IAG Cargo, the cargo division of International Airlines Group (IAG), is set to resume services to Bangkok (BKK), Kuala Lumpur (KUL) and Tokyo Narita (NRT) for the first time since 2020.
EXG successfully accomplished another task involving the multimodal transportation of four lots of shipments from India to Brazil as part of a hydro project in India. This extensive journey encompassed a total distance of 500 km by road and several days of voyage by sea, culminating at the final destination. The cargo was divided into four lots, including both general cargo, over-dimensional cargo, and two breakbulk pieces. Each container was transported using high bed trailers, while the breakbulk pieces, measuring 6 x 6 x 1.5 meters and weighing 32 MT each, were transported on SLBT trailers. The road transportation of 500 km from the pick-up point to the Nhava Sheva port presented several challenges. The occasion of a national festival, which could have significantly delayed our schedule, was deftly managed by coordinating with local authorities and rescheduling movements to avoid peak times. This situation prompted us to rigorously evaluate our contingency plans, demonstrating our ability to respond swiftly and effectively to multiple challenges. Through proactive problem-solving, seamless coordination, and effective communication, we maintained our commitment to timely and secure delivery. In accordance with Brazilian government regulations mandating the fumigation of cargo secured within wooden boxes or pallets, EXG effectively conducted the necessary fumigation of the wooden packages ahead of schedule, ensuring completion before the cargo reached the terminal. This accomplishment was the result of meticulous planning. EXG’s successful transportation for the hydro project showcases our commitment to excellence. By overcoming challenges like a national festival and strict regulations through meticulous planning and effective communication, we ensured timely and secure delivery. This achievement highlights our reliability and adaptability as a global logistics partner.
The Duvenbeck Group sealed a strategic partnership with Farizon New Energy Commercial Vehicle Group (Farizon) during the course of the IAA TRANSPORTATION 2024 fair in Hanover.
For both companies, this cooperation arrangement marks an important milestone in their joint mission to develop innovative and sustainable logistics solutions. The agreement was signed by Hakan Bicil, the CEO of the Duvenbeck Group, and Mike Fan, the CEO of Farizon. Others attending the formal ceremony included: Wolfgang Kortus, the CPO of the Duvenbeck Group, Moritz Kiepen, the Head of Corporate Development, Shangguan Yunfei, the Vice President of Farizon, and Cook Xue, the General Manager of International Marketing at Farizon.
By integrating the resources of both companies, the aim is to strengthen the use of battery-powered electric commercial vehicles in European logistics operations and create a sustainable business model. The win-win partnership not only offers the Duvenbeck Group the possibility of reducing its ecological footprint, but also of consolidating its position as a pioneer in the field of green logistics. Working together, Duvenbeck and Farizon are planning to revolutionise the logistics sector and pave the way for an emission-free future.
The Duvenbeck Group will integrate the Farizon Homtrucks into its fleet as part of this strategic partnership. The delivery of the first 50 vehicles is planned to take place next year. In its role as the preferred logistics partner in Europe, Duvenbeck will support Farizon in its expansion plans and together they will press ahead with the green transformation of the European goods traffic market. “By using the Farizon Homtrucks, we’re sending a clear signal to promote our joint goal of making transport operations for goods more environmentally-friendly and of actively promoting decarbonisation,” Hakan Bicil, the Duvenbeck CEO, explained at the ceremony marking the signing of the agreement in Hanover. “Our partnership is a ground-breaking step to enable us to introduce forward-looking logistics solutions that focus on both efficiency and sustainability.”
Farizon, which is a subsidiary of the Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, is one of the world’s leading manufacturers in the field of electromobility and is part of one of the largest automobile groups in the world, which includes the Volvo Cars, Polestar and Smart brands, among others. As the strategic partner of Farizon, Duvenbeck will play a leading role in developing environmentally-friendly logistics solutions in Europe and, at the same time, make a significant contribution towards creating a CO2-neutral future.
