Amid rapid growth in China’s economy and airfreight sector, Lufthansa Cargo has reinforced its commitment to this pivotal market.
CEO Ashwin Bhat recently signed cooperation agreements with Shanghai Airport Authority, Air China Cargo, and China Postal Express & Logistics Co., Ltd.
MoU Signed with Shanghai Airport Authority
In a move to boost operational efficiencies and customer experience, Lufthansa Cargo and Shanghai Airport Authority have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The goal: to position Shanghai Pudong Airport as a premier Asia-Pacific hub. “The MOU marks a new chapter in our cooperation journey,” said Feng Xin, CEO of Shanghai Airport Authority. Ashwin Bhat added, “Shanghai is our largest freight hub outside Frankfurt, and this MoU reinforces our commitment to excellence in this key market.”
Shanghai Government Backs Lufthansa Cargo Expansion
Shanghai’s Vice Mayor Hua Yuan expressed strong support for Lufthansa Cargo’s initiatives in sustainability, digital innovation, and cross-border e-commerce. “The Shanghai Municipal Government is eager to collaborate with Lufthansa Cargo to enhance the city’s logistics and Sino-German trade,” Hua Yuan stated. Bhat noted, “This collaboration opens new pathways to strengthen our presence and partnerships in Shanghai.”
25 Years of Partnership in China
Since launching a Shanghai-Frankfurt route in 1997, Lufthansa Cargo has established a robust presence in China, adding flights to major cities like Beijing, Chengdu, and Hong Kong. With over two decades of growth, its joint venture with Shanghai Airport Group, PACTL, has processed nearly 1.6 million tons of cargo in 2023 alone, underscoring its vital role in Shanghai’s economy and logistics sector.
SATS Ltd (SATS) and its wholly-owned subsidiary Worldwide Flight Services (WFS), known collectively as the SATS Group, today launch a new unified global visual identity to reflect their integration and vision to become the world’s leading aviation solutions provider.
The brand refresh comes 18-months after SATS completed the acquisition of WFS. Aligning the two identities celebrates the coming together of SATS and WFS, whilst embracing their strong heritage. This includes retaining the WFS brand name in the Americas and EMEAA in acknowledgement of its long track record of operational excellence and strong customer relationships.
“To our SATS and WFS teams around the world, our new unified visual identity signals we are one aligned organisation with a clear vision.” said Kerry Mok, President and Chief Executive Officer of SATS Ltd.
“This refresh highlights our connected network, capabilities, and the combined expertise we bring to the industry. We will strive to provide our customers with aviation solutions powered by our service excellence, agile innovation and global reach,” he added.
The new visual identity features a double loop and a ‘to the power of’ mathematical symbol to signify the coming together of SATS and WFS to power a world of trade, travel and taste via the Group’s connected global network of aviation gateway services, air cargo handling, and food solutions.
The new visual will be rolled out in phases over the next three years. It will eventually appear on SATS’ and WFS’ uniforms, airport vehicles, and infrastructure such as warehouses and central kitchens. The phased deployment reflects a pragmatic approach to introducing the new logo across SATS’ group global network, which comprises over 215 stations in 27 countries.
beOnd, the world’s first premium leisure airline, is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with APG, a leading global provider of airline distribution and financial services.
This collaboration enables beOnd to significantly expanding the airline’s presence in new markets across various Global Distribution Systems (GDS). A central component of this partnership is APG’s “Virtual Interline” integration, which allows beOnd to quickly establish and deploy new partnerships while ensuring seamless real-time data exchange.
“Partnering with APG represents a strategic milestone for beOnd as we expand our market reach and elevate the customer experience on a global scale,” said Tero Taskila, CEO of beOnd. “The integration with APG’s Virtual Interline platform enables us to rapidly scale our partnerships, ensuring our customers benefit from seamless, end-to-end service wherever they travel.”
This partnership marks a key step in beOnd’s growth strategy, allowing for greater accessibility to its premium services across a wider distribution platform. Through APG’s established network, beOnd can strengthen its market position in diverse regions, making it easier for global customers and travel agencies to book flights and access its luxury travel experience.APG’s “Virtual Interline” integration allows beOnd to quickly establish and deploy new partnerships while ensuring seamless real-time data exchange. This capability supports enhanced customer service at every stage of the travel experience, from booking to boarding, as it facilitates accurate and efficient data management across multiple touchpoints. The agreement will enable beOnd to use APG’s “Stock Code 275” across various Global Distribution Systems (GDS), facilitating unilateral ticket sales.
