Air New Zealand welcomed 16.2 million customers and operated 171,605 flights in 2024, marking a significant year for the airline.
CEO Greg Foran expressed gratitude to travelers and the airline’s team, stating, “Their professionalism and grit kept the airline moving, even while navigating significant challenges such as ongoing engine availability issues.”
Milestones and Achievements
The airline achieved several milestones, including sending its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner to Singapore for an interior retrofit. “We can’t wait to welcome our customers into these new cabins in 2025,” Foran said.
The 23rd safety video, “Every Point Counts,” featuring Kiwi basketball star Steven Adams, became a sensation with 30.4 million views globally.
Airpoints membership grew by 414,000, reaching a total of 4.8 million members. The Airpoints Store saw nearly 300,000 items sold, with the Huski Beer Cooler as the top product.
Auckland to Sydney emerged as the most popular short-haul route. Meanwhile, Auckland to Singapore led in long-haul travel, demonstrating the strong demand for both regional and international connections.
Bali remained a favorite holiday destination, prompting Air New Zealand to expand its service to a year-round schedule.
The introduction of Live Chat resulted in 265,936 customer engagements, enhancing customer connections.
The Mangōpare Air New Zealand Pilot Cadetship received over 2,000 applications, with 30 cadets selected for training.
The engineering team logged 1.2 million hours maintaining the fleet and completed 88 engine changes.
The airline transported a total of 130.9 million kilograms of cargo, including fresh produce and seafood. Moreover, this highlights the airline’s capacity to handle diverse types of freight efficiently.
Animal Transport and Onboard Services
Air New Zealand carried a total of 19,444 animals, including 9,148 dogs and 4,369 cats. Additionally, the airline transported seven penguins.
Meals served totaled 5.7 million, with 3.8 million cookies and 17.5 million lollies distributed.
Looking Ahead
As the airline approaches its 85th anniversary in April, Foran emphasized the commitment to connecting New Zealanders and the world. “Here’s to building on this legacy and achieving many more milestones in the years ahead,” he said.
Singapore Changi Airport handled 67.7 million passenger movements in 2024, registering a 14.8% year-on-year increase. This was 99.1% of the passenger movements recorded in 2019, prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. Aircraft movements, totaled 366,000 in 2024, up 11.5% compared to 2023. A total of 1.99 million tonnes airfreight throughput was recorded in the year, surpassing 2023’s level by 14.6%.
For the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2024, Singapore Changi Airport handled 17.8 million passenger movements. This was a 10.7% increase compared to the same period in 2023, and marked a full traffic recovery compared to Q4 of 2019. Aircraft movements, which include landings and take-offs, totaled 95,300, up 9.3% year-on-year. For the quarter, 521,000 tonnes in air freight throughput was recorded, an increase of 15.0%.
December 2024, with 6.4 million passenger movements, was the busiest month in the year, the first-time monthly traffic has exceeded six million since December 2019. The busiest day of the year was 21 December 2024 – the Saturday before Christmas – when 226,000 passengers passed through Changi’s terminals.
While all regions witnessed growth, North Asia was the fastest growing in 2024, registering an increase of 40% compared to 2023. Changi Airport’s top five passenger markets for the year were China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia and Thailand.
China was Changi’s largest source market of the year, with passenger traffic almost doubling 2023’s level and surpassing the pre-Covid level by 6%. Hong Kong and Japan also recorded significant growth of more than 20% year-on-year.
Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Jakarta, Denpasar (Bali) and Hong Kong were Changi Airport’s busiest routes during the year. Shanghai entered Changi’s top 10 cities list for the first time since 2011, registering a 94% growth compared to the previous year.
On the cargo front, all cargo flows—exports, imports, and transshipments—grew, driven by major improvements in cargo flows between Singapore and China, as well as the United States. The recovery of Singapore’s electronics exports and re-exports, strong global demand for cross-border e-commerce shipments, and the modal shift from ocean to air freight due to disruptions in maritime transport also drove growth.
For the year, Changi’s top five air cargo markets were China, Australia, the United States, Hong Kong and India.
