Qantas and Menzies Aviation Sign On at Western Sydney Airport’s New Cargo Precinct
Qantas Freight has joined Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI) as its first freight airline, marking a significant expansion for Sydney’s air cargo capabilities.
The new 24-hour Cargo Precinct is expected to increase the city’s air cargo capacity by 33% when it opens in 2026, supporting key supply chains across Australia.
Strategic Location and Job Creation
Located near major logistics centers at Kemps Creek and the Aerotropolis, the Cargo Precinct offers direct access to upgraded Northern Road, with the facility expected to generate up to 2,000 jobs during construction and over 19,000 direct and indirect jobs annually once operational.
Qantas Freight CEO on E-commerce Demand
“This new air freight facility will help us meet growing e-commerce demand while providing quieter and more sustainable operations with our upgraded Airbus A321 and A330 aircraft,” said Cam Wallace, CEO of Qantas International and Freight.
24-Hour Operations to Enhance Export Opportunities
“Our 24-hour operations and prime east coast location offer unmatched opportunities for farmers, manufacturers, and other exporters to reach global markets,” said WSI CEO Simon Hickey. He highlighted the precinct’s benefits, including streamlined connections between freighters, terminals, and road transport.
Menzies Aviation Joins with Long-Term Lease
Menzies Aviation, handling over two million tonnes of cargo annually, will operate from WSI’s Cargo Precinct for the next two decades. The facility will specialize in pharmaceutical, cool chain, e-commerce, and heavy cargo handling.
Construction Advancements and Infrastructure Funding
Supported by $805.4 million in external financing, WSI is building 75,000 square meters of warehousing space and facilities for eight wide-body aircraft. The construction partner, CPB Acciona Joint Venture, is on schedule for the 2026 opening, aiming to maximize socio-economic benefits for Western Sydney and beyond.
Swissport Unveils Pet Lounge at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport
Swissport has launched a new Pet Lounge at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, dedicated to unaccompanied pets and designed to enhance animal welfare. Located away from the busy cargo warehouse, the facility offers a tranquil space with water, air conditioning, and calming music to provide a stress-free experience for pets.
The Pet Lounge includes a specialized acceptance area for checking animals and their travel documentation, along with two separate rooms for pets awaiting their flights or their handlers. Khangi Khoza, CEO of Swissport South Africa, emphasized the importance of animal care in their services: “The Swissport Pet Lounge sets a new benchmark in animal handling at an airport in South Africa. We are committed to making the stay for our special travelers as relaxing as possible, benefiting both the animals and our airline and forwarding customers.”
The facility is managed by a trained team that adheres to the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Live Animal Regulations, ensuring the highest level of care and safety. Swissport collaborates closely with the South African State Veterinary Service to conduct thorough checks on imported and exported animals. The lounge also provides additional support for pet owners by working with specialized animal handling agents to handle crates, travel documentation, and quarantine regulations.
Lufthansa Cargo Celebrates Major Milestone in Frankfurt Hub Upgrade
Lufthansa Cargo yesterday celebrated an important step in the further development of its central cargo hub at Frankfurt Airport. With an investment volume of almost 600 million euros, the cargo airline is focusing on a comprehensive modernization by 2030, which will make the Lufthansa Cargo Center (LCC) Europe’s most modern airfreight hub.
Numerous guests from the worlds of politics and business, as well as employees, customers and project partners, attended the ceremony at the “LCCevo” construction site to mark the start of construction, which has already begun. To commemorate this important milestone for the company, the participants filled and sealed a time capsule.
“Lufthansa Cargo enables global business and connects world markets in a more sustainable way. The ‘LCCevo’ project represents our drive for growth and excellence,” said Ashwin Bhat, CEO of Lufthansa Cargo. “In times of global tensions and changing customer demands, we need innovative solutions that meet our, our customers’ and society’s needs. This is only possible with a modern infrastructure. For our customers, we want to optimize efficiency and quality and make our service even faster and more seamless. For our employees, we want to create attractive and future-proof jobs for the next generations in our newly designed ‘Home of Cargo’. At the same time, ‘LCCevo’ underscores our strong ties to our home base and strengthens Frankfurt Airport’s role as a central cargo hub in Europe”.
