Bahri, the Saudi global provider of logistics and transport services inaugurated recently the first phase of its Fleet Performance Monitoring Center (FPMC) in Riyadh, as part of its strategy to develop a centralized support system to provide data and analytics-driven guidance and recommendations for technical, safety, and crew operations.
The new center will leverage high-frequency data collected from vessels’ alarm monitoring, navigation, and cargo systems to provide data-driven support for the company’s vessel operations.
“With this first phase now underway, our day-to-day focus at the Fleet Performance Monitoring Center will be on improving the overall performance of Bahri’s vessels through high-frequency data collection and monitoring systems,” Bahri CEO, Eng. Ahmed Al Subaey said, noting that the center is part of the company’s long-term digital transformation strategy set to take its operations to “unprecedented levels of efficiency,” and support the Kingdom’s drive for smarter and more sustainable operations across all sectors of the economy.
Furthermore, the center enables the crew onboard and the operations team ashore to easily monitor the condition of various equipment and systems.
It also allows for analytics-driven timely interventions and machine learning anomaly detection tools to pre-empt breakdowns, minimize downtime, enhance predictive maintenance, monitor regulatory compliance and support decision-making.
The center’s main control hub is equipped with HD video walls along with other equipment and software required to transmit inputs.
According to the company, the second and third phases set to commence in the upcoming two years will further expand the center’s operations, by integrating new systems, and developing and refining its analytical dashboards.
Dubai, UAE—DHL Global Forwarding is strengthening its MEA team with a series of new appointments this year while expanding its footprint in the North Africa region with the addition of Morocco to its North Africa cluster.
Olivier Laurent has been named as the new Country Manager of DHL Abu Dhabi. With over 13 years of experience in the Middle East transport and logistics industry, Olivier will focus on developing DHL’s Luxury Goods, Fashion and French multinational companies.
Mary Oxley is now DHL’s Vice President Sales and Marketing, MEA and will be based in Dubai. She comes with over two decades of experience in the industry and most recently worked as the Regional Sector Head Consumer & Retail Asia Pacific, based in Singapore.
“We are delighted to welcome Mary and Olivier at DHL Global Forwarding. Both of them bring tremendous experience, market knowledge and skills to the table, and we could not have picked a better team to take the business forward in 2022. DHL Global Forwarding will continue to invest in the right markets and business segments to support the rapid growth of the freight market. The demand for our logistics solutions reached a new all-time high last year, driven by the significant increase in global trade, strong e-commerce and rise in shipment volumes. We look forward to continuing this growth trajectory this year with an even stronger team in place,” said Amadou Diallo, CEO of DHL Global Forwarding, Middle East & Africa.
DHL is also expanding its North Africa Cluster, which will include Morocco from the beginning of 2023. Magued Ragheb, who is currently responsible for Egypt, Libya and newly opened Algeria market, will take on the additional responsibility of managing Morocco. Magued spent 13 years in the Air Freight department at DHL, and comes with strong background in cargo operations, capacity optimization as well as marketing and commercial roles.
MIAMI, Florida—The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) welcomed in June two new members to serve on its Board of Directors creating one of the most diverse boards in its history.
Bringing fresh perspective from the Forwarding and GSSA sectors are board members Priscilla Bueno of CRAFT Group and Joseph Lawrence, Airline Services International.
Priscilla Bueno is the Chief Transformation Officer of CRAFT Group which has built the largest operating wholesaler in ocean and air freight in South America from the ground. Their presence is in 15 South American cities and has four offices in North America (Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, and New Jersey).
Joseph Lawrence is the President of Airline Services International which delivers an exceptional level of fully customizable GSSA services, designed to meet customer’s unique needs and exceed their expectations.
“The appointment of these newest Board Members allows us to have a more diverse Board than we have ever had. It underlines our commitment to ensuring each sector of our industry and region are truly represented. I am proud of the work that we have done to reach this achievement. We welcome Priscilla and Joe to the Board and look forward to the unique knowledge they will bring, which will help shape the future of the association and the future of our industry,” said Steven Polmans, TIACA Chair.
