Liege Airport and LLI Form Alliance to Create Multimodal Transport Hub
Liege Airport has acquired a 10% stake in Liège Logistics Intermodal (LLI) to develop a new multimodal transport hub integrating air, rail, and road services. The partnership marks a significant expansion for the region, with investments of €22 million planned through to 2030.
The first phase will modernize and expand the existing road-rail platform, including upgrading rail tracks to European standards, installing gantry cranes, and enhancing access roads. The second phase will introduce new access points, a goods storage area, and a horizontal piggyback loading platform. These upgrades will enable the platform to handle up to 45 trains a week, equating to an annual capacity of 180,000 containers.
Located just 1.5 km from Liege Airport and near major railway lines, the hub benefits from its strategic position on the TEN-T network. Since 2024, LLI has been managing nine trains weekly to Italy and three from China. The new infrastructure aims to bolster the Liège region’s role as a key logistics hub, aligning with the EU’s Green Deal and sustainable mobility goals.
Laurent Jossart, CEO of Liege Airport, emphasized, “This partnership represents our commitment to providing multimodal and sustainable logistics solutions. Liege’s strategic location offers unparalleled advantages in Europe, creating a complete and attractive package for logistics providers.”
Swissport Wins Ground Handling License for Frankfurt Airport
Swissport International AG has been awarded a license to provide ground handling services at Frankfurt Airport, starting February 1, 2025. The seven-year contract will make Frankfurt Swissport’s largest site in Germany and one of its major operations in Europe.
The license follows a competitive international tender process and will be in effect until January 2032. Swissport, already active in Frankfurt with cargo handling since 1995, plans to use this opportunity to enhance its operations with state-of-the-art electric ground support equipment. This initiative supports Fraport’s goal to eliminate carbon emissions at its airports by 2045 and aligns with Swissport’s commitment to operate 55% of its fleet electrically by 2032, aiming for zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Warwick Brady, President & CEO of Swissport International AG, stated, “The license win is an important milestone for Swissport, and we look forward to serving airlines at Frankfurt Airport. Frankfurt further adds scale to our business, and we are committed to delivering operational excellence and high-quality service.”
Swissport will ensure a smooth transition by maintaining job stability for current employees and continuing high-quality service. The company also operates at 15 airports in Germany and nearly 300 worldwide.
Dr. Wassef Ayadi, Senior Director Customer Relations OEM & Special Engineering Services at Lufthansa Technik, added, “We are proud to support Swissport in its expansion and environmental initiatives, which align with our broader goals for sustainability in aviation.”
EVA Air Becomes First Asian Airline to Use AeroSHARK Technology
Taiwanese airline EVA Air has become the first Asian carrier to adopt AeroSHARK technology, a drag-reducing film developed by Lufthansa Technik (LHT) and BASF. This move, announced on August 23, 2024, is part of EVA Air’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
AeroSHARK, modeled after sharkskin, consists of surface riblets about 50 micrometers thick, designed to reduce drag and enhance fuel efficiency. The technology will be applied to EVA Air’s fleet of nine Boeing 777 freighters. The modification process, overseen by LHT and executed by EVA Air’s affiliate Evergreen Aviation Technologies Corporation (EGAT), began with the first aircraft already undergoing the change at Taipei Taoyuan International Airport. The modified freighter is expected to return to service in early September.
Albert Liao, Executive Vice President of EVA Air’s Corporate Planning Division, stated, “We are delighted to collaborate with Lufthansa Technik in applying the fuel-saving AeroSHARK surface technology to our 777 freighters. This innovation not only reduces fuel consumption but also lowers CO2 emissions. EVA Air will continuously monitor the actual fuel-saving benefits and further evaluate additional aircraft to be equipped with this technology.”
The AeroSHARK modification is expected to reduce fuel consumption by approximately 1% per flight. For EVA Air’s nine 777Fs, this translates to an annual saving of more than 2,500 metric tons of kerosene and over 7,800 metric tons of CO2 emissions.
Dr. Wassef Ayadi, Senior Director of Customer Relations OEM & Special Engineering Services at Lufthansa Technik, commented, “EVA Air is well known for both its pioneering spirit and its technical expertise. We are proud that with AeroSHARK, we can provide international pioneers like EVA Air with a real quick-win measure to reduce the environmental footprint of their operations.”
