Messe München has announced the appointment of Bhupinder Singh, currently serving as CEO of Messe München India, as President IMEA (India, Middle East, Africa).
This strategic move reflects the Messe München’s commitment to fostering growth and driving innovation across these dynamic and fast-growing regions. The company is strengthening its strategic focus on the Indian, Middle Eastern and African regions by combining responsibility for this area into “IMEA” (India, Middle East, Africa).
Bhupinder Singh assumed the pivotal position of President IMEA on January 1, 2025. Since his appointment in 2016 as the CEO of Messe München India, he has successfully led the organization to become the second largest international subsidiary of the esteemed Messe München Group. In addition to his responsibility for India, Bhupinder Singh also oversees Messe München’s events in Africa.
With his new regional responsibilities, Bhupinder Singh will drive Messe München’s market entry in the Middle East.
At the same time, he will become a member of the Board of Directors of MMI Asia Singapore, Messe München’s umbrella organization for the regions of China, India, Africa and the Middle East.
“Bhupinder Singh is characterized by his strategic vision, his in-depth understanding of the dynamics of the trade fair industry and his exceptional leadership”, say the two CEO’s Stefan Rummel and Reinhard Pfeiffer: “He has already led our Indian subsidiary to extraordinary success and will now also establish our trade fairs in the Middle East.” His achievements are impressive: since 2016, Bhupinder Singh has expanded the company’s portfolio in India from seven to more than 20 events and almost quadrupled the company’s sales revenue.
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“Leading the IMEA region is an opportunity to shape the future of trade fairs in some of the world’s most dynamic markets”, explains Bhupinder Singh, President IMEA Messe München: “By fostering innovation and building platforms for meaningful partnerships, we aim to drive transformative growth across India, Africa, and the Middle East.”
As one of the world’s leading trade fair organizers, Messe München presents the world of tomorrow at around 90 trade fairs worldwide. These include twelve of the world’s leading trade fairs such as bauma, BAU, IFAT and electronica.
Mawani (The Saudi Ports Authority) has achieved significant milestones in 2024, further enhancing Saudi Arabia’s status as a global logistics hub.
These achievements included improved international rankings for Saudi ports and the launch of major investment projects, all aligning with the objectives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy.
In 2024, Saudi Arabia’s global ranking in container handling improved markedly, as reported by Lloyd’s List. The Kingdom ranked 15th globally, with three of its ports listed among the world’s top 100 ports. Jeddah Islamic Port climbed from 41st to 32nd place, King Abdullah Port advanced from 71st to 70th, and King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam rose from 90th to 82nd.
To enhance the competitiveness of Saudi ports, Mawani signed agreements, broke ground, and inaugurated projects to establish eight logistics zones and centers at Jeddah Islamic Port and King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam.
These private-sector investments, totaling approximately SAR 2.9 billion, are part of a broader plan involving SAR 10 billion for 18 logistics zones across the Kingdom. Notably, Maersk’s largest global logistics investment, valued at SAR 1.3 billion and spanning 225,000 square meters, was inaugurated at Jeddah Islamic Port.
Additionally, 2024 saw the completion of the northern expansion of Jeddah Islamic Port in collaboration with the Red Sea Gateway Terminal Company. This SAR 1 billion project expanded the terminal’s area from 700,000 square meters to 1.5 million square meters, increasing its capacity from 2.5 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) to 6.2 million TEUs.
To further improve Saudi Arabia’s ranking in the Maritime Connectivity Index and boost the flow of national exports and imports, 34 new shipping services were introduced, connecting Saudi ports with key ports in the East and West.
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Mawani also signed multiple agreements with international ports and national entities, including the Ministry of Transport and Logistics Services, the Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority, Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR), the Saudi Logistics Academy, Lloyd’s Register, Pacific International Lines, Port of Hamburg, Hamburg Port Consulting, Reviva, and the Port of Marseille Fos. These partnerships aim to develop human capital and enhance operational efficiency.