This collaboration aligns with beOnd’s commitment to redefining premium leisure travel by offering exceptional service and convenience. With APG’s support, beOnd is set to enhance its presence in new markets and continue delivering a first-class experience to travelers around the world.
dnata has received its first Cargo iQ certification as the Dubai based ground handling specialist commits to continuous reporting and high quality handling across its network.
dnata integrated the Cargo iQ principles into its existing Quality Management framework, with the aim of reporting three quarters of shipments globally.
dnata’s digitalisation initiative onecargo, has enabled ground handling data to be collected from all global stations within one system.
The key stations Dubai, London, Amsterdam and Singapore are already using data collection to feed into the quality monitoring framework.
“dnata’s commitment to its quality journey reflected in both the Certification Roadmap meetings with the Cargo iQ team, as well as its determination in driving the project for harmonizing their ground handling data globally,” said Marie Seco-Köppen, Executive Director, Cargo iQ.
“Further to their own quality roadmap, Lawrence Cockburn and Kevin Walsh brought expert contributions to the latest Master Operating Plan (MOP) upgrade and in so voicing the needs of the Ground Handling community. ”
dnata global has been a member of Cargo iQ since 2020, its cargo ground handling serves 159 airlines and carries 2.9 million tonnes of air cargo annually.
Guillaume Crozier, Senior Vice President – UAE Cargo & Global Cargo Strategy, dnata, said: “Achieving excellence in air cargo requires not only compliance and rigorous data management, but also a commitment to community performance, supply chain visibility and safeguarding product integrity at every step. dnata supports the Cargo iQ framework and will continue to invest in technology and innovation, aiding real time capability to support our customers, and delivering on our promises.”
Cargo iQ’s membership works to improve air cargo quality by using data and engagement to work with all stakeholders and continually improve quality from the beginning to the end of the air cargo transportation process.
Saudia Cargo, a leader in global air cargo transportation and a member of the biggest air cargo alliance, SkyTeam Cargo with its global reach, is pleased to announce the appointment of Eng. Loay Mashabi as its new Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, effective January 1, 2025.
Eng. Mashabi succeeds Teddy Zebitz as CEO, who has led Saudia Cargo to record success, driving innovation and solidifying its leading position, Zebitz will continue to serve as a member of the Board of Directors
“During Teddy’s tenure, we have achieved remarkable milestones and navigated through numerous challenges, all while maintaining our commitment to performance and service excellence,” stated Mr. Abdulkareem Abualnasr, Saudia Cargo Board Chairman. “Teddy’s vision and leadership have been instrumental in building the capabilities of our company and in executing our strategies, and we are deeply grateful for all his valuable contributions.”
Eng. Mashabi joined Saudia Cargo as board member since August 2021 then as a Managing Director in October 2023, bringing a wealth of experience in the transportation and logistics sector. Prior to joining Saudia Cargo, he served as Deputy Minister for Logistics Services at the Ministry of Transportation and Logistics Services, and Deputy Governor for Planning and Development of the General Authority of Customs, He also served as CEO of the inception phase of a Al Soudah destination at Public Investment Fund (PIF)
Under his leadership, Saudia Cargo will focus on accelerating its growth, expanding its international network, and advancing Saudi Vision 2030’s logistics sector goals, enabling the Kingdom’s transformation by securing essential goods and providing customer-centric solutions that help businesses thrive and industries grow.
Eng. Loay Mashabi holds an Executive MBA from London Business School and a BSc in Petroleum Engineering from King Fahd University.
FST Logistics, a leading provider of third-party logistics solutions, is excited to announce the opening of a new warehouse in Fort Worth, Texas.
This expansion is vital to FST Logistics’ strategic growth plan to enhance its network and better serve its customers across the U.S.
The new 383,930-square-foot facility will significantly increase FST Logistics’ total storage capacity and enable the company to provide faster, more efficient supply chain solutions to its growing customer base in the southern U.S. region. As a temperature-controlled, full-service warehouse, the facility will also enhance FST’s ability to meet the diverse needs of its clients.
Zak Hancock, COO of FST Logistics, commented on the new facility:
“This is an exciting time for FST. Through strategic conversations and planning sessions with our customers, it became clear that expanding our operations outside the Midwest would benefit their supply chains tremendously. This move allows us to mirror our Ohio operations in a secondary region, improving service, reducing costs, and supporting our customers’ growth.”
