Star Alliance, the world’s largest global airline alliance, has launched a new status match and challenge promotion for frequent flyers in Scandinavia.
From September 1 to November 30, 2024, members of SAS EuroBonus with eligible status can request equivalent status in the frequent flyer programs of participating Star Alliance airlines.
This initiative offers Northern European travelers a chance to benefit from Star Alliance’s extensive global network and loyalty perks. Participating airlines include Air Canada, Air China, Air India, Ethiopian Airlines, Lufthansa Group airlines, South African Airways, TAP Air Portugal, THAI, Turkish Airlines, and United. The status match applies to equivalent gold and silver tiers, where applicable.
Renato Ramos, Vice President of Strategy at Star Alliance, stated, “Global travellers today seek unmatched network, access to more lounges, and benefits at more airports. With its 25 world-class member airlines, only Star Alliance is best positioned to deliver these advantages to frequent flyers in the Nordic countries.”
The promotion, powered by StatusMatch.com, allows SAS EuroBonus members to seamlessly match their status or participate in the status challenge with the selected airlines. This opportunity is free of charge and aims to enhance travel benefits for frequent flyers across Scandinavia.
Star Alliance’s presence in Scandinavia includes 18 member airlines offering direct flights to and from the region, with over 3,650 monthly flights connecting Scandinavia to 1,070 international destinations. The alliance continues to provide a superior travel experience, reinforcing its position as the foremost global airline alliance with 17,500 daily departures across 189 countries.
Glasgow Prestwick Airport (GPA) has appointed Colin Dai as its Country Sales Director for China.
Dai brings over 25 years of experience in aviation and e-commerce, spearheading Chinese business for several international airlines, including Qatar Airways and Virgin Atlantic.
GPA has made the appointment to foster business relationships across China, to ensure GPA’s unique benefits are communicated to the Chinese e-commerce industry.
“With the rapid growth of Chinese e-commerce and demand for it across the UK, there is an increasing need for efficient and reliable international logistics solutions,” said Dai, Country Sales Director, China, GPA.
“My focus will be on meeting these rising business needs by introducing GPA’s services to Chinese companies, leveraging the airport’s strategic location, state-of-the-art facilities, and partnership with Royal Mail.”
This announcement follows GPA’s recent launch of its e-commerce solution in partnership with Royal Mail Group, solidifying its position as a leading international e-commerce hub for the United Kingdom.
“China represents one of the most dynamic e-commerce markets globally, and we are excited to have Colin on board to spearhead our efforts in the region,” said Nico Le Roux, Business Development Director, GPA.
“We are committed to providing cost-effective, efficient solutions for e-commerce companies looking to access the UK market, and Colin’s new role is a testament to this.”
GPA recently invested over GBP 2 million in new cargo equipment as part of the ongoing development of its freight services, and now offers one of the fastest turnaround times for air cargo in the UK, making GPA an ideal gateway for Chinese businesses.
The airport’s 24/7 operations, with no flight restrictions or curfews, provide an added advantage for businesses that require fast turnaround times.
GPA will be participating in the Shenzhen Logistics and Supply Chain Expo in September, and The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA)’s Air Cargo Forum 2024, from 11-14th November in Miami, United States.
Worldwide Flight Services’ (WFS), a member of the SATS Group, reputation for freighter handling at Liege Airport has earned a new multi-year contract with Magma Aviation.
Starting this month, WFS will provide ramp and warehouse cargo handling for a minimum of five regular Boeing 747-400F flight rotations a week.
WFS will also handle cargo onboard charter flights operated by Magma Aviation’s freighter fleet. The overall contract will see WFS handle more than 50,000 tonnes of cargo a year for Magma Aviation and its customers.
“This is a significant contract gain for WFS in Liege. We look forward to working closely with the Magma Aviation team to jointly develop handling solutions suited to the products and services they offer,” said Nathan De Valk, Managing Director, Belgium at WFS.