In support of Saudi Arabia’s prominence on the global logistics map, Mawani launched the Port Community System, providing over 250 e-services across its ports. The Kingdom also announced its successful bid to host the UNCTAD Global Supply Chain Forum in 2026.
Additionally, Jeddah Islamic Port was listed on the London Metal Exchange (LME). Mawani concluded 2024 with notable international recognition, earning eight local, regional, and global awards from prestigious organizations specializing in logistics and port operations.
FedEx (Federal Express Corporation), the world’s largest express transportation company, has launched a new customs clearance facility at Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ). The facility is equipped with in-house clearance capabilities, enabling FedEx to handle shipment clearance procedures on behalf of its customers to enhance operational efficiency and offer greater convenience to businesses.
The new facility supports the clearance of packages shipped to and from RAKEZ through a range of FedEx express air and deferred road services, simplifying the import and export process.
“We are pleased to launch our new customs clearance facility in Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone to enhance trade flow for local businesses and improve their access to specialized logistics support. By providing customs clearance services in the free zone, we are not only helping businesses to reduce costs and save time but also allowing them to focus on their growth and expansion,” said Taarek Hinedi, vice president of FedEx Middle East and Africa Operations. “This facility demonstrates our commitment to strengthening the UAE’s logistics ecosystem by continuously investing in the enhancement of our products and services. We look forward to supporting Ras Al Khaimah’s economic growth and the evolving needs of our customers in the Emirate.”
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Ramy Jallad, Group CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ), said “Welcoming the new FedEx customs clearance facility in RAKEZ marks yet another strategic development in our ongoing efforts to enhance the business support infrastructure for our community. This facility will provide our businesses, particularly manufacturers, with streamlined customs processes and access to top-tier logistical solutions from FedEx, helping to improve their operational efficiency. An integral part of our commitment to empowering businesses in RAKEZ is facilitating their expansion plans and providing them with seamless access to international markets.”
A robust logistics network will be key to supporting Ras Al Khaimah’s growth, particularly its thriving manufacturing and industrial sector, which contributes approximately 30% to the Emirate’s overall GDP. This diverse economy positions Ras Al Khaimah as an attractive destination for businesses of all sizes, further solidifying its role as a key player in regional and global trade.
Singapore Changi Airport handled 67.7 million passenger movements in 2024, registering a 14.8% year-on-year increase. This was 99.1% of the passenger movements recorded in 2019, prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. Aircraft movements, totaled 366,000 in 2024, up 11.5% compared to 2023. A total of 1.99 million tonnes airfreight throughput was recorded in the year, surpassing 2023’s level by 14.6%.
For the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2024, Singapore Changi Airport handled 17.8 million passenger movements. This was a 10.7% increase compared to the same period in 2023, and marked a full traffic recovery compared to Q4 of 2019. Aircraft movements, which include landings and take-offs, totaled 95,300, up 9.3% year-on-year. For the quarter, 521,000 tonnes in air freight throughput was recorded, an increase of 15.0%.
December 2024, with 6.4 million passenger movements, was the busiest month in the year, the first-time monthly traffic has exceeded six million since December 2019. The busiest day of the year was 21 December 2024 – the Saturday before Christmas – when 226,000 passengers passed through Changi’s terminals.
While all regions witnessed growth, North Asia was the fastest growing in 2024, registering an increase of 40% compared to 2023. Changi Airport’s top five passenger markets for the year were China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia and Thailand.
China was Changi’s largest source market of the year, with passenger traffic almost doubling 2023’s level and surpassing the pre-Covid level by 6%. Hong Kong and Japan also recorded significant growth of more than 20% year-on-year.
Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Jakarta, Denpasar (Bali) and Hong Kong were Changi Airport’s busiest routes during the year. Shanghai entered Changi’s top 10 cities list for the first time since 2011, registering a 94% growth compared to the previous year.
