DSV – Global Transport and Logistics launches strategic partnership with Qatar Airways Cargo, enhancing North America’s connectivity to the Middle East while strengthening service offerings to the oil and gas industry. Through this collaboration, DSV introduces a new route to its air freight charter network that significantly bolsters access to the Middle East and beyond.
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – Sept. 7, 2023 – The first flight took to the skies today, marking the inauguration of DSV’s partnership with Qatar Airways Cargo. This collaboration introduces bi-weekly flights with direct cargo loading and management handled by DSV, and full commitment and lift by Qatar Airways Cargo.
DSV’s new air charter route, named “Gateway Star”, departs from Mexico City to Doha, Qatar via the strategic hubs of Huntsville, U.S., and Luxembourg. This route also has the potential to extend beyond Doha by seamlessly integrating with Qatar Airways Cargo’s global feeder network and becoming a pathway to other destinations.
Mads Ravn, Executive Vice President at DSV, expresses his enthusiasm for this milestone achievement:
“Our partnership with Qatar Airways Cargo signifies a remarkable leap forward. This new air freight service underscores our unwavering commitment to revolutionizing logistics and ushering unparalleled connectivity to our valued clients. By collaborating with Qatar Airways Cargo, we not only extend our market presence but also create avenues for seamless access to the Middle East with a keen focus on boosting our Oil and Gas vertical.”
This strategic partnership highlights DSV’s commitment to connecting key industries with other regions of the world, providing improved service and flexibility to clients.
Ms. Elisabeth Oudkerk, Senior Vice President Cargo Sales and Network Planning at Qatar Airways Cargo added:
“We are excited by this new partnership with DSV. This strategic initiative not only expands DSV’s market reach, but also establishes a direct scheduled service between Huntsville to the Middle East and beyond. The route will see twice weekly Boeing 777 freighters offering 200 tons of capacity per week. With the addition of Huntsville, Qatar Airways Cargo’s network in the Americas now increases to 22 destinations.”
Chapman Freeborn, the global air charter specialist and part of Avia Solutions Group, has partnered with Premier Sports Network (PSN).
Working in partnership with PSN, Chapman Freeborn will launch a dedicated sports and entertainment division to the air charter business to service Premier Sports’ global network for passenger, group and cargo charter.
Chapman Freeborn offers specialist passenger services including private jet charters for executive business travel, leisure travel, and elite VIPs, as well as commercial aircraft for sports teams, staff and fans, crew rotations and international group travel, not to mention on board courier services.
In addition to the passenger services market, Chapman Freeborn specialises in the charter and lease of aircraft for a wide-ranging customer base, including freight forwarders, multinational corporations, governments, humanitarian agencies and a host of industries around the globe.
Spencer Hidge, CEO and founder at Premier Sports Network says, “Chartering private aircraft is part and parcel of the sports industry given the international scope of individual and team travel, so it’s imperative that PSN teams up with the best of the best in the industry. Having known the Chapman Freeborn team for a number of years and learning about their ambitions and the infrastructure behind the launch of a sports division, I can say with confidence that PSN’s network are in fantastic hands when it comes to chartering aircraft!”
James Edwards, Vice President – Europe (Passenger) at Chapman Freeborn, continues, “We are proud to join forces with Premier Sports Network and looking forward to embarking on this journey. This strategic partnership represents a significant milestone for Chapman Freeborn and allows us to combine our expertise, resources, and unique capabilities; making our united efforts a force to be reckoned with in the industry. This is the first step in what should prove to be a wide ranging partnership between Premier Sports Network and Chapman Freeborn as the two businesses uncover new ways to service the elite-sports industry.
It’s our mission at Chapman Freeborn to provide the highest level of personalised service to our clients and with over 50 years of experience, our commitment to excellence and service quality is unmatched. Premier Sports Network’s strong track record of success and core values, align seamlessly with Chapman Freeborn’s vision, making this partnership a perfect match.”
Chapman Freeborn arranges more than 29,000 flights per year and has covered over nine million air miles.
