Emirates has set up a humanitarian airbridge between Dubai and India to transport urgent medical and relief items, to support India in its fight to control the serious COVID-19 situation in the country.
The airline will offer cargo capacity free of charge on an ‘as available’ basis on all of its flights to nine cities in India, to help international NGOs deliver relief supplies rapidly to where it is needed.
In the past weeks, Emirates SkyCargo has already been transporting medicines and medical equipment on scheduled and charter cargo flights to India. This latest airbridge initiative takes Emirates’ support for India and for the NGO community to the next level.
HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Emirates’ Chairman and Chief Executive, said: “India and Emirates are deeply connected, since our first flights to India in 1985. We stand with the Indian people and will do all we can to help India get back on its feet.
“Emirates has a lot of experience in humanitarian relief efforts, and with 95 weekly flights to nine destinations in India, we will be offering regular and reliable widebody capacity for relief materials. The International Humanitarian City in Dubai is the largest crisis relief hub in the world, and we will work closely with them to facilitate the movement of urgent medical supplies.”
The first shipment sent as part of the Emirates India humanitarian airbridge is a consignment of over 12 tonnes of multi-purpose tents from the World Health Organization (WHO), destined for Delhi, and coordinated by the IHC in Dubai.
Giuseppe Saba, CEO of International Humanitarian City, said: “The creation of the humanitarian airbridge between Dubai and India, facilitated by Emirates SkyCargo, Dubai’s International Humanitarian City and UN agencies, to transport urgent medical and relief items, is another example of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid’s vision for the IHC, being brought to life.
“Last year over 1,292 shipments were dispatched from the IHC in Dubai, setting the standard for humanitarian response globally. We appreciate the great efforts by IHC’s partner Emirates SkyCargo establishing this humanitarian airbridge between Dubai and India in this time of need.”
Etihad recently launched ‘Verified to Fly’ for travelers flying abroad. The airline will be able to validate Covid-19 travel documents before arriving at the airport. Guests can arrive at the airport with confidence and with peace of mind, knowing they have met all essential requirements before their flight.
With the formalities out of the way, verified travelers can enjoy fast track check-in at the airport by going to the dedicated Verified to Fly desk for a quicker and smoother experience.
Mohammad Al Bulooki, Chief Operating Officer, Etihad Aviation Group said: “As Etihad continuously looks for innovative solutions to simplify the travel experience, Verified to Fly removes any guess work from the equation and makes check-in faster. Guests have total peace of mind knowing that when they arrive at the airport, they have already met all Covid travel requirements”.
To use the Verified to Fly service, guests can sign-up by visiting Manage my Booking and will receive further information on how to submit their documents. Once the submission has been checked by the Verified to Fly team, guests will receive a ‘success’ email if their documents meet government requirements. If requirements are missing or not met, the guest will be asked to resubmit or check their documents. Guests can also check their Verified to Fly status at any time by visiting Manage my Booking.
Savoye, a global logistics solution engineering company, announced that it has established its own office in the UAE as part of its ongoing expansion in the Middle East.
The supply chain technology provider seeks to leverage the country’s geographical location and advanced logistics network to grow its markets and contribute to national efforts aimed at boosting industrial activities in line with the UAE Industrial Strategy 2030.
Savoye has a huge portfolio of solutions across 40 countries that combine hardware and software according to customer needs such as manual, semi-mechanized, mechanized, highly automated, and robotic installations.
The company, which has made EUR155-million turnover in the past year, provides cutting-edge equipment and warehouse management system (WMS) solutions which employ the latest digital technologies.
Commenting on the new set up, Frédéric Zielinski, Managing Director, Savoye EMEA, said: “The UAE has been taking strides in the growth of its supply chain and logistics sectors and we are confident that Savoye will find its place in the regional market. We are keen to actively take part in providing the best solutions for the industry which is poised to significantly serve the upcoming Expo 2020-21. Our automated solutions will help offer scalability and speed while at the same time improving work safety.”