On the cargo front, all cargo flows—exports, imports, and transshipments—grew, driven by major improvements in cargo flows between Singapore and China, as well as the United States. The recovery of Singapore’s electronics exports and re-exports, strong global demand for cross-border e-commerce shipments, and the modal shift from ocean to air freight due to disruptions in maritime transport also drove growth.
For the year, Changi’s top five air cargo markets were China, Australia, the United States, Hong Kong and India.
Mr. Yam Kum Weng, Chief Executive Officer of Changi Airport Group, said, “We witnessed a year of strong growth in passenger and cargo traffic as well as connectivity in 2024. Changi added a bumper crop of 11 new city links, strengthening the air hub’s network and opening up a world of new destinations to support business ties and for travelers to explore. We are deeply grateful for the close partnership with our airline partners and are pleased to welcome the new airlines to Changi. Their collaboration has been instrumental in driving this growth.
“Looking ahead, we are optimistic of another year of growth in passenger traffic. Changi Airport Group will continue investing in the airport’s infrastructure, systems, and processes to augment handling capacity and support rising air travel demand in the coming years.”
Enhancing Connectivity
In 2024, Changi Airport welcomed eight new passenger airlines – Aero Dili, AirAsia Cambodia, Air Canada, Air Japan, Loong Air, Peach Aviation, Tianjin Airlines and West Air. As Changi expanded its connectivity to the world, it added 11 new passenger city links to its network, connecting Singapore to Broome, Brussels, Guiyang, Kertajati, Lhasa, Linyi, Malacca, Phu Quoc, Quanzhou, Vancouver, and Wenzhou.
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During the year, Changi also established flights to London Gatwick Airport and Subang Airport, providing more options for travels to London and Kuala Lumpur. More exciting new routes are already on the horizon, and travelers can look forward to new destinations including Labuan Bajo from March, and Vienna from June this year.
Changi Airport also welcomed two new freighter airlines in 2024 – Shandong Airlines, which also resumed passenger services during the year, and Air Incheon.
The company added two new freighter city links, connecting Singapore to Haikou and Nagoya.
As at January 2025, 100 airlines operate over 7,400 weekly scheduled flights at Changi Airport, connecting Singapore to 163 cities in 49 countries and territories worldwide.
SkyUp Airlines, Ukraine’s largest airline, has completed its migration to IBS Software’s iFly Res to empower its commercial operations restart.
SkyUpTM, a leading digital-first airline, has garnered widespread recognition for its bold and innovative strategies since the onset of the war. From swiftly evacuating its fleet from restricted airspace to transitioning into an ACMI provider and securing an Air Operator Certificate in Malta to enable operations across Europe, the airline has consistently adapted to challenging circumstances.
As SkyUp AirlinesTM now resumes regular flights in the EU, following its temporary role as an ACMI and charter carrier, this move to the state-of-the-art PSS is a key milestone for the airline.
Daria Alieksieienko, Chief Commercial Officer at SkyUpTM says, ”We are thrilled to announce a successful migration to IBS Software’s digital solutions. Adopting advanced digital tools into our rebrand will transform our personalized customer service capabilities and strengthen our recovery following the conflict in Ukraine. Our partnership with IBS Software signifies triumph in the face of adversity, and we are excited about the opportunities ahead.”
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For SkyUpTM and beyond, IBS Software’s iFly Res ensures integrated operations, rapid implementation, scalability according to individual business needs, an enhanced customer experience and compliance with modern standards, like IATA NDC and One Order.
“We are proud to support SkyUp Airlines as they embark on this exciting new chapter,” said David Friderici, SVP & Head of Aviation Passenger Solutions at IBS Software. “Our iFly Res solution is designed to empower forward-thinking airlines like SkyUp to streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and adapt to evolving market dynamics. By providing robust, scalable, and future-ready order management capabilities, we aim to support SkyUpTM in its mission to redefine modern air travel and achieve operational excellence as they resume full-scale European operations.”
