IAG Cargo, the cargo division of International Airlines Group (IAG) is strengthening its commercial leadership team with the appointment of a new head of sales.
The internal promotion sees Darren Peek appointed to the newly created role of head of sales from his prior role as regional commercial manager for Europe & Africa. Peek has held many senior roles with IAG Cargo and British Airways and has over 25 years’ experience in the industry. His extensive knowledge will be paramount in leading IAG Cargo’s global sales team helping the business to achieve further success worldwide.
John Cheetham, chief commercial officer at IAG Cargo said: “Darren has made a positive contribution during his time at IAG Cargo. Boosting our team with the right caliber of people during this time will ensure that we maximize opportunities to deliver for our customers. As the trading environment develops at pace, we must remain creative and focused on customer solutions. Darren has demonstrated these attributes throughout his career. I am confident that his expertise will continue to drive IAG Cargo further through this challenging period and beyond.”
Peek said: “I’m delighted to be stepping up to this role at IAG Cargo at such a pivotal stage in the business’s development, as we restart many routes that were paused due to the pandemic and service customers in new markets, there continues to be significant opportunities for business growth. I’m looking forward to being instrumental in the next phase of IAG Cargo’s journey.”
The WACO System (WACO) has appointed Moscow-headquartered AAA-A2 Cargo as its new member for Russia.
Founded in 1994, AAA-A2 Cargo offers a full suite of forwarding and Customs’ brokerage services and has a focus on time and temperature-sensitive shipments.
“Joining WACO has been long-awaited, and we are happy to be accepted to represent the network in Russia,” commented Marat Barkovski, founder of AAA-A2 Cargo.
“We are looking to build better solutions for our existing customers based on services from WACO members, and we expect to be a good support to other members in Russia.
“Our focus market is time and temperature-sensitive cargo and we are well equipped and knowledgeable for the carriage of clinical trials and pharmaceutical goods in pre-set temperature conditions.”
Richard Charles, chief executive officer at WACO added: “To have a member that can effectively and efficiently handle freight forwarding across Russia is a great benefit to the WACO community. AAA-A2 Cargo has years of experience in the region, bringing local knowledge and expertise to our network.
Vytautas Ledakas is the newly appointed CEO of BAA Training China – a modern aviation training center planned to be equipped with six full-flight simulators (FFS) and part of a Joint Venture (JV) established in 2019 by Avia Solutions Group PLC (ASG), a global multi-service aviation holding and Henan Civil Aviation Development and Investment Company (HNCA). His appointment will entail the management and development of the center‘s pilot training operations.
“I am pleased to announce that Mr. Vytautas Ledakas has been appointed as the new CEO of BAA Training China. His management experience from different industries and especially from BAA Training, including his proven leadership skills, strong commercial consumer orientation and valuable track record in training processes and business management will greatly benefit BAA Training China as the company enters into the phase of training operations and sales. Together with Henan Civil Aviation Development and Investment Company (HNCA), Mr. Vytautas Ledakas will drive the implementation of the franchise business model and business operations to the benefit of our customers, shareholders and employees,” said Mr. Gediminas Ziemelis, Chairman of The Board of Avia Solutions Group.
The brand new training center is designed to provide a training capacity of 40,000 flight hours per year and train approximately 4,000 pilots. After the initial impact of the pandemic, the situation in China‘s aviation industry is becoming more and more optimistic as domestic markets in the region are gradually returning to full capacity, this coupled together with an increase in the number of aircraft deliveries. These signs reflect that the need for pilot training will remain strong for upcoming years.
The newly appointed CEO Mr. Vytautas Ledakas, will seek to accomplish the ambitious goals and KPI’s of BAA Training China. This will include the management and development of the Joint Venture Company, the implementation of the franchise business model into the daily operations of the center, and establishing management and finance policies, purchase and sales procedures and plans to build a new business network globally. Another essential objective will be the strengthening of the partnership with the business‘co-owner the Henan Civil Aviation Development & Investment Company, to ensure smooth and long-term cooperation and business development.
The new CEO of BAA Training China commenced his duties from the 1st of October, 2020.
