CargoJet to add extra B767F aircraft to meet international growth opportunities

CargoJet has confirmed plans to enter the B777 freighter market and add extra B767F aircraft to meet international growth opportunities.

Earlier this month, the lessor and operator raised C$365m through an equity deal. The money will be used to pay off debt and acquire new aircraft.

The company said that two Boeing 777 freighters will arrive in 2023, with the option to add two more in 2024.

The first two of these freighters will be deployed for long-haul Asian routes and emerging South Asian markets “strategically integrated with Cargojet’s domestic network and in addition, they will serve and connect seamlessly with select European and South-Central and North American cities”.

Meanwhile, the first of five Boeing 767 freighters, announced earlier, will begin arriving in 2021 with the first freighter arriving in the third quarter of this year with one additional freighter arriving every quarter thereafter.

Two of these aircraft will be deployed within its domestic network to meet projected e-commerce growth and add stand-by capacity, while the remaining three freighters will be used for international routes to “select strategic destinations to capture emerging growth opportunities beginning fourth quarter 2021”.

“Fast changing global supply chains and e-commerce trends present a unique opportunity for Cargojet to substantially grow its international business from an opportunistic add-on to a long-term, sustainable growth driver,” said Ajay Virmani, president and chief executive.

“Having successfully grown our domestic network with a solid market-share and diversifying into ACMI and Charter Services, building a new growth pillar through international business is a natural next step for us.”

The company added that it expects all of its fleet to have fully completed major regular and heavy maintenance by the end of the third quarter 2021.

“This will enable Cargojet to begin international service to select cities in Europe and South-Central and North America starting fourth quarter, 2021 utilizing its existing fleet and add capacity as new freighters come online,” it said.

In the third quarter of last year, the carrier’s freighter fleet stood at 13 B767-300s, three B767-200s and eight B757-200s.

A look back at ACU’s Q&A with Ram Menen

Twenty years ago, Air Cargo Update took a bold step to enter this niche industry publication. It was a remarkable journey of ups and downs as air cargo and its supply chain swung back and forth to the demands of the day punctuated by today’s unforeseen impact of the Coronavirus pandemic. To mark our historic journey, we’ll bring you some of our best features from the past two decades, the movers and shakers with their insights and decisions that helped shape today’s air cargo industry.

In this edition, let’s look back at our Q&A with Ram Menen, the Indian air cargo expert who helped establish Emirates SkyCargo from the ground up to a global powerhouse in the air cargo industry.

Emirates SKYCARGO aims for greater global market share

Ram Menen, Divisional Senior Vice President of Emirates’ Cargo Division, shares his views on the remarkable growth in air freight business over the decades and how quickly the company has adapted to the needs of an evolving market to stay ahead of the game.

It takes more than just a brand name to flourish in today’s highly competitive global market place. Innovation and proper strategies lead the road to success.

Take Emirates SkyCargo, for instance. Unlike many airlines where cargo is seen as just supplement to commercial aviation business, for Emirates it is a well-run revenue spinner with promises for more growth.

And with an industry heavy-weight like Ram Menen at the helm, Emirates SkyCargo has been quick to adapt to the needs of the market and has differentiated itself from competition. Menen who has been with the company since the airline’s inception in October 1985 is currently the Divisional Senior Vice President of Emirates Cargo Division.

Described by his colleagues and friends as dynamic and open hearted, he is a man of many abilities. A face easily recognizable in the local media, thanks to his outgoing nature and capacity to grow beyond his professional duties, Menen is a public man and calls interpersonal skills his forte.

However, taking Emirates SkyCargo to where it is today has not been easy according to Menen who worked so hard to lead the company to greater heights with his deft management and interpersonal skills. And this is indeed proven by the company’s impressive growth figures.

This year, Emirates Group, mainly comprising Emirates Airline, Emirates SkyCargo and Dnata along with subsidiaries, announced a net profit of AED 5.9 billion (US$ 1.6 billion) – a 43 percent increase on last financial year’s figures, despite a challenging business climate.

Cargo revenue contributed 17.4 percent to the airline’s total transport, up by an impressive 27.6 percent compared to last year to a record AED 8.8 billion ($US2.4 billion). Cargo tonnage increased by 11.8 percent over the previous year to 1,767 thousand tons.

Keeping pace with evolution

The old saying ‘evolve or face extinction’ has never been truer.

