China Airlines successfully integrates IBS Software’s iCargo solution into its strategic management infrastructure
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.”
Guillaume Crozier Promoted to Chief Cargo Officer at dnata
Global air and travel services provider dnata has announced the promotion of Guillaume Crozier to Chief Cargo Officer. Based in the UAE, Crozier brings over 20 years of experience in the cargo and logistics industry and has been with dnata for over 13 years.
Previous Roles and Achievements
Before his new role, Crozier served as Senior Vice President, Cargo, UAE, and Head of Global Cargo Strategy for over three years. He led the strategic direction, growth, and transformation of dnata’s cargo business, overseeing a team of over 3,000 employees. He has also held various operations management positions within the company and served as Chief Operating Officer of dnata Switzerland.
Strategic Vision
Crozier is also a board member at dnata Logistics and Wallenborn Middle East Logistics. His appointment aligns with dnata’s commitment to innovation and operational excellence. Earlier this year, dnata appointed Clive Sauvé-Hopkins as Divisional Senior Vice President, Airport Operations, overseeing global ground handling and cargo business at 97 airports in 16 countries.
Sustainability Initiatives
Last month, dnata became the first ground handler in Europe to receive IATA environmental management certification in recognition of its sustainability initiatives. The company also received its first Cargo iQ certification, emphasizing continuous reporting and transparency across its network.
Leadership Transition
David Barker, dnata’s Divisional Senior Vice President for Airport Operations, expressed his confidence in Crozier’s leadership: “I’m delighted to announce the promotion of Guillaume to Chief Cargo Officer. A customer-oriented leader with an innovative mindset, Guillaume has an outstanding ability to deliver world-class service, quality, and safety with his teams.”
Barker also acknowledged the contributions of Bernd Struck, who previously led dnata’s UAE cargo operations and DWC airline services and will retire at the end of the year. “I’d like to thank Bernd for his substantial contribution to dnata’s success and wish him a happy retirement,” Barker said.
Looking Ahead
Crozier’s promotion is expected to further enhance dnata’s cargo operations and strengthen its position as a leading global air and travel services provider.
IATA Launches Air Cargo Device Assessment Program
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has launched the IATA Air Cargo Device Assessment Program to validate air cargo tracking devices, data loggers and sensor-equipped devices for compliance with rigorous industry safety standards.
“The fastest-growing segments of air cargo are pharmaceuticals, perishables, electronics, and high-value goods. Shippers rely on various battery-powered electronic devices to monitor these sensitive shipments to ensure their integrity. The IATA Air Cargo Device Assessment will confirm that these devices comply with strict industry safety standards,” said Brendan Sullivan, IATA’s Global Head of Cargo.
The IATA Air Cargo Device Assessment validates compliance with IATA’s Recommended Practice 1693, which provides critical safety guidance for electromagnetic compatibility and battery safety. Validation data will be accessible via ONE Source which provides a single access point to stakeholders searching for approved tracking devices.
First Assessment to THE BOX
THE BOX, a reusable packing solution by LivingPackets, is the first product validated by the Air Cargo Device Assessment program.
“IATA validation is crucial for THE BOX because our customers want to know that our product complies with global standards. Having IATA validate compliance with its strict safety standards makes our product universally acceptable for use across the air cargo industry. That is particularly important for an innovation like THE BOX as it is the first Smart, Secure & Sustainable, S3 Shipping packing for use in air cargo. The Air Cargo Device Assessment gives it instant global recognition”, said Denis Mourrain, LivingPackets COO.
Benefits across the Supply Chain
The IATA Air Cargo Device Assessment offers significant benefits across the air cargo industry. For device manufacturers, it streamlines the validation process by eliminating repetitive documentation requirements, facilitates easier access to airline contacts for device authorization, and enhances visibility in the global market. Airlines benefit from safer operations with fewer undeclared devices, simplified internal approval processes, and a consolidated repository of approved devices. Shippers and forwarders gain centralized access to approved device information, enabling better planning for routing and carrier selection. And the overall success of the program will make for more effective delivery of time and temperature sensitive shipments, reducing waste and preserving the integrity of shipments.