James Le Poer Trench, Head of Operations at Magma Aviation, added: “This collaboration strengthens Magma Aviation’s supply chain and enhances our ability to deliver exceptional products and service to our customers. By leveraging WFS’s expertise and innovative solutions, we expect to drive increased efficiency, improve quality, and unlock new growth opportunities.”
Today, WFS supports cargo operations across two warehouses in Liege utilising 24,000 square metres of warehouse space. LGG is a part WFS’ global network spanning over 215 freight and ground handling stations in 27 countries.
CHAMP Cargosystems has welcomed several new Traxon Global Customs (TGC) and Traxon Global Security (TGS) customers from the Asia-Pacific region. The regional boom reflects the demand for software solutions that simplify regulatory compliance in lockstep with government bodies requesting more granular air cargo pre-loading and pre-arrival detail.
Existing CHAMP customers Biman Bangladesh, Korean Air, Sichuan Airlines and Vietnam Airlines have signed multi-year contracts for Traxon Global Security; a streamlined platform designed to help carriers manage their Pre-Loading Advance Cargo Information (PLACI) filing.
TGS will enable customers to be fully compliant with numerous pre-loading security screenings including the European Union’s ICS2, the United States ACAS, the UK’s PreDICT, the UAE’s NAIC, and Canada’s PACT which is expected to become mandatory in Q4 of 2024.
This year has also seen Biman Bangladesh, Vietnam Airlines, China Southern, and China Cargo Airlines sign multi-year contracts for Traxon Global Customs. By leveraging CHAMP’s simplified reporting tool, airlines are equipped with streamlined information exchange with 60+ country customs authorities regardless of format, communications protocols or processing rules.
As companies in the Asia-Pacific market look for ways to streamline compliance, reduce errors, and eliminate tedious processes, CHAMP proactively updates Traxon Global Security and Traxon Global Customs in anticipation of new and emerging regulations.
By adopting these tools, these companies are able to automate PLACI filing and remain so that customs authorities have access to information compliance to reduce the possibility of penalties or errors associated with misfiling. Customers are now ready to meet the requirements of customs authorities in various markets.
Zeta Loo, Head of Commercial Operations for APAC at CHAMP Cargosystems said “Our customers in Asia Pacific have looked upon and entrusted CHAMP as a global IT supplier to help with their compliance needs. We are proud to support more efficient regulatory filing by providing a streamlined solution to meet both PLACI and ACI (Advance Cargo Information) compliance while they focus on other key activities running their businesses.”
Hyperloop Transportation Technologies (HyperloopTT), a US-headquartered high-speed transportation pioneer and China-based aircraft manufacturing company Aerospace Times Feiping have joined forces with Logimotion to become the main partners for the event’s Transportation & Mobility section. The inaugural edition of Logimotion will take place at Dubai World Trade Centre from 10 to 11 December 2024.
Logimotion 2024 is a first-of-its-kind event that will bring together global leaders in mobility and logistics in the central hub of Dubai. The event is tailored to showcase technologies and solutions within these vital sectors, while sharing the latest industry insights through an immersive conference programme.
Logimotion will provide unparalleled opportunities for attendees to network with industry professionals, gain knowledge from thought leaders, and catalyse growth in the mobility and logistics sectors.
Dishan Isaac, Exhibition Director, Logimotion said: “We are delighted to welcome HyperloopTT and Aerospace Times Feiping as partners for the Transportation & Mobility Section at Logimotion. The brightest minds in the industry will come together at this event to help shape a more sustainable, interconnected future, and these two organisations have a pivotal role to play in this process.”
Commenting on the partnership, Andrés de León, Chief Executive Officer at HyperloopTT added: “Logimotion promises to become a must-attend fixture in the global logistics and mobility industry’s calendar, so we are extremely proud to be involved as a main partner for the Transportation & Mobility section at the first-ever edition. Global collaboration lies at the heart of HyperloopTT, which is why we are so excited to tap into the show’s spirit of connectivity and innovation as we share our vision for the future of transportation.”