London, UK: CharterSync, the multi-award-winning digital air cargo charter business, is marking threeyears of successful operations in July 2022.
Since launching in 2019, the UK-based CharterSync has carved itself a substantial share of the UK and European air cargo charter market thanks to its disruptive, technology-forward approach to air cargo charter. Today, the growing company has developed a robust business that connects hundreds of freight forwarders, airlines and operators on five continents.
Launched by two commercial pilots and flying enthusiasts—co-founders Ed Gillett and Simon Watson— CharterSync has delivered impressive year-on-year growth, with the company passing the 3,000-charter milestone earlier this year.
“CharterSync is growing fast, but we are scaling efficiently,” says Simon Watson, director and co-founder of CharterSync. “After achieving a six-figure turnover in year one of trading, our turnover has consistently risen by 84% year on year.”
In a period of unprecedented air transport disruption, CharterSync has played a significant role in transforming and streamlining the air cargo charter market through digitization. “When we launched, digital transformation was long overdue in the air cargo charter market. Up to 2019, the air cargo charter booking process was 100% manual, and laborious for both freight forwarders and operators. Freight forwarders looking for air cargo charter services had no option except to make multiple phone calls to identify the best deal for their cargoes – and even when they did make a booking, price transparency was non-existent,” comments Watson.
“With continued disruption in air travel, as we have witnessed in spring/summer 2022, digital booking is moving front and centre into the freight forwarders’ toolbox. Forwarders who never previously considered using air cargo charter are now realising the viability and cost-effectiveness of using technology in the procurement of charter options. Efficiencies driven by digitization have enabled us to minimise spiralling air cargo costs for customers, and helping to keep clients’ supply chain costs to a minimum when faced with sharp rises in fuel prices, inflationary pressures, and airports beset by congestion and ground-handling disruption.”
Much of CharterSync’s initial growth can be attributed to the demand for pharmaceutical/healthcare equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic; the company played a key role in keeping vital equipment flowing into the UK and Europe, flying more than 350 flights of PPE and test kits ex-China from 2020-22.
In parallel, the company has been diversifying into a range of time-critical sectors, including automotive, oil & gas, fast fashion and pharmaceuticals. Sectors operating just-in-time (JIT) logistics, in particular, are increasingly embracing how technology can help power their inventory management strategies, especially when they require accelerated transit times, or require 100% confidence on delivery dates for time-critical shipments.
London, UK—Awery Aviation Software (Awery) has appointed Phaedra Den Hertog as Customer Success Project Manager in response to the continued uptake of its Cargo Management package, Awery ERP.
Den Hertog has spent over 30 years in air cargo working for leading companies including Polar Air Cargo, Cathay Pacific, and more recently AirBridgeCargo (ABC), where she oversaw the implementation of its new Cargo Management System.
“My background in air cargo and my experience of digitisation meant that joining the Awery team was the logical next step for me,” said Den Hertog. “Awery is growing at a tremendous pace, and I look forward to being part of a team that comprises hands-on air cargo experience and cutting-edge technology expertise.”
Initially focussed on Awery’s Netherland client portfolio, Den Hertog will oversee and manage projects across Europe.
“In response to the unprecedented growth in both airline and General Sales Agent (GSA) customers opting for Awery ERP software, we have an uncompromising strategy to grow our team numbers with the best talent,” said Tristan Koch, Chief Operating Officer, Awery.
“Phaedra has vast experience in practical air cargo operations and digitisation and will be a tremendous asset to Awery’s senior management team.”
Earlier this year Awery reported a 400 percent growth in transactions between October 2021 and March 2022, with its CargoBooking and eMagic software solutions processing over 4,000 transactions a month.
