Kuehne+Nagel, the world’s largest freight forwarder, has formed a global partnership with cargo.one, the leading digital air freight platform, to strengthen its air freight procurement and sales capabilities. By integrating cargo.one’s Offer & Book API Suite, Kuehne+Nagel unlocks seamless e-booking access to a wider network of airlines and general sales agents worldwide.
Through cargo.one’s API Suite, Kuehne+Nagel greatly expands its digital connectivity, enhancing its proprietary air freight booking platform, CB Air, while tapping into cargo.one’s rapidly growing airline network and real-time connectivity. This partnership further complements Kuehne+Nagel’s direct airline integrations, boosting its digital procurement and booking capabilities.
Kuehne+Nagel will benefit from cargo.one’s continuous data quality assurance, expanding airline partnerships, and expert support. By harnessing advanced digital access to dozens of airlines, the company aims to deliver faster, more accurate quotes and a frictionless booking experience—driving better customer service, operational efficiency, and more competitive pricing while setting new standards in digital air freight.
Holger Ketz, Senior Vice President and Global Head of Network and Carrier Management, at Kuehne+Nagel, commented, “Kuehne+Nagel is committed to leveraging innovative technology to enhance air freight experiences, with a goal of processing 85% of all air waybills digitally. Partnering with cargo.one is a key step in strengthening airline connectivity within our CB Air platform and maintaining our commitment to digital excellence. These advancements not only enrich service delivery and improve operational efficiency for our customers but also reinforce Kuehne+Nagel’s competitive edge in global markets.”
Moritz Claussen, Founder & Co-CEO of cargo.one, added, “We are delighted that Kuehne+Nagel views cargo.one as a strategically valuable component of its digitalization strategy. Our suite of technology and expertise equips Kuehne+Nagel with the agility and efficiency needed to grow its competitive edge. We are proud to add additional value to Kuehne+Nagel’s already world-class customer experiences.”
Also Read: CMA CGM Expands Air Cargo Fleet with Air Belgium Acquisition.
By complementing its existing host-to-host API connections, Kuehne+Nagel’s collaborative partnership with cargo.one exemplifies a shared commitment to raising industry standards in procurement and sales with superior connectivity. In addition to a choice from over 50 direct carrier connections, cargo.one delivers Kuehne+Nagel a broad best-of-breed package to enhance its strategic infrastructure – boosting industry connectivity, simplifying its workflows, and helping to lower operational complexity across its footprint.
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.”
Unilode Aviation Solutions, the global leader in outsourced ULD management, and American Airlines, announces a long-term partnership for ULD management.
Starting 1 October 2025, Unilode will provide American Airlines with full ULD management services. It will leverage its extensive repair network, asset availability from its vast ULD fleet, and cutting-edge digital technology.
Transforming ULD Operations with Digital Innovation
Through this collaboration, Unilode will equip American Airlines’ ULD fleet with Bluetooth® and Lora-enabled tracking technology. This would provide unparalleled asset visibility, location tracking, and condition monitoring for ULDs.
Unilode’s digital solutions, including the in-house developed eULD app and customer portal, will enhance accessibility and transparency in ULD management. These applications complement Unilode’s world-leading ULD tag and reader network. They allow American Airlines and its partners to monitor ULD status and track assets seamlessly. This helps maximize ULD utilization and optimize operational decision-making with real-time data insights.
This ongoing digital transformation will improve ULD movement management, reduce losses, and minimize disruptions across operations.
“American Airlines is committed to investing in innovative solutions that improve operational performance and deliver a seamless experience for our customers,” said Greg Schwendinger, President, American Airlines Cargo. “Unilode’s expertise in ULD management and digital tracking technology will play a crucial role in modernizing our operations and ensuring the highest level of reliability and service.”