Hyperloops are tube-based transportation systems designed to move goods and people at ‘airplane speeds’ safely, efficiently and sustainably. The introduction of hyperloops would reduce travel time between city centres and logistics hubs from hours to minutes, promoting widespread economic expansion and replacing contemporary emissions-heavy methods of transportation.
Founded in 2013, HyperloopTT is a leading transportation and technology licensing company focused on the advancement of high-speed transit through the hyperloop. To date, the company has developed a full-scale test system, a comprehensive insurance framework and robust certification guidelines for its innovations.
The systems being developed by HyperloopTT have the potential to revolutionise the transportation sector with ultra-fast, sustainable and energy-efficient transit solutions. In addition to the company’s showcase at Logimotion, de León will address attendees at the TransMobility Forum, which will explore the next generation of mobility.
Aerospace Times Feiping belongs to the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation and is currently the world’s largest high-tech enterprise for logistics Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) systems and provides R&D, production and manufacturing.
At Logimotion 2024, Aerospace Feipeng Co. will showcase its UAV portfolio. This includes, among others, the FP-985 large fixed-wing aircraft, which has a loading capacity of 1700kg and offers features such as the capacity to operate during the day and night, in sandstorms, high-temperature environments and solar radiation resistance along with offering large cargo capacities and high efficiency.
The inaugural edition of Logimotion, which will coincide with Automechanika Dubai 2024, will encompass three main product areas: Warehousing Solutions & Equipment, Freight, Cargo & Material Handling and Transportation & Mobility. Alongside the exhibition, the two-day event will feature three pivotal conferences which include SCALEX, the Global Trade & Infrastructure Summit and the TransMobility Forum.
Visit the event website for information on sponsorship and exhibition opportunities.
Air travel at Swedavia’s ten airports increased by two per cent compared with August 2023. The increase was driven by continued strong international travel, which increased by five per cent, while domestic travel decreased by nine per cent. In August, international travel at Stockholm Arlanda Airport increased by five per cent and increased by four per cent at Göteborg Landvetter Airport.
“Demand for international travel at Arlanda and Landvetter continued to be strong in August. During this year’s summer traffic programme, a total of 25 new routes were launched, of which 17 were new routes via Sweden’s largest airport, Stockholm Arlanda Airport. Our work to strengthen connectivity continues, and yesterday’s announcement that the flight tax will be abolished improves the opportunities significantly,” says Jonas Abrahamsson, Swedavia’s President and CEO.
During the summer, airlines continued to invest in strengthening Sweden’s connectivity.
During this year’s summer traffic programme, 25 new routes were launched, of which 17 were new routes from Sweden’s largest airport, Stockholm Arlanda Airport, and eight were new routes from Göteborg Landvetter Airport. Investments have also been made to add charter flights from Malmö Airport, Åre Östersund Airport, Umeå Airport and Luleå Airport.
The market with the highest percentage growth this summer – June and July
Markets with over 100 per cent growth: Montenegro, Albania, Canada, China, Tunisia and Morocco. Followed by: Lithuania, Estonia, Croatia and Jordan.
During August, more than 3.1 million passengers flew via one of Swedavia’s ten airports. The numbers for August are two per cent higher compared to August of last year. International air travel increased five per cent to over 2.5 million passengers, while domestic travel decreased nine per cent to just over 588,000 passengers. Total passenger traffic at Swedavia’s airports in August was about 83 per cent of pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
Sweden’s largest airport, Stockholm Arlanda Airport, served a total of just over 2.2 million passengers in August. This represents an increase of six per cent compared to August of last year. International travel increased seven per cent to just under two million passengers, while domestic travel decreased six per cent to just under 255,000 passengers. In August, overall passenger levels at Arlanda were 91 per cent of pre-pandemic levels.
