Category: Logistics

Retail News Asia is committed to providing both local and global retailers with the latest Logistics news throughout the Asian market. This on a daily base.

  • DHL integrates the groundbreaking GEN3 Evo race car into its Formula E logistics

    DHL integrates the groundbreaking GEN3 Evo race car into its Formula E logistics

    DHL, the Official Founding and Logistics Partner of Formula E, is enabling the delivery of the 11th season of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. This coming season, as a special highlight, DHL is handling the transport of the new GEN3 Evo race cars. These groundbreaking vehicles set new standards: accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just 1.82 seconds, 30% faster than a Formula 1 car and 36% faster compared to the original GEN3 model.

    DHL transports the GEN3 Evo cars in specially designed crates, tailored to securely accommodate this highly valuable and delicate cargo. The crates are carefully packed to ensure every component is correctly placed, immobilized, and protected from damage.

    “As the trusted logistics partner for Formula E, DHL is proud to transport the new GEN3 Evo cars from race to race, delivering innovation and high performance with every journey,” says Manuela Gianni, Head of Motorsports Italy at DHL Global Forwarding. “These vehicles are redefining what’s possible in motorsport, and DHL is committed to ensuring that every car and piece of essential race equipment arrives exactly when and where it’s needed.”

    DHL has been an integral part of the world’s first all-electric motorsport championship since 2013. Drawing on 40 years of global motorsport experience, DHL has played a crucial role in bringing the championship to cities worldwide.

    DHL offers Formula E logistics with a focus on low-carbon services, utilizing multimodal transport solutions, including both sea and road freight, to maximize efficiency. Formula E uses sustainable fuels in these transport modes, which can cut GHG emissions around 80% compared to traditional fuels. This effort aligns with Formula E’s long-term commitment to the Science Based Targets initiative, aiming for a 45% reduction in absolute GHG emissions by 2030, compared to Season 5 levels. Additionally, Formula E has reduced the volume and weight of aviation freight by one-third, significantly lowering air freight emissions in season 11.

    The season opener in São Paulo on December 7, 2024, will be followed by races in major global cities, including Miami, Tokyo, Shanghai, Berlin, and London. DHL will manage the transportation of around 400 metric tons of essential freight per race, ensuring the smooth delivery of race cars, batteries, charging units, broadcast equipment, and hospitality materials.

    In addition to providing logistical support, DHL is launching its new “Positive Power” campaign, celebrating the unstoppable impact of Formula E. The campaign emphasizes the passion of the sport and its global fanbase. DHL’s founding sponsorship aims to ignite enthusiasm for Formula E, showcasing the speed and innovation of the series, especially with the new GEN3 Evo car.

    DHL was the first logistics company to set a measurable carbon efficiency target: improve efficiency by 30% compared to 2007 levels by 2020. This goal was achieved four years ahead of schedule, in 2016. In 2017, DHL committed to an even greater sustainability goal: to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. As part of this sustainability approach, DHL Group aims to reduce logistics-related GHG emissions to less than 29 million metric tons by 2030 and implement decarbonization measures across all modes of transport, which includes the electrification of 66% of the first and last-mile fleet.

  • Google Messages update will make you wish it’s the last of its kind

    Google Messages update will make you wish it’s the last of its kind

    If you thought you were indecisive, wait till you have a look at the latest Google Messages update. Google can’t seem to make up its mind about how it wants the text field to look. Of course, we can’t fault it for wanting to come up with the best possible design.

    When examining the new beta version of the Google Messages app, 9to5Google discovered that some changes have been made to the compose field again.

    To bring you up to speed, earlier this year, Google Messages featured a pill-shaped compose box with the emoji button in the beginning, followed by Magic Compose, Gallery, and the ‘plus’ menu. Voice Messages was outside the box, in a circle. It transformed into Send after you typed something.

    In late October, that change was reverted, with Google going back to the previous design with Plus, Gallery, and Magic Compose on the left, pushing the text field to the right, with emoji and voice memo shortcuts residing within it. Not everyone was a fan of this design, which is understandable, as it looked rather cluttered.

    Google has moved things around again in the latest beta. The text box is now again positioned on the left, but button placements have changed. The Plus is still the first button, and then comes Magic Compose, Emoji first, and Gallery. The Voice Memo/Send button remains outside. Once something is typed, only Plus and Emoji remain.

