As the global logistics landscape evolves, three industry leaders—Smart Cargo, Wiremind, and WestJet—redefines the air cargo industry with groundbreaking technologies and strategic foresight.
Their collective focus on the US market, digital transformation, and e-commerce is reshaping operations and unlocking new opportunities across diverse markets.
Smart Cargo, under the leadership of Olivier Houri, leverages cutting-edge technology to optimize air cargo logistics. From its success with Azul Express in Brazil to its partnership with Delta Cargo in the U.S., Smart Cargo is a testament to how digital platforms can revolutionize e-commerce logistics. With innovations like AI-powered capacity forecasting and end-to-end cross-border solutions, the company is not only driving efficiency but also preparing airlines for a future where e-commerce constitutes over 50% of air cargo.
Wiremind, spearheaded by Guillermo Medina Moralejo, is harnessing artificial intelligence to enhance operational efficiency. Their AI-driven platform, CargoStack Optimizer, offers tools such as precise capacity forecasting and real-time data integration. With robust presence in the U.S., Wiremind’s solutions address the complexities of e-commerce logistics, helping carriers like United Airlines maximize revenue potential and operational agility.
WestJet, led by Kirsten de Bruijn, exemplifies adaptability in the North American aviation sector. Expanding its cargo network and embracing digital tools like Wiremind’s forecasting solutions, WestJet is bridging gaps in Canada’s high-cost operational environment. Its focus on transborder and Latin American markets positions it as a key player in fulfilling e-commerce demands.
Together, these companies are tackling the challenges of the U.S. market head-on while pushing the boundaries of innovation and global connectivity. By embracing collaboration and leveraging their deep understanding of market dynamics, they are reshaping the air cargo industry.
As they grow into new markets, their forward-thinking strategies are setting the stage for a future defined by seamless, efficient, and integrated logistics.
Smart Cargo is Leading the Way in E-Commerce Innovation
The world of air cargo is undergoing a seismic shift, driven by the rapid rise of e-commerce and a global demand for streamlined logistics. At the forefront of this transformation is Smart Cargo, a leading platform provider redefining the industry through cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions. Olivier Houri, Executive Vice President at Smart Cargo sheds light on the digital transformation, its impact on global markets, and the future of air cargo.
The Digital Revolution in Air Cargo
“Digital transformation isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the foundation of our approach,” Houri begins. Smart Cargo’s integrated platform offers a comprehensive air cargo management solution used across regions from Argentina to Canada. The system is especially notable for its adaptability to the burgeoning e-commerce sector. For example, Azul Express in Brazil, a Smart Cargo client since 2019, dominates the domestic market with a 40% share, surpassing industry giants like UPS and DHL.
“In Brazil alone, Azul processes approximately 3 million packages a month—equivalent to the annual operations of some major U.S. airlines,” Houri notes. This success underscores the efficiency of Smart Cargo’s platform, which processes large-scale bookings with unparalleled speed and accuracy. “Amazon, for instance, can submit 8,000 bookings simultaneously, and our system processes them at 200 bookings per minute.”
Unlocking Revenue Potential in the US Market
While the U.S. air cargo market presents unique challenges, it also offers untapped opportunities. “In North America, major airlines often operate with an average domestic cargo load factor of just 15%,” Houri explains. Smart Cargo’s solutions help airlines capitalize on this unused capacity, turning it into a revenue stream through e-commerce parcel distribution.
One standout initiative is Smart Cargo’s partnership with Delta Cargo to launch DeliverDirect, a service tailored for retailers like Macy’s and Saks. “Since its launch, DeliverDirect has surpassed expectations, handling over 100,000 packages monthly,” says Houri. By integrating advanced logistics into the domestic market, Smart Cargo is helping U.S. airlines tap into the e-commerce boom.
A Changing Global Landscape
As e-commerce reshapes global trade, Smart Cargo’s focus extends beyond North America. The company is addressing capacity constraints, particularly for shipments originating in Asia. “The rapid growth of manufacturing hubs like India and Vietnam is changing the dynamics,” Houri observes. E-commerce now constitutes 30% of air cargo globally, with projections suggesting it will exceed 50% by 2030.
