Frankfurt and Newark have already been added to Air Premia’s summer flight schedule out of Incheon Airport (ICN), and Globe Air Cargo Korea will soon also be promoting the cargo capacity of more new destinations in Europe, Asia, and the US this year.
Between 150 and 200 tonnes of cargo now pass through Air Premia’s Incheon (ICN) warehouse each week, to top destinations across Asia, Europe, and the US. With flights to Los Angeles (LAX) in the summer of 2022, Air Premia became the first Korean Hybrid Service Carrier to offer a scheduled US destination in its network. That has now grown to two since Newark (EWR) operations began on 22 May 2023. In Europe, charter services starting this summer include Frankfurt (FRA), Barcelona (BCN), and Oslo (OSL).
With Air Premia primarily managing its passenger services, Globe Air Cargo Korea is on hand to ensure that all cargo duties are covered, from cargo sales and reservations to managing the handling of regular and full charter flights. A wide range of commodities travel into and out of the airline’s main hub at Incheon Airport, including air & sea e-commerce shipments, electronic equipment, machinery, and auto spare parts, for example.
“Globe Air Cargo Korea has diligently supported Air Premia from the very beginning of its cargo journey just one and half years ago. Since then, Air Premia’s fleet has grown to five Boeing 787-900, with another four aircraft to come before the end of 2024, and it is well on target to achieving profitability in 2024 as planned,” H.E. Shin, CEO of Globe Air Cargo Korea, details. “In that time, Globe Air Cargo Korea has created a firm cargo customer base and we are looking forward to also promoting the upcoming network expansion which offers forwarders excellent and much-needed capacity to key destinations out of Incheon Airport.”
Adrien Thominet, Executive Chairman of ECS Group, states “It is impressive to see how quickly Air Premia and Globe Air Cargo Korea are ramping up cargo operations since the first passenger-to-cargo charter flight in late December 2021. And this growth is proof that an ambitious, modern airline with an experienced cargo GSSA partner at its side, can carve a strong niche in a competitive market long served by established national carriers. ECS Group is proud to share in Air Premia’s on-going success.”
Sean C. Kang, Executive Vice President of Air Premia, said “Air Premia has achieved remarkable results since it began operations in 2021. With 5 B787-9s, we are operating passenger flights to Los Angeles, New York, Frankfurt, Ho Chi Minh, Bangkok, and Narita. We expect to achieve revenue of 300million with 23millions dollar operation profit this year. Next year, we plan to aggressively expand our network to the Americas and Europe by introducing more than four additional B787-9s. We have overcome the difficult environment of the pandemic and achieved such success in a short period of time thanks to the dedicated and professional contribution of ECS, the global GSA of us. I believe Air Premia is now facing a great opportunity of expansion. We expect that ECS Group will make a significant contribution to the expansion of our business in the upcoming years.”
Singapore/Munich, 31 August 2023:
Supply chain resilience, digitalisation and sustainability are undisputedly the logistics topics of 2023 and are likely to have a lasting impact on the industry for years to come. Consequently, they are the main focus of the conference program of transport logistic Southeast Asia and air cargo Southeast Asia, which will be held in Singapore from November 1 to 3, 2023.
The opening address will be given by Alvin Tan, Minister of State, Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth & Ministry of Trade and Industry (Singapore), and Oliver Luksic, Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister for Digital Affairs and Transport (Germany).
From November 1-3, 2023, global and regional logistics decision makers will meet at transport logistic Southeast Asia and air cargo Southeast Asia, the international trade fair for transportation, logistics and air cargo which will be held for the first time this year in Singapore. With nearly 50 sessions in the conference program, daily exhibitor events and the special project cargo conference, the conference program offers the perfect opportunity to get up to date on the latest developments in the industry.
The conference program kicks off with a keynote speech on supply chain strategies by author and logistics expert Mark Millar. After the Covid 19 pandemic, the Suez Canal average and the Ukraine war, supply chains came under severe strain three times in quick succession, making rethought and crisis-proof strategies increasingly essential for companies. Other highlights in the program include country sessions by Singapore, Germany, Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia, which will take place on the first two days of the fair. On the Exhibitor Stage, companies from the logistics, sea and air freight sectors, such as DHL, dnata, Gebrüder Weiss, Incheon International Airport, Jettainer and Singapore Airlines will provide practical insights into their sustainability and digitalisation strategies, among other things.