    Whether you like the new design or not, you might find yourself wishing that it remains the same for a long while. After all, muscle memory is hard to retrain and even harder to shake.

    Also, don’t be surprised if the change is not live at your end, as the report notes that it’s yet to roll out to everyone.

    Other than this, the beta version also features redesigned read receipts, but the implementation seems buggy at the moment and the new design only shows up in the main message list.

  • Qatar Airways Cargo and Cainiao strengthen partnership to meet global e-commerce demand

    Qatar Airways Cargo and Cainiao strengthen partnership to meet global e-commerce demand

    Qatar Airways Cargo, the world’s leading air cargo carrier, and Cainiao, a global leader in e-commerce logistics, agree to strengthen their existing partnership, aiming to support the growth of cross-border e-commerce and enhance consumer experiences worldwide.

    Cainiao, with its deep e-commerce insights and technological expertise, and Qatar Airways Cargo, with its extensive global connectivity, will together leverage their complementary strengths through this partnership to enhance global e-commerce logistics and stimulate economic growth at both regional and global levels.

    Mark Drusch, Chief Officer Cargo at Qatar Airways Cargo, said: “Since the inception of our collaboration with Cainiao in 2021, the partnership has seen strong growth, driven by ongoing flying agreements and a shared vision to support the burgeoning e-commerce industry.”

    “We are now further deepening our ties with Cainiao to work even closer together. By utilising the Qatar Airways Cargo hub at Hamad International Airport in Doha, we aim to expedite shipments to customers in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, reinforcing our commitment to Cainiao.”

    Wan Lin, Chief Executive Officer of Cainiao, said: “At Cainiao, we’re committed to building a smart, future-proof logistics network for e-commerce. We are pleased to strengthen our partnership with quality players like Qatar Airways Cargo to build a more robust global express network and better support our global customers with faster deliveries and enhanced supply chain efficiency.”

    E-commerce remains the largest driver of air cargo capacity demand worldwide. Qatar Airways Cargo’s extensive global network and state-of-the-art fleet have positioned it as an essential partner in meeting this demand. Through this collaboration, both companies continue to enhance connectivity and reliability for businesses and consumers across the globe.

    Qatar Airways Cargo looks forward to further developing this strategic relationship, reinforcing its position as a leader in the air cargo industry.

  • airBaltic Cargo partners with cargo.one to accelerate and enhance its digital sales

    airBaltic Cargo partners with cargo.one to accelerate and enhance its digital sales

    airBaltic Cargo, the cargo division of the Latvian national airline, has joined forces with cargo.one to soon offer its services upon the air freight industry’s go-to procurement platform. airBaltic Cargo is partnering with cargo.one as part of plans to expand its market presence globally and boost revenues. cargo.one will offer airBaltic Cargo customers the most convenient and user-friendly booking method, and will enable the airline to market its services to a footprint of freight forwarders across 134 countries.

    Headquartered in Riga, Latvia, airBaltic Cargo offers freight forwarders modern and flexible belly capacity on more than 100 routes throughout Baltics, Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and the Caucasus. Leveraging its main hub in Riga and additional bases in Tallinn, Vilnius, Tampere, and seasonally Gran Canaria, airBaltic Cargo flies into many shorter runway destinations that other airlines often do not. airBaltic Cargo also boasts one of the youngest and most efficient fleets in the world, consisting of 49 Airbus A220-300 aircraft, and planned to expand to 100 aircraft by 2030.

    The partnership coincides with airBaltic Cargo’s exciting program of expansion, having recently invested in The Baltic Cargo Hub – soon to be the largest dedicated air cargo handling center in the Baltics, and will further enhance airBaltic Cargo’s import, export and transit capabilities at RIX Riga Airport. cargo.one will soon deliver thousands of forwarders a step-change in access to airBaltic Cargo capacity for its entire network – with the ability to discover, quote, book and track its capacity in seconds. The addition of airBaltic Cargo is the latest example of cargo.one’s uniquely strong depth and diversity of global supply options.

    Iļja Seļiverstovs, VP Cargo at airBaltic, commented, “Digital sales is a vital driver of our cargo growth plans. It makes every sense to leverage cargo.one to expand our market reach and sales, and ensure airBaltic Cargo services remain front of mind with thousands of forwarders using the platform daily. Working alongside cargo.one, we will ensure that every customer receives the best possible end-to-end experience.”

