Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest airline and one of the world’s fastest-growing airline brands, celebrated the Chinese New Year 2025 with memorable events. This vibrant celebration underscores the airline’s commitment to fostering strong connections with Chinese communities worldwide.
“At Ethiopian Airlines, we are thrilled to celebrate the Chinese New Year in a vibrant and meaningful way with the Chinese community and valued customers,” said Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines. “This celebration is our way of honoring the unique traditions and rich cultural heritage of the Chinese people. We aim to create lasting memories and strengthen bonds with the Chinese community beyond air services through such events.”
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Ethiopian Airlines pioneered African direct flights to China, launching its first flight to Shanghai in February 1973.
Since then, services have expanded significantly, making China one of the most important destinations.
Ethiopian Airlines runs over 35 weekly flights to major Chinese cities: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Hong Kong.
Additionally, cargo services reach eight cities, including Changsha, Ezhou Huahu, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Xiamen, and Zhengzhou.
A dedicated Chinese crew ensures enriching travel, as China drives growth with increasing investors and business travelers between China and Africa.
This year’s celebration highlights the airlines’ efforts to promote cross-cultural understanding and strengthen bonds with the Chinese community.
Recently, Ethiopian Airlines Group, Africa’s largest airline brand and one of the world’s fastest-growing networks, proudly inaugurated the new Wako Gutu Airport Terminal at Bale Robe.
This state-of-the-art terminal aims to enhance socio-economic and cultural connections between domestic regions and beyond, providing seamless air transportation services.
Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO, Mr. Mesfin Tasew, expressed delight at the terminal’s completion, emphasizing the improved travel experience for passengers. “Our commitment to enhancing the airport experience across our domestic network drives us to invest in upgrades like this. We take pride in delivering this facility and look forward to offering passengers elevated comfort and convenience,” he stated.
Bale is a renowned Ethiopian tourist destination, near the spectacular Sof Omar cave. Ethiopian Airlines’ flights to Bale Robe boost tourism potential in the Bale Mountains National Park by improving accessibility and promoting the region as a prime destination.
The airline enhanced regional connectivity, serving over 22 destinations nationwide. It operates up to 14 weekly flights to Robe Wako Gutu Airport.
Recent developments include inaugurating Gode Ugaas Miraad, Jinka Terminals, renovating Bole’s Domestic Terminal, and resuming services to Dembi Dollo, Axum.
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is pleased to announce the addition of Aeroméxico to its airline partners. Beginning June 5, Aeroméxico will offer year-round daily nonstop service between Mexico City and Philadelphia.
“This is exciting news for the Philadelphia region and continues to expand our global connectivity. In addition to connecting Philadelphia’s business, family and leisure travelers to the second largest city in the Western Hemisphere, it also unites us with another top destination for culture, history and cuisine,” said PHL CEO Atif Saeed. “Prior to this announcement, anyone needing to travel to Mexico City had to start their journey at another airport or have a layover along the way. Thanks to Aeroméxico, our guests can fly non-stop from their home airport – PHL.”
Air traffic from PHL to destinations in Mexico has grown 8.3 percent annually since 2014 and 50 percent since the pandemic. There are more than 187,000 people of Mexican ancestry in the Philadelphia region.
The new Aeroméxico service will be the first time an airline has provided nonstop flights to Mexico City from PHL since January 2019.
“We started this year with very good news, as this new route that will connect Philadelphia with Mexico City will strengthen our position and recent success in the Northeastern US with the addition of Boston, Newark, and Washington D.C in 2024,” said Jose Zapata Jose Zapata, Vice President of Sales for the United States, Canada, and Latin America.
At the start of the Lunar New Year, which has a special meaning in many Asian cultures, Munich Airport can boast successful figures on long-haul routes to the Far East: 2.6 million passengers travelled from and via Munich to eleven countries in Central, South and East Asia in 2024.
That’s an increase of 38.7% compared to the previous year. Last summer, there were 105 weekly departures, with Bangkok being the most popular destination of the year, followed by Singapore and Beijing.
The good result is due to a combination of existing and newly-introduced connections.
EVA Air has successfully offered four weekly non-stop flights from Munich to Taipei for two years. Vietnam Airlines has provided flights to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City since October.
Starting in June 2025, apart from Lufthansa, a total of ten Far Eastern airlines, including the premium airline Cathay Pacific, will connect the Bavarian hub with Asia. This underlines Munich Airport’s importance as an international junction for travel to and from Asia.
Not only is travel booming, but the cargo sector has also grown in the past year: one third of intercontinental freight volumes go to East Asia: a total of 105,000 tons in year 2024.
