Elbe Flugzeugwerke GmbH (EFW), the center of excellence for Airbus Passenger-to-Freighter (P2F) conversions and a joint venture between ST Engineering and Airbus, has achieved a major milestone.
Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) has validated the Supplement Type Certification (V-STC) for EFW’s Airbus A321P2F conversion program.
This comes alongside the re-delivery of the first A321P2F aircraft to AerCap, which will lease it to Azul Cargo, marking the debut of the A321P2F in South America. Azul Cargo plans to add another A321P2F by the end of the year, boosting its air cargo fleet.
This milestone enhances EFW’s reach, allowing its conversion programs to serve across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Australia. Jordi Boto, CEO of EFW, stated: “With the validated STC from ANAC and the entry of our first A321P2F into South America, we are expanding our global presence and offering new freighter conversion solutions in this growing market.”
Azul Cargo’s Director, Izabel Reis, expressed pride in the arrival of the new aircraft: “These modern aircraft offer more space, reliability, and autonomy for international flights. With these freighters, we are set to transform logistics in Brazil, delivering more agility to our customers.”
Before ANAC’s V-STC approval, A321P2F aircraft in the Americas were primarily registered in North America. EFW’s A321P2F is a breakthrough, as it offers containerized loading on both the main and lower decks, optimized weight distribution, and a payload capacity of over 28 metric tons. This makes it particularly attractive to express carriers. Boto added, “This A321P2F solution offers greater lifecycle value, reliability, and ease of maintenance, ensuring superior performance for operators.”
The expansion in South America complements EFW’s growing operations worldwide, with more than 10% of all EFW P2F aircraft registered in the Americas. These aircraft have completed over 4,000 flights in the past year.
The international transport and logistics company Gebrüder Weiss has extended its logistics terminal in Tbilisi, Georgia, by some 13,000 square meters in a move that will further expand its capacities in the Caucasus region.
“This expansion is our response to the rising demand for transport and logistics services in the region, which are growing largely due to the increase in trade between the European Union, Georgia, and its neighbors Armenia and Azerbaijan,” explains Wolfram Senger-Weiss, CEO at Gebrüder Weiss.
“This is the third time we have expanded the logistics center since it opened twelve years ago. With this move, the first expansion in 2019, and the location’s connection to the railway network the following year, we now have a total of 142,000 square meters of warehousing, handling space, railway, parking and open area at Tbilisi, with over 177 staff providing a full range of logistics services to our customers in the region,” explains Alexander Kharlamov, Country Manager for Georgia at Gebrüder Weiss. “We are also using this expansion as an opportunity to further build out our transport services in the Caucasus region and to ramp up our collaboration with Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and other Central Asian countries. This will benefit our international key account customers, too,” adds Thomas Moser, Regional Manager Black Sea/CIS at Gebrüder Weiss. The most recent investment of 11.5 million euros in the Tbilisi terminal brings the company’s total investment in the location to more than 25 million euros since its inception.
More than a decade ago, Gebrüder Weiss recognized the untapped economic potential held by Georgia and the geostrategic importance of the Central Asian countries when it first invested in the region in 2012. As a result, the company chose to establish an own location in Georgia. The logistics center at Tbilisi International Airport has since become a central hub for the growing exchange of goods between Europe and Central Asia, and within the Caucasus region. Free trade agreements with the European Union and the Eurasian Economic Union have further boosted trade levels and made Georgia an important transit country.
Today, manufacturers in the textiles, household goods, high-tech, and automotive industries all make use of Gebrüder Weiss’s services – from truck and rail transport to air and sea freight, customs clearance and warehouse logistics. Over the past five years, Gebrüder Weiss’s Georgian operation has processed around 130,000 shipments weighing some 470,000 tons.
Cargolux, Europe’s biggest all-cargo airline, and Unilode Aviation Solutions, the market leader in outsourced Unit Load Device (ULD) management services, announce the renewal of their longstanding partnership.
