Antonov Airlines, has delivered 110 tons of Covid-19 testing kits from Tianjin, China, to Linz, Austria, on the unique AN-225 “Mriya” for use in Austrian pharmacies.
The global air freight market has experienced rapidly changing conditions in recent weeks caused by ongoing global capacity constraints and Covid-19, and Antonov Airlines provided an efficient and safe solution for the medical sector consignee.
“We chartered the Antonov Airlines AN-225 to best serve the client’s needs in terms of capacity and availability,” said Tim Fernholz, Charter Sales, Chapman Freeborn.
“Antonov Airlines and Chapman Freeborn have once again partnered to benefit the end customer by sourcing solutions that are outside of the ordinary, such as chartering the world’s largest aircraft.”
Throughout the pandemic, the AN-225 has been commissioned to transport medical supplies in volumes unmatched by other aircraft per flight and has carried more than 1,300 tons of medical and humanitarian cargo in 2020 alone.
“Currently, there is a lack of transport capacity in the global market, particularly for maritime users, which has impacted air freight availability by increasing demand significantly,” said Andriy Blagovisniy, Commercial Director, Antonov Airlines.
“The Antonov Airlines fleet of AN-124-100s is fully booked, which means our AN-225, with its 250-tonne payload, is in demand to source solutions for our customer’s urgent logistics tasks.”
On the return trip, a technical stop was required in Istanbul, Turkey, which marked the first time the world’s largest aircraft has visited the new Istanbul airport.
The AN-225 Mriya complements Antonov Airlines’ fleet of seven AN-124-100s, two with a capacity of up to 150 tons.
National Aviation Services (NAS), has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Kenya’s Siginon Aviation Ltd. to acquire a 51% stake in Siginon Aviation Ltd. Siginon Aviation, a subsidiary of Siginon Group Ltd. provides complete airport ground handling and cargo management services.
Commenting on the latest partnership, Hassan El-Houry, Group CEO of NAS said, “During the pandemic, our cargo services came to the forefront by keeping crucial supply chains flowing uninterrupted. With the ongoing vaccine requirements around the world, we also handled almost a million doses of the Covid-19 vaccine at different African airports. With this growing demand, we expanded our focus on cargo management in Africa and the partnership with Siginon Aviation is indeed timely.”
A combination of NAS’s global presence and expertise in airport services with Siginon Aviation’s experience in Kenya will successfully strengthen the ground handling, ramp handling and cargo handling capabilities in the region, especially in East Africa.
Meshack Kipturgo, Siginon Group’s Managing Director added, “We foresee great promise for business and growth for both, our staff and our customers through service delivery – now and into the future. This partnership is a true reflection of our mutual ambition to make a positive mark in service excellence, extend our footprint in Kenya and beyond as we jointly tap onto the opportunities present in the cargo and aviation sector.”
In the last decade, Siginon Aviation has enhanced its ground handling capacity with several upgrades including relaunching its operations in a state-of-the-art air cargo terminal and acquisition of ramp equipment to boost its operations in JKIA, Nairobi. This has seen the company receive several industry certifications and accolades including ISAGO, RA3, and ISO9001: 2015 as well as awards for excellence in business, leadership, customer focus, marketing, HR development and cargo.
Through this partnership, NAS has expanded its presence in Africa with two airports in Kenya – Nairobi and Eldoret. This adds to NAS’s growing network in Africa and strengthens its presence as the largest ground handler in the region. In the last year despite the challenges posed by the Covid crisis, NAS successfully launched operations in 14 airports across South Africa, DRC, Guinea Bissau and Zambia.
El-Houry also highlighted “In 2018, we committed to investing $50 million into the African aviation sector over a period of three years. With the pandemic, the global aviation industry suffered a major slowdown and NAS experienced an 85% drop in revenue. Despite the challenges, we remained focused on our commitment to the sector and thrived during a very difficult period. This is greatly because of the exceptional goodwill we built with all our stakeholders – our employees, customers, partners and governments, all mutually supporting each other during this difficult time.”
With its expansion, NAS remains committed to both existing as well as new operations. Present in over 55 airports across Africa, the Middle East and South Asia, NAS invests into facilities and infrastructure, equipment, technology, recruitment, and training of staff. NAS is also dedicated to advancing local knowledge and skills of while offering more employment opportunities and career options.