Befitting the Lunar New Year, passengers will receive tiered price reductions at various airport shops until the end of March 2025.
In early 2025, the BelugaXL regularly visits Munich Airport, transporting A350 fuselage sections from Augsburg to Hamburg.
Its whale-like appearance, 61-meter wingspan, and 20-meter height captivate aviation fans.
The BelugaXL highlights Bavaria’s significance in air traffic and the aircraft industry. It will visit Munich again on January 23, 29, and 31.
Chapman Freeborn restructured its European cargo team to strengthen traditional markets and grow new industry verticals for long-term success.
James Gilliard and Markus Schmidt appointed VPs, reporting to Reto Hunziker, President of Europe, at Chapman Freeborn’s cargo operations.
“This is an exciting time to join Chapman Freeborn as it reinvigorates its sales drive into new untapped markets,” said James Gilliard, Vice President Cargo Sales – Europe, Chapman Freeborn.
“With strong growth projected in the energy and government sectors, this forward-looking strategy ensures Chapman Freeborn is agile enough to seize these opportunities and continues to deliver the same high-quality service our customers expect.”
In addition to the restructure, Chapman Freeborn has appointed a general sales agent in Eastern Europe, a new position which cements its coverage across the European Union and diversifying its sales base.
“After directing cargo operations across the DACH region for the last two years, I look forward to now leading Chapman Freeborn’s cargo charter brokers across the continent,” said Markus Schmidt, Vice President Cargo Commercial Operations – Europe, Chapman Freeborn.
“Our restructured team will engage more closely with new and existing customers to better align with market trends and aggressively target growth.”
Gilliard leads client acquisition and market expansion; Schmidt manages brokerage operations, turning customer requests into business opportunities.
Reto Hunziker, President of Europe at Chapman Freeborn, said, “James and Markus, with over 45 years of combined experience in the air cargo industry, are ideally placed to ensure our team responds effectively to volatile market conditions. I look forward to working with them in this capacity.”
This follows the appointment of Bernardo Nunes as Chief Operating Officer in November last year.
Chapman Freeborn expanded operations in Saudi Arabia via a strategic agreement with AJEX Logistics, specializing in express distribution and shipping.
This expansion supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, targeting an increase in air freight capacity to 4.5 million tons annually.
Gerhard Coetzee stated the collaboration supports their mission for world-class aviation services and commitment to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
The partnership aims to drive innovation and excellence in aviation and cargo operations, ensuring top-tier service for clients.
The agreement includes comprehensive airport ground and cargo handling, as well as management of special cargo projects.
Mohammed Albayati emphasized the synergy between AJEX’s strengths and Chapman Freeborn’s network to enhance aviation solutions for Saudi growth.
This move follows Chapman Freeborn’s significant investment in regional personnel, including the appointment of Linas Dovydenas as President of IMEA.
WACO System appoints ABC Cargo Logistic S.A.S. as its Colombian member to strengthen its network in South America.
ABC Cargo Logistic provides comprehensive freight services, including ground, sea, air, and Customs brokerage, in all major Colombian ports.
The family-owned business founded itself in 1986 and has accumulated 39 years of experience in international freight and customs operations in Colombia.
“ABC Cargo Logistic are experts in the local market and are a welcome addition to our growing network in South America,” said Richard Charles, CEO of the WACO System.
“We are delighted to collaborate with the company. Group CEO Alberto Rodriguez and President Maria Andrea Rodriguez lead ABC, and they bring a wealth of regional knowledge and expertise to us and our customers.”
“We are excited to be part of the WACO network, and we are very much looking forward to connecting with other members worldwide to share knowledge and work together,” said Alberto Rodriguez, Group CEO of ABC Cargo Logistic S.A.S.
ABC holds ISO 9001:2015 and BASC licenses and is fully covered by the WACO Indemnity Fund for security.
In December, WACO partnered with cargo.one to launch an innovative digital initiative for independent freight forwarders globally.
The collaboration upgrades WACO members’ digital infrastructure, enabling digital procurement and sales processes like capacity discovery, quoting, and member transactions.
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WACO, a non-profit network supporting independent freight management companies in 118 countries, aims to enhance efficiency, resilience, and competitiveness. By aligning with cargo.one’s mission, WACO guides its members to connect and transact digitally, unlocking significant benefits from digital freight.
The cargo.one WACO Module enables members to book air capacity and discover rates, including local charges, for seamless quotations.
The platform cuts emails, saves hours, and lets forwarders quote competitively while exploring all options in the WACO network.
Richard Charles, CEO of WACO, emphasized the importance of digital solutions in strengthening the network. Moritz Claussen, Co-CEO of cargo.one, highlighted the collaboration’s potential to enhance efficiency and competitiveness.