Zielinski added: “We are optimistic for the industry’s growth potential which will primarily depend on e-commerce activity. Logistics companies will invest and enhance in last-mile deliveries through technology to create more agile supply chains.
“We believe there is a vast potential in the UAE market to expand our specialized logistics services as demand for data-driven intra-logistics services continues to grow and the UAE pushes ahead to achieve the UAE Industrial Strategy 2030.”
The COVID-19 pandemic has facilitated ecommerce platforms to thrive during the lockdown. The UAE has been resolute to enhance its logistics capabilities by embracing digital technologies to drive value for the supply chain.
To that end, Savoye is keen to bring to the market its more than 35 years of experience in retail logistics and the control of automated systems amid rising ecommerce demand and growing customer expectations on speed and accuracy of delivery across the globe.
DP World has successfully completed the first transit import via DP World Maputo port to DP World Komatipoort, South Africa.
This is a significant milestone for DP World as it demonstrates that the Maputo Port can be seamlessly used as a gateway to South Africa using DP World Komatipoort.
International container imports landed in Maputo port and destined for the South African hinterland, can now be moved under bond to Komatipoort, where full customs clearance can be provided and made ready for delivery across South Africa.
Christian Roeder, CEO, DP World Maputo, said, “The Komatipoort facility as a bonded container depot is a ‘game changer’ for the Maputo corridor. The success of the trial brings DP World a step closer to enabling a more cost effective, seamless and efficient user experience for our local customers and enhances trade linkages for countries in the Southern African region.”
DP World Komatipoort’s strategic location, full-service offering, and seamless link via the Maputo Corridor to DP World Maputo’s modern and efficient container terminal, where there is no vessel and port congestion and with fixed berthing windows available to major shipping lines, offers customers considerable transport savings and avoids delays for consignees in Mpumalanga, Limpopo, and Gauteng.
Currently in South Africa, 69% of maritime imports are via the Port of Durban. Local customers now have the option to consider using the Maputo port as a gateway to transport their international freight to Komatipoort – where they can be cleared more easily and efficiently for customers based in and around Gauteng.
Once a shipment is retrieved at the DP World Maputo port, the organization handles the entire supply chain process from there to Komatipoort, without delay, and beyond to various areas in the hinterland.
While the cost of this service varies per user, the service is estimated to be equivalent in costs or cheaper compared to traditional routing via Durban. However, it is more efficient – especially for those staying in the northern area of the country.
For example, a Johannesburg company importing goods from Singapore may choose to direct their shipment to Maputo.
The shipment is offloaded in Maputo on schedule with no delays. DP World Maputo provides Mozambique transit clearance and container transport to Komatipoort, where the customer agent provides final clearance for South Africa. DP World then sends the goods by road to Gauteng for rapid delivery to its destination.
As India and its healthcare systems face a surge in COVID-19 infections across the country, FedEx Express is working with organizations around the world to deliver critical medical supplies and equipment during this crisis.
FedEx is currently supporting the transportation of more than 25,000 oxygen concentrators and converters through an initiative with the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum and other multinational companies.
An initial shipment of 1,000 critical oxygen concentrators was delivered by FedEx to New Delhi on April 30 as part of this collective.
In May, FedEx donated a FedEx Boeing 777F charter flight to move more than 3,400 oxygen concentrators, converters and nearly 265,000 KN95 masks for Direct Relief from Newark, New Jersey to Mumbai, India.
The supplies will ultimately be delivered to healthcare facilities in Mumbai. In addition, FedEx is working with customers and non-profit organizations to deliver hundreds of tons of medical supplies and aid into India in the days and weeks ahead.
FedEx also is a founding member of the Global Task Force on Pandemic Response, a public-private partnership organized by the US Chamber of Commerce and supported by the Business Roundtable to provide a unified platform for businesses to mobilize and deliver resources to assist COVID-19 efforts in areas of the highest need around the world.
FedEx President and COO Raj Subramaniam is one of 17 business leaders serving on the steering committee for the task force. “The devastating humanitarian crisis in India requires relief from around the world, and it is our mission to deliver critical aid needed to help alleviate suffering,” Subramaniam said.