    Moritz Claussen, Founder & Co-CEO of cargo.one, added, “We are thrilled to enable airBaltic Cargo to take its digital sales strategy to the next level, and our collaboration will capitalize upon its strengths in relevant markets. Forwarders rely upon cargo.one’s comprehensive global market view to discover, quote and book their air shipments, and the addition of airBaltic Cargo capacities will provide a strong option for many.”

    Accelerating its digital distribution with cargo.one allows airBaltic Cargo to better scale sales across a truly global footprint, build its brand presence within thousands of forwarding branches, lower its cost of sale, and boost sales efficiency and market responsiveness. cargo.one is the industry leader for optimizing the digital distribution progress of all sizes of airline.

    airBaltic Cargo’s partnership with cargo.one strengthens the airline’s digitalization program, ensuring that a greater proportion of customers benefit from digital speeds, accuracy and convenience. Booking on cargo.one also equips airBaltic Cargo customers with cutting-edge tools for winning and processing air shipments.

    From Winter 2024, freight forwarders using cargo.one will be able to book airBaltic Cargo capacity for general cargo, perishables and temperature sensitive pharma shipments, across its entire network.

  • WhatsApp makes sharing channels easier with a new QR code feature

    WhatsApp makes sharing channels easier with a new QR code feature

    Earlier this year, we got wind that WhatsApp was working on a new QR code feature to make accessing channels super easy. Well, now, it looks like the most popular messaging app in the world is bringing that feature to life.

    A recent report reveals that the latest WhatsApp beta for Android, version 2.24.25.7, is introducing a new feature that lets users scan QR codes to view and follow channels.

    As you can see from the screenshot, in the newest beta, WhatsApp users can test out the new feature for sharing channels through QR codes. If you’re one of the users who already have access, getting the QR code for a channel is easy:

    1. Just open the channel.
    2. Tap on the sharing options in the top bar.
    3. Select the QR code option.

    Once it’s generated, you can effortlessly invite others to follow the channel with just a quick scan. The feature should roll out to more users in the coming weeks.

    In my opinion, QR codes are a way smoother way to share not only channels but everything compared to “old-school” links. To be honest, I always go for a QR code if it’s an option — especially as an iOS user (copying and pasting on iOS can be a real pain, but let’s save that rant for another time), so hopefully the feature will roll out on iOS as well.

    So, with this new feature, instead of messing around with copying links and sending them through texts or emails, you can just flash a QR code on your screen and let others scan it. This works perfectly in face-to-face situations where people can quickly scan and skip all the extra steps. Once scanned, the code takes them straight to the channel, where they can check out the content and follow it with a single tap.

    In other WhatsApp updates, voice message transcripts are finally making their way to the app. And that’s not all — WhatsApp is turning up the color with a new test feature that adds themed icons for contacts and group chats.

  • Instagram levels up DMs with live location sharing and nicknames for your friends

    Instagram levels up DMs with live location sharing and nicknames for your friends

    Instagram rolling out a few new features for Direct Messages that will make it easier to meet up with friends and family in real life. One of these is a new live location sharing feature. This means you can let others know exactly where you are for a set period of time, which is perfect for coordinating meetups at events or when you’re out and about.

    To share your live location, you just need to open a direct message with a friend or a group chat. From there, you can choose to share your live location for up to an hour. If you’d rather not share your live location constantly, you can also just drop a pin on the map to show people where you are.

    If you’re worried about accidentally leaving location sharing on, you don’t have to, because the feature is turned off by default and you have to choose to use it each time actively. Plus, Instagram has added a handy reminder at the top of the chat to let you know when you’re sharing your location. Additionally, to enhance privacy, you can only share your location with people you’re already connected with in a chat.

    In addition to location sharing, Instagram is rolling out a new feature that lets you create unique nicknames for your friends (and yourself) within your direct messages. It’s a fun way to personalize your chats and add some extra laughs. These nicknames are only visible within your DMs, so they won’t affect your actual username on Instagram.

    You will have complete control over your nicknames and can change them whenever you want, in addition to being able to decide who has permission to change your nickname in a chat —  whether it’s just you or the people you follow. To start using this, just head to the top of your chat and tap on the chat name, then select “Nicknames” and choose the person you want to give a nickname to.

