Saudi Airlines Cargo Company has appointed Per Hojland to the position of Executive Director, Cargo Operations Worldwide.
Per, a Danish national, took up his new position in Jeddah in March. He joins Saudia Cargo after having spent the past 25 years in various roles in the air cargo- and logistics industry, having worked for companies such as SAS and Spirit Air Cargo Handling, as well as logistic companies outside the aviation sector.
In his new role, Per will be responsible for the management of all Saudia Cargo’s International operations including overseeing the standards and services world-wide.
“Per has vast experience in the air cargo industry and within logistics and this will make him a great addition to our team. We look forward to him making a valuable contribution to our business and customer services,” said Teddy Zebitz, Chief Air Cargo Officer, Saudia Cargo.
“I am proud to be joining Saudia Cargo with its strong vision for the future and I look forward to be a part of the Saudia Cargo team and contributing to its continued success,” said Per.
Saudia Cargo has an extensive global network spanning four continents, 225 international destinations, and 26 domestic destinations, it operates a modern dedicated freighter fleet and offers an ample capacity on Saudia passenger fleet with a wide range of products, it renders a high level of service whilst continuing to deliver cost-effective solutions.
Crucial to the industry’s ability to bring supersonic civil aviation back in a palatable fashion is the fact that modern technology allows the real-time prediction of how sound waves will reach the ground, at what level and where.
It has been illegal for commercial flights to break the sound barrier over US for nearly 50 years, and no US commercial supersonic flights have happened — over land or sea — since the Concorde last flew in 2003. Everyone wants to get where they’re going faster, but gaining regulatory approval to bring supersonic travel back into vogue requires proof that it can happen without causing a disturbance.
Previously, that was unrealistic. Now, engineers say advances in aircraft design can mitigate the “sonic boom” to the point that it won’t bother people.
“Modern design tools are ready for shaped boom design,” said Peter Iosifidis, director of the X-59 QueSST low-boom demonstrator that Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works division is building for NASA, while speaking at an SAE International panel on supersonic technology in Charleston, South Carolina.
Directing the air in a way that will mitigate the boom requires an extreme level of precision, which is made possible by current machining processes.
Last year, NASA carried out testing in Galveston, Texas to determine what noise level people find acceptable. Authorities used an F-18 to execute supersonic dives that would create a soft thump at similar levels to the expected supersonic levels, then collected feedback from more than 500 residents. A perceived decibel level of around 75 is where people generally started to be bothered by the sound, according to Iosifides.
“It was generating a sonic boom level through that demonstration that was at the same level as what this airplane is going to generate, and some people didn’t even hear it,” he said. “That was very encouraging.”
The X-59 is a demonstrator built to be as cheap as possible and focused on one goal, so most non-crucial components are being sourced.
“Almost all the subsystems inside the airplane are either reused, repurposed or commercially off the shelf,” Iosifidis said. For example, the canopy and seat come from a T-38 Talon, the landing gear was taken from an F-16 and the engine is a GE F414, which has been used in jets such as the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.
The jet has no forward viewport. Pilots are “flying on, basically a T.V. screen, if you will, and a hand vision system,” Iosifidis said.
Largely, the pilot experience is similar to other commercial flying, according to Laura Smith-Velazquez, principal investigator for sonic boom displays on the X-59. A senior systems analyst at Collins Aerospace and a pilot herself, Smith-Velazquez said there shouldn’t be much additional fatigue; there is primarily one change in mindset that is required.
“We tend to fly with distance and range; A supersonic pilot thinks in terms of time. You’re going so fast, distance just flies by. You’re thinking ahead … it’s all done in terms of time. When do I have to do this stuff? Instead of range markers, we have time markers [on the instruments] to give them that concept.”
That’s part of the reason the ability to monitor changes to trajectory and the impact that will have in real time are significant. If a pilot receives an updated corridor from air traffic control and adjusts his heading, the computer can monitor projections up to three minutes out and calculate sonic boom impact data for where he is and where it looks like he will be at any given time.
To do that, engineers need to know not only precisely how sound travels, but the local weather around the plane at any given time.
