Swedavia’s ten airports served over 2.3 million passengers in December, marking a 4% increase from December 2023. For the full year 2024, passenger numbers exceeded 32 million, up 1% from the previous year, with international travel showing strong growth while domestic travel declined.
“The year ended strongly, with a 4% increase in December compared to the previous year,” said Jonas Abrahamsson, Swedavia’s President and CEO. “Demand for international air travel continues to grow, and the decline in domestic travel slowed in the latter half of the month.”
Swedavia added more than 40 new routes in 2024, including 18 new destinations, primarily at Stockholm Arlanda and Göteborg Landvetter airports. Notable new routes include Kiruna to Copenhagen with SAS, and Arlanda to Dubai with Norwegian.
“Since the end of the year, domestic air traffic has been consolidated at Arlanda, strengthening Sweden’s connectivity,” Abrahamsson said. “In 2025, we look forward to unveiling new initiatives to enhance our airports.”
In December, international travel increased by 6% to over 1.7 million passengers, while domestic travel decreased by 3% to just over 569,000 passengers. Overall, December’s air travel was 82% of pre-pandemic levels.
Stockholm Arlanda Airport, the largest in Sweden, served over 1.6 million passengers in December, reaching 90% of pre-pandemic levels. International travel rose by 7%, while domestic travel fell by 4%.
Göteborg Landvetter Airport saw a 2% increase in December, with international travel up 3% and domestic travel down 12%. Passenger levels were 77% of pre-pandemic levels.
Among Swedavia’s regional airports, Kiruna Airport showed the strongest passenger trend in December compared to both December 2023 and pre-pandemic levels. Luleå Airport had the strongest full-year trend compared to 2019, while Ronneby Airport had the weakest December trend.
Air India has awarded cargo and ground handling contracts to SATS Ltd (SATS) and its wholly-owned subsidiary Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) across multiple major airports in regions in Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North America.
The airline renewed 11 contracts and awarded 14 new contracts after a global tendering process, significantly expanding Air India’s partnership with SATS and WFS. The new cargo handling and ground handling stations span across North America, UK, Europe, and Asia, including but not limited to stations such as Chicago, Washington Dulles, London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Birmingham, Frankfurt, Milan, Kuala Lumpur, and Hong Kong.
“We are honoured that having conducted a global review of the cargo and ground handling market, Air India has chosen to make such a significant and growing commitment to SATS and WFS,” said Bob Chi, CEO Gateway Services, APAC, at SATS. “Our extensive capabilities and global network, along with the exceptional service our teams provide, uniquely position us to offer unparalleled international coverage to our airline partners. We highly value our partnership with Air India and are excited to represent the airline at these locations.”
“Streamlining our logistics processes and enhancing service levels across passengers and cargo are instrumental to the ongoing transformation of Air India. By strengthening our partnership with SATS and WFS, we look forward to delivering a world-class operation for our customers around the world,” said Ramesh Mamidala, Head of Cargo, Air India.
DB Schenker, a global leader in logistics and supply chain management, has joined forces with Ford to inaugurate a cutting-edge Parts Distribution Center (PDC) in Dubai South, the largest urban master development focusing on aviation, logistics, and real estate. The grand opening ceremony, held on January 9, 2025, marks a significant milestone in enhancing the efficiency and scalability of automotive supply chains in the region. Designed to set new benchmarks in operational efficiency and technological innovation, the 42,000-square-meter facility represents a monumental step in reshaping the region’s logistics landscape.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by HE Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman, Dubai Aviation City Corporation and Dubai South, Ako Djaf, VP of Contract Logistics and SCM of DB Schenker in the Middle East and Africa, Kay Hart, President, International Markets Group, Ford Motor Company, Ravi Ravichandran, President, Ford Middle East as well as other senior officials.
Placing DB Schenker’s expertise at the heart of its operations, the new PDC leverages advanced Material Handling Equipment (MHE) and a sophisticated racking system tailored to maximize storage capacity and picking efficiency. These include Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) systems, Multi-Tier Mezzanines (MTM), Deep Selective Racking (DSR), and Cantilever Racking (CR), which streamline order processing and ensure seamless operations. Complementing this, the facility features 20 container docks – 10 for inbound and 10 for outbound operations – enabling simultaneous activities to accelerate delivery times.
Ako Djaf, VP of Contract Logistics and SCM of DB Schenker in the Middle East and Africa, said, “At DB Schenker, we take immense pride in supporting Ford’s ambitious vision for operational excellence in the Middle East. The new Parts Distribution Center is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation, designed to streamline supply chain processes, enhance customer satisfaction, and contribute to sustainability goals. By leveraging our global expertise and advanced logistics solutions, we are excited to play a pivotal role in Ford’s journey to deliver unparalleled service to its customers across the region.”