Menen reminisced witnessing a complete transformation in the way the industry functions since his kick-off days. He believes that the revolutionary changes in the cargo industry began in the 1980s.

Since then, globalization, outsourcing and information technology have enabled many organizations to successfully operate solid collaborative supply networks. “The change really started in people’s mind set. They now have a better understanding of what the industry is all about. Earlier airlines and freight forwarders were two different entities. The Nineties has to its credit the awareness and realization of supply chain integration and that we are all partners in the same industry,” he explained.

Thirty years later, the processes and technologies are still evolving. “Today, it is all about how quick and cost efficient a supply chain is. And technology to a great extent has driven this at an astounding pace,” he stated.

Truly, the ability to capture, migrate, integrate and facilitate the intelligent analysis of data is akin to the invention of fire. This is what will separate the companies who can walk upright from the ones that will be stuck in the tar pits of slow response. “The advent of the internet has made life more real-time and the interaction between various elements in the Supply Chain itself has become more integrated,” added the tech savvy Menen.

According to Menen, globalization and the proliferation of multi-national companies have also contributed to the development of supply chain networks.

Menen explained, “Globalization offers tremendous opportunities to companies of any size that can successfully provide or source products and services in dynamic markets. Today, whether or not a company produces or sources outside its home country, it is often competing against global organizations. And, to survive and thrive under these conditions, they need to develop efficient and effective global supply chains that can ensure a smooth supply of goods anywhere in the world.”

In addition, various aspects of the supply chain process such as procurement, production, manufacturing, inventory management, transportation, etc., have undergone a total concept change. For example, the manufacturing industries have now become ‘demand driven’.

Growth factors

Basically, a lot of things worked in synergy to pick up cargo volumes. According to Menen, Emirates SkyCargo has achieved its success by a careful combination of latest technology, fleet composition and a global network covering over 113 destinations across 66 countries with multiple daily flights via Dubai to most destinations.

Technology such as end-to-end IT cargo management system Sky Chain, which gives customers a range of business logistics technology solutions, including up-to-the-second status reports on consignments, from booking through to final delivery is a key factor adding to its success.

Customer focus has also been a major factor. Menen believes it is important to get new customers each day. However, the majority of a company’s success is due to repeat business.

Undoubtedly, a company captures a larger market share by understanding its customers and providing them with a consistent positive experience. He endorsed this saying, “On-time and efficient dealing with customers is the mainstay of our business and we are only building on that.”

Plus, last year saw the airline increase its overall capacity available on its fleet in addition to continued route expansion and that has naturally drawn more business through us. In addition to serving all points on the Emirates passenger network, during the year, Emirates SkyCargo introduced four freighter-only destinations to Almaty, Bagram, Campinas and Erbil. “Growth of Dubai itself has also played a pivotal role in creating a large cargo market,” he noted.

Dubai & Emirates enjoy symbiotic growth

Menen acknowledged that Dubai and Emirates’ growth have been symbiotic where both have catalyzed one another’s growth. “You see, the relation is symbiotic where both Emirates and the world-class city of Dubai benefit each other. While Emirates has played an important role in creating a nexus between global transport and Dubai as a multi-modal hub, the growth of Dubai itself has also helped in creating a large cargo market.”

Truly, Dubai has undergone tremendous growth over the years. Today, it enjoys its favorable place as a significant player in international trading and transport logistics. This growth is a result of the Dubai government’s strategy in developing sectors that have been the key contributors to economic growth, including transport and logistics.

Dubai International handled 187,905 tons of international air freight in May this year. Annual freight traffic in 2010 was 2.27 million tons, compared to 1.93 million tons in 2009, an increase of 17.7 per cent.

The combination of rallying tourism and Dubai’s established role as a trading centre linking economies in the Far East, Europe, Africa and North America is also a key advantage for its aviation industry and economy.

The Emirate’s geocentric location is another plus allowing traffic to be easily routed either east-west or north-south.

“An estimated 5.8 billion passengers reside within an eight-hour flight time and Dubai is on the doorstep of two of the most dynamic markets in the world – India and China, which holds

great potential for us as for other air carriers in the region. And, Emirates Airline has largely been successful in tapping this opportunity,” said Menen.

In addition, the government’s support of businesses and efficient customs facilitation add to Dubai’s appeal as a prime transit and re-export hub, handling an average of 70 per cent of air cargo in the Middle East per year.

