BlueBox Systems, one of the leading developers of intelligent freight tracking solutions, has further developed its BlueBoxCargo tracking platform. The new features include the tracking of CO₂ emissions for sea freight, simplified shipment registration for smaller customers and extended analysis options that further optimize decision-making for customers. This includes, for example, a new routing function for air freight customers. The enhancements give customers access to even more precise and comprehensive data and make the platforms even easier and more flexible to use – even for smaller companies.
Thanks to the latest upgrades, BlueBox Systems’ customers now have access to detailed emission reports for sea freight on the BlueBoxCargo user interface (UI) and API. BlueBox Systems is working with a trusted partner who already provides the air cargo emissions data. The calculations include not only the main port-to-port route, but also the pre-carriage and on-carriage routes, as well as all stopovers, which are essential for a holistic view of emissions. The calculation also considers additional information, such as the type of vessel, which affects fuel efficiency. Customers receive emissions reports on a per-container basis and can also get a complete overview on dashboards.
In addition, BlueBoxCargo customers can now use a new routing feature to evaluate alternative flight routes in terms of transit time and CO2 emissions. This allows customers to plan their shipments in advance and select the optimal route and airline based on various criteria such as flight route, total travel time or CO2 emissions. The routing feature helps carriers plan more efficiently and reduce their carbon footprint.
BlueBoxCargo also now offers advanced reporting and analytics capabilities that allow customers to customize their dashboards. Users can combine the metrics that matter to them – such as CO₂ performance and on-time performance – into a single dashboard to gain deeper insight into their logistics operations. These self-service analytics provide a high degree of flexibility and help customers make data-driven decisions.
To make the platform more attractive to smaller and proof-of-concept customers, BlueBox Systems now enables manual registration of shipments and containers. In addition to the previous API integration and upload via file transfer, customers can now register individual shipments directly via an online form in the application and update them at any time. This low-threshold solution helps companies without extensive IT infrastructure to gain initial experience with the platform and ensures maximum flexibility and accessibility.
“With BlueBoxCargo, we are helping companies around the world make their supply chains more transparent and efficient, and giving them the tools they need to make informed decisions. Especially for customers operating in Europe, transparency and sustainability are top priorities due to regulatory requirements. With our new features for CO₂ calculation, flexible onboarding and extended reporting options, we are responding to customer requests and offering them an even more comprehensive tracking solution,” says Martin Schulze, CEO of BlueBox Systems.
Ardian, a world-leading private investment house, today announces that it has completed the acquisition of a 22.6% stake in FGP Topco Ltd (TopCo), the holding company for Heathrow Airport Holdings Ltd, from Ferrovial SE and certain other TopCo shareholders (the Transaction). Concurrently, PIF has acquired 15% of TopCo from the same shareholders through a separate vehicle.
“We are extremely proud to become part of the Heathrow family. Heathrow is an iconic global infrastructure asset, and this transaction marks another milestone moment for Ardian. We are passionate about infrastructure and the role it plays enabling growth and supporting the transition to net zero. We intend to support the Heathrow management team as they work to achieve both goals, growing the airport sustainably over the years ahead.” Mathias Burghardt, Executive Vice-President and Head of Infrastructure, Ardian
“The UK is a priority market for Ardian, and this transaction builds on our 17-year track record of successful infrastructure investments in the country. Our investment in Europe’s leading airport and the UK’s international gateway will draw on Ardian’s expertise in aviation, including previous investments in London Luton Airport and stakes in six airports in Italy. And it is another example of how we are delivering Ardian’s strategy of investing in significant infrastructure in our core markets. We delighted to be part of Heathrow’s future and committed to helping it grow sustainably.” Juan Angoitia Grijalba, Co-Head of Infrastructure Europe and Senior Managing Director, Ardian
“Heathrow is a vital national asset connecting the UK to the world and driving prosperity in every corner of the country. We’re delighted to welcome Ardian and PIF as new shareholders and investors in Heathrow’s future. We have a Board of experienced infrastructure investors committed to our long-term development and growth, supporting our strategic journey to make Heathrow an extraordinary airport, fit for the future.” Lord Deighton, Chairman of Heathrow Airport Holdings LTD
“Our number one mission is to deliver economic growth in every part of the UK to improve living standards. Attracting investment to our shores supports that goal. That’s why this investment matters. It’s also a strong vote of confidence in the UK, and comes on top of the £63bn of investment secured from international investors earlier this year, showing Britain is back in business.” Rt Hon Rachel Reevs, Chancellor of the Exchequer
“This huge investment in Heathrow is a massive vote of confidence in our world leading aviation sector. Seeing global investors put billions in the UK economy shows we are an investment destination of choice. Our Plan for Change will aim to secure more fantastic investment like this to deliver long-term, stable growth that supports skilled jobs and raises living standards across the country.” Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds, Secretary of State for Business and Trade
Peso Aviation Management B.V. and AIR ONE International Holdings Limited (AOIH)warmly welcome the Business Court of Walloon Brabant’s decision to approve its acquisition of Air Belgium’s cargo business.