Cargolux first awarded the management of their ULD fleet to Unilode in 2009. Since then, Unilode has supported Cargolux’s fleet and route network growth by providing ULD management services and digital connectivity from its growing fleet of 172,000 ULDs.
Unilode provides a dedicated customer success management team based in Luxembourg and network planning through its Operations Control Centre in Bangkok.
Maintenance and repairs are undertaken at 50 Maintenance, Repair, and Operation (MRO) facilities, located across the world.
Unilode owns and manages the world’s largest digitally enabled ULD fleet. Unilode’s unique pooling concept combined with its digital capabilities will further support Cargolux through its new digital developments such as the E-ULD APP and customer portal.
Joep Bruijs, Senior Vice President Global Logistics – Cargolux, said: “Unilode’s continuous support and ULD management expertise has played a pivotal role in ensuring that Cargolux has the ability and agility to meet our everyday ULD needs.
Cargolux is committed to being an industry leader in the air cargo market. By embracing innovative technologies, Unilode’s digital journey will enable our airline to enhance the services offered to our cargo customers. It is important to collaborate with strategic partners who share our values and vision, and we are pleased to be able to continue our strong relationship.”
Ross Marino, Chief Executive Officer – Unilode, said: “We are delighted to extend our longstanding partnership with Cargolux, and their trust in the Unilode team and our services makes us extremely proud.
We are excited about the opportunity to continue working together. Over the next five years, we will strive to achieve continuous improvement that results in ever better service excellence, and to deliver on our digital transformation and sustainability targets.”
Changi Airport Group (CAG) today announced the opening of Changi Nexus One, a refurbished air logistics facility within Changi Airfreight Centre (CAC) spanning close to 8,000 sqm of warehousing space.
Strategically located with direct apron connectivity, Changi Nexus One is designed as a facility for two tenants, capable of expeditious cargo handling and will serve the special needs of air logistics players looking to expand their global airfreight operations through Singapore.
This new facility will increase Changi Airport’s logistics warehouse capacity, ensuring that Singapore’s Changi air cargo hub can meet the growing demand for air cargo services, prior to the completion of the Changi East Industrial Zone (CEIZ) in the mid 2030s. CAG’s investment in Changi Nexus One demonstrates its commitment to providing world-class facilities for air logistics players, augmenting Changi’s role as a leading regional air cargo transshipment hub. The new tenants at Changi Nexus One are expected to bring new air logistics handling capabilities, as well as adopt automation and smart technology in their operations, further enhancing Changi Airport’s air cargo management capabilities.
A key partner taking up space in this facility is Expeditors, the world’s seventh largest air freight forwarding company[1], which is looking to expand its air logistics activities in Singapore.
Mr Barthul Hoefnagels, Regional Vice President – Malaysia, Singapore & Indonesia said, “The new facility in Changi Airfreight Centre will enhance our end-to-end efficiency and reliability through fewer touch points, allowing Expeditors to further enhance our specialised cargo handling capabilities for pharmaceutical, aviation, semiconductor and other industries, and better serve the in-transit needs of our global customers. We are excited to expand our collaboration with Changi Airport Group to drive further value to our customers.”
New benchmark for green building practices
In line with Changi Airport’s commitment to sustainability, Changi Nexus One is a pioneer in several areas. It is the first building within CAC, and the first-of-its-kind in Changi, to achieve both Green Mark Platinum and the Green Mark Platinum Positive Energy Building (PEB) certifications by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA).
The Green Mark Platinum PEB certification is issued to buildings with the highest environmental performance. To achieve this, Changi Nexus One has demonstrated that it is a BCA super-low energy building that achieves more than 60% energy savings and generates more renewable energy than it consumes. Besides the ongoing installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) system airport wide including at the Cargo Agent Buildings, solar PV panels will also be installed at Changi Nexus One by the first quarter of 2025 to provide on-site renewable energy. By 2028, Changi Nexus One will generate enough on-site solar power to offset the total building energy consumption by over 140%. This surplus of renewable energy will be channelled to other airport facilities to sustain Changi Airport’s other operations.
