Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) has commenced a five-year ground handling contract at Edinburgh Airport with easyJet, the launch airline customer for its new cost-plus business model in the Europe, Middle East, Africa & Asia (EMEAA) region.
WFS is now providing passenger and baggage handling services as well as ramp handling for 13,000 easyJet flights a year. easyJet is the largest airline in Edinburgh and flies four million passengers a year from the Scottish capital to destinations across its European network including London, the Canary Islands, Cyprus, Denmark, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Northern Ireland, Portugal, Spain and Turkey.
Under the terms of the contract, WFS is responsible for easyJet’s check-in, bag drop, boarding, baggage loading, aircraft reconfiguration and push-back at Edinburgh Airport, and vice versa for arriving flights and customers.
Will Facey, EVP Ground Handling, Europe Middle East Africa & Asia (EMEAA) at WFS, said: “This is a major new contract which significantly supports our ground handling growth strategy. Our operation and team in Edinburgh are focused on easyJet and we have put in a lot of time and investment to ensure we are delivering our services from the airline’s and customers’ perspective because we care about how the easyJet performs. We are very pleased with the way the contract has started. We want to be a part of what makes both the airport company and easyJet in Edinburgh successful.”
The new contract is the first opportunity for WFS to demonstrate its fresh alternative to traditional ground handling. It has created a flexible and transparent cost-plus approach designed to give airlines the operational resilience they need, the highest levels of safety and security, and the timely and professional airport experience passengers deserve.
“Our plans to grow our ground handling business – which is focused on serving narrow-body, high volume airline operations – give us the opportunity to bring something fresh to the market to improve the quality of handling for airlines, airports and passengers. It replaces the traditional industry approach of contracts based solely on aircraft turns. Our contracts are flexible, realistic and commercially balanced. If an airline customer wants more, we put more in and they pay for it. If they want less, we take it out and the cost goes with it. At every point we are fully transparent. It’s about having a balanced relationship, which is resilient, honest and open. Ultimately, this is about giving our customers’ customers the quality of service they expect so they will want to fly with them again and again,” Will Facey added.
Cool Chain Association (CCA) members will pilot a data sharing initiative to monitor perishable shipments on trade lanes from Latin America to Europe, and from the USA to the Middle East, in a bid to improve supply chain management and reduce food loss.
The pilot will involve tracking shipments of commodities such as avocados and berries from grower to consignee, with all members of the supply chain sharing data to identify Temperature Excursions and pinch points and working together to find solutions.
Food Loss and Waste Expert Philippe Schuler will analyze the data, and the results made available to the industry to demonstrate how collaboration can tangibly improve the cool supply chain.
Initial results will be discussed at the CCA’s Global Perishables Event at Fresh Park Venlo, The Netherlands, May 14th to 15th 2019.
“As we move along the supply chain, we will use the information in a proactive way so that everyone within the value chain can adjust their procedures to improve the cool chain together,” said Eric Mauroux, Director Verticals, Global Head of Perishables at Air France KLM Martinair Cargo and CCA Treasurer.
“We all have pieces of information but there is no platform so far for sharing it and yet data sharing not only helps us improve but also helps create value.”
The pilot will start in April, with CCA members as well as growers and importers taking part to track the consignments.
“The data sharing will be based on information from recorders in the shipments and we will have the full coverage from the producer to the importer so that we can reconcile the temperature curve with the timeline of handling,” said Mauroux.
“You can spend hours writing processes, but when it comes to making it happen on the ground, the best way to asses if it is working is looking at time, temperature, and tolerance.
“Moving forward, we can test and suggest the platforms on which data is shared.”
The shipments will be monitored over a period of three months to give a sizeable body of data, which can be analysed to provide ideas for collaborative work flows to improve the cool chain.
The CCA is focused on reducing wastage and improving the quality, efficiency, and value of the temperature sensitive supply chain and has already worked on templates for global standards and certification projects for both perishables and pharmaceuticals.
“With a third of the world’s food going to waste, it is important that from grower to consumer, we all contribute to taking action,” said Stavros Evangelakakis, Global Product Manager, Healthcare and Perishables, Cargolux and CCA Chairman.
“The freight industry can do its part, ensuring proper handling, and respecting temperature during storage, build up, and transportation.
“We can create value and have an impact on shelf life.”