This significant first step to secure the future of Air Belgium’s cargo operations aligns with PESO AVIATION MANAGEMENT B.V. and AIOH’s growth strategy and, once completed, will build a strong foundation for the airline’s future success in the Belgian and international cargo markets,preserve employment, and produce new development opportunities.
Through its new Belgian affiliate, AIR ONE Belgium (AOB)- owned 51% by Peter Scholten (PESO Aviation Management B.V.), a Dutch citizen with over 30 years of air cargo industry experience, and 49% by AOIH – the company is now set to acquire Air Belgium’s cargo business assets, contracts, and essential personnel. This collaborative approach aims to honour Air Belgium’s legacy while integrating its operations into AIR ONE Belgium’s ambitious growth plans.
Peter Scholten commented: “We acknowledge the trust the Nivelles business court has recognised in our offer. This positive ruling is not just an important win for PESO AVIATION MANAGEMENT B.V. and AIR ONE International Holdings Limited (AOIH) but also a significant milestone for Air Belgium’s cargo division and its dedicated employees. Together, we now have an opportunity to preserve jobs, strengthen Belgium’s aviation landscape, and build a future-ready cargo operation that benefits customers, our employees,and communities alike. This marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for everyone involved.”
The next step in the acquisition process involves securing the required operating and aviation licences from the Belgian aviation authorities. Once completed, AIR ONE Belgium’s strategy will see the integration of two additional B747-400F aircraft into Air Belgium’s fleet, which currently consists of two B747-8F and two A330-200F aircraft. This enhanced fleet of six freighters, supported by existing charter contracts, will ensure seamless operations and position the company to meet growing customer demand.
This acquisition represents a vital step forward for all parties involved. PESO AVIATION MANAGEMENT B.V. and AOIH are eager to work together to drive growth, protect jobs, and uphold a shared commitment to delivering exceptional value and service within the global cargo industry.
Hellmann is pleased to announce the appointment of Martin Habisreitinger as Chief Operating Officer (COO) Airfreight with effect from February 1, 2025. He will succeed Jan Kleine-Lasthues, who, after 13 successful years with Hellmann, has decided to pursue other opportunities. Martin Habisreitinger will report to Madhav Kurup, who will assume the position of Chief Operating Officer Airfreight, Seafreight, and Contract Logistics on the Global Management Board at the beginning of next year.
Martin Habisreitinger brings over 20 years of experience in global airfreight management, having held senior roles at Kühne & Nagel, DB Schenker, and most recently DHL Global Forwarding, where he served as Vice President for Starbroker Asia Pacific. With a proven track record of driving growth and operational efficiency, particularly in the Asian market, Martin Habisreitinger will collaborate closely with Hellmann’s international airfreight team to strengthen the company’s presence, focusing on the E-Commerce sector as a key driver of growth in the air cargo market.
“We are delighted to welcome Martin to the Hellmann team in February. Asia Pacific is a highly dynamic market and his extensive experience will be instrumental in supporting our growth ambitions in the region,” says Jens Drewes, CEO Hellmann Worldwide Logistics. “We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to Jan Kleine-Lasthues for his outstanding contributions and wish him the very best for the future.”