Trans Global Freight Management Ltd. in the UK gains from new features, achieving faster quotes and more shipment wins as a WACO member.
This partnership continues WACO’s strategy to provide cutting-edge digital solutions for its members’ growth and optimization.
In mid-January, Gilles Duffaut became Managing Director of Hellmann France, the French subsidiary of Hellmann Worldwide Logistics.
He replaces Alex Delrue, who managed the Spanish and French subsidiaries in a dual role for the past five years.
Creating the Managing Director France role signals Hellmann’s commitment to growth and strengthening its position in the French market.
Since opening its first Air- and Seafreight branch near Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport in 2019, Hellmann has consistently invested in expanding its network and product portfolio in France.
Consequently, the company has strengthened its market presence and enhanced service offerings.
Today, the logistics company operates five branches in the French market. As a result, it offers a wide range of services, including Air- and Seafreight, customs clearance, and Direct Load options.
Furthermore, these services cater to both local and multinational customers, such as those in the fashion, pharmaceutical, and automotive industries.
The French logistics market is one of the most robust and dynamic in Europe and is characterized by its strategic location, advanced infrastructure and strong links to global trade routes.
This makes France an important hub for international trade and offers significant growth potential.
The company plans to open more branches in France and expand its Direct Load network across Europe for greater reach.
With over 30 years of international expertise in the transport and logistics industry, Gilles Duffaut will further strengthen and sustainably expand Hellmann’s market position in France. Thanks to his various leading positions at international logistics service providers, the experienced manager brings a broad range of knowledge and in-depth industry insights to this new role.
”The appointment of Gilles Duffaut is an important step in our growth strategy.We anticipate collaborating with him to grow our market position and strengthen our network in France across all products.
“At the same time, I thank Alex Delrue for his work and wish him success in the Spanish market,” says Jens Tarnowski, Regional CEO West Europe, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics.
Korean Air Cargo continues to rely on the proven cargo handling quality of Vienna Airport. A four-year extension of the existing handling contract between the airport and the Korean airline has been signed and will now run until the end of 2028. Thus, Vienna Airport is continuing its successful partnership with Korean Air Cargo, which has been in place since the airline’s first flight to Vienna in 2004.
“The successful partnership between Korean Air Cargo and Vienna Airport has been extended for another four years – a strong sign of the trust and cooperation that has connected our companies for 20 years. Together we will continue to develop cargo handling between Seoul and Vienna at the highest level and expand our position as a leading European cargo hub. Austria, its neighboring countries and Asia will thus remain closely linked economic zones through international airfreight traffic in the future. We look forward to continuing this success story”, states Julian Jäger, joint CEO and COO of Vienna Airport.
“We proudly announce that we are continuing our partnership with Vienna Airport. Our co-operation has led to successful business results, and we are confident that this contract extension will lead to further growth and development. We look forward to providing our customers with the best possible transport services and further strengthening Vienna Airport’s position as a major hub for logistics in Eastern Europe”, says Eum Jaedong, Executive Vice President and Head of Cargo Division at Korean Air Cargo.
Read More: Vienna Airport Sees Record 22% Cargo Growth in 2024
“The extension of the Korean Air Cargo contract until 2028 is clear proof of Vienna Airport’s strength as an air cargo hub. At the site we offer comprehensive services, modern infrastructure and a dedicated team that ensures maximum efficiency and reliability. Korean Air Cargo is one of the most important cargo airlines at the site and we look forward to further expanding our good collaboration”, says Michael Zach, Senior Vice President Ground Handling & Cargo Operations of Vienna Airport.
Vienna Airport and Incheon Airport have intensified their cooperation.
They adapted and deepened collaboration, extending their Seoul-Incheon agreement to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their partnership in 2024.
The parties signed this agreement to intensify cooperation and meet the increasing demand for air cargo services between Korea and Vienna, a hub for Central and Eastern Europe.
In addition to the extended handling contract, both sides plan joint marketing initiatives and knowledge transfer in areas such as logistics systems as well as the expansion of optimal services for freight forwarders and customers. The new Memorandum of Understanding with Incheon Airport also strengthens Vienna Airport’s position as a leading European cargo hub for the transportation of goods between Asia and Europe and supports the long-term partnership between the two locations.
EUROCONTROL’s Maastricht Upper Area Control Centre (MUAC) reported handling 1,794,971 flights in 2024. This marks a 5% increase from the previous year. The rise reflects growing air travel demand and MUAC’s capability to manage it efficiently.