Smart Cargo’s technological solutions empower airlines to manage factory-to-door logistics, capturing the full value chain. “A two-kilo shipment might cost $12 to transport, but airlines typically earn just $2,” Houri explains. “Our platform enables them to claim the full $12 by managing every step of the process.”
Innovation at the Core
Innovation has always been central to Smart Cargo’s strategy. The company integrates AI and machine learning to optimize capacity forecasting, pricing, and plane loading efficiency. “We differentiate between progression and true innovation,” Houri emphasizes. One such breakthrough is their end-to-end cross-border e-commerce solution, now utilized by Emirates for global logistics.
“Cross-border e-commerce accounts for 20% of global e-commerce,” says Houri. “Managing it involves navigating customs and regulations while ensuring delivery within strict timelines. Our platform is designed to handle these complexities seamlessly.”
Collaborating for Efficiency
Infrastructure challenges remain a key concern in air cargo, particularly as e-commerce demands faster turnaround times. Smart Cargo addresses these issues by working closely with airports and logistics partners to streamline operations. “We offload tasks like labeling and consolidation outside airport premises to avoid congestion,” Houri explains. This approach enhances efficiency while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
On the delivery end, Smart Cargo collaborates with first-mile providers to handle deconsolidation and distribution away from airports, maintaining smooth operations throughout. “Our goal is to increase cargo volumes without straining existing infrastructure,” Houri asserts.
The Road Ahead
Smart Cargo’s role in reshaping the air cargo industry is evident in its global impact and commitment to innovation. As e-commerce continues to grow, the company is well-positioned to lead the next wave of transformation. “We’re not just helping our clients adapt; we’re helping them thrive,” Houri concludes.
In a world where speed and efficiency define success, Smart Cargo is setting the standard for what’s possible in air logistics. By combining technological expertise with a deep understanding of market dynamics, the company is not just responding to change—it’s driving it.
flydubai Cargo, the cargo division of the Dubai-based carrier, has announced today its partnership with cargo.one to launch its very first digital sales on the leading booking platform.
Freight forwarders will soon gain instant digital access to flydubai Cargo’s capacity which includes convenient interline routes through its interline agreements and partnerships with other airlines. flydubai Cargo will target cargo.one’s global community of freight forwarders in 121 countries, offering customers a seamless digital experience.
Launched in 2012, flydubai Cargo has a global operation that spans more than 150 destinations in 53 countries across Africa, Central Asia, the Caucasus, Central and South-East Europe, the GCC and the Middle East, the Indian Subcontinent and South East Asia. Since the start of 2024, the carrier has expanded its network with the start of operations to Al Jouf and The Red Sea in Saudi Arabia, Basel in Switzerland, Islamabad and Karachi in Pakistan, Kerman and Kish Island in Iran, Langkawi and Penang in Malaysia as well as Mombasa in Kenya.
From its home in Dubai, flydubai operates a young and efficient fleet of 88 Boeing 737 aircraft. The carrier shares an integrated network collaboration and coordinated scheduling through its partnerships with ground-handling agents, interline agreements and service providers to ensure the secure and efficient transportation of cargo throughout the entire journey. For freight forwarders, flydubai Cargo offers the reliability and convenience of high frequency services from Dubai to destinations such as Beirut, Colombo, Doha and Salalah. Shipments can be transferred from one flydubai Cargo flight to another in as little as one hour from arrival in Dubai.
Mohamed Hassan, Senior Vice President of Airport Services & Cargo at flydubai, comments, “At flydubai, we have a long-standing commitment to creating free flows in trade and adopting best-in-class practices in the industry and we are pleased to reaffirm this with the launch of our digitalized sales. Our partnership with cargo.one will enable us to grow our cargo market reach and ensure the most efficient and user-friendly booking experience for our customers around the world.”
Moritz Claussen, Founder & Co-CEO of cargo.one, added, “We are delighted to be the partner flydubai Cargo trusts to bring its digital sales strategy to life and we look forward to applying our market experience and digital best practices to support its exciting growth. Through the partnership, our freight forwarding customers will gain fast and exclusive access to flydubai’s unique cargo offering.”
Through cargo.one, flydubai Cargo will be able to expand its sales across a global footprint, growing its presence in more markets and achieving new levels of sales efficiency and market responsiveness. cargo.one is the market leader in bringing airlines into digital distribution, and partners with the majority of Middle Eastern carriers to continually optimize their sales success.