Mr. Yam Kum Weng, Chief Executive Officer of Changi Airport Group, said, “We witnessed a year of strong growth in passenger and cargo traffic as well as connectivity in 2024. Changi added a bumper crop of 11 new city links, strengthening the air hub’s network and opening up a world of new destinations to support business ties and for travelers to explore. We are deeply grateful for the close partnership with our airline partners and are pleased to welcome the new airlines to Changi. Their collaboration has been instrumental in driving this growth.
“Looking ahead, we are optimistic of another year of growth in passenger traffic. Changi Airport Group will continue investing in the airport’s infrastructure, systems, and processes to augment handling capacity and support rising air travel demand in the coming years.”
Enhancing Connectivity
In 2024, Changi Airport welcomed eight new passenger airlines – Aero Dili, AirAsia Cambodia, Air Canada, Air Japan, Loong Air, Peach Aviation, Tianjin Airlines and West Air. As Changi expanded its connectivity to the world, it added 11 new passenger city links to its network, connecting Singapore to Broome, Brussels, Guiyang, Kertajati, Lhasa, Linyi, Malacca, Phu Quoc, Quanzhou, Vancouver, and Wenzhou.
Also Read: WestJet Launches Calgary-Mexico City Flights.
During the year, Changi also established flights to London Gatwick Airport and Subang Airport, providing more options for travels to London and Kuala Lumpur. More exciting new routes are already on the horizon, and travelers can look forward to new destinations including Labuan Bajo from March, and Vienna from June this year.
Changi Airport also welcomed two new freighter airlines in 2024 – Shandong Airlines, which also resumed passenger services during the year, and Air Incheon.
The company added two new freighter city links, connecting Singapore to Haikou and Nagoya.
As at January 2025, 100 airlines operate over 7,400 weekly scheduled flights at Changi Airport, connecting Singapore to 163 cities in 49 countries and territories worldwide.
WestJet recently announced non-stop service between Calgary and Mexico City International Airport (MEX). Beginning May 14, 2025, WestJet will operate five weekly flights, reaffirming its leadership as the top carrier connecting Canada and Mexico, while reinforcing Calgary’s position as a key hub for the airline’s global network.
“WestJet’s continued investment in popular sun destinations had made us the gateway between Canada and Mexico, bolstering both countries vital commercial and tourism economies,” said Daniel Fajardo, WestJet, Vice-President of Network and Schedule Planning. “Service between Calgary and Mexico City opens the door for more Western Canadians to explore Mexico’s vibrant culture and history, while boosting trade and tourism across North America.”
| Route | Start date | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Calgary > Mexico City | May 14, 2025 | 5x weekly |
| Mexico City > Calgary | May 15, 2025 | 5x weekly |
Last served in 2018, the reintroduction of service between Calgary and Mexico City provides vital links for Alberta’s business sectors, allowing greater access to one of North America’s largest consumer markets and one of the world’s largest trading markets. Additionally, small businesses and exporters in Western Canada will benefit from increased cargo capacity.
Through the addition of Mexico City, The WestJet Group, inclusive of WestJet and Sunwing Airlines, will serve 13 cities in Mexico from 24 Canadian cities in 2025. The group will continue to offer more non-stop routes between Canada and Mexico than any other Canadian operator, with more than 200 flights per week during peak travel periods. In 2024, the WestJet Group flew an average of 46 flights per day between Canada and Mexico, carrying more than 2.6 million guests to and from the country.
WestJet and Mexico’s flag carrier, Aeromexico, have had an extensive partnership since 2011. Through their longstanding partnership, WestJet offers guests more access to Mexico’s diverse destinations. Guests travelling from Calgary can book to connect seamlessly beyond Mexico City to major destinations such as Chihuahua, Guadalajara, Guanajuato, Merida and Monterrey with the convenience of a single check-in experience. Additionally, guests travelling from Mexico City to Calgary will have access to WestJet’s global hub, and robust domestic schedule.
