CHAMP Cargosystems is proud to announce the launch of 1Neo-Connect, a game-changing solution designed to support air cargo businesses of every scale with IATA ONE Record adoption.
ONE Record is an innovative data-sharing standard introduced by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to modernize the air cargo industry. It is set to replace legacy formats like Cargo IMP and XML, ushering in a new era of standardized and streamlined data exchange.
1Neo-Connect offers a bridge from complexity to simplicity through a plug-and-play API connection, allowing all participants (Freight Forwarders, Airlines, and GHAs) to engage with ONE Record data exchanges through CHAMP’s Super Node.
CHAMP Cargosystems, with its extensive experience in open and interconnected air cargo management systems and cargo community services, is ideally positioned to guide airlines and stakeholders on their ONE Record adoption journey.
Our unmatched capabilities and resources are meticulously designed to streamline the transition, navigate complexities, and provide seamless bridging solutions.
We understand that every organization has unique needs and challenges that 1Neo-Connect can address. CHAMP is eager for air cargo businesses to experience the benefits of ONE Record which promises digitalized and harmonized messaging throughout the industry without the time and complexity barriers that may otherwise hinder adoption.
1Neo-Connect will offer a full IATA ONE Record connection to external parties outside the CHAMP Super-Node Community. It will also seamlessly work with various ONE Record versions as updates are released and interface with Cargo-IMP, Cargo-XML, and CHAMP’s Cargo JSON ensuring future-proof optimization.
Chris McDermott, CEO at CHAMP, said “The future of air cargo demands a paradigm shift—from document-centric to data-centric. By embracing ONE Record and leveraging dynamic solutions like 1Neo-Connect, the air cargo community can enjoy the benefits of harmonized information exchange, unlocking unprecedented visibility and efficiency across the supply chain. We’re immensely proud of the real-world applications we’ve already deployed and are excited to continue developing new use cases that will benefit the entire industry.”
Henk Mulder, Head of Digital Cargo at IATA said “IATA applauds CHAMP Cargosystems’ launch of 1Neo-Connect, a significant step towards accelerating ONE Record adoption across the air cargo industry. This innovative solution exemplifies the collaborative spirit needed to transform air cargo into a truly data-driven digitalized ecosystem, unlocking greater efficiency and visibility for all stakeholders.”
Chapman Freeborn has appointed Allen Liu President of its newly expanded operations across Greater China.
Since joining Chapman Freeborn in 2012, Liu has held several roles, including Senior Cargo Manager for China and Vice President of Cargo for North Asia, during which he established new regional offices in Southern and Southwestern China.
“For more than twenty years, Chapman Freeborn has been making steady progress in the vibrant Chinese market with six offices in major cities such as Shanghai, Shenzhen, Beijing, Chengdu and Hong Kong,” said Allen Liu, President – Greater China, Chapman Freeborn.
“This appointment is proof of Chapman Freeborn’s commitment to the Chinese market, which has grown significantly in recent years.
“I look forward to leading our team in China and leveraging the Group’s more than fifty years of experience to continually innovate our services and strengthen Chapman Freeborn’s competitive position in China.”
Liu will oversee all freight operations in the region as part of Chapman Freeborn’s long-term strategy to deepen its commitment to the Chinese market.
Dietmar Focke, Chief Operations Officer at Lufthansa Cargo, will leave the Executive Board of Lufthansa Cargo AG on October 31, 2024 and become Managing Director at Lufthansa Industry Solutions, the service company for IT consulting and system integration within the Lufthansa Group.
The 51-year-old engineering graduate has headed the Operations division since March 1, 2022. In his role, Dietmar Focke was responsible for Global Handling Management, Flight Operations, Security and most of Lufthansa Cargo’s equity investments.
