Joost van Doesburg will step down from his role as head of cargo at Royal Schiphol Group on February 1, 2025.
The decision follows “unjust defamatory allegations” made against him. Patricia Vitalis, Schiphol’s executive director, stated, “We respect his decision but deeply regret it… This has created an undesirable situation for him.”
Van Doesburg led significant changes, including overhauling the Cargonaut system and improving cargo volumes. His tenure was marked by challenges related to staff shortages, slot reductions, and increasing fees at Schiphol.
Global air cargo demand showed no signs of slowing down in November as volumes recorded a 13th consecutive month of double-digit growth and load factors hit their highest level since April 2022, according to the latest market analysis by Xeneta.
Demand rose +10% year-on-year in November, fuelled by the continued boom in e-commerce. This, coupled with only a marginal +2% growth in air cargo capacity, contributed to global air cargo spot rates (valid for one month) also reaching their highest level in nearly two years at USD 2.90 per kilo, a sixth consecutive month of double-digit year-on-year growth.
The air cargo market’s strong monthly performance in 2024 had led to hopes of a ‘peak of all peaks’ in Q4 from some sectors of the market. Niall van de Wouw, Xeneta’s Chief Airfreight Officer, however, says the industry has done well to avoid it.
“The peak of all peaks should not be a goal. It should be avoided because of the imbalance it creates between winners and losers. 2024 had all the ingredients to see crazy peak season rates but the fact we haven’t seen this situation develop is another sign of the maturity we previously referenced in the global air cargo market. What we witnessed in 2023 was a mess and a valuable lesson. In 2024, we are seeing those lessons put into practice,” he said.
“People should not be disappointed. We are witnessing a much more grown-up air cargo market based on better allocation of resources and better terms and conditions between all parties involved. The peak in 2023, in comparison, saw a shortage of capacity and rates going crazy, all at the expense of shippers,” van de Wouw added. “Why would we want to go back there again? The supply chain pressure of a peak of all peaks would have hurt consumers and put unnecessary restraints on relationships. It would have been opportunistic for short-term gains.”
Van de Wouw said the final months of the year have seen the air freight industry “take control of its own destiny.”
While some observers have indicated a muted end-of-year air cargo market, van de Wouw called for perspective.
He said: “This is an air cargo industry that is currently firing on all cylinders, but which is not out of control. November’s data shows a market where volumes were +10% higher than an extremely busy corresponding peak month last year, and rates have risen, too.
“The closing months of 2024 could have been very messy again for shippers, but we are not hearing that. That’s not because the volumes are not there, or the flights are not full. It is because everything, overall, is being managed better. The industry should take a lot of credit for that.”
Global air cargo spot rates remain above seasonal rates
This persistent supply-demand imbalance of 2024 pushed the dynamic load factor in November to 63% – its highest level in over 30 months. Dynamic load factor is Xeneta’s measurement of capacity utilisation based on volume and weight of cargo flown alongside available capacity.
This level of demand has strengthened the negotiating position of carriers and seen global air cargo spot rates remain above seasonal rates (valid for over one month) since late November 2023.
In terms of month-on-month trends, this year’s peak season, however, has been less intense than last year’s. Thanks to carriers’ proactive capacity management, the global air cargo spot rate increased only +12% between early September (the start of peak season) and the week ending 1 December, compared to a +25% surge during the same period last year.
This trend is particularly evident in the outbound Asia market. As carriers have shifted capacity to accommodate surging cargo demand, November spot rates from Northeast Asia experienced moderate growth. Its spot rates to Europe rose by +13% month-on-month to USD 5.09 per kg, while spot rates to North America increased +5% to USD 5.20 per kg.
Additionally, spot rates from Southeast Asia showed mixed results, with spot rates to Europe remaining flat at USD 4.15 per kg and North America declining -3% to USD 6.05 per kg. The decline in the latter was driven by easing volumes, following spot rates exceeding last year’s peak season levels since late May 2024.
Meanwhile, the Transatlantic market experienced more dramatic freight rate increases as cargo capacity moved elsewhere at the end of the summer passenger travel season. Europe to North America spot rates climbed by +46% from the previous month to USD 2.72 per kg, which is in contrast to the just +9% month-on-month growth during the same period a year ago.