Lufthansa Technik currently holds Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) for AeroSHARK modifications on two types of Boeing 777. The technology is already in use on a double-digit number of aircraft globally, with plans to equip EVA Air’s entire 777 fleet by 2027. Lufthansa Technik and BASF are also working on expanding AeroSHARK’s applications to additional aircraft types and larger surface areas, with the potential to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 3% in its maximum expansion stage.
India Greenlights Air India-Vistara Merger with $276 Million Investment
India cleared the last roadblock to national carrier Air India Ltd.’s merger with smaller rival Vistara, approving a S$360 million ($276 million) investment by Singapore Airlines Ltd. into the new combined carrier.
The deal paves the way for the operational merger of planes, staff and routes. Air India expects to complete the merger with Vistara by the end of the year, Singapore Airlines said in a filing Friday. The Singaporean carrier, which jointly owns Vistara with the Tata Group, will hold a stake of about 25.1% in the enlarged Air India Group.
The Air India-Vistara merger, more than 18 months in the making, adds to a wave of industry deals, with Air France-KLM taking a 19.9% stake in SAS AB this week while Deutsche Lufthansa AG secured a €325 million ($360 million) investment in Italy’s ITA Airways in July.Ongoing airline transactions include Alaska Air Group Inc.’s and Hawaiian Holding Inc.’s $1.9 billion merger, and Korean Air’s $1.4 billion bid for smaller rival Asiana Airlines Inc. Not all proposed deals have succeeded however, with US carriers JetBlue and Spirit abandoning a $3.8 billion pact and IAG SA terminating a bid to take over Spain’s Air Europa.
The Indian merger will give Singapore Air greater exposure to one of the world’s fastest-growing travel markets and make it the only foreign player to have a significant stake in one of the country’s airlines.
Vistara said in a statement that starting Sept. 3, customers will progressively no longer be able to make bookings with Vistara for travel on or after Nov. 12.
“All Vistara aircraft thereafter will be operated by Air India and bookings for the routes operated by these aircraft will be redirected to Air India’s website,” Vistara said.
The deal also widens Singapore Air’s reach beyond its smaller home market, with its reliance on international travel hurting the company during the Covid-19 pandemic. The carrier has wrapped up a flurry of tie ups in recent years including joint-venture deals with neighbors Malaysia Airlines and more recently Garuda Indonesia. It is also seeking a similar pact with Japan’s All Nippon Airways.
Naumann Hobbs Material Handling Transitions to Exclusive Mitsubishi Logisnext Equipment
In June 2024, Naumann Hobbs Material Handling (NHMH) announced its transition to exclusively offer Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas equipment, including Cat® lift trucks, Mitsubishi forklift trucks, and Jungheinrich® warehouse products. This strategic move, following a newly enhanced agreement with Logisnext, designates NHMH as the sole authorized dealer of Logisnext products in Arizona and southern Nevada, while continuing its representation in Southern California.
With nearly 75 years of service in Arizona, NHMH’s shift to focus solely on Logisnext products underscores its commitment to providing top-tier material handling solutions across its branches in Arizona, California, and Nevada. This change will allow NHMH to enhance its expertise and offer a more specialized, streamlined service experience, ensuring tailored support for its customers.
Michael Vincent, CEO of Naumann Hobbs Material Handling, expressed enthusiasm about the new partnership: “We are thrilled to partner exclusively with Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas. With Logisnext equipment, we are leading Arizona’s distribution centers to the best warehouse solutions available. This refinement of our portfolio will allow us to deliver unmatched service and only the highest quality products.”
In response to this transition, NHMH plans to restructure and modernize its service department in Arizona. The company aims to enhance customer communication and maintain agility in a dynamic industry. NHMH will also maintain a fully stocked parts inventory for Cat lift trucks, Mitsubishi forklift trucks, and Jungheinrich brands to ensure prompt support and minimal downtime.
David Jarr, General Manager of Dealer Development at Logisnext, highlighted the significance of the partnership: “Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas is committed to driving innovation and excellence in the material handling industry. This partnership marks a significant milestone in our journey to set new standards and push the boundaries of what’s possible in warehouse solutions.”
To support this commitment, Logisnext will provide an extensively tailored training program for the NHMH sales and technical teams. This initiative aims to broaden the team’s technical skills and ensure customers receive the most effective and innovative solutions available.
