Frankfurt-Hahn Airport and Somon Air are now working together strategically as part of a cooperation. The operating companies TRIWO Hahn Airport GmbH and LLC Air Company Somon Air signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, on May 7, 2025.
Both sides have set themselves the goal of developing passenger and cargo traffic between Tajikistan and Hahn Airport and pooling their expertise and resources as part of the cooperation. The parties have agreed not to disclose the details of the agreement.
“The cooperation with Somon Air fits seamlessly into our strategy of continuously expanding Hahn Airport’s route network and opening up new markets,” says Ruediger Franke, Managing Director of Frankfurt-Hahn Airport. Abdulkosim Valiev, CEO of Somon Air, adds: “This strategic alliance is an important step for Somon Air to expand its presence in Germany.”
Somon Air was founded in 2008 and is a member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The fleet currently consists of six Boeing 737-800 and Boeing 737-900 aircraft. Somon Air currently operates regular flights between Tajikistan and Germany, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, China, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Iran, India, Russia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
Hahn Airport is an international commercial airport in the heart of Europe. The airport was recently able to significantly increase its passenger numbers: around 1.9 million passengers used the airport in 2024. This corresponds to an increase of around twelve percent compared to 2023. In the first quarter of 2025, Hahn Airport counted more than 440,000 passengers (around 30 percent more) and around 22,000 tons of air freight (up eight percent).
Frankfurt-Hahn Airport has many years of expertise as a cargo location and is one of the few airports in Germany with a 24-hour operating permit. Thanks to its location in the heart of Europe, Hahn Airport offers access to other major economic markets: Trucks can, for example, transport cargo onwards from Hahn to the Netherlands, Belgium or France within a few hours.
Pharma Logistics Winter University concluded its inaugural session in Abu Dhabi. The event brought together over 40 participants, including students from the University of Antwerp. It also featured Etihad Cargo’s PharmaLife Champions and key representatives from dnata and Kuehne+Nagel.
The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), Etihad Cargo, Pharma.Aero, the University of Antwerp, and Khalifa University co-founded the event. It featured an immersive five-day programme designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders in pharmaceutical logistics.
The programme was held from 3–7 February 2025 at Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi. It blended academic instruction with practical site visits. These included tours of RAFED, ADCAN Pharma, and Etihad Cargo’s state-of-the-art pharma hub at Zayed International Airport. Participants gained first-hand insights into the region’s life sciences and healthcare ecosystem. They also explored the latest innovations in pharma supply chain solutions.
The programme featured a comprehensive series of sessions covering key aspects of pharmaceutical logistics. Participants explored the patient-centric healthcare ecosystem and gained insights into the roles of supply chain stakeholders and logistics modes. Sessions highlighted the UAE’s significant investments in life sciences infrastructure, cold chain management monitoring, and advanced control tower technologies. Other key topics included the latest developments in the UAE and global life sciences sectors. It also covered quality management practices and logistics certification processes. The discussion also covered the complexities of distribution, warehousing, and last-mile logistics.
Emerging areas like cell and gene therapy, oncology, and vaccines received special focus. This reflects their growing importance in shaping the future of pharma logistics. Participants who successfully completed the programme earned 3 European Credit Transfers (ECTS). They also received a micro-credential certificate, reinforcing their academic and professional credentials.
The Pharma Logistics Winter University provided a unique platform for students, management trainees, and junior professionals. They addressed real-world logistics challenges through workshops, case studies, and expert-led discussions. Collaboration and knowledge-sharing were at the forefront. This reinforced the programme’s mission to drive innovation and inspire future leaders in pharmaceutical logistics.
Frank Van Gelder, Secretary General of Pharma.Aero, reflected on the success of the program and its long-term vision, stating: “With this inaugural edition, we have seen firsthand the value of industry-academic collaboration in preparing the next generation of pharma logistics leaders. By bringing together academic institutions, industry experts, and young talent, we are not only addressing current workforce challenges but also equipping the sector with highly skilled professionals who can navigate its evolving complexities. As a global collaborative platform, Pharma.Aero is committed to strengthening and expanding this initiative in the years ahead, fostering innovation, driving sustained impact, and further solidifying a worldwide network of expertise.”
Dr. Asma Ibrahim Al Mannaei, the Executive Director of the Health Life Sciences Sector at the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), said:“The successful completion of the programme reflects Abu Dhabi’s commitment to advancing healthcare logistics and innovation in pharmaceutical supply chains. As the healthcare sector regulator, we proudly support initiatives that strengthen the Emirate’s position as a global leader in life sciences. Now set to become an annual event, we look forward to continuing our role in shaping the future of pharma logistics. By equipping professionals with the expertise to drive advancements in critical areas like cold chain management, cell and gene therapy, and oncology, we reaffirm our commitment to a resilient, forward-thinking healthcare ecosystem”
Stanislas Brun, Vice President Cargo at Etihad Cargo, said: “Etihad Cargo is proud to have co-founded the Pharma Logistics Winter University. This initiative highlights the carrier’s commitment to developing the next generation of pharmaceutical logistics leaders and driving innovation in cold chain management. Etihad Cargo remains dedicated to collaborating with industry partners to support Abu Dhabi’s development as a global hub for healthcare and life sciences.”
