Emirates SkyCargo adds Copenhagen to its dedicated freighter network
In response to growing demand out of Denmark, Emirates SkyCargo, the cargo division of the world’s largest international airline, has deployed a dedicated weekly freighter to Copenhagen Airport. The deployment increases the network of destinations served by Emirates freighters to 38.
Previously served via bellyhold capacity in passenger aircraft, the Boeing 777 freighter will increase capacity offered to Emirates’ customers, with approximately 85 tonnes allocated for cargo from Copenhagen, and neighbouring countries including Norway and Sweden.
Emirates SkyCargo has recorded significant growth in volume of over 20% from Denmark in the last financial year, driven largely by pharmaceutical shipments. With a thriving life sciences production industry and resilient cold chain infrastructure, Copenhagen serves as Europe’s northern hub for pharma logistics. The increased capacity coupled with Emirates SkyCargo’s fit-for-purpose pharmaceutical product portfolio and extensive global network will support more pharma exports from Denmark.
In addition to uplifting pharmaceutical cargo, Emirates SkyCargo will provide tailored solutions to transport goods via its multi-vertical product portfolio. From general cargo to temperature-sensitive perishables such as fish and other foods, the airline keeps goods moving from Copenhagen to the world, swiftly, efficiently and reliably.
Mette Jensen, Cargo Manager for Scandinavia, Emirates SkyCargo said, “Demand has been strong across Scandinavia, with particular growth in Copenhagen, and we expect this to continue into the next financial year and beyond. Bolstering our operations to Copenhagen with a dedicated freighter, ensures that we are able to serve the current demand, and support our customers in reaching a large number of markets across the globe.”
Emirates SkyCargo serves 11 destinations across Europe with 38 dedicated freighter flights per week, complemented by over 485 passenger flights every week. This near-unrivalled frequency and capacity marks Europe as one of the airline’s busiest destinations.
Effective from 1 January 2025, EK9746 will arrive in Copenhagen Airport on Wednesdays at 12:35AM*, departing for Dubai World Central at 15:05PM*. Customers can contact their local Emirates SkyCargo office or visit skycargo.com for more information.
Boeing Projects 4% Annual Growth in Air Cargo Traffic Through 2043
Boeing forecasts a robust future for the air cargo industry, predicting an average annual growth of 4% in air cargo traffic through 2043. The projections are outlined in the company’s 2024 World Air Cargo Forecast (WACF), a comprehensive biennial report providing an outlook for the global air cargo market.
“As the quickest and most reliable way to move goods, air cargo’s sustained growth has returned the industry to its long-term trend,” said Darren Hulst, Boeing vice president of Commercial Marketing. “There will be many drivers for continued freighter demand over the next 20 years, including expansion of emerging markets and global growth in manufacturing and e-commerce.”
Key highlights from the 2024 WACF include:
Fleet Expansion: The global air cargo fleet is expected to grow to 3,900 airplanes by 2043, a two-thirds increase from 2,340 freighters in 2023.
Asian Market Surge: High-growth Asian markets will drive the nearly doubling of large widebody freighters, with the Asia-Pacific fleet projected to nearly triple.
Fleet Modernization: Nearly half of the freighter deliveries by 2043 will involve replacing older models with more capable and fuel-efficient aircraft.
Regional Growth: East and South Asia will experience the highest annual traffic growth, supported by expanding economies and rising consumer demand. India’s domestic air cargo market is set to nearly quadruple as e-commerce networks expand.
Express Carriers: The share of express carriers in the air cargo market is anticipated to increase to 25% from the current 18%, driven by the growth of e-commerce and the expansion of express networks in emerging markets.
“By adopting smart airside solutions, the industry can reduce turnaround times, improve reliability, and significantly lower its environmental footprint,” Hulst added. “These are all key priorities for aviation executives around the world.”
The forecast also highlights significant increases in freighter deliveries, with 1,005 production and 1,840 conversions expected between 2024 and 2043. Delivery types will include 1,250 standard-body, 785 medium widebody, and 810 large widebody freighters.
Boeing emphasizes the importance of innovation and sustainability in meeting the growing demands of the air cargo sector. The complete 2024 World Air Cargo Forecast is available at www.boeing.com/wacf.
