The positive growth trend in airfreight at Vienna Airport seen since the start of this year continued in the second quarter of 2024: Vienna Airport handled 141,118 tons of air cargo between January and the end of June.
This represents a year-on-year growth of 20,861 tons or 17%. This level is also 4% higher than pre-pandemic levels. Pharma handling also continued to rise, with 1,825 tons or 8.2% more handled at the airport in the first half of the year. Cargo volumes also continued to increase in July 2024: with 24,808 tons of air freight, the airport recorded an increase of 21.1% compared to the previous year.
This positive development is underpinned by the growth in passenger traffic, which is creating additional capacity for belly freight in airline cargo holds. The tonnage of belly freight soared by 47% to 57,594 tons in the first half year 2024 compared to the same period last year. By contrast, volumes carried by freighter aircraft fell by 8% to 41,142 tons amidst a growth in capacity, the shift to passenger aircraft, and one-off effects in the previous year. The increased volume of trucked air freight contributed to the strong half-year performance, with a 17% growth to 42,382 tons.
This growth is divided equally between imports and exports. Some 78,029 tons of air freight arrived at Vienna Airport for distribution to Austria and neighboring markets in Central and Eastern Europe. This was 11,004 tons or 16% more than in the first half of 2023. In the opposite direction, goods with a total weight of 63,089 tons landed at destinations all over the world via the Vienna air freight hub. This figure was 9,857 tons or 19% more than in the same stretch in 2023.
“Cargo volumes are developing extremely well. In July 2024, air cargo volumes were already higher than in 2019, the year before the coronavirus pandemic. This shows that our strategy is working. We are focusing on innovative logistics solutions, first-class infrastructure and the highest handling quality. This positive development strengthens our location and underscores our importance as a central hub for global airfreight,” says Julian Jäger, Joint CEO and COO of Vienna Airport.
“We seamlessly continued the positive development that we have seen since the beginning of the year during the second quarter. Demand remains robust, particularly on routes to North America and Asia. Vienna Airport offers outstanding conditions for handling growing cargo volumes quickly and reliably. The handling services provided by our Pharma Handling Center are also more sought-after and are well equipped for further growth,” commented Michael Zach, Senior Vice President Ground Handling & Cargo Operations at Flughafen Wien AG.
Growth trend continues in July 2024
The growth trend continues at Vienna Airport in July 2024: With 24,808 tons of air cargo handled, the airport recorded an increase of 21.1% compared to the previous year. The airport thus overtook the pre-crisis level of 2019 by 12.0%.
About the cargo hub at Vienna Airport
With its geographically well-situated location in Europe, Vienna Airport has established itself as an important global cargo hub for Central and Eastern Europe. Especially for intercontinental transports, Vienna Airport is serving leading cargo airlines. A 24-hour operational readiness offers fast turnaround times. For air cargo, 10 category F aircraft parking positions (Boeing 747-8, Antonov 124) are available in the close vicinity of the handling facilities. The airport is strongly established in the European network of Road Feeder Services. The most important consumer and economic centers in Central and Eastern Europe are reached within 24 or 48 hours. Flughafen Wien AG, the Vienna stock exchange listed operating company, is one of the largest employers in its region, with more than 5,400 employees.
Automechanika Dubai, the leading event for the automotive aftermarket industry, has announced the opening of the 2024 Automechanika Dubai Awards. This prestigious event honours outstanding achievements and innovations in the automotive aftermarket and service industry for the fourth year.
The Awards come against the backdrop of significant growth in the automotive aftermarket in the UAE and the broader Middle East, driven by increasing vehicle sales, the rising demand for vehicle maintenance, and the adoption of digital solutions. A report by Virtue Market Research projects the MEA market to reach USD 69.39 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 8.2% from 2024 to 2030.
The Automechanika Dubai Awards celebrate excellence across various industry segments. Abraham Michael, Workshop Manager, Munich Motor Works, said about their previous wins: “Winning the prestigious Automechanika Dubai Awards in 2021 and 2023 has had a tremendously positive impact on our business. It has helped to solidify our reputation as the go-to destination for European and German car repair and maintenance in Dubai.”
This year, the Automechanika Dubai Awards will feature 13 categories highlighting automotive industry achievements. Within the Service Excellence category, five awards are up for grabs, including Body Shop of the Year and Workshop of the Year, both for passenger cars, Service Provider of the Year for commercial vehicles, Car Care Specialist of the Year and Mobile Services Provider of the Year.
In the eagerly anticipated Products category, awards include Innovation Product of the Year, Sustainability Product of the Year, Safety Product of the Year, and Digital Product of the Year.