The CCA holds two events a year, one focused on perishables, which this year takes place at Fresh Park Venlo, the Netherlands, on the 14th and 15th of May, and one on pharmaceuticals, which this year takes place in Paris, France, from the 24th to the 25th September.
Tigers has opened a new facility in Thurrock, near London Gateway, to continue with long-term UK investment plans and to meet growing e-commerce demand, despite ongoing uncertainty surrounding Brexit.
Tigers has moved its existing Basildon facility to the larger location in Thurrock with the creation of more than 50 jobs, which will establish Thurrock as another flagship location for Tigers in Europe.
“Tigers is committed to investment in the UK, and the opening of the new Thurrock facility is perfectly timed as we welcome new clients on board for both B2B and B2C global e-fulfilment,” said Shahar Ayash, Managing Director UK and Europe, Tigers.
“This is a multi-million-pound investment by Tigers in the UK, despite Brexit, and not only will it create new jobs, it will also secure our future as a leader in the logistics and supply chain industry as e-commerce demand continues to grow.”
The new facility is conveniently located off the M25 with proximity to the Port of Felixstowe, central London, and all main road routes to the Midlands, Wales, northern England, and Scotland.
“We have always viewed the UK as an important market and remain committed to investing in the expansion of our e-commerce and fulfilment operations,” said Andrew Jillings, CEO, Tigers.
“The Thurrock facility significantly expands our UK presence and provides us with a strategically located hub to cater for increased customer demand.”
The Thurrock facility will be powered by Tigers’ advanced logistics platforms, providing B2B and B2C fulfilment, UK and international distribution, and warehousing solutions.
The opening of the new Thurrock location follows the recent expansion of the Tigers facility in Miami, Florida, to meet growing e-commerce demand, the launch of Cloud-based platform SmartHub:Connect (SH:C), and becoming the launch customer for new instant freight rate quote engine, Doozee.
AirBridgeCargo Airlines (ABC), one of the leading global carriers with extensive services and products for specialty cargo, has introduced a new ‘abc premium’ product for customers seeking guaranteed capacity and prioritization on specific flights across ABC’s international network.
“After the completion of all internal procedures and alignment of our processes, we have introduced our dedicated product with access to guaranteed capacity. We expect abc premium to attract high demand from customers with urgent, time-sensitive shipments. On top of this, we will be able to combine existing services and products, offering our customers the best options featuring the required benefits. For example, for vaccines, we might combine abc pharma and abc premium or for aircraft engines use both abc XL and abc premium to deliver the speed and quality individual customers require,” highlighted Fedor Novikov, Deputy General Director, Products, of AirBridgeCargo Airlines.
AirBridgeCargo Airlines offers a full range of dedicated services for its customers with specialty cargo to accommodate the diverse needs of customers worldwide. Its modern fleet of efficient freighters as well as the expertise and experience of its certified personnel, access to flights of its interline partners and online options for track&trace, are continuing to bolster the airline’s volumes of non-general cargo.
TCI Cabin Interior has reached an agreement with Airbus to be a Bar Unit supplier of Airbus A350 XWB aircraft. TCI, will design, certify and manufacture A350 XWB Bar Units according to upscale requests of Airlines and requirements of Airbus. This agreement has been a critical milestone for TCI as being a supplier for Airbus.
Since its commercial service entry in 2015, A350 XWB operators and passengers around the world have experienced the unbeatable efficiency and comfort of the world’s most modern wide body family and the long-range leader. The A350 XWB offers by design unrivalled operational flexibility and efficiency for all market segments up to ultra-long haul (9,700 nm). Its “Airspace by Airbus” cabin is the quietest in its class and offers passengers and crews the most modern in-flight products for an exclusive flying experience.
TCI Cabin Interior, joint venture of Turkish Airlines and TAI (Turkish Aerospace Industries); two major aviation companies of Turkey, was established to carry the strength and quality of the two exceptional companies into Aircraft Cabin Interiors industry. TCI is located in 500.000 sqm HABOM facilities, which is planned to be the new hub of MRO services in the region and is located in Sabiha Gokcen Airport of Istanbul.
TCI produces Aircraft Galleys as current line of the products and plans to extend the product range with other cabin interior items in the near future with full support of the shareholders. TCI has extensive capacity and capability for design, engineering, test, production and after sales of aircraft cabin interior products. TCI understands sector needs very well and keeps up a customer-focused approach with smart design philosophy, lightness and durability. As a strongly established company, TCI is succeeding to receive orders for a lot of major cabin interior programs with a steep development curve.
