Cathay Cargo has announced the appointment of Siddhant Iyer as its new Head of Cargo Global Partnerships. Iyer, who has over 15 years of experience with the company, will focus on strengthening and expanding the airline’s global partnerships. His extensive regional expertise is expected to enhance relationships with key stakeholders worldwide.
Iyer began his career with Cathay Cargo in Bengaluru, India, as Area Services Manager and has since held various roles, gaining a deep understanding of the air cargo sector. He succeeds Chris Bowden, who will transition to a new role as Group General Manager of Safety & Quality at Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company (HAECO) in March 2025.
Cathay Cargo expressed its gratitude to Bowden for his contributions, stating, “We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Chris and wish him every success in his new position at HAECO. With Siddhant succeeding him, we are excited for the future of Cathay Cargo and the continued growth of our global partnerships.”
Iyer’s appointment marks a significant step for Cathay Cargo as it continues to enhance its position in the global air cargo market. “Siddhant’s wealth of experience in the region shall prove invaluable in building further on the relationships with our global partners,” the company added.
NAV AERO Global Cargo GSSA Network has expanded its airline portfolio by partnering with two renowned carriers, LOT Air Cargo and Oman Air Cargo. This development underscores the network’s commitment to delivering exceptional service and enhancing global connectivity for its clients.
LOT Air Cargo Joins NAV AERO
LOT Polish Airlines, one of the world’s longest-established airlines, has been transporting cargo and mail since 1929. The Cargo and Mail Bureau, founded in 1995, operates regional offices in Kraków, Wrocław, and Poznań, alongside international offices in New York, Chicago, and Beijing, supported by a global agent network.
With one of the youngest and most advanced fleets, LOT connects Warsaw to destinations across Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Australia. Its services include Road Feeder Service (RFS) for goods unsuitable for air transport. Certified under ISO 9001:2015, LOT Cargo is dedicated to high-quality, reliable logistics, strengthening its role in the Central and Eastern European market.
Oman Air Cargo Partnership
Oman Air Cargo, established in 2009, is a leading Middle Eastern air cargo carrier known for high standards and exceptional customer service. It offers tailored freight solutions for pharmaceuticals, fresh produce, valuables, and dangerous goods, with express connections through its state-of-the-art Muscat hub.
Using the advanced SmartKargo system, Oman Air Cargo provides seamless shipment handling with reliable, real-time updates. Supported by a fleet of 9 Boeing 787s, 10 Airbus A330s, 33 Boeing 737s, and 4 Embraer 175s, it is committed to safety, quality, and customer satisfaction, setting a benchmark in air cargo transportation.
Enhanced Global Capabilities
These collaborations allow NAV AERO Global Cargo GSSA Network to offer increased flight options, improved scheduling, and customized logistical solutions to meet the diverse needs of its clients. NAV AERO’s continued growth underscores its commitment to providing seamless and reliable cargo services on a global scale.
“Adding these airlines to our network marks an important milestone, enhancing connectivity, reliability, and efficiency for our clients,” said Ralph van Eijk, Head of GSSA Network and Airline Development at NAV AERO. “This expansion strengthens our global capabilities and regional presence, allowing us to better serve diverse client needs and drive growth in the cargo industry.”
In recent months, the landscape of global trade has been marked by significant changes, driven by rising tariffs, evolving supply chain strategies, and geopolitical influences.
The US Department of Commerce has reported a spike in penalties for import and export violations, with fines set to increase soon. This includes breaches related to seafood, wildlife, and the 2018 Export Controls Act. Hugo Pakula, CEO of Tru Identity, emphasized the importance of compliance, stating, “It has never been more important to stay ahead of non-compliance – and it has never been more costly [not to comply].”
Meanwhile, Mexico has announced increased tariffs on apparel imports, impacting companies leveraging nearshoring strategies. Ryan Martin, president of ITS Logistics, noted, “The increased tariffs and cessation of duty-free imports puts apparel brands in a scramble to find alternative fulfillment solutions.”