Network Presence and Operational Excellence
Unilode will provide extensive ULD maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services through its expansive U.S. and global repair network. The company will also grow its Americas Customer Success team to support American Airlines’ operations. This will ensure seamless coordination and service delivery. Unilode will manage the planning and positioning of ULD assets from its state-of-the-art Operations Control Center (OCC) in Bangkok. This will enable optimized resource allocation and real-time decision-making support.
Also Read: AeroNet Secures 3-Year Net Repair Deal with Qatar Airways Cargo.
“We are thrilled to partner with American Airlines to support their ULD operations with our innovative solutions,” said Ross Marino, CEO of Unilode Aviation Solutions. “Our digital tracking capabilities and expertise in ULD management will bring significant benefits to American Airlines’ cargo and passenger operations, and we look forward to a successful collaboration for many years to come. We sincerely thank American Airlines for placing their trust in Unilode”
Mohammed Akhlaq, Chief Commercial Officer, Unilode Aviation Solutions, continues, “This partnership underscores the strength of our ULD management solutions and the dedication of our team to providing a world-class service. We look forward to working closely with American Airlines and contributing to their continued success.”
This partnership marks a milestone in expanding Unilode’s asset coverage across the Americas, bringing the total to nearly 200,000 ULDs deployed worldwide. By enhancing global asset availability and digital tracking, the collaboration strengthens Unilode’s leadership in ULD management solutions.
Etihad Airways has announced its results for the full year 2024, recording strong performance across all key metrics with an AED 1.7 billion ($476 million) profit after tax driven by AED 20.8 billion ($5.7 billion) passenger revenue and AED 4.2 billion ($1.1 billion) Cargo revenue, alongside significant operational efficiency improvements.
The airline carried 18.5 million passengers last year, a 32 per cent increase from the previous year, reflecting strong and sustained demand across its expanding network. This growth was supported by a 28 per cent year-on-year increase in Available Seat Kilometres (ASK) and an improved passenger load factor, which reached 87 per cent in FY24, compared to 86 per cent in 2023.
Total revenue saw a remarkable year-on-year increase of 25 per cent to AED 25.3 billion ($6.9 billion). This growth was driven by a robust performance in both passenger and cargo business. Passenger revenue increased by AED 4.2 billion ($1.1 billion), or 25 per cent compared to 2023, reflecting an enhanced network and increased capacity. Cargo revenue rose by 24 per cent compared to last year, fueled by increased capacity and volume (12 per cent increase in cargo leg tons carried), alongside improved yields in the second half of the year.
In 2024, the airline expanded its operations to over 1,700 weekly flights and increased frequencies on 25 routes over the past two years. It also launched more than 20 new destinations, such as Boston, Jaipur, Bali, and Nairobi, alongside summer hotspots like Antalya, Nice, and Santorini, with over 10 of these cities set to begin operations in 2025. The airline’s operating fleet continued to expand with the addition of 12 aircraft, including the introduction of a new fleet-type, with six A320 NEOs, and the re-entry into service of its fifth A380. Etihad now operates the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleet in the region, supporting its ESG strategy to minimize carbon emissions while enhancing its service offerings.
The airline invested in customer experience enhancements, driving a significant NPS increase, reflecting higher operational and service satisfaction. In 2024, the airline approved an AED 3 billion retrofit program—its largest-ever—which, once underway, is expected to further elevate cabin comfort, inflight experience, and NPS. Etihad also introduced a dedicated premium call centre, delivering faster and more personalized service for premium travelers, leveraging AI to boost productivity. Over 200 enhancements were made to the website and app to further improve the guest experience. Additionally, the airline’s loyalty programme, Etihad Guest, reached a milestone of 10 million members.
Recognizing these achievements, Etihad received multiple industry awards from bodies such as World Travel Awards and Business Traveler Awards, including Best Cabin Crew, Best Customer Experience, Best Economy Class, and Best First-Class Lounge. It was also named Environmental Airline of the Year by AirlineRatings.com in 2024 for the third consecutive year.