“We have been on the frontlines delivering relief since the start of the pandemic, and are responding to the urgent situation in India now. FedEx will continue to deliver lifesaving medicine, personal protective equipment, and other critical supplies until this pandemic is over.”
FedEx has moved more than 10,000 COVID-19 humanitarian aid shipments since January 2020. The company has also committed $4 million in cash and in-kind transportation support to help nonprofits including Direct Relief and International Medical Corps distribute COVID-19 vaccines to under-resourced communities around the world.
FedEx has a long history of moving critical items across the globe. Since the start of the pandemic, FedEx Express has shipped more than 80 kilotons of personal protective equipment, including more than 2.2 billion masks worldwide. An integral part of the global vaccine supply chain, FedEx is currently delivering COVID-19 vaccines, related ingredients, and supplies to more than 25 countries around the world.
“Direct Relief is thankful beyond words for FedEx enabling scaled-up assistance that’s critically needed by people in India, where growing COVID-19 cases present such severe threats to their health,” said Thomas Tighe, Direct Relief President and CEO.
“As it has on so many other occasions, FedEx devoting its unique logistics capacity and the skills and energies of its global team is a perfect example of the type of leadership and commitment that is needed now to combat this historic pandemic and the risks to people everywhere.”
Emirates Post has opened a 33,475 sqft center at the dedicated ecommerce free zone EZDubai in Dubai South’s Logistics District that will handle parcels and express, domestic, and international volumes.
This is the company’s second largest sorting and delivery center in the UAE. The new facility is expected to handle over 25% of total P&E business volumes over the next three years.
EZDubai has all it takes to support the launch of Emirates Post’s new facility by providing its customers in the neighboring areas with their international and domestic shipping requirements.
The new facility at EZDubai strengthens Emirates Post’s position as a major player in the ecommerce market with enhanced first-mile, last-mile, warehousing, and fulfilment capabilities. The center will also house a dedicated customs’ clearance team to support the movement of deliveries from the free zone to the local market and rest of the world.
In his comments, Mohsen Ahmad, CEO of the Logistics District at Dubai South, said: “At EZDubai, we are always on the lookout to attract the top local and international players in the industry. We are pleased to welcome Emirates Post, and this facility will support the handling and processing of their volumes arriving and departing via DWC and Jebel Ali, along with the development of its road transport network around the region in the years to come.
“Having the bonded and non-bonded warehouse facilities at Dubai South helps us cater to customers’ demands with our mandate to attract international and local logistics and ecommerce players, boosting the growth of the logistics sector in general.”
Peter Somers, CEO of Emirates Post said: “The opening of our new facility supports our business transformation plan to further enhance service levels and customer experience, grow our parcels and express business, and invest in automation and digitalization to provide the best first- and last-mile solutions in the UAE.
“As customer happiness is the core of our strategy, this facility will allow us to offer a more tailored experience to our customers, serving our business and individual customers in a more efficient manner with faster deliveries and more flexible pick-up and drop-off times.”
Jennifer Smith has joined Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) as UK Commercial Director – Cargo & Ground Handling.
She brings extensive commercial experience to this newly-created post having previously spent 20 years in regional cargo sales management roles with Continental Airlines, American Airlines and Etihad Airways. Jennifer joins WFS, one of the world’s leading air cargo and ground handling organizations, from Air New Zealand, where she held the post of Regional Cargo Sales Manager – UK & Europe.
In her new role, Jennifer is tasked with using her extensive key account management expertise to strengthen WFS’ existing airline client relationships, and to lead the onboarding of new airline customers. WFS operates at 12 airports across the UK and serves some 30 airline clients, including American Airlines, China Airlines, Etihad Airways, IAG, and Singapore Airlines.
