Kuehne+Nagel has been chosen to manage Schaeffler Vehicle Lifetime Solutions Asia Pacific’s new Central Logistics Center in Thailand. Located in the Si Racha free zone near Schaeffler’s manufacturing plant in Chonburi, this 3,000sqm facility will handle key operations like kitting, goods receiving, and shipping, all aimed at optimizing logistics and improving delivery efficiency for Schaeffler’s customers across the Asia Pacific region.
Micah Shepard, President of Schaeffler Vehicle Lifetime Solutions Asia Pacific, states: “This Central Logistics Center will serve as a key supply hub for the Asia Pacific region. With Kuehne+Nagel as our experienced and reliable logistics partner, our goal is to improve the accessibility and efficiency of spare parts distribution by increasing our focus on innovation, progress, and customer orientation.”
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“Our long-term partnership with Schaeffler has grown over the years thanks to our shared commitment and collaborative spirit. Together, we have achieved remarkable progress and will continue to build on this solid foundation, embracing the opportunities ahead,” says David Roussiere, Managing Director of Kuehne+Nagel Thailand, Cambodia and Myanmar.
As part of its Roadmap 2026, Kuehne+Nagel identifies Asia as a key growth area, with Thailand playing an important role. The company stays connected to its customers by investing locally and building even stronger partnerships, ensuring they meet their evolving needs. A recent example is the new distribution centre in the Suvarnabhumi Airport free trade zone in Bangkok, Thailand.
Khalifa Port has reached a major milestone with the inauguration of CMA Terminals Khalifa Port, a state-of-the-art, eco-friendly facility that boosts container capacity by 23% to nearly 10 million TEUs annually. Combining advanced technology and sustainability, the new terminal enhances Abu Dhabi’s position as a global trade hub and supports the UAE’s green economy goals.
This AED 3.1 billion (USD 845 million) container terminal is managed through a joint venture, with CMA CGM Group’s subsidiary CMA Terminals holding a 70% stake and Abu Dhabi Ports owning the remaining 30%.
His Highness was also present for the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Rodolphe Saadé and Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi. This agreement focuses on advancing maritime training and education across the UAE and the GCC region. As part of the partnership, the CMA CGM Group will help train students from the Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy and assist with placing cadets on its flagship vessels.
The inauguration of CMA Terminals is a significant milestone for Khalifa Port, the flagship port of AD Ports Group. Since its opening in December 2012, this world-class container, roll-on/roll-off, and multipurpose facility has grown rapidly, transforming into one of the fastest-growing and most efficient commercial ports in the world.
The newly unveiled CMA Terminals showcases cutting-edge infrastructure designed with sustainability and efficiency in mind. It features automated gates, integrated systems, and shore-power capabilities that reduce vessel emissions. Solar panels power several areas, and the terminal is home to the region’s first net-zero carbon administration building, running entirely on renewable energy. This building earned the prestigious “Net Zero Building Project of the Year Award” at the 2022 MENA Green Building Awards.
The addition of the CMA CGM terminal boosts port’s container capacity by 23%, bringing the total to nearly 10 million TEUs annually. Ready for rail connectivity, this new terminal further solidifies port’s position as a major regional gateway. Designed with sustainability at its core, it supports the UAE’s circular economy goals by promoting construction recycling and reducing operational waste.
CMA Terminals serves as a modern, sustainably designed hub for CMA CGM to facilitate growing trade between Asia, Africa, Europe, the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and the Indian subcontinent. CMA CGM, a global leader in decarbonizing the shipping industry, aims to achieve Net Zero Carbon by 2050, and this terminal aligns perfectly with their mission.
The facility combines advanced technology with sustainability. It is equipped with eight state-of-the-art Ship-to-Shore (STS) cranes and 20 Electric Rubber Tyred Gantry (e-RTG) cranes, further enhancing port’s status as one of the world’s most advanced commercial ports and a key driver of sustainable trade.
At the inauguration, His Excellency Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Chairman of AD Ports Group, expressed pride in welcoming His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, noting the terminal’s role in cementing the UAE’s reputation as a top investment destination and a key partner for global trade.