NAS provides ground-handling services to over 100 airlines globally, manages more than 50 airport lounges across its network and offers an extended portfolio of services that includes innovative technology solutions and training.
Cargo Force is opening four new facilities across the USA to facilitate mail and express mail services in partnership with United States Postal Service (USPS) after signing anm$100m seven-year contract.
The new facilities, located in Seattle, Washington; San Diego, California; Detroit, Michigan; and Orlando, Florida, cover 173,000 square feet in total and will create 255 new jobs across the four sites.
“The opening of these new facilities expands the 26 years of partnership we have developed with USPS and broadens our customer offerings across the United States,” said Jared Azcuy, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Cargo Force.
“The extension of our relationship with USPS will see Cargo Force begin providing mail handling services at four new locations, as well as continuing to provide these services at the existing sites across Jacksonville International Airport, Florida, and Eppley Airfield, Nebraska.
“This represents considerable business growth for Cargo Force and is an important step as we seek to expand our North American footprint.”
The Seattle facility opened its doors in October, and the San Diego, Detroit, and Orlando facilities opened in November.
Alliance Ground International (AGI) has expanded its operations at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), New York, USA, increasing service offerings to airlines operating in the region.
AGI has moved in to JFK’s Cargo Building 22, adding 11,960 square feet of office space and 82,153 square feet of warehouse space to its existing facilities at the airport.
Operations from the new facility are due to begin in December 2021.
“This facility will allow AGI to expand JFK operations to our existing client base, as well as enabling us to support new airline customers looking to develop services into the New York region,” said Warren Jones, Vice President Business Development, AGI.
“We expect this operation to create over 200 new full and part-time jobs and we are excited that AGI is able to be a part of New York’s regional economic growth.”
Last month, AGI opened a new 76,000-square-foot off-airport air cargo facility five minutes from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), New Jersey, USA, to process import freight.
The handler is also relocating from its existing facilities at EWR to a 24,000-square-foot on-airport facility to handle outbound/export cargo and offer a Dual-Facility solution to customers.
AGI recently expanded its North American operations with the acquisition of Maestro International Cargo, an air cargo handling company, located in Chicago O’Hare International Airport, Illinois, USA.
Shippers fearing a lack of peak season inventory saw air cargo rates soar again in October, despite no clear signs of a surge in peak season demand for capacity, according to the latest market performance data from industry analysts, CLIVE Data Services.
As in previous months, CLIVE’s latest market intelligence reports air cargo market performance to pre-covid 2019 levels, as well as 2020 year-over-year comparisons, to provide meaningful analyzes of the current conditions. Demand for chargeable weight in October 2021 rose 3% over the same month of 2019 and was +14% higher than last year but CLIVE’s ‘dynamic loadfactor’ indicator – which measures both the volume and weight perspectives of cargo flown and capacity available to produce a true indicator of airline performance – remained lower than had been expected at 68%.
Available capacity last month, while still -13% versus October 2019, was +17% compared to October 2020, but the dynamic loadfactor remained -3% pts below the level seen in the first month of Q4 2020.
The big shift, once again, was in overall air cargo rates, up +155% and +37% in October 2021 versus October 2019 and October 2020 respectively.
As is often the case, CLIVE recorded significant market performance deviations. Flights ex Asia Pacific-Europe remained virtually full to capacity, lifting rates by a further 20% over September 2021, while APAC-North America rates reached a double-digit level per kilo, according to CLIVE’s analyses. Overall, international rates rose 10% month-over-month.
Load factors out of APAC Westbound in October 2021 stood at 91%, while Eastbound also produced a strong 89%. Some mid-tier markets in Asia, such as Vietnam and Malaysia, showed the highest Spot rates – between 9-10 USD per kg for Spot shipments into Europe. In comparison, Hong Kong, in the last week of October, was close to $7 per kg.
“With loadfactors up 2% pts versus September, you can see the build up to the peak season but, admittedly, demand is not yet as high as some stakeholders had feared (or hoped). Capacity on a like-for-like basis (compared to September 2021) was more or less flat (+1%) and, combined with a load factor of 68%, this does not seem to indicate the final sprint to the end of the year has started,” said Niall van de Wouw, CLIVE’s Managing Director. “October was a steady month in the market overall with some strong seasonality factors, but the dynamic loadfactor was lower than anticipated given the strong week-over-week increases we reported in September. A global dynamic loadfactor of 68% does show how efficiently the market is currently operating in terms of matching supply and demand.”