Similarly, Europe to Latin America rates rose by +23% to USD 4.58 per kg. In Brazil, a five-day embargo in early November in Sao Paulo, South America’s largest cargo airport, coupled with ongoing nationwide digital customs delays caused by Brazilian Customs’ strike since 26 November, may push air cargo spot rates even higher in December. Shippers are likely to resort to air freight to avoid customs clearance delays.
“Personally, I think the air cargo industry should be proud it has avoided a ‘peak of all peaks’ because this is the basis for greater market stability. I hope this will enable everyone to head into their well-earned Christmas and New Year holidays with a sense of satisfaction, and it enables them to relax and enjoy time with their families and friends,” van de Wouw said.
“In 2024, the industry has shown its maturity. We must wait and see if this holds when the market goes down, but I don’t see that happening just yet.”
The WACO System (WACO), the independent global network of freight forwarders, and cargo.one, the leading digital air freight procurement platform, today unveiled an industry-first initiative that sees WACO members upgraded to state-of-the art digital infrastructure. WACO’s members can now digitalize vital procurement and sales processes including capacity discovery, quoting and booking, including member to member bookings.
WACO is the leading non-profit global network for independent freight management companies, connecting and nurturing its membership base to evolve and thrive. WACO works hard to develop frameworks and systems to support its forwarders in 118 countries to raise efficiency, resilience and competitive edge. In clear synergy with cargo.one’s industry mission, WACO is guiding its members to digitally connect and transact globally with each other and so realize valuable gains from digital freight.
Building upon the collaborative power of the WACO network, the cargo.one WACO Module enables members to book with one another, as well as book live air capacity rates. Users can discover and procure each others’ rates, including local charges and trucking, to create door-to-door quotations effortlessly and in real-time using one centralized, user-friendly platform. WACO member forwarders are digitally connected with each other and can also opt to access non-member agents using cargo.one. An online shopfront for each member company enables the buying and selling of services digitally around the clock.
Built around forwarders’ existing workflows, the ability to discover, quote, and book rates in seconds with cargo.one saves forwarders thousands of emails and hundreds of team hours per month. With cargo.one, WACO members can be confident that they are quoting door-to-door with the most competitive market rates while fully aware of all available options within the WACO network.
Richard Charles, CEO of The WACO System, commented, “We are always looking for ways to strengthen our global network, and digital solutions play a vital role in this. By partnering with cargo.one, we are equipping WACO members with the tools to enhance and streamline their operations digitally. And with better digital connectivity, our network will be more robust, productive, and rewarding than ever before.”
Moritz Claussen, Founder & Co-CEO of cargo.one, added, “Our exciting collaboration with WACO brings together the powerful benefits of its network with the powerful impacts of digital collaboration. Leveraging seamless and efficient digital workflows with cargo.one, forwarders can work quicker, compete better and reinvest significant time savings into developing their WACO relationships.”
One of the first WACO members to benefit from the new functionality is UK-based Trans Global Freight Management Ltd. As an IATA top 20 UK freight forwarder for over 40 years, Trans Global applies its global reach and local expertise to deliver a substantial global air forwarding operation. Trans Global teams now use cargo.one WACO Module for digital quoting and booking and have reported positive impacts.
As part of its long-term strategy, WACO continues to strengthen its network worldwide and pursue the best digital initiatives for the benefit of its members. The global partnership will see WACO and cargo.one teams combining efforts to continually bring WACO members cutting-edge digital options to optimize and grow their operations.
Qatar Airways Cargo, the world’s leading air cargo carrier, and Cainiao, a global leader in e-commerce logistics, agree to strengthen their existing partnership, aiming to support the growth of cross-border e-commerce and enhance consumer experiences worldwide.
Cainiao, with its deep e-commerce insights and technological expertise, and Qatar Airways Cargo, with its extensive global connectivity, will together leverage their complementary strengths through this partnership to enhance global e-commerce logistics and stimulate economic growth at both regional and global levels.
Qatar Airways Cargo Chief Officer Cargo, Mr. Mark Drusch, said: “Since the inception of our collaboration with Cainiao in 2021, the partnership has seen strong growth, driven by ongoing flying agreements and a shared vision to support the burgeoning e-commerce industry.