“With his extensive experience in aviation and logistics as well as the management of large business units, Dietmar Focke has continued to lead Lufthansa Cargo into the future as part of the Executive Board team and has made a significant contribution to the further development and modernization of Lufthansa Cargo,” said Dr. Michael Niggemann, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Lufthansa Cargo AG and Chief Human Resources Officer of the Lufthansa Group. “We would like to thank him for the good cooperation, and we are pleased that he continues his career within the Lufthansa Group as Managing Director of Lufthansa Industry Solutions. We wish him every success for his new role.”
Dietmar Focke’s major milestones in recent years have included the continuation of the comprehensive LCC Evolution infrastructure program, which includes the further development and renewal of the logistics center at the home hub in Frankfurt. He was also responsible for the successful expansion of the A321 freighter fleet to four A321 freighters. In the last 12 months, he has been instrumental in the successful development of an e-commerce product for Lufthansa Cargo. Finally, he will set the course for improved quality at Lufthansa Cargo during his remaining term of office.
The engineering graduate began his career in 2001 as a product engineer at Lufthansa Technik. After holding positions in Strategy & Business Development and Airframe Related Components in Hamburg, he moved to Ameco in China for five years from 2010 to 2014. His responsibilities there included aircraft overhaul. Dietmar Focke was then CEO of Lufthansa Technik Base Maintenance in Budapest, Hungary, until 2019. Before joining Lufthansa Cargo, Dietmar Focke had been responsible for Commercial Engine Services at Lufthansa Technik since the beginning of 2019.
A decision on a successor will be announced shortly.
Kale Logistics Solutions (Kale) has been commended for outstanding contribution to digitalisation of global and Indian air cargo logistics by Indian Civil Aviation Minister K R Mohan Naidu on the occasion of global aviation air cargo summit held at New Delhi, India in Sept 2024.
This award follows recognition from the United Nations (UN) for its Air Cargo Community System (ACS) which has been adopted by airports in Europe, Asia, North America the Middle East and Africa.
The UN commended Kale in 2017 and 2019 for its trade facilitation, with its ACS also estimated to reduce up to 10 million paper copies of documents used at airports each year.
“Our key objective has always been to ensure global trade is efficient and transparent, and to this end a recognition by the Indian Government for our achievements in this sector is encouraging. This recognition reinforces our commitment towards innovation in the digital transformation of trade and logistics space to maintain our global leadership position,” said Suneet Gupta, Senior Vice President and Global Head of Cargo Community and Enterprise Systems, Kale Logistics Solutions.
“We are proud at Kale to have been recognised by the UN twice for our efforts to facilitate trade and reduce the air cargo industry’s impact on the environment, this latest commendation from the Indian Government has reflected the hard work of our team over the past few years.”
Kale’s continuing expansion globally, and expansion of their leadership team coincides with developments in their maritime and land cargo solutions and systems.
SATS Ltd. (SATS) and China-based air logistics giant, Sinotrans Air Freight Co Ltd (“Sinoair”) have agreed to collaborate on strategic projects in ground and cargo handling services across their respective networks, including setting up of gateway hubs for Sinoair in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and Belgium.
The two companies are also in talks for SATS to manage Sinoair’s new e-commerce hub in the Chinese city of Hangzhou, expected to be ready in 2026.
Bob Chi, CEO of Gateway Services and Mr. Liu Yong, Managing Director of Sinotrans Air Freight Co Ltd signed an MOU in China on 10 September to ink the collaboration and explore strategic opportunities to support Sinoair’s operations across the SATS’ global network. This MOU will pave the way for the two companies to create long-term sustainable value for their respective stakeholders by working together in some of the world’s busiest and most important airports.
Commenting on the agreement with Sinoair, Bob Chi, who is also CEO-Designate for SATS Gateway Asia-Pacific, said: “Sinoair and SATS share a deep commitment to delivering operational excellence and a positive experience for customers, driven by the support of dedicated teams with extensive experience in the aviation sector. We look forward to working with Sinoair to leverage our respective networks to give customers even better global network connectivity to and from China, which has one of the world’s fastest growing air transportation sectors, to cities worldwide.”