WestJet’s non-stop flight to Mexico City is just one of many new direct services launching this spring. WestJet will fly to six new destinations from YYC Calgary International Airport alone, growing its presence at the airline’s global hub by 11 per cent compared to last year. WestJet’s fulsome summer 2025 schedule is now available at WestJet.com.
“Air access is crucial for bringing the world to Alberta. We support WestJet and Calgary Airport Authority in launching the new route to Mexico City,” said Joseph Schow, Alberta’s Minister of Tourism and Sport. “Calgary is a key hub, enhancing connectivity to grow Alberta’s visitor economy.”
“We commend WestJet on its new Calgary to Mexico City route. This flight strengthens cultural, tourism, and economic ties, benefiting travelers and communities,” said Mario Morales, Consul of Mexico in Calgary.
“WestJet’s direct service to Mexico City underscores Calgary’s role as an economic hub. This route expands travel options and creates opportunities for business, tourism, and growth,” said a Calgary official.
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“WestJet’s announcement marks a milestone in boosting Calgary tourism from Mexico,” said Alisha Reynolds, President & CEO of Tourism Calgary.
“Our partnership with WestJet and this direct flight enhances visitation and showcases Calgary to Mexican visitors.
“This connectivity boosts Calgary’s appeal for international meetings, driving economic growth and establishing the city as a key global destination.”
“This link between two dynamic cities strengthens Calgary’s position as a global hub,” says Chris Dinsdale, President & CEO, YYC Calgary International Airport. “As Western Canada’s gateway, we are proud to partner with WestJet to build global networks. We look forward to welcoming guests from Mexico City to explore our region.”
Lufthansa Cargo welcomes two executives to new positions at the beginning of the year: Dr. Andre Schulz, previously Head of Region Middle East, Africa & South Asia & CIS, took over the position of Head of Region Europe on 1 January 2025. He has thus been responsible for all Lufthansa Cargo activities in the region since the beginning of the year, succeeding Oliver von Götz, who took over the position of “Head of Global Fulfillment Management” in the fall of 2024. Dr. Andre Schulz holds a doctorate in business and has been working for Lufthansa Group since 2008. After management roles at a number of international locations including 17 years of corporate and sales experience, he joined Lufthansa Cargo in 2022.
Stephanie Pöhn-Helbig, currently “Head of Crew Control,” will become “Head of Region Middle East, Africa & South Asia & CIS” on 1 March 2025. Based in Frankfurt, she will manage activities for the region. Her appointment increases female representation in management to over 30 percent, highlighting the company’s diversity. An MBA graduate, she brings a diverse aviation background from her officer career in the German Air Force and various industry roles. She joined the Lufthansa Group in 2021 and crew management in 2023.
“I am excited to further strengthen our global sales organization with Stephanie Pöhn-Helbig and Dr. Andre Schulz. Their understanding of various geographies, combined with their leadership experience will be a strong asset for Lufthansa Cargo and our customers in these dynamic markets. Their diverse backgrounds provide fresh and innovative perspectives and further enhance our focus on enabling global business,” explains Anand Kulkarni, Head of Global Markets at Lufthansa Cargo.
Lufthansa Cargo will participate in Fruit Logistica 2025, taking place in Berlin from February 5-7, at Hall 25, Booth C-08. The exhibition will highlight Lufthansa Cargo’s sustainable transport solutions for perishable goods.
Known for its expertise in airfreight of temperature-sensitive perishables, Lufthansa Cargo ensures reliable compliance with temperature and quality standards throughout the supply chain.
As a trusted partner to the fruit and vegetable industry, the airline offers specialized logistics solutions focused on freshness, speed, and reliability.
Utilizing advanced technology and a global network, the company delivers perishable goods safely and on time worldwide.
The Perishable Centre at the Frankfurt hub, Europe’s largest temperature-controlled logistics center, plays a crucial role with 20 different temperature zones and trained staff to prepare a wide range of perishable goods for transport.