In the US, incoming President Donald Trump plans to impose new tariffs on goods from Mexico, Canada, and China, potentially affecting trade dynamics. John Manners-Bell, founder of Transport Intelligence, highlighted the potential impact on China’s Belt & Road Initiative, stating, “President Trump’s tariff policy may provide additional momentum to the project as a result of Chinese manufacturers off-shoring production to neighboring countries.”
The air cargo industry is also experiencing shifts, with TIACA’s Director-General, Glyn Hughes, noting that increased tariffs could boost air cargo demand. However, he warned of capacity constraints, especially with potential strike action by the International Longshoremen’s Association. “I don’t think the air cargo sector has the capacity to move more than a microscopic percentage of the ocean freight affected by the strike,” Hughes commented.
As global trade continues to evolve, companies are urged to adapt their strategies to navigate these complex challenges and seize new opportunities.
Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced that its Cessna SkyCourier, a twin-engine, large-utility turboprop, has received type certification from Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA). This certification expands the aircraft’s operational capabilities in remote regions of North America.
“The SkyCourier’s outstanding performance will be a game-changer for our customers across Canada,” said Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president of Global Sales and Flight Operations. “The maximum flexibility and low operating costs of this aircraft make it an excellent choice for a wide range of missions throughout the region.”
The first SkyCourier in Canada, a freighter variant, is set to be delivered this year to Air Bravo Corporation, a flight service company based in Ontario. The SkyCourier, available in freighter, passenger, and combi configurations, is designed for air freight, commuter, and special missions. It features a flat-floor cabin, a large cargo door, and single-point pressure refueling. Powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-65SC engines, it offers a maximum cruise speed of over 200 ktas and a 900 nautical-mile range.
New York: ABI Research, a global technology intelligence firm, forecasts shipments of mobile robots to grow from 547,000 units in 2023 to 2.79 million by 2030, a CAGR of 24.1%.
Mobile robots are most used within warehousing and logistics, but the form factor is increasingly essential in manufacturing, last-mile delivery, agriculture, and healthcare. Mobile robots demonstrate efficiency improvements for diverse applications varying from cleaning to security. Accordingly, revenue generated from mobile robots will rise from US$18 billion to US$124 billion by 2030, a CAGR of 23.6%.
“Mobile robots are a very valuable category of robot which have completely transformed warehousing and logistics in recent years,” said George Chowdhury, Robotics Industry Analyst at ABI Research. “For material handling alone, mobile robots offer enterprises transformative efficiency improvements. Driven by the evolution of supporting technologies such as Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM), mobile robots can be deployed in diverse and dynamic environments, presenting new horizons to stakeholders and bringing efficiency improvements to under-automated economic sectors such as agriculture and healthcare.”
While warehousing and logistics will remain the primary adopters, other market verticals will enjoy accelerated uptake by the decade’s end. Shipments catering for agriculture deployments will rise from 7,000 to 129,000 per year by 2030, a CAGR of 45%; shipments for delivery will grow from 14,000 to 147,000, a 37% CAGR; public-facing applications will also increase as the use of mobile robots within restaurants progress from 6,000 in 2023 to 78,000 shipments in 2030, a 43% CAGR.
Many other industries will benefit from the decreasing costs, greater versatility, and simplified programmability that vendors are bringing to the mobile robot market. There are many vendors specializing in each market vertical. Companies such as MiR, Omron, Otto Motors, and ABB tackle intralogistics within manufacturing; companies such as Zebra, Locus, and Safelog target marketing; Simbe and Brain Corp address retail; and Starship aims to tackle the last-mile delivery market.
“Mobile robots will remain the most popular form of robot, and shipments will continue to increase across economies as the benefits of augmenting existing business practices with automation become clear to decision-makers. As trust in Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) technologies grows, we will increasingly see mobile robots in public spaces. Hospitals, agriculture, retail stores, and last-mile delivery are all nearing readiness for the mass adoption of mobile robots,” concludes Chowdhury.