“This investment by the Lufthansa Group is a clear commitment to the Frankfurt location and symbolizes our confidence in the long-term future of the airfreight business,” said Michael Niggemann, member of the Executive Board of Deutsche Lufthansa AG. “This flagship project makes our cargo business at the Frankfurt hub fit for the future. It increases quality and efficiency for customers, creates sustainable jobs for our colleagues, and enables even more environmentally friendly ground processes. At the same time, we are making a significant contribution to the performance of airfreight in the heart of Europe and thus enabling global traffic for our economy”.
“This is an impressive example of how investments in modern and sustainable infrastructure strengthen our state in the long term. Lufthansa Cargo is sending an important signal for innovation and competitiveness at Frankfurt Airport,” emphasized R. Alexander Lorz, Hessian Minister of Finance. “Here in Hesse, where the automotive sector, the pharmaceutical industry and medical technology play a central role, the connection provided by Lufthansa Cargo is an indispensable gateway to the global market.”
In a video message, Kaweh Mansoori, Hessian Minister for Economics, Energy, Transport, Housing and Rural Areas, said: “Frankfurt Airport is regularly referred to as the ‘heart muscle of the region’. The last few years have shown just how important cargo traffic is in addition to passenger traffic. The key to remaining competitive in this dynamic environment is an efficient and modern infrastructure. With the modernization of its cargo center, Lufthansa Cargo, the largest cargo carrier at Frankfurt Airport, is helping to further strengthen airfreight at the location. The challenges of the future will be mastered by using the latest technologies and intelligent solutions. At the same time, this is a clear signal for the economic strength and sustainable development of our region and strengthens the position of Frankfurt Airport as an important hub.”
“Frankfurt Airport is crucial to the economic strength of our city, connecting countless companies to global markets. By investing in modern infrastructure and creating a wide range of jobs, Lufthansa Cargo is making a significant contribution to the future viability of Frankfurt. Together with the air cargo industry, we are committed to ensuring that Frankfurt remains an attractive location for companies and employees,” said Mike Josef, Lord Mayor of the City of Frankfurt.
Since its opening in 1982, the LCC has been in continuous operation 24 hours a day, seven days a week and has played a central role in global airfreight traffic ever since. The modernization program includes the gradual renewal of all central functions by 2030, including cargo handling facilities, storage and conveyor technology, building technology, administrative buildings and IT systems. With a total area of around 330,000 m² – the equivalent of around 46 football pitches – it is one of the largest airfreight hubs in Europe.
Lufthansa Cargo is carrying out this ambitious project without interrupting operations. This “open-heart surgery” requires the cooperation of all parties involved to ensure smooth operations. “We are working closely with partner companies such as Züblin and Bleichert Automation, who are contributing their expertise to the successful implementation, which is fully on schedule so far,” says project manager Stefan Dürr.
The construction work is being carried out in sections so that daily operations can continue undisturbed. During the current construction phase, Lufthansa Cargo is renovating or building new facilities on an area of around 55,000 m². A notable milestone is the construction of a 42-meter high-bay warehouse, which will be the second-highest building at Frankfurt Airport.
India Greenlights Air India-Vistara Merger with $276 Million Investment
India cleared the last roadblock to national carrier Air India Ltd.’s merger with smaller rival Vistara, approving a S$360 million ($276 million) investment by Singapore Airlines Ltd. into the new combined carrier.
The deal paves the way for the operational merger of planes, staff and routes. Air India expects to complete the merger with Vistara by the end of the year, Singapore Airlines said in a filing Friday. The Singaporean carrier, which jointly owns Vistara with the Tata Group, will hold a stake of about 25.1% in the enlarged Air India Group.
The Air India-Vistara merger, more than 18 months in the making, adds to a wave of industry deals, with Air France-KLM taking a 19.9% stake in SAS AB this week while Deutsche Lufthansa AG secured a €325 million ($360 million) investment in Italy’s ITA Airways in July.Ongoing airline transactions include Alaska Air Group Inc.’s and Hawaiian Holding Inc.’s $1.9 billion merger, and Korean Air’s $1.4 billion bid for smaller rival Asiana Airlines Inc. Not all proposed deals have succeeded however, with US carriers JetBlue and Spirit abandoning a $3.8 billion pact and IAG SA terminating a bid to take over Spain’s Air Europa.