Jebel Ali and Tecom customs center at Sea Customs Centers Management, one of Dubai Customs’ departments, remarkably crossed the two million bar by completing 2.189 million customs transactions in the first nine months of 2021 for goods with a value of Dhs609.357 billion and volume of 79,369 tons.
The Center made 164 seizures and 172,394 inspection operations and scanned 223,711 containers and consignments in the same period within its consistent development plans and efforts to facilitate trade, secure the borders and help maintain the leading status Dubai enjoys worldwide.
Jebel Ali and Tecom Center follows an integrated strategy to ensure best services are delivered to clients, and to help towards better integration and cooperation with strategic government partners.
“We never cease to develop our potential and plans in the center in order to serve our national economy and secure our society in the best possible way following the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai,” said Fouad Al Swaidi, Acting Director of Jebel Ali Customs Centers Management. “We improved the performance of Jebel Ali Center further by developing and updating the inspection systems in place to thwart all smuggling attempts and protect our society from the hazards of prohibited goods. Our (Safe Homeland) Campaign helped boost the overall performance and increase the efficiency of our inspectors; our frontline heroes, who are always ready and alert to combat smuggling.”
Czech ground handling specialist Skyport has been awarded the contract to handle import and export cargo for Ukrainian airline SkyUp at Prague Airport.
The contract follows the commencement by SkyUp Airlines of a new air cargo service between Boryspil International Airport, Ukraine, and Prague Vaclav Havel Airport, Czech Republic.
Skyport has been selected to handle cargo for the Prague side of operations between the two airports.
“The new contract looks very promising for both Skyport and SkyUp as demand for cargo transportation on this route has existed for some time,” said David Adámek, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Skyport.
“The Ukraine market has been traditionally very strong in terms of cargo and mail volumes, and we are pleased to have been entrusted to partner with SkyUp to meet the growing needs of the cargo market in this region.”
Skyport expects to handle all types of freight under the new contract, from general cargo and air mail to dangerous goods, pharma, live animals, and valuable cargo.
“We started cargo transportations in 2020 at the very beginning of the pandemic and were among the first to re-equip our fleet of aircraft to bring medical cargo from China to Ukraine and the EU,” said Dmytro Seroukhov, CEO, SkyUp Airlines.
“Later we switched back to passenger flights, but further developed cargo transportation in the luggage compartments.
“We believe in the potential of this area, and our cooperation with Skyport is the next step towards growth together with our reliable partners.”
The launch of SkyUp’s new service and the collaboration with Skyport to serve the growing needs of the regional market appear as even more of an achievement against the backdrop of a challenging operating environment over the past 18 months, with both parties looking to continue their respective growth.
ACC Aviation recently reported an exceptionally strong third quarter, with its US office experiencing its strongest three months in its short history. ACC Aviation’s consultancy arm also had a strong Q3 with consulting activity significantly up on previous years – 107% up, versus full year 2020 and 136% compared with 2019. ACC Aviation’s closed aircraft remarketing/sourcing deals year to date now totals seven assets. Aircraft trading activity has been dominated by narrowbody freighter feedstock and freighter converted aircraft – accounting for 60% of all deals.
Following the recent launch of its inhouse aviation finance advisory practice, headed by Viktor Berta, the aviation finance advisory team won its first mandate – to arrange the financing for acquisition and freighter conversion for a portfolio of Airbus widebody aircraft. A further complementary pillar of expertise was added in early September with Julian Aldana joining the team to mark the company’s entry into technical services. Demand for technical services has been immediate and greater than expected particularly in the field of pre purchase inspections.
Unprecedented time critical charter activity saw ACC engage with various air carriers to help facilitate the movement of 10,700 evacuees on multiple flights to support the Afghanistan Air Lift in August.* It also arranged a series of international and domestic charters for US athletes in Japan, propelling US activity 100% ahead of budget, and for the year.
In the UK, charter has been a strong performer since the onset of the pandemic, culminating in a 50% increase in activity in Q3 compared with the same period in 2020. Private jets and airliner corporate shuttle charter activity has been driven by a return to flying from the manufacturing sector, moving personnel to and from overseas’ manufacturing plants. More sports and film industry charters were undertaken during the period, moving elite teams and artists in Covid-secure bubbles.