Etihad’s team grew to over 11,000 employees, with more than 2,000 new hires and over 1,500 promotions. UAE National Talent initiatives progressed, with over 70 Emirati cadet pilots graduating and more than 3,000 applications received for the latest cadet programme. UAE Nationals now represent 20 per cent of the workforce, underscoring Etihad’s support for the UAE talent strategy and its role in developing future aviation professionals.
His Excellency Mohammed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of Etihad Airways, said: “We extend our gratitude to our guests and the dedicated Etihad family for allowing us to realize our ambitions and consistently delivering the reliable, best-in-class service that defines our operations. The unwavering commitment of our team has strengthened our airline, boosting efficiency while consistently improving our exceptional customer experience.
“As we expand our network and enhance our offerings, we remain focused on connecting more people with Abu Dhabi and supporting the Emirate’s tourism ambitions, fulfilling our vision to be the airline that everyone wants to fly.”
Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said: “These results are testament to the dedication of our people who have worked together for a purpose, delivering our strategy. Their efforts have driven improvements in customer satisfaction measured across all cabin classes and numerous other touchpoints. Equally they have delivered sustainable, profitable growth while maintaining disciplined efficiency and a steadfast commitment to safety.
“Looking ahead, I am confident we will continue to be a financially strong airline delivering extraordinary customer experiences, fulfilling our shareholder’s mandate, and contributing to the long-term prosperity and success of the UAE.”
Throughout 2024, Etihad strengthened profitability and expanded margins through an optimized fleet and network, improved efficiency, and a continued focus on productivity. The airline continued to strengthen its network through 126 interline, codeshare, and strategic partnerships, including a landmark partnership with China Eastern, the first of its kind between a Middle Eastern and Chinese airline, and a strategic partnership with SF Airlines to boost logistics capacity and network reach.
Also Read: Turkish Cargo Enhances Digital Solutions with CargoWise
Etihad had further increased operational efficiency, with CASK and CASK ex-fuel decreasing by 3 per cent and 4 per cent respectively. Increased efficiency is also evident in costs related to central functions, which grew much lower than capacity.
Strong top-line performance and continued improvements in unit costs drove a remarkable operating result, with EBITDA reaching AED 4.7 billion (U.S.$ 1.3 billion), a 32 per cent year-on-year increase.
Profit after tax for FY24 more than tripled year-on-year, driven by strong momentum in the passenger business, a robust recovery in Etihad’s cargo operations, and a significant reduction in net finance costs – down by almost AED 1 billion, or 80 per cent year-on-year – reflecting continuous balance sheet deleveraging supported by strong cash generation.
Recognizing Etihad’s strong improvement, credit rating agency Fitch upgraded Etihad’s rating to A+ in July 2024, citing its materially stronger standalone credit profile.
South Korea’s air passenger traffic jumped 13.4 percent in January from a year earlier to an increase in both inbound and outbound travelers; government data recently showed.
The number of people boarding flights entering and leaving the country reached 8.42 million in January, up from 7.42 million the year before, according to the data by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport.
Among the reasons for the January gain were increased outbound travel to Japan on a weaker yen and the return of Chinese travelers to Korea following an official end late last year to the deadly Middle East Respiratory Syndrome crisis, it said.
“Decreased fuel surcharges resulting in lower travel costs and increased visits by domestic and foreign travelers to the country’s scenic Jeju Island also drove up the January air passenger number,” a ministry spokesman said.
In January, passengers on domestic routes rose 8.3 percent year-over-year to 2.21 million, and those on international routes climbed 15.4 percent to 6.21 million, the statement said.
The data also showed that air cargo, both international and domestic, rose 4.3 percent on-year to 320,000 tons in January, helped by expanded routes, low fuel costs and increased exports of handset-related products.
Looking ahead, the ministry expected air passenger numbers to rise further in the coming months due mainly to expanded routes and increasing inbound travel demand. It also forecasts an increase in air cargo backed by local and overseas demand for new smartphones and semiconductors.
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