“If we can understand how they travel through the atmosphere, we know how much of the atmosphere we need to characterize,” Smith-Velazquez said.
That’s important if the new regulations are going to shift to require that the sound hitting the land stay below a certain level. The same speed at the same distance might result in a different amount of perceived noise on the ground, depending on atmospheric conditions. All of those calculations need to be done (and constantly redone) on the fly.
According to the experts, they’re just about ready to do that.
“It’s just a matter of time because I think the technical hurdles have been overcome and it’s just a matter of overcoming the regulatory hurdles now,” Iosifidis said.
SESAR members Airbus, NATS and Thales recently completed a study into the use of automatic dependent surveillance-contract extended projected profile (ADS-C–EPP) data, downlinked from aircraft via ATN baseline 2 datalink (Solution PJ.18-06b), to improve the trajectory predictions used by controller tactical decision support tools.
Today, tactical tools predict the near-term (<20 mins) progress of a flight based on standard values of aircraft performance parameters for each aircraft type, and support the tasks of the executive controller. These tools include medium-term conflict detection (MTCD) and conformance monitoring. Improvements to the accuracy and uncertainty of the underlying trajectory prediction can reduce the volume of airspace required to ensure the safety of a flight, leading to an increase in airspace capacity, improved flight efficiency and reduced controller workload.
NATS, Thales and Airbus investigated the possibility of improving the accuracy of this trajectory prediction by integrating predicted performance data that is specific to each flight, downlinked in real-time from the flight management system (FMS) via ADS-C datalink. NATS modified their iFACTS ground tactical trajectory predictor to enable integration of ADS-C data, whilst the data was generated for a number of test scenarios, derived from typical intra-Europe flights and North Atlantic arrivals and departures, by Thales using a flight management system test bench. The enhanced trajectory prediction was compared to baseline data. In addition, Airbus’ FMS emulator, PAS@ATM, was used to study the effects of FMS operating behaviors on downlinked ADS-C data.
These initial results indicated that trajectory prediction improvements could be realized in certain operational situations and phases of flight. These results will be further explored with the analysis of ADS-C data received from airline revenue flights under the SESAR very large-scale demonstration, PJ31 DIGITS. This study (PJ.18-06b) complements parallel work on the ATC planning trajectory in in SESAR within the framework of Solution PJ.18-06a. If this research continues to show promising results then NATS will consider it for operational deployment in the iFACTS system.
This project has received funding from the SESAR Joint Undertaking under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement No. 734161.
Menzies Aviation is investing in state-of-the-art telematics equipment at Los Angeles Airport as it celebrates 35 years of operations at the airport.
The rollout of vehicle and GSE telematics in the second quarter of 2019 will drive higher safety standards and allow greatly improved levels of equipment utilization.
With real-time rostering and resourcing application Workbridge also due to be deployed before the end of the year, Menzies expects to reach new heights of efficiency in its management of equipment and people.
Since beginning operations in the 1980s, Menzies has grown its presence at the airport and now performs 30,000 aircraft turns, handles 80,000 tons of cargo and pumps two billion gallons of fuel to 120,000 flights each year.
The milestone comes at a significant time, having committed to a five year extension on its cargo facility lease, providing a base for serving airlines such as Norwegian Air Shuttle and Air China.
Menzies continues to invest in its local team of over 1,255 employees, having introduced a new management structure and making significant new hires including Joe Conlon, senior vice president West Region and Mike Demeritt, general manager at LAX.
Paul Walton, vice president sales and commercial says, “LAX is a major airport in our network, and business shows no sign of slowing as we continue to invest in our operations at the North American hub. The extension of our cargo facility lease underlines our commitment to LAX, as we extend our relationships with major airlines at the airport.”
Boeing has asked airline owners of its 737 Max jet to submit orders for a free update of anti-stall software being readied for deployment, in a sign that regulators are closer to approving a proposed fix that could get the planes flying again.
Two deadly crashes in five months have led to a worldwide grounding of the narrow-body jet, Boeing’s most important aircraft. The US planemaker has been working on an update to its anti-stall software, after a preliminary report from Lion Air Flight 610 in October indicated the so-called MCAS system had forced the nose down repeatedly before it plunged into the Java Sea.