Additionally, this project is the first in Singapore’s private sector to adopt the collaborative contracting method. This new contracting method recommended by BCA is an innovative approach which fosters greater collaboration between project stakeholders, leading to improved efficiency. It focuses on risk management, which involves all parties assessing and evaluating potential project threats in advance, resulting in completion of works ahead of schedule, risk sharing and cost savings.
Mr. Lim Ching Kiat, CAG’s Executive Vice President for Air Hub and Cargo Development said, “The opening of Changi Nexus One marks a significant milestone in our efforts to strengthen Changi Airport’s position as a global air cargo hub. Through enhancing our cargo handling capacity and capabilities, we aim to stay at the forefront of the air cargo industry, putting Changi in a good position to capture growth from key cargo players, as well as growth in the region. Working closely with our tenants, we aim to bring in new cargo opportunities and expand into new markets.
“As we strive to maintain Changi’s continued success as a thriving air cargo hub, we also constantly challenge ourselves to carry out our development works and operations according to our sustainability goals.”
S. F. Express Singapore, a leader in Asia’s logistics landscape, marked a significant milestone today with the official opening of its airside logistics centre located at SATS Core
A warehouse in Changi Airfreight Centre. The new facility enables the optimisation of export and import operations, resulting in improved flexibility and faster turnaround times for customers.
The development facilitates the enhancement of S. F. Express Singapore’s expansion across Southeast Asia and globally.
With the launch of the airside logistics centre, the expected on-airport processing time will be reduced from 4 to 6 hours to 1.5 to 2 hours. The direct access to the airside enables the efficient transfer of cargo between the tarmac and the logistics centre. For imports, this access speeds up the process of getting goods from the terminal, allowing for faster sorting and distribution. This means customers can receive their deliveries earlier and even have multiple delivery waves in a single day. This significantly enhance S. F. Express’s cargo sorting and transshipment capacity in Singapore.
“As a close neighbor to China, Singapore connects South Asia and Oceania, offering significant geographical advantages. Moreover, with its advanced logistics operations and facilities, Changi Airport has become a crucial global logistics hub. SATS, one of the largest aviation ground service providers in the world, operates at over 215 locations across more than 27 countries, providing ramp operations and in-flight catering services. With the strong support of Changi Airport and SATS in Singapore, S. F. Express’s air cargo business has been steadily developing. On behalf of S. F. Express, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Changi Airport and SATS,” said Mr. Zhang Ji, Vice President of SF Group.
Singapore Changi Airport is a key air cargo hub in Southeast Asia and globally. The airport is equipped with advanced cargo facilities capable of processing millions of tons of goods through Singapore ensuring the efficient flow of goods. SATS is a leader in global air cargo and the collaboration is a strategic partnership that improves the supply chain and end-to-end logistics services for S. F. Express Singapore, ensuring the efficient flow of goods.
“SATS SG Hub is immensely proud to be empowering the success of S. F. Express supply chain through ensuring seamless airside handling for its hub operations as their aviation ground service provider as part of our wider multi-station global network partnership. I am looking forward to both our organizations to continue with this momentum of collaboration by leveraging our combined strengths, to further drive business growth in Singapore together,” said Mr. Henry Low, Chief Executive Officer of SATS Singapore Hub.
“Changi Airport Group congratulates S. F. Express on the opening of S. F. Express Singapore Airside Logistics Centre. With air express and logistics activities in Southeast Asia poised for robust long-term growth, the expanded capacity and new airside capabilities will enable S. F. Express to capture the region’s growth potential and offer a higher level of service to its global customers,” said Mr. Lim Ching Kiat, Executive Vice President, Air Hub and Cargo Development, Changi Airport Group.
