Singapore Changi Airport reported handling 16.5 million passenger movements from April to June 2024, marking a 13.4% increase compared to the same period last year. This figure represents 98.2% of the passenger traffic recorded during the same quarter in 2019. Aircraft movements, encompassing both landings and take-offs, totaled 89,300, a 9.7% rise year-on-year and 94.5% of the levels seen in the second quarter of 2019.
The top five markets for Changi Airport during this period were Indonesia, China, Malaysia, Australia, and India. Notably, China experienced the highest growth among these markets, with traffic doubling compared to the previous year and exceeding pre-pandemic figures. North Asia emerged as the fastest-growing region, with a 40.8% increase year-on-year, also surpassing pre-Covid levels.
In terms of airfreight, Changi Airport handled 486,000 tonnes of cargo from April to June 2024, a 16% increase from the same period last year. This growth was observed across all cargo segments—exports, imports, and transshipments—with particularly strong flows between Singapore and China, as well as the United States. The airport’s top five air cargo markets for the period were Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, and the United States.
Mr. Lim Ching Kiat, Executive Vice President for Air Hub and Cargo Development at Changi Airport Group, commented, “Changi Airport continues to expand its global network, with new flights added in the second quarter. Travelers now have more options to explore destinations such as Broome, Brussels, Quanzhou, and Vancouver, along with enhanced connectivity to popular cities like Tokyo and London. We are working with our airline partners to achieve full travel recovery by the end of the year.”
As of July 1, 94 airlines operate over 6,900 weekly scheduled flights at Changi Airport, connecting Singapore to 158 cities across 50 countries and territories worldwide.
DHL Group has proactively extended its framework agreement with Mitteldeutsche Flughafen AG (MFAG) by an additional 15 years, extending the partnership until 2053. This early extension underscores DHL’s commitment to Leipzig/Halle Airport and the surrounding region, contributing to economic stability and the future viability of the site. The Group also plans to expand the aprons in the coming years and reinforce its dedication to the Schkeuditz location.
Tobias Meyer, CEO of DHL Group, commented: “The DHL Hub in Leipzig is a crucial economic engine for Central Germany. This extension provides us with planning security, allows for further investments in the site, and ensures long-term job security at the hub. Despite the increased fees under the new agreement, the outcome remains economically viable. We extend our gratitude to the Saxon state government for their ongoing support and hope that MFAG will address its structural challenges effectively. DHL’s growth at the Schkeuditz site is a success story, and we look forward to continued fruitful cooperation with all our partners.”
Michael Kretschmer, Prime Minister of Saxony, added: “The DHL Hub in Leipzig symbolizes Saxony’s success story, and we take pride in its achievements. In just 16 years, Leipzig/Halle Airport has become one of the world’s premier air freight centers. The Free State of Saxony’s efforts in 2008 to establish the hub have resulted in a long-term investment perspective for Leipzig as a key logistics location. The extended partnership with DHL ensures that Saxony will remain a leading player in international trade.”
About the DHL Hub in Leipzig
Opened in 2008, the DHL air freight hub at Leipzig/Halle Airport is the largest of DHL Express’s three global hubs, playing a vital role in the Group’s worldwide logistics network. The hub positively impacts the local labor market and economic development, with the region emerging as a top global logistics center. Each night, the hub processes 2,000 tons of freight and 350,000 shipments, dispatched to over 50 destinations by an average of 75 aircraft per working day. DHL Group has invested approximately €780 million in Leipzig and created over 7,000 jobs.
The hub is a pioneer in sustainable operations, covering most of its energy needs through a combined heat and power plant and 1,000 square meters of solar panels. It also utilizes rainwater collected in underground cisterns for aircraft washing. DHL Group aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions from 39 million to 29 million tons of CO2e by 2030, including the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF). The Group is committed to achieving net zero logistics-related emissions worldwide by 2050.
US trucking executives are expressing optimism that their recession may soon end as freight rates are poised to increase for the first time in nearly two years. The average cost of transporting goods by truck is expected to rise by 0.2% year-over-year this month, following 27 consecutive months of decline, according to freight marketplace DAT Solutions. Demand appears to be returning to pre-pandemic levels, with trucking executives predicting a recovery as their stock prices climb.