The international transport and logistics company Gebrüder Weiss has expanded its location network in Romania. South-east of Bucharest, in Popesti-Leordeni, the logistics provider has officially launched operations at a new terminal, following a major investment of 20 million euros.
“The second location complements our existing facility west of the capital in Bolintin-Deal, thus facilitating an even more efficient distribution of goods in the metropolitan area. In this way, we offer first-rate conditions to provide even better logistics support to Romania’s emerging economy,” affirms Wolfram Senger-Weiss, CEO of Gebrüder Weiss.
The modern terminal has an area of around 19,000 square meters for warehouse logistics, transshipment, administration, and favorable transport connections to the Black Sea port of Constanta and neighboring Bulgaria. It is equipped with heat pumps, and the installation of a photovoltaic (PV) system is under consideration for the future, along with charging stations for electric vehicles. One of the location’s customers is an international paint manufacturer, for whom Gebrüder Weiss stores 12,000 pallets for distribution across the country.
“The increasing traffic load in the capital requires a two-terminal solution enabling us to supply the metropolitan area from two geographic directions, thus making the distribution of goods more efficient,” Country Manager Viorel Leca explains. In the first six months of 2024, the new hub handled 78,000 shipments with a total weight of more than 35,000 tons. “In light of our current warehouse occupancy rate of 70%, we are planning to expand our client portfolio in the near future. The purchased land, with a total area of 70,000 square meters, allows us to build additional storage and cross-dock spaces, depending on future projects”, Viorel Leca added.
30th anniversary of Gebrüder Weiss Romania
The opening of the new terminal coincides with Gebrüder Weiss celebrating the thirtieth anniversary of its entry into the market in Romania. Gebrüder Weiss operates a comprehensive network of 13 locations across the country’s key economic regions.
“Over the past 30 years, Romania’s economic development has been impressive, and the country has become a sought-after manufacturing location. We are going to support the growth of industry and commerce in Romania with our logistics know-how into the future,” says Thomas Moser, Director and Regional Manager Black Sea/CIS at Gebrüder Weiss.
In the past year, 700 employees handled some 1.1 million shipments. Customers include international companies in the automotive, technology, and consumer goods sectors. From its Romanian locations, the logistics provider operates transports by truck to Germany, France, Hungary, and the Czech Republic and handles air and sea freight transports to destinations all over the world.
AVIAREPS, the world’s leading international representation, marketing and communications company for aviation, tourism, hospitality, and food & beverage brands today announced the appointment of Frederick Overton as Global Head of Cargo.
He will be tasked with overseeing and expanding the AVIAREPS’ cargo division, building on existing relationships with airlines and growing the AVIAREPS’ air cargo expertise and division worldwide. AVIAREPS has been offering GSA services to cargo clients locally for several years and will now expand the business division globally.
The fast-paced air cargo business plays a vital role in global trade, allowing for the rapid transport of goods across continents. It is essential for transporting high-value goods, urgent shipments, and time-sensitive items such as pharmaceuticals, which require swift and secure delivery to maintain their integrity. This makes air freight the preferred option for industries that rely on the rapid, reliable movement of critical supplies across the globe. Air cargo accounts for only 1% of total freight by weight but 35% of global trade by value. For passenger airlines, cargo income provides an additional revenue stream, which helps them to stay profitable. The belly-hold of passenger aircraft is frequently used for freight, allowing airlines to maximize their assets by carrying goods alongside passengers, enhancing overall financial resilience.
Under the management of Frederick Overton, AVIAREPS’ aviation experts will utilize their extensive experience and local expertise to connect airlines to freight forwarders and logistics providers to ensure seamless transport. AVIAREPS air cargo services include: Cargo Sales, Reservations, Customer Service, Truck & Flight Planning, Revenue Accounting and Total Cargo Management.