Mr. Liu Yong, who is the Managing Director of Sinotrans Air Freight Co., Ltd., said: “Sinoair and SATS work together to provide customers with superior operational services. We look forward to working with SATS to further strengthen global air transport capabilities through our extensive network resources.”
Headquartered in Singapore, SATS is one of the world’s largest providers of air cargo handling services and Asia’s leading airline caterer. As a combined company, SATS and WFS operate an Americas-Europe-APAC network with a global footprint of more than 215 cargo and ground handling stations in 27 countries, covering trade routes responsible for more than 50% of global air cargo volume.
Sinoair currently has regular charters operating between China and Liege Airport in Belgium, Dubai International Airport in the UAE and are looking to expand further to the rest of the world.
Qatar Airways has resumed its two weekly flights to Abha and increased the frequency of flights to NEOM from two to four during the winter season.
This expansion raises the total number of weekly flights to Saudi Arabia to 140, enhancing connectivity for passengers traveling to over 170 global destinations via Doha’s Hamad International Airport.
Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, Qatar Airways Group CEO, remarked, “This resumption is a testament to our unwavering commitment to connecting our passengers to the Kingdom’s highly coveted destinations.”
Majid Khan, CEO of the Saudi Air Connectivity Program, expressed enthusiasm about Qatar Airways’ return to the Aseer region and NEOM, stating that it aligns perfectly with Saudi Arabia’s tourism strategy by bringing “the Kingdom’s untouched tourism potential closer to the world.”
Increased Flights from Amsterdam
In response to growing demand, Qatar Airways has launched four additional weekly flights from Amsterdam, bringing the total to 14. This expansion will accommodate an extra 40,000 passengers traveling between Amsterdam and Doha, providing more access to popular winter destinations like Bali, Bangkok, and Ho Chi Minh City.
Thierry Antinori, Chief Commercial Officer for Qatar Airways, noted, “We look forward to offering our world-class product and seamless service to travellers from Amsterdam seeking to experience the world through Qatar Airways’ extensive network of more than 170 global destinations.”
New Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative
Qatar Airways has introduced a new feature for its corporate rewards programme, Beyond Business, allowing members to use their Qrewards to support educational initiatives for underprivileged children through its partnership with Education Above All (EAA).
Since the launch of the Educate a Child programme in 2013, Qatar Airways and EAA have collaborated to match dollar-for-dollar contributions collected from passengers.
Introduction of AirPlus Solutions for Cargo
Qatar Airways Cargo has unveiled AirPlus Solutions, offering enhanced services for various cargo shipments. Customers can choose from three options: Q-Climate, Q-Plus, and Q-Prime, each tailored to meet specific shipment needs.
Mark Drusch, Chief Officer Cargo at Qatar Airways Cargo, stated, “As the world’s leading cargo carrier, we are committed to continuously innovating our product offerings. With the launch of AirPlus Solutions, we are providing tailored options that best meet our customers’ needs, while delivering our best S-class service.”
These solutions can be booked via Qatar Airways Cargo’s Digital Lounge, external digital marketplaces, or local sales representatives, further solidifying the airline’s commitment to customer satisfaction and flexibility in cargo services.
Alaska Air Group has officially closed its acquisition of Hawaiian Holdings and announced the interim leadership team that will oversee Hawaiian Airlines operations during the transition to a single operating certificate.
With regulatory clearances now complete, both airlines will operate as one organization with separate airline operations until full integration is achieved.
Joe Sprague, the current Alaska Airlines regional president of Hawai‘i/Pacific, has been appointed CEO of Hawaiian Airlines. He will lead the airline until the FAA grants the single operating certificate. “We have a unique, once-in-a-generation opportunity to combine two incredible companies with aligned values and 90+ year legacies of serving and connecting local communities,” said Sprague. “I am deeply honored to work alongside these strong leaders from Hawaiian Airlines to lead the airline’s people, operations, and brand through this transition while sustaining our commitments to safety and service.”
The interim Honolulu leadership team includes several senior executives from Hawaiian Airlines, boasting nearly 65 years of combined experience in the industry. Key members are:
Additionally, Daniel Chun, regional VP of Hawai‘i for Alaska Airlines, will oversee community relations and sales efforts.