Since its establishment in 2010, S. F. Express Singapore has gradually built a local distribution network covering the entire island, with over a hundred owned vehicles and a professional logistics team. Through precise route planning and an intelligent logistics system, S. F. Express Singapore has significantly enhanced its local distribution and cross-border express service capabilities in recent years, opening up faster and more efficient global logistics channels for shippers in Singapore and Southeast Asia. This not only reduces logistics time for shippers in multiple countries but also greatly improves the efficiency of goods flow between Southeast Asia and China, strengthening connections with the Chinese market and its surrounding areas.
Through this collaboration, S. F. Express will further accelerate the construction of logistics nodes along the “Belt and Road Initiative”, promote the overseas expansion of Chinese enterprises, and establish more efficient logistics channels for economic and trade exchanges between China and Southeast Asia. In the future, S. F. Express Singapore will continue to uphold the service tenet of “customer-centricity,” constantly enhancing service quality and user experience to create greater value for local and global customers.
Kerry Logistics Network Limited (‘Kerry Logistics Network’, ‘KLN’; Stock Code 0636.HK) and a syndicate solely led by MUFG Bank Ltd. (‘MUFG’) have signed a five-year HK$1 billion syndicated Sustainability-linked & Social Term Loan Facility (‘Facility’). This Facility is a first-of-its-kind ESG-linked syndicated loan structure in the Asia Pacific, validating KLN’s pioneer position in the logistics sector and commitment to Environment, Social and Governance (‘ESG’).
MUFG acted as the sole Mandated Lead Arranger, Bookrunner and Underwriter and Sustainability & Social Loan Structuring Advisor in the Facility. The oversubscribed transaction showcases MUFG’s unparalleled syndication arrangement and ESG structuring capabilities, while leveraging its deep relationship network to broaden the investor base for clients.
The Facility was tailored with a cutting-edge ESG structure comprising both sustainability-linked loan and social loan tranches. Under the terms of the Facility, KLN is to invest in social initiatives to generate positive impact to the communities it serves across Hong Kong and the Mainland of China. Other social targets include a list of eligible social projects providing access to employment, essential services and affordable basic infrastructure.
Ellis Cheng, Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer of Kerry Logistics Network, said, “The overwhelming subscription result demonstrates the banking industry’s trust in the impact of KLN’s social contributions. KLN appreciates MUFG’s leadership in spearheading the company’s inaugural syndication and the bespoke ESG structure is a testament of KLN’s commitment to create a greener, safer and better-connected world.”
Cerlin Ip, MUFG’s Head of Global Corporate Banking, Hong Kong, said, “We are honoured to continue deepening our partnership with KLN. This landmark sustainability-linked and social syndicated loan facility has further demonstrated KLN’s pioneering position in the logistics sector and deep commitment to sustainability, while reaffirming MUFG’s efforts in partnering clients to pursue their environmental and business agendas. We look forward to deepening our collaboration with KLN in their journey to a sustainable future.”
Strategic Partnership: Qatar’s Milaha has signed a ten-year contract worth approximately QAR 792 million ($217.5 million) with the North Oil Company (NOC) for the Milaha Al Shaheen, marking a significant advancement in the country’s offshore infrastructure.
The Milaha Al Shaheen is Qatar’s first self-elevating, self-propelled jackup barge, featuring four legs with a leg length of 104 meters. Equipped with a 300-tonne crane and accommodations for up to 304 personnel, this barge is designed to support various offshore operations while adhering to the highest environmental sustainability standards.
Fahad Saad Al-Qahtani, Group CEO of Milaha, expressed pride in this achievement: “We are honoured to introduce the Milaha Al Shaheen as the first Qatari-flagged jackup barge under a long-term agreement with NOC. This also supports the Qatar National Vision 2030 by enhancing local expertise and resources.”