The Indian merger will give Singapore Air greater exposure to one of the world’s fastest-growing travel markets and make it the only foreign player to have a significant stake in one of the country’s airlines.
Vistara said in a statement that starting Sept. 3, customers will progressively no longer be able to make bookings with Vistara for travel on or after Nov. 12.
“All Vistara aircraft thereafter will be operated by Air India and bookings for the routes operated by these aircraft will be redirected to Air India’s website,” Vistara said.
The deal also widens Singapore Air’s reach beyond its smaller home market, with its reliance on international travel hurting the company during the Covid-19 pandemic. The carrier has wrapped up a flurry of tie ups in recent years including joint-venture deals with neighbors Malaysia Airlines and more recently Garuda Indonesia. It is also seeking a similar pact with Japan’s All Nippon Airways.
Ethiopian Airlines’ STEM Initiative Marks Another Year of Success
On August 28, 2024, Ethiopian Airlines, in collaboration with Boeing and Think Young, celebrated the successful completion of the second edition of their STEM School program. This initiative, focused on equipping Ethiopian high school students with essential skills in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), saw 28 Grade 11 students, with a 50% female participation rate, graduate from the program.
The three-year program targets underserved youth across Ethiopia, fostering academic growth and interest in higher education. Selection is conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Education to identify the most promising students.
Mr. Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, highlighted the importance of investing in youth education, emphasizing the program’s role in empowering future innovators and problem-solvers. Kuljit Ghata-Aura, President of Boeing Middle East, Türkiye, Africa, and Central Asia, and Delila Kidanu, Director of ThinkYoung Africa, echoed these sentiments, praising the program’s impact on Ethiopia’s aviation sector and broader economy.
During the program, students were immersed in STEM principles, learning coding, robotics, and artificial intelligence, while also developing vital soft skills. The initiative, hosted by Ethiopian Aviation University, provided students with exclusive access to Ethiopian Airlines’ operations, offering a hands-on perspective on the aviation industry.
The STEM initiative is set to continue, welcoming new students next year, as Ethiopian Airlines remains committed to shaping the future leaders of Ethiopia through education and STEM.
Fly Khiva Group Launches European Freighter Service with Liege as New Gateway
Uzbekistan-based Fly Khiva Group has expanded its air cargo operations by launching freighter flights to Liege Airport, Belgium. Starting with three weekly Boeing 767-300 freighter flights, the new service marks a significant milestone in Fly Khiva’s development since its inception earlier this year.
Fly Khiva, which received its operator certificate in February, aims to enhance its global cargo network connecting Asia and Europe through its hub in Tashkent. The addition of Liege Airport to its route network reflects the airline’s strategic push to cater to the booming e-commerce sector and meet growing demand for efficient cargo solutions.
Farkhad Mukhutdinov, Fly Khiva Group’s Commercial Director, stated, “We are thrilled to announce our inaugural flight to Liege Airport. This marks an important step in our expansion journey, allowing us to better serve the e-commerce market and enhance our cargo capacity with additional Boeing 767-300 freighters expected soon.”
Liege Airport has welcomed Fly Khiva as the third new carrier connecting Asia and Europe this summer. Alexis Lapot, Cargo Manager at Liege Airport, noted, “This partnership is a major advancement in our goal to broaden our global presence. Fly Khiva’s flights symbolize the revival of the historic Silk Road, boosting trade and efficiency between Hong Kong and Liege.”
The addition of Fly Khiva enhances Liege’s status as a key logistics and e-commerce hub in Europe, bolstering its network of over 50 carriers. This move comes during a period of robust growth, with Liege Airport reporting a 21% increase in cargo volumes year-on-year.
Fly Khiva’s expanded operations underscore its commitment to becoming a significant player in regional aviation and a bridge between Asia and Europe.
TIACA Unveils Abu Dhabi as Host for Air Cargo Forum 2025, Miami ACF Already 70% Sold Out
The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) has revealed that the Air Cargo Forum (ACF) will make its debut in the Middle East, with Abu Dhabi, UAE, set to host the event from November 4-6, 2025. This move marks a significant expansion of TIACA’s global reach, following the success of the Miami ACF.