Awery ERP is customisable web-based air cargo platform for business processes automation such as sales management, operations, finance, and HR.
FORT WORTH, Texas — American Airlines Cargo has appointed Emma Oliver to the role of Director, Cargo Sales Europe, Africa & Middle East (EMEA) and Asia Pacific (APAC).
Oliver returns to cargo as regional sales key leader following two years supporting the passenger business, most recently leading the Strategy & Projects team providing analytical support across the EMEA region and working on joint business and partnership opportunities.
As a seasoned cargo professional, Oliver is well-known in the industry from when she previously served as Global and Key Account Manager for EMEA. Her new role as Sales Director will also encompass Asia Pacific.
“Emma has a proven track record of hard work, dedication and success. We are thrilled to have her back on the team to lead Cargo Sales for the EMEA and APAC regions with her collaborative spirit and positive energy,” said Lisa Oxentine, Managing Director Global Sales for American Airlines Cargo. Oliver will be based in London Heathrow. She has a degree in Business Administration and General Management from the University of Bath in the UK.
Doha, Qatar—The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced Pegasus Airlines Vice-Chairperson of the Board (Managing Director) Mehmet Tevfik Nane has assumed his duties as Chair of the IATA Board of Governors (BoG) for a one-year term, effective from the conclusion of the 78th IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Doha, Qatar on 21 June.
Nane is the 80th chair of the IATA BoG. He has served on the BoG since 2019. He succeeds JetBlue Airways CEO Robin Hayes who will continue to serve on the BoG.
“I’m honored to take on this position at a time when the industry is emerging from our worst downturn. In addition to maintaining momentum toward re-opening the globe to travel and commerce, we have a very full agenda over the next 12 months. This includes achieving agreement at the ICAO Assembly on a Long-Term Aspirational Goal for governments on aviation’s decarbonization, refining the pathway to Net Zero Carbon Emissions by 2050, and broadening participation in the 25by2025 gender diversity initiative,” said Nane.
Nane was appointed CEO of Pegasus Airlines in 2016, a position he held until earlier this year, when he assumed his current position with the airline. Prior to joining Pegasus, he served as CEO of CarrefourSA between 2013-2016, as CEO of Teknosa between 2005-2013, and as Vice-Chairman of the Board of Teknosa between 2000-2005.
Nane began his business career in 1988 and has extensive experience in business, including consumer retailing and banking.
“The entire membership owes a huge debt of gratitude to Robin. He assumed the Chair position in November 2020 at a point when international air travel was still largely shut down, and he agreed to extend his term through the current recovery. Under his leadership, the industry approved the historic goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, worked closely with governments and international organizations to introduce bio safety measures to further reduce the low risk of transmission during air travel, and continued to make strong progress on our 25by2025 gender diversity initiative,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
“I look forward to working with Mehmet as we continue to rebuild global connectivity while addressing aviation’s vital priorities around sustainability, diversity, regulation and managing infrastructure costs.”
RwandAir CEO Yvonne Manzi Makolo will serve as Chair of the BoG from June 2023, following Nane’s term. She will be the first woman to take on these duties. The 79th IATA AGM and World Air Transport Summit will be held in Istanbul, Türkiye on 4-6 June 2023, hosted by Pegasus Airlines.
Munich/Dubai—The BMW Group announced the appointment of Jean-Philippe Parain as Senior Vice President Sales Regions Asia-Pacific, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa, succeeding Hendrik von Kuenheim who retired after 37 years at the BMW Group.
Parain assumed his new role on 01 April 2022. He brings with him a wealth of global experience since joining the company in 1997 at BMW France in the marketing department. He has held several senior management roles including as President and CEO BMW Group Belux, Head of MINI Europe and Senior Vice President Sales Region Europe.
“It is an honour and privilege to take on the role of Senior Vice President Sales Regions Asia-Pacific, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa. This is a vital region for our industry, with a very promising potential as we continue to lead the future of mobility. I am looking forward to work with all our colleagues and partners to continue winning the hearts of our customers and sustain our strong positioning in the region,” said Parain.