In addition to the barge contract, Milaha is investing in logistics infrastructure with the first phase of the Milaha Logistics City, a 400,000 sq m project that includes a 35,000 sq m cold chain facility aimed at serving the food industry, pharmaceuticals, and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG).
Abdulrahman Essa Al-Mannai, President and CEO of Milaha, highlighted the importance of this initiative: “Milaha Logistics City is a significant investment in Qatar’s supply chain infrastructure and, in particular, cold chain capabilities. We expect it to be a key enabler for logistics growth in Qatar, providing our clients with more sophisticated options to access the local market.”
The facility’s strategic location on the orbital road offers excellent access to the airport and seaport, further enhancing its logistical advantages.
Avianca Cargo has announced plans to increase its cargo capacity to Miami by 20% by year-end, in anticipation of peak flower export seasons in 2025.
The Bogotá-based carrier, which currently operates 10 weekly cargo flights from Quito to Miami and Los Angeles, shared this update during Expoflor Ecuador 2024, where it reiterated its commitment to Ecuadorian floriculture.
“Ecuador is a key market for us,” said Diogo Elías, Senior Vice President of Avianca Cargo. “The increase in cargo capacity reflects our dedication to meeting the needs of the sector.”
The carrier highlighted its role as a crucial logistics partner for flower exporters, noting that 90% of Ecuador’s cargo exports are flowers bound for the US and Europe. This capacity expansion is timely as Ecuador has seen a 20% growth in cargo transport over the past four years. Avianca Cargo’s Miami infrastructure improvements have increased its handling capacity by 83%, allowing up to six simultaneous flights during peak seasons.
“We are committed to ensuring that flower producers and exporters have the logistics solutions they need to succeed, particularly during high-demand periods,” Elías added.
With a robust network that spans over 70 destinations globally and over 220 weekly cargo flights, Avianca Cargo has cemented its leadership in transporting fresh flowers and other perishables. The carrier operates five Airbus A330-200 freighters and utilizes over 1,400 passenger flights with belly capacity to meet demand.
In 2023, Avianca Cargo transported over 19,000 tons of flowers for Mother’s Day alone. This aligns with the carrier’s strategy to leverage its fleet, modernized infrastructure, and increased capacity to support the floriculture industry.
At Expoflor Ecuador 2024, Avianca Cargo emphasized its long-term commitment to providing quality services that allow Ecuadorian exporters to thrive. By enhancing infrastructure and streamlining operations, the airline continues to strengthen its position as a leader in Latin American logistics for perishable goods.
“Our participation in this event underscores our ongoing commitment to high-quality, efficient service for Ecuadorian exporters,” Avianca Cargo said in a statement.
MMAG Aviation Consortium Sdn Bhd (MAC), the aviation arm of MMAG Holdings Berhad, announces its partnership with the global leader in outsourced Unit Load Device (ULD) management, Unilode Aviation Solutions, enabling MAC to deliver enhanced services to its customers and setting the stage for further potential collaborations including a ULD management center at MAC’s Xpress Cargo Terminal.
The partnership will commence with Unilode providing ULD management to MJets Air Sdn Bhd, the commercial air cargo unit within MAC.
MJets will have access to the world’s largest, pooling network of over 172,000 ULDs. Unilode will provide ULD management and planning, access to Unliode’s ULD repair centers across 50 global airports and its ULD digital suite of services.
With Unilode looking after the airlines’ ULD needs, MJets Air can focus on its core operations, whilst benefiting from Unilode’s best-in-class expertise and cutting-edge digital tracking technology. Additionally, the partnership is exploring the establishment of a dedicated ULD management center within XCT Aviation, which could see the expansion of service capabilities across the region.
Overall, the partnership represents a significant step for both companies’ impressive growth plans. MJets Air’s cargo operation will be significantly enhanced by having its operational capabilities strengthened across its own and Unilode’s networks.
