As of January 1, 2025, Marcus Niedermeyer is AeroLogic’s new Managing Director and CFO, overseeing Finance, HR, IT, and Administration. He has served in this role on an interim basis since July 2024, succeeding Katharina Prost. The management team also includes Josef Moser, who has been with AeroLogic since 2008 and Managing Director since 2017.
Marcus Niedermeyer has over 29 years of experience, both within and outside the Lufthansa Group. Before AeroLogic, he was Managing Director of Air Mail Center Frankfurt GmbH from 2018 to June 2024 and held various management roles at Lufthansa Cargo.
Frank Bauer, Chief Financial Officer of Lufthansa Cargo, said: “We are delighted to welcome Marcus Niedermeyer as an experienced manager to AeroLogic. His extensive expertise and commitment will undoubtedly help to drive the company forward and strengthen AeroLogic’s position in the market. As we look back on nearly 18 years of our joint venture, we are extremely proud of our shared accomplishments: safe, reliable and highly efficient flight operations and steady fleet growth for both partners. In the future, we will continue to build on the good cooperation in the joint venture and an excellent offer for our customers.
Travis Cobb, EVP Global Network Operations and Aviation at DHL Express, adds: “Aerologic is of great strategic importance to DHL Express. With Marcus Niedermeyer, we welcome back an experienced and accomplished expert to the ranks of Aerologic. We congratulate Marcus Niedermeyer on his new role and wish him the greatest possible success.”
AeroLogic, a joint venture between DHL Express and Lufthansa Cargo since 2007, operates from Leipzig. Joint operations began in 2009. Lufthansa Cargo markets 18 Boeing 777 freighters, with six chartered by AeroLogic under a Lufthansa codeshare. AeroLogic also operates 16 Boeing 777F aircraft for DHL.
Aramex (DFM: ARMX), a leading global provider of comprehensive logistics and transportation solutions, has launched an innovative self-service kiosk at its main branch in Umm Ramool, Dubai. This marks the first time a logistics company has introduced an end-to-end solution of this kind in Dubai.
The OMNI Drop Off self-service kiosk allows customers to seamlessly pack, weigh, and ship parcels within minutes, all without the need for assistance from an operator.
Supplied by OMNIC, the Milan-based international R&D company that creates automation and self-service solutions for logistics, retail, e-commerce, and HoReCa, the Kiosk serves as a self-service point for Aramex customers, allowing them to send and return parcels without waiting in a queue or communicating with an agent.
Intel Camera and AI technology enable the kiosk to accurately measure parcel dimensions for precise pricing, eliminating delivery errors.
Moreover, it analyzes parcels to detect forbidden items or substances for security purposes.
Elena Abboud, Global Innovation Manager at Aramex, stated: “To enhance customer experience, we are excited to introduce the OMNI Drop-Off kiosk at our Umm Ramool branch in Dubai. This new solution seamlessly integrates into our customers’ busy lives, offering fast and reliable service. Currently in a pilot phase, we plan to expand it to multiple UAE locations and other countries, including 24/7 access points like malls and community centers, allowing consumers convenient access to our services.”
Ann Snitko, Chief Product Officer at OMNIC, said: “OMNI Drop Off introduces self-service to the first mile. Similar to self-checkout kiosks in retail, it allows customers to send parcels conveniently without assistance. While common in shopping, this is innovative for parcel sending, and we aim to change that.”
The process takes just a few minutes and involves six simple steps:
The kiosk serves as proof of concept and is already available for customers to use.
OMNIC and Aramex’s Innovation Team’s project can scale across branches following a successful three-month pilot phase.
EirTrade Aviation promotes Lee Carey to Chief Investment Officer and Karl Fitzgibbon to Chief Operating Officer, announced today.
Both have been on the career fast-track within EirTrade for almost a decade and seen their responsibilities grow accordingly.
With an MSc in Aviation Finance from UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School and a BSc in Aviation Management from Dublin City University, Lee Carey joined EirTrade in 2016 in sales & technical evaluations. Since then, he has rapidly absorbed senior roles in sales and asset management, managing the acquisition of over 100 commercial aircraft & engines.