This dominance is expected to continue, as the International Air Transport Association (IATA) forecasts that the UAE will be the sixth largest in the world in terms of international freight, with a projected 2.75 million tons handled by 2014 and Dubai will play a central role in this growth.

However, Dubai’s success is exemplified by the efficiency of Emirates’ operations. Emirates’ profits have been sufficient to pay for all the investment in its fleet and repay its loans over the past decade. Moreover, contrary to the widely held belief, Emirates does not receive government support through subsidies or other financial interventions, but has in fact paid out annual dividends to the government of Dubai totaling US$1.6 billion since 2002.

Challenges

Though 2010 was a good year for the company, it had to deal with some obvious problems to see itself permanently in green. Considering the unstable political climate and business environment in the second half of 2010, the carrier was able to able to swiftly adjust flight schedules, redeploying aircraft to balance the network and optimize revenue.

“Security also has been a primary concern for us. As a truly global and major stakeholder in the airfreight market Emirates SkyCargo is proactively working to see how our experience can positively contribute towards making airfreight movements safer today and in future,” said Menen. “Suffice to say; in this regard we are fully compliant with global screening and reporting protocols with regards to moving freight.”

“Besides, environmental policies also add to our costs,” he added. “The biggest challenge however remains to be high fuel prices,” he admitted. The first four months of the year had seen $280m added to the carrier’s fuel bill.”

Crafting success

“Nevertheless, despite challenges we have been able to achieve ambitious expansion and growth plans coupled with excellent customer services and high profits,” Menen noted.

With plans to increase the number of routes it serves, Emirates is looking to schedule more flights to destinations in North and South America, Australia and Asia. South Asia is a potential market for Emirates – Menen believes, the future lies in the growth potential of emerging markets such as India and China.

“We will see a shift into the consumer markets of India and China, which are strengthening with a new set of consumers who are young with a disposable income. India has tremendous potential for investors and excels in certain sectors such as IT. India has the advantage of language whereas China has a more disciplined labor force. It will be competitive between the two countries but liberalized trade agreements may change future dynamics,” he said.

In 2011-12, Emirates expects delivery of 21 new aircraft, including six A380s, 13 Boeing 777s and two Boeing 777F freighters. Since 1 April 2011, Emirates has received one Boeing 777 bringing its current fleet as of May 2011 to 153 aircraft, including eight freighters.

This will in turn grease Emirates SkyCargo’s global ambitions as it uses belly-hold capacity in Emirates’ 145 passenger aircraft as well as main deck capacity on its fleet of eight freighters, featuring three Boeing 747-400Fs, two 777Fs, two 747-400ERFs and one 747-400SF. However, these expansion plans will have to be measured against market conditions, with the aviation industry particularly susceptible to fluctuations in fuel prices and economic sentiment.

SF Holding to buy majority stake in Kerry Logistics

Express firm SF Holding is set to buy a majority stake in Kerry Logistics as it looks to build its international supply chain presence.

The proposed deal will see SF Holding take a 51.8% stake in Kerry Logistics, with the deal valued at around $2.3bn.

The deal will give Kerry Logistics access to SF’s network in China, while the express firm will gain through a greater international and regional presence, helping it to expand beyond China.

The companies said that Kerry Logistics Network will be positioned as SF Holding’s platform for international business.

They will also collaborate with each other in Greater China to better align their respective businesses.

“By tapping into different customer segments, SF Holding and Kerry Logistics Network will coexist as separate entities in Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau,” Kerry Logistics said. “[Kerry Logistics] will continue to grow its logistics businesses, both in terms of scale and coverage.

“The partnership is expected to create significant synergies to boost both companies’ growth and leadership in the logistics sector with clear business focuses and complementary strengths to bring value to investors.”

The deal will require more than half of Kerry’s independent shareholders to accept the cash offer.

They added: “The cooperation will bring together the core competencies of SF Holding and Kerry Logistics Network across multiple verticals to create a leading Asia-based global logistics platform to meet ever-changing demands.”

As part of the deal, Kerry Logistics Network’s warehouse assets in Hong Kong will be disposed of to a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kerry Holdings.

SF has been growing rapidly over recent years as it benefits from the online shopping boom and had previously said it was looking to develop its logistics offering.

This would not be its first investment in expanding its logistics capabilities in recent years.

 

DSV plans another large acquisition following integration of Panalpina

DSV Panalpina saw its revenues and profits jump last year and is taking aim at another large acquisition following the integration of Panalpina.

