TCE is the first and only company in the industry to offer airlines and GSAs a comprehensive portfolio of independent outsourcing and supervision services relating to all areas of operational air cargo safety, security, and quality. It looks back on six highly successful years of delivering ‘Total Cargo Expertise’ to the air cargo market.
Increasing demands for security, compliance, and efficiency in the air cargo industry led to the founding of TCE, six years ago. The idea was to enable the outsourcing of all operational, compliance, and security aspects to an expert air cargo team, so that airlines and GSAs could continue to focus fully on their core business in a rapidly changing environment.
“TCE was designed to eliminate major obstacles in air cargo management,” says Sarah Scheibe, Managing Director of TCE. “Increasing cargo volumes make managing flows more complex. Add to this the risk of cargo security incidents through certain commodities, mishandling or theft and damage, and constantly evolving customs regulations, and airlines are often faced with a lack of internal resources and expertise to cope with these challenges. With TCE, we seek to solve these problems, taking away the risk of cargo or customs non-compliance, ensuring proper handling of sensitive cargo, and minimizing errors and delays through careful handling and loading supervision.”
TCE has since established itself as a highly competent service partner catering to airlines, GSSAs, and logistics and air freight companies, and delivering professional solutions in the areas of quality, safety, and security. Located at Frankfurt/Main Airport, one of the world’s key cargo hubs, its team of fully certified ground control experts provides 24/7/365 support for a comprehensive portfolio of operational air cargo processes. These include supplier or handling management, customs reporting (ICS/ACE/AMS, etc.), security filing (PLACI/ACAS/ICS2), regulatory compliance, audits, risk assessments and quality assurance, training and certification support, sensitive cargo management, load plan creation and loading compliance, contract management, claim management, and cargo charter coordination, to name but a few. Certain functions, such as operational supervision, are offered both on-site at hub stations, and remotely. TCE ensures full security and regulatory compliance in all its services.
A steadily growing number of airlines, GSAs and air cargo logistics providers have placed their trust in TCE over the past six years. Today, the dedicated team of experts annually carries out more than 80 supplier and process audits and supervises around 225 cargo aircraft on site. On the customs side, it annually processes over 105,000 AWBs to 27 countries across 5 continents, with France, United States, Netherlands, Germany, and Canada heading the top of the list. In addition, TCE declares 4,000+ flights each year, and supervises around 86,000 AWBs and an annual average of 160,000 tons of cargo being moved through its 230+ contracted and audited handling agents at more than 230 airports around the globe. Over the years, shipments entrusted to TCE have flown to over 380 different destinations, of which the top 5 cargo airports are Frankfurt (FRA), Punta Cana (PUJ), Amsterdam (AMS), Bogota (BOG), and Cancun (CUN).
Also Read: Aerios Teams Up with GTA Air, Boosting Software Adoption.
“TCE is a completely neutral and independent business partner that can be relied upon to deliver professional air cargo support for a wide portfolio of services,” Sarah Scheibe, Managing Director of TCE, explains. “As an example of our scope: in just the past three years, aside from general cargo, TCE has also been responsible for the safe and stress-free transport for over 6,200 animals, more than 850 tons of pharmaceuticals, and 82,000 tons of flowers and other perishables. We are the only company in the air cargo industry to provide fully outsourced services on both operational tasks and supervision, resulting in smoother and more efficient cargo operations. And we are continuously improving to become even more dynamic, innovative, and customer centric. After all, every service quality enhancement translates into lower costs, greater efficiency and allows our airline and GSA clients even more time for their core business.”
ECS Group has announced that its Group IT department has achieved ISO 27001 certification. This marks a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to information security and operational efficiency. As a certified service provider, ECS Group’s IT tools and systems now operate under a globally recognized standard for information security management. This ensures that all affiliated entities benefit from enhanced protection, compliance, and performance.
ISO 27001 is considered the gold standard in information security. It demonstrates ECS Group’s dedication to implementing best-in-class technical and organizational measures. By adopting the Group IT solutions and applying the ECS IT Security Policy, entities across the network achieve alignment with the standard’s security objectives. These objectives include access control, data protection, business continuity, and risk management.
By achieving ISO 27001 certification, ECS Group strengthens its IT security and aligns with GDPR requirements. This ensures robust data protection through strict access controls, regular risk assessments, and full compliance with EU privacy standards.