Edgar Lacker, CEO AVIAREPS: “We are excited to have Frederick on board to execute our strategy for the global cargo division and grow the business field within AVIAREPS. Frederick brings with him significant air cargo experience gained from working at several major airline groups which will help us rapidly grow this new division. Cargo is a fast-paced industry, and we believe it has great growth potential. It connects economies throughout the world, transporting valued goods and bringing a country’s exports to markets quickly. Our local experts in the markets will leverage their connections to help our clients grow their cargo business worldwide.”
Frederick Overton, Global Head of Cargo at AVIAREPS: “I am proud to be entrusted with overseeing the AVIAREPS air cargo GSA division. It is an exciting industry that can adapt quickly if consumer demand changes and has easily adjusted to the ever-growing e-commerce market. In times of digitalization, being able to send shipments without paper and making digital bookings is essential also for the cargo industry, while at the same time, face-to-face interactions and interpersonal contacts remain crucial for the business. AVIAREPS’ global office network with 71 owned offices in 67 countries allows us to build strong connections around the world and offer the best service possible to cargo clients.”
Trans Global Projects (TGP) has appointed Ben Taylor as General Manager of its UK business.
With over twenty years of experience in project cargo and shipping, he will take responsibility for the day-to-day running of the UK business and its future development.
“Ben joins at an exciting time for TGP UK, following a period of sustained growth and as we look to continue to expand our role in the country’s energy transition,” said Colin Charnock, Chief Executive Officer, Trans Global Projects.
“We look forward to working with Ben and benefitting from his significant experience.”
TGP recently grew its workforce across Europe, with three new appointments to its team in Bremen, Germany, a new Head of Operations for the BENELUX region, and a new Global Head of Communications and Marketing.
“This is an exciting time for project logistics in the UK,” added Ben Taylor, General Manager – UK, TGP.
“Following the UK’s general election, the new government has reversed the ban on onshore wind, launched Great British Energy, and green-lit 131 new clean energy projects through the latest Contracts for Difference auction.
“TGP is well-placed to help deliver such projects and cement its place as a key player in the UK’s energy transition.”
Managing the UK’s operations, Taylor will be focused on consolidating TGP’s leading position in the project logistics industry, as well as capitalising on new opportunities through the energy transition.
Lödige Industries, a leading global supplier of material handling systems, has successfully completed the expansion of a cargo terminal of the Saigon Cargo Service Corporation (SCSC). With the integration of a second Elevating Transfer Vehicle (ETV) and an additional 150 storage positions, the handling capacity of the existing facility was doubled during ongoing operations.
Scalability is an important criterion in many construction projects, after all, you want to be optimally prepared for future growth. The development of a 20-foot elevating transfer vehicle and a 150-bay storage system by Lödige Industries at Saigon Cargo Service Corporation a few years ago was accompanied by a potential doubling of capacity, which was considered in the planning for the project, which was completed in 2010. This paid off just a few years later. Thanks in part to the state-of-the-art handling technology, SCSC was able to grow its business so much within a short space of time that it became necessary to expand the facility.
In 2022, the two project partners initiated a second – now successfully completed – project phase, another brand new ETV was integrated into the existing system. In addition, the storage system was expanded to include a third and fourth level which added a further 150 storage locations. The programmable logic controller (PLC) was also modernized during this recent project phase.
“The project was designed for a possible expansion right from the start. That’s why doubling the handling capacity during ongoing operations was particularly seamless here. Especially as we have extensive expertise in the expansion of existing cargo facilities,” says Patrick Ho, Senior Project Manager at Lödige Industries.
IAG Cargo, the cargo division of International Airlines Group (IAG), is set to resume services to Bangkok (BKK), Kuala Lumpur (KUL) and Tokyo Narita (NRT) for the first time since 2020.
From 28th October 2024, three rotations per week will be operating between London Gatwick (LGW) and Bangkok utilising a Boeing 777 widebody aircraft. There will also be daily services to Kuala Lumpur from London Heathrow (LHR) as of 10th November 2024 utilising a Boeing 787 widebody aircraft.