Electric trucks market is experiencing significant transformation as various regions ramp up efforts to reduce emissions.
IDTechEx’s latest report, Electric and Fuel Cell Trucks 2025-2045, provides a comprehensive analysis of this shift, highlighting the rise of battery-electric trucks (BEVs), plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), and fuel-cell trucks (FCEVs).
These vehicles play a critical role in tackling the transport sector’s CO2 emissions, which amounted to 1.8 billion tonnes in 2022—approximately 25% of the global total.
Key regions—China, Europe, and the US—are seeing different adoption rates of electric trucks, with China currently leading in sales. In 2023, Chinese OEMs, including SANY and Dongfeng, dominated the global market, with over 34,000 heavy-duty EV trucks sold. In contrast, the US market remains slow, with electric trucks accounting for just 0.1% of new truck sales. Meanwhile, Europe is witnessing rapid growth, with Volvo Trucks capturing around 70% of the heavy-duty EV truck market share.
Government regulations are driving this transition, with ambitious targets for emissions reduction. The EU, for example, has set stricter emission standards, aiming for a 45% reduction by 2030, while the US is targeting up to 60% zero-emission vehicle sales in some segments by 2032. These regulations aim to phase out diesel trucks and accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles, although challenges remain due to factors such as payload limits, charging infrastructure, and the high initial cost of electric trucks.
Fuel-cell trucks are an alternative solution, addressing some limitations of BEVs, such as longer refueling times and heavier batteries. Hydrogen fuel cells offer faster refueling and greater range, but the technology faces hurdles like the lack of widespread hydrogen infrastructure and high production costs. However, hydrogen internal combustion engines (H2ICE) show promise, with companies like MAN Truck & Bus planning to produce hydrogen-powered trucks in 2025.
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Despite these challenges, the EV truck market is expected to grow significantly over the next two decades, with substantial investments in battery technologies, charging infrastructure, and alternative powertrains. IDTechEx’s forecast provides a detailed outlook on truck sales, battery demand, and market value across different regions, offering valuable insights into the future of the commercial vehicle sector.
Unifeeder, a subsidiary of DP World Marine Services, has achieved significant growth in the intra-Mediterranean shipping market, tripling its market share to 4.3% in 2024, reinforcing its position as a major regional player.
Industry experts from Alphaliner reported that Unifeeder experienced the highest capacity growth among Mediterranean carriers, securing a place among the top six operators in the region based on deployed capacity.
Currently, Unifeeder’s Mediterranean fleet consists of 20 container vessels with a combined capacity of 24,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units), rivaling the capacity of global shipping giant COSCO SHIPPING Lines in the area.
Over the past year, the company has introduced seven new intra-Mediterranean services, contributing an additional 10,600 TEU of capacity and increasing the average size of its vessels to 1,186 TEUs.
These strategic initiatives are designed to meet the increasing demand for connectivity within the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions.
Unifeeder is also set to extend its services into the Black Sea later this month, reinforcing its regional presence.
This expansion highlights the company’s ongoing commitment to fulfilling the growing need for efficient and reliable intra-regional trade solutions.
Ganesh Raj, Global COO of DP World Marine Services, emphasized, “Unifeeder’s success in the Mediterranean and Black Sea demonstrates our ability to adjust to shifting market conditions and provide customized solutions that address the changing needs of our clients.”
He further adds, ”By expanding our services and fleet, we’re catering to the demand for enhanced intra-regional connectivity and offering long-term value to our customers.”
The intra-Mediterranean shipping market overall saw a 9.3% increase in capacity, amounting to nearly 50,000 TEUs since December 2023.
In this expanding market, Unifeeder’s share surged from 1.5% to 4.3%, pushing it up five spots to the sixth position among the region’s largest operators in terms of capacity.