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has released its traffic statistics for December 2024, finishing the year with continued brisk performance.
| Dec-23 | Dec-24 | 2023 YTD | 2024 YTD | ||||||
| Passengers | 1.4 million | 1.7 million | 14.0 million | 18.5 million | |||||
| Passenger load factor | 84% | 87% | 86% | 87% | |||||
| Operating fleet size | 83 | 97 | |||||||
| Passenger destinations | 67 | 71 | |||||||
The airline welcomed 1.7 million guests during the month, a remarkable increase of more than 20% compared to the same period last year, and a load factor of 87 per cent compared to 84 per cent for December 2023.
Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, said: “December was our busiest month, with 1.7 million passengers, a 22 percent increase from December 2023.”
Read: Etihad Cargo Boosts Operations with Over 300 Flights from Ezhou to Abu Dhabi
“In 2024, we carried over 18 million guests with a passenger load factor of 87 percent. Impressively, this marks an 80 percent increase in passenger numbers since 2022, highlighting our strong growth trajectory.”
“In December, we resumed service to Nairobi, Kenya, and look forward to starting operations to newly announced destinations.”
Etihad Cargo has expanded its operations at Ezhou Huahu Airport, Asia’s first dedicated freighter hub.
Since its first flight on August 18, 2023, Etihad Cargo has operated 329 flights from Ezhou to Abu Dhabi, moving over 18,700 tonnes of exports and 400 tonnes of imports.
The addition of a sixth weekly flight in July 2024 and a seventh in 2025 has boosted connectivity to global markets, especially for specialized cargo like pharmaceuticals, supported by the airport’s IATA CEIV Pharma certification.
SkyUp Airlines, Ukraine’s largest airline, has completed its migration to IBS Software’s iFly Res to empower its commercial operations restart.
SkyUpTM, a leading digital-first airline, has garnered widespread recognition for its bold and innovative strategies since the onset of the war. From swiftly evacuating its fleet from restricted airspace to transitioning into an ACMI provider and securing an Air Operator Certificate in Malta to enable operations across Europe, the airline has consistently adapted to challenging circumstances.
As SkyUp AirlinesTM now resumes regular flights in the EU, following its temporary role as an ACMI and charter carrier, this move to the state-of-the-art PSS is a key milestone for the airline.
Daria Alieksieienko, Chief Commercial Officer at SkyUpTM says, ”We are thrilled to announce a successful migration to IBS Software’s digital solutions. Adopting advanced digital tools into our rebrand will transform our personalized customer service capabilities and strengthen our recovery following the conflict in Ukraine. Our partnership with IBS Software signifies triumph in the face of adversity, and we are excited about the opportunities ahead.”
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For SkyUpTM and beyond, IBS Software’s iFly Res ensures integrated operations, rapid implementation, scalability according to individual business needs, an enhanced customer experience and compliance with modern standards, like IATA NDC and One Order.
“We are proud to support SkyUp Airlines as they embark on this exciting new chapter,” said David Friderici, SVP & Head of Aviation Passenger Solutions at IBS Software. “Our iFly Res solution is designed to empower forward-thinking airlines like SkyUp to streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and adapt to evolving market dynamics. By providing robust, scalable, and future-ready order management capabilities, we aim to support SkyUpTM in its mission to redefine modern air travel and achieve operational excellence as they resume full-scale European operations.”
Worldwide air cargo began 2025 with softened growth in both tonnages and rates, according to WorldACD Market Data. December’s global tonnages were approximately 6% higher than the same month in 2023, but this represents the lowest year-on-year full-month growth, as average full-market rates increased by 7% YoY, half the growth reported in September.
Tonnage growth for November and December softened to single-digit figures, possibly indicating a new, more moderate growth trend. “This does not come as a surprise,” WorldACD noted, as Q4 2023 showed strong growth, creating a higher base for comparison.
In the first week of 2025, total worldwide air cargo tonnages recorded only a 2% YoY growth, influenced by seasonal drops and severe weather conditions, particularly in the U.S. Average global spot rates started the year 22% above their levels a year ago, driven by a 23% increase from Asia-Pacific origins and a 59% rise from Middle East & South Asia (MESA) origins.
