GENEVA: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released April 2021 data for global air cargo markets showing that air cargo demand continued to outperform pre-COVID levels (April 2019) with demand up 12%.
The international trade body noted as comparisons between 2021 and 2020 monthly results are distorted by the extraordinary impact of COVID-19, unless otherwise noted, all comparisons to follow are to April 2019 which followed a normal demand pattern.
Global trade rose 4.2% in March. Competitiveness against sea shipping has improved. Air cargo rates have stabilized since reaching a peak in April 2020, while shipping container rates have remained relatively high in comparison. Meanwhile, longer supplier delivery times as economic activity ramps up make the speed of air cargo an advantage by recovering some of the time lost in the production process.
“Air cargo continues to be the good news story for the air transport sector. Demand is up 12% on pre-crisis levels and yields are solid. Some regions are outperforming the global trend, most notably carriers in North America, the Middle East and Africa. Strong air cargo performance, however, is not universal. The recovery for carriers in the Latin American region, for example, is stalled,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
DUBAI, UAE: Eng. Hessa Al Malek, Advisor to the Minister for Maritime Transport, Affairs, the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has been appointed as the first Regional Ambassador of the Global Maritime Club – an international initiative created by Informa Markets Maritime.
With this appointment, the UAE has become the first country globally to have an ambassador appointed for the Club that primarily aims to promote growth in regional maritime sectors.
The first regional Club gathering will take place during UAE Maritime Week, taking in place in person from 12-16 December, 2021 as part of Expo 2020. The event is organised by Seatrade Maritime, part of Informa Markets. To date, the week includes Seatrade Maritime Middle East; Seatrade Maritime Awards Middle East, Indian Subcontinent & Africa; Maritime Leaders Forum and Experience Maritime. A day will be dedicated to terminal operators and associated industries as part of the global TOC brand, also a part of Informa Markets.
With a mission is to bring together ship owners, industry suppliers and key decision-makers in the sector through strategic networking opportunities and closed-door leadership roundtables, the Global Maritime Club aims to help Club members promote, secure and expand the global maritime industry.
The Club effectively supports and proactively enables positive economic growth across all sectors in the industry. Over the years, the Club has witnessed the participation of leading organisations such as ADNOC, Bahri, Fujairah National Shipping, Hapag-Lloyd and Smit Lamnalco, among others.
Commenting on her appointment, Eng. Hessa Al Malek said, “It is truly a pleasure to be appointed as the regional ambassador of the Global Maritime Club. Through critical research, industry intelligence and highly targeted networking opportunities for its members, the club has helped to elevate the marine sector throughout the years. It’s humbling to be a member of such a distinguished entity. Through my expertise, I aim to carry forward the Club’s mission of promoting the growth of the sector that has stood the test of time despite the pandemic.
“The UAE especially has showcased resilience. Our readiness to quickly respond and adapt to the challenges of the new world helped us significantly reduce the impact on the economic gains in the industry. Apart from this, one of my primary goals is to make the regional maritime industry accessible for women and also support the next generation of professionals.
“In addition, I want to draw the attention of the industry to the plight of seafarers, who are the lifelines of the global maritime industry. Although the IMO, the UN, the International Labor Organisation, and governments around the globe are making concerted efforts, as part of the industry, the onus is on us to ensure the well-being of the community of 1.6 million seafarers, without whom the industry would cease to function.”
Emma Howell, Director of Digital and Customer Development – Maritime, Informa Markets stated, “Having an illustrious personality like H.E. Eng. Hessa Al Malek as the first Ambassador of a premier Club like this is a major boost for us and the industry. With her rich expertise, knowledge and in-depth understanding of the maritime industry, in addition of her rewarded certifications, I believe she is the ideal candidate for this position, and we are confident that she will achieve our objective of providing members with essential market knowledge also prompting them to initiate invaluable ideas through ground-breaking research initiatives.”