Most recently Carey was Vice President Origination & Trading based at the Company’s Dublin headquarters. As Chief Investment Officer, his new role will incorporate continued responsibility and oversight of those activities, alongside a honed focus on nurturing existing relationships with investors and industry partners and fostering new affiliations.
“It has been a privilege to witness and play a crucial role in the exponential growth of EirTrade over the past few years,” says Carey. “During my time at EirTrade, we have experienced a tremendous level of growth, in terms of revenue, the team, our global footprint, and the services we offer. Our business has become more complex as we continue to diversify our asset base across more and more aircraft platforms and continue to expand our service offering through vertical integration.”
Newly appointed Chief Operating Officer – Karl Fitzgibbon identifies process optimisation as his greatest challenge. “Continuously identifying and implementing process improvements to enhance productivity and profitability is my key focus,” he says. “This involves analysing current workflows, identifying bottlenecks, and implementing innovative solutions to streamline operations. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement, we can ensure that our processes remain efficient and effective, ultimately driving better results for the Company as we continue to expand our global presence.”
Fitzgibbon joined EirTrade Aviation in 2014 and steadily rose through the ranks to become Vice President of Operations, his most recent position.
He currently manages a dynamic operations and repairs team in Dublin and Dallas.
Additionally, he oversees the logistics, customs, IT, and facilities functions. As a result, he ensures seamless coordination across all areas.
“EirTrade is a business that provides numerous opportunities for growth and development. Operating across Europe, the Americas, and Asia, the company provides specialized services to the global airline and aircraft leasing community. This international presence enables employees to engage in exciting projects and advance their careers within a dynamic and thriving industry. Hard work and collaboration have been key to our success, and I am proud to be part of this journey.”
Carey and Fitzgibbon attribute EirTrade’s success to the inspiring team, emphasizing their crucial role in the company’s achievements.
They say that everyone consistently exhibits a fantastic entrepreneurial spirit. “We are all hardworking and passionate about what we do,” explains Carey.
“EirTrade embraces talent, nurtures an entrepreneurial culture, and inspires creative thinking to enhance services,” Fitzgibbon says. “Having been with the company for over a decade and held various positions, I can attest to this.”
Ken Fitzgibbon, CEO of EirTrade, stated, “The company is poised for growth, cementing its leadership in the USM market. I believe in my team’s talent and dedication, fostering their ambitions and careers. Their dynamism earned us the ‘Best Places to Work in Aviation 2024’ and ‘Workplace Achievement 2024’ awards.”
Ken Fitzgibbon states Acorn Capital Management’s 2023 investment was a significant milestone, boosting EirTrade’s resources and growth trajectory.
“It has greatly increased our resources and continues to underpin EirTrade’s impressive growth trajectory.”
Boeing and Pegasus Airlines announced that Türkiye’s leading low-cost carrier will expand and modernize its single-aisle fleet with an order for up to 200 737 MAX airplanes. The purchase includes a firm order for 100 737-10 jets, with options for 100 more.
“The 737-10’s efficiency and flexibility will enable us to serve more passengers on more routes,” said Güliz Öztürk, CEO of Pegasus Airlines. “We continue to invest in our fleet in line with our growth targets in Türkiye and globally.”
The 737-10, which is the largest model in the 737 MAX family, can carry up to 230 passengers.
Furthermore, the 737-10 offers a range of up to 5,740 km (3,100 nautical miles). In addition to its impressive capacity and range, it significantly reduces fuel use and emissions by 20% compared to the airplanes it replaces. Consequently, it stands out as a more environmentally friendly option.
“We are excited to welcome Pegasus Airlines as the newest 737 MAX customer,” said Stephanie Pope, CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “We look forward to delivering the 737-10 with its greater efficiency, versatility, and reliability.”
Pegasus Airlines will add the 737-10 to its Next-Generation 737 fleet to meet growing travel demand.
“The 737-10 will help us reach new markets across Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, and Africa,” Öztürk added.
The order supports Boeing’s National Aerospace Initiative with Turkey, boosting production and export opportunities for Turkish manufacturers.