“Recently, we informed MAX owners and operators that in order to allow for the delivery of the software update, they must place a free of charge order through our standard orders system,” Gordon Johndroe, a Boeing spokesman, said in an email.
“The update will only be released on certification but placing an order is a standard step to start the delivery process for any software or hardware change.”
FlyDubai, one the biggest customers of the Max, said it has put through an order.
“At the appropriate time, FlyDubai will apply any software enhancements as identified by the certification laid out by the regulatory bodies,” the state-owned carrier said.
“In preparation for release, we have raised the necessary paperwork following the manufacturer’s procedures.”
The Federal Aviation Administration hasn’t certified the software update, the agency said in a statement. The FAA is waiting for Boeing to complete the update so that it can be reviewed.
The software update, which can be installed on a plane in as little as one hour, will be given to airlines without extra charge, according to the manufacturer. The redesign will bolster stall-prevention software known as MCAS, which stands for maneuvering characteristics augmentation system, to make it less likely to accidentally activate during normal flight.
The system will rely on data from two angle-of-attack vanes, which measure the pitch of the nose against oncoming wind, rather than from a single sensor as is the case now.
Boeing will also activate a cockpit display that shows pilots if the two vanes provide conflicting data, as they did on the doomed Lion Air plane.
Once the FAA approves the software, it will be mandated, the agency has said.
The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) said a total of 99.86 million passengers used Saudi airports in 2018 on 771,828 flights.
Saudi Arabia’s aviation regulator said the introduction of new technology has helped improve traffic and passenger numbers at airports across the kingdom.
Passenger numbers grew by 8% last year, while flights increased by 4%.
“The GACA is keen to adopt plans to develop the Kingdom’s airports network in order to keep pace with the steady increase in air traffic, increase the reliability of services, maximize geographic coverage and enhance the contribution of the airports to the overall economic growth of the country,” the Saudi aviation regulator said.
A reduction in paperwork and the introduction of self-service check-in kiosks helped improve passenger movement on arrival, while the installation of electronic gates for freight vehicles also helped speed up the process of loading luggage on to aircrafts.
The next phase of improving accuracy in flight schedules will see GACA link the Saudi Arabian Airlines traffic management system to the Airport Management System. The project is 50% completed, GACA said.
Rhenus Group has established a network in South Africa with the acquisition of World Net Logistics (WNL), subject to approval by relevant cartel authorities.
The World Logistics Network Group not only involves WNL in South Africa but also national companies known as WNL Germany with business sites in Bremen and Frankfurt, as well as WNL Asia in Hong Kong, China, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand and Singapore.
Core business activities involve air and sea freight operations, with one major focus lying in airfreight connections between South Africa and Germany, and maritime links between South Africa and China, Germany and the UK.
WNL also has its own vehicle fleet for overland services as well as warehouse capacity in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and East London.
Customers mainly come from the automotive, electronic, healthcare, FCMG and retail sectors.
Tobias Bartz, board member at Rhenus says, “The takeover of World Net Logistics marks an important step for us in establishing a network in South Africa and other African countries. WNL’s presence in Asia and Europe also strengthens our global network with additional intercontinental connections. We are confident that we will grow further together and that within the Rhenus Group, WNL will continue to develop sustainably.”
ITS Logistics, Connecta Airfreight Network member for Hungary has shipped a mobile laboratory from Budapest to Hanoi.
The mobile laboratory is transported by a tractor-trailer, equipped with solar panels and with its own power supply.
It had to be dismantled in three parts, separating the actual laboratory and accessories from the trailer, with a total weight of 5.5 tonnes.
While inspecting the laboratory, the ITS Logistics team found that it contained different types of batteries and classified as dangerous goods, so the lab and accessories were encased in a wooden case for security and protection.
On site, ITS gave assistance during the dismantling of the laboratory, arranged the packaging, prepared the dangerous goods certificate and checking and organising security checks with sniffer dogs.
They handled export customs clearance and dual use certificate before arranging the transport of all parts, with an open plate truck and a trailer, followed by a security escort up to Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport.