Liege Airport Sets New Records in 2024
Liege Airport set new records in 2024, with November cargo aircraft movements increasing by 12.6% year-on-year and tonnage rising 16% to 112,106 tons. Torsten Wefers, VP of Sales & Marketing, praised the achievement, stating, “This exceptional performance showcases the dedication of our cargo community and reinforces Liege Airport’s position as a key player in global air freight.”
Driving Factors
The airport’s cargo airline portfolio grew by 20% this year, with 49 freighter carriers and nearly 60 logistics companies now operating nearby. Increased demand from Asia, especially for imports, played a significant role in this growth. Wefers noted, “The region’s thriving economy, coupled with the increasing popularity of luxury travel and seamless connectivity to global destinations, played a pivotal role in driving this growth.”
Regional Leadership
Liege Airport ranked second in cargo tonnage growth among European airports in October, trailing only Madrid. The airport’s focus on inbound e-commerce has also contributed to its success. Wefers remarked at the September EU Cross-Border E-commerce Forum, “We are very strong in the China market.”
Global Air Freight Momentum
November marked the 13th consecutive month of double-digit growth in global air freight demand, driven by the ongoing e-commerce boom. Load factors reached their highest levels since April 2022, reflecting robust market conditions. Wefers emphasized, “Air cargo is a global business, and you need both inbound and outbound shipments to ensure a balanced and efficient operation.”
Future Prospects
Liege Airport’s remarkable performance in 2024 positions it as a dynamic hub for air cargo, with a promising outlook for continued success in 2025. Wefers concluded, “The outlook for 2025 is very encouraging. If the community continues to focus on how they can effectively cater to various verticals and connect incoming and outgoing streams, much will be possible, and more carriers may come and even relocate to a hub like Liege.”
Qatar Airways Cargo and Cainiao Strengthen Partnership to Meet Global E-Commerce Demand
Qatar Airways Cargo, the world’s leading air cargo carrier, and Cainiao, a global leader in e-commerce logistics, agree to strengthen their existing partnership, aiming to support the growth of cross-border e-commerce and enhance consumer experiences worldwide.
Cainiao, with its deep e-commerce insights and technological expertise, and Qatar Airways Cargo, with its extensive global connectivity, will together leverage their complementary strengths through this partnership to enhance global e-commerce logistics and stimulate economic growth at both regional and global levels.
Qatar Airways Cargo Chief Officer Cargo, Mr. Mark Drusch, said: “Since the inception of our collaboration with Cainiao in 2021, the partnership has seen strong growth, driven by ongoing flying agreements and a shared vision to support the burgeoning e-commerce industry.
He continued: “We are now further deepening our ties with Cainiao to work even closer together. By utilising the Qatar Airways Cargo hub at Hamad International Airport in Doha, we aim to expedite shipments to customers in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, reinforcing our commitment to Cainiao.”
Cainiao Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Wan Lin, said: “At Cainiao, we’re committed to building a smart, future-proof logistics network for e-commerce. We are pleased to strengthen our partnership with quality players like Qatar Airways Cargo to build a more robust global express network and better support our global customers with faster deliveries and enhanced supply chain efficiency.”
E-commerce remains the largest driver of air cargo capacity demand worldwide. Qatar Airways Cargo’s extensive global network and state-of-the-art fleet have positioned it as an essential partner in meeting this demand. Through this collaboration, both companies continue to enhance connectivity and reliability for businesses and consumers across the globe.
Qatar Airways Cargo looks forward to further developing this strategic relationship, reinforcing its position as a leader in the air cargo industry.
KF Aerospace Renews Purolator Contract
KF Aerospace is proud to announce the renewal of its contract with Purolator for the BC Feeder Network (BCFN)—a relationship that has reliably served communities across British Columbia for nearly five decades. The new agreement spans 10 years underscoring the strength and longevity of this critical relationship. As part of the renewed agreement, KF Aerospace will upgrade the BCFN fleet to the modern ATR72-500F aircraft, helping to ensure continued efficiency and reliability in cargo transportation across the province.
The enduring alliance between KF Aerospace and Purolator began in 1976, when KF’s founder, Barry Lapointe, personally piloted a high-priority cargo flight from Vancouver to Toronto at Purolator’s request, setting the foundation for nearly 50 years of collaboration.
Over the years, KF Aerospace has consistently supported Purolator’s cargo operations, including supporting Purolator’s entire Canadian network from 1994 to 2015. KF has been supporting the Purolator network in British Columbia exclusively since 2015.