Acquired by ESAS Holding in 2005, Pegasus Airlines operates low-cost flights to 144 destinations in 53 countries.
The global air cargo market cruised into 2025 on the back of 14 consecutive months of double-digit growth in demand as volumes climbed +11% year-on-year in December and average spot rates finished the year +15% higher, according to industry analysts Xeneta.
While Xeneta is forecasting more demand growth of +4-6% in 2025, Chief Airfreight Officer, Niall van de Wouw, says the air cargo industry’s “cautious optimism remains tempered by its susceptibility to geopolitical tensions, a subdued manufacturing outlook, and political interventions in an increasingly volatile world.”
With cargo capacity supply growth of just +2% in December continuing to lag well behind resilient air cargo demand, Xeneta’s dynamic load factor rose 3-percentage points year-on-year to 62%. Dynamic load factor is Xeneta’s measurement of capacity utilisation based on volume and weight of cargo flown alongside available capacity.
In line with this, the December global air cargo spot rate increased +15% year-on-year to USD 2.99 per kg, although the comparison with the high-rate level in December 2023 made this the slowest growth rate in the last seven months.
As projected in Xeneta’s previous monthly analyses, the 2024 year-end peak season concluded with a more moderate spot rate increase of +11% between September and December. This contrasts sharply with the corresponding period of 2023, which surprised many with a much steeper +21% surge in spot rates.
“This rebalancing of the air cargo market from the extreme volatilities seen in 2023 is a clear reflection of the preparedness and maturity seen across the market in 2024. The efforts made by industry stakeholders ranging from strategic capacity allocation by airlines, securing capacity ahead of ‘hot’ e-commerce corridors by freight forwarders, and locking-in longer-term contracts by shippers, all contributed to a healthier industry based on longer-term relationships instead of a push for short-term gains,” van de Wouw added.
Van de Wouw also outlined the continuing impact e-commerce will have on air freight in 2025.
He said: “We can put a ribbon around 2024. It was quite some year for air cargo. But this remains a market that is increasingly reliant on e-commerce volumes, while the general freight market, the bellwether of the global economy, remains muted. The signals from the manufacturing industry, particularly in Europe, are concerning but e-commerce continues to take up this slack and is projected to grow at +14% annually to 2026.
“So, the overall outlook for air cargo remains one of growth. But reports of countries aiming to crack down on the Chinese e-commerce platforms, for example, if this was to happen, would have a sizeable impact in markets around the world because what’s going to take the place of these volumes?”
Zooming in on major air cargo corridors, December saw the Europe-to-North America air spot rate experience the most significant month-on-month increase, rising +21% to USD 3.27 per kg, its highest level in over two years. This spike is likely due to reduced cargo capacity from airline winter schedules on passenger flights and the reallocation of freighter capacity to Asia.
Concerns about potential second-round strikes at US East Coast ports failed to produce a meaningful mode shift to air freight in December and news on 8 January 2025 of a tentative agreement between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) for a new six-year Master Contract means any further boost to air cargo volumes as a result of East Coast ports disruption is now far less likely.
As of early January, Europe to the US spot rates stood at USD 2.56 per kg, a -25% drop from their peak two weeks earlier.
In comparison, the Northeast Asia-to-North America corridor saw a more modest increase of +5% month-on-month in December, reaching USD 5.57 per kg. Close behind, the Northeast Asia-to-Europe market posted a +4% rise, bringing rates to USD 5.28 per kg.
On the increasingly scrutinized China-to-US corridor, its spot rate, unlike other key lanes, failed to reach 2023’s peak season highs and showed a decline of -9% from its mid-December 2024 peak of USD 5.61 per kg to early January 2025. This contrasted sharply with the same period in 2023, when rates dropped nearly -40% from a peak of USD 5.91 per kg. A combination of strategic allocation of cargo capacity and tightened scrutiny on e-commerce activities may have contributed to subdued peak season levels, while concerns over potential Trump tariffs likely tempered the rate decline due to increased frontloading.
Looking ahead, Xeneta projects 2025 global air cargo demand to grow +4-6% year-on-year, continuing to outpace global cargo capacity supply growth of +3-4%.