“We are pleased to welcome Ford to Dubai South with the launch of its new facility. With the expertise and capabilities of DB Schenker, we are confident that this collaboration will bolster Ford’s expansion endeavors while delivering premium services to its customers across the region. At Dubai South, our mission is to support the government’s economic diversification plans through the comprehensive services and solutions we offer to both local and international companies, underpinned by our state-of-the-art infrastructure. We remain steadfast in our commitment to positioning Dubai as one of the world’s leading logistics hubs,” said Mohsen Ahmad, CEO of the Logistics District, Dubai South.
The PDC’s operations are anchored by DB Schenker’s expertise in implementing SAP S/4HANA warehouse management software, which facilitates paperless picking with barcode scanning for unmatched precision and speed. A dedicated Vehicle Off Road (VOR) processing team further ensures critical parts are prioritized, eliminating delays and boosting customer satisfaction.
“The new PDC will enable us to create a more streamlined and efficient process that enhances parts availability, optimizes inventory management, and elevates customer service,” said Ravi Ravichandran, President, Ford Middle East. “By unlocking these operational efficiencies, we are delivering on our commitment to improve service and delivery times in the region, and we are thrilled to see this latest Ford project in Dubai come to fruition.”
Located strategically in Dubai South, the PDC consolidates Ford’s storage and distribution into a single, technologically advanced hub that serves key markets across the GCC and Sub-Saharan Africa. The facility increases capacity by 20 percent compared to its predecessor, significantly improving inventory management and operational efficiency.
Also Read: Aramex Teams with Admiral Mobility to Deploy its First Electric Trucks.
DB Schenker’s commitment to sustainability is evident in the facility’s design, which incorporates eco-conscious practices. A 400kW solar panel system, set to be installed in late 2025, will reduce energy consumption by 35 percent and lower the carbon footprint by 290 tons annually. Responsible waste management, including recycling and eco-friendly disposal, further reinforces the facility’s environmentally sustainable operations.
This advanced distribution center demonstrates DB Schenker’s dedication to redefining logistics innovation. By utilizing the latest technologies and sustainable practices, DB Schenker continues to set industry standards while empowering global brands like Ford to excel in the region.
Representing the pinnacle of logistical innovation encapsulated within a premier infrastructure network, Dubai South’s Logistics District offers premier services and operations as well as uninterrupted access to Jebel Ali Port via a bonded logistics corridor. The district comprises multiple zones, which have direct access to the cargo terminals at Al Maktoum International Airport; EZDubai, a fully dedicated e-commerce free zone; and a Contract Logistics Zone.
The Airforwarders Association (AfA) has elected David O. King, SEKO Logistics, for the first time to the AfA Board of Directors, as the forwarding association looks ahead to the 2025-2028 term.
King joins a board of industry experts who, as the board of the AfA, are committed to promoting and strengthening the interests of the air cargo supply chain.
“I am honored to join the board and contribute to the Association’s vital work in representing the air forwarding industry and uniting industry stakeholders across the global supply chain,” said David O. King, SEKO Logistics.
“The AfA plays a critical role in ensuring the air forwarding community remains resilient, responsive and forward-thinking in navigating today’s challenges.
“I look forward to bringing a diverse career perspective to this leadership role, fostering collaboration and driving strategic initiatives that will shape and strengthen the future of air forwarding.”
King joins re-elected members: Aaron Ambrite, AIT Worldwide Logistics, Amanda Barlow, Global Critical Logistics, Dennis Mitchell, Lynden International, Jarrett Williams, Estes Forwarding Worldwide, Kendra Tanner, Allstates WorldCargo, and Matt Castle, C.H. Robinson, who were all recently re-elected for another three-year term.
“We are thrilled to have David join our Board of Directors,” said Brandon Fried, Executive Director, Airforwarders Association.
“His extensive experience in the logistics sector and commitment to advancing industry innovation will be invaluable as we continue to address the challenges and opportunities facing air forwarding. We look forward to his contributions to our shared mission of connecting and empowering our members.”
The AfA represents hundreds of members across the U.S. and abroad, working with stakeholders across the logistics industry to represent the interests of freight forwarders from the frontline of air logistics to Capitol Hill.
DANX Carousel has strengthened its position as the leading European provider of time-critical logistics solutions with the acquisition of German-based in-night logistics, repair, and field services specialist LPR Group.
LPR offers German-wide services covering both night and day-time express services, emergency logistics, and returns management, as well as warehousing and on-site servicing, including the installation, maintenance, and replacement of consumable materials, and on-site repairs.
Founded in 1988, the LPR Group has 500 employees, including 200 service engineers working in the field, supported by a repair centre specialising in maintenance, pre-configuration, refurbishment, inspection, and warranty services.
LPR also plays a key role in the rollout of smart energy meters as part of the ongoing conversion of the gas network, as well as aftermarket servicing.