    And if you’re a fan of stickers, Instagram has also added a bunch of new sticker packs to its DMs, giving you even more ways to express yourself. You can now also favorite stickers from your chats so you can easily reuse them later, and create your own stickers using the “cutouts” feature.

    I think the location-sharing feature is the most impactful feature from this update as it could be really useful for planning meetups with friends. It could also be helpful for letting people know you’re safe and on your way, especially if you’re traveling alone. I’m a little bit concerned about privacy, but it seems like Instagram has put some safeguards in place.  I guess we’ll have to see how it works in practice.

  • Kerry Logistics Network appoints Wong Siew Loong as Chief Commercial Officer for the group

    Kerry Logistics Network appoints Wong Siew Loong as Chief Commercial Officer for the group

    Kerry Logistics Network Limited announced the appointment of Wong Siew Loong as its Chief Commercial Officer for the Group and Managing Director for South East Asia. The appointment is a key step in accelerating KLN’s growth strategy and advancing its development plan across the globe.

    With more than 25 years of experience in the global transportation and logistics sector, Siew Loong joins KLN from Kuehne+Nagel where he last served as President of the Asia Pacific region and brings extensive international experience and a proven track record. Based in Singapore, Siew Loong will lead KLN’s global commercial growth strategies and operational advancement efforts to unlock new opportunities and drive greater growth.

    Vic Cheung, Executive Director and CEO of KLN, said, “We are delighted to welcome Siew Loong to our leadership team. His vision for commercial excellence, along with his strong understanding of market dynamics and customer needs, will be invaluable as KLN continues to innovate and deliver exceptional value to our customers across regions and markets.”

    Wong Siew Loong commented on his new appointment, “I am excited to be joining KLN and bringing my commercial experience and insights to contribute value to its strategic development and long-term growth. I look forward to working collaboratively with the talented team across the network to drive success.”

  • FedEx launches first Mercedes-Benz eVito vans in Asia Pacific

    FedEx launches first Mercedes-Benz eVito vans in Asia Pacific

    FedEx Express Corporation, one of the world’s largest express transportation companies, is introducing 31 electric vehicles (EVs) into its existing fleet in Singapore. Singapore is the first market within the FedEx Asia Pacific network to deploy the custom-built Mercedes-Benz eVito 112 panel vans to support its parcel pickup and delivery operations across the country. The EVs offer a 923 kg load capacity and an estimated range of up to 321 kilometers on a full charge. Collectively, the vehicles are estimated to avoid around 148 metric tons of tailpipe emissions per year when compared to diesel-powered vans.

    FedEx Singapore is already replacing all its end-of-life vehicles used for parcel pickup and delivery with EVs, contributing to the company’s global goal to make 100% of new purchases of these vehicles electric by 2030. The addition of these new vehicles to its fleet marks a significant step towards the company’s commitment to sustainability in Singapore and its ongoing efforts to achieve zero-tailpipe emissions for last-mile parcel delivery operations across its global operations.

    FedEx continues to explore innovative solutions and collaborations to enhance the sustainability of its operations, including the company’s vision of integrating renewable energy and enhancing facility efficiency. The South Pacific Regional Hub in Singapore will soon be able to use solar energy to meet more than half of the facility’s total electricity demands, helping to charge the EV fleet in Singapore via clean energy beginning in January 2025. Overall, these projects support the Singapore Green Plan 2030, which aims to lower national carbon emissions and promote sustainability.

    FedEx’s transition to EVs in Singapore is part of its ongoing expansion across Asia Pacific markets including in China, Thailand, Japan, Malaysia and New Zealand. To further improve the efficiency of the Singapore fleet, including these new EVs, FedEx is using its AI-powered Stops Sequencing tool, which is designed to optimise delivery routes in real-time based on package volume and customer requests. By intelligently planning delivery stops, the tool helps reduce total mileage travelled each day, contributing to greater reductions in fuel and energy consumption and, as a result, carbon emissions.

    “FedEx is committed to connecting people and opportunities in smarter ways,” stated Kawal Preet, president of FedEx Asia Pacific. “With the introduction of these electric vehicles, we are taking meaningful steps to lower greenhouse gas emissions while improving our efficiency, directly supporting Singapore’s bold sustainability initiatives. This is an important milestone on our path to achieving carbon-neutral operations by 2040, as we work to build a cleaner and more efficient logistics network that promotes sustainable growth throughout the Asia Pacific region.”