Mr. Vytautas Ledakas has over 20 years of experience in various industries such as the financial sector as well as business management education and for the last 5 years was the acting Type Rating Training Organization Director at BAA Training HQ, where he led significant organizational transformations, training product development and successfully managed global training partnership development projects.
“My professional role and duty is to support our partner HNCA – BAA Training franchise holder – with all the necessary know-how to utilize every opportunity, to implement all the business processes and training procedures to prepare professional pilots ready to enter the market. I am eager to work on synergies with local government, authorities, airlines and partners in order to ensure a smooth start of operations and future business growth. The strong presence of the BAA Training brand will definitely make a positive impact in the Chinese aviation training sector.“ – said Mr. Vytautas Ledakas.
Cargo handler dnata has started using Hermes Logistics Technologies (HLT)’s cargo management system Hermes 5 (H5) at six airports across Australia.
As well as cargo management, the software provides business intelligence, machine learning, track and trace, and self-serve capabilities.
Yuval Baruch, chief executive, HLT said: “All of dnata’s cargo management systems at the six airports have been migrated into a single Hermes Digital Ecosystem, streamlining their services and unlocking opportunities for machine learning algorithms to provide insights on efficiencies, costs and new services as part of HLT’s NG Business Intelligence.”
Hermes said that data gathered through the system can produce predictive models helping dnata to refine their cargo handling offering.
“The Hermes v5 technology will allow for improved oversight and service excellence, elevate data sharing with all our stakeholders in the air cargo eco-system, and provide enhanced transparency across the cargo handling process,” said Terence Yong, regional cargo development director, Asia Pacific, dnata.
Cebu Pacific (CEB), has chosen the global leader in ULD (unit load device) management, Jettainer, to manage and maintain its fleet of ULDs beginning October this year. In addition to a growing number of international destinations in Asia, Australia, and the Middle East, CEB also operates the widest domestic network in the Philippines out of its seven strategically placed hubs. This long-term partnership will provide the airline with a highly efficient steering method and a ULD fleet tailored to its specific needs, ultimately benefitting its cargo business.
With this deal, Jettainer will be purchasing the airline’s existing ULD fleet consisting of around 2,700 assets. As industry experts and innovation leaders, Jettainer’s inhouse IT, accompanied by the evaluation of Big Data and artificial intelligence solutions, will ensure the optimal balancing of the ULDs at the required locations.
With its strong focus on process optimization, Jettainer will enable CEB to significantly reduce its ULD fleet requirement. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, CEB has been working on accelerating its transformation towards operating more efficiently while managing costs through efforts such as, digitalization and optimization of operational processes, combined with leveraging supply chain solutions that deliver best-in-class outcomes.
“As we continue working towards being a world-class airline, we are always on the lookout for growth opportunities. Extensive discussions around the possibility of outsourcing our ULD asset management have been conducted, and Jettainer’s total package, incorporating innovation, transparency, and absolute reliability, convinced us to entrust our business to them. We believe this move will allow us to reallocate resources and capital, which can be prioritized to support our path towards recovery,” says Michael Ivan Shau, chief operations officer at Cebu Pacific.
“Contracting Jettainer also contributes to our ongoing right-sizing exercise as their advanced technology and assets provide us with much-needed flexibility to carry out our growth strategy,” adds Shau.
Thomas Sonntag, managing director of Jettainer says: “We are very pleased to welcome the Philippines’ leading carrier to our customer base. We thank Cebu Pacific for giving us the opportunity to demonstrate the superior value of our ULD management service, along with the seamless onboarding process which can be implemented conveniently even during these unusually challenging times. To show full support to our new partner the Jettainer way, and to pursue our growth strategy in Asia, setting up a dedicated team in Manila is in the pipeline.
Cebu Pacific currently operates one of the most modern fleets in the world, with an average age of five years. The carrier is committed to transition to a fully containerized fleet of Airbus jets, comprised of A320neo, A321neo, and A330 family. Additionally, CEB Cargo revolutionized the Philippine air freight market as it introduced its converted ATR72-500 freighter in 2018, making it the first passenger airline in the country with dedicated cargo aircraft. Its second ATR freighter is expected to enter the fleet by end of this year.