As a private membership club, the specially invited members of the Global Maritime Club can connect through strategic networking opportunities and closed-door leadership roundtables. These insightful discussions will help industry leaders make informed business decisions that will enhance maritime operations and ensure an efficient supply chain.
The Club empowers members to make sound business decisions with access to critical market intelligence while sharing their indispensable insight on topics of concern like crewing, ports and containers, sustainability, the use of technology and more. The ultimate goal is to find feasible solutions, stimulate ingenious ideas and proactively drive positive economic growth for their respective regions and the global industry
JEDDAH, KSA: SAL Saudi Logistics Services (SAL), a market leading air cargo handler, has announced the appointment of Eng. Hesham bin Abdulla Alhussayen as acting Chief Executive Officer replacing Omar Hariri, who moved on to Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) as its new CEO effective July 1.
Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Fawaz, Chairman of SAL, said: “Eng. Hesham Alhussayen has gained the trust of the Board throughout his time as SAL’s Chief Operations Officer (COO) and has over 25 years of experience holding leadership positions at multiple prominent Saudi companies. We see huge possibilities to expand the business and deliver on our strategy. This transitional period SAL will not affect our operations at all and will serve as a new opportunity to enhance SAL’s logistics services at all of the Kingdom’s main airports. We are confident Eng. Hesham and his team will continue to deliver exceptional results and reach new milestones.”
“I would also like to express our gratitude to Omar Hariri for his achievements during his tenure as CEO of SAL. Under his leadership, SAL became an independent joint stock cargo ground handling company carved out from Saudi Airlines Cargo company which resulted in higher quality and more efficient services. Moreover, Omar led SAL through the major challenges that arose during the early stages of the pandemic by positioning SAL as the logistics services arm of the Kingdom,” the SAL Chairman added.
Omar Hariri, departing CEO of SAL, said: “It has been a privilege leading SAL and strengthening its position as a major player in the Kingdom’s air cargo handling sector. I leave the company in a great place and in the capable hands of a truly high caliber management team that I had the pleasure of working closely with over the past two years. I am very pleased with our unprecedented financial and operational achievements and meeting the Board’s expectations. I am fully confident in the ability of Eng. Hesham and his team to deliver on the company’s growth strategy and wish SAL all the best.”
Eng. Alhussayen, for his part, said: “I am grateful to the Board for entrusting me with this great leadership responsibility. SAL is moving ahead with our vision to be the logistics partner of choice in a dynamic and globally connected Saudi Arabia as per Vision 2030.”
DOHA: Keeping its promise to help protect and rehabilitate wildlife on the planet, Qatar Airways Cargo flew for free seven lions rescued by Ukraine-based NGO Warriors of Wildlife to nature reserves in South Africa where they will be freed and cared for.
Qatar Airways Cargo said it took six months of hard work involving no less than a dozen departments and over 50 employees to ensure a successful operation. On April 29, the Kouga and Swinburne nature reserves in South Africa welcomed three lions, one lioness and three cubs. This involved a three-day trip from Kiev to Doha and Johannesburg so that the lions could walk on grass for the first time in their lives. All are in good health.
Transporting wild animals back to their natural environment for free at the request of wildlife protection bodies is a promise made by Qatar Airways Cargo as part its “Rewild the Planet” initiative. This is Chapter 2 of the airline’s WeQare sustainability program.
“Repatriating wild animals is a major undertaking, especially over such a great distance. But we were able to count on the Qatar Airways Cargo teams who are 100% behind us and the work we do. They played a critical role. Without them, these seven lions would still be in captivity in atrocious conditions. So thank you on their behalf,” said Lionel De Lange, Founder and Director of WOW.
Transporting wild animals requires close cooperation between the specific services involved within Qatar Airways Cargo and the NGO staff. The NGO staff looks after the animals’ well-being during the entire journey. Handlers from the Qatar Airways Cargo’s Live Animals facility are present at every stage. Naturally, the NGO was authorized to stay with the lions in special holding areas to maintain a constant link with them.