He continued: “We are now further deepening our ties with Cainiao to work even closer together. By utilising the Qatar Airways Cargo hub at Hamad International Airport in Doha, we aim to expedite shipments to customers in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, reinforcing our commitment to Cainiao.”
Cainiao Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Wan Lin, said: “At Cainiao, we’re committed to building a smart, future-proof logistics network for e-commerce. We are pleased to strengthen our partnership with quality players like Qatar Airways Cargo to build a more robust global express network and better support our global customers with faster deliveries and enhanced supply chain efficiency.”
E-commerce remains the largest driver of air cargo capacity demand worldwide. Qatar Airways Cargo’s extensive global network and state-of-the-art fleet have positioned it as an essential partner in meeting this demand. Through this collaboration, both companies continue to enhance connectivity and reliability for businesses and consumers across the globe.
Qatar Airways Cargo looks forward to further developing this strategic relationship, reinforcing its position as a leader in the air cargo industry.
Organized by Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), Sharjah hosts the final round of the 23rd Formula 1 Powerboat World Championship.
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and Chairman of the Sharjah Executive Council, the Sharjah World Championship Week begins tomorrow (Friday) in the emirate’s picturesque Khalid Lagoon. The finals of the world’s premier single-seater powerboat racing event will see 19 drivers competing for top spots to claim the “UIM F1H2O” World Championship title at the coveted Sharjah Grand Prix.
In a press conference held today (Thursday), the event’s host, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) unveiled the exciting details of the Sharjah leg of the international championship, which is being organized by the authority. The press conference was held in the presence of HE Khaled Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA; Humaid Khalfan Al Kindi, a Board Member of Sharjah International Marine Sports Club; Nicolo Di San Germano, UIM F1 H2O promoter; racers; and media representatives.
The final rounds of the Sharjah Grand Prix, set to take place Saturday and Sunday (December 7 – 8), will witness an exhilarating contest between elite world-class drivers.
The UIM F1H2O World Championship includes a series of international races for single-seater powerboats. From the United Arab Emirates, several teams are competing for the championship title this year, including the Sharjah Team from the Sharjah International Marine Sports Club, which features Canadian Rusty Wyatt, ranked second, and Finnish driver Filip Roms. The Abu Dhabi Team is also participating with racers Rashed Al Qemzi and Thani Al Qamzi from the Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club. Additionally, the Victory Team from the Dubai International Marine Club is competing with racers Ahmad Al Fahim and Erik Stark.
H.E. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA, emphasized Sharjah’s pivotal role in supporting marine sports and hosting events that resonate globally in the sports sector. He highlighted Sharjah’s exceptional tourist attractions, which have cemented its status as one of the exceptional global tourism destinations.
Al Midfa stated that sports tourism is a critical pillar of global economies, contributing approximately 10% of the international tourism sector, with forecasts suggesting this figure will rise to 17% by 2030. He concluded by extending his gratitude to the UAE Marine Sports Federation for their continued support in ensuring the success of this global event.
For his part, Humaid Al Kindi, Board Member of Sharjah International Marine Sports Club, expressed pride in Sharjah’s hosting of this global event, which provides Emirati talents with opportunities to showcase their abilities on international platforms. He acknowledged SCTDA’s instrumental role in supporting this event under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and Chairman of the Sharjah Executive Council.
Nicolo di San Germano, UIM F1 H2O promoter, voiced his gratitude to all involved in organizing this distinguished event. He extended special thanks to His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and Chairman of the Sharjah Executive Council for his continued support.
San Germano highlighted the rapid growth witnessed by the United Arab Emirates, which has made it a source of admiration for many around the world. He also expressed his delight in participating in the tree-planting initiative in the Al Muntather area, emphasizing the integration between sports tourism and environmental conservation.
dnata, a leading global air and travel services provider, has become the first ground handler in Europe to receive the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) environmental management certification. The recognition highlights the company’s dedication to implementing robust sustainability initiatives.
IATA Environmental Assessment (IEnvA) is a certification programme developed to independently assess the commitment of aviation stakeholders such as airlines, airports, cargo handling facilities, freight forwarders, and ramp handlers, to continuously improve their environmental and sustainability performance.