Volga-Dnepr Airlines, the world leader for heavy and outsize air cargo deliveries, on behalf of its longstanding logistics partner Panalpina, has helped the Babcock multinational corporation to increase business performance by completing the exchange of two helicopter types between companies located on the opposite sides of the globe – in the UK and Australia.
The objective of the transportation was straightforward but required precise planning and consistent coordination between all the global teams involved to manage the deliveries of two AugustaWestland AW139 helicopters from the UK to their new home in Melbourne, Australia, and the transfer of two Sikorsky S-92 in the opposite direction from Darwin, Australia, to Aberdeen in Scotland. With its 29 years of expertise in global helicopter deliveries, and an average of 40 such transportations every year, Volga-Dnepr Airlines’ aerospace logistics specialists were brought in to make the exchange as seamless and timely as possible.
Working in partnership with Panalpina, Volga-Dnepr proposed the most efficient solution to meet Babcock’s requirements using one of its iconic Antonov 124-100 ramp-loading freighters for the connections between the UK-Australia-UK, an aircraft capable of accommodating up to 12 helicopters in its cargo hold depending on their size and weight.
Due to airport specification requirements, Glasgow Prestwick was chosen as the UK point of departure for the AW139 helicopters as well as for the arrival of the S-92’s. In the first stage of the project, two 5.5 ton, 16.7-metre long AugustaWestland AW139 helicopters – safely wrapped and with dismounted blades – were delivered by road from Aberdeen to Prestwick, where Volga-Dnepr’s team of experts oversaw the precise loading process into the An-124-100 using only the aircraft’s ramp. After unloading in Melbourne, the Antonov 124 departed to Darwin, where the two 7-ton S-92 helicopters were ready for loading ahead of their journey to join up with Babcock’s business unit in Aberdeen. This second flight was performed at the lower altitude of 8,000 meters to maintain the cargo hold pressure level requested by the customer. All dismounted parts were delivered together with the helicopters.
“Over almost three decades, Volga-Dnepr Airlines has accumulated vast experience and knowledge from the deliveries of more than 40 types of helicopters. Our team of professionals has organized and performed the transportation of over 5,000 machines of various manufacturers for humanitarian missions, medical, fire-fighting, law enforcement, tourism and other civil purposes, as well as for aerospace exhibitions and airshows, and they know the special transportation requirements of each of them. In our fleet, we have not only Antonov 124 freighters which, for example, can carry up to six AW139’s on one flight, but also the modernized IL-76TD-90VD ramp aircraft for deliveries of smaller and lighter types of helicopters. On this latest occasion, we were delighted to be able to support Panalpina and Babcock in their mission and to achieve all their objectives,” said Rinat Akhmetov, Commercial Executive, Volga-Dnepr Airlines.
Air Partner has appointed Oscar Thwin as Asia Pacific vice president of freight, joining the recently opened office in Singapore.
Thwin has 36 years of aviation industry experience and prior to joining Air Partner, he was station manager for Airline Network Services in Chicago, and also previously worked for Singapore Airlines, Cargo Airport Services and Nippon Cargo.
Commenting on his appointment, Thwin says:,“I am delighted to be joining Air Partner’s Freight team and heading up its Asia Pacific Freight division. The region is an exciting one and offers a number of opportunities. I look forward to working closely with Mike to build on the Freight team’s success globally and deliver the outstanding service that our clients have come to expect from us.”
Thwin will report to Mike Hill, director of freight who says: “I am pleased to welcome Oscar to Air Partner. His experience and strong freight forwarder relationships will be invaluable as we look to grow our client base in Asia Pacific, so that even more organisations can benefit from our wide range of cargo services – from outsize shipments to on board courier (OBC) requests. This latest milestone of expanding our regional reach follows a record 2017 and strong performance in the first half of 2018.”
The former deputy director of the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), Major General (ret.) Stephen Denker, joined Lockheed Martin to lead key satellite ground programs. Denker will oversee Intelligence and Analytic Development programs in support of space ground systems within the Mission Solutions line of business for Lockheed Martin Space.
Gen. Denker brings a wealth of experience and leadership skills from his 33-year Air Force career, including managing all Air Force personnel and assets assigned to NRO and serving as the agency’s senior military advisor from 2015 to 2018.