“I have great admiration and respect for Lionel and his staff, for all their efforts to ensure wild animals can return to nature,” commented Guillaume Halleux, Chief Officer Cargo, Qatar Airways Cargo.
These lions have lived in captivity for years. They will never be able to adapt in the wild. They will spend the next few months in a protected area in which they will simply learn to explore nature. They will then be transferred to a much larger nature reserve where they will be protected and taken care of for the rest of their lives.
“This is something for us all to be proud of. Whether it’s our staff who fully support our wish to give back to communities, or those who have contributed their expertise and enthusiasm, we are extremely proud to be able to do our bit towards a fairer future,” Halleux added.
Qatar Airways Cargo has pledged to continue this programmer so that transport costs of logistics will never prevent NGOs from Rewilding the Planet.
MEMPHIS: As India and its healthcare systems face a surge in COVID-19 infections across the country, FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) and the world’s largest express transportation company, is working with organizations around the world to deliver critical medical supplies and equipment during this crisis.
FedEx is currently supporting the transportation of more than 25,000 oxygen concentrators and converters through an initiative with the U.S.-India Strategic Partnership Forum and other multinational companies. An initial shipment of 1,000 critical oxygen concentrators was delivered by FedEx to New Delhi on April 30 as part of this collective.
On May 8, FedEx donated a FedEx Boeing 777F charter flight to move more than 3,400 oxygen concentrators, converters and nearly 265,000 KN95 masks for Direct Relief from Newark, New Jersey to Mumbai, India. The supplies will ultimately be delivered to healthcare facilities in Mumbai. In addition, FedEx is working with customers and non-profit organizations to deliver hundreds of tonnes of medical supplies and aid into India in the days and weeks ahead.
FedEx also is a founding member of the Global Task Force on Pandemic Response, a public-private partnership organized by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and supported by the Business Roundtable to provide a unified platform for businesses to mobilize and deliver resources to assist COVID-19 efforts in areas of the highest need around the world. FedEx President and COO Raj Subramaniam is one of 17 business leaders serving on the steering committee for the task force.
“The devastating humanitarian crisis in India requires relief from around the world, and it is our mission to deliver critical aid needed to help alleviate suffering,” Subramaniam said. “We have been on the frontlines delivering relief since the start of the pandemic, and are responding to the urgent situation in India now. FedEx will continue to deliver lifesaving medicine, personal protective equipment, and other critical supplies until this pandemic is over.”
FedEx has moved more than 10,000 COVID-19 humanitarian aid shipments since January 2020. The company has also committed $4 million in cash and in-kind transportation support to help nonprofits including Direct Relief and International Medical Corps distribute COVID-19 vaccines to under-resourced communities around the world.
FedEx has a long history of moving critical items across the globe. Since the start of the pandemic, FedEx Express has shipped more than 80 kilotons of personal protective equipment, including more than 2.2 billion masks worldwide. An integral part of the global vaccine supply chain, FedEx is currently delivering COVID-19 vaccines, related ingredients, and supplies to more than 25 countries around the world.
“Direct Relief is thankful beyond words for FedEx enabling scaled-up assistance that’s critically needed by people in India, where growing COVID-19 cases present such severe threats to their health,” said Thomas Tighe, Direct Relief President and CEO. “As it has on so many other occasions, FedEx devoting its unique logistics capacity and the skills and energies of its global team is a perfect example of the type of leadership and commitment that is needed now to combat this historic pandemic and the risks to people everywhere.”
DUBAI: The three-day 20th edition of the Airport Show concluded in Dubai on 26 May 2021 with key decision-makers from major airports in the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia (MENASA) agreeing to push for unique solutions and new technologies to revive the global aviation industry.
They met with reputable exhibitors at the first international event of this nature since the outbreak of COVID-19 and bid goodbye with a renewed sense of optimism and positivity about regaining the lost tempo of growth and expansion.
