Liege Airport has acquired a 10% stake in Liège Logistics Intermodal (LLI) to develop a new multimodal transport hub integrating air, rail, and road services. The partnership marks a significant expansion for the region, with investments of €22 million planned through to 2030.
The first phase will modernize and expand the existing road-rail platform, including upgrading rail tracks to European standards, installing gantry cranes, and enhancing access roads. The second phase will introduce new access points, a goods storage area, and a horizontal piggyback loading platform. These upgrades will enable the platform to handle up to 45 trains a week, equating to an annual capacity of 180,000 containers.
Located just 1.5 km from Liege Airport and near major railway lines, the hub benefits from its strategic position on the TEN-T network. Since 2024, LLI has been managing nine trains weekly to Italy and three from China. The new infrastructure aims to bolster the Liège region’s role as a key logistics hub, aligning with the EU’s Green Deal and sustainable mobility goals.
Laurent Jossart, CEO of Liege Airport, emphasized, “This partnership represents our commitment to providing multimodal and sustainable logistics solutions. Liege’s strategic location offers unparalleled advantages in Europe, creating a complete and attractive package for logistics providers.”
JAKARTA, Indonesia: After 30 years, Bali International Airshow is making a grand return to Indonesia, backed by major international aerospace companies, highlighting the country’s growing importance and influence in the global aerospace and defense sectors.
The event will take place from 18 to 21 September 2024 at the Ngurah Rai International
Airport featuring global aerospace and defense giants, including Airbus, Bell Helicopters, Boeing,
Brahmos, Dassault Aviation, Embraer, Garuda Group, Leonardo (represented by Helitech Asia –
Asia-Pac distributor), Lion Air, MBDA, PT Dirgantara Indonesia, Textron Aviation, and Thales.
The airshow is a crucial step in Indonesia’s journey towards becoming a regional hub for aerospace
innovation and defense technology. Among the expected dignitaries are top defense officials, ministers, and industry leaders from over 20 countries, including: Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Philippines, Timor-Leste, South Korea, Australia, India, USA, Japan, New Zealand, China, Papua New Guinea, and Turkiye.
“The aviation landscape in Indonesia is on an upward trajectory, with a projected annual growth rate of 5 percent in the aircraft fleet over the next five years and Indonesia is estimated to be the 4th largest aviation market in 2037. The Ministry is delighted to be in full support of the Bali Airshow 2024, which will further reinforce this growth and our position on the global stage,” said Mr. Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Coordinating Minister for Maritime and Investment Affairs, Indonesia.
The Bali International Airshow 2024 will feature 16 static displays from commercial aircraft to military aircraft such as the F16 Fighting Falcon, Sukhoi SU27, C130J Super Hercules, CASA C212, EC275, and Embraer EMB314 Super Tucano among others.
The airshow will also showcase two cutting-edge aircraft: the F-35A Lightning II from the Royal Australian
Airforce and the Airbus A400M from the German Air Force. This highlights strong support from
strategic countries to this event.
Pertamina, Indonesia’s major energy company, is also playing a vital role in supporting the event as its title sponsor, with focus on promoting sustainable aviation practices.
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates: MEBAA Show 2024, the region’s leading business aviation event, will offer unparalleled opportunities to drive change across the industry. Renowned as a place to build new connections, highlight key launches and explore business opportunities, the 10th edition will cater to the growing demand for business travel in the region.
As a leading hub for private jets, the Middle East and North Africa witnessed a record number of movements last year (16,657 aircraft movements in 2023), while the average net worth of private jet buyers in the Middle East is more than USD 1 billion. With the continued inflow of HNWIs into the UAE and Saudi Arabia, and increasing appreciate for luxury travel, the strategic importance of the region for business aviation is growing.
In Saudi Arabia specifically, the market has witnessed record growth, with an 11% increase in private jet travel since 2020 and it’s expected to increase exponentially by 2030. Vista has already recorded strong growth in the Kingdom, seeing a 59% per cent year-on-year increase in flights and 51% increase in flight hours in the first quarter of this year.