    Earlier this year, FedEx completed the first cross-border delivery between Malaysia and Singapore with an EV, which was recognised by the Malaysian Book of Records. This initiative is part of the company’s broader efforts to reduce emissions for long-distance deliveries. In other Asia Pacific markets, electric tricycles were introduced for last-mile deliveries in congested urban areas in Taiwan, while electric trucks and vans have been introduced in Japan and Thailand, further advancing the company’s sustainability goals.

    In addition to vehicle electrification, the company has also launched a cloud-based carbon emissions reporting tool, FedEx® Sustainability Insights, giving customers access to historical emissions information on eligible shipments within the FedEx network. FedEx customers can use the data to h

  • Etihad Cargo extends Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology partnership to boost national ICV programme

    Etihad Cargo extends Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology partnership to boost national ICV programme

    Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics arm of Etihad Airways, has extended its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), offering preferential air cargo rates to In-Country Value (ICV)-certified companies. This initiative comes as part of Etihad Cargo’s commitment to promoting local products, strengthening the UAE’s industrial sector and enhancing its competitiveness in international markets.

    Providing discounted air cargo rates across Etihad Cargo’s fleet, the extended MoU was signed by Stanislas Brun, Vice President Cargo at Etihad Cargo, and Salama Al Awadi, Director of National In-Country Value Programme (ICV) at MoIAT, in the presence of His Excellency Omar Al Suwaidi, Undersecretary of MoIAT. The signing ceremony took place on the sidelines of the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC), held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).

    Under the extended MoU, Etihad Cargo will continue to offer a 25 per cent discount on air cargo tariffs to ICV-certified companies. As a result, more UAE-based companies will be able to scale their operations across the UAE and access more international markets. Building on the original agreement signed in 2021, the partnership highlights Etihad Cargo’s significant role in driving the UAE’s ambitious efforts to boost in-country value and empower local manufacturers.

    HE Al Suwaidi said: “The extended MoU is aligned with the Ministry’s National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology (Operation 300bn), aimed at diversifying the national economy and enhancing the UAE’s industrial sector competitiveness. The National ICV Programme serves as a key pillar in empowering this sector and boosting the resilience and sustainability of supply chains. Moreover, extending the agreement will enhance the export capabilities of local companies.

    “Leading national companies, such as Etihad Airways, always strive to support the UAE’s drive towards sustainable industrial and economic development. Etihad Airways is a strategic partner of MoIAT and was one of the first companies to join the National ICV Program in 2021. It also prioritises local suppliers and industrial companies in its procurement business.

    “The UAE has set a clear vision to elevate the national business environment and foster a competitive economy. Therefore, the MoU underscores the important role of national entities in supporting local products and steering larger demand towards local procurement,” HE Al Suwaidi added.

    Brun said: “Etihad Cargo remains committed to fostering a supportive environment for local manufacturers and companies. It delivers bespoke logistics solutions that align with the UAE’s In-Country Value goals. This collaboration offers the UAE’s industrial and service companies the opportunity to expand into more international markets. Therefore, it aligns with Etihad Cargo’s commitment to advancing the targets of Operation 300bn along with Abu Dhabi’s vision of economic diversification and long-term sustainability.”

    Extending the MoU between Etihad Cargo and MoIAT reaffirms their shared strategic vision to leverage logistics operations as a catalyst for sustainable industrial growth in the UAE. It also embodies Etihad Cargo’s ongoing commitment to developing the local industry and enabling ICV-certified companies to expand glob

  • FedEx strengthens healthcare capabilities in Asia Pacific with expansion of its Life Sciences center in Korea

    FedEx strengthens healthcare capabilities in Asia Pacific with expansion of its Life Sciences center in Korea

    Federal Express Corporation (FedEx), one of the world’s largest express transportation companies, has expanded its state-of-the-art Life Science Center in Gimpo, Gyeonggi-do, Korea. This strategic enhancement, along with FedEx Life Science Centers in Singapore and Japan, is addressing the rising demand for a robust logistics network with advanced capabilities to support the rapidly growing healthcare industry across the Asia Pacific region.