Mike Byrom will join Swissport on 25 September as Chief Operating Officer US & Canada. The former Spirit Airlines Vice President Airports further strengthens Swissport’s management team in the US, one of Swissport’s largest markets.
Swissport appoints Mike Byrom as Chief Operating Officer US & Canada. He succeeds Nelson Camacho, who took over the role of CEO US & Canada in July 2023. A customer-focused leader with over 25 years of experience at some of North America’s fastest growing airlines, Byrom further strengthens the leadership team in the US & Canada, reinforcing Swissport’s local market focus. In his role, he will be responsible for Swissport’s operational service delivery in the US and Canada with the ambition of an accelerated domestic expansion.
“We are delighted to welcome Mike Byrom aboard as Chief Operating Officer for the US and Canada,” says Nelson Camacho, CEO US & Canada at Swissport. “With his vast experience focusing on the delivery of clockwork airport operations on the airline side, he is well prepared to take Swissport’s operational performance to the next level in terms of safety, reliability, customer centricity and consistent operational excellence.”
Byrom joins Swissport from Spirit Airlines, where he most recently served as Vice President of Airport & Crew Services and oversaw a workforce of more than 6,000 workers across 90-plus stations in the US, Latin America, and the Caribbean. He drove the division’s strategic plan and tactical initiatives execution during a time of rapid network growth. He delivered a safe, reliable and guest-centric airport experience and implemented a baggage reconciliation scanning technology, which reduced mishandled baggage occurrences by 15 percent. Byrom began his aviation career at WestJet. His most recent roles at the Canadian low-cost carrier include Director of Guest Experience, Director of Canadian Airports, and Director of Airport Operations Support.
With Byrom joining, Swissport further strengthens its regional leadership team for the US and Canada. In addition to Nelson Camacho as regional CEO, the company also recently appointed Stacey Brown as its regional Chief People, Jennifer Gomes as VP Fueling and Jennifer Bartenstein as VP Quality, Health and Safety. The new team US & Canada will help deliver on Swissport’s ambitious regional and global growth plans.
In the US and Canada, Swissport serves leading domestic and international airlines across 60 airports and operates 10 airport lounges and 31 air cargo centers. In the first half of 2023, the US & Canada region served over 13 million airline passengers, a volume increase of 29 percent compared to the same period last year. The group also operates a large aviation fueling business across the US and runs several major fuel farms.
Weekly cargo capacity to and from Middle East increases to over 4,500 tonnes.
DOHA, Qatar -The world’s leading air cargo carrier has resumed its freighter services to Bahrain, effective 1st September 2023.
In addition to the 21 weekly narrow-body passenger flights to Bahrain, Qatar Airways Cargo is proud to announce the launch of three weekly Freighter operations, adding more than 200 tonnes of weekly cargo capacity to/from Bahrain.
Ms. Liesbeth Oudkerk, SVP Cargo Sales and Network Planning said, “We are glad to be back in Bahrain with dedicated freighters three times a week. Bahrain is an important market for us, and having a consistent freighter service will contribute to the economic and trade growth between Qatar and Bahrain.”
The imports into Bahrain predominantly consist of general cargo, perishables like fruits, vegetables and meat, while exports from Bahrain consist of general cargo and dangerous goods. With the addition of Bahrain, Qatar Airways Cargo now serves 24 Middle Eastern destinations with freighter and passenger belly-hold flights, providing a combined weekly cargo capacity of over 4,500 tonnes to and from Middle East.
By applying its Next Generation vision to all areas of its business, Qatar Airways Cargo is bringing enhancements to its services and operations throughout the network. Capacity to and from Bahrain can be booked online on the cargo carrier’s Digital Lounge platform or via its third-party marketplaces.
Bengaluru, September 6, 2023: As the mango season has drawn to a close, Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (KIAB/BLR Airport) has recorded a remarkable surge in mango exports setting a new benchmark when compared to the previous year. Demonstrating a consistent upward trend in exports, BLR Airport has achieved an impressive 124% growth in mango exports for this season compared to the previous year, establishing a three-year tonnage record.