Ali Alnaqbi, Founding and Executive Chairman of the Middle East & North Africa Business Aviation Association (MEBAA), comments: “As the business aviation industry continues to evolve, the MEBAA Show remains a pivotal platform for fostering crucial connections and driving innovation. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our efforts to enhance networking opportunities and provide deep insights into key trends, products, and services. This year’s event will host global leaders, offering unique opportunities to share and gain knowledge, explore new business deals and forge paths that align with our shared vision of advancing the future of business aviation.”
A number of key regional and international operators are already confirmed to attend, including Saudia Private, Qatar Executive, Mukamalah Aviation Company and Jet Aviation. Following its successful launch at the previous edition, the Operators Programme will return as an essential networking hub delivering pre-arranged meetings between operators and exhibitors.
Participating operators will benefit from fast-track entry to the show, and access to the private operators’ lounge, providing a unique opportunity to gather new market insights, explore emerging trends, and cultivate professional relationships.
Trevor Esling, Vice President Commercial, Qatar Executive, said: “Qatar Executive is pleased to be attending this year’s MEBAA Show, showcasing the latest addition to its fleet, the Gulfstream G700, which offers an exquisitely designed spacious interior, with exceptional range capabilities. Combined with unmatched personalized service by our staff, Qatar Executive is setting a new standard in private aviation. We look forward to showcasing our product & services to the attendees at the show later this year.”
BizAv Talks will also return this year with an agenda featuring C-level industry leaders who will explore the current landscape and provide fresh insights into business aviation. From optimizing sustainable operations and exploring new initiatives, to leveraging technology trends, enhancing customer experience and maximizing efficiency, it promises to deliver valuable perspectives and actionable strategies for advancing the sector.
Dr. Fahad Aljarboa, Chief Executive Officer at Saudia Private, will be speaking on a panel ‘What’s next for VVIP business jets? Anticipating future trends in customization’. He comments: “The VVIP business jet segment has evolved significantly in recent years. Going forward, I expect to see increased emphasis on environmental sustainability, whilst also rethinking how we deliver in-flight productivity for a better experience for our customers.”
For attending VIPs and ultra-high net worth individuals (UHNWIs), the Platinum Guest Programme will provide an unparalleled visiting experience, with a dedicated concierge service, premium lounge access, fast-track entry and the opportunity to schedule private jet visits. Guests will also enjoy access to the Luxury Boulevard, located amidst the stunning private jet display, providing a prime stage to engage with luxury brands.
The MEBAA Show will take place during 10-12 December 2024 Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), Dubai Airshow Site. For more information, please visit the website www.mebaa.aero
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Saudia Cargo has unveiled its latest campaign, ‘Landing in China in 24’, highlighting the company’s swift and reliable shipping services to multiple destinations across China, empowering Saudi exports to gain a strong foothold in the competitive Chinese market.
The campaign is closely aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which emphasizes the growth of non-oil exports and the diversification of the Kingdom’s revenue streams.
Saudi Cargo operates 18 weekly cargo flights to Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Shanghai & Shenzhen, Additionally, the company offers an extra 10 weekly flights on Saudia Airlines passenger aircraft from Guangzhou and Beijing to further enhance cargo capacity.
Saudia Cargo affirmed its dedication to offer advanced logistics solutions that not only bolster Saudi exports but also expand their reach in global markets with its superior logistical and technological capabilities in managing shipments worldwide.
Additionally, the campaign aims to deepen trade ties between Saudi Arabia and China by positioning Saudi products prominently in one of the world’s most vital markets, thereby, driving economic growth. The ‘Landing in China in 24’ is in close collaboration with the ‘Made in Saudi’ initiative, championed by the Saudi Export Development Authority, which focuses on enhancing the global recognition and quality of Saudi products.
Marwan Niazi, Vice President of Commercial at Saudia Cargo, stated: “Through this campaign, we aim to enhance our shipping capabilities and broaden our export scope to the Chinese markets by optimizing export operations and providing advanced logistic services that align with the growing global market demands and commercial connections. We have focused on facilitating the access of Saudi products to the Chinese markets and showcasing our logistical capabilities and operational efficiency.”
“The campaign has generated substantial engagement across social media platforms from partners and related sectors, including the National Competitiveness Center, the National Livestock and Fisheries Development Program, the Saudi Export Development Authority, and the General Authority of Foreign Trade. This demonstrates the widespread interest and support for the campaign,” Niazi added.