The landmark edition of the show took place in the hybrid format—physical and digital—where a variety of solutions with strong focus on contactless technologies, Artificial Intelligence, biometrics, electronic bag tags and offsite processing were discussed and presented. New technologies and clean mobility solutions ensuring hygiene and safety of passengers were also showcased prominently.
The Airport Show reflected the resilience of the important players in the Middle East aviation sector who also demonstrated willingness to adapt to the changing travel pattern and adopt new technologies to come up to the passengers’ expectations in the post-COVID-19 world.
The overwhelming response to the reflected the observation of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group.
“The aviation industry has a history of successfully bouncing back from crises and the COVID-19 pandemic is no different. The setback is temporary and it will again be on the tracks of transformation. As in the past, Dubai will in the future continue to lead in the industry’s resurgence through collaborations and cooperation,” said Sheikh Ahmed.
Daniyal Qureshi, Group Exhibition Director at Reed Exhibitions Middle East, which organized the trend-setting trade show, said exhibitors had significant meetings with representatives of various organizations from the UAE, other GCC countries as well as from the Middle East region, noting, it was quite encouraging to see people’s zeal to return to normalcy as soon as possible and use the current period to get ready to meet the demand as the situation improves.
“It was challenging to organize the show at such a critical juncture when the aviation industry has just started to show signs of recovery. But several national and international companies as well as regional buyers showed confidence and came in significantly big number considering the travel restrictions around the globe,” said Qureshi.
Supported by Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP), dnata, Dubai Air Navigation Services (dans), Dubai Police and GAL ANS and sponsored by emaratech, Ground Handling Logistics (GHL), Indra, Honeywell, Hog Technologies and Saab, the three-day exhibition at the Dubai World Trade Centre’s (DWTC) Halls 7 and 8 witnessed the participation of more than 95 exhibitors from 21 countries, 100-plus Hosted Buyers from over 20 countries and 36 exhibitors at five country pavilions by Switzerland, Germany, Italy, France and the UK.
“Everyone who came to the show was outstandingly happy to meet each other again. There were a lot of important conversations during the face-to-face meetings. Business-wise too it was quite encouraging. The exhibitors got good business leads that may soon turn into agreements,” said Qureshi.
Rocco Marcuccio, Managing Advisor of Air Tech Italy (ATI), the leading Trade Association representing Italian companies specialised in supplying products, technologies and services for airports and air-traffic control, said the participating companies were overwhelmed by the response received from regional aviation players during the show, which reflects the region’s eagerness to improve the situation.
“It is quite an interesting time for the aviation sector. The global situation is improving slowly but Middle Eastern countries are showing eagerness to get ready for the future. The show was successful as it brought international players to Dubai who wanted to create synergy with the local and regional players,” he added.
GENEVA/MADRID: The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced a Destination Tracker in preparation for the restart of international travel.
It is the result of both organizations joining efforts to boost confidence and accelerate recovery of the tourism sector when borders reopen. The UNWTO-IATA Destination Tracker is a new free online tool for governments to provide information on COVID-19 requirements for travel and the measures in place at the destination.
The tool is available through the websites of both organizations and will provide information on:
COVID-19 Indicators including infection rates, positivity rates, and vaccination roll out by destination/country.
Air Travel Regulations, including test and quarantine requirements, provided by IATA’s Timatic solution.
Destination Measures, including general health and safety requirements such as use of masks, transit through a country, curfew, or regulations related to restaurants and attractions, provided by national tourism organizations.
The Destination Tracker will fulfil a key need by providing clarity on COVID-19 measures affecting tourism. The situation for travelers is complex with UNWTO data showing that one in three destinations remains closed to tourists. Moreover, restrictions and in-country measures are continuously being revised.
Governments can use the Destination Tracker to post COVID-19 travel information so that potential travelers will know what to expect at their destination. When fully populated with updated destination information, travel stakeholders including Destination Management Organizations (DMOs) and travel agencies, will be able to obtain the latest destination information, enabling travelers to make informed decisions when borders reopen and travel resumes. –
The development of the Tracker framework is completed. Up-to-date information on COVID-19 indicators and air travel regulations is available and systematically updated. Destination information is being progressively uploaded, expanded and updated with official sources as the COVID-19 situation evolves.
UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili says: “UNWTO is pleased to reinforce its partnership with IATA, a UNWTO Affiliate Member, to provide this important tool. Travelers and companies will be able to check requirements in place for air travel, as well as what measures will be in place at the visited destination. We trust this tool is also critical for governments to track existing travel restrictions and support the safe restart of our sector.”
“It has been more than a year since the freedom to travel was lost as COVID-19 measures saw borders close. When governments have the confidence to re-open borders people will be eager to travel. And they will need accurate information to guide them. With the support of national tourism organizations, the UNWTO-IATA Destination Tracker will help travelers and travel companies obtain the latest information for travel planning,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director-General.
The UNWTO-IATA Destination Tracker builds on the existing partnership between the two parties. In October 2020, UNWTO and IATA signed a Memorandum of Understanding to work together to restore confidence in international air travel.
The agreement will also see the two agencies partner to foster innovation to drive the restart of tourism, promote greater public-private collaboration in the field of aviation and the tourism sector in general, and advance progress already made towards achieving greater sustainability and resilience.
NORWAY: Europe’s best low-cost airline, Norwegian Air, is raising 6 billion crowns (about $711 million) to reconstruct its operations following the devastating impact of the COVID pandemic to the global travel industry.
“The capital raise has been revised to between 4.5 and 6 billion kroner, this is due to several factors. We want to take a conservative approach at a time when the pandemic and travel restrictions continue to create unpredictability in the travel sector. Therefore, we must take this uncertainty into account in our forward planning strategy. At the same time, we have also taken into consideration feedback from investors, as well as dialogue with our board,” said Jacob Schram, CEO of Norwegian.
“The new Norwegian, with a simplified organizational structure and operating model, will be a significantly more competitive company than before. This will not only be the case when compared to how we were before the pandemic struck, but also in view of the competitive environment we envisage across the aviation industry in the future,” Schram continued.
The fresh capital will enable the airline to reduce its debt and to cancel aircraft orders worth NOK 85 billion.
Norwegian CFO Geir Karlsen thanked investors for their support for the restructuring and capital raising move of the airline, saying, “The debt will be reduced by between NOK 62 and 65 billion compared to the end of 2019, and we have cancelled aircraft orders worth NOK 85 billion. Total debt will therefore be between NOK 16 and 20 billion, of which NOK 6-7 billion is related to our aircraft fleet.”
Norwegian’s passenger traffic figures remain weak with March 2021 indicating only 71,399 travelers served, down by 94% compared to March 2020.
DUBAI: dnata, one of the world’s largest air and travel services providers, has enhanced its global leadership team, announcing key senior management appointments. The new set-up will help the company decisively adapt to changing global trends, drive synergies and efficiencies across its operations, and continue to deliver excellent services and value to customers.
John Bevan has been appointed Divisional Senior Vice President for Travel and will oversee all aspects of dnata’s travel business, managing a portfolio of over 30 reputable B2B and consumer brands across more than 20 countries. John has been with dnata for over three years, most recently leading dnata Travel Europe as Chief Executive Officer. Before joining dnata he held a number of senior positions within the travel industry in the United Kingdom and United States. John’s appointment is effective 1 June 2021.
Stewart Angus has been appointed Divisional Senior Vice President for Airport Operations. Stewart has been managing dnata’s international ground handling and cargo business since 2004. In his new role, he will also lead the company’s extensive airport operations at the two Dubai airports in the United Arab Emirates, ensuring world-class quality and safety for airline customers in a total of 14 countries.