Matt Clausing, Phoenix Sales Manager at NHMH, emphasized the impact of the training program: “With comprehensive training from Logisnext, we are poised to deepen our expertise and elevate our service capabilities. The program will cover all aspects of Logisnext equipment, from basic operations to advanced troubleshooting and maintenance techniques.”
Armlogi Holding Corp. Announces Full Operation of Expanded Savannah Warehouse
Armlogi Holding Corp., a US-based provider of comprehensive warehousing and logistics solutions, has announced the full operation of its newly expanded warehouse at the Port of Savannah, named “SAV1.” Since its opening in June 2024, SAV1 has rapidly become the busiest among Armlogi’s 11 warehouses nationwide.
In just a few months, SAV1 has managed over 800 container shipments, with an additional 300 containers anticipated soon. The warehouse has already reached over 70% occupancy, indicating strong demand and efficient utilization.
“SAV1 has surpassed our expectations in both activity and operational capacity,” said Aidy Chou, Chairman and CEO of Armlogi. “The rapid scaling of this facility to become our busiest warehouse highlights its critical role in our logistics network. This expansion underscores Armlogi’s ability to meet our clients’ high demands effectively.”
Equipped with advanced logistics technology, SAV1 supports a broad range of supply chain activities, from storage and distribution to complex logistics solutions. Its strategic location at one of the busiest ports in the U.S. provides optimal access for importers and exporters, further enhancing Armlogi’s service offerings.
Chou emphasized the significance of the new facility, stating, “The Port of Savannah’s SAV1 is a pivotal hub that enhances our logistical efficiency. It enables us to better serve the southeastern United States and beyond. This expansion is a testament to our commitment to strengthening our infrastructure to meet our growing customer needs.”
AFS Logistics Appoints Andy Dyer as New CEO
AFS Logistics has announced the appointment of Andy Dyer as its new Chief Executive Officer. With over 25 years of experience in the supply chain and transportation sectors, Dyer brings a wealth of expertise to the role. His notable career includes more than two decades at XPO Logistics, where he served as Senior Vice President of Managed Transportation. In this role, he managed operations, sales, and support functions for $2.36 billion in annual freight under management. Prior to joining AFS in 2020, Dyer was President of New Age Logistics, where he achieved over 20% year-over-year growth.
Brian J. Barker, Founder and Chairman of AFS, expressed confidence in Dyer’s leadership: “Andy has been a key player in our growth and the expansion of our managed transportation services. His extensive industry experience is crucial for advancing AFS to new heights.”
Before becoming CEO, Dyer held the position of President of Transportation Management at AFS. His leadership was instrumental in AFS receiving the prestigious 2024 Quest for Quality Award from Logistics Management. This accolade, a benchmark for performance excellence, evaluates third-party logistics providers on carrier selection, order fulfillment, transportation distribution, inventory management, and logistics information systems.
Dyer emphasized the importance of team and data: “While data is essential, it is the dedicated, talented people who interpret it that make the difference. Our team is why AFS is a trusted transportation advisor. I am excited to lead them as we strive for even greater success and growth.”
AFS Logistics serves nearly 1,800 companies across the U.S. and Canada, providing optimized logistics solutions that deliver measurable results. The company also publishes the TD Cowen/AFS Freight Index, a quarterly report offering insights into past market performance and future transportation rate forecasts for full truckload (FTL), less-than-truckload (LTL), and parcel shipping.
In 2022, AFS expanded its footprint by acquiring DTA Services, Ltd., becoming the largest freight audit and payment company in Canada. This acquisition bolstered AFS’s capabilities in freight bill auditing, cost allocation, and analytics.
AIT Worldwide Logistics Launches AI and Data Science Team to Drive Innovation
Global supply chain solutions leader, AIT Worldwide Logistics, has announced the formation of a new artificial intelligence (AI) and data science team, a strategic move aimed at amplifying the company’s investment in data and setting the stage for future implementation of next-generation AI tools.
The new department, led by Patrick Chew, who has been appointed as vice president of AI and data science, is designed to further enhance AIT’s customer interface and data-driven operations.
“AIT is continually looking towards the future,” said Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Vaughn Moore. “With the establishment of the AI and data science team, the company is prepared to capitalize on generative AI, natural language processing, machine learning, large language models, and other advancing technologies.”