Hawaiian Airlines President and CEO Peter Ingram will step down following the transaction close, marking a new chapter for both airlines. Sprague emphasized the shared commitment to excellence, stating, “Among Alaska, Hawaiian, and Horizon Air, we have more than 230 years of history flying guests and serving communities.”
The acquisition is expected to enhance connectivity across the Pacific and U.S. mainland, providing more travel options and strengthening job opportunities while supporting local communities and environmental initiatives.
Ontario International Airport (ONT) experienced a significant uptick in passenger volume in August, with a 13.4% increase compared to the same month last year.
A total of 643,472 travelers passed through the airport, driven by strong demand for summer travel in Southern California.
Domestic Travel Leads Growth
Domestic passenger numbers surged to 608,360, marking a 15.4% rise from August 2023. However, international travelers numbered 35,112, a decrease of 12.6%. Year-to-date, ONT has welcomed 4.6 million passengers, up 11.9% from the same period last year, with domestic fliers increasing by 11.5% and international travelers rising by 17.5%.
“Demand for travel through Ontario International Airport remained strong in August, particularly among domestic passengers,” said Atif Elkadi, CEO of the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA). He attributed this growth to the flourishing population and economy of the Inland Empire, as many Southern Californians seek more affordable living conditions and improved quality of life. “Airlines are responding to this favorable trend by adding more flights and destinations from our airport.”
Cargo Volume Continues Steady Recovery
In addition to passenger growth, cargo shipments also saw an increase, rising by 9.5% in August to 68,404 tons. Year-to-date cargo volume grew by 1.9% to 494,098 tons.
Elkadi noted, “We are pleased with the steady recovery of cargo activity and maintaining our position as a Top 10 cargo hub in North America.”
Top Airlines by Passenger Share in August:
Västflyg, the regional air carrier focused on improving connectivity in western Sweden, is set to launch a new direct route between Stockholm Arlanda Airport and Trollhättan Vänersborg Airport.
Starting on October 2, 2024, the airline will operate the route twice weekly, on Wednesdays and Sundays, further linking western Sweden with the capital.
Already flying to Stockholm’s Bromma Airport, Västflyg’s expansion to Arlanda aims to enhance business growth in the region and offer travelers smoother connections to international destinations.
“We are thrilled that Västflyg is expanding and adding another Swedavia airport to its routes. A strong domestic flight network is crucial for connecting people across the country and facilitating easy access to the rest of the world,” said Elizabeth Axtelius, Director of Aviation Business at Swedavia.
Västflyg’s CEO, Anna Petre, emphasized the significance of the new route: “There is high demand for travel from Trollhättan to destinations beyond. Direct flights from Arlanda open up many travel opportunities that are currently not available in our region, making it easier and faster for our customers to reach their destinations.”
The new route will contribute to regional growth, providing better access for both leisure and business travelers.
Swedavia has announced the appointment of Ulf Nygren as the new airport manager at Kiruna Airport, effective December 2024.
Nygren brings extensive experience in infrastructure management and leadership, previously serving at SSC Esrange Space Center, where he oversaw infrastructure, hotel, restaurant, and office operations.
He also held key roles within the Kiruna Municipality Group, including project and administrative management positions.
“We are delighted to welcome Ulf to Swedavia and the aviation industry. His expertise will greatly benefit both Swedavia and Kiruna Airport as we continue to enhance regional connectivity and drive the transformation of the aviation sector,” said Karin Öhrström, Director of Regional Airports at Swedavia.
Nygren will succeed Andreas Fredriksson, who stepped down from the role on August 31, 2024. Looking ahead to his new position, Nygren expressed enthusiasm: “I’m excited to join Swedavia and contribute to such an important mission. The airport plays a vital role in the region’s connectivity, development, and competitiveness.”
A resident of Kiruna, Nygren holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Luleå University of Technology. He will officially begin his role on December 13, 2024.
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