Cargo handler Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) is investing in its facilities at Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru after signing handling contracts with 20 airlines.
The new deals, of between three and five years, come after the handler began operations at the airport at the end of May in partnership with Bangalore International Airport Limited.
WFS is the airport’s second handler and the only one with a dedicated cold chain operation.
The company is now looking to develop its facilities at the airport.
Following refurbishment, the handler will increase its annual capacity at the airport from 120,000 tonnes to 250,000 tonnes.
It also has a two-phase plan to increase the size of the cold chain facility, initially doubling its capacity to 80,000 tonnes and, later, to over 150,000 tonnes per annum in “acknowledgment of India’s leading positive in the global pharmaceutical and healthcare markets”.
WFS has already introduced new forklift equipment and cargo tugs in Bengaluru, including new-generation electric vehicles.
Other automation and digitalisation systems will also be adopted by WFS in India to “increase productivity and operational visibility”.
“After a great deal of planning and preparation, it was an honour for WFS to commence its first-ever operations in India in Bengaluru at the end of May and we are proud to have already won so many important airline customers,” said Manish Agnihothri, chief executive of WFS Bengaluru.
John Batten, WFS’ chief executive Europe, Middle East and Africa, said: Our goal from the outset has been to bring our international cargo handling expertise into the Indian market and to add value for India’s air cargo community stakeholders.
“We aim to play an important role in helping Bengaluru realise its air cargo growth ambitions.”
The airport is the third-largest and fastest-growing cargo hub in India.
Röhlig Logistics’ US business has achieved IATA Center of Excellence for Independent Validators Lithium Batteries (CEIV Li-batt) certification for its branches in Chicago and New York.
Röhlig USA said that to achieve the certification it had to pass a lengthy certification process consisting of in-depth employee training, on-site assessments and a final validation.
The company added that the certification of the two facilities in Chicago and New York was just the first step and there are plans to roll out to additional offices and countries across Röhlig’s network in the coming months.
Markus Wegmann, chief operating officer at Röhlig USA, said: “We are delighted to be one of only a few freight forwarders in the US to have already been recognised with the CEIV Li-batt certification.
“It further demonstrates our expertise in handling lithium batteries as well as our compliance with all regulations.”
IATA introduced the certification to ensure that the lithium battery product supply chain meets its safety obligations and complies with the applicable transport regulations.
Atlas Air has promoted Richard Broekman to executive vice president, chief commercial officer and head of sustainability.
In his new role, Broekman will be responsible for the development and execution of Atlas Air’s global commercial strategies, and the management of the corporate sales strategy for ACMI, CMI and charter services.
Additionally, Broekman will also assume an expanded role as head of sustainability to drive the company’s commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
In this capacity, he will lead development of Atlas’ decarburization strategies, which include partnering with its customers to implement sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and carbon offsetting initiatives.
Broekman succeeded Michael Steen, who became president and chief executive of Atlas Air Worldwide on June 15.
Since joining Atlas in 2004 as a flight and revenue analyst, Broekman has served in roles with increasing responsibility.
He joined the commercial team in 2008 and has served as senior director of commercial development and revenue management, and vice president, commercial development and charter sales.
In 2018, he was named senior vice president, global sales and commercial development.
“Richard brings a strong personal commitment to our company’s mission to be our customers’ first choice and most valued partner,” said Steen. “He is well-respected across the air cargo industry and brings extensive expertise across many facets of the business.
“Under his strong leadership, we look forward to continuing to serve our blue-chip roster of customers with the world class performance that defines Atlas.”
“I am very proud of the role we serve in the global supply chain, and am excited for the opportunity to build on our position as one of the world’s largest freighter operators,” said Broekman.
“It is a great honor to lead this team as we partner with our customers to help them achieve their business goals and deliver on our shared commitments to sustainability and corporate citizenship.”
Conversions will account for over 60% of new freighters over the next 20 years, according to the latest data from Airbus.
In its latest Global Market Forecast (GMF), the airframer predicted there will be global demand for 2,510 freighter aircraft during the period 2023-2042.
920 of these will be newbuild and 1,590 will be conversions.
600 of the total freighter aircraft will be large widebody (> 80 t) aircraft, 890 will be mid-size widebody (40 t – 80 t) aircraft, and 1,020 will be single aisle (10 t-40 t) aircraft.
This will see the world freighter fleet in service reach 3,230 aircraft by 2042.
In its GMF, Airbus predicted demand for 40,850 new passenger & freighter aircraft during the period 2023-2042.
This is 1,360 more than in the 2022 GMF.
The Middle East is due to receive the most passenger and freighter aircraft, followed by Africa, and Europe & CIS.
Growth of express air cargo will exceed general air cargo, said Airbus. In 2019, the express sector comprised 17% of the total air cargo market, while in 2042 it will comprise 25% of the market.
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