Demand from Asia Pacific remains strong, but the g
rowth rate is decelerating. December’s full-month data showed a slight drop in worldwide chargeable weight, with a 3% decrease compared to November. This was largely due to a 6% month-on-month decrease from Europe and a 2% decrease from Asia Pacific origins.
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Despite this, tonnages from Asia Pacific origins in December were significantly higher than most of 2024, reflecting a ramp-up in the final months. Quarterly data showed a 6% increase in Q4 2024 compared to Q3, and an 11% increase compared to Q4 2023.
The YoY worldwide demand growth pattern softened in Q4 2024, with total worldwide flown chargeable weight up 8% YoY, compared to 12% in the first two quarters. Growth from Asia Pacific origins drove these increases, with YoY quarterly growth softening from 20% in Q1 to 11% in Q4.
Transatlantic westbound rates soared in the final months of 2024, with spot rates from Europe to North America up almost 50% year-on-year in December. They peaked at 2.95 per kilo in the final week, still reflecting a 44% year-on-year increase.
Lufthansa Cargo will exhibit at Fruit Logistica 2025, held in Berlin from Feb. 5-7, at Hall 25, Booth C-08. The focus will be on sustainable transport solutions for perishable goods.
The airfreight of temperature-sensitive perishables demands precise planning and a customized infrastructure. Lufthansa Cargo, with its globally recognized expertise, ensures reliable compliance with temperature and quality standards along the entire supply chain. As a long-standing partner to the fruit and vegetable industry, the airline offers specialized logistics solutions geared to freshness, speed, and reliability. Utilizing state-of-the-art technology and a global network, Lufthansa Cargo delivers perishable goods safely and on time worldwide. The Perishable Centre at the Frankfurt hub, Europe’s largest temperature-controlled logistics center, plays a pivotal role with 20 different temperature zones and trained staff to prepare a wide range of perishable goods for transport.
Sustainable transport solutions are a key focus of Lufthansa Cargo’s presentation this year. Since September 2021, customers have been able to choose the “Sustainable Choice” add-on service. This service includes the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) to reduce CO2 emissions. Notably, SAF, which is based on waste biomass, has a CO2 footprint that is around 80 percent lower than conventional fossil fuel.
Lufthansa Cargo aims for a neutral CO2 footprint by 2050 and to halve net CO2 emissions by 2030 compared to 2019. This strategy includes using more SAF, investing in a modern fleet, and improving flight operations efficiency. Since 2021, Lufthansa Cargo has converted its long-haul fleet to Boeing 777Fs, the most modern cargo aircraft with the best environmental performance.
Also Read: David O. King Joins AFA Board to Strengthen Air Cargo Industry
“Lufthansa Cargo connects global markets and expands trade,” said Oliver Blum. “Sustainable Choice lets customers reduce the environmental impact of fresh produce transport.”
Lufthansa Cargo has been an exhibitor at Fruit Logistica since 2013. Visitors are invited to stand C-08 in hall 25 to discuss current topics and trends with airfreight experts.
Electric trucks market is experiencing significant transformation as various regions ramp up efforts to reduce emissions.
IDTechEx’s latest report, Electric and Fuel Cell Trucks 2025-2045, provides a comprehensive analysis of this shift, highlighting the rise of battery-electric trucks (BEVs), plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), and fuel-cell trucks (FCEVs).
These vehicles play a critical role in tackling the transport sector’s CO2 emissions, which amounted to 1.8 billion tonnes in 2022—approximately 25% of the global total.
Key regions—China, Europe, and the US—are seeing different adoption rates of electric trucks, with China currently leading in sales. In 2023, Chinese OEMs, including SANY and Dongfeng, dominated the global market, with over 34,000 heavy-duty EV trucks sold. In contrast, the US market remains slow, with electric trucks accounting for just 0.1% of new truck sales. Meanwhile, Europe is witnessing rapid growth, with Volvo Trucks capturing around 70% of the heavy-duty EV truck market share.