TAP Air Cargo Integrates SKYPALLET with Cargospot
TAP Air Cargo has made significant strides in optimizing its capacity by integrating SKYPALLET with the Cargospot cargo management software from CHAMP Cargosystems. This API integration enables TAP Air Cargo staff to automatically transfer air waybill data from Cargospot to SKYPALLET for shipment evaluation and flight planning.
Enhanced Efficiency and Immediate Optimization
The integration allows TAP users to see immediate optimization of their flight plans, including loading checks, segregation, and T-ULD management. Nathanaël de Tarade, CEO of Wiremind Cargo, stated, “Digitalization brings significant process efficiencies, as the ongoing success of our SKYPALLET product proves: a single solution that, on average, helps improve flight load factors by up to 5-10%.”
Streamlined Operations
With the need for manual data input removed, this integration will significantly reduce the time taken to plan and release a flight from a typical 15-30 minutes to mere seconds. “It was always our plan to integrate SKYPALLET with our cargo reservation system, Cargospot, since we engaged Wiremind,” said Rita Rosário Garcia, Product and Service Director of TAP Air Cargo. “Both systems were API ready, and there is always a step change in benefits when you can support a business process with seamless technical integration.”
Collaborative Success
Nemil Sheriff, Senior Product Manager – Cargo Portals & APIs at CHAMP Cargosystems, emphasized the importance of APIs in enhancing collaborative efforts, saying, “APIs are at the heart of Cargospot’s open and collaborative approach. This integration enables TAP Air Cargo to leverage the power of Cargospot for a highly efficient capacity optimization process.”
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, this integration underscores TAP Air Cargo’s commitment to innovation and efficiency. Nathanaël de Tarade remarked, “We are particularly happy to launch this solution together with TAP Air Cargo, who has been a valued partner over the past year and a half, and CHAMP to demonstrate the potential of collaboration within our industry.”
Logimotion 2024: Innovation and Talent Take Center Stage
Logimotion, a new event for the logistics, mobility, and supply chain sectors, provided a launchpad for the next generation of innovators and talented professionals through the Logimotion Innovation Terminal (LIT) and Logicareer. These two industry initiatives were unveiled this week at the inaugural edition of the show, which concluded today at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
Held in collaboration with Unipreneur and supported by Dubai Economy and Tourism, LIT aimed to provide startups, innovators, and graduates the opportunity to network with industry leaders, connect with customers, and present their innovative solutions. Through LIT, participants showcased their unique offerings and accessed support to become successful pioneers of the future.
Commenting on the initiative, Mohammed Mukhtar, Co-Founder & CEO of Unipreneur, said, “Unipreneur’s mission is to empower innovators, youth, and future leaders via experiential innovation, entrepreneurship, and industry-academia collaboration. Messe Frankfurt has strongly supported us in this mission, which is why we collaborated to create the Logimotion Innovation Terminal, to exclusively focus on inspiring innovators and future leaders of logistics and mobility.”
The program comprised four pillars, including a ‘Start-Up Village,’ a dedicated showcase for startups, SMEs, and innovators, and a conference featuring sessions conducted by industry experts. Participants presented their game-changing ideas at a Shark Tank-style pitch competition and sought guidance and support at the Global Innovation Bridge. A two-day Hackathon was a key highlight, where industry professionals and data scientists collaborated on real-world logistics challenges.
LIT 2024 showcased a selection of award-winning Emirati and global innovators, from the creator of the first UAE-made electric bike, “Sulmi,” to the life-saving drone startup, “Awn,” created by an Emirati University student. The event also featured Savvy, the region’s first off-grid charging technology company, and Bluebox, a German tech-based supply chain solutions provider.
Logicareer provided a vital platform for the next generation of talent in logistics, supply chain, and mobility. The initiative aimed to align career development with UAE government mandates and educational policies, ensuring that the country’s workforce is prepared for the future.