    The advanced FedEx Korea Life Science Center spans 2,288 square meters – almost triple the size of the previous facility. The new operation includes five temperature-controlled areas for temperatures ranging from -150°C to +25°C, which are monitored 24/7 to ensure continuous compliance with pharmaceutical cold chain requirements. The facility is also Korea Good Supply Practice (KGSP)-certified, in accordance with market-specific quality and regulatory requirements for the healthcare industry. Along with temperature-controlled Inventory management capabilities, the Korea Life Science Center is equipped to support both domestic and international transportation needs.

    By expanding its capacity, FedEx is strengthening its life sciences logistics expertise, ensuring seamless and reliable transportation of critical healthcare shipments including investigational medicinal products (IMP), biological samples, and biopharmaceutical product lines while enabling pharmaceutical and clinical trials customers to prioritize patient care.

    The pharmaceutical market in Asia Pacific is projected to reach USD 290 billion by 2028. Additionally, the region accounts for approximately 50% of global clinical trials, highlighting its increasing role in global pharmaceutical research and development. Customers in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sector need precise, temperature-controlled services to preserve product efficacy. With decades of experience, FedEx provides expertise in specialized healthcare and clinical trial solutions, enabled by its international Express network, customized Time Critical Special Services (SpS), and a global network of Life Science Centers with locations in Korea, Singapore, Tokyo (Japan), Mumbai (India), Memphis (United States), and Veldhoven (the Netherlands). The company’s extensive healthcare infrastructure also includes 130+ cold-chain facilities worldwide, ensuring continuous temperature integrity for shipments moving through our domestic and international networks.

    “Asia Pacific’s healthcare sector is evolving at an unprecedented pace, driven by demographic shifts, infrastructure investments, and rapid tech advancements,” said Kawal Preet, president, Asia Pacific at FedEx. “At FedEx, we are leveraging our decades of healthcare expertise, extensive global network and differentiated solutions to propel this growth. Through strategic investments in cutting-edge facilities and AI-driven smart logistics, we are reshaping healthcare supply chains and enabling the future of life sciences research and business innovation across the region.”

    FedEx Clinical Care, part of the company’s portfolio of dedicated healthcare transportation solutions, provides end-to-end delivery capabilities for time and temperature-sensitive healthcare shipments. This service ensures expedited delivery within 24 to 48 hours, leveraging specialized features including temperature-controlled packaging, priority handling and clearance, and 24/7 monitoring and intervention using sensor-based real-time tracking.

    Recently, FedEx was recognized for ‘Innovation in Clinical Supply Chain Logistics’ at the Korea Biopharma Excellence Awards 2024 for exceptional contribution to clinical supply chains in Korea. In August, the company introduced FedEx Surround®, an innovative monitoring and intervention solution for enhanced control and visibility for healthcare and other critical shipments.

  • Lufthansa Cargo starts transpacific flight from Vietnam to the USA

    Lufthansa Cargo starts transpacific flight from Vietnam to the USA

    With the start of the winter flight schedule last weekend, Lufthansa Cargo has inaugurated its first direct transpacific freighter service from Asia to North America. On Sunday, 27 October 2024, flightLH8019 took off from Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) in Vietnam to Los Angeles (LAX) in the United States, operated by its JV subsidiary AeroLogic. The aircraft with the identification D-AALO had previously taken off from Frankfurt (FRA) for Vietnam on Saturday, 26 October 2024. It had then flown back from Los Angeles on Sunday, 27 October 2024, and had arrived at the carrier’s home hub on Monday, 28 October 2024.

    “This new freighter connection highlights our commitment to connecting economies by responding to the demand of the rapidly growing economy in Vietnam, which can now be seamlessly connected to the U.S. even faster. This service reinforces our purpose of enabling global business, which is why we are continuously examining the possibilities of establishing new routes and growing in dynamic market environments,” explains Ashwin Bhat, CEO of Lufthansa Cargo.