This remarkable growth is attributed to a shift in trade dynamics, where large-scale operators are increasingly outsourcing intra-regional services to more nimble, specialized operators like Unifeeder.
Martin Gaard, CEO of Unifeeder A/S, noted, “The shipping industry is undergoing significant transformation, driven by geopolitical and economic factors that demand more adaptable supply chain solutions. Our expansion in the intra-Mediterranean market and the Black Sea aligns with our strategic focus on addressing these needs.”
He further continues, ”By offering efficient and dependable regional services, we help customers manage complexities and expand their reach in this evolving environment. Our growth underscores our role as a trusted partner in providing cost-effective, sustainable shipping solutions.”
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Unifeeder’s continued investments in the Mediterranean and Black Sea reflect DP World Marine Services’ broader vision of facilitating global trade by simplifying market connections.
With the backing of DP World’s extensive network and expertise, Unifeeder remains committed to providing flexible and reliable solutions, ensuring smooth trade in one of the world’s most active trade regions.
AD Ports Group, a leading facilitator of global trade, logistics, and industry, has signed a Foundation Agreement with SEMURG INVEST LLP (Semurg), the owner and developer of the Sarzha Multifunctional Marine Terminal at Kuryk Port, Kazakhstan.
The partnership has commenced constructing a greenfield grain terminal at Kuryk Port. Following the completion of phase one, this grain terminal will have the capacity to handle 570,000 tons of grain cargo per year. With the construction of phase two, the terminal’s capacity is set to expand further, reaching 1.5 million tons per year.
Sarzha Grain Terminal will see a total investment of just over USD 50 million over the two phases, with AD Ports Group contributing around USD 30 million.
Scheduled for completion in the second half of 2026, Sarzha Grain Terminal will enhance global food trade by connecting Kazakhstan to Europe via the Transcaspian International Transport Route and a network of sea and dry ports in Central Asia.
Abdulaziz Zayed Al-Shamsi, Regional CEO of AD Ports Group, said: “Our partnership with Semurg marks another key milestone in AD Ports Group’s Middle Corridor strategy and reinforces our commitment to global food security and the UAE’s National Strategy for Food Security. This investment demonstrates our Group’s dedication to expanding our presence in Central Asia, and in Kazakhstan in particular.”
Al-Shamsi further added, “Sarzha Grain Terminal will not only boost grain trade and handling at Kuryk Port but also, by leveraging modern technologies and sustainable practices, we aim to establish a resilient and reliable food supply chain to meet the growing demand of the global population. This project embodies our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and strategic growth.”
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Nurzhan Marabayev, General Director of SEMURG INVEST LLP, stated, “Our partnership with AD Ports Group boosts the Middle Corridor’s development and aligns with our commitment to the 2030 roadmap.” He added, “The project aims to diversify Kazakhstan’s export routes, enhance the Transcaspian route’s potential, and develop the Mangystau region’s economy.”
Announced in August 2023, AD Ports Group aims to boost global resource transport, connect regions, and foster economic growth.
Chapman Freeborn has expanded its cargo operations in Saudi Arabia, having signed an agreement with AJEX Logistics Services, a Middle East-based company specializing in express distribution and shipping solutions.
The move by the global charterer comes as a strategic response to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 programme which aims to increase air freight capacity to 4.5 million tons per year.
“This collaboration aligns with our mission to provide world-class aviation services and reflects our dedication to supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030,” said Gerhard Coetzee, Vice President Cargo at Chapman Freeborn.
“Together, we will drive innovation and excellence in aviation and cargo operations, ensuring that our clients benefit from the best possible service.”
Chapman Freeborn’s increased service offering mirrors its commitment to the region, following significant investment in personnel throughout the last two years, including the appointment of Linas Dovydenas as President of IMEA (India, Middle East and Africa) in November.
Under the terms of the agreement the companies will collaborate to offer comprehensive airport ground and cargo handling, and management of special cargo projects.