In 2023, BLR Airport processed an export of 6,84,648 kgs of mangoes, showcasing a significant rise from the 3,05,521 kgs exported in the previous year. Furthermore, this season’s exports saw an impressive 86% increase in the number of pieces, with approximately 17 lakh pieces of mangoes being exported.
BLR Airport’s expansive export network spans more than 60 international destinations. Particularly noteworthy is the thriving export of mangoes to the United States this year, where prominent metropolitan regions such as Dallas Fort Worth, Washington D.C., and San Francisco have played a pivotal role in fostering this growth.
Satyaki Raghunath, Chief Strategy and Development Officer at Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL) remarked, “BLR Airport has emerged as a driving force in facilitating perishable exports from India. With substantial volume shares across Indian airports, we take pride in our role in enhancing the global reach of South India’s mangoes. Our unwavering commitment to streamlined cool-port export operations underscores BLR Airport’s significance as a premier gateway connecting the world to the rich produce of our region.”
As BLR Airport continues to strengthen its cargo operations, it remains dedicated to its vital role as a bridge between Indian producers and global markets. This commitment significantly contributes to the growth of India’s agricultural and export sectors, fostering economic resilience and expanding the nation’s global presence.
Geneva, Switzerland—The International Air Transport Association (IATA) says air cargo contraction eased in June, the smallest year-over-year contraction in demand since February 2022.
The global demand, measured in cargo ton-kilometers (CTKs), fell 3.4% in June compared to June 2022 (-3.7% for international operations). For the half year, demand slid 8.1% compared to the January-June period of 2022 (-8.7% for international operations). However, demand in June was only 2.4% below June 2019 levels (pre-pandemic), IATA noted.
Key factors influencing air cargo demand include:
“We remain hopeful that the difficult trading conditions for air cargo will moderate as inflation eases in major economies. This, in turn, could encourage the central banks to loosen the money supply, which could stimulate greater economic activity,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
June Regional Performance
Asia-Pacific airlines saw their air cargo volumes decrease by 3.6% in June 2023 compared to the same month in 2022. Available capacity in the region increased by 24.4% compared to June 2022. Looking at the first half of 2023, cargo demand was down 6.5% versus the year-ago period with a 27.0% rise in capacity.
North American carriers had a 6.5% decrease in total cargo volumes in June 2023 compared to the same month in 2022, the fourth month in a row in which the region had the weakest performance. Europe-North America CTKs shrank by only 2.7% in June, following three months of double-digit contractions. Capacity increased 0.7% compared to June 2022. For the 2023 first half, cargo demand was down 10.5% compared to the 2022 first half, while capacity dipped 0.7%.
European carriers experienced a 2.8% decrease in cargo volumes in June 2023, compared to the same month in 2022. This was an improvement in performance compared to May (-6.6%), in part due to the aforementioned Europe-North America performance. Capacity increased 4.4% compared to June 2022. Cargo demand was down 10.2% for the first six months of 2023 compared to last year, as the half-year capacity rose 2.5%.
Middle Eastern carriers posted a 0.5% increase in cargo volumes in June 2023 versus a year ago. This was a strong turnaround from the 2.9% year-over-year decline registered in May. Capacity rose 11.1% for the month. Both Middle East-Asia and Middle East-Europe route areas saw annual growth. For the first half of the year, cargo demand was down 5.6% compared to a year ago, with an 11.2% hike in capacity.
Latin American carriers had strongest performance in June 2023, with a 7.3% increase in cargo volumes compared to June 2022. Capacity in June was up 15.4% over the same month in 2022. For the 2023 first half, cargo demand was up 0.9% versus a year ago, while capacity climbed 18.0%.
African airlines posted a 2.8% decrease in demand compared to June 2022. This was a decline in performance compared to the previous month (-1.9%). Capacity in June was down 3.7% compared to the same month in 2022. For the first half of the year, cargo demand slowed by 4.4% while capacity climbed 1.6%.
Baku, Azerbaijan—The leading cargo airline in the Caspian and Central Asian region, Silk Way West Airlines, says it has expanded its US network by adding weekly flights to and from Los Angeles International Airport, one of the world’s largest cargo gateways, handling millions of tons of freight annually.