    With the new flight schedule, Lufthansa Cargo is now offering its customers 89 weekly B777F freighter connections worldwide. This includes 50 frequencies to 17 destinations in Asia, reflecting the strong demand in the region. The growing e-commerce industry, in particular, is driving this development, to which Lufthansa Cargo is able to respond quickly and flexibly thanks to its early preparations. With its own A321 freighter fleet for short and medium-haul routes, as well as additional cargo capacities marketed on the extensive network of Lufthansa Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Discover Airlines and SunExpress, Lufthansa Cargo is able to offer its customers capacities to over 350 destinations in 100 countries in its winter flight schedule

  • FedEx appoints new Vice President for Southeast Asia

    FedEx appoints new Vice President for Southeast Asia

    Federal Express Corporation, one of the world’s largest express transportation companies, has appointed Bianca Wong as the new Regional Vice President for Southeast Asia. Bianca, previously Vice President of Human Resources for Asia Pacific, will now helm the operational strategies in one of the company’s fastest-growing markets. She succeeds Audrey Cheong, who assumed the role of Vice President for FedEx China in September 2024.

    With over 22 years of extensive experience in human resources and business partnership roles across different industries, Bianca has demonstrated a strong track record of strategic leadership and operational excellence. In her new role, Bianca will lead the overall planning and implementation of corporate strategies and operations to drive business transformation and will manage a team of more than 4,000 team members across markets and territories in the region.

    “I am honoured to take on this new challenge and to continue transforming FedEx for what’s next by driving our growth and commercial success,” said Bianca Wong, Vice President, Southeast Asia Operations.

    “Southeast Asia is a vibrant region with immense growth potential. Together with our strong and talented team, we will continue to deliver service excellence to meet the evolving needs of our customers while continuing our mission of connecting people and possibilities in this dynamic business environment.”

    Bianca’s appointment is a reflection of the company’s commitment to its People-First philosophy by nurturing leadership from within, and ensuring the talent is capable of steering the company through the evolving logistics landscape as FedEx strives to create smarter supply chains for all.

  • Etihad Cargo reaches 10-year milestone in Vietnam

    Etihad Cargo reaches 10-year milestone in Vietnam

    Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics arm of Etihad Airways, is celebrating a decade of successful operations in Vietnam. This milestone highlights the carrier’s commitment to supporting Vietnam’s booming trade and economic growth, particularly in the high-tech and manufacturing sectors.

    Since the launch of freighter services in July 2014, Etihad Cargo has continuously expanded its operations in Vietnam. The airline began with two A330 freighter flights to Hanoi per week, offering 120 tonnes of cargo capacity. Today, Etihad Cargo operates four weekly Boeing 777F freighter flights, providing 400 tonnes of capacity to support the growing market demand. Etihad Cargo has played a crucial role in transporting high-tech goods for major global brands such as Samsung, Apple, Dell, and LG, alongside garments, textiles, footwear, and other products from Vietnam to Europe, the US, the Middle East, and Africa.

    In addition to its Hanoi operations, Etihad Cargo also serves Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s second-largest air cargo market. The carrier offers two weekly charter flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Kuala Lumpur, effectively creating an online station to provide customers with a reliable solution for transporting cargo globally via Kuala Lumpur. Furthermore, Etihad Cargo leverages its interline partners to offer customers access to other key Asian hubs, including Denpasar, Singapore, Phuket, Bangkok, and Manila.

    Etihad Cargo’s SecureTech product, introduced to support the growing demand for electronics shipments, has seen significant growth in Vietnam. In 2024, SecureTech shipments from Hanoi saw a 43 per cent year-on-year increase, rising to 5,174 tonnes from 3,618 tonnes during the same period in 2023. This growth reflects Vietnam’s critical role in the global electronics supply chain and Etihad Cargo’s ability to provide reliable logistics solutions for sensitive high-tech goods.

    Vietnam, recognised as one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, remains a strategic market for Etihad Cargo. The carrier remains committed to increasing its frequencies and capacity in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to meet the ever-growing demand for airfreight services. This expansion aligns with Etihad Cargo’s goal of maintaining its position as the Air Cargo Partner of Choice for customers in Vietnam and beyond.

    Reflecting on the 10-year milestone, Stanislas Brun, Vice President Cargo, said: “Etihad Cargo’s decade of successful operations in Hanoi and across Vietnam demonstrates the carrier’s long-term commitment to this dynamic market. By continually enhancing its products and services, expanding capacity, and investing in digitalisation, Etihad Cargo ensures that customers receive the high-quality air cargo solutions they expect. Etihad Cargo looks forward to further strengthening its presence and meeting the evolving logistics needs of Vietnam.”