Dubai, UAE: SolitAir, a Dubai-based newly launched air cargo carrier fulfilling middle-mile logistics demand, kicked off last December its daily scheduled flights between Dubai and Riyadh, using the airline’s narrow-body Boeing 737-800 freighter with a load capacity of 23 tons.
The service, between Dubai World Central (DWC) and Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport (RUH), will address the growing demand for rapid and reliable logistics solutions between the two regional hubs, which collectively handle 1.2 million tons of air freight annually.
Former Senior Vice President of FedEX Express Europe, Middle East, Indian Subcontinent and Africa, Hamdi Osman is SolitAir’s founder and CEO. “With a relentless focus on customer satisfaction and innovation, SolitAir appeals to businesses seeking reliable and efficient logistics solutions to drive their success in today’s global marketplace, especially as the Global South starts playing a leading role in the world economy,” he said.
“This new service between Dubai and Riyadh is the first step in establishing SolitAir as a key player in the region’s logistics ecosystem. By leveraging Dubai’s special place in the Global South ecosystem, latest technologies and operational efficiencies, we are building a network that delivers reliability and value for our partners,” he added.
One more Boeing 737-800 freighter will join SolitAir’s fleet of two freighters in January to enable the company’s immediate expansion plans which include routes to India and Bangladesh, key markets across Africa, the Stan countries and other Middle Eastern hubs. Eventually, SolitAir aims to connect over 50 Global South cities within a six-hour flying radius from Dubai.
Based at its dedicated 22,000 square meters state-of-the-art facility at Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai South, SolitAir is equipped to handle a wide range of cargo, including e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, perishables, dangerous goods, vulnerable goods, oversized cargo and high-value shipments.
The hub’s strategic location and advanced infrastructure combined with SolitAir’s dedicated team and the company’s agile middle-mile model ensures delivery within 12 to 24 hours, meeting the speed-to-market needs of freight forwarders, integrator airlines, and SMEs, while seamlessly handling any time-sensitive and complex freight.
Founded in 2024, SolitAir is a Dubai-based air cargo carrier dedicated to middle-mile logistics, connecting the Global South to global trade opportunities.
Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK), working alongside Royal Mail, has welcomed its first full e-commerce cargo flight, following several developments to its e-commerce operations over this year.
The flight, chartered by Zhonger Express and Jumen Logistics, was operated by Silk Way West Airlines Cargo and carried a 90-tonne consignment for Royal Mail final mile deliveries.
Products from two of the four major e-commerce platforms, Temu and TikTok, were on board and representatives were on-site to observe the handling process at PIK.
This announcement follows PIK’s partnership with Royal Mail, becoming its international e-commerce hub for the UK, and recent efforts to expand operations in Asia, including the appointment of a dedicated sales representative in China.
“This flight was an opportunity for us to showcase PIK’s efficient and reliable solution for e-commerce imports to the UK,” said Nico Le Roux, Business Development Director, PIK.
“Our expert handling teams offloaded the cargo, broke it down, and swiftly segregated it by area region, before loading onto trucks for onward delivery.”
Earlier this year, PIK also invested over GBP2 million in new cargo equipment, including two high loaders and 12 new dollies, supporting fast turnaround times.
“Undertaking a business venture of this magnitude obviously comes with a high-risk level,” said Edwin Ning of Zhonger Express and Jumen Logistics.
“I have a lot of confidence in my own teams here in China, and had to carry out extensive diligence in the UK to find the perfect handling partner to make this trial an overwhelming success.
“The Prestwick team and Royal Mail exceeded themselves and we delivered a new market-leading solution to the e-commerce platform shippers.
“We will be regular visitors to Prestwick in the New Year.”
PIK’s partnership with Royal Mail was announced at this year’s air cargo China exhibition in Shanghai.
Vivian Davies, Director of Global Imports, Royal Mail, said: “Our successful collaboration with PIK in managing this flight arrival for our international e-commerce customers during peak times has showcased smoother landing, efficient airport handling, and faster, streamlined processing all the way to our final mile delivery.