Specialist regional aircraft lessor, TrueNoord, has announced the appointment of aviation finance expert, Florian van Vugt, in the new role of Corporate Finance Manager.
Based at TrueNoord’s Amsterdam office, Van Vugt will manage debt structuring and refinancings as well as drive strategic initiatives to diversify the lessor’s funding base. He will also support the development of TrueNoord’s long-term relationships with financing providers including banks, institutional investors, capital market investors and rating agencies.
Van Vugt explains that it is TrueNoord’s forward-thinking approach and ambitious growth plans that attracted him to the Company. “Even before joining the team, TrueNoord made a strong impression on me as a dynamic and progressive business. Its fleet of turboprops and regional jets are essential for maintaining connectivity on thinner routes to remote communities or in challenging geographies. These aircraft also play a pivotal role in the broader network strategies of several long-haul carriers, making them indispensable to the aviation industry.”
With previous experience working in both aviation finance and strategy consulting in Europe and Asia, Van Vugt has a comprehensive understanding of the aviation industry’s financial and strategic dynamics. “I’m pleased to be joining TrueNoord at such a monumental time, with the team recently having acquired its 100th aircraft. I look forward to working closely with my colleagues to evaluate debt terms in relation to acquisitions, sales, and lease transactions, bringing a dual focus on financial rigour and strategic foresight to the team.”
Paul Murphy, TrueNoord CFO, affirms that Van Vugt is a great match for TrueNoord. “We welcome Florian to the team, further strengthening our financial leadership. His appointment brings a wealth of both aviation and banking experience into the business through his proven track record of managing complex financial transactions. He will be a great asset in driving TrueNoord’s continued growth and success.”
Jettainer sets course for a digital future and appoints Stefanie Pauly as Chief Information and Technology Officer. With this newly created position, Jettainer underlines its strategic focus on innovation, digitalization and technology to continue offering its customers the best services and to further strengthen its role as a global market leader.
Stefanie Pauly, who has more than ten years of experience in managing IT projects and process optimization in the air cargo industry, will be responsible for Jettainer’s innovation strategy. In her new role, she will work with Jettainer’s IT team to develop and refine innovations to continuously optimize processes and improve service quality. A particular focus will be on customer-centric software development.
“As new technologies become available, customers are rightly expecting digital solutions for seamless collaboration and greater transparency and efficiency in the supply chain. With Stefanie Pauly, we are gaining a highly competent leader who will continue to drive these topics forward for us,” said Dr Jan-Wilhelm Breithaupt, CEO of Jettainer. “We are looking forward to shaping the future of ULD management with her know-how and creativity. Her extensive experience and commitment to pioneering solutions make her the ideal candidate for this important position.”
Prior to joining Jettainer, Stefanie Pauly held various positions at Lufthansa Cargo, where she successfully managed digitalization, process optimization and innovation development projects over the past ten years. As Senior Manager Supply Chain Optimization and Strategy, she was in charge of the “Airmail IT” project and drove the digitalization of the cargo airline’s global handling processes. As Senior IT Project Manager, she was also responsible for the implementation and rollout of new production planning software at the Frankfurt hub. Most recently, she was Head of Fulfillment Framework.
In a milestone for sustainability and innovation in the UAE, KEZAD Group and Witthal Gulf Industries LLC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during Automechanika Dubai 2024 to establish the UAE’s first lithium battery recycling plant. The collaboration aims to establish a cutting-edge battery recycling facility that contributes to sustainable industrial practices while supporting the UAE’s environmental objectives.
The facility, which is scheduled to commence full operations by Q2 2027, will have the capacity to recycle 5,000 tons of battery waste annually by 2027. Doing so will save an estimated 20,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions each year, reduce the need for energy-intensive mining, and create new opportunities for local employment and innovation.
This transformative project aligns with the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 goals and its Circular Economy Policy 2021-2031, underscoring the nation’s leadership in green industrial development.
The plant will support the EV ecosystem by fostering renewable energy storage, reducing the carbon footprint of battery manufacturing, and promoting sustainable practices through advanced carbon capture technologies and material recovery methods.