Last year, the Copenhagen-headquartered logistics firm saw its revenues increase by 22.4% year on year to Dkk115.9bn, earnings before interest and tax (ebit) before special items was up 43.1% to Dkk9.5bn and net profit improved by 14.9% to Dkk4.3bn.

Performance was boosted by the inclusion of Panalpina from the second half of 2019, which would have boosted year-on-year comparisons in the first half of 2020.

Meanwhile, the overall forwarding market was affected by lower volumes but higher rates as capacity shortages in both air and shipping pushed up prices.

The forwarder’s airfreight division saw revenues in 2020 increase by 64.9% year on year to Dkk44.8bn, gross profits per ton reached Dkk8,075 against Dkk6,155 in 2019 and volumes increased by 18.8% to 1.3m tons.

Performance here was also driven by higher rates and the inclusion of Panalpina.

“The global airfreight market was significantly impacted by the Covid-19 crisis during a volatile 2020 and we estimate that market volumes were 13-15% below 2019,” the company said.

“As a large part of passenger planes were grounded, the bellyhold capacity was missing, and total available capacity was more than 20% below pre-Covid-19 levels.

“The demand for airfreight exceeded available capacity on most trade lanes, leading to historical high rate levels.

“Geographically the demand was strongest for exports from Asia during the year, whereas European exports were weaker.”

It added: “We expect that the airfreight market will remain challenging in the foreseeable future.

“It may take two years before inter-continental passenger traffic is back at 2019 levels, and the market will continue to rely on freighter aircraft capacity.”

Meanwhile, the forwarder’s chief executive Jens Bjørn Andersen said that it is hoping to make further large acquisitions this year following the faster than expected integration of Panalpina.

Andersen said the company’s performance in 2020 demonstrated the benefits of bringing Panalpina and DSV together. It also has an A rating from ratings agency Moody’s meaning it is in a good position to fund any deals.

He further explained that the air and sea division is in a better position to quickly integrate a new company than road or contract logistics, where IT systems need to further developed.

Andersen added that 60% of gross profits are currently generated in the Europe, Middle East and Africa region and therefore it would look to expand in other areas of the world as it sought to become more global.

Asia was name-checked as one area for further expansion, although Andersen said that did not automatically mean it would buy a China-based logistics company.

Freight forwarders digitally improve to provide quotes instantly, Freightos reports

Freight forwarders have improved their ability to provide instant quotes digitally, but this is led by the same group of five companies with others lagging behind.

The latest annual mystery shopper report from booking portal Freightos showed that more than 25% of digitally requested quotes were provided instantly by forwarders, carriers and digital forwarders, compared with 18% last year and up from zero when the survey started five years ago.

But overall, 70% of requests still did not result in a quote being received.

Like last year, 60% of forwarders have quote request forms easily found on their sites, with one more featured on the main page this year. For the rest it is still hard to find, or done via contact us/email.

Almost half of all requests to forwarders, carriers and digital forwarders resulted in follow-up by phone or email.

And only two of the top 20 forwarders added more instant quoting capabilities this year: DHL added instant quoting for less-than-container-load (LCL) requests to its instant air offering, and Kuehne+Nagel – the first of the top forwarders to offer instant LCL booking — added full container load (FCL), joining Agility in offering instant quotes for all three modes (LCL, FCL and Air).

Freightos said that since 2015 nearly all the progress across top tier forwarders has been concentrated among the same group of five forwarders: Agility, DB Schenker, DHL, Kuehne+Nagel and UPS.

Freightos said that this could be due to these forwarders focusing in on small and medium (SME) shippers.

The company pointed out that larger shippers may want a more personal service, rather than booking online, where they can use their buying power to negotiate better prices.

Other forwarders may therefore be targeting digital investment at providing value-added digital services, such as track and trace, for these larger customers.

However, Freightos pointed out that SME shippers are increasingly important as a result of the pandemic.

Freightos Group founder and chief executive Zvi Schreiber said: “It’s been gratifying to see a quarter of the top 20 3PLs adopting the vision of digitized freight in just the last five years, providing better customer service with a lower cost of sale.

“It is a little perplexing to see others still serving shippers in the same way they have for the last century. Millennial freight procurement professionals asked to wait days for a quote will take their freight spend elsewhere.”