Professor Dr Roel Gevaers, Chair of the Pharma Logistics Winter University, commented: “As Chair of the Pharma Logistics Winter University, I am extremely proud of the very first edition held in Abu Dhabi. This event would not have been possible without the invaluable support of our key partners: Pharma.Aero, Etihad Cargo, the Department of Health, Khalifa University, and Rafed. The overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants, with an approval rating of 5.97 out of 6 on content and organization, confirms the event’s success. As a result, we have signed an MOU with all involved parties to continue organizing the Pharma Logistics Winter University until at least 2030, ensuring a lasting impact on pharma logistics education and innovation in the UAE.”
Professor Ernesto Damiani, Dean, College of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, and Director, Center for Cyber-Physical Systems (C2PS), Khalifa University, added: “The Pharma Logistics Winter University was a key opportunity to bring advanced topics in pharma logistics to the attention of international practitioners and decision makers. I am proud of the contributions of Khalifa University’s top AI and cybersecurity experts to the Pharma Logistics Winter School’s team effort of advancing pharma logistics technology and ensuring security in pharma management. Even more, I enjoyed the quality of the interaction with the participants, achieving a benchmark for industry excellence.”
Also Read: FedEx Launches AI-Powered FedEx Surround® Solution in UAE.
The week-long programme culminated in a gala event. The event celebrated an incredible week of learning, collaboration, and innovation in the pharma logistics industry. The gala brought together industry leaders, academics, and regulators, and was also attended by special guests Consul Sarah Gerard from the Embassy of Belgium and Samer Al Zamil, Chief Commercial Officer at RAFED UAE. Participants were awarded certificates for successfully completing the five-day programme.
Looking ahead, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been announced. It will continue hosting the Pharma Logistics Winter University annually in Abu Dhabi for the next five years. The programme plans to expand to accommodate up to 80 participants and develop a full-year master’s programme within two years. The future of pharma logistics education in Abu Dhabi looks brighter than ever.
The success of this year’s programme further strengthens Abu Dhabi’s position as a global hub for healthcare and life sciences. It is driven by innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to nurturing the next generation of industry leaders.
SolitAir specializes in airport-to-airport logistics, leveraging its strategic location in Dubai South and its focus on service excellence. Committed to sustainability, the company has invested in electric aircraft and green practices, aligning with global net-zero goals.
Mr. Hamdi Osman, the visionary Founder & CEO of SolitAir, is a trailblazer in the logistics and supply chain world. With an illustrious career spanning decades, including pivotal leadership roles at FedEx, he has earned a reputation for redefining industry standards.
Hamdi’s knack for strategic thinking and operational excellence has been the driving force behind his success in streamlining logistics processes and fostering global connectivity.
He plans to expand into 22 cities across Africa by 2028. Following this, the focus will shift to establishing a strong presence in the Indian subcontinent, the ‘-stan’ countries, the GCC region, and the broader Middle East, extending as far as Istanbul.
His journey is a testament to relentless innovation and adaptability in a dynamic global market. At SolitAir, he continues to lead with purpose, empowering businesses to navigate the complexities of modern logistics.
Join us as we explore Hamdi Osman’s inspiring story and gain valuable insights into the future of logistics, innovation, and staying ahead in an ever-evolving industry.
Can you provide a brief overview of SolitAir and its core mission in the air cargo industry?
As a newcomer to the industry, SolitAir is fully dedicated to focusing on the middle mile of air cargo logistics. We aim to work inclusively, serving integrators, e-commerce businesses, freight forwarders, and airlines. These groups represent our primary clientele, as SolitAir operates as a B2B provider specializing in airport-to-airport logistics.
While our role ends at the middle mile, we collaborate with partners to ensure the continuity of the supply chain beyond our scope. Our mission is centered on supporting the express industry and catering to specialized cargo needs, including dangerous goods, pharmaceuticals, oversized shipments, and other unique requirements within the air cargo sector.
What has been your guiding vision for SolitAir since its inception, and how have you worked to bring that vision to life?
I spent 34 years with FedEx, and when I retired a decade ago, I thought my journey in this industry was complete. However, the world changed dramatically in 2020, and by 2021, air cargo emerged as a savior for the airline industry, sustaining it through challenging times. That shift captured my attention—and likely the attention of many airline CEOs globally.
A few of my colleagues and friends who lead airlines reached out, asking if I could assist on the cargo side. It felt like the right time to revisit this space. As I looked deeper, I realized that certain areas of the industry were fragmented, and others were in need of innovation.