After a 4-year hiatus, services to Tokyo Narita will also be recommencing from Madrid Barajas Airport. This will be in addition to the ten weekly services to Tokyo Haneda (HND) from London Heathrow, enhancing connectivity for our customers between Europe and Asia.
These resumed routes will provide vital support to the automotive, engineering, perishable goods and high-tech industries.
Camilo Garcia Cervera, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer said: “We’re pleased to welcome back Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur to our schedule and resume flights to Tokyo from Madrid. These destinations represent crucial connections for cargo transport and will enable our customers in the Asia Pacific region to tap into our global network via our hubs in London, Madrid, Dublin and Barcelona.”
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol handled 738,414 tonnes of cargo in the first half of 2024, up 8.7 percent from 2023 half year figures.
Belly cargo grew by 23.3 percent year-on-year to 305,593 tonnes following a 12.5 percent growth in passenger flights, with full freighter cargo tonnage holding at a steady 432 820 tonnes despite a 5.4 percent drop in freighter flights.
“Global trade development as well as geopolitical disruptions have boosted demand for air transport,” said Olaf van Reeden, Cargo Partnerships Director, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.
“Schiphol connects 303 destinations, and we are focused on maximizing the use of our ad hoc slots to continue to support our customers with freighter capacity.
“Working closely with all industry stakeholders, we achieved a 13% growth in freighter capacity.”
North American and African exports showed the strongest growth at 22 percent and 26 percent year-on-year respectively.
Inbound cargo from the Middle East and Europe grew by 19 percent and 20 percent respectively. *
Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) has announced the appointment of Alain Chisari as the new Head of its Swiss WorldCargo division, effective October 1, 2024. Chisari, 52, will take over from Lorenzo Stoll, who has left the airline industry to pursue a new path in healthcare.
“Alain Chisari brings a vast range of experience in the airline business, both within and beyond the Lufthansa Group, to his new position,” said Heike Birlenbach, SWISS Chief Commercial Officer. “Thanks to his various international activities, he is also excellently connected throughout our industry. I’m convinced he will continue to successfully develop our air cargo business, and I look forward to working with him.”
Chisari, who joined SWISS in 2008, has held multiple leadership roles within the airline and the Lufthansa Group, including positions as Chief Commercial Officer of Edelweiss and Vice President Area Management Asia & Pacific for Lufthansa. Most recently, he served as the ITA Implementation Officer for the Lufthansa Group.
“I also offer Lorenzo Stoll my warmest thanks for his service and commitment,” added Birlenbach. “He steered our airfreight division with great success, not least through the highly challenging pandemic times, and his team made a key contribution to our favorable earnings in recent years.”
In his new role, Chisari will lead a global team of 300 employees, overseeing Swiss WorldCargo’s operations and business strategy. He holds an Executive Master’s Degree in General Management from the SGMI Institute of Management St. Gallen and is fluent in English, French, German, Italian, and Swedish.
APG Cargo UK has named Sarah MacFarlane as its new Commercial Director, bringing with her over 27 years of experience in the GSA and airline cargo sector. Her career includes roles at KLM, ANA, and Airbridge International Agencies.
In her new role, MacFarlane will be responsible for driving the company’s commercial operations across the UK, expanding services, and strengthening relationships with key industry partners.
APG Cargo expressed excitement about her appointment, highlighting her focus on delivering tailored cargo solutions to meet evolving client needs and enhancing customer experience.
Richard Burgess, President of APG Network, said, “Sarah’s deep understanding of the cargo industry and vast experience make her a perfect fit for our future ambitions. We’re confident she’ll lead APG Cargo UK to new heights.”
MacFarlane’s appointment marks a significant step forward for APG Cargo UK, positioning the company for continued growth and success in the global cargo industry.
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