Another highlight of the trade fair is the Project Cargo Conference, which will take place on November 3, 2023, in parallel with transport logistic and air cargo Southeast Asia. It will focus on the trends, challenges and opportunities in general cargo and heavy lift in Southeast Asia.
“With transport logistic and air cargo Southeast Asia, we have created a platform that promotes the development of logistics networks as well as business relationships between Southeast Asia and key global markets. In addition, the multi-faceted conference program we are organizing with our partners offers interesting insights into the Southeast Asian logistics market,” says Michael Wilton, Managing Director of MMI Asia, Messe München’s regional subsidiary, adding, “With the Project Cargo Conference, we are also taking into account the fast-growing general cargo and heavy lift market in the region.”
The events in the conference program are free of charge for all exhibitors and visitors of transport logistic and air cargo Southeast Asia. For an overview and more information on the conference program, visit https://transportlogisticsea.com.
Together with ground handling agent Avflight, Lufthansa Cargo, a leading network carrier in the U.S. state of Michigan, is moving operations onto the apron at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW).
With the recent move in August to on-airfield cargo warehousing facility, the new location will allow for handling of international air cargo that allows for streamlined operations and shorter distances for loading and unloading aircraft. Lufthansa Cargo will offer customers improved product offerings and reduced handling times while benefiting from efficiency gains in its operation.
During the three-year planning phase for this major project, Lufthansa Cargo identified in Avflight a suitable local partner with ambitions to grow in the cargo business. With currently more than 500 tons of cargo handled per year on seven weekly passenger flights, multiple truck connections to Chicago (ORD) and ad-hoc services offered, Detroit is an important location for Lufthansa Cargo in the automotive-driven region of Michigan with potential for expansion.
The relocation of the so-called warehouse in direct proximity to the apron is a project with two phases. Beginning in August 2023, with Avflight’s support, Lufthansa Cargo is operating out of a former aircraft hangar that was converted into a temporary cargo warehouse. The more direct location allows for shorter handling times and offers opportunities to meet the requirements of special cargo shipments, such as animals, valuable cargo and dangerous goods shipments, even more comprehensively.
In the second phase of the project, Lufthansa Cargo will support Avflight in designing a new cargo facility next to the existing structure, which the handling partner is under contract with the airport to construct. Working closely together, the two partners will efficiently, sustainably and attractively design the warehouse’s infrastructure to meet the needs of air cargo customers, including those in the premium segment.
Lufthansa Cargo plans to move into this Avflight-operated facility upon its completion. Discussions on this second phase of development are in the preliminary stages, but the goal is to be operational by the end of 2024.
“In Detroit, there is a great demand for secure and professional transport solutions, for example, urgently needed components in the automotive sector. There is a lot of weekly freight traffic here between Michigan and the world, including destinations in Germany, Europe, South Africa and Thailand. The expansion of our warehouse capacity in this direct apron accessible location helps us improve the handling processes for faster and more direct service, and also enables Lufthansa Cargo to offer additional premium products and services to our customers. Our dedicated ground handling agent, Avflight, is providing us with significant support in these endeavors. As a Michigan-based company with valuable market knowledge and enthusiasm to expand its service offering in the cargo segment, we are positive about what we have achieved so far and look forward to further cooperation,” said Henry Julicher, Head of Sales and Handling Michigan and Head of Sales Midwest at Lufthansa Cargo.
“Together with Avflight, we are creating an ideal basis with a future-oriented cargo location in Detroit to further position ourselves in the market as a reliable and professional partner for our cargo customers and thus actively implement the ‘enabling global business’ idea from Michigan by investing in a modern infrastructure as well as cost- and time-efficient handling processes,” said Stephanie Abeler, Vice President and Head of Region Americas at Lufthansa Cargo.
Dubai, UAE, 29 August, 2023 – Emirates SkyCargo is now live on CargoAi’s marketplace solution, CargoMART, further advancing its digital customer experience and optimizing the booking process with real-time information. The partnership launched in the Netherlands, Spain and France, and will open up to customers in select countries across Europe, the Americas, Africa, the Far East and Australasia in the coming months.