KF crews load a Convair 580 as part of the current BCFN contract with Purolator
Under the new contract, KF Aerospace will operate the BC Feeder Network for Purolator with an upgraded fleet, replacing its three Convair aircraft with three ATR72-500F aircraft – two containerized and one bulk loader configuration.
“We are thrilled to continue our long-standing relationship with Purolator, a collaboration that has grown and evolved over nearly half a century,” said Tracy Medve, President and CEO of KF Aerospace. “This new 10-year contract and fleet renewal demonstrates our shared commitment to providing reliable cargo services across British Columbia. The addition of the ATR72-500F aircraft will enhance range, capacity and efficiency, ensuring that Purolator’s mission of on time reliability is extended well into the future.”
The ATR72-500F fleet upgrade represents a significant enhancement for KF Aerospace’s operations. These aircraft offer improved fuel efficiency and more flexibility in handling diverse cargo needs. KF Aerospace will oversee acquiring and converting the ATR72-500Fs, with one conversion already near completion at KF’s main YLW MRO facility.
“This agreement marks an exciting new chapter for both KF Aerospace and Purolator,” Bryan Akerstream, Director of Business Development at KF Aerospace. “The transition to the ATR72- 500F will provide greater operational efficiency and support Purolator’s ongoing efforts to deliver critical goods to communities across BC — and potentially help expand their business into other markets.”
“Purolator is proud of our long-standing alliance with KF Aerospace and we are pleased to extend that relationship for a further 10 years,” said Jay Kirkpatrick, Director, Air Network Operations, Purolator. “With the largest freight and courier network in Canada, Purolator is committed to providing exceptional service to our customers across the country. These fleet upgrades will ensure we continue to deliver the level of service both we and our customers expect.”
The BCFN contract renewal with Purolator, along with several new and continuing contracts with civilian and military customers, positions KF Aerospace for potential future growth and further solidifies its role as one of Canada’s most diverse and capable aerospace companies.
Air Creebec Adds First ATR 72-500 LCD Freighter to Fleet
ACIA Aero Leasing has sold an ATR 72-500 LCD freighter (MSN727) to Canadian regional airline Air Creebec, marking the airline’s first ATR aircraft.
The freighter, upgraded with a Large Cargo Door (LCD) by Empire Aerospace in Idaho, will commence operations in December 2024, supporting Air Creebec’s cargo contracts across Canada.
“The Canadian market offers numerous opportunities for the ATR platform in both passenger and cargo operations,” said Mark Dunnachie, Senior Vice President Commercial at ACIA Aero Leasing. “Reconfiguring the aircraft to an LCD variant within six months highlights our leadership in ATR freighter solutions.”
Tanya Pash, President and CEO of Air Creebec, highlighted the aircraft’s significance: “The LCD variant enhances our flexibility in cargo operations, ensuring essential supplies reach remote northern clients. This delivery strengthens our position as a pioneer in cargo transportation for our region.”
The move underscores Air Creebec’s commitment to innovation and improving access for its diverse clientele in remote areas.
New Direct Ho Chi Minh City to Los Angeles Flight Boosts Transpacific Cargo Services
With the start of the winter flight schedule last weekend, Lufthansa Cargo has inaugurated its first direct transpacific freighter service from Asia to North America.
On Sunday, 27 October 2024, flightLH8019 took off from Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) in Vietnam to Los Angeles (LAX) in the United States, operated by its JV subsidiary AeroLogic. The aircraft with the identification D-AALO had previously taken off from Frankfurt (FRA) for Vietnam on Saturday, 26 October 2024. It had then flown back from Los Angeles on Sunday, 27 October 2024, and had arrived at the carrier’s home hub on Monday, 28 October 2024.
“This new freighter connection highlights our commitment to connecting economies by responding to the demand of the rapidly growing economy in Vietnam, which can now be seamlessly connected to the U.S. even faster. This service reinforces our purpose of enabling global business, which is why we are continuously examining the possibilities of establishing new routes and growing in dynamic market environments,” explains Ashwin Bhat, CEO of Lufthansa Cargo.
With the new flight schedule, Lufthansa Cargo is now offering its customers 89 weekly B777F freighter connections worldwide. This includes 50 frequencies to 17 destinations in Asia, reflecting the strong demand in the region. The growing e-commerce industry, in particular, is driving this development, to which Lufthansa Cargo is able to respond quickly and flexibly thanks to its early preparations. With its own A321 freighter fleet for short and medium-haul routes, as well as additional cargo capacities marketed on the extensive network of Lufthansa Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Discover Airlines and SunExpress, Lufthansa Cargo is able to offer its customers capacities to over 350 destinations in 100 countries in its winter flight schedule.