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Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and CEO of CMA CGM Group, highlighted the terminal’s strategic significance, calling it a step forward for Khalifa Port and a boost to regional shipping and logistics. Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, emphasized the port’s enhanced global connectivity and contribution to local economic diversification.
The inauguration also marks the completion of Phase 1 of the CMA CGM terminal project, featuring an 800-meter quay wall, 18.5 meters of depth, and a capacity of 1.8 million TEUs. With these advancements, Khalifa Port now spans 6.3 square kilometers, with 41 quay cranes, 159 yard cranes, an 11.7-kilometer quay wall, and a 3.8-kilometer breakwater.
This new chapter firmly establishes Khalifa Port as a regional leader in trade, innovation, and sustainability, driving forward the UAE’s vision for economic growth and global connectivity.
Copenhagen Airport has chosen Amadeus as a long-term IT partner. This strategic partnership, in which Amadeus will provide Copenhagen Airports with next-generation cloud-based technology, will provide far reaching benefits including an improved operational performance and customer experience.
The agreement will see nine Amadeus solutions being implemented to replace the current Air Traffic System, transforming operations across a diverse range of areas.
Christian Poulsen, CIO and VP for Assets & Technology at Copenhagen Airports, describes the role IT plays in supporting their strategic objectives, “We have an ambitious vision to become a world-class hub for Northern Europe. Our objective is to grow from 25 to 40 million passengers per year, and as a part of this focus we are optimising our infrastructure to better help our airline partners to serve the increasing number of international routes and operations. We have chosen Amadeus as a strategic partner. Amadeus has the proven experience and leading cloud capabilities to deliver an operational traffic IT solution which will enable us to meet our goals whilst in parallel ensuring we keep our focus on continued innovation.”
John Jarrell, Head of Airport IT at Amadeus, said, “We look forward to helping Copenhagen harness the power of the cloud through this landmark agreement. Airports around the world are considering how new approaches to technology can help increase capacity, efficiency, the passenger experience and open new revenue streams, whilst also delivering more competitive services to their airline customers. With the on-going air traffic capacity constraints that exist in Europe we are seeing a shift in the industry as airport operators such as Copenhagen Airports, a company consistently recognised for its efficiency and emphasis on innovation, take advantage of the benefits of the cloud.”
Amadeus’ Airport IT division was created in 2011 and has seen rapid organic growth as well as the acquisition of UFIS Airport Solutions in 2014 and more recently the acquisition of Air-Transport IT Services in 2015.
UTC Aerospace Systems congratulates Embraer on the rollout of the next-generation Embraer E190-E2. UTC Aerospace Systems is a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).
UTC Aerospace Systems is a major supplier for the E2 jet, providing numerous new systems for the re-engine aircraft. The E190-E2 is one of three new airplanes that comprise the second generation of Embraer’s E-Jet family.
“Embraer has been our valued customer for many years, and we are delighted to join them in commemorating this exciting milestone,” said David Gitlin, President of UTC Aerospace Systems. “We are fully committed to supporting the E2 family of airplanes through entry into service and beyond.”
UTC Aerospace Systems has been chosen by Pratt & Whitney as the exclusive nacelle provider for both engine models for Embraer’s E2-Jet aircraft. The E2-Jets will be equipped with Pratt & Whitney’s PurePower® Geared Turbofan™ PW1700G and PW1900G engines that include UTC Aerospace Systems engine controls. Designed and manufactured to leverage the latest in composite technology, the nacelle systems will directly contribute to significant reductions in fuel burn, emissions, noise and operating costs.
UTC Aerospace Systems has also been selected by Embraer to be the sole source supplier of wheels and carbon brakes for the E2 aircraft family, the electric system which comprises electric power generation, emergency power generation, primary power distribution and secondary power distribution, as well as fire protection, evacuation systems and air data systems.
Global testing group Exova has made a series of investments at its laboratory in Plzeň, Czech Republic to extend its range of capabilities for customers within the global aerospace market, and further grow its presence in mainland Europe.
Central to the laboratory’s investment is a new metallurgical department with increased capacity. This includes modifications to the facility and the acquisition of new state of the art equipment such as optical microscopy and precision cutting machinery to meet the growing demand from the aerospace industry.