“If the trends over the past few months continue, we should see demand building as we exit the third quarter and some return of seasonal activity for the fourth quarter for the first time in years,” said Adam Miller, Chief Executive Officer of Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings Inc., during a recent earnings call.
Investor optimism is evident as the Russell 3000 Trucking Index, which includes 16 members such as JB Hunt Transport Services Inc. and Old Dominion Freight Line Inc., increased by 9% this month as of Thursday’s close, recovering from a nearly 8% drop in the first half of the year.
This positive outlook suggests that one of the last industries still struggling with pandemic-related disruptions may finally be on the road to recovery. Freight rates began to decline in early 2022 as American consumers emerged from Covid-19 restrictions and shifted their spending from online shopping sprees to services, travel, and experiences. This sudden change left retailers with excess inventory, reducing the need for trucks to haul new orders.
“We seem to be coming out of that contractionary period that we were in for 26 or 27 months,” said Ken Adamo, DAT Solutions’ analytics chief, in a phone interview.
Retailers are gradually clearing their inventories, and some have expedited shipments to avoid delays caused by backlogs at ports in Asia and the Mediterranean, as well as dockworker strikes in the US. JB Hunt reported a double-digit increase in intermodal volume—transporting freight from train to truck—in Southern California during the second quarter, partly due to customers placing advance orders.
However, some carriers and analysts are tempering expectations, noting that profits are unlikely to suddenly return to pandemic-era highs. Manufacturing activity remains low, consumers are facing financial challenges, and there is still an oversupply of trucks.
The number of truck drivers on the road in the US has increased by as much as 14% since March 2020, while freight volumes have risen by only 4% over a similar period, according to freight consultancy FTR Trucking. Additionally, when goods arrive in the US, retailers prefer to use rail for transportation because it is more cost-effective.
“We’re at the beginning stages of what we hope will be a recovery in the industry, not in the later stages,” said Robert Costello, chief economist at the American Trucking Associations, in a phone interview.
Source: Bloomberg
Crowley has taken delivery of the LNG bunker barge Progress, the largest vessel of its kind that complies with the U.S. Jones Act. The construction of this groundbreaking vessel was completed at Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.
The Progress is set to enhance cleaner energy access for ship operators at the Port of Savannah, Georgia, following its final commissioning this month. In a strategic move to promote the use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a marine fuel, Shell NA LNG, LLC (Shell) has entered into a long-term agreement with Crowley to operate the barge, providing an additional fueling location for LNG-powered ships.
“The Progress LNG bunker barge sets a new standard for quality and capability to serve the energy needs of the shipping industry,” said James C. Fowler, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Crowley Shipping. “LNG offers a safe and reliable solution for ocean carriers that advances the transition to lower emissions. We congratulate the people whose dedication and hard work in designing and building this world-class vessel allowed us to reach this milestone for the U.S. industry and our customers.”
The 416-foot-long barge, designed by Crowley’s engineering services group, boasts a capacity of 12,000 m³ (3.17 million gallons) and incorporates a transformative design that ensures efficient and reliable LNG supply to fuel ships. The Progress is equipped with advanced technologies developed by Shell and Crowley’s engineering services group, enabling flexible LNG delivery to various types of LNG containment systems.
“Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding continues to be an industry leader in building LNG bunkering barges. We take tremendous pride in seeing another FBS-built vessel leave Sturgeon Bay to its new operational home port. I am proud of the work of our entire Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding team,” said Jan Allman, Vice President and General Manager of Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding.
LNG is currently the lowest carbon fuel available for shipping at scale, reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by up to 23% (well-to-wake) compared to very/ultra-low sulfur fuel oil. The introduction of the Progress LNG bunker barge marks a significant advancement in promoting sustainable shipping practices and reducing the maritime industry’s carbon footprint.
Ethiopian Airlines Group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Satarem America Inc., marking a pivotal step towards sustainability in aviation by focusing on the production and use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) within Ethiopia.
Under the agreement, Satarem will produce SAF domestically, with Ethiopian Airlines committed to purchasing the fuel for its operations. This strategic partnership underscores Ethiopian Airlines’ dedication to sustainability and highlights its proactive approach to environmental responsibility.