“The Intelligence Community, much like the broader tech industry, is undergoing a tremendous transformation,” said Rick Ambrose, executive vice president of Lockheed Martin Space. “Steve will lead digital innovation efforts we’re applying across our space-ground programs. His understanding of mission operations and user needs will help our engineering and design teams develop systems that make a real and meaningful difference for our customers.”
The Intelligence and Analytic Development area encompasses cloud-based satellite mission management solutions, command and control, data processing and analysis for the Intelligence Community.
“At a time when both technology and operational readiness are evolving quickly, Steve’s insights into mission needs will be critical,” said Maria Demaree, Lockheed Martin’s Vice President and General Manager for Mission Solutions. “He will help us implement new and innovative technologies while keeping a firm grounding in real-world needs and operations.”
Denker holds multiple advanced master’s degrees, including a Master of Science in Systems Management from the University of Southern California.
Bombardier Business Aircraft announced the appointment of Peter Bromby as Vice President, Worldwide Sales, Learjet Aircraft. Bromby will assume overall responsibility for sales with a dedicated US-based sales team and apply his vast experience and insight to driving sales of this impressive Bombardier brand. He will retain his current responsibilities as Vice President, Worldwide Pre-owned Aircraft Sales.
A seasoned professional with more than 20 years of experience in aviation sales, Peter has held a number of key roles in his career. Peter joined Bombardier in 2015 as Director, Sales, Learjet Aircraft. One year later, he was promoted to the role of Regional Vice President, Sales, Pre-owned Aircraft, helping to transform Bombardier’s pre-owned Learjet, Challenger and Global business worldwide. Under his new role, he has a clear mandate to increase Learjet brand awareness and sales, particularly in the North American market.
“Peter is an accomplished industry veteran with a proven track record. Given his impressive vision, leadership and experience, he will bring a strong sales focus on the Learjet 70 and Learjet 75 – key pillars of the Bombardier Business Aircraft’s industry-leading portfolio,” said Peter Likoray, Senior Vice President, Worldwide Sales and Marketing, Bombardier Business Aircraft. “Learjet aircraft are the best performing and best equipped aircraft in their class and offer the best value. They also bring distinct comfort advantages that have become synonymous with Learjet and Bombardier these past decades.”
Bombardier’s Learjet program is one of business aviation’s greatest success stories, with more than 2,200 Learjet aircraft flying around the world, from the Learjet 23 to the Learjet 75.
Sebastiaan Scholte is to step down as Chairman of The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) following his departure as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Jan de Rijk Logistics on July 1st 2019.
Scholte has headed up the TIACA Board since 2017, taking over after two and a half years as Vice Chairman.
He has been working with the current Vice Chairman Steven Polmans, Head of Cargo and Logistics, Brussels Airport Company, on a new vision for the Association since last January.
“It was a great honor to have served as Chairman of the TIACA Board,” said Scholte.
“The organization is financially healthy again and is strategically on the right track. Moreover, we have a great team of Board members and management.
“I would like to thank all members, staff, and Board members for their faith and support over the years.
“TIACA remains the only organization that truly represents the interests of the whole air cargo supply chain.”
TIACA’s bylaws state that Board members must be trustee members of the Association, which means that Scholte can no longer serve after leaving Jan de Rijk.
Vice Chairman Polmans will therefore take up the Chairmanship on 1 July, a few months earlier than planned, at TIACA’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Budapest, Hungary, in November.
“We very much regret that Sebastiaan is leaving, but of course respect his decision,” said Polmans.
“I ran for Vice Chairman of TIACA in close cooperation with him and with a clear interest to work closely with him.
“Together we came up with a clear strategy and four-year action plan for the Association and I am proud to be able to take over a healthier and stronger TIACA.
“I am determined to continue working with the Board, the Chairman’s Council, and our members to deliver the action plan we started at the beginning of Sebastiaan’s Chairmanship.”
“Sebastiaan and Steven have done an admirable job to turn around TIACA against the odds and stabilize the organization,” said Ram Menen, one of the Association’s founding members, past Chairman, and member of the Chairman’s Council.
“We are very pleased because it is an important Association representing all sections of the air cargo industry, and it is an organization that the industry needs.”
Scholte is stepping down as CEO of Jan de Rijk as of July 1 2019 to pursue new opportunities.
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