With my experience, expertise, and the talented team I’ve assembled over the past six months, I believe SolitAir can address these gaps. This vision has been in the works for two and a half years, and the progress we’ve made in just the last three months reinforces that there’s significant potential for SolitAir to grow and make a meaningful impact in the industry.
Given your strategic location in Dubai South near World Central, what key operational challenges do you foresee in the coming years?
Having two airports in the same city is unique, but within a two-hour radius, there are four or five airports competing for business. This proximity creates challenges, especially in the air cargo industry, which is highly price-sensitive. Even a difference of a penny or a cent can influence decisions, leading customers to favor airports with lower operating costs.
However, where I come from—my time at FedEx—we always believed that price should come last. What truly matters is service. It’s all about providing exceptional service, consistently, and prioritizing the people behind it.
In my view, success boils down to two key components: people and service. The people you bring into your organization are the driving force—they’re the engine. And when you pair a strong team with outstanding service, pricing naturally falls into place.
With the rise of e-commerce, how has SolitAir implemented key operational and logistical strategies to connect 50 cities within a six-hour radius for on-time delivery?
To achieve this milestone, I focus on three critical elements, all centered around selecting the right partners.
First, it’s about surrounding yourself with the right people—starting with investors who believe in your vision and are willing to fuel your dreams.
Second, you need a team that can help shape your vision, mission, and core values. This foundation is vital for long-term success.
Third, and equally important, is carefully selecting your customers. In our industry, relationships are everything. Once you build trust with someone, they often become a lifelong connection.
I have a saying I share with my team, something I hope will be remembered for years to come: ‘Lose the sale, make a friend.’ Sales come and go, but friendships are enduring. When you create genuine relationships, you establish a foundation for lasting success.
Can you share more details about the launch of SolitAir’s charter flight services, including key milestones and timelines?
Absolutely! Our journey into charter flight services began with the arrival of our first aircraft on September 30th. We conducted our inaugural test flight to Riyadh on October 1st, 2024, which was a resounding success and marked our first integration flight.
Following that, we completed another successful test flight to Dhaka, Bangladesh, and our third destination was Mumbai, which was completed during the last of the October 2024.
With these milestones, we’re proud to establish connections from DWC (Dubai World Central) to three countries—Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, and India. These flights are just the beginning of what we envision as a broader network of charter services.
How is SolitAir promoting sustainability in line with the UAE’s net-zero goal by 2030, while ensuring environmentally friendly operations and sustainable profits?
When I began exploring this space two years ago, I was fortunate to connect with a company specializing in electric aircraft. Unfortunately, I was just a week late to sign a Letter of Intent (LOI) with them, as DHL, a larger player, had already secured the agreement.
Still, I managed to sign an LOI for 12 electric aircraft from a U.S.-based company, which is expected to launch its first electric planes by 2026. These aircraft will be integrated into our network. Additionally, I negotiated with another company developing electric planes slated to take flight by early 2027. With them, I’ve signed an LOI for five more aircraft.
Even before our first aircraft, a 737-800 from Dublin, touched down, we had already taken proactive steps toward sustainability. I constantly remind my team to stay focused on what matters most. For us, that means achieving 100% compliance with all rules and regulations by 2027, not just in the UAE but across the GCC, especially in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
Looking ahead, we are also focused on expanding operations beyond the GCC to the Indian subcontinent and Africa, ensuring our commitment to sustainability extends across all markets we serve.
What are SolitAir’s key objectives for the next five years, and where do you envision the company in 2028?
By the end of 2028, my dream is for SolitAir to have full coverage across Africa. This means establishing five operational hubs within the continent. The inspiration behind the name SolitAir actually has a unique story. It originated from the word ‘solitaire,’ symbolizing the ring. However, a few years ago, when my daughter was just 11, she suggested dropping the ‘E’ from the name to simplify it. That’s how SolitAir was born, and it’s the name you see on our brand today.
In terms of expansion, our plan is to cover 22 cities in Africa by 2028. Beyond that, we aim to establish our presence across the Indian subcontinent, the ‘-Stan’ countries, the GCC region, and the broader Middle East, stretching as far as Istanbul.
As the saying goes, ‘the brain is the limit’. In aviation, we often say ‘the sky is the limit,’ but I believe it’s our minds that set the true boundaries. Currently, the global air cargo market handles 66 million tons annually, and projections suggest this could rise to 75 million tons in five years. Within our operating regions, the current volume is around 16 million tons, expected to grow to 20 million tons or more. If this growth rate of approximately 17% persists, the figure could even exceed 22 or 25 million tons by 2028.
My goal is for SolitAir to capture 0.5% of this market. While airlines like Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, and Turkish Air Cargo dominate with their wide-body aircraft, SolitAir will focus on narrow-body aircraft. Our aim is to be the fastest – both on the ground and in the air – ensuring quick turnarounds and delivering the speed and service that our customers demand today.
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.”
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