This certification positions ECS Group as a reliable partner for airlines and logistics providers who require robust cybersecurity postures and compliance with international standards. “More and more airlines are requiring their partners to demonstrate compliance with ISO 27001 and other security frameworks,” says Jean Ceccaldi, CEO of ECS Group. “Our certification provides immediate assurance to clients and partners that we take information security seriously — and that we’re fully equipped to meet their expectations”.
The certification also enhances the reliability and resilience of ECS Group’s digital tools and operational processes. Certified IT services allow for predictable and efficient service delivery, reduced system downtime, and quicker incident response times. These are all critical components in ensuring business continuity and securing customer data.
Also Read: Etihad Cargo Boosts Main Deck Capacity 18% for China
In addition to ISO 27001, ECS Group also undergoes a regular SOC 2 Type 2 audit, further reinforcing its commitment to operational excellence and data protection. ISO 27001 focuses on building and maintaining a strong information security management system. SOC 2 Type 2 attests to the ongoing effectiveness of security controls. Together, these standards position ECS Group as a trusted partner for airlines and logistics companies worldwide.
This milestone reflects ECS Group’s broader digital strategy and ongoing commitment to continuous improvement. Through the implementation of internationally recognized standards like ISO 27001, ECS Group demonstrates its commitment to excellence. This approach continues to reinforce its leadership in the air cargo industry. It does so by delivering secure, scalable, and forward-thinking digital solutions to its partners and customers worldwide.
CargoAi, the leading digital air cargo platform, has announced a new partnership with Qantas Freight, Australia’s largest air freight provider. This collaboration aims to deliver enhanced efficiency and innovation to its customers.
This collaboration will see international capacity on selected Qantas and Jetstar flights now available on CargoAi’s CargoMART and CargoCONNECT solutions. It will open up e-booking opportunities on key trade lanes between Australia and the United States (US), United Kingdom (UK), and South Africa (ZA). Future destinations worldwide will follow.
Freight forwarders can now book Qantas Freight capacity via CargoAi’s ecosystem. They will also access real-time rates and a more streamlined booking process for greater operational efficiency. The partnership is part of Qantas Freight’s continued digital expansion as the carrier embraces cutting-edge technology. This helps better serve its global customers and meet the evolving demands of the air cargo industry.
Also Read: CargoTech: Providing Meaningful Recommendations to Navigate Volatile Markets.
Igor Kwiatkowski, Executive Manager Qantas Freight, said: “We’re proud to partner with CargoAi to digitize and simplify the air cargo procurement process for our customers and expand our global reach to CargoAi’s growing community of 18,000 freight forwarders. The platform’s innovative model will give our customers instant access to many of our international passenger and freighter services in and out of Australia and real-time visibility of our schedules, capacity and rates for a more streamlined booking experience.”
Through this partnership with CargoAi, Qantas Freight customers can now benefit from all the platform has to offer which include:
Matt Petot, CEO of CargoAi, added, “Having Qantas Freight on board is a tremendous milestone for CargoAi. This partnership not only adds significant value and reach to our users globally but also demonstrates Qantas Freight’s commitment to leveraging digital solutions to deliver the best possible service to its customers. The integration will ensure an easy transition for current Qantas Freight customers while offering easy access to its extensive network in critical markets like the US, UK, and South Africa.”
WestJet Cargo announces a Block Space Agreement with Virgin Atlantic from Toronto to London and beyond starting the 31st March.
This year-round partnership boosts cargo capacity between Canada’s East Coast, London, and Virgin Atlantic’s global network. This commercial partnership strengthens trade links between Canada and key destinations across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Virgin Atlantic serves numerous strategic cities from London Heathrow, including DEL, BOM, BLR, JNB, CPT, DXB, RUH, and LOS.
In addition, it signifies the airline’s return to the Canadian cargo market after more than two decades. The airline will leverage WestJet Cargo’s proven expertise to manage and sell this key route.
Starting in late March, WestJet Cargo will sell capacity on Virgin Atlantic’s wide-body flights from Toronto to London. The service will offer up to 20 tons of capacity per day. The partnership offers customers reliable access to WestJet Cargo’s and Virgin Atlantic Cargo’s full suite of services. Both carriers have established a strong track record in these areas. All shipments from Toronto will be moved under a WestJet Cargo Air Waybill (AWB) starting 838.