The Transformation category, which is expected to be incredibly popular, includes Digitalisation Project of the Year and Start Up of the Year. Rounding out the categories in the People section are Women in Automotive Market and the Special Recognition Award.
Mahmut Gazi Bilikozen, Portfolio Director, Mobility and Logistics, at Messe Frankfurt Middle East, organisers of Automechanika Dubai said: “This year’s Awards highlight the depth and diversity of innovation within the automotive industry. From advancements in automotive parts to integrating digital solutions in services, each category has been curated to recognise the significant achievements that push the boundaries of what is possible in our sector.”
“It’s an exciting reflection of where the automotive aftermarket is headed,” he added.
Applications for the 4th Automechanika Dubai Awards are open until 30 August 2024, allowing companies to showcase their contributions to the field. Finalists will be announced on 10 November 2024, and the winners will be celebrated at the Awards Ceremony on 11 December 2024, during the Automechanika Dubai trade show, held from 10-12 December at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).
The 21st edition of Automechanika Dubai will showcase more than 2,200 exhibitors from 60 participating countries and is expected to attract over 56,000 visitors.
Qatar Airways Group has acquired a 25% stake in Southern Africa’s premier independent regional carrier, Airlink. The announcement is a continuation of the multi award-winning airline’s ambition to further develop its operations across the African continent.
The investment in Airlink – which flies to more than 45 destinations in 15 African countries – will enhance a code-sharing partnership between the two airlines. The deal will bolster Qatar Airways’ Africa growth strategy and cement its role as a key driver to the continent’s economic success.
On the announcement, Qatar Airways’ Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “Our investment in Airlink further demonstrates how integral we see Africa being to our business’ future. This partnership not only demonstrates our confidence in Airlink, as a company that is resilient, agile, financially robust and governed on sound principles, but also in Africa as a whole, showing huge potential that I am delighted we are able to help start realising.”
Airlink Chief Executive Rodger Foster said: “Having Qatar Airways as an equity partner is a powerful endorsement of Airlink and echoes our faith in the markets we currently serve and plan to add to our network. This transaction will unlock growth by providing efficiencies of scale, increasing our capacity and expanding our marketing reach. By bolstering Airlink and its business, this investment will strengthen all of the existing airline partnerships Airlink has nurtured over the years.”
The partnership between Qatar Airways and Airlink seeks to align both carriers’ loyalty programs – Qatar Airways Privilege Club and Airlink Skybucks.
Qatar Airways currently flies to 29 destinations in Africa, and there’s been strong growth in the market with new destinations added to the Qatar Airways network on the continent since December 2020. Abidjan, Abuja, Accra, Harare, Kano, Luanda, Lusaka, and Port Harcourt are the African cities newly added to the extensive Qatar Airways network, while Cairo and Alexandria were resumed.
Cargojet is reinforcing its fleet with the acquisition of two Boeing 767 passenger aircraft, slated for future freighter conversions, as it capitalizes on booming e-commerce demand.
The Canadian cargo airline currently has two 767s undergoing conversion, with the first expected to complete in Q1 2025 and the second by mid-2025. Additionally, Cargojet has invested in two more 767s to secure inventory for future growth opportunities.
The airline has reported a 10.1% increase in second-quarter revenue, reaching C$230.8 million, up from C$209.7 million in the same period last year.
Adjusted EBITDA rose by 6.5% to C$79.1 million.
Co-CEO Jamie Porteous highlighted the company’s robust performance, attributing it to rising e-commerce sales and increased charter services. “We’ve seen sequential quarter-over-quarter growth largely driven by e-commerce,” said Porteous.
Cargojet’s focus remains on its 767 freighters, despite a decision earlier this year to abandon plans for Boeing 777 conversions due to soft air cargo demand. The company plans to grow its fleet to 43 aircraft by the end of 2025.
Recent hailstorms caused damage to two of Cargojet’s aircraft, but repairs are underway.
The airline’s recent agreement with Great Vision HK Express for scheduled charter flights between Vancouver and China is expected to generate over $50 million annually. This move aligns with Cargojet’s strategy to enhance its presence in the growing e-commerce sector.
Despite a $25-million loss in the second quarter, down from a profit of $31.1 million last year, Cargojet remains optimistic.
Co-CEO Pauline Dhillon emphasized a strong focus on cost control and maintaining EBITDA margins, while Porteous noted, “Our understanding of new and emerging air cargo routes is driving growth, despite geopolitical and economic challenges.”
British Airways (BA) will suspend its direct flights between London Heathrow and Beijing from October 26, following a significant increase in operational costs and flight times due to the Russian airspace ban.
The service, reinstated in June 2023 after a three-year hiatus due to Covid restrictions, will be paused until at least November 2025.