Through the CargoMART solution, customers will be able to access Emirates SkyCargo schedules, tariff and contract rates, along with real-time access to available capacity, enabling immediate bookings 24/7. On the backend, the partnership drives greater efficiency and accuracy. Once the system is fully operational, over 10,000 freight forwarders on CargoAi’s database will have access.
Nabil Sultan, Divisional Senior Vice President, Emirates SkyCargo, said: “As we increase our digital connectivity, we are able to offer more choice for our customers to connect with Emirates SkyCargo’s market-leading capabilities and extensive global network. CargoAi’s digital touchpoint enables both our existing and new customers from across the world to book with Emirates SkyCargo at their convenience, providing an additional channel that further strengthens our world class customer experience.”
“We are thrilled to partner with Emirates SkyCargo to enhance their digital customer experience through our marketplace solution, CargoMART. By providing real-time pricing and capacity information, we empower our mutual customers with greater choice and convenience, enabling them to make immediate bookings 24/7,” said Matt Petot, CEO of CargoAi. “This collaboration exemplifies our commitment to driving efficiency and accuracy in airfreight, and we look forward to further strengthening the world-class customer experience provided by Emirates SkyCargo.”
Emirates SkyCargo’s five core products are listed on CargoMART, including Emirates Fresh and Emirates Fresh Breathe, an integrated and responsive cool chain designed for perishables; Emirates AOG for time-critical aircraft parts; Emirates Airfreight Priority for urgent shipments that depend on speed and reliability; and Emirates Airfreight for the quick and careful transport of general cargo.
IAG Cargo, the cargo division of International Airlines Group (IAG), has added to its transformation team, appointing Saleem Saeed as its new Sustainability Manager that will see IAG Cargo advance its sustainability journey.
Saleem steps into the role having previously worked within the construction sector and will use his experience and expertise to lead the sustainability strategy across the business. Saleem looks to enhance the current ‘Fit for Future’ strategy that will further infuse sustainability into IAG Cargo’s core whilst encouraging partners and customers to join the business on this journey.
“What truly energises me about joining IAG Cargo is the prospect of contributing to a global company in a dynamic setting,” said Saleem. “Environmental and social responsibility are really important, ensuring everybody’s needs are addressed without compromising future generations’ requirements. This role will allow me to actively steer IAG Cargo’s sustainability strategy and empower our people to create a better future. I’m looking forward to building on the fantastic initiatives already in place.”
Saleem will drive forward new efficient ways of working to ensure IAG Cargo minimises its carbon footprint across the organisation – for example, the business has recently been trialling an electric terminal tractor and is actively exploring an expanded electric fleet. The vision is clear: for IAG Cargo to lead the charge in sustainable aviation cargo operations.
Jenny Critchley, Chief Transformation Officer at IAG Cargo, commented: “Saleem’s appointment as our Sustainability Manager reinforces our dedication to pioneering eco-conscious practices within the air cargo sector. Saleem has a passion for sustainability, so I have no doubt that he will make this role his own, leading IAG Cargo into a new era of responsible operations. His passion for innovation and transformative change aligns seamlessly with our vision to be ‘Fit for Future’.”
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics arm of Etihad Airways, has further enhanced the carrier’s freighter network with the addition of a weekly freighter service to Guangzhou. Offering a new freighter route to Guangzhou comes in response to increased demand for cargo capacity for China and bolsters Etihad Cargo’s existing freighter network, bringing the total number of freighter services for mainland China to ten per week.
“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 said: “This significant milestone reflects our enduring partnership since the launch of Etihad Airways’ Abu Dhabi-Guangzhou passenger flight route in October last year, which played a vital role in the recovery of the Guangzhou market and the Greater Bay Area in the post-pandemic era. 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.”
In recent months, Etihad Cargo has continued to add depth to the carrier’s Asian network, launching a fourth Chinese gateway to its network, offering a weekly freighter service to the Hubei Province of China. The carrier’s inaugural flight to Ezhou Huahu Airport arrived on 18 August, making Etihad Cargo 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, the carrier offers additional belly capacity for China via ten passenger flights per week to Beijing, Guangzhou and Shanghai. Via the carrier’s 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.