IATA’s comprehensive evaluation rigorously assessed dnata’s sustainability practices and efforts across its extensive operations at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS).
Jan van Anrooy, Managing Director, dnata Netherlands, said: “We are proud to be the first ground handler to earn the prestigious IEnvA certification in Europe. This accomplishment reflects our team’s dedication to environmental efficiency and our consistent efforts to contribute to dnata’s global decarbonisation journey. We will continue investing in infrastructure, equipment and process improvement to further reduce our environmental footprint.”
Rafael Schvartzman, Regional Vice President Europe, IATA, said: “We congratulate dnata Netherlands on becoming the first ground and cargo handler in Europe to achieve full IEnvA registration. This significant milestone demonstrates dnata Schiphol’s commitment to sustainable aviation and environmental excellence. By adhering to global environmental standards and best practices, dnata Schiphol is setting a strong example for the industry. We look forward to working together to further advance sustainable aviation practices.”
Consistent investments in operations to enhance environmental efficiency
In recent years, dnata Netherlands has significantly invested in the electrification of its ground handling fleet to reduce emissions. Currently, more than 70% of its ground support equipment fleet is powered by electricity or solar energy, with the remainder operating on 100% Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO100) biofuel.
dnata’s newest facility, dnata Cargo City Amsterdam, was also designed with a laser focus on sustainability. Scheduled to open in 2025, the facility will be equipped with solar panels, electric vehicle charging stations and air source heat pumps. The cargo centre will be BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) certified.
dnata Netherlands: a leading ground and cargo services provider at Amsterdam Schiphol
dnata is a leading provider of ground and cargo handling services in Amsterdam. It serves 37 airlines with a team of 1,000 dedicated aviation professionals, who handle 10,000 flights and move 550,000 tonnes of cargo annually.
Significant improvement in environmental performance globally
Globally, dnata recently reported significant improvements across key environmental performance metrics for the financial year 2023-24. As a result of its consistent approach and initiatives, the company cut the carbon intensity of its operations by over 8%, 22% and 26% across its airport operations, travel and catering businesses, respectively. All data has been validated by Verifavia, an independent accredited environmental verification and auditing body.
In addition to The Netherlands, dnata also earned the IEnvA certification for its diverse portfolio of businesses in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Global tonnages stable in week 47, with rates rising +2% to $2.79, the highest in 2024.
Spot Rates Drive Growth
North America spot rates soar +12% WoW to $2.04; Europe up +8% to $2.90.
Year-on-Year Gains
Global rates +10% YoY, led by spot rates (+22%) and contract rates (+8%).
Regional Trends in Focus
Asia Pacific and Middle East rates surge YoY, while North America lags behind 2023 levels.
Thanksgiving Boost for Tonnages
North America sees +22% YoY tonnage growth, driven by holiday timing shift.
Capacity Shift Impacts Trade Lanes
Transatlantic capacity drops -3% YoY, while Asia Pacific to North America grows +7%.
E-Commerce Fuels Demand
Increased Asia Pacific capacity linked to surging e-commerce shipments to Europe and North America.
KF Aerospace is proud to announce the renewal of its contract with Purolator for the BC Feeder Network (BCFN)—a relationship that has reliably served communities across British Columbia for nearly five decades. The new agreement spans 10 years underscoring the strength and longevity of this critical relationship. As part of the renewed agreement, KF Aerospace will upgrade the BCFN fleet to the modern ATR72-500F aircraft, helping to ensure continued efficiency and reliability in cargo transportation across the province.
The enduring alliance between KF Aerospace and Purolator began in 1976, when KF’s founder, Barry Lapointe, personally piloted a high-priority cargo flight from Vancouver to Toronto at Purolator’s request, setting the foundation for nearly 50 years of collaboration.
Over the years, KF Aerospace has consistently supported Purolator’s cargo operations, including supporting Purolator’s entire Canadian network from 1994 to 2015. KF has been supporting the Purolator network in British Columbia exclusively since 2015.
KF crews load a Convair 580 as part of the current BCFN contract with Purolator
Under the new contract, KF Aerospace will operate the BC Feeder Network for Purolator with an upgraded fleet, replacing its three Convair aircraft with three ATR72-500F aircraft – two containerized and one bulk loader configuration.