The airline cited longer flight times and increased fuel consumption as key factors in the decision.
The new routing, avoiding Russian airspace, has extended flight durations by approximately one hour, leading to a 20% rise in fuel costs and a 35% reduction in navigation expenses.
These changes have increased overall operating costs by around 16%, necessitating a substantial fare hike to maintain profitability.
“Western airlines now face significant challenges with longer flight times and increased costs,” a BA spokesperson said. “We will be pausing our route to Beijing from 26 October and are contacting affected customers with rebooking options or full refunds. We continue to operate daily flights to Shanghai and Hong Kong.”
BA’s suspension reflects broader difficulties faced by Western carriers in the Chinese market, exacerbated by ongoing geopolitical tensions and the competitive advantage held by Chinese airlines using direct Russian routes. Virgin Atlantic has similarly ceased its Shanghai service, highlighting the strained profitability of long-haul routes to China.
The suspension underscores the ongoing struggle to revive profitable business travel to China, which has yet to reach pre-pandemic levels.
Quito’s Mariscal Sucre International Airport has achieved a significant milestone, ranking fifth among major cargo airports in Latin America, according to the International Council of Airports of Latin America and the Caribbean (ACI-LAC).
The airport experienced a 14.2% increase in cargo volumes last year, reaching 335,407 tons, the highest percentage growth of any airport in the region.
The substantial increase in cargo traffic is attributed to recent investments in the airport’s facilities, including a major expansion of the export cargo terminal in 2023.
The expansion added 2,880 square meters to cargo handling and truck maneuvering areas, enhancing operational efficiency and supporting the airport’s growth. The addition of a cargo logistics center, operated by Tababela Cargo Center, has also been a key factor, centralizing export consolidation, customs clearance, and temporary storage for imports.
In the peak Valentine’s Day season of 2024, the airport set a record with 26,466 tons of cargo, marking a 17.3% increase from the previous year. Mariscal Sucre’s cargo network benefits from operations of 15 cargo airlines, serving both scheduled and charter flights, with over 90% of the cargo consisting of flowers, a major Ecuadorian export.
The airport’s growth is set to continue with a $74.2 million expansion project, resuming after a pandemic-related hiatus.
Scheduled for completion in late 2025, the project will increase terminal space by 17,647 square meters, enhance passenger facilities, expand the apron, and add new boarding bridges and taxiways. The expansion aims to improve passenger experience and boost operational capacity, creating approximately 400 direct and 800 indirect jobs.
Ramón Miró, president and CEO of Corporación Quiport, emphasized the airport’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure and service. “The great performance of air cargo reflects the collective effort of our logistics chain partners and our continuous investment in facilities and services,” Miró said. “We are proud to see Mariscal Sucre Airport emerging as a key regional player in air cargo transportation.”
The ongoing development at Mariscal Sucre International Airport underscores its role as a pivotal hub for Ecuador’s economic growth and its growing importance in global air cargo logistics.
SmartLynx Airlines has announced the appointment of Harris Manolopoulos as its new Director of Fleet.
With nearly 20 years of experience in aviation and a strong background in fleet management, Manolopoulos will oversee optimal fleet utilization and efficiency. He previously served as Fleet Director at Volotea and General Manager at Sky Express Airlines.
In his new role, Manolopoulos will work closely with various departments to align the fleet with SmartLynx’s strategic objectives. “I am excited to join the global leader in ACMI services,” Manolopoulos said. “The aviation industry demands a specialized approach, and together with my team, I am committed to ensuring that our fleet reinforces SmartLynx’s leadership position and enhances our service offerings.”
Edvinas Demenius, CEO of SmartLynx Airlines, added, “In the fast-paced, high-demand ACMI market, experienced specialists are crucial. Harris’s strategic leadership will ensure sustainable development and efficient management of our fleet, which is the backbone of our operations.”
SmartLynx currently operates a diverse fleet of 69 aircraft, including Airbus A320, A321, A321F, A330, and Boeing 737MAX8. By the end of the year, the airline will add its 14th A321 passenger-to-freighter aircraft.
Ethiopian Airlines Group has signed a technical advisory and consultancy contract with Dar Al-Handasah Consultants (Shair and Partners), in collaboration with renowned architects Zaha Hadid Architects, to develop a Mega Airport City in Abusera, Bishoftu city.
Ethiopian Airlines Expands with Mega Airport City
The new airport, just 40km from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, is set to revolutionize Ethiopian aviation with a capacity to serve 110 million passengers annually, quadrupling Bole International’s current capacity.
A Visionary Project for Africa’s Aviation
Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO, Mr. Mesfin Tasew, emphasized the project’s impact: “The Mega Airport City will enhance connectivity, drive economic growth, and prioritize environmentally responsible practices. This ambitious project will position Ethiopia as a global aviation hub and elevate African air travel.”