China is Saudi Arabia’s main merchandise trading partner. In 2023, the value of Saudi exports to China was 16.1 billion SAR, representing 17% of total exports. This highlights the continuous upwards trend supporting the opening of new commercial channels and destinations in China.
Paris, France: Launched in February 2023, CargoAi’s CargoWALLET has quickly gained traction and today facilitates cargo payments in over 47 currencies. The freight industry’s fastest growing digital enabler has now appointed global payment expert, Olivier Veyrac as its Senior Vice President for CargoWALLET.
Over the last 18 months, CargoWALLET has been adopted by 5,000+ Airlines, Freight Forwarders, GHAs and logistic service providers. With CargoWallet, CargoAi freight professionals can now pay from 150 countries and in over 47 currencies using local payment methods.
The wallet is available to all logistics companies. CargoWALLET is proving particularly attractive to freight forwarders because of its instant-cross-border payment capability. With the wallet, airlines can accept instant payments from all their customers, rather than inconvenient cash payments, long settlement times or having to rely on bank guaranties before accepting a booking.
The integration of CargoWALLET directly with freight forwarders Transport Management System (TMS) is an additional use case permitting faster payment and reconciliation via multiple payment methods.
Matt Petot, CEO of CargoAi, commented: “CargoWALLET has reached critical adoption in its early version. I am delighted that Olivier Veyrac has joined us as Senior Vice President of CargoWALLET to take it to the next level. He has extensive financial technology and technology integration experience, working with companies across the world. Furthermore, his experience scaling global BtoB payments solutions and commercial partnerships will prove invaluable to the success of CargoAi fintech venture.”
Veyrac described CargoWallet as having the broadest reach in the industry, enabling more than 200 payment methods in 150 countries with utmost security and confidentiality requirements, but he says, “There is still room for improvement. More new features, more partners, and more countries are my goals for the coming months.”
Cross-border payments via CargoWALLET, have dropped processing times from days to seconds, and reduced bank fees. It also opened up the possibility for some import customers in some part of the world to settle their accounts electronically for the first time.
Kerry Logistics Network Limited (‘Kerry Logistics Network’ or together with its subsidiaries, the ‘Group’ or ‘KLN Group’; Stock Code 0636.HK) recently announced the Group’s interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2024.
Group’s Financial Highlights
* For continuing operations only.
Vic Cheung, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of Kerry Logistics Network, said, “In 2024 1H, against intensifying geopolitical turmoil and persistently high interest rates, inflation moderated to a three-year low and the global economy returned to growth after three years of slowing. An array of factors pushed ocean and air freight rates up in late 2024 Q2. Supported by its resilience and agility in providing flexible and cost-effective solutions to customers, KLN Group was able to ride the waves in this highly volatile market and recorded a 10% year-on-year growth in revenue and 5% growth in core net profit for its continuing operations 2024 1H, outperforming its international peers.”
Integrated Logistics
The Group’s IL business experienced a short-term contraction in 2024 1H, reporting a 3% drop in segment profit due to the business decline in key markets, Hong Kong and the Mainland of China, amid sluggish economic recovery and prolonged weakness in domestic demand.
The Hong Kong business recorded an 11% drop in segment profit as a result of changes in the consumption patterns of visitors and local citizens, leading to subdued local spending, particularly in the F&B sector. The decrease compared to the previous year was also due to the impact of certain pandemic-related government grants in 2023.
In the Mainland of China, the IL business recorded a 5% drop as stagnant global demand dampened manufacturing activity alongside falling retail consumption amid economic uncertainties. The IL business in the rest of Asia registered a 9% growth riding on the growth in Singapore, Vietnam, the Philippines and India, as well as the stable performance of Kerry Siam Seaport in Thailand.
International Freight Forwarding
The Group’s IFF business recorded an 18% growth in 2024 1H, supported by the growth in key markets including the US, the Mainland of China and Hong Kong.
Building on its broad customer base, competitive rates and strong capacity, KLN Group outperformed the market on the Asia-US trade routes in 2024 1H, retaining its top spot as the leading NVOCC in the world’s busiest trade lane.