Göteborg Landvetter Airport served a total of just over 530,000 passengers in August. This is a four percent increase compared to August of 2023. International travel increased by seven per cent to just over 493,000 passengers, while domestic travel decreased by 25 per cent to just over 37,000 passengers. In August, passenger levels at Göteborg Landvetter were 84 per cent of pre-pandemic levels.
Swedavia’s other eight airports had mixed results in August. Ronneby Airport, followed by Kiruna Airport, had the strongest passenger growth in August compared to August of last year. Kiruna Airport, followed by Luleå Airport, had the best passenger growth in August compared to pre-pandemic levels. Malmö Airport, followed by Bromma Stockholm Airport, had the weakest passenger growth in August compared to August of last year. Bromma was closed for four days in August due to planned runway work, which had a negative impact on traffic numbers for the month.
EMX, the logistics arm of 7X and a leading provider of courier, express, and parcels (CEP) services in the region, participated in the Istanbul Global E-Export Summit (IGEXX), underscoring its commitment to expanding its international partnerships and enhancing its global footprint in key shipping markets. The two-day summit, held on September 4 and 5, 2024, at the Haliç Congress Center in Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye), convened eminent e-exporters and representatives from key global markets, offering a dynamic platform for collaboration and business growth.
During the summit, EMX showcased its wide range of offerings and personalised services tailored to fulfil diverse business needs, while highlighting the exceptional delivery experience offered to end-users through the company’s innovative last-mile delivery solutions. Additionally, the role of “EMX International” service in facilitating seamless parcel delivery across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) was showcased, demonstrating how it empowers eCommerce businesses to expand their market presence.
Tariq Al Wahedi, General Manager of EMX, said: “Our participation in the Istanbul Global E-Export Summit, reiterates the company’s dedication to nurturing partnerships and collaborating with prominent international corporations. At EMX, we understand the importance of providing integrated services, particularly within the eCommerce and logistics domains. Moving forward, we aim to strengthen our role as a strategic partner in the logistics sector, underpinned by innovation and a commitment to global expansion. We remain steadfast in our efforts to fulfil the diverse demands of the global eCommerce industry and facilitate best-in-class service for our clients.”
EMX is known for tailoring cutting-edge logistics solutions that cater to evolving market demands. The company plays an integral role in the advancement and digitalisation of the region’s express, parcel, and last-mile solutions sector.
Worldwide air cargo demand and pricing have stayed strong throughout August, with tonnages up +10%, year on year (YoY), and rates +12% above last year’s levels, according to the latest figures and analysis from WorldACD Market Data.
It covers each of the last 5 weeks up to Sunday September 1, 2024.
August’s YoY comparison figures are similar to those in July 2024, when chargeable weight was up +13%, YoY, and rates showed a +10% YoY improvement. Compared with July, total flown chargeable weight dipped slightly in August, by -2%, but average yields edged up by a further +1%, to US $2.49 per kilo – based on a full-market average of spot rates and contract rates.
Prices from Asia Pacific origins also rose by a further +1% in August, compared with July, to $3.26 per kilo, taking them +22% above their equivalent level last year. And rates from Middle East & South Asia (MESA) origins rose by another +3% to average $2.81 per kilo, taking them +58% higher than last August’s levels. Both those key regions saw tonnages slip slightly in August, compared with July, by -3% and -2%, respectively, but they remain +13% and +10% higher than last August, based on the more than 2 million monthly transactions covered by WorldACD’s data.
Average contract rates and spot rates both rose slightly in week 35 (26 August to 1 September), to $2.41 and $2.71 per kilo, taking overall average rates to $2.51. That’s +13% above last year and an increase of +46% compared with the last pre-Covid equivalent period, August 2019.
Meanwhile, tonnages in week 35 slipped by -1%, week on week (WoW), due to week-on-week (WoW) decreases from North America (-4%), Europe (-2%), MESA (-1%) and Central & South America (CSA, -1%) origins. The drop in volumes ex-North America is related to the Labor Day holiday weekend in the US and Canada, impacting capacity by -5% WoW in week 35, tonnages by -4% and rates by +4%, WoW.