Etihad Cargo continuously evaluates its global network and remains committed to increasing frequencies and introducing new destinations to ensure the carrier can fully meet capacity requirements and remain the air cargo partner of choice.
The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) announces that planning has commenced for the next edition of its flagship event, the Air Cargo Forum. The 2024 event will be managed with new partner, McVeigh Global Meetings and Events, LLC (MGME), who will organize the event that will again be held in Miami, November 11-14, 2024.
Building upon the success of ACF 2022, which had over 220 exhibitors and over 3,500 unique visitors, the association selected MGME following a vigorous tender process based on their commitment to deliver an event aligned with TIACA’s Events key principles set by the association’s Board of Directors. The key principles include providing value for money, being network focused, world class speakers, industry thought leader engagement, charitable, sustainable as well as providing a highly valued experience for attendees. Future events will include facility tours, unique networking celebrations and excursions for attendees.
The TIACA Board of Directors, selected MGME to organize, sell and manage the Air Cargo Forum 2024 and the Air Cargo Forum 2026, both of which will be held at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
“Following the success of ACF 2022, we would like to enhance the event even more, aligned with our key event principles as a membership focused organization. We feel that it is vital that the ACF remains a world class global event that brings the entire industry together to deliver value not only for our exhibitors but to our members and the industry at large. By partnering with MGME, we can offer the entire package; exhibits, sponsorship, advertising and of course plenty of networking opportunities as well as fun,” says Steven Polmans, TIACA Chair.
McVeigh Global Meetings and Events, LLC (MGME) is an award-winning, top 25 provider of innovative meeting management and event production solutions on a global stage for the MICE industry. Focused on creating more dynamic and meaningful human connections throughout the world, the company has team members in 25 countries with meetings and events experience in over 70. The company’s recent acquisition of PRIME Event Partners in Canada has increased their global footprint and will continue growth into the future of the ever-changing and evolving industry.
“We are excited to work towards delivering another successful event next year that will include a streamlined event that achieves the association’s event principles but will also offer more opportunities for attendees to network such as a golf tournament, receptions and well planned after event parties. We are confident that MGME will be able to deliver to the association as well as the exhibitors and attendees. We also feel it is vital to make it easy for attendees to enjoy themselves in one of the world’s top tourist destinations, so we will be offering some exciting pre/post event excursions, watch this space. This way we can provide much more than event, we can provide an experience,” says Glyn Hughes, TIACA Director General.
Challenge Group is thrilled to announce the latest addition to its fleet – the B767-300BDSF aircraft. This milestone marks a significant step forward for the company, enhancing its overall capacity and operational flexibility to better serve its customers worldwide.
The introduction of the B767 aircraft is part of Challenge Group’s fleet diversification project, designed to adapt to evolving market demands and cater to specific customer requirements. It is essential to note that the B767 is an addition to the existing fleet and is not replacing the B747-400 fleet. In the years to come, the B777F will also be introduced as an addition, emphasizing the company’s commitment to growth and expansion.
“We are excited to welcome the B767-300BDSF to our fleet, a testament to our dedication to providing exceptional service and solutions to our customers,” said Yossi Shoukroun, Chief Executive Officer of Challenge Group. “This aircraft’s enhanced efficiency and sustainability align perfectly with our mission to tackle the challenges posed by certain airport restrictions worldwide, including the 4-engine ban and noise level regulations that have been on the rise.”
The B767’s arrival will empower Challenge Group to be more competitive and versatile in meeting specific customer needs, allowing for greater flexibility when less capacity is required. This increased adaptability will also pave the way for exploring new markets, including short and medium-haul routes within the EU, the India sub-continent, and the Middle East. The aircraft’s volumetric ratio makes it an ideal choice for transporting commodities, making it highly suitable for e-commerce and pharma industries, where volumetric capacity is critical.
Or Zak, Chief Commercial Officer of Challenge Group, expressed his excitement about the fleet expansion, stating, “The B767’s introduction will revolutionize our ability to serve our customers better. With additional capacity and enhanced flexibility, we can offer improved frequency to our current destinations and venture into new markets, enriching our global presence significantly.”