CMA CGM ready to enter the air cargo market with 4 A330-200 freighters

France-based container shipping line CMA CGM is set to enter the air cargo market with a fleet of four Airbus A330-200 freighters.

The aircraft will be offered through the carrier’s new CMA CGM Air Cargo division and answer “growing demand” for “agile solutions”.

CMA CGM, which also owns top 20 freight forwarder Ceva, said the aircraft, which offer around 60 tonnes of payload, came into service between 2014 and 2016 and have a range of 4,000 nautical miles.

The CMA CGM group said it would entrust the operation of its freighter fleet to a European airline.

Earlier this year, Air Belgium announced that it would take delivery of four A330-200Fs, which are thought to be former Qatar Airways aircraft.

The shipping line said it will also partner with other airlines to offer global coverage.

“This move into airfreight strengthens the Group’s transport and logistics business, allowing it to offer its customers a new range of comprehensive, agile and customized solutions,” CMA CGM said.

Rodolphe Saadé, chairman and chief executive of the CMA CGM Group, said: “In response to the growing demand from our customers for agile logistics solutions, we are creating a new division within the CMA CGM Group dedicated to air transport: CMA CGM Air Cargo.

“This division will launch with four Airbus A330-200F aircraft and will leverage commercial partnerships with airlines in order to deliver global coverage. This is a major milestone in the development of our logistics services.”

CMA CGM added: “This expansion into airfreight is a new milestone in the Group’s strategic development, with the aim of providing Group customers with a complementary range of services covering both shipping and logistics.”

Last year, CMA CGM acquired a 30% stake in Groupe DUBREUIL Aéro as it looked to gain access to air cargo capacity.

CMA CGM injected €50m into the airline group, which owns the Air Caraïbes and French Bee companies, for its stake.

Air Caraïbes and French Bee operate 14 long-haul aircraft, including eight Airbus A350s and also six A330s, offering cargo capacity of between 15 and 25 tons of freight.

The company’s expansion in airfreight comes as the container shipping sector has faced a tough 12 months, with container shortages, a surge in demand, and congested ports all hindering operations.

Earlier this week, freight forwarder SEKO Logistics said that it had noted a modal shift from ocean to air as customers faced supply chain issues when using ocean.

And SEKO expects the issues to continue beyond the Chinese New Year, a period that many had hoped would give the shipping industry a chance to catch up.

Also, charter broker Air Partner reported a 50% increase in demand as a result of ocean freight supply chain issues.

Sister title Flight Global said CMA CGM Air Cargo will become one of a small number of companies offering A330-200Fs. Just 38 of the dedicated new-build freighters have been produced.

CEVA Logistics signs MoU with Hope Consortium

CEVA Logistics has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Abu Dhabi Ports to work with the Hope Consortium. The Consortium is set up to address the logistical challenge of the worldwide distribution of Covid-19 vaccines.

The consortium has been put in place to handle the expected surge in vaccine volumes as production quantities grow. Its aim is to provide a complete supply chain solution anywhere in the world which includes transportation, demand planning, sourcing and digital technology infrastructure. It believes it will be able to distribute billions of doses by the end of the year and will focus on vaccines from all types of manufacturers.

Guillaume Col, chief operating Officer, CEVA Logistics, stated, “The ongoing nature of the global pandemic means the delivery of vaccines around the world is the number one priority for the logistics industry. Our healthcare and pharma specialized teams have extensive experience in delivering vaccines and pharmaceutical products. Backed by a network of temperature-controlled warehouses and vehicles we are proud to support the Hope Consortium in achieving its goal.”

CAE welcomes Nicholson as VP Washington Operations

CAE is pleased to welcome Ben Nicholson as Vice President Washington Operations. He is based in Washington, DC.

“I am very pleased to have Ben Nicholson join the CAE team and bring his wealth of experience in government and legislative relations as well as public policy. He has an extensive background in government relations and a thorough understanding of national security businesses and will be an important addition to the CAE team,” said Ray Duquette President & General Manager of CAE USA Inc. “Mr. Nicholson will strengthen CAE’s relationship with the US government, Department of Defense and government agencies, as well as develop closer relationships with OEMs, suppliers and partners.”

In this role, Mr. Nicholson will serve as the senior executive for CAE’s government relations in Washington, D.C., and will be responsible for representing the company with the United States Congress, federal agencies, foreign governments and industry associations. He will provide guidance on U.S. government foreign policy and national priorities related to the defense and security, civil aviation and healthcare sectors, including their impact on CAE pursuits and objectives in the US and international markets.