The airline said the addition of the California hub to its network reinforces its dedication to meeting the evolving needs of its customers and supporting global trade. Adding, it will enable it to transport a wide range of general cargo, perishables, oversized and e-commerce goods on the route.
With this route expansion, Silk Way West Airlines enhances its presence in this key region by introducing an additional strategic destination. The addition of Los Angeles complements Silk Way West Airlines’ flights to Houston, launched in April of this year, as well as the previously established regular flights to Chicago and Dallas.
“We are delighted to announce the expansion of our network with the addition of Los Angeles International Airport as a new destination,” said Fadi Nahas, Silk Way West Vice President Americas. “The new route will greatly benefit our West Coast customers by providing freighter nose cargo load capacity and shorter transit times for US destinations west of the Continental Divide.”
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics arm of Etihad Airways, further enhanced its freighter network with the addition of a weekly freighter service to the Chinese port city of Guangzhou, bringing to 10 per week its flights to mainland China.
Etihad Cargo said its new freighter route to Guangzhou comes in response to increased demand for cargo capacity for China and bolsters its existing freighter network to the country.
“With the introduction of a new freighter service between our Abu Dhabi hub and Guangzhou, combined with increased frequencies across China via Etihad Cargo’s freighter services and the airline’s passenger flights, customers and partners benefit from increased cargo capacity. Expanding the carrier’s reach into the Chinese market not only meets the increased demand for cargo capacity in this region but will also further strengthen ties between the UAE and China, providing more opportunities for increased collaboration between the two countries,” said Leonard Rodrigues, Head of Revenue Management, Fleet and Network at Etihad Cargo.
The Head of Marketing Department of Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport described the move as a “significant milestone” since the launch of the Abu Dhabi-Guangzhou passenger flight route in October last year that facilitated recovery for its market.
“The introduction of this all-cargo scheduled flight route will further enhance trade and logistics development between Guangzhou and Abu Dhabi International Airport, while strengthening connectivity between the Middle East, China, and other Belt and Road Initiative economies. We eagerly anticipate a brighter future as we continue to work closely with Etihad Airways,” the official said.
In recent months, Etihad Cargo has continued to add depth to its Asian network, launching a fourth Chinese gateway via the weekly freighter service to the Hubei Province of China.
Etihad Cargo’s inaugural flight to Ezhou Huahu Airport on 18 August, made it the first international carrier to operate flights to China’s first professional cargo airport. The carrier also offers eight weekly freighter flights to Shanghai.
Complementing Etihad Cargo’s expanding freighter network is its belly capacity for China via 10 passenger flights per week to Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shanghai. Via its growing road feeder services network in China, Etihad Cargo also offers customers and partners access to 25 domestic mainland Chinese destinations, providing seamless connectivity across the Chinese market.
SecureLift is designed to offer optimum protection and secure storage for high-value and vulnerable shipments.
DOHA, Qatar -Qatar Airways Cargo today announced the launch of its special product SecureLift under its VISION 2027 and Next Generation strategy. SecureLift marks a significant milestone for Qatar Airways Cargo, as it allocates dedicated resources to cater to the specialised needs of valuable and vulnerable shipments, while maintaining an enhanced standard of security and vigilance.
Products having high declared value like precious metals, stones, gold bullions, banknotes, jewellery or watches would fall under the Valuable category while commodities that carry a risk of pilferage like high value electronics and newly launched products would fall under the Vulnerable category.
Key features include high loading priority, close monitoring of shipments, inclusion of approved data loggers and shipment escorts, in addition to secure handling, transportation and storage of the product. Valuable shipments would also be moved in specialised containers and boxes for protection of the product, and kept in the strong-room with restricted access providing added security.
The temperature inside the strong-room is maintained between 20°C – 25°C. The expert SecureLift team is well trained and plays a pivotal role by adhering to strict security protocols at every stage of the journey.