“Virgin Atlantic’s decision to entrust WestJet Cargo with managing this crucial route is a testament to our deep understanding of the Canadian market and our operational excellence. It’s a natural synergy with the same ground handling in both Toronto Pearson International and London Heathrow. We have a super team based in Toronto who are eager to make this commercial partnership a success for both carriers. Our specialized expertise in handling high-value commodities such as pharmaceuticals and valuables ensures that customers receive reliable, top-tier service, all while providing seamless access to Virgin Atlantic’s London service, and beyond” said Kirsten de Bruijn, Executive Vice President of WestJet Cargo.
“We’re thrilled to further enhance our commercial partnership with WestJet, leveraging their longstanding cargo expertise in the Canadian marketplace. This collaboration will ensure our customers across the region will have seamless access and added capacity throughout Virgin Atlantic’s global network,” said Nick Diesel, Managing Director, Virgin Atlantic Cargo. “Canada is an important market for us, and this partnership enables us to provide cargo solutions that support trade and business growth between Toronto, London and beyond.”
Also Read: SF Airlines Launches Urumqi-Islamabad Cargo Route.
Virgin Atlantic chose WestJet Cargo for this pivotal commercial partnership due to the carrier’s strong market presence, robust operational capabilities, and specialized handling proficiency. This partnership represents a renewed commitment by Virgin Atlantic to the Canadian cargo market, connecting inbound cargo via its state-of-the-art cargo facility at London Heathrow, and signals a new era of strategic growth and innovation for WestJet Cargo.
With this scalable commercial partnership model, WestJet Cargo is further establishing its role as a key player in the international cargo industry.
Globe Air Cargo Dominican Republic, a subsidiary of ECS Group, celebrates 20 years of supporting the country’s air cargo industry.
Over the past two decades, Globe Air Cargo has shaped the air cargo landscape in the Dominican Republic.
The company adapts to market demands and strengthens its role as a logistics hub through innovation, customer service, and efficiency.
Since its inception, Globe Air Cargo Dominican Republic has driven the modernization of the local air cargo sector.
The company excels with its team of experts who understand the Dominican market, regulations, and key players.
Their expertise enables them to navigate challenges, anticipate needs, and deliver tailored solutions that make an impact.
These local experts have strengthened relationships with exporters, freight forwarders, and airlines, ensuring smooth operations and growth.
Their global reach and local expertise have fostered long-term partnerships, including TCM contracts with TUI and Condor Airlines.
They also collaborate with Corsair and maintain trusted relationships with United Aviation Enterprise and Cargo Logistics.
Globe Air Cargo DR is a key logistics hub for shipments between Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
Punta Cana and Santo Domingo are key transit points for the company. It ensures smooth cargo movement to destinations such as the USA, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and England.
Its commitment to digital transformation and continuous operational enhancement keeps it at the forefront of an ever-evolving industry.
Also Read: SF Airlines Launches Urumqi-Islamabad Cargo Route.
Ivan Mejia, Managing Director of Globe Air Cargo Dominican Republic, has been at the heart of the company’s evolution since its inception. His leadership, industry expertise, and dedication to operational excellence have been instrumental in shaping the company’s trajectory. Reflecting on this milestone, Ivan Mejia shared: “Reaching 20 years is a testament to the trust and support of our clients, partners, and employees. This incredible journey of growth and learning inspires us to continue innovating and providing value to the air cargo community for years to come.”
Jean Ceccaldi, CEO of ECS Group, emphasized the importance of strong leadership in driving growth: “At ECS Group, we firmly believe that the strength of our subsidiaries lies in the dedication and vision of their managing directors. Ivan’s leadership and commitment have been key to the sustained development of Globe Air Cargo Dominican Republic. We celebrate his remarkable achievements and the contributions of his entire team over the past 20 years.”
As Globe Air Cargo Dominican Republic marks this historic milestone, it remains focused on expansion, digital innovation, and strengthening its partnerships. The company is determined to maintain the high standards of service that have been at the core of its success—ensuring a bright and prosperous future for the next 20 years and beyond. For more information on company, click here.
Messe München has announced the appointment of Bhupinder Singh, currently serving as CEO of Messe München India, as President IMEA (India, Middle East, Africa).
This strategic move reflects the Messe München’s commitment to fostering growth and driving innovation across these dynamic and fast-growing regions. The company is strengthening its strategic focus on the Indian, Middle Eastern and African regions by combining responsibility for this area into “IMEA” (India, Middle East, Africa).