Logicareer was designed to bridge the gap between aspiring professionals and established companies looking to hire fresh talent, providing job seekers with networking opportunities and insights necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry.
Kim Winter, Group Managing Director of Logistics Executive Group, said, “Logicareer has been curated to explore the specific issues we experience throughout the logistics, supply chain, and mobility ecosystems, including the complexity of competing for talent with higher profile and better-understood sectors. Logicareer will focus on bridging education and industry skill gaps by bringing together operational, HR executives, and educators and drilling down on their experiences, ideas, and solutions.”
Logicareer was hosted yesterday by the Logistics Executive Group and featured industry executives who discussed topics including economic diversification, technological advancements, and Emiratisation. Studium Alliance led today’s agenda, focusing on bridging education and industry skill gaps, sharing key trends, and preparing graduates for the evolving job market.
Key sessions today at Logicareer included a presentation on new industry skills requirements by Willem Maritz, Founder and CEO of Studium Alliance, and an insightful session on study paths and options from Dr. Aleksandra Zivaljevic, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Business at the Higher Colleges of Technology.
In the dynamic hub of Dubai, Logimotion stood as a pioneering event, uniting global leaders in the mobility and logistics sectors. The event concluded today, having hosted over 70 exhibitors from 20 countries across Warehousing Solutions and Equipment, Freight, Cargo and Material Handling, and Transportation and Mobility.
Key exhibitors included Aerospace Times Feipeng, DHL, Emirates Logistics, 7X, GAC, and HyperloopTT. The Government Partners for Logimotion were the Cyber Security Council, Dubai Economy and Tourism, and the KSA Ministry of Municipalities and Housing. PWC was the Knowledge Partner for Logimotion, and the Academic Partners for the event were the Higher Colleges of Technology and the National University of Singapore.
Puerto Rico Air Cargo Community Achieves CEIV Certification
Seven members of the Puerto Rico Life Sciences Air Cargo Community have achieved the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Centre of Excellence for Independent Validators (CEIV) Pharma certification, following a program to boost the quality of cold chain operations at the life sciences hub.
The Department of Economic Development and Commerce of Puerto Rico (DEDC), which has supported the Community since its launch, secured an 80 per cent subsidy for organizations wishing to participate in the CEIV certification process, facilitated by research centre, Industry University Research Centre Inc. (INDUNIV).
The accredited members are American Airlines, Prime Air Corp, ETH Cargo, Expeditors, César Castillo, Isla Frio Refrigeration, and Ground Motive Dependable Airline Services (GMD).
“These accreditations are a monumental step forward in the development of Puerto Rico’s life sciences sector,” said Manuel Cidre, Secretary of the DEDC.
“By investing in these certifications and subsidizing participation, we are not only elevating the quality of our cold chain operations, but also empowering smaller organizations through education and collaboration across the Community.”
CEIV-accredited companies are encouraged to participate in training initiatives hosted by the Community to educate smaller organisations in Puerto Rico on how to correctly and safely operate within the cool chain.
“The CEIV Pharma Certification process has enabled us to improve our quality and compliance systems, and with other Community members doing the same, pharma handling across the island is continuously improving,” said Tom Vincent, Vice President of Prime Air Corp.
“This initiative has had a direct impact on our competitive position; we have strengthened our operational capabilities and have contributed to cementing Puerto Rico’s place as a leading bioscience hub,” said Rodney Colon, President of GMD.
The Community, consisting of over 40 members from across the air cargo supply chain in Puerto Rico, includes pharmaceutical and medical manufacturers, forwarders, airports, airlines, and representatives of the DEDC, and aims to improve the quality of airfreight and pharma operations on the island.
“This milestone demonstrates a steadfast commitment to maintaining the highest standards of pharmaceutical logistics in Puerto Rico, ensuring the safe and efficient delivery of critical medical products to patients worldwide,” said Ivan Lugo, Executive Director, INDUNIV.
The CEIV Pharma certification was established by IATA to serve as the industry standard for transporting temperature-controlled, time-sensitive products.