The continued geopolitical tensions, threats of Trump tariffs, tightened measures of de minimis threshold related to e-commerce, increased security risks from rising global tension. and extreme weather and natural disasters pose many uncertainties for this year’s global air cargo demand and supply chain.
While the threat of further US East Coast port strikes seems to have now been removed, any further disruptions to global ocean freight is likely to see shippers resorting to the predictability of air freight for urgent shipments, triggering further spikes in air cargo rates. October’s three-day strike at US ports produced a +12% jump in air cargo volumes month-on-month from Europe to the US.
Inevitably, the upcoming air freight tender season for the new year is set to be challenging. Historical trends indicate that, in 2024, shippers demonstrated a growing preference for longer-term air freight contracts, with durations of one year or more. These contracts accounted for 63% of all agreements valid in Q4 2024, marking a 16-percentage point increase compared to the same period in 2023. Meanwhile, during this timeframe, freight forwarders continued to negotiate nearly half of their volumes in the spot market, a strategy that likely has eroded their revenues due to rising airline selling rates.
Van de Wouw said: “The lesson these market conditions are forcing all stakeholders to learn is that they cannot rely solely on historical trends as a foundation for purchasing decisions.
“Rising global uncertainties will impact air cargo demand, causing freight rates to fluctuate. Embracing flexible negotiation methods, like indexing or transparent pricing, could enhance collaboration across the industry this year.”
“Without this insight, air cargo trends in 2025 may be uncertain for less informed players. Will January 2025 break the 14-month streak of double-digit growth? Initially, the answer seemed affirmative, but now the market must wait and see due to this year’s higher starting base,” van de Wouw said.
AD Ports Group, a leading facilitator of global trade, logistics, and industry, has signed a Foundation Agreement with SEMURG INVEST LLP (Semurg), the owner and developer of the Sarzha Multifunctional Marine Terminal at Kuryk Port, Kazakhstan.
The partnership has commenced constructing a greenfield grain terminal at Kuryk Port. Following the completion of phase one, this grain terminal will have the capacity to handle 570,000 tons of grain cargo per year. With the construction of phase two, the terminal’s capacity is set to expand further, reaching 1.5 million tons per year.
Sarzha Grain Terminal will see a total investment of just over USD 50 million over the two phases, with AD Ports Group contributing around USD 30 million.
Scheduled for completion in the second half of 2026, Sarzha Grain Terminal will enhance global food trade by connecting Kazakhstan to Europe via the Transcaspian International Transport Route and a network of sea and dry ports in Central Asia.
Abdulaziz Zayed Al-Shamsi, Regional CEO of AD Ports Group, said: “Our partnership with Semurg marks another key milestone in AD Ports Group’s Middle Corridor strategy and reinforces our commitment to global food security and the UAE’s National Strategy for Food Security. This investment demonstrates our Group’s dedication to expanding our presence in Central Asia, and in Kazakhstan in particular.”
Al-Shamsi further added, “Sarzha Grain Terminal will not only boost grain trade and handling at Kuryk Port but also, by leveraging modern technologies and sustainable practices, we aim to establish a resilient and reliable food supply chain to meet the growing demand of the global population. This project embodies our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and strategic growth.”
Also Read: MEDLOG to Signs Agreement with Egypt to Build Dry Port and Logistics Centre.
Nurzhan Marabayev, General Director of SEMURG INVEST LLP, stated, “Our partnership with AD Ports Group boosts the Middle Corridor’s development and aligns with our commitment to the 2030 roadmap.” He added, “The project aims to diversify Kazakhstan’s export routes, enhance the Transcaspian route’s potential, and develop the Mangystau region’s economy.”
Announced in August 2023, AD Ports Group aims to boost global resource transport, connect regions, and foster economic growth.
Federal Express Corporation (FedEx), the world’s largest express transportation company, has launched FedEx® International Connect Plus (FICP) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, a shipping solution ideal for e-commerce packages weighing up to 20 kg. This new international, day-definite, service combines speed with competitive rates, connecting e-tailers in just 3-4 business days*.