Tradeling, a fast-growing emarketplace focused on business-to-business transactions in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, has struck new deal designed to introduce effective and cost-competitive freight booking and management.
Tradeling has launched Tradeling Smart Freight, augmenting B2B e-commerce with real-time freight procurement via Freightos.com, the world’s largest digital freight marketplace.
With Tradeling Smart Freight, powered by Freightos.com’s Freight-as-a-Service, businesses can benefit from online, real-time access to compare, book and manage their air, ocean and land freight services whether they are active on the Tradeling platform or not.
Dr Mohammed Al Zarooni, Director General of Dubai Airport Freezone Authority, said: “Tradeling continues to strengthen Dubai’s position as a global trade hub while driving more value for MENA businesses. SMEs, which are one of the main pillars of our economy, will stand to benefit from Tradeling’s partnership with Freightos.
“It means more small-to-medium-sized enterprises can access goods and services in other parts of the world to better serve their customers. I applaud Tradeling’s constant drive to add value and highlight the strength of the UAE’s position as a leader in trade and commerce.”
Through this collaboration, businesses can conduct seamless trade with traders and enterprises in China. Tradeling Smart Freight gives customers the power to easily compare live freight quotes, book, manage and track the shipment, and then communicate with the vendor in one integrated platform. They will also be able to purchase cargo insurance as an optional extra and opt for customs clearance and door-to-door delivery.
Three fundamental challenges faced in logistics are resolved with the new Tradeling Smart Freight service: concerns in searching and selecting the right shipping method; obtaining freight rates on time; and not knowing where the shipments are and when they are to arrive.
Muhammad Chbib, CEO, Tradeling, said, “Through our partnership with Freightos.com we have created an online freight booking ecosystem within our digital platform. It is a powerful example of how we are transforming B2B e-commerce in the region. No company in the region has marked such a strong digital integration of cargo as we now do. This brings an innovative, business-critical digital transformation as logistics is at the heart of trading.
“We are providing any business, not just customers or suppliers registered on Tradeling but anyone who requires logistics services, the opportunity to move into the digital realm. Tradeling Smart Freight will add more value to the business community and invigorate the trade dynamics in the region. Businesses only have to register on Tradeling for the new service, and instantly access the freight providers and complete their booking online.”
MAN Truck & Bus has launched a new telematics solution for customers in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region which claims to be able to reduce fuel costs by up to 15%.
EcoStyle provides truck operators with key operational information, allowing them to monitor fuel consumption and driver performance among other KPIs.
“Over the years, MAN vehicles have become reference for reliability and efficiency,” said Joerg Mommertz, senior VP, head of sales area Middle East, Africa & Latin America, MAN Truck & Bus.
“However, our customers are constantly looking at ways to achieve greater operational efficiency with the aim to increase their earnings. With the MAN EcoStyle, we are confident that customers will get to gain more from their vehicles.”
MAN Truck & Bus has partnered with Microlise, a UK-based company that has developed and tested this solution suite. EcoStyle lets customers track their vehicles in real-time.
This has been enabled by integrating with Google Maps. Customers can get detailed information about each vehicle in their fleet and get street level view.
Noel Macaron, head of truck sales, sales area MEA&LA, MAN Truck & Bus, said, “The attractive proposition is that MAN EcoStyle can be purchased for new man vehicles or even retro-fitted to existing ones. This telematics solution can help customers gain significant advantage in their business.”
Through monitoring, debrief and regular coaching in good driving practice, customers can realize savings of between 5 and 15 percent in fuel costs within their fleet, MAN said.
Information such as harsh cornering, speeding and harsh braking can be monitored, giving customers the data that they can use to coach their drivers in best practice. In addition, improved utilization can help to improve fuel efficiency still further.
Kuehne+Nagel Australia is providing streetwear brand Afends seamless CO2 neutralization services for their full container load shipments. According to the Australian National University, transport is the second-largest source of carbon emissions in Australia after electricity production.