The summer months saw the highest traffic volume. From June to September, flights increased by 3% compared to 2023. This was due to seasonal travel and major sporting events in Germany and France.
July was the busiest month, with 172,195 flights. The peak day was July 11, with 5,649 flights, near the 2018 record.
MUAC reported an average delay of 0.20 minutes per flight. Weather was the main cause. This was better than the predicted 0.23 minutes and matched the previous year. Advanced Air Traffic Flow Management (ATFM) techniques helped achieve this.
MUAC manages the upper airspace of Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and north-west Germany. The top destinations in 2024 were Amsterdam, Heathrow, Frankfurt, Paris, and Stansted.
Peggy Devestel, MUAC Director, praised the team’s dedication. She expects traffic to exceed pre-pandemic levels in 2025. MUAC is preparing for this increase.
Commenting on MUAC’s performance in 2024, Peggy Devestel, Director of the EUROCONTROL Maastricht Upper Area Control Centre (MUAC), said: “MUAC’s strong performance in 2024 reflects our commitment to providing our airspace users, whether civil or military, with safe, efficient and reliable services and it is the result of the hard work and dedication of the highly skilled team at MUAC.
“In 2025, we expect to exceed pre-pandemic levels of traffic for the first time. Our meticulous planning efforts for the year ahead mean we are well prepared for the challenges that this increase in traffic will bring. I look forward to the year ahead and to supporting our airspace users and partners as traffic levels grow,” Devestel added.
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In 2024, MUAC invested in efficiency and environmental initiatives.
MUAC implemented Continuous Descent Operations (CDO) in Frankfurt. They used ATS B2 technology for trajectory optimizations.
MUAC conducted two contrail prevention trials.
One, with Google, used satellite imagery and AI. MUAC’s ATM Portal achieved 10,000 ECO rerouting proposals, reducing environmental impact.
Cathay Pacific released its traffic figures for December 2024. In the full year of 2024, the Cathay Group achieved new post-pandemic highs for total passengers and cargo carried. Cathay Pacific and HK Express carried a combined total of more than 28 million passengers, marking an increase of 30.7% year on year. Meanwhile, Cathay Cargo carried a total of 1.5 million tonnes of cargo in 2024, which was 11% higher than the whole of 2023.
Cathay Pacific carried a total of 2,248,950 passengers in December 2024, an increase of 26.4% compared with December 2023. The month’s revenue passenger kilometres (RPKs) increased 27.9% year on year. Passenger load factor increased by 3.6 percentage points to 84.8%, while available seat kilometres (ASKs) increased by 22.5% year on year.
The airline carried 143,564 tonnes of cargo in December 2024, an increase of 11.7% compared with December 2023. The month’s cargo revenue tonne kilometres (RFTKs) increased 6.5% year on year. The cargo load factor increased by 0.6 percentage points to 61.4%, while available cargo tonne kilometres (AFTKs) increased by 5.5% year on year.
Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau said: “December is the traditional peak season for our travel business as customers visit friends and relatives, and travel for leisure over the Christmas and New Year holidays. In 2024, we achieved a significant milestone during the year-end travel peak with Cathay Pacific and HK Express together carrying more than 100,000 passengers in a single day — the most since the start of our rebuild — on a total of eight days.
“In addition, our premium cabins experienced high demand leading up to the holiday season, reflecting a surge in business-related travel before the end of the year. December also saw the resumption of our seasonal service to Cairns, which operates three flights per week and has been well received by customers.
“Overall in 2024, we continued to leverage our global network and the strategic advantages of the Hong Kong hub to attract more transit passengers, in particular those travelling between the Chinese Mainland and cities around the world.
“For cargo, the healthy market momentum seen in previous months continued into December, resulting in the highest tonnage of any month in 2024.
“Demand for e-commerce shipments from Hong Kong and the rest of the Greater Bay Area remained robust during the year-end festive season. We also saw significant demand for perishables and seasonal produce from South West Pacific and the Americas to Hong Kong and other parts of Asia.
“Meanwhile, we observed an increase in tonnage of our Cathay Expert solution arising from the movement of machinery and engines, particularly from North Asia.
“As a Group, we made incredible progress in 2024, having successfully completed our two-year rebuild journey and reaching 100% of our pre-pandemic flights from January 2025. Looking ahead, we remain firmly focused on further strengthening Hong Kong’s status as a leading international aviation hub, adding more flights and destinations for both passengers and cargo customers.
“Just recently, Cathay Pacific announced the launch of direct flights between Hong Kong and Rome starting June this year. As a Group, we have already announced six new destinations so far for 2025 as we strive towards reaching 100 destinations worldwide this year.