“This strategic acquisition brings LPR’s extensive experience across Germany into the DANX Carousel network. It is part of our ongoing drive to build Europe’s leading time-critical logistics provider. LPR’s regional and technical servicing capabilities complement our own and together we can deliver more comprehensive end-to-end solutions across the full supply chain,” said Klaus Rud Sejling, Chief Executive Officer, DANX Carousel.
The LPR acquisition comes in a year in which the DANX Carousel Group made several acquisitions to consolidate its position as a leading time-critical logistics provider.
“Our new partnership with DANX Carousel presents an exciting opportunity to strengthen our time-critical logistics capabilities and continue to match our customers’ high expectations. Following a period of sustained growth across the business, particularly in the retail, healthcare, and IT services sectors, I look forward to working with DANX Carousel as we cement this progress and expand our geographic reach,” said Michael Bonnes, Chief Executive Officer, LPR Group.
STARLUX Airlines of Taiwan has placed a firm order with Airbus for five more A350F freighters. This doubles an initial order from the airline last year for five of the all-new cargo aircraft. The A350F fleet will be operated by STARLUX Cargo on some of the world’s busiest freight routes.
“The cargo market is set to become a key element in our business model and will benefit from the advantages offered by Taiwan’s geographical location,” said STARLUX CEO Glenn Chai. “The A350F is the perfect choice for STARLUX, offering a similar payload-range capability as previous generation freighters, but with very significant reductions in fuel consumption and carbon emissions.”
“We thank STARLUX Airlines for its ongoing confidence in Airbus and its products,” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales Commercial Aircraft at Airbus. “The A350F will fit seamlessly into the carrier’s latest generation all-Airbus fleet which offers unrivalled levels of technical and operational commonality. This second order from this fast-growing airline is another endorsement of the all-new A350F as the future game-changer in heavy lift markets.”
To date STARLUX Airlines operates a fleet of 26 Airbus aircraft including the A321neo, the A330neo and the A350-900.
Currently under development, the A350F can carry a payload of up to 111 tonnes and can fly up to 4,700 nautical miles / 8,700 kilometres. Powered by the latest Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, the aircraft will bring a reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions of up to 40% when compared to previous generation aircraft with a similar payload-range capability.
The A350F features the largest main deck cargo door in the industry, with fuselage length and capacity optimised around the industry’s standard pallets and containers. Over 70% of the airframe is made of advanced materials, resulting in a 46 tonne lighter take-off weight than the competing derivative. The A350F is also the only freighter aircraft that will fully meet ICAO’s enhanced CO₂ emissions standards, coming into effect in 2027.
Avianca has announced plans to launch new routes in 2025, strengthening connectivity between Florida and Latin America. The airline will introduce direct flights from Fort Lauderdale to Medellin and Managua, Miami to San José and Guatemala City, and Tampa to Bogotá.
These additions will bring Avianca’s total to 16 direct routes from Florida to Latin America, reinforcing its position as a leading carrier in the region.
“Florida has historically been a key gateway for connections to Latin America, which is why it is essential for us to contribute to reuniting families, boosting tourism, and promoting business,” said Frederico Pedreira, CEO of Avianca. “These new routes address the needs of our customers and provide an opportunity to offer more direct flights to key destinations in both regions where we already have a strong presence.”
New Routes Planned for 2025:
Tampa, a new destination for Avianca, will offer travelers direct connections to over 75 destinations across the Americas and Europe via Bogotá. “The significance of a new Avianca route between Tampa and Bogotá is enormous, being TPA’s first to South America in nearly 50 years,” said TPA CEO Joe Lopano. “We expect this flight to be popular with both business travelers and those connecting with loved ones.”
Carmen Caballero, President of ProColombia, added, “This new direct flight between Tampa Bay and Bogotá not only strengthens connectivity between Colombia and the United States, our primary source market for tourists, but also marks an important step in expanding our presence in Florida.”
Lufthansa Cargo’s Boeing 777 freighters, with loading flaps measuring 3.15 meters by 3.72 meters, have transported a wide array of extraordinary cargo in 2024. From life-saving goods to heavy machinery and exotic animals, the airline’s fleet of 18 Boeing 777 freighters, the largest exclusive fleet of its kind, has covered around 300 destinations in over 100 countries.
Heavyweight Cargo
One of the heaviest shipments in 2024 was a 65-ton load for the automotive industry, transported from Viracopos, Brazil, to Frankfurt, and then to Malmö, Sweden. Additionally, a General Electric aircraft turbine, over 5 meters long and weighing 12 tons, was swiftly transported from Beijing to Frankfurt in November. The turbine required precise handling and was secured with 50 tension belts during the flight.