Combining the figures for weeks 34 and 35, tonnages and rates both rose by +1% compared with the previous two weeks (2Wo2W), thanks largely to a +5% rebound in demand from Asia Pacific origins. Among the biggest changes were 2Wo2W increases in tonnages from Asia Pacific to MESA (+4%) and to Europe (+5%), plus strong intra-Asia Pacific volume growth of +8%. Half of that +8% intra-Asia Pacific rise was driven by the recovery of tonnages from Japan, with intra-regional traffic also rising from Hong Kong and South Korea. Those three origins together were responsible for three-quarters of the +8% 2Wo2W intra-Asia Pacific rise in chargeable weight.
Asia dynamics
Total tonnages from Asia Pacific origins were unchanged, WoW, despite a further +6% WoW recovery of volumes from Japan from the effects of Typhoon Ampil. After tonnages from Japan fell by around -60% in week 33, volumes from Japan saw a strong recovery (+102%) in week 34. However, tonnages from Japan in week 35 were still -12% below their levels in week 32. The delay in that recovery is likely linked to the impact of Typhoon Shanshan, which affected air cargo traffic to and from Japan and South Korea in week 34. The +6% WoW increase in tonnages from Japan in week 35 was wiped out by a -2% decrease ex-China, leading to the stable WoW tonnage result for Asia Pacific overall.
Elsewhere, in the MESA region, the continuing disruptions triggered by political instability in Bangladesh, in addition to the effects of the Red Sea disruptions, caused spot rates from Bangladesh to Europe to rise slightly further to a new high of US$5.06 per kilo. And spot rates ex-Sri Lanka rose again to their second-highest level this year, at US$3.66 per kilo.
Peak performance
The relatively robust performance of the market throughout the summer in the northern hemisphere will leave air cargo stakeholders anticipating a busy fourth quarter (Q4) peak season, likely to be characterized by high and rising prices that reflect high load factors and shortages of available capacity on certain head-haul lanes, especially from Asia. In addition to the usual rise in seasonal demand in the final months of the year, air cargo looks set to experience an additional seasonal spike from e-commerce shipments, especially from China and Hong Kong, as it has in the last two cycles. Meanwhile, potential industrial action at US East Coast and Gulf container ports could lead to further conversion of sea to air cargo, in addition to that already occurring due to the disruptions to Red Sea shipping.
Trans Global Projects (TGP) has appointed Edwin van Leth as Head of Operations in the BENELUX region.
Van Leth has worked in logistics for over 25 years, working across the region and multiple sectors, before specialising in project cargo.
“A warm welcome to Edwin into the TGP team, we look forward to benefitting from his wealth of experience in project logistics,” said Colin Charnock, Chief Executive Officer, Trans Global Projects.
“Edwin will play a key role in ensuring our customers continue to receive the quality service they have come to expect.”
Van Leth’s appointment follows TGP’s relocation to new office premises in central Rotterdam last month and is part of a wider plan to expand its team based in the Netherlands.
“TGP has a hard-won reputation for solving complex problems with expert care,” said Van Leth.
“I look forward to leading the team at this exciting time for the company as we cement our presence in the region and continue to expand operations.”
Earlier this year TGP added three new key appointments to its team based in Bremen, Germany, as part of a strategy to increase operational capacity in response to a period of strong growth and expansion.
Lufthansa Cargo yesterday celebrated an important step in the further development of its central cargo hub at Frankfurt Airport. With an investment volume of almost 600 million euros, the cargo airline is focusing on a comprehensive modernization by 2030, which will make the Lufthansa Cargo Center (LCC) Europe’s most modern airfreight hub.
Numerous guests from the worlds of politics and business, as well as employees, customers and project partners, attended the ceremony at the “LCCevo” construction site to mark the start of construction, which has already begun. To commemorate this important milestone for the company, the participants filled and sealed a time capsule.