The launch of FICP further enhances FedEx e-commerce capabilities, as e-tailers are increasingly seeking more diversified, cost-effective solutions to meet their customers’ evolving needs. The rapid growth of e-commerce is driven by a tech-savvy youth, supportive regulations, and strong investments in digital infrastructure. According to a report by Deloitte, the e-commerce sector in the Middle East is projected to grow from USD 39 billion in 2023 to USD 50 billion by 2025.
“FedEx International Connect Plus offers e-tailers a reliable solution that balances speed and cost, enabling them to scale up and seize new cross-border opportunities,” said Nitin Tatiwala, vice president of Marketing and Air Network for FedEx Middle East, Indian Subcontinent and Africa. “At FedEx, our goal is to provide customers with a broad portfolio of tailored shipping solutions that meet their specific delivery needs. Combined with our digital tools, we empower e-commerce businesses to deliver an enhanced experience to their customers.”
FICP is further enhanced by digital capabilities, offering full tracking visibility for both e-tailers and their customers throughout the shipping journey. The service also includes notifications to package recipients and the flexibility to choose delivery location, date, and time, including weekend and evening deliveries*, via FedEx® Delivery Manager. This gives online shoppers greater visibility, control, and convenience over their e-commerce orders.
FICP also offers Picture Proof of Delivery (PPoD)* to provide visual confirmation of delivery and reassure recipients that their package has been delivered, even when they may not be at home to receive it.
Freight forwarder network WCAworld has announced significant management changes across its WCA Dangerous Goods, WCA Projects, and affiliate network Lognet Global, effective January 2025.
After 11 years of service, Bruce Cutillo, General Manager of WCA Dangerous Goods and WCA Projects, will retire. He will be succeeded by Erwin van der Genugten and Adam McKenna. Van der Genugten, based in Amsterdam, will take over as General Manager of WCA Projects, while continuing his roles as Regional Manager Europe WCA and Managing Director of the EGLN Network.
“With nearly a decade of collaboration with Bruce and a deep understanding of the network, Erwin is committed to ensuring WCA Projects remains a trusted name in project logistics,” WCAworld stated.
Adam McKenna, based in the UK, will become General Manager of WCA Dangerous Goods. “As a long-trusted General Manager of WCA Perishables, WCA Pharma, and WCA Time Critical networks, Adam has a clear vision for growth and is eager to build on Bruce’s accomplishments,” the company said.
Additionally, Brian Churchman, Managing Director of Lognet Global, will step down after 14 years. He will be succeeded by Bryce Barnhart, a long-time senior manager with WCAworld, who brings 15 years of network experience, including leadership roles in North America and in-house NVOCC All World Shipping.
“Brian’s visionary leadership transformed Lognet Global into one of the world’s most dynamic and respected freight forwarder networks, known for its exclusivity and quality,” WCAworld noted.
David Yokeum, Chairman and Founder of WCAworld, remarked: “Our retiring leaders have set the gold standard for network management. We are deeply grateful for their contributions and confident that their successors will lead with the same passion, dedication, and innovation.”
These leadership changes reflect WCAworld’s commitment to maintaining its status as a forward-thinking and innovative network, poised to continue empowering independent freight forwarders worldwide.
Chapman Freeborn has expanded its cargo operations in Saudi Arabia, having signed an agreement with AJEX Logistics Services, a Middle East-based company specializing in express distribution and shipping solutions.
The move by the global charterer comes as a strategic response to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 programme which aims to increase air freight capacity to 4.5 million tons per year.
“This collaboration aligns with our mission to provide world-class aviation services and reflects our dedication to supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030,” said Gerhard Coetzee, Vice President Cargo at Chapman Freeborn.
“Together, we will drive innovation and excellence in aviation and cargo operations, ensuring that our clients benefit from the best possible service.”
Chapman Freeborn’s increased service offering mirrors its commitment to the region, following significant investment in personnel throughout the last two years, including the appointment of Linas Dovydenas as President of IMEA (India, Middle East and Africa) in November.
Under the terms of the agreement the companies will collaborate to offer comprehensive airport ground and cargo handling, and management of special cargo projects.