Animal Transports
Lufthansa Cargo’s Animal Lounge hosted over 80 million animals in 2024, including 2,800 horses, 14,000 pets, and 200 zoo animals. Notable transports included two Siberian tigers flown from Frankfurt to Almaty for release into the wild, and two pygmy hippos transported from Madrid to Mumbai. The airline also transported a rare red panda in a climate-controlled chamber.
Art and Culture
In March, Lufthansa Cargo transported the hip hop exhibition “THE CULTURE” from Chicago to Frankfurt, using sustainable aviation fuel to reduce CO₂ emissions. The Berggruen exhibition, featuring works by Picasso and Matisse, traveled from Germany to Japan and back to Europe, with 91 works transported in climate-controlled crates.
Life-Saving Vaccines
In November, Lufthansa Cargo delivered 100,000 Mpox vaccines from Brussels to Kinshasa, aiding efforts to contain the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This mission highlighted the airline’s commitment to global health and humanitarian relief.
Lufthansa Cargo continues to deliver diverse cargo, from tigers to turbines, with expertise and reliability, supporting global business and humanitarian efforts.
MEDLOG and Egypt’s General Authority for Land and Dry Ports (GALDP) have signed a PPP contract for the financing, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of a 250-acre dry port and logistics zone in the 10th of Ramadan City.
The project, part of Egypt’s broader plan to transform into a regional transport and logistics hub, aligns with President Abdel Fattah El Sisi’s vision to boost Egypt’s role in transit trade.
The site will be divided into two zones: 130 acres for the dry port and 120 acres for the logistics area. It aims to reduce congestion at sea ports, improve trade movement, and lower transport costs, while enhancing supply chain efficiency.
The development will link industrial, agricultural, and mining areas with major sea ports on the Red Sea and Mediterranean through improved road and rail networks.
Also Read: Khalifa Port Strengthens Position as Global Trade Hub with New CMA Terminals.
As part of the larger initiative to establish 32 dry ports and logistics zones across the country, the 10th of Ramadan project will also contribute to creating job opportunities and supporting industrial growth, positioning Egypt as a key player in regional and international logistics.
MEDLOG, as one of the world’s geographically widest logistics and supply chain operators, continuously invests in proprietary assets, such as inland logistics platforms, warehouses, trucks, locomotives and barges. These strategically located assets increase logistics efficiency for our customers, enabling us to cater for their unique supply chain requirements. With a presence in more than 80 countries, MEDLOG guarantees tailored, door-to-door solutions as well as large, off-dock storage facilities supported by expert teams.
MEDLOG is part of the MSC Group, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, and privately owned. The Group encompasses a Cargo Division, led by MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) and a Passenger Division, led by MSC Cruises.
ECS Group has achieved a major milestone by landing a historic Total Cargo Management (TCM) contract with JetSMART Airlines, the leading low-cost carrier group in South America.
JetSMART Airlines operates under four national AOCs: JetSMART Airlines Chile, Colombia, Peru, and Argentina. The airline offers a broad range of domestic flights within these countries, along with international routes connecting them to each other, as well as to Brazil, the U.S., Europe, and Asia.
This four-year partnership, beginning January 1, 2025, covers JetSMART Airlines’ operations across these four countries, marking the first-ever TCM agreement with a regional airline in South America. As a member of the Indigo Partners group, JetSMART Airlines boasts a modern fleet of A320 and A321 aircraft.
ECS Group will manage nearly 25,000 flights annually and significantly develop domestic markets for JetSMART Airlines’s four national AOCs.
Adrien Thominet, Executive Chairman of ECS Group, highlighted the significance of this collaboration: “This partnership is a landmark achievement for ECS Group. Being entrusted by JetSMART Airlines reinforces our reputation as a global leader in Total Cargo Management. It reflects our proven expertise, innovative digital solutions, and ability to deliver exceptional results across continents. We are proud to see airlines worldwide placing their confidence in our capabilities.”
ECS Group will establish dedicated commercial and operational teams in each country, all coordinated through its state-of-the-art control tower in San José, Costa Rica. Under the TCM contract, JetSMART Airlines will leverage ECS Group’s Total Cargo Expertise (TCE) to ensure unparalleled quality, safety, and security in cargo operations. In addition, JetSMART Airlines will benefit from ECS Group’s close collaboration with CargoTech, gaining access to advanced digital tools, including eBooking via CargoAI, capacity management, and revenue optimization platforms. These cutting-edge solutions will streamline operations, maximize efficiency, and enable JetSMART Airlines to optimize its cargo potential across domestic and international markets.
Also Read: NAV AERO Expands Airline Portfolio with LOT and Oman Air Cargo Partnerships.
By focusing on high-demand commodities such as salmon, perishables, minerals, and mail services, this new venture positions JetSMART Airlines as a key player in strengthening South America’s cargo connectivity to global markets. This agreement also represents the first TCM contract outside Europe with a local airline, further cementing ECS Group’s position as a trusted leader in Total Cargo Management worldwide.
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