With its Net Zero Carbon program, Kuehne+Nagel provides environmentally friendly and sustainable supply chain solutions, enabling like-minded customers such as Afends to fully neutralize the CO2 emissions of their supply chains.
Dane Ward, head of sales and digital at Afends, said, “Afends is committed to being environmentally and socio-economically sustainable in all facets of our company. We look forward to partnerships with suppliers that share a common vision of sustainability and creating a positive change. For this reason, we are excited to be a part of Kuehne+Nagel’s Net Zero Carbon program to measure, reduce and offset our carbon emissions.”
To support these efforts and beyond, Kuehne+Nagel Australia will provide Afends a solution for complete CO2 neutralization of their supply chain including sustainable service offerings for full-container load shipments, transparent carbon emissions reports, CO2 route planning and offsetting of remaining emissions via certified carbon credits from investments in nature-based projects.
“A partnership with Afends in conjunction with our Net Zero Carbon program is another step in the right direction, displaying a dedication to a sustainable future. We look forward to a long relationship that not only delivers mutual benefits but for the environment also,” added Bjoern Johansson, managing director, Kuehne+Nagel Australia.
Transport logistic 2021 will be held from May 4 – 7, where the logistics world will meet in Munich to establish, maintain and expand contacts. Messe Munchen is in intensive preparations with the authorities, exhibitors and service providers to ensure that the trade fair is held in accordance with all regulations. It will be the first major industry meeting in Germany since the outbreak of the global corona pandemic.
Last year, Messe Munchen acquired air cargo Africa, air cargo India and air cargo Forum Miami, three successful events which enrich the global transport logistics cluster. Due to the current pandemic, most of this year’s trade fairs and congresses had to be cancelled or converted into digital formats. This also affected the events of the transport logistic cluster of Messe Munchen. Meanwhile, planning for the 2021 trade fair year is in full swing. As of now, 80 percent of exhibitors have already registered for transport logistic 2021.
“We are closely monitoring the current developments regarding Covid-19. The health of our visitors, exhibitors and employees is our highest priority at Messe Munchen. Since the outbreak of the coronavirus, we have therefore increased the necessary security measures and are constantly updating them in line with the current situation. Due to these good preparations, we expect the global logistics industry with all participants from industry, trade and services to attend transport logistic in Munich in May 2021,” said Stefan Rummel, managing director of Messe Munchen.
“This year, logistics has once again underlined its importance for supplying the economy and the population. However, local presence and personal contact are still important. Over the years, transport logistic has developed into an important institution for establishing business relations between international companies,” said Axel Plaß, president of the German Freight Forwarding and Logistics Association (DSLV) and member of the advisory board of Messe Munchen.
Bollore Logistics and Transport Intelligence recently joined forces to administer a global survey with 422 professionals (shippers, service providers and financial institutions) shedding light on the impacts of the Covid-19 crisis on the supply chain and future structural changes in the medium term.
Administered in July and August 2020, the survey confirms that for 72 percent of respondents the Covid-19 crisis will shape the global supply chain on a lasting basis. Thirty-one percent said that the remoteness of supply areas and their concentration in a limited number of countries could be reconsidered. However, 61 percent of respondents believe that the crisis will not call into question globalization as a business model.
The survey also reveals that the pandemic has heightened trends have emerged in recent years. These include the importance of real-time visibility of goods flows for increased responsiveness to unforeseen incidents (76 percent), the introduction of greater supply and flow-planning flexibility (64 percent), and sustainable development as a key performance criterion in logistics solutions (67 percent).
“To control risks as part of the new situation created by the global pandemic, we are harnessing our capacity for resilience to foster the competitiveness of our customers internationally and to ensure supply-chain continuity. We are supporting our import and export customers in the recovery of their businesses by focusing on three objectives: the robustness of our transport plans, secured by alternative solutions; agility, with strong local expertise and empowered teams; and sustainability, by proposing eco-responsible solutions,” said Thierry Ehrenbogen, CEO of Bollore Logistics.
The survey results also highlight the positioning of Bollore Logistics, which more than ever is asserting its “People Powered Innovation” brand positioning by investing over the long term in the company’s digital transformation while placing people at the center of its development strategy.
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