The Fort Worth facility offers several key benefits that will enhance FST Logistics’ operations. Its strategic location within the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area provides quick access to major highways and intermodal hubs, facilitating more efficient delivery and fulfillment services across the southern U.S. Additionally, the Fort Worth area offers numerous supply chain advantages, such as being known as one of Texas’s 32 foreign trade zones, which allows companies to process goods without U.S. customs involvement. The region also has excellent transportation networks, including nonstop flight access to 194 cities and a central location that provides easy access to major markets across the U.S. This acquisition will also create new jobs in the Fort Worth area, with opportunities in warehouse operations and customer service, allowing new employees to join FST’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan.
Brad Wright, President of FST Logistics, commented on the new facility:
“I could not be more thrilled with FST’s current direction. Our expansion into the Fort Worth area marks a significant milestone for FST, our employee-owners, and our current and future customers. Providing a full complement of warehouse and transportation services in multiple areas across the country allows us to keep up with our customers’ growth and, most importantly, their future growth. We will deploy our Pillars of Excellence business operating model to our DFW operations and deliver the same level of service our customers have grown to expect from FST.”
CargoTech has appointed Michael Teoh as Head of Strategy, a role in which he will steer the company’s strategy, member portfolio, and initiatives in digitalization.
Bringing over 14 years of experience in Group Strategy, M&A, and transformation from his tenure with AirAsia Group and Qatar Airways Cargo, Teoh will be instrumental in advancing CargoTech’s mission to accelerate digital adoption in the air cargo industry.
Cédric Millet, President of CargoTech, praised Teoh’s background, stating, “Leaders need winners. Michael Teoh’s impressive track record in digital transformation and strategy at some of the world’s largest companies, not to mention leading airlines, clearly defines him as the best in tech to take CargoTech’s mission to the next level.”
Teoh’s responsibilities will include identifying air cargo industry challenges and connecting them with innovative solutions provided by CargoTech’s member companies or prospective external tech partners. “A significant part of my job will be scouting for startups and mid-size companies globally that offer technology solutions in the air cargo value chain and bringing them into the CargoTech community,” Teoh said.
Highlighting the evolving landscape of logistics and the urgency for digital transformation, Teoh emphasized, “CargoTech is exactly what the air cargo industry needs right now—a group of cargo people who love technology and invest their passion in removing complexity and making the industry more digitally efficient.”
CargoTech has rapidly expanded since 2022 with the vision of creating a “one-stop-tech-shop” for digital innovation in air cargo. Millet added, “With transformation mastermind Michael Teoh on board to source and inspire trailblazing digital start-ups, CargoTech and the air cargo industry can anticipate a strong and sustainable digital future.”
Ukrainian operator of the fleet of the biggest cargo aircraft AN-124-100M (150) continues performing the unique missions around the world.
ANTONOV Airlines in cooperation with Ceva Logistics delivered the 40-tonnes cargo including the container with satellite and additional equipment from Cologne-Bonn, Germany to Titusville, USA.
The container was loaded onto the plane using the back ramp and on-board cranes, which made it possible not to use additional ground equipment. At the same time the rest of the cargo was loaded into the plane via the front ramp. The technical characteristics of the aircraft allow it to complete the onloading and offloading in time-effective frame.
The special spacecraft “Hera”, developed by the European Space Agency for its space safety program, was safely delivered to the NASA shuttle launch and landing facility. Earlier this month the spacecraft was launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 launch vehicle and will study the results of the DART impactor, four years after impact.
“Hera” has a mass of 1,128 kgs (2,487 lbs) and carries a payload of cameras, an altimeter, and a spectrometer. It is carrying two small CubeSat spacecraft, called Milani and Juventas.
Hera is intended to fully characterize the composition and physical properties of the binary asteroid system including, for the first time, the sub-surface and internal structures. It will also perform technological demonstrations linked to operations in the vicinity of a small Solar System body and the deployment of and communication with CubeSats in interplanetary space.
We are excited to provide exclusive transport services for space global safety mission. We always do our best to ensure the highest level of transportation performance.
“Regarding your service. Your crew performed very well! They were prepared and knew what to do. High class work! Really appreciated. Especially the cooperation/communication with Eugene Kiva, the Flight Manager, was very good”, commented Alexander Rosenthal, Aerospace Special Projects Coordinator – Ceva Logistics.
