Brussels Airport will invest €70m to further modernize its cargo zone over the next three years in order to meet the growing demand for storage and handling space.
By the beginning of 2025, three new modern and sustainable buildings, including parking areas, will be opened in the heart of the Brussels Airport cargo zone, called Brucargo Central.
The development of the 83,500 sq m area will enable the airport to welcome new partners and offer the new and current partners warehouses and offices that are larger, more efficient, more modern and more sustainable. The improvements will also improve and secure traffic streams and mobility to optimize operations.
The demolition of eight obsolete buildings will start in the week beginning May 30 and construction works are scheduled to start at the end of 2023.
Arnaud Feist, chief executive of Brussels Airport Company, said, “We want to further strengthen our position as a global cargo hub and develop the cargo area in a sustainable way in order to offer our logistics partners the most efficient infrastructure and operational processes.”
In 2021, 843,000 tons of cargo transited through Brussels Airport, up 30% compared to 2020. During the pandemic, the airport has invested to support the pharma and e-commerce industries.
INFORM GmbH, a leading global provider of advanced optimization solutions for airports, airlines and ground handlers, is rolling out its GroundStar software solutions for Singapore Airport Terminal Services (SATS), Asia’s leading provider of food and gateway services, and the chief ground-handling and in-flight catering service provider at Singapore Changi Airport. The system will be applied in Singapore Changi Airport and be used in the planning, rostering and real-time management of SATS’ 4,000 staff members. The successful implementation has taken place remotely in five pilot departments in parallel.
Among the solutions being implemented are the planning and rostering solutions, GroundStar (GS) Planning and GS WorkforcePlus; the real-time allocation solution, GS RealTime including Daily Flight Information Processing and its mobility solution, for processing IATA messages and staff communication to mobile devices, respectively; as well as the business intelligence solution, GS BIS. The GroundStar suite was selected to replace SATS’ existing legacy system.
According to INFORM Aviation senior vice president Uschi Schulte-Sasse: “SATS is well-recognized as a progressive, forward-thinking industry player that is always looking for new ways to improve its operations and quality of service. By applying the GroundStar solutions, SATS will achieve optimum resource management and planning capabilities that facilitate its greater operational agility, workforce management and overall performance.”
The software project is being rolled-out in the different business units in phases. The pilot phase of the project focused on SATS’ baggage, loading including ground support equipment operations, load control, flight ops and cabin cleaning processes and successfully went live in mid-November 2021. According to INFORM Project Manager Oliver Tiedt, the Daily Flight Information Processing, the GS Planning and GS WorkforcePlus, GS RealTime and GS BIS applications have been implemented. Roll-outs in the passenger, security and catering areas were successfully completed. Due to COVID-19 restrictions and to ensure worker safety, all implementation activities have been performed remotely.
Vincent Chan, senior vice president, passenger services at SATS, praised the full remote implementation of the software solution during the pandemic: “We are pleased with the high level of technical support INFORM provided and its facilitation of this project implemented under special circumstances. This was effectively accomplished involving five pilot departments in parallel rather than the usual one pilot department only approach. Thanks to the successful GroundStar implementation, SATS is well-prepared for the ramp-up period and the future, overall.”
INFORM’s GroundStar suite is the culmination of 30 years of aviation experience applying advanced technologies including Artificial Intelligence, Operations Research and Machine Learning to support optimized operations for airlines, airports, and ground handling companies worldwide. The fully-integrated software delivers increased productivity, improved performance, enhanced communications, and informed decision making, while reducing operational costs.
CargoAi is partnering with North American airfreight trucking firm Air Cargo Inc (ACI) to expand their services to their respective customers.
The partnership will provide ACI’s customers with access to CargoAi’s freight forwarding booking solution, while the portal’s user will be able to access ACI’s transport services.
“The CargoAi platform will allow existing and ACI’s customers to access air and ground services and get up-to-date and accurate information on their shipments through a single platform,” the companies said.
“This collaboration is designed to grow both companies’ ability to deliver to their customers the most innovative and advanced way of managing their shipments through CargoAi’ freight forwarding solution,” they added.