Bhupinder Singh assumed the pivotal position of President IMEA on January 1, 2025. Since his appointment in 2016 as the CEO of Messe München India, he has successfully led the organization to become the second largest international subsidiary of the esteemed Messe München Group. In addition to his responsibility for India, Bhupinder Singh also oversees Messe München’s events in Africa.
With his new regional responsibilities, Bhupinder Singh will drive Messe München’s market entry in the Middle East.
At the same time, he will become a member of the Board of Directors of MMI Asia Singapore, Messe München’s umbrella organization for the regions of China, India, Africa and the Middle East.
“Bhupinder Singh is characterized by his strategic vision, his in-depth understanding of the dynamics of the trade fair industry and his exceptional leadership”, say the two CEO’s Stefan Rummel and Reinhard Pfeiffer: “He has already led our Indian subsidiary to extraordinary success and will now also establish our trade fairs in the Middle East.” His achievements are impressive: since 2016, Bhupinder Singh has expanded the company’s portfolio in India from seven to more than 20 events and almost quadrupled the company’s sales revenue.
Also Read: TAM Group Expands in Latin America with New Mexico Office.
“Leading the IMEA region is an opportunity to shape the future of trade fairs in some of the world’s most dynamic markets”, explains Bhupinder Singh, President IMEA Messe München: “By fostering innovation and building platforms for meaningful partnerships, we aim to drive transformative growth across India, Africa, and the Middle East.”
As one of the world’s leading trade fair organizers, Messe München presents the world of tomorrow at around 90 trade fairs worldwide. These include twelve of the world’s leading trade fairs such as bauma, BAU, IFAT and electronica.
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.
In an exclusive dialogue with Air Cargo Update’s Associate Publisher, Poonam Chawla, Dr. Raman Kumar, the pioneering Managing Director of Al-Futtaim Logistics, reveals the company’s groundbreaking strategies and its ascent to the zenith of industry excellence.
As the MENA region catapults onto the global stage as a pivotal player in air cargo, Dr. Kumar’s insights offer a captivating glimpse into the future of logistics. From cutting-edge 5G tracking systems to AI-powered document processing, Al-Futtaim Logistics is harnessing state-of-the-art technology to navigate the complexities of a post-pandemic world.
New Markets for Aerospace
How is the MENA region emerging as a key player in the global air cargo industry?
The air cargo industry is at a transformative juncture. Digitization, e-commerce and sustainability will remain pivotal in shaping its future. Companies that embrace these trends and invest in innovative solutions will lead the way.
The MENA region is on the cusp of becoming the epicenter of global air cargo operations. Airlines like Emirates, Qatar Airways and Saudia Cargo are driving this growth, supported by the region’s strategic location.
The geographical advantage allows for swift connections between Asia, Europe and the Americas. Goods often transition from sea to air in this region, facilitating rapid delivery to destinations worldwide. For example, Saudi Arabia’s central position enables quick deliveries to key markets within hours.
Visions like Saudi 2030 and the UAE’s development plans underscore the region’s potential. With strategic investments and advancements, the MENA region is poised for remarkable growth in the air cargo sector.
In 2025, we are expanding our aerospace logistics services to KSA, Kuwait and Oman and will be offering customers time critical freight and local services solutions. Over time, we have gained momentum through client recommendations. The services we will extend in these new markets includes freight solutions for AOGs, time critical parts from MROs, airlines and part suppliers, overcoming uncertainties and designing custom solutions to respond to the aerospace client’s pain points.
Al-Futtaim Logistics, being part of one of the largest automotive conglomerates in the UAE – Al-Futtaim Automotive, is poised to spearhead this charge into a more interconnected, efficient and sustainable future.
Secure Aerospace Logistics
Dr. Kumar, Al-Futtaim Logistics has recently secured the prestigious ASA-100 accreditation. Can you elaborate on the significance of this achievement?
Securing the ASA-100 accreditation is nothing short of a prestigious moment for Al-Futtaim Logistics. This accolade propels us into an elite echelon, as one of only five 3PL companies globally to hold this esteemed accreditation. It’s not merely a feather in our cap; it’s a resounding affirmation of our unwavering commitment to excellence in freight handling and security standards in aerospace logistics.