By partnering with Satarem America Inc., a renowned provider of sustainable energy solutions, Ethiopian Airlines aims to incorporate SAF into its flight operations, thereby significantly reducing carbon emissions and supporting global efforts to combat climate change. SAF is a cleaner alternative to traditional jet fuel, produced from sustainable feedstocks that can substantially lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Mesfin Tasew, Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian Airlines Group, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are excited to partner with Satarem America Inc in our journey towards a greener and more sustainable future. The adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel is not just a business decision; it reflects our commitment to combating climate change and investing in innovative solutions that support a sustainable industry.”
This collaboration reaffirms Ethiopian Airlines’ role as a pioneer in adopting eco-friendly aviation solutions and its commitment to maintaining high environmental standards. The initiative aligns with the broader sustainability goals of the aviation industry, showcasing Ethiopian Airlines as a leader in sustainable practices.
As one of Africa’s largest and most experienced airlines, Ethiopian Airlines has consistently been at the forefront of sustainability efforts. The airline has implemented various initiatives, including fleet modernization, optimized flight operations, tree planting, and extensive recycling programs to minimize waste and emissions. The integration of SAF into its operations will further enhance these efforts, significantly reducing the greenhouse gas emissions associated with air travel.
Menzies Aviation, a key industry service partner to the world’s airports and airlines, has selected CHAMP Cargosystems to provide a standard platform to deliver customs filing processes, further enhancing its recently launched Menzies Aviation’s Cargo Handling (MACH) cargo management system.
With the largest global coverage of customs and security filing, CHAMP is uniquely positioned to power and equip Menzies Aviation’s operations with efficiency and compliance. Aiding the processing of import, export and transit controls, CHAMP’s Traxon Global Customs (TGC) solution will be embedded and integrated into the MACH cargo management system.
The solution reduces the risk of customs ‘holds’, providing a platform that allows Menzies to quickly respond and adapt to specific country customs requirements while simplifying reporting by using CHAMP as a single gateway for more than 65 customs authorities worldwide.
Following the successful launch of the Traxon solution at Menzies’ cargo operation at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), the solution is set to be deployed across its global network and integrated into MACH by the end of 2024.
Rory Fidler, SVP Cargo Technology, Menzies Aviation said: “We’re looking forward to working with CHAMP as we integrate Traxon Global Customs with our pioneering MACH cargo management system. This upgrade will further streamline our cargo operations, providing customers with seamless and efficient customs and security processes. We are grateful to the team at CHAMP, who are working hard to support an ambitious roll-out program over the coming months.”
Dirk Thorwirth, Head of Sales – Global Distribution Services, CHAMP said: “It’s our pleasure to support Menzies Aviation’s global operations and cargo handling system, and we are glad they’ve found streamlined solutions in Traxon Global Customs. It is a fantastic tool that easily integrates into third-party platforms and drives efficiency through open and interconnected operations. By ensuring compliance with the constantly evolving regulatory landscape, Menzies Aviation is well positioned for growth in the years to come.”
The quick recovery of July’s global IT outage produced no significant ongoing disruption to resurgent air cargo demand, with rates rising for a sixth consecutive month, according to the latest market analysis by Xeneta.
Global average air cargo spot rates reached USD 2.66 per kg in July, +20% higher year-on-year.
This was again driven by strong global cargo demand growth. July volumes rose +13% year-on-year, thanks to buoyant e-commerce demand from Asia as well as the comparatively low demand base in the corresponding month in 2023.
In contrast, global air cargo supply grew at a much slower pace of +2% year-on-year this July.
Demand growth alongside only a modest increase in capacity supply produced an expected boost to the global dynamic load factor. It exceeded last year’s level by five percentage points, reaching 59% in July. Dynamic load factor is Xeneta’s measurement of capacity utilisation based on volume and weight of cargo flown alongside available capacity.
With the peak summer holiday season starting in July, global air cargo demand slowed month-on-month. This was echoed by the ocean container shipping market, where container spaces in recent weeks became easier to book and spot rates on the major fronthaul trades from the Far East to Europe and the US either declined or flattened.
The global IT outage affecting Microsoft systems on 19 July brought widespread disruption, with flight delays and cancellations that lasted more than a week. The resulting cargo backlogs saw cargo load factors on some impacted airlines increase up to 4 percentage points compared to the previous week. Load factors had mostly recovered to pre-outage levels by 28 July.