CargoAi chief executive Matthieu Petot explained, “We are delighted to announce this partnership and continue in our commitment to make real-time visibility and industry standard. We are certain that this partnership will help to provide a better level of customer experience for Air Cargo Inc and CargoAi customers.”
Awery Aviation Software (Awery) is now able to deliver its CargoBooking and eMagic software platforms to IBS Software’s (IBS) iCargo customers following a new partnership agreement.
The move is part of Awery’s ongoing strategy to drive digitization across the sector with increased collaboration between all air cargo stakeholders.
“IBS shares Awery’s vision of open access to our products to encourage cooperation that will lead to a truly lasting transformation in the air freight industry, which will benefit all stakeholders,” said Tristan Koch, Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), Awery.
“IBS iCargo customers will now be able to use Awery’s CargoBooking and eMagic solutions and this is to the advantage of all interested parties.”
CargoBooking is an online booking portal that allows airlines and their GSAs to provide freight forwarders with real-time air cargo rate distribution and bookings between hundreds of airlines and forwarders.
eMagic can read different types of content including email, text, and image, converting them into instant air cargo quotes using standard data formats such as JSON and IATA ONE Record.
The information is carried through to bookings, payments, and track and trace services, enabling CargoBooking to provide an end-to-end fulfilment solution.
IBS iCargo platform is used by 30+ airlines including American Airlines, Etihad Cargo, IAG Cargo, and Korean Air.
IBS iCargo supports end-to-end business functions such as cargo reservations, rating, manifesting, import & export operations, warehouse management, revenue accounting, air mail handling and revenue management of cargo carrying airlines and ground handlers.
E-commerce logistics company MyFBAPrep has become the preferred Fulfilment by Amazon (FBA) service partner for Seko Logistics.
The deal will include co-branded products and expands SEKO’s offering to include FBA fulfilment services.
This partnership gives MyFBAPrep’s client roster of Amazon aggregators access to SEKO`s global fulfilment warehouses and an additional 4m sq ft of new warehouse space globally.
Seko launched an e-commerce business unit in January.
In addition to adding to their US footprint, SEKO brings a network that reaches into Europe, Canada and the Asia Pacific regions. SEKO will help support MyFBAPrep’s cross-border ecommerce expansion into additional markets including Australia, Japan and China.
Each SEKO warehouse is in close proximity to major ports and airports – allowing for a maximum of 24-72 hour delivery windows facilitated via modern facilities run by top talent with expertise in Amazon prep, ecommerce fulfilment and logistics solutions.
David Emerson, senior vice president of e-commerce at SEKO Logistics, said: “We are excited to partner with MyFBAPrep as they are a great fit with our overall e-commerce strategy and further our mission of being small enough to care and big enough to scale globally.
“Through this strategic partnership, we’ll be able to combine our extensive industry insights while leveraging MyFBAPrep’s technology-enabled platform to seamlessly service a new cohort of the largest Amazon aggregators and Amazon sellers that are driving the ecommerce market to record highs. We look forward to expanding our Amazon capabilities with MyFBAPrep.”
Tom Wicky, co-founder and chief executive officer of MyFBAPrep, said: “Amazon private label aggregators have raised over $12 billion in institutional funding and acquired hundreds of Amazon brands in the last year. This partnership with SEKO creates a truly global solution that allows these aggregators to quickly add top-performing warehouse nodes, consolidate their footprint and scale their brands, while reducing supply chain complexity.
“With this new partnership, we’re doubling our global footprint, while still being able to offer our customers the same level of five-star, white-glove service that we’re known for. No one else is doing what we’re doing in the Amazon FBA space and we’re excited to take our business to the next level with SEKO.”
Seko Logistics has launched a new e-commerce business unit as it looks to grow cross-border e-commerce volumes.
Temperature-controlled ULD firm Envirotainer is set to be sold in a deal worth around €2.8bn.
The deal will see private equity firm Cinven and co-investor Novo Holdings sell the air cargo business to another private equity firm, EQT and investment company Mubadala.
International law firm Clifford Chance advised Cinven and Novo Holdings on the deal, which has an enterprise value of approximately €2.8bn.
The sale comes around four years after Cinven purchased the company for an undisclosed sum.
Shortly after Cinven’s purchase, Novo Holdings agreed to acquire a 24.9% equity stake in Envirotainer.