Al-Futtaim Logistics’ compliance with ASA-100 standards includes meticulous documentation control to ensure traceability and accountability for all aircraft parts. Rigorous inspections are conducted on inbound and outbound shipments to identify and address any hazardous materials, suspected unapproved parts, or counterfeit components. When such items are detected, Al-Futtaim Logistics swiftly notifies clients and implements quarantine and segregation procedures to maintain safety and quality standards.
How will this accreditation impact your clientele and operational paradigm?
For our customers, it means they can trust us to handle their freight with utmost care and precision, especially when it comes to safety of parts and products. This certification ensures that we meet and exceed industry standards, providing our clients with peace of mind and reliable service. It instills an unprecedented level of confidence in our ability to handle cargo with surgical precision and utmost care. This isn’t just a seal of approval; it’s an ironclad guarantee of reliability and excellence, equipping us to tackle the most formidable logistics challenges.
In what ways does the ASA-100 accreditation align with Al-Futtaim Logistics’ overarching strategy?
The ASA-100 accreditation serves as the cornerstone of our forward-thinking strategy. In the dynamic realm of logistics, stagnation is tantamount to regression. This certification acts as a springboard for perpetual innovation. We are not content with merely maintaining
standards; we are committed to continually raising the bar. Our goal isn’t just to participate in the logistics industry; it’s to reshape its very foundations.
Last Mile E-Commerce
How have customer expectations and logistics evolved in e-commerce over the last five years?
E-commerce has undergone a rapid transformation. What previously took decades to develop now evolves within a few years. If companies fail to adapt swiftly, competitors will overtake them.
Think about how straightforward it is to order items from anywhere in the world and receive them within a week, something that was unimaginable just a few years back. Today, this has become the norm, all thanks to improvements in last-mile logistics.
The global e-commerce companies have set new benchmarks by transitioning from e-commerce to becoming global logistics leaders. Their efficiency in digitization and innovation has become a model for others. At Al-Futtaim Logistics, we have introduced AI-driven solutions that automate document scanning and data extraction, reducing processing time from hours to minutes.
Last-mile delivery has also expanded from ground-based solutions to aerial logistics, showcasing the industry’s readiness to embrace innovation.
What role does collaboration play in shaping the future of the e-commerce industry?
Collaboration is essential for driving innovation in e-commerce. While e-commerce will coexist with traditional courier and logistics businesses, there will be a shift in balance. Traditional methods won’t disappear, as services like urgent shipments and fuel transport remain essential. Instead, the focus should be on fostering healthy competition and leveraging each company’s strengths to propel the industry forward.
Environmentally Conscious 3PL
Could you elaborate on Al-Futtaim Logistics team’s sustainability initiatives?
Sustainability is a cornerstone of our operations, aligning with the UAE’s net-zero emissions goal by 2050 and Al-Futtaim’s internal targets. We address sustainability through controllable and non-controllable factors. For instance, while we rely on shipping partners for fuel emissions, we actively manage our fleet operations.
Our initiatives include transitioning vehicles to biofuels like B5 and B100. The latter uses sustainably sourced raw materials, significantly improving our net-zero score. Additionally, we have incorporated electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid trucks into our fleet to further reduce emissions. To validate these efforts, we have partnered with Green Freight Asia for sustainability audits. After a rigorous three-year process, we are nearing the highest possible sustainability score. These efforts reflect our commitment to regulatory requirements and actionable sustainability targets.
Digitization
How is digitization transforming the cargo industry?
Digitization is streamlining operations and reducing manual processes in the cargo industry. We at Al-Futtaim Logistics have implemented digital initiatives like Yard Management System for better automotive logistics operations, leading to increased productivity. The adoption of digital technologies has enabled real-time ocean container tracking and improved communication between stakeholders in the supply chain.
Digital solutions are providing better visibility across the supply chain. Freight forwarders can now collect and analyze vast amounts of data about shipments, carriers and markets, leading to better decision-making in pricing, routing and risk management. Al-Futtaim Logistics has deployed new technologies in their systems for contract logistics, general transport and last-mile deliveries, increasing transparency in the entire supply chain.
The industry is moving towards paperless operations, with innovations like the electronic Bill of Lading (e-BoL) reducing administrative burdens, eliminating manual errors and accelerating the documentation process. Digitization is enabling freight forwarders to provide better customer service. Al-Futtaim Logistics’ e-commerce logistics platform offers last-mile delivery, assembly services and shipment tracking, prioritizing customer convenience.