Mr. Nicholson comes to CAE with 21 years of experience in the Washington, D.C. political and corporate environment. He has extensive expertise in US government operations, programs, and contracting, including congressional operations, economic development and the federal appropriations process for national defense, aerospace, security and intelligence programs.

Prior to joining CAE, he was the Vice President, Global Government Relations for Honeywell International.  He held a key role in leading government relations efforts in aerospace, defense and other national security businesses. Prior to that role, Mr. Nicholson served as the Vice President, Government Affairs, at L3 Technologies. He began his career with the US Coast Guard as a Commissioned Officer for nine years before returning to civilian life as a professional staff member for the U.S. House of Representative committee on Appropriations, also supporting the Subcommittee on Homeland Security.

Mr. Nicholson holds a Bachelor of Science in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and two Master of Science degrees in Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering and Resource Policy & Behavior from the University of Michigan.

Henry Maier retires from FedEx Ground as president & CEO, Smith to take his place

Effective in July 2021, Henry J. Maier, president and CEO will retire from FedEx Ground. John A. Smith, president and CEO, FedEx Freight, will succeed Maier. Lance D. Moll has been named the next president and CEO, FedEx Freight.

Maier joined FedEx in 1986. With more than 40 years in the transportation industry, including more than 35 years at FedEx, he held a series of leadership positions in logistics, sales, and marketing before becoming president and CEO, FedEx Ground, in June 2013. Most recently, Maier spearheaded the significant transformation of FedEx Ground, ensuring its strong position in reliably and efficiently serving the growing e-commerce market.

“Henry has helped steer tremendous growth across our commercial and e-commerce portfolio,” said Raj Subramaniam, president and COO, FedEx Corp. “Under his leadership, FedEx Ground revenue has more than doubled, with a focus on automation and speed as distinct competitive advantages. I am incredibly appreciative of Henry’s service to FedEx and wish him well as he begins this next chapter.”

Smith will become president and CEO-elect, FedEx Ground, effective March and will assume the role from June, 2021. Maier will remain at FedEx Ground as an executive advisor through July to help ensure a smooth transition of responsibilities.

Smith has more than 35 years of experience in the transportation industry and joined FedEx in 2000. He has served in several leadership positions, including senior vice president, operations, FedEx Freight. Under Smith’s leadership, FedEx Freight has implemented initiatives to help lead the less-than-truckload (LTL) industry in technology, automation, and differentiated solutions.

“John is a tremendous leader with extensive transportation experience and a track record of driving growth and innovation,” Subramaniam said. “I have full confidence that under his leadership, FedEx Ground will continue to grow profitably and offer our customers the best commercial and e-commerce solutions in the industry.”

Moll, current senior vice president of operations for FedEx Freight, will take over as the operating company’s president and CEO on March 1, 2021. Lance has nearly 30 years of experience in the transportation industry. He began his career at FedEx Freight in 1992 and has held leadership positions of increasing responsibility throughout the USdomestic operations network.

“Lance has demonstrated a thorough knowledge of the LTL industry along with a strategic mindset for the future,” Subramaniam said. “At FedEx, we are fortunate to have a deep bench of leaders. With these two appointments, we are in a position to con tinue to grow both of these operating companies and create new value for our customers in the years to come.”

Akanni-Shelle joins Bollore Transport & Logistics Nigeria

Folashade Akanni-Shelle has been appointed managing director of Bollore Transport & Logistics in Nigeria. She takes over from Jean-Baptiste Rambaud, who is pursuing his career in the group in the Middle East region.

Akanni-Shelle has 17 years of experience with Bollore Transport & Logistics. She joined the company in 2003 as line representative for OT Africa Line at Cross Marine Services in Lagos, before successively being appointed sea freight import manager at Bollore Africa Logistics Nigeria (former SDV Nigeria), head of logistics services in Ghana, director of logistics Solutions in Uganda, and general manager in Tanzania.

She is now in charge of the development of the entity with the support of her teams, harnessing her experience as well as her knowledge of the African continent, with the aim of establishing the company as a leader in the transport and logistics sector in Nigeria.

Akanni-Shelle stated, “Having worked in various roles and countries, it is an honour to return home and I look forward to working closely with the team to navigate this dynamic market and cement Bollore Transport & Logistics as a reference in transport and logistics in Nigeria.”