“Jennifer is a welcome addition to our leadership team in the UK and brings a strong customer perspective to our business and to the way we want to engage with, and support, our airline clients. After such an extremely challenging year for the aviation industry and its partners, it is more important than ever to provide a consistent business model that sustains growth, provides exemplary service, and reinforces our commitment to ‘best-in-class’ safety and security services. As we continue to invest in our UK operations, we are confident of securing new Cargo and Ground Handling contracts as well as extending our existing airline agreements, and Jennifer will lead this growth,” said Paul Carmody, Managing Director – UK Cargo.
SAS has appointed Anko van der Werff to its board of directors, as well as into the role of president and chief executive – effective from mid-July 2021.
Van der Werff currently leads the airline group at Avianca Holdings in Colombia.
SAS also appointed Karl Sandlund, chief commercial officer at SAS, as acting president and chief executive as of today, succeeding Rickard Gustafson, who will leave the company to join SKF on June 1.
Chairman of SAS’ board of directors, Carsten Dilling, commented: “I’m proud that we today can announce Anko van der Werff as the new chief executive for SAS.
“Van der Werff clearly comes out as the strongest addition to our current highly qualified and strong performing top management team. He has deep knowledge of the airline industry and long experience from different international carriers. This will be important tackling the challenges SAS will be facing in the years to come, in an unpredictable post-Covid recovery period.
“He is well familiar with Scandinavia and I believe that he will be a great cultural match for SAS. It is an advantage in our current situation that he will start his position already in July.
“In order to ensure a smooth and forward-looking transition, chief commercial Officer Karl Sandlund will be acting president and chief executive until van der Werff starts in Stockholm.
“Again, I would like to thank Rickard Gustafson for an excellent job done for SAS and for our great personal cooperation. On behalf of the board and SAS, I wish Gustafson all the best and good luck in his new role with SKF.”
Van der Werff added: “I am honored to be the new chief executive of SAS.
“SAS is the leading carrier of Scandinavia with a strong brand and a proud aviation history which has been of great importance for connecting the region domestically and with the rest of the world.
“I am looking forward to continuing the excellent sustainability journey that SAS has started and that I believe will be instrumental for transforming the airline industry. I am eager to getting to know the team, the different stakeholders and to get started. It is no secret that Covid-19 has impacted the entire aviation industry, but SAS has a strong foundation to build upon and I am sure that by working together between all stakeholders, SAS will come out stronger.”
Crane Worldwide Logistics has appointed John O’Connor into the newly created role of executive vice president, strategic development.
O’Connor, who has more than 28 years of experience in the logistics industry, will drive Crane’s strategic development and enhance the integrated supply chain solutions offered to its international clients.
Keith Winters, chief executive at Crane Worldwide, commented: “Our clients recognize the need for robust supply chain continuity plans in the face of adversity. We are committed to partnering with our clients to drive global supply chain efficiencies with technology, service, and people. Adding O’Connor’s vast experience to the executive team will help our clients, and our organization, address the ongoing supply challenges in today’s market but importantly in the future as the ‘new normal’ unfolds.”
O’Connor added: “Many lessons have been learned from the Covid-19 pandemic and it is an exciting time to be joining a robust, agile, and flexible organization that is passionate about solving logistics challenges in the dynamic environment in which we are operating.”
Finnair Cargo has expanded its digital booking capabilities by listing its capacity on online booking portal WebCargo.
The airline will initially be available to WebCargo customers in the US and Europe.
WebCargo said the move reflects an overall increase in the adoption of digital technologies due to the fallout from Covid — less cargo capacity, increased e-commerce demand, and a shift to air due to high ocean rates.
The portal said it now represents more than 22% of global air cargo capacity.
Karri Kauppi, head of revenue management and pricing, Finnair Cargo, said: “Through our partnership with WebCargo, we look forward to offering forwarders real-time availability of our network between US, Europe and Asia.
“Providing our forwarders with diverse airline carriers to suit their varied shipping needs has always been a priority for WebCargo,” said Manel Galindo, chief executive of WebCargo. “We’re thrilled to partner with Finnair Cargo, a carrier known for embracing digital air cargo solutions.”
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