Saudia Cargo Wins “Best E-commerce Carrier of the Year-Middle East” at Payload Asia Awards
Saudia Cargo, the leading air cargo carrier, was awarded the prestigious “Best E-commerce Carrier of the Year-Middle East” title for the second consecutive year at the Payload Asia Awards.
This recognition underscores the company’s outstanding performance in e-commerce logistics and its essential role in facilitating the global movement of e-commerce shipments.
Additionally, the company’s strategic partnerships with industry leaders such as Cainiao, Alibaba’s logistics arm, have been instrumental in optimizing operations and meeting the growing demand for fast, reliable e-commerce logistics solutions.
The expansion this year with a direct route from Shenzhen, China, further cemented Saudia Cargo’s position in one of the world’s most significant e-commerce markets. By 2024, Saudia Cargo will operate across all major e-commerce hubs globally, enhancing its ability to meet rising consumer demands and maintain its leadership in the industry.
Teddy Zebitz, CEO of Saudia Cargo, stated: “We are honored to receive this award for the second consecutive year. It reflects our team’s dedication to excellence and commitment to exceptional service. Our agile approach and consistent industry record high aircraft on-time performance have been key in connecting e-commerce platforms with their customers worldwide, especially during peak periods.”
“In 2023, Saudia Cargo further strengthened its position as a global e-commerce leader by expanding our network, increasing flight frequencies to major hubs like Hong Kong with over 16 weekly flights, and successfully operating more than 100 e-commerce charters. In 2024, we also significantly expanded our presence in mainland China. This growth is reflected in our 25% year-over-year increase in e-commerce volumes, all delivered on time to our customers,” he added.
Saudia Cargo is dedicated to supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by driving economic diversification and playing a pivotal role in the projected 50% increase in average e-commerce spending per user in the Kingdom over the next three years. Through strategic collaborations and ongoing innovation, Saudia Cargo continues to lead the logistics industry, facilitating trade and connecting global markets with the Kingdom.
Ted Stevens Anchorage Airport Expands as 5 New Cargo Carriers Boost Operations
Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) recently announced the addition of five new cargo carriers, further cementing its role as a pivotal hub in global logistics.
This expansion comes as the airport reports a nearly 5% year-over-year increase in cargo activity, with another 2% growth projected for fiscal year 2025.
The new carriers—Awesome Cargo Airlines, Central Airlines of China, ASL Air Cargo, Aerologic Air Cargo, and CMA CGM Air Cargo—add significant capacity, linking North America with Asia, Mexico, and beyond.
Strategic Expansion to Support Growth
Governor Mike Dunleavy highlighted the importance of these additions to Anchorage’s strategic expansion. “We are excited to welcome five new cargo carriers to Anchorage International Airport,” he said, calling the milestone essential to establishing ANC as a global cargo hub. He also pointed to the airport’s investment in state-of-the-art infrastructure, from increased warehousing to expanded ramp space, which will support the growing needs of air freight.
Deputy Airport Director Teri Lindseth noted that while Anchorage recently dropped to fourth place behind Shanghai in global cargo rankings, the addition of these new carriers could restore its position to third. The airport expects an annual revenue increase of approximately $9 million, about a 7% rise.
New Routes Linking Global Markets
Awesome Cargo Airlines began operations in July on the ICN-ANC-Mexico City route, using Airbus A330-200F freighters, strengthening trade between Asia and North America. Central Airlines of China commenced in September, connecting Shenzhen and Ontario, California, with ANC using Boeing 777s, while Belgian carrier ASL Air Cargo now flies the Jinan-ANC-New York route multiple times monthly with its 747-400 freighters. Aerologic Air Cargo has introduced routes from Guangzhou and Hong Kong to Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky, operating Boeing 777F freighters, and CMA CGM Air Cargo now serves routes from Hong Kong to Dallas and Chicago.
“Anchorage has always been a key player in the world of air cargo,” said Department of Transportation & Public Facilities Commissioner Ryan Anderson. “The arrival of these new carriers underscores our importance in global logistics and strengthens our reputation as a trusted partner in international trade.”