The partnership with cargo.one further strengthens flydubai Cargo’s digitalization program, delivering freight forwarders enhanced quoting and booking efficiency and a seamless end to end experience. In addition, the carrier will be able to apply years of digital sales expertise and ensure their cargo capacities across all relevant markets.
From Autumn 2024, freight forwarders using cargo.one will be able to book flydubai Cargo capacity for General Cargo across its global network.
Textron Aviation has delivered the first ever Cessna SkyCourier twin-engine utility turboprop equipped with a Combi interior conversion option.
The aircraft was delivered to Everts Air, a Part 135 operator serving passenger, cargo and charter demand throughout Alaska. Everts is also a Part 121 operator, providing cargo and on-demand charter throughout North, Central and South America, as well as the Caribbean Islands.
The aircraft will join the Everts Air Alaska 135 fleet, which also includes a Cessna SkyCourier freighter variant and six Cessna Caravans.
“The Cessna SkyCourier’s new Combi option demonstrates the aircraft’s ability to meet the versatile mission profiles of our customers around the world,” said Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president, sales and flight operations at Textron Aviation.
“We are grateful that longtime Cessna customers like Everts Air recognize the value in our products as business tools and their capability in serving customers.”
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) granted certification for the SkyCourier Combi interior configuration in May.
The recently certified option adds more flexibility to the 19-seat passenger variant of the aircraft by allowing operators to modify the interior to accommodate passengers and cargo at the same time.
In addition to the existing gravel kit and full freighter conversion options, the Combi conversion expands the aircraft’s variety of use in global markets.
“I look at the Cessna SkyCourier as a next generation aircraft for Bush Alaska,” said Robert Everts, owner of Everts Air. “The SkyCourier Combi will allow us to be flexible and serve the unique needs of citizens in remote communities. Along with offering the reliability of a Cessna, the aircraft is highly adaptable and the ultimate solution for air freight and passenger support in Alaska.”
American Airlines Cargo has continued the rollout of its capacity onto third-party booking portals through a new partnership with CargoAi.
The partnership will see American Airlines Cargo integrate its capacity onto CargoAi’s CargoMART booking portal.
The platform provides real-time capacity & rate visibility, quoting, e-booking, and track and trace functionalities.
The platform’s 16,000 freight forwarder users will also be able to compare flight options by carbon emissions, track CO2 emissions at a shipment level and purchase sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
The move is in addition to the airline’s own booking portal and its existing partnerships with WebCargo and cargo.one.
“Partnering with CargoAI is a significant step on our modernisation journey,” said Greg Schwendinger, president of American Airlines Cargo in a press release.
“We are excited to expand our network and capacity onto an innovative platform like CargoMART and provide customers with a new digital solution for doing business with us.”
Matt Petot, chief executive of CargoAi, added: “This partnership underscores our commitment to providing our users with best-in-class digital solutions that optimize their operations and drive efficiency in the air cargo industry.”
Hermes Logistics Technologies (HLT) has successfully upgraded Etihad Airport Services Cargo’s hub in Abu Dhabi to the latest version of its Hermes cargo management system (CMS), following a contract renewal that will also see the airline utilize the Hermes Business Intelligence add-on.
Hermes 5 is HLT’s latest function-rich cargo management system and forms the core of the Hermes Ecosystem, a suite of pay-as-you-go cargo management solutions that include Business Intelligence, Track & Trace, and a Learning Management System, among others.
“We are pleased to see Etihad Airport Services Cargo going live with our latest Hermes 5 on-premises in Abu Dhabi. We have worked with the company since 2015, and our teams have collaborated closely on this implementation to ensure a smooth switch-over,” said Yuval Baruch, Chief Executive Officer of Hermes Logistics Technologies.
“In addition to the operational efficiency and new functionality of the upgraded CMS, EASC will benefit from an enhanced version of Hermes Business Intelligence, a comprehensive dashboard reporting tool based on Hermes’ extensive data lakes.
“The combination of these solutions will help the company with operational insight so it can make better-informed decisions.”
The HLT team worked with EASC, both on and offsite, to reduce downtime at the Abu Dhabi cargo hub during the upgrade and ensure service stability following the switchover.