Robin Padgett, who has been leading dnata’s global catering operations for seven years, will also expand his responsibilities and become Divisional Senior Vice President for Catering and Retail. The expansion of Robin’s role is in line with the company’s strategy to promote buy on board and further diversity of its catering operations. Robin will manage a team of dedicated culinary and retail professionals delivering superior, innovative products and services to customers across various industries in 12 countries.
All of dnata’s three Divisional Senior Vice Presidents will report to Steve Allen, Executive Vice President.
Steve Allen said: “I’m pleased to announce enhancements to our global leadership team. The appointment of John to the management team and the expansion of our experienced leaders’ roles will help us emerge from the current, challenging environment as a fitter, leaner business that consistently provides service excellence to customers across the globe. With our highly-trained, customer-oriented team we will continue to work hard and enhance our operations to be the world’s most admired air and travel services provider.”
A trusted partner of over 300 airline customers, dnata provides quality and safe ground handling, cargo, catering and travel services in 35 countries. In the financial year 2019-20 dnata’s customer-oriented teams handled 681,000 aircraft, moved 2.9 million tons of cargo, uplifted more than 93 million meals and recorded a total transaction value (TTV) of travel services of US$ 3.0 billion.
GENEVA & LONDON: Women in Aviation and Logistics, an inclusive initiative pushing for gender equality in the industry, has launched an open challenge to event organisers in air cargo and logistics to help redress gender balance on speaker line ups and delegate attendance at conferences globally.
The call is for organisers – private businesses, media companies and international organisations – to invite more women subject-matter experts to speak at their events, and encourage more female delegates to attend, starting this year and setting annual targets for improvement.
“We are pulling together a database of women who are experts in their field and we invite event organisers to make use of this unique resource as a solid starting point to begin making a change,” said Celine Hourcade, Founder and Managing Director, Change Horizon.
“We are also asking for targets to be set and for organisers to report back on numbers so that we can chart progress and celebrate success.”
“We are result-oriented and we are offering a concrete solution with the database and calling for more tangible actions: we see the open challenge as a natural next step to positively embrace change, making a great impact in just five easy steps.”
Organisers answering the call to action will be asked to make a public commitment and report back on numbers of both female speakers and delegates in order to build reliable data on which to base further targets and measure development.
“Although some organisers have undoubtedly been making progress, we estimate that on average only around 18% of speakers are women at the moment, with more than one event organised recently having not a single female voice on any of the panels,” said Emma Murray, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Meantime Communications.
“We need to change that quickly, not only because we are missing out on valuable insight, but also because we must have visible role models to encourage the next generation of talent to join a vibrant and inclusive industry.”
Over 70 supporters joined the first Women in Aviation and Logistics Seminar last week, hearing from keynote speaker Henrik Kofod-Hansen, Co-Founder of Novosensus, that while only 13% of senior leaders are female, research shows they make better leaders when scored across a variety of categories.
Delegates agreed that the lack of gender equality within the aviation and logistics sectors is very visible at events, in the media and in senior leadership representation, especially at Board Room level.
“With no conscious decision to address the issue, it will not resolve by itself, so it is time to do something about it and join forces to reach gender equality by 2030 as part of the overall sustainable transformation of our industry,” said Hourcade.
A survey of Women in Aviation and Logistics supporters ranked collecting and sharing transparent data about gender diversity as a top priority and today’s initiative will be a start for this next action point.
“Gender equality is everybody’s responsibility: from individuals, to companies and trade associations,” said Murray.
“This is not, and should not be, a women-only issue, responsibility, or discussion.
“This is an inclusive movement, and we do, and will, proactively invite men to join us and help to push the agenda.”
Since launching the Women in Aviation and Logistics Pledge and database last week, 52 people have signed up including 13 on behalf of their organisation, and already 28 women have submitted their profile, listing their subject matter expertise. 93% have indicated they are open to Board positions as well.
The database will be live over the coming weeks, but in the meantime, the information is available on request to event organisers who have accepted the challenge.
To find out more and take part in any of the initiatives contact reachout@changehorizon.ch or visit Women in Aviation Logistics.
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