The first member of the Community to achieve the IATA CEIV Pharma accreditation was logistics provider, ETH Cargo, in March of this year.
Emirates SkyCargo Unveils eQuote for Real-Time Cargo Booking
Emirates SkyCargo has introduced eQuote, a new digital tool to enhance its cargo operations. Available on e-SkyCargo, eQuote allows customers to request and manage spot quotations 24/7, providing real-time data for a seamless booking experience. This rollout is part of the airline’s digitization strategy aimed at improving customer experience and operational efficiency.
Matthew Scott, Vice President of Pricing and Interline at Emirates SkyCargo, said, “Accelerating digital transformation is a key pillar of our strategic roadmap. The launch of eQuote enriches the exceptional customer service that Emirates SkyCargo is renowned for.”
Digital Solutions and Customer Experience
Emirates SkyCargo’s digital strategy focuses on driving innovation and efficiency. The division has integrated digital solutions into its operations, with digital adoption now accounting for more than 60% of all bookings. Products available for digital booking include perishables, pharmaceuticals, and general cargo.
To meet growing demand, Emirates SkyCargo established its presence on major digital marketplaces such as WebCargo, cargo.one, CargoAi, and CargoWise. This presence allows customers to make bookings, view schedules, and access real-time capacity 24/7.
Enhanced Digital Touchpoints
Emirates SkyCargo has revamped its digital channels, including e-SkyCargo and The updated e-SkyCargo portal features improved usability, while the rebranded offers a more intuitive design and enhanced mobile-friendliness.
Digitization remains a key priority for Emirates SkyCargo. By analyzing booking data, the airline aims to better adjust schedules, product capabilities, and routes to ensure timely delivery of goods worldwide.
Liege Airport Sets New Records in 2024
Liege Airport set new records in 2024, with November cargo aircraft movements increasing by 12.6% year-on-year and tonnage rising 16% to 112,106 tons. Torsten Wefers, VP of Sales & Marketing, praised the achievement, stating, “This exceptional performance showcases the dedication of our cargo community and reinforces Liege Airport’s position as a key player in global air freight.”
Driving Factors
The airport’s cargo airline portfolio grew by 20% this year, with 49 freighter carriers and nearly 60 logistics companies now operating nearby. Increased demand from Asia, especially for imports, played a significant role in this growth. Wefers noted, “The region’s thriving economy, coupled with the increasing popularity of luxury travel and seamless connectivity to global destinations, played a pivotal role in driving this growth.”
Regional Leadership
Liege Airport ranked second in cargo tonnage growth among European airports in October, trailing only Madrid. The airport’s focus on inbound e-commerce has also contributed to its success. Wefers remarked at the September EU Cross-Border E-commerce Forum, “We are very strong in the China market.”
Global Air Freight Momentum
November marked the 13th consecutive month of double-digit growth in global air freight demand, driven by the ongoing e-commerce boom. Load factors reached their highest levels since April 2022, reflecting robust market conditions. Wefers emphasized, “Air cargo is a global business, and you need both inbound and outbound shipments to ensure a balanced and efficient operation.”
Future Prospects
Liege Airport’s remarkable performance in 2024 positions it as a dynamic hub for air cargo, with a promising outlook for continued success in 2025. Wefers concluded, “The outlook for 2025 is very encouraging. If the community continues to focus on how they can effectively cater to various verticals and connect incoming and outgoing streams, much will be possible, and more carriers may come and even relocate to a hub like Liege.”
dnata Logistics Expands with New Facility
dnata Logistics, dnata’s leading global freight forwarder and logistics services provider, has broken ground on a new, 57,000m² warehouse in Dubai South, the largest single-urban master development focusing on aviation, logistics and real estate. Strategically located near Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), dnata Logistics’ expansion will significantly contribute to the growth and success of the emirate as a key international logistics hub.
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by HE Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation and Dubai South, and Steve Allen, CEO of dnata, in the presence of senior executives from both entities.