“Our upgrade to Hermes 5 has been a success, owing to the strong collaboration between Hermes Logistics Technologies and our teams,” said Naresh Ranganathan, Acting Vice President at Etihad Airport Services Cargo.
“We were able to complete the process ahead of schedule, thereby minimising downtime for our air cargo operations and enabling us to seamlessly resume normal business operations.
“The inclusion of the Business Intelligence function will help us better understand where operational efficiencies can be made, so we can provide efficient cargo handling services at our hub for all airlines operating into Zayed International Airport.”
EASC’s contract renewal and upgrade are the latest sign-ups to Hermes 5 and the Hermes Ecosystem, reflecting the cargo handling industry’s shift towards increasing digitalization.
Recent commitments will see Hermes’ newest technology deployed at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Cairo International Airport and a number of Portuguese airports.
The Hermes Business Intelligence add-on is scheduled to go live with Etihad Airport Services Cargo in June 2024.
BlueBox Systems, one of the leading developers of intelligent air freight tracking solutions, has gained a new customer for its state-of-the-art air freight tracking programming interface: Logicsols. The platform of the digital logistics solution provider from New York, USA, allows its customers to manage their entire logistics operations, including features like shipment visibility, data analysis, and document legalization. Logicsols can now integrate BlueBox Systems’ tracking data into its own platform and offers its customers even more accurate data.
The enhanced data availability has convinced Saif Uddin, Digital Delivery Leader at Logicsols: “BlueBox Systems offers a wider range of data points for air freight shipments compared to other providers.” This includes real-time location updates, weather impact information and potential delays due to customs clearance, for example. BlueBox Systems boasts a comprehensive global network for air freight tracking and delivers tracking data of more than 130 airlines, 1600 airports and about 40 million status updates per day, which is another reason for Logicsols to choose the Bonn-based company.
A third decisive factor is the excellent data quality. “This is especially important for us, so we can offer our customers a clear and dependable picture of their air freight movements”, says Saif Uddin. “We’ve also trust BlueBox Systems because of its proven track record and its strong reputation within the air freight industry.” Another advantage: the seamless API integration.
Due to the API solution, the applications of BlueBox Systems and Logicsols can communicate independently and exchange data in real-time. This enables customers to gain important information about ETA changes or delays. Carriers gain access to real-time shipment data to optimize routes, reduce costs and allocate resources efficiently. Manufacturers can get up-to-date shipment tracking information to plan production and proactively manage inventory. All parties along the supply chain can retrieve the most up-to-date and efficiently accurate information. At the same time, the API solution ensures end-to-end data security by providing controlled data access allowing only authorized parties to access and use shared information, safeguarding sensitive cargo details and maintaining the supply chain integrity.
“Our robust API allows for swift and straightforward integration, empowering business with real-time air and ocean freight visibility,” says Martin Schulze, CEO of BlueBox Systems. “We provide a user-friendly and efficient API integration that ensures a smooth data flow and minimizes technical challenges for our customers.”
Logicsols is one of many companies like Siemens Digital Solutions, 4Flow, Thinkprime, Klog or Otonomi, who are already successfully using the API solution of BlueBox Systems and offer their customers unrivaled data quality.
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has published its preliminary traffic statistics for March 2024.
The carrier welcomed more than 1.4 million guests onboard and saw its passenger load factor average out at 84 per cent across the month.
“In March 2024 we saw a 43 per cent year-on-year growth in customer numbers as we continue our growth strategy,” said Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways. “Our year-to-date (YTD) passenger figures at 4.3 million are 41 per cent higher than at YTD March 2023.
“Our latest seasonal expansion in routes and frequencies has boosted Etihad’s weekly flights by 34 per cent, rising from 642 in 2023 to 866 in the peak June-July 2024 season, expanding our network and improving global connectivity.
“We continued to announce further growth to our network, including unveiling Al Qassim as our fourth destination in Saudi Arabia, and further frequences on our European network. These include double-daily flights to Frankfurt and Rome, offering morning and afternoon departures, strengthening our operations with convenient schedules.”
At the end of last month (October), Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) – operator of Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) – signed an agreement with China’s Dongguan Port Group to establish a joint venture for the development of a novel sea-air intermodal transshipment facility.