The 2024 Miami Air Cargo Forum, scheduled for November 11-14, is already 70% sold out, with a notable increase in exhibition space to accommodate growing interest. This year’s event will feature new participants such as Avianca Cargo, Cathay Cargo, and Delta Cargo, reflecting the event’s expanding influence and appeal.
TIACA’s leadership, including Chair Steven Polmans and Director General Glyn Hughes, praised the robust industry support and the event’s growth.
Polmans emphasized the organization’s commitment to delivering a top-tier experience that combines business networking with engaging activities.
Steven Polmans, chair of the International Air Cargo Association, said: “We are happy to see all the new exhibitors that have signed up for this year’s event and we are pleased to announce that this year will be even larger than the one in 2022.
“Our team is working hard to produce an event that will not only bring the industry together for a spectacular event with plenty of networking opportunities but will also align with our core values.
“The growth of the event this year shows that our brand is as strong as ever and we are committed to ensuring we provide attendees with world-class events.”
Hughes highlighted the sales team’s success in securing new exhibitors and developing flexible sponsorship packages, ensuring the ACF continues to offer valuable opportunities for all stakeholders.
Glyn Hughes, director general, added: “The sales team has done an excellent job in bringing on board new exhibitors and sponsors and has developed packages that will align with most budgets.
“We are excited to see the growth of the ACF and look forward to welcoming everyone to Miami in the next couple of months but remember to bring flip flops as well as business and golf shoes.”
With Abu Dhabi poised to host the ACF 2025, TIACA is set to enhance its global presence and continue its tradition of bringing the air cargo community together for impactful and innovative events.
Etihad Cargo Restructures to Enhance Customer Experience and Support Growth
Etihad Cargo, the logistics arm of Etihad Airways, has announced a major overhaul of its organizational structure aimed at enhancing customer experience, supporting business development, and driving sustained growth. The reorganization will streamline operations and align more closely with customer needs by establishing new regional divisions and creating a dedicated Customer Experience Department.
Under the new structure, Etihad Cargo’s global network is divided into four regions, each managed by a newly appointed director:
South Asia and Oceania: Bernard Lee
North Eastern Asia: Jacqueline Han Lin Ni
Europe and Americas: Rainer Krammer
Africa, Middle East, and CIS: Grant Kemp
This regional approach is designed to improve market-specific capabilities and provide tailored responses to customer needs.
To further enhance service, the newly established Customer Experience Department, led by Lubna Allaham, will focus on delivering customized, customer-centric solutions, ensuring high levels of service across all touchpoints.
Additionally, Etihad Cargo is strengthening its sales team with the appointment of Rayan Alhaddar as Senior Manager, Business Development Cargo.
Stanislas Brun, Vice President of Cargo, commented: “Our new structure will foster closer partnerships with customers, better addressing their specific needs. With new regional managers and senior leaders in place, we are poised to deliver exceptional results and continue the success of Etihad Cargo.”
Dr. Nadia Al Bastaki, Chief People and Corporate Affairs Officer, added: “This restructuring highlights Etihad Cargo’s critical role in our growth strategy. By focusing on regional capabilities and customer experience, we are reinforcing our commitment to being the preferred air cargo partner. We are confident that this new organization will drive continued evolution and success in line with our core values.”
Etihad Cargo is optimistic that these changes will enhance customer service, operational excellence, and contribute to ongoing growth.
WFS Boosts Cargo Handling Capacity by 60% at Madrid Airport with New Terminal
Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) has increased its cargo handling capacity by 60% at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport with the opening of its fifth cargo terminal.
The ground handler has signed a 30-year lease on the new building opening, which sits on a 12,500 sq m site with 6,500 sq m of warehouse, connected to the airport tarmac.
The building provides WFS and its customers with 17 landside truck/van docks for efficient cargo collections and deliveries plus two BUP dedicated docks with by-pass ability; direct access from the airport main road to the facility; two build-up pallet lanes and docks; four airside truck docks with 20-feet ULD handling capabilities, a secured refrigerated cargo acceptance area; and 2-8°C and 15-25°C temperature-controlled cool rooms for pharma and perishable shipments, supported by WFS’ GDP (Good Distribution Practice) certification in Madrid.