Headquartered in Sweden, Envirotainer is a global provider of temperature-controlled air cargo containers for the global pharmaceutical supply chain.
The last few years have seen a rise in demand for temperature-controlled transportation as a result of the Covid outbreak and the need to transport vaccines.
Envirotainer launched the RAP version of its Releye temperature-controlled container in February.
The first commercial shipment using Envirotainer’s Releye RAP temperature controlled container was handled by Swiss WorldCargo in March.
Clifford Chance originally advised Cinven, alongside law firm Vinge, on its acquisition of Envirotainer in 2018, and has supported Cinven throughout the lifecycle of its investment.
Vinge also advised on the Swedish aspects of the current sale, said Clifford Chance.
Ethiopian Airlines is further expanding its all-Boeing freighter fleet with an order for five Boeing 777 Freighters.
“The addition of these five 777 Freighters into our cargo fleet will enable us to meet the growing demand in our cargo operation. While cementing our partnership with Boeing with new orders, the growth of our freighter fleet takes the capacity and efficiency of our shipment service to the next level,” said Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew.
“We always strive to serve our customers with the latest technology aircraft the aviation industry could offer. Our cargo terminal is Africa’s largest, coupled with fuel-efficient freighters and well-trained cargo handling professionals will enable our customers get the best quality shipment service. Customers can rely on Ethiopian for wide-ranging cargo services across five continents.”
Boeing’s market-leading 777 Freighter is the world’s largest, longest-range and most capable twin-engine freighter flying with 17% lower fuel use and emissions to prior airplanes. Ethiopian Airlines operates a fleet of nine 777 Freighters, utilizing the model’s range of 4,970 nautical miles (9,200 km) and maximum structural payload of 107 tons (235,900 lb) to connect Africa with 66 dedicated cargo centers throughout Asia, Europe, the Middle East and the Americas.
“Ethiopian Airlines’ all-Boeing freighter fleet provides them with unrivalled capability and flexibility as Africa’s largest cargo operator,” said Ihssane Mounir, Boeing’s senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. “These additional 777 Freighters will enable Ethiopian to capitalize on near-term cargo demand, while positioning the airline for further expansion in the future.”
In early March 2022, Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines also announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for the carrier’s intent to purchase five 777-8 Freighters, the industry’s newest, most capable and most fuel-efficient twin-engine freighter. Ethiopian Airlines also operates three 737-800 converted freighters, as well as a combined passenger fleet of more than 80 Boeing jets, including 737s, 767s, 777s and 787s.
IATA and Federal Authorities for Identity, Citizen, Custom and Port Security (ICP) in the UAE have agreed to work together on the deployment of a Pre-Loading Advance Cargo Information (PLACI) System in the UAE.
UAE will be the first country outside of the US and the EU to implement a PLACI regime to create a more secure air cargo supply chain in the country.
The submission of advance cargo information enables ICP to target and assess risks related to cargo shipments prior to the arrival of the shipment to the country of destination. This new layer of security to be applied before loading shipments bound to UAE complies with principles set jointly by the International Civil Aviation Organization and World Customs Organization. The cooperation between IATA and ICP will ensure that industry standards will be integrated in this PLACI regime.
“IATA has a strong relationship with ICP and is proud to assist in the development of the UAE’s pre-loading electronic advance information program. The project will employ IATA messaging standards and existing business processes in one of the few pre-loading electronic advance information programs currently developed worldwide. The endorsement of IATA standards by a national administration is an important step towards harmonizing standards across the industry which is critical for the secure flow of trade. We look forward to a successful implementation, setting an example for other countries,” said Kamil Alawadhi, IATA’s regional vice president for Africa and Middle East.
“The cooperation between IATA and ICP regarding air freight security will contribute to achieving a higher level of security in this vital sector in light of harmonizing national regulations with international standards. This will facilitate the smooth flow of supply chain security and trade through a developed and coordinated approach, which will reinforce UAE’s position as an international center for trade and shipping. It’s worth noting that the ICP UAE is one of the pioneering institutions implementing the initiative which complies with International Civil Aviation Organization and World Customs Organization joint standards” said Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaeeli ICP general director.