As is often the case, short-term panic among shippers and forwarders pushed up the price of capacity, which rose to its highest level of the year in the last week of July to a global average air cargo spot rate of USD 2.70 per kg.
Looking ahead to the remainder of 2024
Strong year-on-year growth in air cargo demand is expected to extend into August and September, in part due to the low base set last year.
Heading to the second half of the year, disruptions in the Red Sea will likely continue to pose risks to supply chains due to container vessels’ longer sailing times and reduced schedule reliability. Despite the container market’s early peak season, the current situation may last until China’s Golden Week in October. On top of this, potential sea port strikes in Hamburg and the US East and Gulf Coasts could coincide with the much-anticipated peak season for airfreight and apply further upward pressure on air cargo rates, as Xeneta highlighted last month.
“For the air cargo market, it’s now all eyes on late August for the first signs of a proper peak season, which would be the cherry on top of the cake for airlines after such unexpected volumes and demand growth in the first seven months of the year,” said Niall van de Wouw, Chief Airfreight Officer at Xeneta. “In July, had the IT outage taken longer to fix, we might have seen a slightly different outcome. However, once again, air cargo showed resilience, after seeming to have dodged another major disruption. Going into the peak time of the year, airlines might just be starting to think their tailwinds will hold out.”
Looking at regional cargo spot rate developments in July, Middle East and Central Asia to Europe continued to lead year-on-year growth. Its July average spot rate surged 126% year-on-year to USD 3.16 per kg. Ongoing Red Sea disruptions have helped to keep air cargo rates high, while recent unrest in Bangladesh, which led to port and airport backlogs that will take weeks to clear, could further elevate cargo rates in the coming weeks.
Outbound Southeast Asia to North America and Europe lanes took second and third places in terms of growth. Surging cargo demand more than doubled cargo spot rates from a year ago to USD 5.78 per kg and USD 3.85 per kg respectively. These lanes were followed by outbound Northeast Asia markets, supported by strong e-commerce demand and general cargo volumes recovery. Cargo spot rates to North America and Europe grew around 30% year-on-year to USD 4.39 per kg and USD 4.17 per kg, partly due to a high base last year.
As expected, backhaul trades on the above-mentioned lanes and transatlantic trades experienced year-on-year declines in cargo spot rates. This was due to adequate capacity on the return leg and increased belly capacity on passenger flights to meet summer holiday season demand.
Federal Express Corporation (FedEx), one of the world’s largest express transportation companies, is expanding FedEx® International Connect Plus (FICP), its international, day-definite, e-commerce shipping service.
Already available for e-tailers to send shipments within Asia Pacific markets, the expanded service will now connect to destinations in the U.S. and Europe. Initially this service expansion will be available to e-tailers operating in China, Hong Kong SAR, and Japan, with other Asia Pacific markets being added later this year.
The expanded coverage of FICP is the company’s latest effort to support the growth of cross-border e-commerce from Asia to the U.S. and Europe. E-commerce sales in Asia are projected to reach $13,209 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 17.6% from 2023 to 2030. China and Japan continue to be the largest markets in the Asia Pacific region with robust cross-border e-commerce activity, providing extensive business opportunities for SMEs. With this expansion, e-commerce merchants in these markets can now offer their customers an international shipping solution with prices that offer greater value, while ensuring most shipments will be delivered between two to three business days to the U.S. and Europe.
Key benefits of FICP for e-tailers and their customers include:
Greater value – The FICP allows businesses to enjoy greater savings at competitive day-definite transits and provide their customers greater value by matching attractive prices with their specific delivery needs.
Flexibility and control – Besides home delivery, the FICP service enables e-tailers to give their end customers the flexibility to pick up their package from hundreds of available pick-up locations, and the option to change delivery date and location.
Seamless Integration – Both online and offline shipping automation solutions are available for e-tailers to enjoy a paperless experience.
Peace of mind – FedEx extensive parcel tracking capabilities gives e-tailers and customers visibility throughout the entire delivery journey.
“FICP has been received enthusiastically by our e-commerce customers who value it as the optimal balance of expedited delivery and cost-effectiveness,” stated Salil Chari, senior vice president, Marketing & Customer Experience, Asia Pacific, FedEx.