“With the Lunar New Year approaching, we are seeing bookings accelerate as customers plan their holiday travel after the Christmas season. After the Lunar New Year peak, we expect leisure travel demand from Hong Kong to be quieter, with our flights carrying more transit passengers leveraging our strong global network.
“In terms of cargo, we anticipate demand to be softer during the first half of January before picking up again towards the Lunar New Year holiday.”
The full December figures and glossary are on the following pages.
| CATHAY PACIFIC TRAFFIC | DEC | % Change | Cumulative | %
Change |
| 2024 | VS DEC 2023
|
DEC 2024 | YTD
|
|
| RPK (000) | ||||
| – Chinese Mainland | 444,592 | 37.6% | 4,786,703 | 40.4% |
| – North East Asia | 1,210,616 | 15.4% | 12,172,706 | 21.0% |
| – South East Asia | 1,166,580 | 25.5% | 11,673,860 | 26.8% |
| – South Asia, Middle East & Africa | 656,661 | 46.3% | 6,014,708 | 54.1% |
| – South West Pacific | 1,409,930 | 33.4% | 12,681,391 | 35.4% |
| – North America | 2,524,171 | 35.5% | 27,389,508 | 38.5% |
| – Europe | 1,553,470 | 15.9% | 18,296,633 | 3.9% |
| RPK Total (000) | 8,966,020 | 27.9% | 93,015,509 | 26.8% |
| Passengers carried | 2,248,950 | 26.4% | 22,827,274 | 26.9% |
| Cargo revenue tonne km (000) | 785,049 | 6.5% | 8,502,882 | 5.0% |
| Cargo carried (000kg) | 143,564 | 11.7% | 1,532,064 | 11.0% |
| Number of flight sectors (passenger and cargo) | 10,607 | 17.5% | 113,927 | 26.7% |
| CATHAY PACIFIC CAPACITY | DEC | % Change | Cumulative | %
Change |
| 2024 | VS DEC 2023
|
DEC 2024 | YTD
|
|
| ASK (000) | ||||
| – Chinese Mainland | 640,647 | 29.0% | 6,669,114 | 40.7% |
| – North East Asia | 1,439,099 | 9.4% | 15,526,630 | 24.9% |
| – South East Asia | 1,342,186 | 17.8% | 14,938,883 | 30.9% |
| – South Asia, Middle East & Africa | 722,475 | 34.6% | 7,480,564 | 56.7% |
| – South West Pacific | 1,642,114 | 29.1% | 15,588,633 | 39.2% |
| – North America | 2,964,025 | 32.9% | 31,020,562 | 44.0% |
| – Europe | 1,819,973 | 11.1% | 20,564,909 | 5.4% |
| ASK Total (000) | 10,570,519 | 22.5% | 111,789,293 | 30.6% |
| Passenger load factor | 84.8% | 3.6%pt | 83.2%pt | -2.5%pt |
| Available cargo tonne km (000) | 1,278,339 | 5.5% | 14,193,375 | 8.6% |
| Cargo load factor | 61.4% | 0.6%pt | 59.9% | -2.1%pt |
| ATK (000) | 2,285,287 | 12.4% | 24,835,985 | 17.0% |
SF Airlines awarded WFS for outstanding freighter handling and warehouse services at LAX and JFK, recognizing quality and reliability.
The award also acknowledges the safety and security compliance delivered by the WFS team in LAX and JFK as well as the strong communication between SF Airlines and WFS personnel.
WFS won its first contract with SF Airlines in North America in 2018 for cargo handling at New York JFK and later added Los Angeles to its working partnership.
SATS and WFS also provide cargo handling services for the cargo airline in Singapore, Bangkok, Frankfurt, and Liege.
“WFS is honored to have received this award and to be supporting SF Airlines’ Overseas Strategy to expand its international logistics capabilities through the reliability and safety of our operations. SF Airlines is successfully leveraging strategic partnerships like the one with SATS and WFS to strengthen its network reach, freight capacity, and service capabilities in key global markets,” said José Canales, SVP, Commercial & Business Development, Americas at WFS.
In July 2024, SATS, the world’s largest provider of air cargo handling services and Asia’s pre-eminent provider of food solutions, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SF Group, the leading express delivery and logistics service provider in China and globally, to expand strategic collaboration and supply chain optimisation into a global footprint.
This included the official opening in October 2024, of a new airside logistics centre for SF Express Singapore located at the SATS Core A warehouse in Changi Airfreight Centre.
The new facility optimizes export and import operations, resulting in improved flexibility and faster turnaround times for customers.
The development facilitates the enhancement of SF Express Singapore’s expansion across Southeast Asia and globally.
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