Mr. Woo Kam Weng, Chairman of MAC, highlighting the strategic significance of the initiative, states, “This partnership with Unilode Aviation Solutions marks a transformative step for MAC, enhancing our logistics operations and positioning us at the forefront of the aviation industry in Southeast Asia. Leveraging Unilode’s unmatched expertise in ULD management will not only optimize our operations but also elevate our service offerings to meet the dynamic needs of the market.
“Additionally, MMAG’s strategic partnership with Menzies Aviation enhances our ground-handling capabilities, further demonstrating our commitment to providing comprehensive aviation solutions. Our network is also strengthened by interline partnerships with notable carriers such as MASkargo, Teleport, China Southern Airlines, and ANA, enabling us to offer extensive service connections and operational synergies across global markets.”
Ross Marino, Chief Executive Officer – Unilode, “We are excited and proud to partner with MAC and its subsidiary MJets Air. We are confident that our ULD management solutions and expertise will provide value to MAC and support its ambitious growth plans. We thank MJets Air for their trust in our service solutions and our people.
“We are delighted that MAC has chosen to partner with Unilode for their ULD needs. There is a strong focus on optimising ULD utilisation resulting in cost efficiencies and a reduction in CO2 emissions. MJets will also have access to our digital platform and it suite of services, such as the Customer Portal and the e-ULD APP.
“It’s a great honor for us to be part of the MJets Air ecosystem and their long-term growth plans.
Our partnership with MJets Air strengthens our presence at Kuala Lumpur and the growing market in Southeast Asia”
The strategic initiative was officially inaugurated by the Honorable Mr. Anthony Loke, Minister of Transport of Malaysia, at a well-attended ceremony.
His presence underscored the importance of this innovative collaboration in advancing Malaysia’s aviation infrastructure and capabilities.
dnata, a global leader in air and travel services, is taking significant steps to reduce its environmental impact by converting its Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) fleet at London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), a fossil-free alternative to diesel.
This initiative is expected to cut carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions by over 2,400 tonnes annually, equivalent to the emissions from more than 530 petrol-powered vehicles over a year.
Alex Doisneau, Managing Director of dnata UK, stated, “We are committed to implementing meaningful initiatives to maximise environmental efficiency. The introduction of biofuel, such as HVO, into our UK operations is another important step in our ongoing journey to reduce our carbon footprint.”
This transition aligns with dnata’s broader goal of reducing its carbon footprint by 50% by 2030 as part of its eight-year sustainability strategy. In addition to HVO, dnata has made substantial investments in advanced infrastructure at its new cargo centres in Manchester and London, featuring carbon reduction technologies like solar PV panels, air-source heat pumps, and electric vehicle charging stations.
Beyond the UK, dnata has implemented biofuel solutions in Australia, The Netherlands, and the UAE, and is exploring further opportunities globally. In the UAE, dnata has transitioned its entire non-electric fleet to biodiesel at Dubai International (DXB) and Al Maktoum – Dubai World Central (DWC). In the financial year 2023-24, dnata reduced CO2e emissions by 2,200 tonnes by utilizing over 1.3 million litres of biofuels.
dnata’s fleet strategy prioritizes phasing out diesel engines in favor of hybrid, electric, or hydrogen alternatives where infrastructure supports it. As a result, 65% of dnata’s fleet in the Netherlands, 44% in Italy, 40% in the UK, and 39% in Switzerland is now electric.
The company has reported substantial improvements in its environmental performance metrics for the financial year 2023-24, achieving a reduction of over 8% in carbon intensity across airport operations, 22% in travel, and 26% in catering services. This data has been validated by Verifavia, an independent environmental verification body.
Established in 1959, dnata provides comprehensive air and travel services across over 30 countries on six continents. In the financial year 2023-24, dnata’s teams managed over 778,000 aircraft turns, transported more than 2.9 million tonnes of cargo, and delivered 123 million meals, reflecting its commitment to safety and quality in service delivery.
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