“At FedEx, we are focused on providing businesses with a comprehensive range of shipping solutions tailored to their specific requirements. The expansion of FICP, in conjunction with our other digital offerings, enhances our ability to support our customers and facilitate the continued growth of cross-border e-commerce from this dynamic region.”
Kenya’s government received a proposal from Adani Airport Holdings Ltd. to invest in the nation’s main airfield, the Kenya Airports Authority said.
Indian billionaire Gautam Adani’s company offered to help build a new passenger terminal and second runway at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in the capital, Nairobi, as well as refurbish existing facilities, KAA acting Managing Director Henry Ogoye said in a statement on Wednesday. The proposal will be subjected to technical, financial and legal reviews to ensure it complies with the nation’s public-private partnerships laws, he said.
Ogoye made the announcement after lawmaker Richard Onyonka petitioned parliament to scrutinize a build-operate-transfer agreement with the Kenyan government. The Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project on Wednesday questioned why the Kenyan authorities are considering a private proposal after experts advised the government earlier this year to put out a public tender for the project.
The KAA referred a request for comment on the OCCRP report to Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi’s office, which didn’t immediately respond to queries.
Kenya has previously refurbished and expanded its main airport and has had plans for a second runaway in an effort to retain its status as a regional aviation hub. Neighboring Ethiopia, which operates Africa’s biggest airplane fleet, has chipped away at that dominance in recent years.
An estimated $1.85 billion of spending is required to address “challenges” identified at the airport, about $830 million of which would be required in the first five years of a proposed upgrade project, according to the Adani proposal. The investment required is “significant and cannot be funded with the prevailing fiscal constraints without recourse to private funding,” the company said.
Adani Airport notes the statement issued by the KAA and has no further comment, a spokesperson said in response to a request for comment.
The company, controlled by Asia’s second-richest person, has a portfolio of eight airports dominating more than 50% of the top 10 Indian domestic routes. The airports account for 23% of Indian air traffic serving 20% of total passenger base.
LONDON, UK: Formula E announces that it has surpassed one million followers on TikTok, further cementing its place as the fastest-growing motorsport in the world.
Formula E, the world’s first and only all-electric racing series, announces that it has reached a landmark one million followers on TikTok. This marks a 235% increase in its following since the start of Season 10, gaining over 700,000 new followers.
This milestone underscores Formula E’s growing influence and engagement with a global audience, particularly among younger fans, another marker of its growth acceleration.
TikTok has become the online social destination for engaging with a younger, more diverse audience through dynamic and creative content, making it an essential tool for connecting with Formula E’s next generation of fans. The one-million follower landmark results from Formula E’s dedication to expanding its digital presence and engaging with a larger youth demographic.
Formula E has captivated TikTok audiences with its unique blend of racing content, behind-the-scenes footage, and innovative use of the platform. The 235% growth in followers highlights Formula E’s commitment to leveraging social media to connect with fans and its core values of sustainability, innovation and technology.
Formula E’s global fanbase now boasts almost 400 million fans, with 11 teams and 22 world-class drivers on the grid, and is a destination for the best motorsport talent on the planet, including racing teams Jaguar TCS Racing, Nissan Formula E, TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team and NEOM McLaren Formula E Team.
The sport’s popularity has soared during Season 10, attracting more viewers than ever before. Multiple track records have also been broken in Season 10, including the fastest top speed in a race, the fastest average lap speed, more race leaders than ever before, and triple-digit overtakes in most races.
Formula E continues to innovate and lead in the realm of motorsports, and the milestone of one million TikTok followers establishes Formula E as one of the most exciting and forward-thinking global racing championships.
Nick Stroudley, Digital Director, Formula E, said: “We are well on the way to establishing Formula E as the most exciting and innovative motorsport for fans, alongside being the world’s most sustainable sport. TikTok has provided us with a fantastic platform to share the excitement of Formula E and engage with a new generation of motorsport enthusiasts.
“Hitting one million followers and seeing significant growth since the start of this season is further proof of that. Our objective was to use the power of this platform to attract a younger and more diverse fanbase to the sport and we feel we have successfully achieved that. We look forward to continuing to raise the bar with innovative and exciting content for our global audience.”
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