Challenge Group has diligently prepared for this fleet diversification project, allowing sufficient time for specific trainings, operational adjustments, and targeted roadshows in key markets, like the recent one conducted in India. The continuation of the conversion program is set to begin in September, with two aircraft undergoing simultaneous conversion, and the full fleet of four B767 aircraft expected to be fully operational by Q1/2024.
The Challenge Group team is enthusiastic about the potential of the B767 aircraft to elevate their services, deliver value to customers, and explore new horizons, positioning the airline as an even more influential player in the aviation industry.
Oman Air Cargo has released its results for the first half of 2023, recording a remarkable 42% increase in cargo volumes compared to the same period in 2022, primarily driven by capacity expansion. Between January and June, total cargo revenue surpassed OMR 22.3 million, reflecting the resilience of operations amidst challenging market conditions. Despite a dip in yield compared to the previous year, the results indicate healthy growth and the carrier’s focus on technology, efficiency and customer service are ensuring it retains its strong position in the market.
Since its inception in 2009, Oman Air Cargo has maintained a remarkable upward trajectory. Having obtained the IATA CEIV Pharma and CEIV Fresh certifications in 2021, it continues to gain significant momentum through time- and temperature-controlled shipments. While in 2022 it added several new destinations and introduced its innovative ‘Cargo-in-Cabin’ service to Europe, the Far East and Indian Subcontinent, its 2023 strategy includes the launch of its first ever freighter to meet growing demand. Furthermore, its ongoing digitalisation drive continues to make the customer experience simpler and more efficient, with a new Revenue Management System and online booking channels currently in the works.
Leveraging Muscat’s strategic location connecting East and West, Oman Air Cargo’s state-of-the-art facilities ensure the seamless movement of cargo through its hub at Muscat International Airport. With bespoke solutions and the highest standards of safety and quality, it remains at the forefront of the rapidly evolving air cargo sector, while solidifying Oman’s standing as a key regional logistics hub.
Swissport Deutschland GmbH and Flughafen Düsseldorf GmbH have successfully closed the transaction for their cargo joint venture at Düsseldorf Airport. The new joint venture, named Swissport DUS Cargo Services GmbH, started operations on 17 August 2023.
Following the signing of binding agreements earlier in the year, Swissport has successfully closed the acquisition of a 74.9 percent stake in Flughafen Düsseldorf Cargo GmbH, the cargo handling unit of Düsseldorf Airport. Starting 17 August 2023, the two partners Swissport Deutschland GmbH and Flughafen Düsseldorf GmbH have embarked on a long-term partnership at Düsseldorf Airport, operating under the new name of Swissport DUS Cargo Services GmbH.
“To complement its strong organic growth, Swissport is pursuing an ambitious M&A agenda that includes being an active consolidator in the aviation services industry as well as entering into partnerships and joint ventures globally,” says Pablo von Siebenthal, Swissport’s Global Head of Mergers & Acquisitions. “In our conversations with airports and airlines around the world we see great interest from them in either selling or partnering with us for their own ground or cargo handling operations. They realize that as the leading aviation services company in the world, Swissport is their best partner.”
The Düsseldorf joint venture aligns with Swissport’s global M&A plan, aimed at reinforcing its global presence across several business lines and its role as the industry leader. With the three largest global players sharing less than 40 percent of the global market, interesting potential for further consolidation remains. Swissport has been driving consolidation since its foundation in 1996 and continues to shape the industry, exemplified by traditional take-overs like Aerocare with operations at 35 airports in Australia and in New Zealand in 2018 and the recent strategic acquisition of Alitalia’s ground handling unit at Rome-Fiumicino Airport in Italy in 2022.
“The start of our joint operations in Düsseldorf is a moment of joy for Swissport Germany,” says Bruno Stefani, Swissport’s CEO for Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Italy. “It shows our commitment to the German market and solidifies our position in Düsseldorf and across Germany and sets the stage of further growth. Across Germany, Swissport supports airlines from all over the world with a wide range of services including ground services, cargo handling and aviation fueling.”
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