“That was an outstanding and extraordinary experience. The satellite, being a highly sensitive cargo, must have been carried with extreme caution. Our team must have kept the relevant levels of temperatures, G-forces and other conditions during the flight for smooth delivery. We also had to control the appropriate satellite parameters on the ground in every airport on the route, constantly, – said Eugene Kiva, Flight Manager, ANTONOV Airlines.
Both the flight crew and technical team cooperation concluded into a successful mission. We are proud to be a part of this project, that may be one of the significant steps of discovering the Universe and its secrets and getting life-saving knowledge for future generations”.
With help from American Airlines Cargo, Lucy, a 16-year-old Bengal tiger, has been relocated from an Eco Park in Mendoza, Argentina to The Wildcat Sanctuary in Sandstone, Minnesota, USA.
The move is a result of the former Mendoza Zoo’s transition into an Eco Park, which has involved gradually relocating its animal residents to sanctuaries where they can begin new lives with their peers.
Lucy’s journey began with a truck ride covering approximately 750 miles from Mendoza to Ezeiza Airport (EZE) in Buenos Aires. The transportation process was carefully coordinated with Intermodal, the forwarder designated by the Mendoza Ministry of Energy and Environment, and American Airlines Cargo. The carrier ensured seamless communication between the teams at EZE and at the receiving station at John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) in New York, ensuring a safe trip for Lucy.
Lucy was the last tiger at the Mendoza Eco Park, having arrived there in 2011 as part of an animal exchange with another zoo in Buenos Aires. The Wildcat Sanctuary – an accredited non-profit, privately funded sanctuary that provides a natural habitat for wild cats in need of a home – had previously accepted two lions from Mendoza in 2018. At that time, the import regulations for lions were more lenient than those for tigers, who are considered an endangered species. With the zoo’s closure and its new focus on animal rights, there was hope that Lucy and her companion Violeta could be placed in a suitable facility more quickly.
However, years later, The Wildcat Sanctuary learned that Lucy and Violeta were still at the Eco Park. The journey to arrange their transport involved three years of securing permits, navigating changing jurisdictions, and securing funding. Tragically, during this time, Violeta passed away, making staff even more determined to get Lucy to Minnesota.
On arrival in EZE, Lucy was flown on an American Airlines B787-8 for an 11-hour flight to JFK. Sanctuary staff, including a veterinarian, met her there ready for the final 1,200-mile onward drive to The Wildcat Sanctuary.
Lucy’s journey marks the second animal that American Airlines Cargo has helped rescue from Mendoza. In 2019, Sandra, a 33-year-old orangutan, was moved to a sanctuary in Florida after being granted human rights necessary to make the journey. With support from the courts in Argentina, American facilitated her safe passage to the US, where she found a new home.
“It was an honor for American to provide our services to aid in Sandra’s relocation back in 2019 and we are just as proud to have been able to play our part in the re-homing of Lucy to a more suitable environment. Our teams worked in tandem with staff from the sanctuary team to make sure everything ran like clockwork, and we look forward to following Lucy’s story,” said Indy Bolina, Head of Global Sales for American Airlines Cargo.
Global K9 Protection Group (GK9PG) has announced its acquisition of Dog Detectives, a prominent UK-based canine screening provider.
Firmly established as leaders in the US air cargo screening space, the strategic acquisition represents GK9PG’s first step into the European market, laying the groundwork for further international expansion.
“We are looking forward to working with Dog Detectives’ experienced staff, and leveraging their 25-year track record of providing excellent screening services,” said Roland Beason, Chief Operating Officer (COO), GK9PG.
“This acquisition kick-starts GK9PG’s international expansion plans, building on our strong presence across the US.”
Founded outside Liverpool, UK, Dog Detectives has grown significantly under the leadership of Andrew Jones, who is stepping into a new role as Director at GK9PG.
“GK9PG is one of the world’s largest canine screening providers and the acquisition agreement marks a new chapter for Dog Detectives,” said Jones.
“Dog Detectives was founded by my father, David, and over the past 25 years, we have been proud to build it into the trusted operation it is today.
“By combining our expertise, we are well positioned to continue delivering effective screening solutions for the years to come.”
GK9PG currently provides canine screening services in 660 facilities, spanning 162 cities across the US.
GK9PG will be attending TIACA’s Air Cargo Forum event, taking place in Miami, USA, from 11th-14th November 2024.
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