“Lufthansa Cargo enables global business and connects world markets in a more sustainable way. The ‘LCCevo’ project represents our drive for growth and excellence,” said Ashwin Bhat, CEO of Lufthansa Cargo. “In times of global tensions and changing customer demands, we need innovative solutions that meet our, our customers’ and society’s needs. This is only possible with a modern infrastructure. For our customers, we want to optimize efficiency and quality and make our service even faster and more seamless. For our employees, we want to create attractive and future-proof jobs for the next generations in our newly designed ‘Home of Cargo’. At the same time, ‘LCCevo’ underscores our strong ties to our home base and strengthens Frankfurt Airport’s role as a central cargo hub in Europe”.
“This investment by the Lufthansa Group is a clear commitment to the Frankfurt location and symbolizes our confidence in the long-term future of the airfreight business,” said Michael Niggemann, member of the Executive Board of Deutsche Lufthansa AG. “This flagship project makes our cargo business at the Frankfurt hub fit for the future. It increases quality and efficiency for customers, creates sustainable jobs for our colleagues, and enables even more environmentally friendly ground processes. At the same time, we are making a significant contribution to the performance of airfreight in the heart of Europe and thus enabling global traffic for our economy”.
“This is an impressive example of how investments in modern and sustainable infrastructure strengthen our state in the long term. Lufthansa Cargo is sending an important signal for innovation and competitiveness at Frankfurt Airport,” emphasized R. Alexander Lorz, Hessian Minister of Finance. “Here in Hesse, where the automotive sector, the pharmaceutical industry and medical technology play a central role, the connection provided by Lufthansa Cargo is an indispensable gateway to the global market.”
In a video message, Kaweh Mansoori, Hessian Minister for Economics, Energy, Transport, Housing and Rural Areas, said: “Frankfurt Airport is regularly referred to as the ‘heart muscle of the region’. The last few years have shown just how important cargo traffic is in addition to passenger traffic. The key to remaining competitive in this dynamic environment is an efficient and modern infrastructure. With the modernization of its cargo center, Lufthansa Cargo, the largest cargo carrier at Frankfurt Airport, is helping to further strengthen airfreight at the location. The challenges of the future will be mastered by using the latest technologies and intelligent solutions. At the same time, this is a clear signal for the economic strength and sustainable development of our region and strengthens the position of Frankfurt Airport as an important hub.”
“Frankfurt Airport is crucial to the economic strength of our city, connecting countless companies to global markets. By investing in modern infrastructure and creating a wide range of jobs, Lufthansa Cargo is making a significant contribution to the future viability of Frankfurt. Together with the air cargo industry, we are committed to ensuring that Frankfurt remains an attractive location for companies and employees,” said Mike Josef, Lord Mayor of the City of Frankfurt.
Since its opening in 1982, the LCC has been in continuous operation 24 hours a day, seven days a week and has played a central role in global airfreight traffic ever since. The modernization program includes the gradual renewal of all central functions by 2030, including cargo handling facilities, storage and conveyor technology, building technology, administrative buildings and IT systems. With a total area of around 330,000 m² – the equivalent of around 46 football pitches – it is one of the largest airfreight hubs in Europe.
Lufthansa Cargo is carrying out this ambitious project without interrupting operations. This “open-heart surgery” requires the cooperation of all parties involved to ensure smooth operations. “We are working closely with partner companies such as Züblin and Bleichert Automation, who are contributing their expertise to the successful implementation, which is fully on schedule so far,” says project manager Stefan Dürr.
The construction work is being carried out in sections so that daily operations can continue undisturbed. During the current construction phase, Lufthansa Cargo is renovating or building new facilities on an area of around 55,000 m². A notable milestone is the construction of a 42-meter high-bay warehouse, which will be the second-highest building at Frankfurt Airport.
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