The air freight business under the IFF division recorded steady volume growth during the traditional slack season, thanks to upswings in cross-border e-commerce. Positive results were also brought by the integration and collaborations with S.F. Holding including cross-selling and the joint venture formed to manage the international cargo terminal of the Ezhou Airport in Central China. Kerry Freight Controlled Network, the Group’s Trans-Pacific air freight service to connect multiple Asian locations to the US, has commenced the air charter service from Ezhou, the Mainland of China to the US in 2024 Q2 to capitalise on the growing market demands.
Vic Cheung concluded, “Despite the turbulence in the global freight market and the uncertainties of economic revival, we are optimistic about improvements in our performance for FY2024. Performance in the IFF division is expected to grow in 2024 2H riding on sustained demand, stable volume growth and higher yields in ocean freight as well as the anticipated strong results of the air freight peak season in 2024 Q4. Leveraging our unrivalled network in Asia, the most diversified global solutions and a broad customer portfolio, KLN Group is committed to capturing market opportunities wherever they might arise through prompt action amid a stormy logistics landscape.”
As the world marked International Dog Day on August 26, WestJet Cargo announced the expansion of its pet transportation services to three major European airports: London Gatwick (LGW), London Heathrow (LHR), and Edinburgh (EDI).
This expansion came in response to the growing demand for secure and reliable international pet travel between Canada and Europe, reinforcing WestJet Cargo’s commitment to providing specialized care for pets during their journey.
“At WestJet Cargo, we recognized that pets are beloved members of the family, and their safety and comfort during travel were our utmost priorities. By extending our pet transportation service to LGW, LHR, and EDI, we enhanced connectivity for pet owners and ensured that their pets received the highest standard of care throughout their journey,” said Kirsten de Bruijn, Executive Vice President of WestJet Cargo.
WestJet Cargo’s pet transportation service was tailored to meet the specific needs of all pets, including brachycephalic breeds, which required special attention during air travel. The airline strictly adhered to IATA’s Live Animals Regulations, and all pet transport occurred in pressurized, temperature-controlled cargo holds to ensure a safe and comfortable environment. Pet owners were provided with comprehensive pre-flight preparation guidelines, and WestJet Cargo maintained open communication throughout the journey, offering support in the event of any unexpected changes.
Pet owners and specialized freight forwarders could easily arrange transportation through WestJet Cargo’s customer service or online booking system. The service was designed to comply with European regulations, accommodating the specific requirements of international pet travel.
In addition to the new routes, WestJet Cargo had been operating year-round pet transportation services to Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) since earlier this year. In response to continued strong demand, some of the routes scheduled to pause later this year were set to resume next year. Looking forward, WestJet Cargo planned to leverage its strong passenger network to further expand its pet transportation services across Europe.
Lovett Industrial has completed the Broadway Logistics Center, a 201,329-square-foot Class A industrial building in Denver’s Central Industrial submarket.
Located at 6795 Broadway, the facility features a 2,250-square-foot Class A office, 32-foot clear heights, a six-inch reinforced concrete slab, 204 auto parking stalls, 57 dock-high doors, 130-foot truck courts, and 50 trailer parks.
The building, which offers flexible leasing options down to 22,360 square feet, is being marketed by Drew McManus, Bryan Fry, and Ryan Searle of Cushman & Wakefield.
The center is situated in an advantageous infill location with low sales tax rates in Unincorporated Adams County. Denver’s North Central submarket, where the project is located, remains strong with a 5.2% vacancy rate and robust leasing activity.
Freightos, a global leader in freight booking and digital solutions, has announced the acquisition of Shipsta, a prominent freight-tender procurement platform based in Luxembourg. This strategic move aims to broaden Freightos’ service offerings and strengthen its position in the global freight industry.
The acquisition, financed through a combination of €4.5 million in cash and approximately 640,000 Freightos shares, is set to enhance Freightos’ existing spot pricing, quoting, and booking services by integrating Shipsta’s advanced tender procurement capabilities. This segment represents 50-70% of the air and ocean freight market, making the addition a significant expansion of Freightos’ digital freight services.