During a panel discussion at Automechanika Dubai’s Innovation4Mobility main feature, Sugumaran Devaraja, Advisor, Witthal Gulf Industries LLC, said: “At Witthal, we have a strong vision for the sustainable future of human mobility. We have over a decade of strong understanding of the future of trade – we are already involved in the battery trade segment and the supply materials that go into battery manufacturing. We wanted to find a gap where we could play our part that matched KEZAD’s automotive hub ambition.”
This project marks a groundbreaking step for the UAE’s automotive industry, particularly in accelerating the growth of the electric vehicle (EV) sector. Establishing a fully operational lithium battery recycling plant lays the foundation for a robust EV ecosystem within KEZAD, but will also be a fundamental element of Whittal’s growth.
“We are poised for the next phase of growth as a company. We want to build technology and other ecosystems around the factory, so whether it’s carbon capture or value-added manufacturing, we want to look at how we can embed ourselves as a foundation member of what KEZAD is looking to do,” added Devaraja.
Automechanika Dubai, the largest automotive aftermarket trade exhibition in the wider Middle East, provided the ideal platform for this announcement, emphasising the show’s role as a hub for groundbreaking partnerships and cutting-edge advancements in the automotive sector.
Automechanika Dubai 2024 concluded today, having welcomed 2,228 global exhibitors from more than 62 countries and an audience of industry leaders and professionals to showcase innovation, foster connections, and drive the future of mobility.
Global air cargo average spot rates rose by a further +4% in the first full week of December to a 2024 high of US$3.30 per kilo, driven by a +8% surge from Asia Pacific origins, as the sector’s strong but relatively stable fourth-quarter (Q4) peak season approaches its zenith.
According to the latest figures and analysis by WorldACD Market data, average spot rates from Asia Pacific origins rose to $4.86 per kilo in week 49 (2 to 8 December), thanks to that +8% week-on-week (WoW) increase, taking them +19% above their levels in the same week last year. Spot rates from Africa origins also rose by +12%, WoW, partly in response to a surge in traffic to European markets, based on the more than 450,000 weekly transactions covered by WorldACD’s data. And there was a further +3% increase from Europe origins to $2.93 per kilo, boosted by a +4% WoW increase from Europe origins to North America, taking average rates to $3.97 per kilo on that westbound transatlantic lane.Tonnages, worldwide, were stable in week 49, with a slight (+1%) WoW increase, mainly driven by a +14% WoW rebound in volumes from North America origins (+15% from US), following the Thanksgiving holiday period in the US. But there were also significant WoW tonnage increases from China to the US and to Europe, which helped drive up spot prices on those markets by +10% and +12%, WoW, to $6.83/kg and $5.52/kg, respectively.
Asia to Europe spot rates surge
Alongside that +12% spike from China to Europe, Taiwan to Europe spot prices rose +20%, WoW, in week 49 to $4.76 per kilo, and there were further WoW increases from Japan (+3%), Vietnam (+3%), Thailand (+4%), and Malaysia (+3%). Hong Kong to Europe rates dipped slightly (-1%), but have been significantly elevated in the last two weeks, standing at $6.22/kg. And compared to last year, there are some really big year-on-year (YoY) increases in spot prices to Europe, particularly from Southeast Asian markets such as Indonesia (+94%), Thailand (+67%), Malaysia (+50%), Singapore (+42%), and Vietnam (+30%), while Taiwan to Europe spot prices are currently +62% higher, YoY. The YoY spot rate increases to Europe from China (+18%), Hong Kong (+7%) and South Korea (+14%) are less pronounced than from some of those Southeast Asian markets, although rates from China and Hong Kong, particularly, were already highly elevated this time last year, boosted by surging cross-border e-commerce volumes.
Compared with last year, average worldwide spot rates in week 49 were up +21%, YoY, led by a +62% increase from Middle East & South Asia (MESA) origins, and +19% YoY increases from Asia Pacific and Europe.
Delta Cargo, a leading U.S.-based air cargo carrier and a division of one of the world’s largest airlines, announced today it has entered into a long-term agreement with cargo.one, the leading digital air freight procurement platform. Freight forwarders worldwide will soon enjoy expanded digital access to Delta Cargo services using the industry’s go-to choice for instant air cargo bookings. This agreement enables Delta Cargo to expand its services and brand presence to more freight forwarding branches, while offering customers a world-class digital booking experience.