HKIA Dongguan Logistics Park will be the world’s first sea-air intermodal transshipment site in which a logistics park is directly connected to an airport’s airside environment.
Such a sea-air intermodal transshipment arrangement will enable cargo security screening, palletisation and airline acceptance for export cargo of the Greater Bay Area (GBA) to be completed upstream in Dongguan in compliance with Hong Kong’s air cargo regulations before the cargo is shipped by sea to Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) and then for directly flown to overseas destinations as transshipments cargo.
Likewise, vice versa, international shipments can be imported to the GBA via HKIA and the logistics park. Compared to the existing model, the new transhipment arrangement is expected to save 50% of the cost and one-third of the processing time for cargo, HKIA said.
The pilot scheme was launched in April this year and the annual handling capacity of the site is forecast to reach over a million tonnes upon completion of the first phase of development (which is to cover an area of 20 hectares).
Digitalised and highly automated facilities and equipment are planned to be installed and employed at the logistics park, including autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs) and customised containers.
AAHK has established a wholly-owned subsidiary for the planning, management and operation of the logistics park, in accordance with the agreement signed with Dongguan Port Group.
Cissy Chan, executive director, commercial at AAHK, believes that HKIA Dongguan Logistics Park will not only expand the hinterland for HKIA’s cargo business, but also bring “new growth opportunities for trade, logistics, and other relevant industries of Hong Kong and the entire GBA.
“We believe this project can further strengthen HKIA’s role as a double gateway connecting the GBA with the world,” she declared.
IAG Cargo has officially opened a new cargo handling facility at London Heathrow Airport that enables it to more than double the amount of premium loose shipments it can handle daily.
Measuring over 10,000 m2, the semi-automated New Premia facility will serve as IAG Cargo’s new home for handling premium loose shipments.
To support the increase in cargo handling capacity, the facility features bespoke IT systems and systems integration to regulate freight movements and allocations.
It has been designed to be as efficient as possible, with 11 new landside doors, meaning even faster engagement for drivers to collect or drop off cargo.
The temperature-controlled building includes a state-of-the-art Constant Climate Quality Centre (CCQC) for pharmaceuticals, with 29 dedicated cool cells and temperature facilities available from +2°C to +8°C (COL), +15°C to +25°C (CRT) and -20°C (FRO) ensuring sensitive shipments are held in a temperature-controlled environment at all times.
Additionally, the +15°C to +25°C (CRT) chamber includes two dedicated break and build workstations. The new facility is certified under IAG Cargo’s Good Distribution Practice (GDP) WDA license issued by the UK Medicines & Healthcare Regulatory Agency.
Operationally, four large ‘transfer vehicles’ have been introduced which service the 20 new break and build workstations. These vehicles pass through the 11 rapid-rise delivery doors allowing cargo to be moved autonomously through the facility and into storage in advance of collection and delivery to the aircraft for exports and similarly the process works in reverse for imports.
This process uses ground-breaking technology as the system is fully integrated with IAG Cargo’s existing Warehouse Management System – which is the first time globally that this integration has been delivered.
David Shepherd, chief executive at IAG Cargo, said: “The opening of New Premia is a pivotal milestone for IAG Cargo – the benefits it will bring both to our customers and our operational teams is huge.
“We strive to provide the best service for our customers and the investment into our IT systems will improve our operational performance, optimizing the movement of cargo to support global trade.”
Charter carrier Texel Air has launched a new airline in New Zealand that will cater for domestic demand before expanding to offer services to Australia.
The new Auckland-headquartered airline named Texel Air Australia commenced operations this week utilizing a Boeing 737-800BFC (ZK-TXE).
The ACMI operator plans to add a further two 737-800BFC aircraft by the end of the year.
The aircraft was transferred over from Texel Air’s Bahrain airline earlier this year.
The airline will initially carry out charter services for Parceline Express, a subsidiary of Freightways and New Zealand Post.
Texel Air Bahrain had been operating the service utilizing a 737-300 classic while the new airline was established.
The airline was established by John Chisholm who is chairman of Chisholm Enterprises Group and subsidiary airlines Texel Air and Texel Air Australasia.
“John Chisholm established Texel Air Australasia in 2023 after seeing a gap in the airfreight charter market for a customer-focused airline in Australasia,” the airline’s website reads.
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