There is also a Material Handling System connecting the landside and airside docks; four integrated lowerable workstations with scales and three loose cargo scales; dedicated areas for DGS, VUN, HUM, PIL and AVI special cargoes; optimised security systems and technologies, including 24/7 CCTV monitoring; and modern office accommodation.
This new building is located alongside the main freighter parking area and close to Terminals 4 and 4S, shortening cargo transport times, said WFS.
The facility is powered by 100% renewable energy which provides the LED lighting supply, warehouse climatization, plus electric battery chargers for cars and warehouse GSE. Indoor AGV (Automated Guided Vehicles) will also be introduced in the second half of 2024.
The facility uses Cargospot mobile warehouse technology, the CargoKiosk digital system to automate and expedite truck processing times and a Warehouse Workflow Monitoring System to meet customer KPIs and ensure consistent levels of efficiency.
The terminal was formally opened by John Batten, chief executive, Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia (EMEAA) at WFS, alongside Humberto Castro, managing director of WFS in Spain and Italy.
“It is a proud day for WFS to be opening another state-of-the-art cargo handling facility in the EMEAA region,” Batten said. “New cargo terminals provide us with the opportunity to embrace our sustainability and digitalisation programmes from day one of the operation.
“This facility demonstrates our long-term commitment to Madrid and our current and future customers serving this growing airport.”
Castro added: “Madrid is strategically important to WFS as a premier European hub for Central and South America cargo volumes, as well as its easy connections for goods moving across the EU and to the Middle and Far East markets. It is also one of the preferred e-commerce destinations in Europe, which is an area of major growth today.”
The new terminal increases WFS’ total cargo facility footprint in Madrid to 17,000 sq m and is expected to support the growing volumes of its 65 airline customers as well as providing expansion opportunities.
In the last 12 months, WFS has renewed cargo contracts in Madrid with customers including Air China, Air Europa, Etihad Airways, Pegasus, Turkish Airlines and World2Fly. It has also signed new agreements with CMA CGM and TAAG Angola Airlines.
WFS has previously opened additional facilities in Madrid in 2001, 2018 and 2019.
Mammoth Freighters and Collins Aerospace Optimize Cargo Handling for 777P2F Market
Mammoth Freighters has received the first complete shipset of the Collins Aerospace cargo loading system for its 777-200LRMF passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversion.
The two companies have been working closely together to optimize the cargo handling system for the 777P2F market after Mammoth awarded Collins Aerospace a development contract in June 2022.
“It is Mammoth’s mission to develop one of the most productive and economical long-range freighters in the world by incorporating fundamentals which exceed the current and future demands of the widebody freighter market,” said Cameron France, Mammoth vice president of operations.
“The specialized 777-200LRMF cargo loading system is an essential element that builds on Collins’ proven powered widebody freighter technologies. The selection of the Collins product is overwhelmingly endorsed by operators already operating the Collins cargo loading system on 777 production freighters because the system offers a high level of parts commonality and reliability on the line.”
Fort Worth, Texas-based Mammoth Freighters was founded in 2020 to design, develop, convert, and support the development of passenger to freighter conversions. The launch type is the Boeing 777 (both the 200 LR and 300 ER variants).
As a licensee for the Boeing 777, Mammoth is developing a global production and conversion site network accommodating seven production lines that will include five production.
lines at Aspire MRO in Fort Worth, Texas and two at STS Aviation Services UK Limited in Manchester, UK, with additional conversion capacity planned at other sites in Asia Pacific.
Currently, Mammoth has two 777 aircraft in advanced stages of freighter conversion at Aspire MRO. The company expects to achieve full certification of the 777-200LRMF in the second half of this year.
The 777P2F is increasing in numbers. There are currently three 777-300ER conversion programs in place with IAI, KMC and Mammoth, in addition to the 777-200LR program in development with Mammoth.
In a recent IBA webinar that focused on the freighter conversions market, IBA analyst Jonathan McDonald said: “IAI and Mammoth are further ahead and more likely to launch sooner.
“The -200LR is probably going to be more range driven because (it has) a much smaller fuselage…whereas the -300ER program will probably be more volume driven.”
He noted that there are less -200LRs to convert than the -300ER – of which there are nearly 800 PAX.