The cargo carrier achieved a remarkable track record having transported over 9,000 tonnes of valuable and vulnerable cargo in 2022, including electronics, banknotes, art shipments and various sensitive commodities. This impressive volume underlines the carrier’s expertise in handling cargo requiring special care with exceptional precision and attention to detail.
“SecureLift embodies our unwavering commitment to meeting the unique needs of our valued customers. This service redefines safety and security standards for high-value and vulnerable shipments, showcasing our dedication to excellence, safety and cutting-edge solutions,” says Miguel Rodriguez Moreno, Head of Cargo Products.
The carrier offers its customers an extensive network of more than 150 destinations as part of its scheduled services and can also provide part or full dedicated charters for SecureLift products to destinations not part of its network. Digitalisation is a key pillar for the world’s leading cargo carrier and it enhances the service further as SecureLift shipments can now be easily booked through Qatar Airways Cargo’s innovative online platform, the Digital Lounge, streamlining the booking process for customers.
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics arm of Etihad Airways, will offer customers and partners more belly hold cargo capacity across the carrier’s global network, announcing new routes and increased frequencies from September 2023. The airline’s winter schedule will introduce 29 weekly passenger flights to new destinations and will have an increase of 90 passenger flights to existing routes, resulting in a total of 119 passenger flights per week. Etihad Cargo’s customers and partners will benefit from additional belly-hold cargo capacity onboard passenger aircraft in addition to scheduled freighter flights.
Etihad Cargo will offer additional cargo capacity to two new European gateways — Copenhagen in Denmark and Düsseldorf in Germany. The airline will also operate four passenger flights per week to Copenhagen. The addition of three weekly passenger flights to Düsseldorf and three more passenger flights to Munich will bring the total number of flights for Germany to 28 per week, including four freighter services for Frankfurt. As a result of the high demand for the three weekly passenger flights to Lisbon introduced for the busy summer months, it will be extended and operated during the winter schedule. Additional cargo capacity will also be available for key routes via increased passenger flight frequencies, including four additional flights to Rome, bringing the total number of flights per week to 11, and three additional flights to Madrid and Milan, bringing the total number of weekly flights for each destination to ten.
Etihad Cargo will also strengthen its commitment to the Asian market, introducing additional cargo capacity via new routes and increased frequencies. The airline will operate five passenger flights per week to Osaka, a second Japanese gateway destination for the carrier. The airline will also add three more flights to Beijing and four more flights to Shanghai per week, providing additional cargo capacity and adding further depth to its Chinese network. To meet increased cargo capacity demand in the Indian market, Etihad Cargo will offer more belly hold cargo capacity across new passenger routes to Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram, operating seven flights per week to each destination. Seven new passenger flights to Chennai will bring the total number of weekly flights to 21, supported by a twice-weekly freighter service. Eight additional flights to Kochi, two new flights to Islamabad, seven more flights to the Maldives, five additional flights to Cairo and seven more flights to Phuket per week will provide Etihad Cargo’s customers and partners with additional belly hold cargo capacity and options when transporting goods to these key Asian destinations. The airline will also introduce seven direct flights to Colombo per week.
Mohammad Al Bulooki, Chief Operating Officer at Etihad Airways, said: “Etihad Cargo’s partners and customers will benefit from additional belly hold cargo capacity and improved connectivity to key markets with the launch of the carrier’s winter schedule. The airline’s growing passenger network, combined with Etihad Cargo’s scheduled and charter freighter services, will boost cargo capacity across Europe, Asia and North America, strengthening the links between Abu Dhabi and key global markets and ensuring Etihad Cargo can meet increased demand for cargo capacity. Etihad Cargo remains committed to achieving growth, adding depth to the carrier’s network and remaining the air cargo partner of choice through the continuous evaluation of its network and enhancement of its eight-strong premium product range.”
As part of its commitment to achieving growth and expanding reach into key markets, Etihad Cargo recently announced the commencement of a freighter service to Ezhou Huahu Airport, making Etihad Cargo the first international carrier to operate services to China’s first professional cargo airport. The carrier will continue to explore new partnerships and opportunities further to support the capacity requirements of its partners and customers.
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