The packed laboratory and its truck were ready for carriage on a Cargolux Boeing 747 Freighter up to Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport in 72 hours.
DSV and Panalpina have agreed to join forces, with the Swiss firm accepting an offer of 4.6 billion Swiss francs (CHF).
The public exchange offer to Panalpina shareholders has the support of those representing 69.9% of shares, including Ernst Goehner Foundation, Cevian and Artisan.
If the exchange offer is successful, DSV and Panalpina will become one of the world’s largest transport and logistics companies with combined revenue of 118 billion Danish krone and a combined workforce of more than 60,000 employees.
Following completion, DSV is proposing to shareholders that the company name will be changed to DSV Panalpina A/S to reflect the long history of both companies.
Kurt Larsen, chairman of the board of DSV says, “Together, we can present a strong global network and enhanced service offering to our clients, further solidifying our competitive edge in the industry. It’s a great match on all parameters. Panalpina is a great company and we’re very excited by the possibility to join forces and to welcome Panalpina’s talented staff.”
Peter Ulber, chairman of the board of Panalpina says that the board and management had assessed different strategic initiatives, saying: “The board of directors’ assessment is that the updated proposal of DSV is very attractive. We are now looking forward to joining forces with DSV and contributing to creating, one of the world’s largest transport and logistics companies.”
Ernst Goehner Foundation, Panalpina’s largest shareholder with a 46% stake is expected to become the largest shareholder of DSV, holding 11% of the issued share capital.
DSV has recommended to its shareholders that a candidate proposed by the foundation will be elected to the DSV board of directors.
The foundation has undertaken not to sell or dispose of its DSV shares for a period of 24 months following settlement of the public exchange offer, save for limited participation in share buy-back programs.
Thomas Gutzwiller, member of the board of trustees and chairman of the independent Panalpina committee of Ernst Goehner Foundation says, “Our Board of Trustees unanimously concluded that the proposed combination under the umbrella of DSV provides the best opportunities for Panalpina to meet future market challenges from a position of strength and to create value for all stakeholders. As an entrepreneurial foundation with a philanthropic purpose, we feel very comfortable with the announced solution both in terms of quality and security as well as earnings potential.”
SEKO Logistics’ new operation in Ireland has won a three-year contract to serve as Peli BioThermal™’s network station and service center in Dublin, connecting the leader in temperature-controlled packaging with pharmaceutical clients across the country.
The Master Services Agreement will see SEKO Logistics’ team service, refurbish, repair and condition Peli BioThermal’s Crēdo™ on Demand shippers, which ensure delicate biological life science materials arrive intact and effective, protected from exterior environments.
Work will be carried out in SEKO’s Good Distribution Practice (GDP) compliant warehouse in Dublin by GDP-trained staff who have been certified by Peli BioThermal’s specialists. SEKO will also use a team of GDP-trained drivers to distribute the temperature-controlled, preconditioned and validated containers for loading to shippers across Ireland, which is home to many of the world’s leading bioptech and pharma companies.
The solution extends SEKO Logistics’ own healthcare logistics services for medical device manufacturers, biotechnology, clinical trials and pharmaceutical companies, which have chosen SEKO to handle high value medical, surgical, diagnostic and imaging equipment.
In Dublin, SEKO is now responsible for delivering Peli BioThermal’s commitment to provide high performance, flexible rental options for its Crēdo™ Cargo, Crēdo™ Xtreme and Crēdo™ Cube temperature-controlled packaging – a choice of applications designed to suit all pharmaceutical shipper requirements.
Michael Daly, Managing Director of SEKO Logistics in Ireland, said, “SEKO already has a global reputation for high quality MedTec solutions so we understand the strict requirements of the medical and pharma industries. As Peli BioThermal’s sole service centre operation in Ireland, we will ensure their customers here receive the same level of service quality, worry-free management, availability and flexibility that is the hallmark of Peli BioThermal’s growing choice of network stations around the world.”
SEKO Logistics opened its own operation in Ireland – one of Europe’s fastest-growing economies – in January 2019 as part of its continuing core market investment strategy.
Technology has made the world smaller and faster.Real time communication with people from all over the world at different time zones through phones and gadgets