Pieter Nota, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Customer, Brands, Sales said: “We are very excited to welcome Jean-Philippe Parain into his new role and look forward to the continued success of the BMW Group across the region. As former head of Europe, Jean-Philippe is a well-known member of our team and brings a proven track record of excellence and a vast portfolio of experience to his new role. Hendrik von Kuenheim combines passion and professionalism like few others and was the driving force of the company’s success in the Region Asia-Pacific, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa. He has successfully led his team through a rapidly evolving era in the industry. We wish him a well-deserved and fulfilling retirement.”
Hendrick von Kuenheim thanked the BMW Group, saying “It has been my privilege to work for the BMW Group over the past three decades. In this time, we have seen as many changes as rarely before in our industry. But teamwork, intercultural understanding and a clear objective have remained as success factors. I’d like to thank the many colleagues, partners, and customers I have had the pleasure to work alongside and wish everyone the best for the future.”
ATLANTA, Georgia—SITA announced the appointment of Matthys Serfontein as President, Americas responsible for bringing SITA’s vision of greater agility, efficiency, and sustainability to the air transport industry through digitalization.
Serfontein returns to SITA after a two-year hiatus to drive SITA’s growth in the Americas, where travel has rebounded sharply in the wake of the pandemic.
Serfontein has many years of experience in the aviation sector addressing portfolio and business development, previously having served as President of Air Travel Solutions at SITA, where he oversaw the development of SITA’s airport and border solutions. Prior to that he served as Regional Vice President for Airport Solutions in Africa. Before joining SITA, he held several senior management positions at Airports Company South Africa, e.Airports Ltd, and OSI Airport Systems.
David Lavorel, CEO, SITA said: “I’m delighted to welcome Matthys back on board. SITA has invested in new solutions that help our customer airports and airlines optimize the passenger experience, maximize efficiency, and keep both environmental and financial sustainability at the heart of their operations. The Americas team, under Matthys’s stewardship, will help bring these exciting benefits to customers in the region.”
Serfontein, for his part, said: “As travelers return to the skies, our customers are eyeing digitalization as the key to returning to growth while meeting the new expectations of today’s passenger. With its innovative portfolio, SITA is uniquely positioned to support them. SITA has been, and continues to be, a trusted partner to the industry, and I look forward to this new opportunity to build on our exciting partnerships with customers in the Americas.”
ABU DHABI, UAE—Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics arm of Etihad Aviation Group, has appointed Tim Isik as Vice President – Commercial mainly tasked to oversee the cargo carrier’s global commercial operations.
Isik who will be based at the company’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi joins Etihad Cargo from American Airlines, where he gained over a decade of experience working within the aviation and air cargo sectors.
In his new role with Etihad Cargo, Isik will oversee the development and deployment of the carrier’s sales strategy, responsible for further growing Etihad Cargo’s strategic relationships, executing sales and marketing plans and driving team performance.
Isik will lead Etihad Cargo’s commercial operations globally, supported by Latha Narayan, Etihad Cargo’s Director – Commercial Asia Pacific, Australasia and Indian Subcontinent, and Mark Faulkner, Director – Cargo Commercial West. Isik will report to Martin Drew, Senior Vice President – Sales & Cargo.
“Etihad Cargo is delighted to have Tim on the team. I am confident his knowledge and expertise will contribute to Etihad Cargo’s continued growth, enabling the carrier to further strengthen its position as the air cargo partner of choice,” said Drew.
Isik said, “It’s an exciting time to be joining Etihad Cargo, following the carrier achieving a milestone year in 2021. I look forward to working closely with Martin and the rest of the team as Etihad Cargo continues its journey of growth through innovation and successfully adapting to the needs of customers and the dynamic challenges of the air cargo market.”
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