Key Highlights:
Zvi Schreiber, CEO of Freightos, emphasized the strategic importance of the acquisition: “Shipsta’s platform, customer base, and experienced team will add significant value to our offering by introducing tender management and contract procurement. This move not only strengthens our market position but also aligns with our vision of end-to-end digitization of the freight industry.”
Freightos, known for its global freight booking and payment solutions, operates platforms such as Freightos Marketplace, WebCargo, and Clearit. The acquisition of Shipsta is set to accelerate Freightos’ growth, enhance its service offerings, and drive innovation in freight management.
Christian Wilhelm, CEO of Shipsta, highlighted the potential for growth and enhanced service: “Joining forces with Freightos will allow us to continue delivering exceptional service and efficiency to our customers while driving new efficiencies and innovation in the freight sector.”
The combined Freightos and Shipsta platform will offer a unified digital solution for carriers, freight forwarders, and importers/exporters, significantly improving the procurement and management of freight services globally.
DHL Express and Monkey World – Ape Rescue Centre have announced the successful relocation of Chocolat, a female chimpanzee and victim of the illegal bushmeat trade in the Republic of Congo, to her new long-term home in Dorset, UK. This relocation was made possible through a coordinated effort involving DHL Express’s VIP transport service and the support of several wildlife organizations.
Chocolat, an infant when her family was hunted and killed, was found with shotgun pellet injuries that left her with a paralyzed hand and foot. After spending twenty years in Kenya under the care of her original rescuer, she has now arrived at Monkey World, which provides specialist care for chimpanzees smuggled from the wild or suffering from abuse and neglect.
To accommodate her needs, Monkey World has upgraded her new enclosure with lower platforms, new nesting areas, and cargo nets. Established in 1987, Monkey World is a 65-acre sanctuary home to over 230 primates from 25 species, including 52 chimpanzees. Chocolat joins this community and is being gradually introduced to six other chimpanzees who will become her new family. She has already made friendly contact with Bryan, the dominant male in her group, and is adapting to a diet with a larger variety of vegetables.
DHL Express provided Chocolat with a custom-built crate and a team of specialists including keepers, aircraft engineers, cargo handlers, security personnel, and pilots. Her journey began at Nairobi Airport on August 15th, included a brief stop in Bahrain, and concluded with a seven-hour flight to East Midlands Airport on August 16th, followed by a road transport to Monkey World. Throughout the trip, Chocolat was treated to fresh fruit, nuts, and sweet potato.
Supporting organizations included African Apes and the William Holden Wildlife Foundation, founded by Stefanie Powers. Powers expressed gratitude for DHL’s role, highlighting the importance of efforts to combat illegal primate trafficking.
Stefanie Powers, founder of William Holden Wildlife Foundation, said “In my avocation as a wildlife conservationist, I am concerned about the illegal trafficking of primates which continues unabated. It is only through the extraordinary efforts of individuals such as Alison Cronin and her Monkey World team that our fellow primates may be rescued and rehabilitated. We are only a fraction of DNA removed from all our primate brothers and sisters and it is a privilege to play a small part in helping to preserve and protect them. Thanks to the outstanding generosity and support from DHL one very special chimpanzee called Chocolat will have a chance at a fulfilling life. As a friend of Chocolat I am grateful to DHL and Monkey World.”
Dr Alison Cronin MBE, Director at Monkey World, said “We’re so happy to welcome Chocolat. The reason we exist is to offer a nurturing environment for chimpanzees and other primates and to give them back a fraction of what has been taken from them by humans, providing them with a family again. Companionship of their own kind is vital to chimpanzees’ wellbeing, as they are social, intelligent animals. Living in family groups in as natural an environment as possible is the best kind of rehabilitation we can provide to chimpanzees like Chocolat. Her integration will be gradual, but her journey has been very smooth, thanks to the support of DHL and so far, she is settling in well.”
Cain Moodie, EVP Network Operations for DHL Express in Europe, said, “It has been an honour to help Chocolat, the chimp, relocate to her new home at Monkey World. The logistics of transporting her were quite challenging, but our team of experts, in collaboration with Monkey World and her carers in Kenya, took every possible measure to ensure her journey was safe and comfortable. It’s a real pleasure for everyone at DHL when we can use our skills and network to contribute to projects such as this.”
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