What are the key challenges in the implementation of digitization?
One of the biggest challenges is the lack of standardization across the industry, making it difficult for businesses to exchange information and connect electronically. There is also a lack of integration between different software systems, hindering a complete view of the supply chain.
Implementing digital solutions requires significant investment in time and money, which can be a barrier for small and medium-sized businesses. The industry needs to adapt to and effectively utilize new technologies. This includes training staff and updating existing systems to work with new digital solutions. With increased digitization comes the need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive data and ensure compliance with privacy regulations.
While digitization presents challenges, Al-Futtaim Logistics is embracing these changes to improve its operations and service offerings. The industry as a whole is moving towards a more digitized future, with the potential for significant improvements in efficiency, visibility and customer satisfaction.
The logistics landscape is undergoing a seismic shift. How is Al-Futtaim Logistics staying ahead of the curve?
The world has significantly changed, especially after COVID, emphasizing the importance of adopting digital solutions. Consumers now demand instant availability of goods, whether essential items or aerospace components, pushing for seamless logistics.
In aviation, supply chain efficiency has become critical. We are not merely adapting to change; we are orchestrating it. Our advanced 5G-compatible tracking systems and AI-driven document processing are revolutionizing our modus operandi. We are transmuting raw data into actionable insights, slashing processing times from hours to mere minutes. This digital metamorphosis isn’t just about enhancing efficiency; it’s about redefining the boundaries of possibility in logistics.
What has been the biggest impact of digitization on your operational ecosystem?
Digitization has impacted us in many ways. First, it has increased operational costs. However, this is offset by improved resource planning and operational efficiency. Integrated systems ensure seamless data flow without manual intervention, streamlining the supply chain for customers and us.
About Aerospace Logistics at Al-Futtaim Logistics
| · Headquartered in the UAE
· Established in 1980 · Airside operations in major UAE airports · 24 x 7 AOG operations · ASA-100 accredited 3PL services · 65+ aerospace network member and 300+ stations · Own aerospace hubs in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Oman by 2025 · Centralized aerospace services, with global coverage and dynamic freight, haulage and storage solutions · Technicians Onboard Charters (TOC) · Winner of Emerging Aerospace Logistics award |
For more information on services, please contact contact@aflogistics.com
Royal Air Maroc Cargo, Morocco’s national airline, has reinforced its 15-year partnership with CHAMP Cargosystems by integrating Cargospot Mobile and Cargospot Handling.
With these new additions, Royal Air Maroc Cargo continues to strategically expand its CHAMP portfolio, effectively addressing critical challenges in the air cargo industry with solutions like Cargospot Airlines, Cargospot Handling, Traxon Global Security, and Traxon Global Commerce.
Implemented earlier in the year, Cargospot Mobile elevates RAM’s hub operations in Casablanca by putting Cargospot Handling in the hands of employees through mobile devices directly on the warehouse floor. This will equip Royal Air Maroc Cargo with live shipment status updates, data insights and safety mechanisms for the handling of dangerous goods, unlocking profound efficiency gains through enhanced connectivity and streamlined operations.
July marked another milestone with Royal Air Maroc Cargo’s successful deployment of Cargospot API giving the airline access to CHAMP’s industry-leading suite of APIs which include services for booking and pricing to be used in tandem with CHAMP’s Cargospot solution. Royal Air Maroc Cargo was particularly enthusiastic to connect with API marketplace, cargo.one, to deliver a world-class digital booking experience and visibility across global customer markets.
Both implementations were executed successfully with impressive speed and were made possible through shared values of collaboration, innovation, and interconnectivity.
Ali Ghaffar, Head of Sales – EMEA at CHAMP, said “We are delighted to equip Royal Air Maroc with Cargospot Mobile and Cargospot APIs and facilitate their continued success. The addition of new Cargospot products combined with their existing suite of CHAMP solutions positions them for excellent growth and opportunities ahead.”
Also Read: CargoAi Partners with KUB Air for Seamless eBooking.
Yassine Berrada, VP Cargo at Royal Air Maroc said “The implementation of Cargospot Mobile and Cargospot APIs have been an exciting development that enables us to automate repetitive tasks through digitalized operations. We look forward to increasing our efficiency, productivity, and interconnectivity with the latest technology and innovative software solutions from CHAMP.”
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