Government regulations are driving this transition, with ambitious targets for emissions reduction. The EU, for example, has set stricter emission standards, aiming for a 45% reduction by 2030, while the US is targeting up to 60% zero-emission vehicle sales in some segments by 2032. These regulations aim to phase out diesel trucks and accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles, although challenges remain due to factors such as payload limits, charging infrastructure, and the high initial cost of electric trucks.
Fuel-cell trucks are an alternative solution, addressing some limitations of BEVs, such as longer refueling times and heavier batteries. Hydrogen fuel cells offer faster refueling and greater range, but the technology faces hurdles like the lack of widespread hydrogen infrastructure and high production costs. However, hydrogen internal combustion engines (H2ICE) show promise, with companies like MAN Truck & Bus planning to produce hydrogen-powered trucks in 2025.
Also Read: Chapman Freeborn Partners with AJEX to Strengthen Saudi Operations.
Despite these challenges, the EV truck market is expected to grow significantly over the next two decades, with substantial investments in battery technologies, charging infrastructure, and alternative powertrains. IDTechEx’s forecast provides a detailed outlook on truck sales, battery demand, and market value across different regions, offering valuable insights into the future of the commercial vehicle sector.
Unifeeder, a subsidiary of DP World Marine Services, has achieved significant growth in the intra-Mediterranean shipping market, tripling its market share to 4.3% in 2024, reinforcing its position as a major regional player.
Industry experts from Alphaliner reported that Unifeeder experienced the highest capacity growth among Mediterranean carriers, securing a place among the top six operators in the region based on deployed capacity.
Currently, Unifeeder’s Mediterranean fleet consists of 20 container vessels with a combined capacity of 24,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units), rivaling the capacity of global shipping giant COSCO SHIPPING Lines in the area.
Over the past year, the company has introduced seven new intra-Mediterranean services, contributing an additional 10,600 TEU of capacity and increasing the average size of its vessels to 1,186 TEUs.
These strategic initiatives are designed to meet the increasing demand for connectivity within the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions.
Unifeeder is also set to extend its services into the Black Sea later this month, reinforcing its regional presence.
This expansion highlights the company’s ongoing commitment to fulfilling the growing need for efficient and reliable intra-regional trade solutions.
Ganesh Raj, Global COO of DP World Marine Services, emphasized, “Unifeeder’s success in the Mediterranean and Black Sea demonstrates our ability to adjust to shifting market conditions and provide customized solutions that address the changing needs of our clients.”
He further adds, ”By expanding our services and fleet, we’re catering to the demand for enhanced intra-regional connectivity and offering long-term value to our customers.”
The intra-Mediterranean shipping market overall saw a 9.3% increase in capacity, amounting to nearly 50,000 TEUs since December 2023.
In this expanding market, Unifeeder’s share surged from 1.5% to 4.3%, pushing it up five spots to the sixth position among the region’s largest operators in terms of capacity.
This remarkable growth is attributed to a shift in trade dynamics, where large-scale operators are increasingly outsourcing intra-regional services to more nimble, specialized operators like Unifeeder.
Martin Gaard, CEO of Unifeeder A/S, noted, “The shipping industry is undergoing significant transformation, driven by geopolitical and economic factors that demand more adaptable supply chain solutions. Our expansion in the intra-Mediterranean market and the Black Sea aligns with our strategic focus on addressing these needs.”
He further continues, ”By offering efficient and dependable regional services, we help customers manage complexities and expand their reach in this evolving environment. Our growth underscores our role as a trusted partner in providing cost-effective, sustainable shipping solutions.”
Also Read: AD Ports Group to Invest in Sarzha Grain Terminal at Kuryk Port.
Unifeeder’s continued investments in the Mediterranean and Black Sea reflect DP World Marine Services’ broader vision of facilitating global trade by simplifying market connections.
With the backing of DP World’s extensive network and expertise, Unifeeder remains committed to providing flexible and reliable solutions, ensuring smooth trade in one of the world’s most active trade regions.
Technology has made the world smaller and faster.Real time communication with people from all over the world at different time zones through phones and gadgets