Also Read: DCAA and PCFC Sign MOU to Boost Aviation Collaboration.
“By combining our regional strengths with Chapman Freeborn’s extensive global network, we are committed to delivering enhanced aviation and cargo solutions that support the Kingdom’s ambitious growth objectives,” said Mohammed Albayati, Chief Executive Officer, AJEX Logistics Services.
Launched in 2016, Saudi Vision 2030, is an ambitious plan to diversify the Saudi economy and reduce its dependence on hydrocarbons.
Chapman Freeborn was awarded Air Charter Broker of the Year at the Payload Asia Awards last October in recognition of its role reinforcing supply chains’ resilience through time-critical deliveries and rapid response to humanitarian crises.
The Chapman Freeborn group was established in the UK in 1973. The company has offices worldwide including North America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. In the cargo market, Chapman Freeborn Airchartering specialises in the charter and lease of aircraft for a wide-ranging customer base, including freight forwarders, multinational corporations, governments, humanitarian agencies and a host of industries around the globe.
Etihad Cargo, the logistics division of Etihad Airways, has operated 329 scheduled and charter flights from Ezhou Huahu Airport to Zayed International Airport, further establishing its reputation as a trusted partner for industries such as pharmaceuticals, e-commerce, and perishables
Since its inaugural flight to Ezhou Huahu Airport on August 18, 2023, making it the first international airline to do so, Etihad Cargo has reinforced its commitment to enhancing connectivity between Abu Dhabi and key markets across Asia, Europe, and beyond.
Ezhou Huahu Airport, Asia’s first dedicated freighter hub, has served as a strategic base for Etihad Cargo, enabling the transport of over 18,700 tonnes of export cargo and more than 400 tonnes of imports through Abu Dhabi since 2023. The addition of a sixth weekly scheduled flight in July 2024, followed by a seventh in 2025, has enhanced the carrier’s network, ensuring efficient connections to key global markets. The recent IATA CEIV Pharma certification for the airport’s ground handling services further strengthens its ability to support specialized cargo, especially within the pharmaceutical sector.
Stanislas Brun, Vice President Cargo at Etihad Cargo, said: “As the first international carrier to operate from Ezhou, Etihad Cargo is proud to have played a pivotal role in demonstrating the airport’s superior capabilities and strategic importance within just one year of operations. Etihad Cargo’s customers have expressed high satisfaction with the reliability and efficiency of the service, validating the carrier’s decision to partner with Ezhou and recognizing its potential as a global cargo hub. Ezhou Huahu Airport’s advanced infrastructure has impressed exporters and local customers alike, especially in facilitating seamless imports, while Etihad Cargo’s efforts to showcase Ezhou’s connectivity and capabilities to exporters in Europe and beyond are paving the way for even greater opportunities.”
Ezhou Huahu Airport, with its advanced facilities and strategic location, has emerged as a key logistics hub, enabling the seamless movement of goods across Asia and beyond. Its extensive network of 36 international cargo routes, combined with Etihad Cargo’s global connectivity through Abu Dhabi, has created significant value for customers seeking efficient and reliable cargo solutions. The collaborative efforts of partners, stakeholders, and local authorities have been essential in driving the success of Etihad Cargo’s operations in the region.
Also Read: DB Schenker Launches Ezhou-Frankfurt Air Cargo Route.
Li Wei, Deputy General Manager of Ezhou Huahu International Airport, said: “Ezhou Huahu International Airport is located in central China, boasting a strategic geographical advantage and solid foundational conditions. A domestic hub-and-spoke route network is already established, while international logistics channels are rapidly taking shape. Port functionalities are continuously improving, and operational capabilities are steadily advancing. In 2024, the airport’s cargo and mail throughput are projected to rank fifth nationwide, with 36 international cargo routes already operational. Ezhou Huahu International Airport regards Etihad Cargo as a key strategic partner and supports the launch of more cargo routes at the airport, achieving even greater milestones in the future.”
Etihad Cargo’s operations in Ezhou are a key component of the carrier’s extensive network in Greater China, which will grow to 23 weekly freighters and 25 weekly passenger flights in 2025.
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
