air Lines’ global network.”
Brennan O’Dowd, chief executive of 7LFreight by Freightos, added: “Our client base consists largely of US-based freight forwarders. Not only does Delta Cargo’s presence on 7LFreight allow it to reach our extensive user base directly, it also greatly simplifies the booking process for 7LFreight users.”
Freightos said that the number of bookings registered by Delta Cargo via WebCargo has recently increased by three times year on year.
Hong Kong cargo handler Hactl is aiming to introduce Autonomous Electric Tractors (AETs) to its ramp operations later this year as it looks to combat an ongoing recruitment challenge.
The handler has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Westwell Holdings to collaborate on the introduction of the vehicles.
As well as towing dollies, the AETs will also automatically couple and uncouple and adjust to their differing specifications.
The AETs will be progressively integrated into Hactl’s current driver-controlled tractor fleet once testing and final on-site tuning and mapping to Hactl’s specific requirements are completed.
They will initially tow loaded import ULDs on a 1 km route between the outdoor ULD staging area and the main terminal ULD system intake deck of SuperTerminal 1.
“AETs will be used on longer and more complex routes in due course,” Hactl said.
The handler explained that one of the main reasons for deploying AET’s is the ongoing challenge of recruitment faced by the airport industry.
Hactl chief executive Wilson Kwong explained: “Recruitment for airport-related work and particularly airside work is becoming ever more challenging.
“This means we must utilise our available workforce as efficiently as possible and deploy them on those duties which make best use of their experience, skills and abilities.
“After extensive investigation and research, we believe that the work of operating towing tractors over set routes should now be feasible using the latest autonomous vehicle technology and that this can be achieved without compromising safety.
“Although driverless vehicles are becoming established technology, Hactl is enhancing the concept with the addition of automated functions specific to its needs.”
He added that the deployment of AETs is Hactl’s “first step in the potential wider use of autonomous vehicles throughout its operations”.
“This is just the beginning,” said Kwong “We are exploring additional applications for this technology with the aim of further improving productivity and freeing up staff for more demanding duties while continuing to reduce our environmental impact.”
The AETs have a range of up to 75 km per charge and will also make a significant contribution to Hactl’s carbon reduction programme.
“Safety is the major consideration in operating the new vehicles,” Hactl said. “Each AET is equipped with a highly accurate GNSS system and uses multiple HD cameras and LiDAR sensors to detect all objects and avoid collisions.
“The AETs have similar capabilities to the current diesel-powered tractor fleet, but operational speeds will be restricted to eight kmph as an additional safety measure.”
DHL Global Forwarding is continuing to add direct connections to its airline partner’s booking systems, this time integrating with Korean Air.
Korean Air said that it is the first time that the airline has connected its booking system directly with a freight forwarder.
The Application Programming Interface (API) system will allow DHL to make reservations directly from their own CargoWise system, bypassing the need to access the airline’s platform.
“This integration enhances workflow efficiency by enabling real-time data exchange between airlines and customers, facilitating easier access to flight schedules and air cargo rates,” Korean said.
“In establishing direct connectivity with a prominent customer like DHL Global Forwarding, we are able to offer advanced services,” said Jaedong Eum, senior vice president and head of the cargo business division at Korean Air.
“Looking ahead, we are dedicated to exploring innovative channels to extend our system connections, enhancing our service offerings for an even broader clientele.”
Max Sauberschwarz, global head of airfreight at DHL Global Forwarding, added: “We are excited to announce our direct booking connection with our long-lasting partner Korean Air Cargo through CargoWise.
“This streamlines our internal processes and enhances efficiency for our customers. This is another step in our digital journey and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to delivering value in air freight for our customers.”
Earlier this year, DHL also connected its systems with that of Cathay Cargo to offer real-time management of shipments on the airline’s Click & Ship booking platform.
UPS will become the United States Postal Service’s (USPS) primary air cargo provider, ending the agency’s more than 20-year partnership with FedEx.
“Together UPS and USPS have developed an innovative solution that is mutually beneficial and complements our unique, reliable and efficient integrated network,” UPS CEO Carol Tomé said in a press release.
The financial details of the deal between UPS and the USPS has not been revealed but it is believed to be “significant.
The USPS has been the largest customer for FedEx’s air express segment, despite the postal service moving away from transporting letters and packages by airfreight to road.
FedEx will continue to provide domestic transportation services by air for the USPS, until 29th September, when the current contract expires.
“The parties were unable to reach agreement on mutually beneficial terms to extend the contract, and negotiations concluded in March 2024, following extensive discussions,” FedEx said in a regulatory filing.
FedEx blamed the lack of an agreement on USPS’s proposed “strategic changes to its operations to reduce its reliance on the air network of FedEx Express,” which the carrier felt would have adverse effects on their operations and financial condition.
UPS’ shares rose 1.8% before the stock market opened, while FedEx’s stock fell more than 2%.
Saudia Cargo has announced its expansion into Shenzhen, China, with the introduction of two weekly flights which began in March. This strategic move signifies Saudia Cargo’s commitment to enhancing its presence in one of the most pivotal markets, underlining the importance of expansion and growth in China.
As a key player in the global logistics industry, Saudia Cargo recognizes the significance of China as a crucial market for its operations. The expansion into Shenzhen is a testament to the company’s dedication to meeting the growing demand for air cargo services in the region.
The two weekly flights will operate every Monday and Friday, offering consistent and reliable service to meet the needs of customers in Shenzhen and beyond. This expansion enables Saudia Cargo to facilitate the seamless transportation of goods between Shenzhen and Riyadh, with Riyadh being identified as the most lucrative international market for Chinese businesses.
“We are excited to announce the expansion of our operations in Shenzhen, China, with the introduction of two weekly flights. This expansion underscores our commitment to providing reliable and efficient air cargo services to our customers in China. With Shenzhen being a key hub for e-commerce, we see tremendous potential for growth and are dedicated to serving the needs of our customers in this dynamic market,” said Teddy Zebitz, CEO of Saudia Cargo.
“The introduction of regular flights to Riyadh presents significant opportunities for Chinese businesses, particularly in the e-commerce sector. Shenzhen is widely recognized as a hub for e-commerce, hosting major players such as Alibaba, Temu, and TikTok. By better servicing key clients, Saudia Cargo aims to cater to the increasing demand for air cargo services, especially for e-commerce,” he added.
Saudia Cargo’s commitment to serving the booming e-commerce domain is exemplified by the company’s strategic collaboration with major Chinese players, including Cainiao, the logistics arm of Alibaba. As Cainiao’s largest partner in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Saudia Cargo plays a vital role in supplying both domestic and global e-commerce markets. Saudia Cargo’s expansion into Shenzhen represents a strategic move to continue meeting the growing demand in e-commerce and capitalize on the Far East’s unprecedented network growth. With China firmly established as one of Saudi Arabia’s primary trading partners, the operations in Shenzhen will further strengthen trade ties between the two nations. With a focus on speed, reliability, and customer-centricity, Saudia Cargo is poised to reshape regional supply chains and establish itself as a dominant force across the e-commerce landscape.
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