“We are thrilled to continue our long-standing relationship with Purolator, a collaboration that has grown and evolved over nearly half a century,” said Tracy Medve, President and CEO of KF Aerospace. “This new 10-year contract and fleet renewal demonstrates our shared commitment to providing reliable cargo services across British Columbia. The addition of the ATR72-500F aircraft will enhance range, capacity and efficiency, ensuring that Purolator’s mission of on time reliability is extended well into the future.”
The ATR72-500F fleet upgrade represents a significant enhancement for KF Aerospace’s operations. These aircraft offer improved fuel efficiency and more flexibility in handling diverse cargo needs. KF Aerospace will oversee acquiring and converting the ATR72-500Fs, with one conversion already near completion at KF’s main YLW MRO facility.
“This agreement marks an exciting new chapter for both KF Aerospace and Purolator,” Bryan Akerstream, Director of Business Development at KF Aerospace. “The transition to the ATR72- 500F will provide greater operational efficiency and support Purolator’s ongoing efforts to deliver critical goods to communities across BC — and potentially help expand their business into other markets.”
“Purolator is proud of our long-standing alliance with KF Aerospace and we are pleased to extend that relationship for a further 10 years,” said Jay Kirkpatrick, Director, Air Network Operations, Purolator. “With the largest freight and courier network in Canada, Purolator is committed to providing exceptional service to our customers across the country. These fleet upgrades will ensure we continue to deliver the level of service both we and our customers expect.”
The BCFN contract renewal with Purolator, along with several new and continuing contracts with civilian and military customers, positions KF Aerospace for potential future growth and further solidifies its role as one of Canada’s most diverse and capable aerospace companies.
Web3 and AI consulting giant VAP Group is pleased to announce the second edition of the Global AI Show, taking place on December 12 and 13, 2024 at the Grand Hyatt Exhibition Centre, Dubai. The event will be held under the official support of the United Arab Emirates Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications Office.
With its theme of ‘AI 2057: Accelerating Intelligent Futures’, the Global AI Show is set to host C-suite executives, ministry officials and leaders from the world’s top companies who will explore the cutting edge technological developments across the UAE and the globe.
The Cyber Security Council is the strategic partner of the two-day event organized by VAP Group and powered by a leading media network Times of AI. It will be led by a multidisciplinary advisory board – the Global AI Advisory Board – composed of industry experts such as Jamie Metzl, Healthcare Futurist, Geopolitical Expert and Author of Hacking Darwin; Alaa Moussawi, Chief Data Scientist at the New York City Council, among others, who will regularly meet to discuss key industry developments through the year as well as be the committee steering conversations that happen live on stage.
“The Global AI Show is more than just a one-time event. With over 100 C-suite speakers and a community of over 110,000 people, it will bring the whole AI ecosystem under one roof,” said Vishal Parmar, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of VAP Group.
H.E. Dr. Mohammed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security Council, UAE Government; Lt. Col. Dr. Essa Al Mutawa, Chief AI Officer, Dubai Civil Defence H.Q.; Dr. Marwan Alzarouni, CEO – AI, Dubai Economy and Tourism; Georges De Moura, Group CISO & Vice President, EDGE; Dr. Dirk Jungnickel, SVP Enterprise & Analytics & Intelligence, Emirates Group; Alexis Jean-Baptiste, Chief Data & Analytics Officer, LÓreal, and many more will be present to lead discussions around the application and future of AI in various industries.
While the world is gearing towards an AI-driven future, where technological evolution has unveiled a transformed tomorrow full of possibilities, significant risks, concerns and questions continue to persist. How effective are the emerging strategies for governing AI? How is AI already making groundbreaking progress that may alter the course of humanity? Where do the major opportunities lie between the potential benefits and fear surrounding these monumental changes?
“The Global AI Show is committed to steer these crucial conversations, unravel answers, navigate groundbreaking developments and explore strategies that balance the transformative potential of AI in a multitude of sectors including healthcare, cybersecurity, governance, fintech, data and analytics,” said Vishal Parmar.
Do not miss this opportunity to connect with visionaries in the AI industry. Secure your tickets by visiting: https://www.globalaishow.com/tickets/ and be a part of the experience.
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