With a network spanning over 250 destinations worldwide, including hubs in major freight markets, Delta Cargo delivers reliable, efficient, and innovative cargo solutions to businesses around the globe. The carrier offers a wide range of services, tailored to meet the unique needs of its customers. Committed to operational excellence and leveraging cutting-edge technology, Delta Cargo plays a significant role in connecting businesses and communities worldwide.
The collaboration between the two air cargo industry leaders will significantly enhance the experience for freight forwarders managing thousands of air shipments. cargo.one will soon enable its global userbase of more than 20,000 forwarders to discover, quote, book and track Delta Cargo capacity in seconds, using the industry’s most user-friendly digital booking platform. The integration of Delta Cargo’s broad global network and premium services with cargo.one’s seamless procurement functionality will empower many forwarders to more efficiently offer competitive quotes and win shipments. Procuring Delta Cargo capacity through cargo.one equips agents with unique and innovative tools for winning and managing shipments effectively.
Peter Penseel, President of Delta Cargo, stated, “Ensuring that Delta Cargo services are readily accessible wherever freight forwarders prefer to book is essential. This collaboration with cargo.one, a truly global sales partner, is a natural extension of our digital offering, allowing us to connect with more forwarders in key markets. cargo.one shares our commitment to service excellence, delivering a convenient, efficient and seamless booking experience for every customer.”
Moritz Claussen, Founder & Co-CEO of cargo.one, added, “With Delta Cargo capacity at their fingertips, thousands of forwarders across our global footprint can look forward to winning even more shipments. As the industry’s leading procurement platform, we are delighted to support Delta Cargo in expanding its reach and enhancing the digital sales experience for customers. We look forward to working closely with the Delta Cargo team to maximize the many opportunities this exciting integration brings.”
Delta Cargo joins over 60 partner airlines globally that leverage high-quality direct integrations with cargo.one to enhance their digital sales presence. This collaboration allows the airline to expand into an established, high-performing digital marketplace, meeting clients’ demands for more visibility and control in the booking process. Through cargo.one’s platform, Delta Cargo can access data-driven insights to optimize its market fit for forwarders worldwide, thereby improving scale, efficiency, and market responsiveness.
Starting in spring of 2025, cargo.one will offer Delta Cargo capacity for general cargo bookings in select markets. Future plans include introducing additional Delta Cargo product types on the cargo.one platform.
China Airlines (CI), the leading Taiwanese carrier, has successfully implemented IBS Software’s iCargo solution into its strategic air cargo management infrastructure. By implementing the industry leading digital technology solution into its framework, China Airlines has taken a huge leap in its digital transformation journey, paving the way as one of the top 15 air cargo carriers globally.
IBS Software’s fully integrated digital platform solution will enable China Airlines to solidify its air cargo business management capabilities across sales and import/export operations. By embracing the digital technology capabilities presented by iCargo, this transition will future-proof China Airline’s core cargo platform with innovative management technology to optimise cargo operations and enhance customer satisfaction.
This technology transformation is integral to China Airline’s digital transformation plan, which sees the airline gradually minimising its dependency on legacy systems for cargo planning applications and moving towards an end-to-end digital solution for overall cargo management.
Eddy Liu, Senior Vice President of China Airlines comments – “China Airlines is taking active measures towards being a world-leading cargo carrier. Transitioning to a cloud-based SaaS solution and consolidating our existing platforms with IBS Software will streamline our current processes and boost efficiency. We look forward to working together to transform the air cargo industry.”
“China Airlines has long dominated the air cargo market as a leader in executing complex cargo transportation requirements across the globe,” said Ashok Rajan, Senior Vice President & Head of Cargo & Logistics Solutions at IBS Software. “This agreement reinforces IBS Software’s key objective to digitise airline carrier systems by creating innovative and efficient solutions to streamline processes. We anticipate a long and healthy working relationship with China Airlines as partners in leading cargo operations.”
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