In addition to the new equipment, the lab has invested in its computer-based operating systems to increase efficiency at each stage of testing, improving both operations and reporting.
As well as a broad scope of mechanical testing, the Plzeň laboratory provides metallurgical assessment, including macro assessment and mapping and a range of micro examinations, along with corrosion resistance testing. Its customers work predominantly in the aerospace sector, but the laboratory conducts testing on forgings and welding, so can work across the automotive, power generation and general engineering sectors as well.
Jiri Fidransky, General Manager of the Plzeň laboratory, said, “These upgrades have streamlined our day-to-day operations and reflect the growth we are seeing in the aerospace sector. Exova’s continued strong growth in the sector is driven by our highly technical and efficient service provision, and through these investments our customers will benefit from improved turnaround times and increased capacity, as well as advances in testing capabilities.”
Enova has been awarded a new five-year contract to provide technical and specialised facilities management (FM) services at the Sharjah International Airport in the UAE.
The deal, which follows the firm’s previous five-year contract at the airport, covers the provision of services related to mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP), flight information display systems (FIDS), security and civil operations.
Enova’s renewed contract will also involve airfield services, including airfield lighting, runway civil maintenance and communications and navigation systems.
The FM provider, formerly known as MAF Dalkia, will continue to build on work conducted over the last five years by introducing a variety of energy performance management components designed to provide cost savings and reduced energy consumption amongst Sharjah International Airport’s facilities.
HE Ali Salim Al Midfa, chairman of Sharjah Airport Authority, added, “Sharjah International Airport enjoys an excellent reputation for its operational efficiency, which came as a result of efficient management of the highest international standards, in addition to the ongoing maintenance works in all its facilities to ensure [a] pleasant travelling experience for all our passengers. Enova is one of the leading companies in this field; it has proven through the years its ability to manage the airport facilities efficiently.
“Our aim is to ensure the highest level of maintenance is made to all the airport’s facilities and infrastructure in order to operate efficiently around the clock. And we are confident that this partnership with Enova will lead to excellent results, which all stakeholders and passengers will benefit from. Also, we will work to maximise the energy savings among the facilities as part of our environment conservation programme,” HE Al Midfa concluded.
CloudStore by Arconics, the next generation, feature-rich, scalable and cost effective Wireless In-Flight Entertainment (W-IFE) platform, has been selected by Tigerair Australia for the airline’s first short-haul services to Bali commencing March 2016. Flights between Australia and Denpasar are operated by Virgin Australia International, providing a Tigerair Australia service, and are subject to regulatory approvals.
CloudStore will allow Tigerair Australia to offer a mix of free and paid content offerings to their customers on the Boeing 737-800 fleet of aircraft which the airline will use for its international services. Content will be a mix of Hollywood and Australian movies as well as international and local TV programmes, music and real-time destination mapping. Over time, more features will be introduced to the platform.
CloudStore Wireless IFE is driven by the passenger experience, but it also features powerful backend functionality, including rich data analytics in near real-time, to support on-the-go commercial and service decision-making.
CloudStore delivers improvements in the IFE content delivery cycle. Airline staff can publish their own content builds and prepare aircraft media: they no longer have to wait to import media from an integrator, and can update content on the platform without delays.
Arconics CEO, Niall O’Sullivan, said, “We’re delighted that Tigerair Australia is deploying CloudStore W-IFE. We’ve worked hard with some of the world’s smartest airlines to create an IFE platform that’s a generation ahead of competition. Passengers demand the freedom to use their own devices to access entertainment, communications and retail services while they’re flying and CloudStore delivers on the promise of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD). CloudStore provides the flexibility, analytics and real-time insight that revenue managers need to drive ancillaries and our faster, simpler content loading removes effort and complexity for engineering and ground operations.”
CloudStore Wireless IFE will be on display at Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) in Hamburg, Germany, 5-7 April 2016.
JetBlue Airways, New York’s Hometown Airline™, recently announced the appointment of John Culp to the role of Vice President – Inflight Experience and Rachel McCarthy to the role of Vice President – Talent, effective this month.