The facility, which represents an investment of AED 100 million (US$ 27 million), will provide a major boost to the company’s operational capabilities amid rising demand for cargo and logistics services in the region. Capable of processing 400,000 tonnes of cargo annually, it will increase dnata Logistics’ storage capacity by 50% and create over 50 new, direct jobs with the company.
The facility will be equipped with the latest technologies, including automated systems for cargo storage and retrieval (ASRS), and truck loading and offloading. An AI-driven warehouse management system (WMS) will also be implemented, delivering superior efficiency and value for partners.
In line with dnata’s global sustainability strategy, the warehouse was designed with a laser focus on environmental efficiency. It will feature solar panels, rainwater and energy harvesting systems, as well as smart heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. The facility is expected to achieve the global LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification one year after operations begins.
Construction of the warehouse is underway, with completion scheduled for November 2025. Including its newest facility, dnata Logistics will offer world-class services from 11 locations in the UAE.
Sean Bradley, Managing Director of dnata Logistics, said: “We are thrilled to break ground on this new, advanced facility, which represents a pivotal investment in our future growth. As we expand our product offerings and reach new markets, this warehouse will allow us to provide even better services to our customers, while staying at the forefront of operational innovation.
“Our commitment to sustainability is central to this project. From energy efficiency to waste reduction, every aspect of the warehouse has been designed with environmental efficiency in mind. The facility’s innovative features will help us grow responsibly, making a positive impact on the communities we serve.”
Mohsen Ahmad, CEO of the Logistics District at Dubai South, commented: “We are pleased to witness the breaking ground of dnata’s innovative facility, which will add significant value to the thriving Dubai South area. We are committed to supporting dnata’s growth with this new facility as part of an integrated ecosystem, and we remain dedicated to strengthening Dubai’s position as a global logistics hub.”
dnata Logistics offers a comprehensive range of freight forwarding, warehousing and supply chain services to its global customer base, serving partners across various industries. The groundbreaking of its newest facility follows significant investments in infrastructure and offering to meet evolving market needs. Key highlights in recent years include the acquisition of a new warehouse facility at DWC, and the introduction of air import, perishable handling and documentation management services.
dnata Logistics is part of dnata, one of the world’s largest air and travel services provider. In Dubai, dnata employs over 28,000 staff, delivering world-class ground handling, cargo and airport hospitality services to more than 170 airlines and over 90 million passengers annually.
TIACA Signs Joint ‘Aviation 4 All’ Declaration, Setting Out the Vision for Commercial Aviation
The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) announced it has signed a joint declaration supporting the launch of the “Aviation 4 All” industry Vision developed by the International Aviation Forum (IAF).
The “Aviation 4 All” Declaration was developed by the IAF to set out clear goals to achieve sustainable growth and prosperity. So far over 40 organizations have signed the Declaration and others are encouraged to consider adding their support to the initiative.
Key points to the declaration include:
Delivering on environmental commitments to provide a “net zero” industry;
Enhancing the workplace to establish an inclusive and diverse working environment, regardless of age, religion, gender, academic
or physical ability or national origin;
Increasing connectivity to enhance global accessibility;
Working with governments to enhance safety and security to protect passengers, shippers, and the workforce;
Integrating throughout the value chain to provide an improved customer and shipper experience, adopting seamless technology-based solutions;
Providing a customer centric culture;
Dedicated focus on improving operational performance to minimize service disruptions;
Delivering financial efficiencies to lower the barrier of access, so that a greater percentage of the global population can reap the benefits of domestic and international air travel;
Enhancing the overall positive impact that commercial aviation has on global society through increased opportunities for prosperity and cultural integration
“TIACA’s support of the Aviation 4 All declaration is a natural extension of the work we do on behalf of the industry. We are pleased to support this initiative and we cannot wait to get to work in supporting its implementation.” Steven Polmans, Chair, TIACA
“We are thrilled to be invited to support initiatives such as the Aviation 4 All vision as it confirms the value the global aviation community sees in what TIACA is doing to support the air cargo industry and the declaration’s contents are fully aligned to what we see as being vital for the sustainable growth and development of our industry.” Glyn Hughes, Director General, TIACA