“This quarter was largely dominated by our rescue activity out of Kabul,” highlights ACC Aviation CEO Phil Mathews. “We were extremely proud to have played a meaningful contribution toward this massive air lift operation this summer which saw ACC teams – in the US, UK and Middle East – working together, around the clock, on some very complex, logistically challenging, and time sensitive sorties.”
ACC Aviation teams in the USA, UK, and Dubai worked with partner airlines to transport 10,700 evacuees in total, including a new-born baby girl whose Afghan mother went into labor over Dubai on a Turkish Airlines rescue flight destined for Birmingham.
ACC Aviation Trading highlights for Q3:
Concluded the remarketing and sale of two Dash 8-100 Combi aircraft for Canadian North
Closed the acquisition of 2x B737-400’s to Frontera/Aeronaves
Closed the acquisition of 1x B737-400 on behalf of Fly Wings
Exclusively appointed by US Bangla Airlines in Bangladesh to arrange disposal of three Dash 8 Q400s, plus spares
Engaged by an Italian private investor to develop a feasibility study and business plan for a start-up airline.
Mandated by a European operator to arrange the financing of an A340-600 portfolio acquisition and freight conversion program.
Leading on market insights and thought leadership with five speaking appointments in Q3 at Airline Economics and Airfinance Journal events in London and Dubai; covering lessee and airline structuring; aviation finance and investment, and technical considerations for aircraft rejections during restructuring.
ACC summarizes that the past quarter’s activity strongly demonstrated the breadth of their group’s skill and expertise which positions them well now the airline industry is rebuilding, new aircraft are being ordered, and companies are recruiting again.
Ajay Singh wears many hats but he is probably best known in India as the man who founded the low-cost carrier SpiceJet in 2005. Sold it and successfully revived from near closure in 2014, taking over from the buyer when the company was buried in mountains of debts.
“I did not take over SpiceJet, when it was on the verge of a shutdown two years ago, to become rich. I did that as I had an emotional connect with the employees and the company, which I founded in 2005,” Singh was quoted in the Indian media as saying.
Today, SpiceJet is debt-free and is considered as India’s third largest private airline with about 200 aircraft. Its stock was up 124 percent in 2017 and has gained more than 800 percent since its near-demise in December 2014 with market value of US$1.2 billion.
And Singh is credited for the airline’s dramatic turnaround and expansion overseas.
SpiceJet currently flies 10 times a week to Dubai from several key cities in India. The airline plans to add more flights once India and the UAE sign new bilateral air agreements allowing more slots for Indian carriers to serve the route.
Well exposed and experienced in business even at an early age, Singh was raised in a family that successfully dabbled in real estate and fashion accessories business in India where the majority of the population are women.
His ability to resurrect a company from near death has been noticed early on when he successfully brought to profits the Delhi Transport Corporation in 1996. Back then, the company had only 300 buses and within two years, Singh grew it to 6,000 buses with good revenues.
As a student, Singh was into crickets and hockey, even playing as a captain for his cricket team at St. Columba’s School in New Delhi.
After finishing his engineering degree in New Delhi, he went to the United States where he took up his MBA in Finance at Cornell University.
He initially joined his family’s business before setting his sights in India’s private sector.
The aviation billionaire said he doesn’t have much free time with his many responsibilities at SpiceJet and his other businesses but when he does, he likes to spend it with his family, the simple things in life and his new advocacy—promoting boxing in India.
“I don’t have that much free time,” he told Air Cargo Update in an interview on the sidelines of Aviation Show MENASA held in Dubai where he was among the panelists. “When I do get free time, I watch movies. I listen to music and watch a lot of sports.”
“I have two wonderful daughters and I like to spend time with them. One is studying in the US and the other is just one-year-old,” he added.
As President of the Boxing Federation of India, Singh said he devotes time to promote the sport among Indians saying the country needs to professionalize boxing.
Among his priorities is to provide boxers with the best training, coaches and technical officials as well as improve infrastructure related to the sport.
“We will try to win a lot of medals in boxing in the coming Olympics,” said Singh who is bent on winning no matter what the battle is.
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