Infrastructure Expansion to Meet Growing Demand
To support this growth, Anchorage is advancing several projects, including the Northlink Aviation expansion at the south terminal, which will feature hard stands for wide-body aircraft, modern warehousing, and glycol recycling facilities. Additional expansions at ANC’s FedEx hub and Signature Aviation’s corporate terminal are also underway, with Alaska Cargo and Cold Storage planning to start construction next summer.
As the only U.S. airport with higher cargo traffic than ANC, Memphis remains a close competitor. However, Gov. Dunleavy emphasized Anchorage’s unique global positioning: “Our proximity to Asian markets has made us a leader in cargo shipping. With the addition of these new carriers, we’ll be even more competitive.”
Swedavia Reaches New Milestone with Four Airports at Level 5 Carbon Accreditation
Swedavia continues strengthen its position as a global leader in aviation’s decarbonisation with Stockholm Arlanda Airport and Ronneby Airport achieving Level 5, the highest level in the Airport Carbon Accreditation programme.
With this achievement, four of Swedavia’s ten airports now hold the highest level of climate certification, following Göteborg Landvetter Airport and Malmö Airport which reached Level 5 in December 2023.
Swedavia’s remaining six airports are striving to reach the top certification level by 2026.
“It is very gratifying that with the certification of Arlanda and Ronneby, Swedavia has now four of its ten airports certified at the highest level within the Airport Carbon Accreditation framework. This shows that we continue to lead the way and have chosen to invest in aviation’s necessary climate transition for sustainable air travel. This certification is the result of our long-term efforts, where we have taken a holistic approach to the entire ecosystem of the airports and also involved our partners in the transition. Of the 18 Airport Carbon Accreditation Level 5 airports worldwide, Swedavia has four,” says Jonas Abrahamsson, President and CEO of Swedavia.
“I am thrilled by Swedavia’s accrediting two more airports at Level 5 including Sweden’s largest hub – a truly remarkable accomplishment. By achieving and maintaining a net zero balance for Scope 1 and 2 emissions, and also tackling Scope 3 emissions through strong third-party engagement, Stockholm Arlanda and Ronneby airports are now amongst the 18 pioneers worldwide to reach this level of carbon management. This makes Swedavia standing out as a leading and shining example of how airports are not just committed to net zero, but actually working hard to deliver on this commitment. This does not come as a surprise as Swedavia was already the first airport operator globally to certify all its airports at Neutrality level back in 2010”, says Olivier Jankovec, ACI Europe Director General.
Swedavia sees Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), electric- and hydrogen-powered aircraft and other new eco-friendly technologies as essential elements for the effective decarbonisation of the aviation industry.
Swedavia became fossil-free in its own airport operations at all ten airports as early as 2020, making it the first airport operator in the world to achieve this. By 2025, all ground operations at Swedavia’s airports that are carried out by other operators will also be made fossil-free through the partnership plan that has been developed, which involves all operators at the airports signing an agreement with Swedavia stipulating a focus on phasing out fossil fuels from their operations.
The long-term goal is for domestic flights to be fossil-free by 2030 and for international flights to be fossil-free by 2045, in line with the Swedish aviation industry’s joint roadmap within the framework of Fossil-Free Sweden.
The Level 5 certification of Stockholm Arlanda Airport and Ronneby Airport means that both the largest and the smallest of Swedavia’s airports are now certified at the highest level. The certification of Stockholm Arlanda and Ronneby Airports at Level 5 signifies that Swedavia has successfully taken the final steps to eliminate fossil fuels at all levels at these two airports. Stockholm Arlanda was the first airport within the Airport Carbon Accreditation framework to achieve net zero in 2009.
Swedavia’s ambition within the Airport Carbon Accreditation framework is for three further airports – Kiruna Airport, Visby Airport and Åre Östersund Airport – to be certified to Level 5 in the spring of 2025.
About Swedavias Airport Carbon Accreditation
Stockholm Arlanda Airport was one of 17 airports that joined the Airport Carbon Accreditation framework at its inception in 2009. Göteborg Landvetter Airport joined in 2010. Both airports were immediately admitted to the highest level in the framework at the time, Level 3+, and Swedavia became the first airport group in the world to become fossil-free in its own airport operations by the end of 2020.
In December 2023, Göteborg Landvetter Airport and Malmö Airport were certified at Level 5 within Airport Carbon Accreditation.
The certification of Stockholm Arlanda Airport and Ronneby Airport means that four of Swedavia’s ten airports are now certified at the highest level.