“We are excited to continue our partnership with PIK and our customers to develop even more innovative solutions at this new eCommerce hub.”
PIK’s Business Development team is now working towards scheduling regular e-commerce flights in the new year and is working with Scottish exporters to ship Scottish Whisky and salmon to the Far East on the return leg of e-commerce flights.
Scan Global Logistics’ (SGL) growth journey continues with the strengthening of its Canadian operation. The addition of ITN Logistics Group (ITN) to the network will significantly enhance SGL’s service offerings and footprint in Canada.
ITN Logistics Group is a leading privately owned Canadian freight forwarder offering a full suite of global logistics solutions across transport modes. The acquisition of ITN will strengthen SGL’s Canadian operations by bringing additional scale, locations and increased market share.
Allan Melgaard, Global CEO of SGL, says: ‘Acquiring ITN is a strategic move that enhances our presence in Canada and North America. We have worked with ITN for many years, and the ITN organisation’s focus on the customer, as well as their entrepreneurial spirit, aligns very well with ours. It will be a delight to welcome all the skilled talent with deep industry expertise to our organisation.’
ITN is headquartered in the Toronto area, with four locations in Canada, and employs more than 250 employees. Last year, the company generated an annual revenue in excess of CAD 170m. Services include import and export within air and ocean freight, customs brokerage, inland transportation, transborder trucking and consolidation services, warehousing, project forwarding and distribution offerings.
Monica Kennedy, Major Shareholder and President of ITN explains why ITN chose to be acquired by SGL: ‘Our customers and employees have always been the foundation of our success. It was essential to find a partner that shares our values and vision – SGL is a perfect cultural and strategic fit, ensuring continued growth and care for our team and customers.’
The Canadian market
The Canadian freight forwarding market, estimated at USD 20,9 billion (2023), is fragmented and dominated by large global players. Road freight accounts for the largest portion, the US being Canada’s number one trading partner.
The trade between Canada and the United States is highly significant (approx. USD 800 billion in 2022) and a strong presence in both countries is instrumental in offering global freight solutions to our customers, both local and international.
‘By expanding our footprint in the North American region, we set the foundation for accelerating our growth in the region and we look forward to offering our customers ITN’s portfolio of services‘, says Steen Christensen, Regional CEO for North America at SGL.
The transaction is subject to anti-trust approval from the Canadian authorities, and closing is expected during Q1 2025.
Air New Zealand is playing a crucial role in connecting Aotearoa’s high-quality fresh produce with global markets, especially during the holiday season, according to Anne Dunne, General Manager of Cargo.
“We have an exceptional fresh produce market in Aotearoa, and it’s a privilege to connect their high-quality products with global markets, especially at this time of year,” Dunne said.
Cherries and Lamb Exports
The airline is helping deliver some of New Zealand’s finest exports, including premium lamb and cherries. “We like to think of ourselves as Santa’s little helpers, with a cargo hold full of seasonal goodies,” Dunne added.
Cherries are particularly popular in Asia leading up to Chinese New Year, symbolizing good luck and prosperity. “With 80% of New Zealand’s cherry crop exported during this period, we want to make sure no cherry is left behind,” Dunne said.
Air New Zealand will support exporters in moving up to one million kilograms of cherries to markets like Taipei, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, and North America. Partnerships with other airlines also facilitate cherry exports to Vietnam.
Meat and Seafood Shipments
In addition to cherries, Air New Zealand Cargo collaborates with farmers to export grass-fed meat to key markets in time for Christmas. “Much of the exports have already made their way to markets like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, and Zurich,” Dunne noted. In November alone, the airline transported around 120,000 kilograms of lamb and beef.
Seafood is another hot commodity, with 1.3 billion kilograms annually heading to Australia. Salmon, tuna, and shellfish are among the delicacies being exported.
“Whether it’s lamb for a roast, cherries for a celebration, or seafood for a summer feast, it’s a privilege to partner with Kiwi exporters to deliver on our purpose of connecting Kiwi and the products they produce to the world,” Dunne said.
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