John Culp, most recently served as JetBlue’s Director – Inflight Field Operations. He steps into the helm of JetBlue’s second-largest work group during a year of significant growth for the airline. JetBlue is set to hire 850 new Inflight Crewmembers in 2016 to support the airline’s ongoing network growth across the Americas.
He first joined JetBlue in 2007, rising through the ranks as Manager – Inflight Business and Resource Management and later Director – Inflight Performance & Quality. An airline industry veteran, he has a combined 25 years of experience in aviation including as a flight attendant for Continental Airlines and in various commercial roles for British Airways and Northwest Airlines. He is a graduate of Purdue University and the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business.
Rachel McCarthy, who most recently served as Vice President – Inflight Experience, has been appointed to the key role of Vice President – Talent. She will oversee all aspects of hiring and talent development across JetBlue – a critical piece of strengthening the company’s culture as the airline expects to cross the 20,000-Crewmember mark in 2016. Last year alone, the airline attracted a record 140,000 job applications.
She joined JetBlue in 2009 and has also served as Director – Product Development and Director – Inflight Field Operations. Prior to JetBlue, she held a variety of commercial leadership positions at Delta Air Lines and United Airlines in the U.S. and U.K. She has over 25 years of airline experience. McCarthy succeeds Bonny Simi, who was named President, JetBlue Technology Ventures.
“I am delighted to see two outstanding JetBlue leaders appointed to these critical roles,” said JetBlue’s President and CEO, Robin Hayes. “Over their careers at JetBlue, John and Rachel have proven to be terrific leaders who understand that our culture is critical to our success.”
“Our inflight crewmembers are the best in the sky and each day they bring the JetBlue brand to life onboard our aircraft and in our communities,” Culp said. “I am thrilled to continue working with our inflight crewmembers in this new role and look forward to working together to continue evolving our award-winning onboard service.”
Thilo Schäfer will take the reins as Managing Director of Leisure Cargo, the airline specialist for total cargo management.
He will lead the company together with Dr. Klaus Sieger, who in recent months has pressed ahead with the positive development at Leisure Cargo over 2015.
Thilo Schäfer previously held the position of Vice President Global Handling at Lufthansa Cargo, where most recently he carried overall responsibility for process and quality management, digitisation, lean logistics and innovation management. Schäfer is a 20-year veteran of the aviation industry. A qualified business engineer, he was in charge of developing Time Definite Services, where he also managed sales in Germany. The seasoned logistics expert has acquired international experience working in Asia and Europe.
Stefan Pichler, CEO, airberlin, says, “We have recruited an extremely experienced air cargo manager in Thilo Schäfer. His extensive knowledge of the logistics industry will allow him to play a key role in shaping Leisure Cargo’s ongoing strategic development as a ‘virtual cargo airline’.”
Thilo Schäfer, says, “I am looking forward to my new challenges very much, particularly building and expanding new customer relationships in Germany and abroad. I am convinced that our strong team and global partners will allow the future-oriented and successful development of Leisure Cargo to continue.”
Sergey Emdin has left his position as Chief Executive Officer of Northern Capital Gateway LLC (NCG), the managing company of Pulkovo St. Petersburg Airport. By resolution of the Company’s Board of Directors, Sergey Furs, who has held the position of Procurement and Warehousing Director in NCG since 2010, has been appointed as the new CEO.
S. Emdin headed NCG since April 1, 2010. Under his leadership, the first stage of Pulkovo Airport reconstruction and development project was successfully completed on the basis of a public-private partnership. The volume of investment for the first stage was EUR 1.2 billion.
Within the first stage, in 2010-2015, a modern centralized passenger terminal was built with an area of 170,000 sq. m and operational capacity of 18 million passengers per year. A large-scale modernization of the airside and landside infrastructure was carried out, new aprons, a business centre and a hotel were built.
Passenger flow through the Airport doubled from 2010 till 2015, and reached 13.5 million in 2015. The Company’s revenue over this period more than doubled and, according to the preliminary results for 2015, approached 14 billion.
Sergey Emdin will continue his work at a senior management level in VTB Group and will be included in the NCG Board of Directors.
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