Dar Al-Handasah to Design State-of-the-Art Mega Airport City
Dar’s Director of Operations in Ethiopia, Tariq Al-Qanni, remarked: “We are honored to collaborate on this visionary project, which will provide crucial global connectivity and accelerate economic growth, positioning Ethiopian Airlines as Africa’s most strategic aviation group.”
Mega Airport City Set to Transform Ethiopian Aviation
The first phase, to be completed by 2029, will handle 60 million passengers, nearly triple the traffic of Africa’s busiest airport in 2022. The project will feature a 1.1 million sqm terminal and comprehensive airport infrastructure.
A Future-Ready Airport with Ethiopian Heritage
The new facility will incorporate elements of Ethiopian heritage and modern architecture to create a sustainable, resilient, and user-friendly airport, enhancing passenger experience and operational efficiency.
Worldwide Flight Services (WFS), a member of the SATS Group, has won a 5-year license to provide ramp handling for aircraft at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport’s Terminal 4.
The license was awarded by JFK International Air Terminal (JFKIAT) – the operator of JFK’s Terminal 4 – and follows an extensive review of potential service providers’ operations, presence at JFK and in North America, financial status, safety record and processes, and service testimonials.
WFS is already an established provider of passenger services for airlines at JFK, serving 12 airlines across all terminals, for passengers travelling on more than 3,500 flights annually.
The new below-the-wing ramp handling license becomes effective from October 1, 2024. It covers all ramp handling activities and cabin cleaning services.
“This is a huge step forward for our ground handling operation at JFK’s Terminal 4. It enables WFS to offer a full, end-to-end service for passengers and aircraft,” said Mike Simpson, CEO the Americas at WFS. “We commend JFKIAT on their thorough analysis of handling providers as part of their selection process, which underlines the importance of this license. This provided WFS with the opportunity to demonstrate our strengths and capabilities in providing safe and world class ramp handling services as well as our breadth of experience in ground handling operations, our commitment to safety, local knowledge, global reach, and financial strength to fund investments.”
“We are excited to enter into this strategic partnership with WFS to provide World Class Ground Handling services to T4 airlines,” said Susana Desa, Vice President of Operations at JFKIAT. “Their innovative and sustainable approach to below wing operations perfectly aligns with the values of JFKIAT and Terminal 4.”
New York’s JFK is one of WFS’ 81 stations in Canada and the United States offering network connectivity throughout North America and globally.
Turkish Cargo, the air cargo brand of Turkish Airlines, has received the IATA Smart Facility Operational Capacity Certification. This prestigious certification, received for the SMARTIST Terminal, confirms that Turkish Cargo’s operational procedures comply with IATA Regulations (IATA Cargo Handling Manual, Dangerous Goods Regulations, ULD Regulations, Temperature Control Regulations, Live Animals Regulations and Perishable Cargo Regulations).
At SMARTIST, one of the state-of-the-art cargo facilities in the world, cargo is stored and transferred using a computer-controlled Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS), eliminating the need for an operator or forklift. Additionally, ULD storage processes are automated through the ULD Storage System. These smart storage management systems not only expedite operational processes by allocating the workforce to more value-added tasks but also minimize potential risks and reduce costs.
Commenting on the certification, Ali Türk, the Chief Cargo Officer of Turkish Airlines, said; “With a focus on maximizing customer satisfaction, Turkish Cargo aims to become the industry leader by 2033. This vision guides all our investments and business processes. The IATA Smart Facility Operational Capacity Certification is a significant endorsement of our brand, as it not only verifies that SMARTIST meets international quality standards but also demonstrates that our digital solutions, smart systems, operations, and human resources are all aligned with our future goals.”
“We are pleased to announce that Turkish Cargo has achieved IATA’s Smart Facility Operational Capacity (SFOC) Certification for its SMARTIST Terminal. This certification highlights Turkish Cargo’s commitment to operational excellence, ensuring that all types of cargo are handled seamlessly, securely, and in full compliance with global standards. The SMARTIST Terminal sets a high bar for cargo facilities worldwide, and SFOC Certification reinforces Turkish Cargo’s vision of leading through maximizing customer satisfaction,” said Brendan Sullivan, IATA’s Global Head of Cargo.
The IATA SFOC Certification is granted following detailed examinations conducted by independent auditors according to IATA standards. This prestigious certification demonstrates the compliance of handling and storage processes, from the acceptance of all special and general cargo to their loading onto the aircraft, with global standards. As a result, it enhances the operational efficiency and competitive strength of the facilities, ultimately boosting customer satisfaction.
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