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“By combining our regional strengths with Chapman Freeborn’s extensive global network, we are committed to delivering enhanced aviation and cargo solutions that support the Kingdom’s ambitious growth objectives,” said Mohammed Albayati, Chief Executive Officer, AJEX Logistics Services.
Launched in 2016, Saudi Vision 2030, is an ambitious plan to diversify the Saudi economy and reduce its dependence on hydrocarbons.
Chapman Freeborn was awarded Air Charter Broker of the Year at the Payload Asia Awards last October in recognition of its role reinforcing supply chains’ resilience through time-critical deliveries and rapid response to humanitarian crises.
The Chapman Freeborn group was established in the UK in 1973. The company has offices worldwide including North America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. In the cargo market, Chapman Freeborn Airchartering 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.
Etihad Cargo, the logistics division of Etihad Airways, has operated 329 scheduled and charter flights from Ezhou Huahu Airport to Zayed International Airport, further establishing its reputation as a trusted partner for industries such as pharmaceuticals, e-commerce, and perishables
Since its inaugural flight to Ezhou Huahu Airport on August 18, 2023, making it the first international airline to do so, Etihad Cargo has reinforced its commitment to enhancing connectivity between Abu Dhabi and key markets across Asia, Europe, and beyond.
Ezhou Huahu Airport, Asia’s first dedicated freighter hub, has served as a strategic base for Etihad Cargo, enabling the transport of over 18,700 tonnes of export cargo and more than 400 tonnes of imports through Abu Dhabi since 2023. The addition of a sixth weekly scheduled flight in July 2024, followed by a seventh in 2025, has enhanced the carrier’s network, ensuring efficient connections to key global markets. The recent IATA CEIV Pharma certification for the airport’s ground handling services further strengthens its ability to support specialized cargo, especially within the pharmaceutical sector.
Stanislas Brun, Vice President Cargo at Etihad Cargo, said: “As the first international carrier to operate from Ezhou, Etihad Cargo is proud to have played a pivotal role in demonstrating the airport’s superior capabilities and strategic importance within just one year of operations. Etihad Cargo’s customers have expressed high satisfaction with the reliability and efficiency of the service, validating the carrier’s decision to partner with Ezhou and recognizing its potential as a global cargo hub. Ezhou Huahu Airport’s advanced infrastructure has impressed exporters and local customers alike, especially in facilitating seamless imports, while Etihad Cargo’s efforts to showcase Ezhou’s connectivity and capabilities to exporters in Europe and beyond are paving the way for even greater opportunities.”
Ezhou Huahu Airport, with its advanced facilities and strategic location, has emerged as a key logistics hub, enabling the seamless movement of goods across Asia and beyond. Its extensive network of 36 international cargo routes, combined with Etihad Cargo’s global connectivity through Abu Dhabi, has created significant value for customers seeking efficient and reliable cargo solutions. The collaborative efforts of partners, stakeholders, and local authorities have been essential in driving the success of Etihad Cargo’s operations in the region.
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Li Wei, Deputy General Manager of Ezhou Huahu International Airport, said: “Ezhou Huahu International Airport is located in central China, boasting a strategic geographical advantage and solid foundational conditions. A domestic hub-and-spoke route network is already established, while international logistics channels are rapidly taking shape. Port functionalities are continuously improving, and operational capabilities are steadily advancing. In 2024, the airport’s cargo and mail throughput are projected to rank fifth nationwide, with 36 international cargo routes already operational. Ezhou Huahu International Airport regards Etihad Cargo as a key strategic partner and supports the launch of more cargo routes at the airport, achieving even greater milestones in the future.”
Etihad Cargo’s operations in Ezhou are a key component of the carrier’s extensive network in Greater China, which will grow to 23 weekly freighters and 25 weekly passenger flights in 2025.
Technology has made the world smaller and faster.Real time communication with people from all over the world at different time zones through phones and gadgets