Patrick Chew, who brings over 25 years of experience in improving business intelligence, analytics, and data enablement for Fortune 500 companies, joined AIT in January 2024. Before AIT, he led Caterpillar’s enterprise data governance office. “Data is a common denominator that informs and impacts every aspect of the business,” said Keith Tholan, President and Chief Operating Officer of AIT. “Our investment in data enablement signals that data is an integral pillar of the organization, with the new AI and data science team working to enable a new era of dramatic growth for the company.”
The newly formed AI and data science group at AIT is comprised of three key teams:
Data Enablement: Focused on reorganizing existing data into next-gen-compatible assets, building new levels of trust with stakeholders through increased efficiency and improved solutions.
AI Governance and Data Science: Tasked with developing new AI business features, emphasizing heightened accuracy and privacy protections as the technology evolves.
Business Intelligence and Analytics: Responsible for centralized reporting and visualization across the organization.
Chew highlighted the ambitious goals of the initiative, stating, “Treating data as an asset involves rigorous efforts to reorganize and harness millions of inputs, which will be applied in meaningful ways to enhance business intelligence, boost efficiency, and spur innovation.” He added, “Ambitiously raising the bar for data quality and governance ultimately improves outcomes for stakeholders as we continue to earn our customers’ trust.”
“Our AI and data science initiative will further differentiate AIT with shippers and investors when compared to others in the freight forwarding industry,” Chew concluded.
Challenge Group Appoints Petur Thor Gudjonsson as Technical Director
Challenge Group has announced the appointment of Petur Thor Gudjonsson as the new Technical Director at Challenge Technic, its MRO subsidiary based in Reykjavik, Iceland. Gudjonsson brings over 20 years of experience in line maintenance, having worked with leading companies such as Air Atlanta, SO Tech, Wow Air, and GMT. His extensive expertise with both Boeing and Airbus fleets makes him an ideal fit to lead Challenge Technic’s expanding technical operations.
Gudjonsson, who joined Challenge Technic in November 2023 as a Safety Manager, has consistently excelled in roles focused on safety and quality. “Since joining the Group, Petur has showcased exceptional dedication, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards. His appointment as Technical Director is a testament to his outstanding performance,” Challenge Group stated.
Under Gudjonsson’s leadership, Challenge Technic aims to enhance its service offerings and reinforce its position as a leader in the aviation maintenance sector. His depth of knowledge and passion for innovation align perfectly with Challenge Technic’s mission to provide the safest and most reliable services to its customers.
Challenge Technic currently provides a wide range of ad hoc and scheduled maintenance services to over 35 airlines worldwide. These services include detailed inspections, maintenance of critical systems and emergency equipment, troubleshooting, and regular aircraft inspections to ensure continuing airworthiness.
Challenge Group expressed confidence in the positive impact of Gudjonsson’s leadership as the company continues to grow and meet the evolving needs of its clients.
Ethiopian Airlines’ STEM Initiative Marks Another Year of Success
On August 28, 2024, Ethiopian Airlines, in collaboration with Boeing and Think Young, celebrated the successful completion of the second edition of their STEM School program. This initiative, focused on equipping Ethiopian high school students with essential skills in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), saw 28 Grade 11 students, with a 50% female participation rate, graduate from the program.
The three-year program targets underserved youth across Ethiopia, fostering academic growth and interest in higher education. Selection is conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Education to identify the most promising students.
Mr. Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, highlighted the importance of investing in youth education, emphasizing the program’s role in empowering future innovators and problem-solvers. Kuljit Ghata-Aura, President of Boeing Middle East, Türkiye, Africa, and Central Asia, and Delila Kidanu, Director of ThinkYoung Africa, echoed these sentiments, praising the program’s impact on Ethiopia’s aviation sector and broader economy.
During the program, students were immersed in STEM principles, learning coding, robotics, and artificial intelligence, while also developing vital soft skills. The initiative, hosted by Ethiopian Aviation University, provided students with exclusive access to Ethiopian Airlines’ operations, offering a hands-on perspective on the aviation industry.
The STEM initiative is set to continue, welcoming new students next year, as Ethiopian Airlines remains committed to shaping the future leaders of Ethiopia through education and STEM.