    Etihad Cargo has also made significant strides in digitalisation, with the majority of Vietnamese customers utilising the carrier’s online booking platform and track-and-trace capabilities. This has streamlined the shipping process, enabling greater efficiency and customer satisfaction. In 2021 and 2022, the Hanoi station achieved the highest revenue contribution across Etihad Cargo’s network, further cementing its importance in the airline’s global operations.

    As Etihad Cargo continues to support Vietnam’s economic growth, the airline is committed to providing reliable and innovative air cargo solutions that help drive the country’s expanding trade footprint.

  • DHL Global Forwarding China introduces cross-border e-commerce solution ahead of peak season

    DHL Global Forwarding China introduces cross-border e-commerce solution ahead of peak season

    DHL Global Forwarding, the freight specialist of DHL Group, is introducing a variety of cross-border e-commerce solutions ahead of the year-end holiday shopping season globally. The solutions will offer cross-border shipping from China to the world with different service levels and features, as well as an integrated tracking platform for end-to-end visibility.

    China’s e-commerce sector has continued to grow despite a mixed global economic sentiment. In the first half of 2024, China’s cross-border e-commerce trade totaled 1.22 trillion yuan (EUR155 billion), a 10.5% growth year-on-year.

    “Chinese companies like Shein, Temu, AliExpress and Tik Tok Shop are gaining popularity globally. While the U.S. remains the primary export market, Europe is fast catching up as a critical region for these e-commerce platforms.  In DHL’s recent Global Shopper Trends Report, 53% of European online shoppers purchase goods from China,” said Aditi Rasquinha, CEO of Greater China, DHL Global Forwarding.

    “Cross-border e-commerce business can face many hidden obstacles, especially for small- and middle-sized customers who are not yet familiar with customs and logistics regulations at destination markets. DGF can be a strong and reliable partner for them. Our solution provides Chinese e-commerce companies with a simple and affordable cross-border shipment solution with returns, with full and semi-tracking options,” said Robin Li, Vice President, Global E-commerce Development, DHL Global Forwarding.

    The e-commerce solutions from DHL Global Forwarding China will offer:

    • End-2-End ONE DHL solution in all key markets
    • Fast and Reliable transit time with full track and trace functionality
    • Access to over ten thousand certified e-commerce specialists across the globe with local market expertise
    • Simple IT integration options including APIs, web portals, major marketplaces and e-commerce platforms
    • Different options to cater to the needs of large e-commerce platforms right down to local sellers/Direct-To-Consumer (DTC)

    One of the major advantages of the solution is the direct market access into Europe through the DHL network. The solution will feature:

    • End-to-end fast delivery within 4-5 days from China to Germany
    • Fully managed customs clearance
    • Fast & reliable transit time and doorstep delivery with delivery confirmation
    • End-to-end shipment visibility for senders and recipients via a 24/7 DHL customer portal

    The e-commerce solution will also offer expedited service to other markets such as the rest of Europe, the United Kingdom and the U.S.

    “We are making it easier for our customers to focus on what they do best: bringing their products to a global audience. This solution is designed to help them maximize their reach while minimizing their effort.

    It is particularly timely with the year-end holiday season fast approaching and we are ready to serve the peak season demand,” added Aditi.

  • DHL Express to triple its shipping capacity at Porto Airport with EUR 25M investment

    DHL Express to triple its shipping capacity at Porto Airport with EUR 25M investment

    DHL Express Portugal has inaugurated a new facility at Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport in Porto, Portugal. With an investment of more than €25 million, this significant expansion underlines DHL’s commitment to the Portuguese market and strengthens its support for the growing export industry in the North and Central regions of the country.

    With a total footprint of over 18,000 square meters, the new facility triples DHL’s operational capacity at the international airport, allowing it to process up to 6,500 pieces per hour for imports, an increase of 150%, and 5,000 pieces per hour for exports, a rise of 300%. The terminal is equipped with advanced automation systems, such as X-rays and automatic weighing and measuring equipment, enabling fast, efficient, and secure handling of shipments. The capacity expansion will allow DHL to support annual volume growth in the double-digit range, which will further consolidate its leading position in the logistics sector in Portugal.

    In parallel with the capacity expansions, DHL is also reaffirming its commitment to sustainability. The new facility will feature 130 loading bays for DHL vans, 119 of which are prepared for electric vehicles. The building is equipped with solar panels, advanced lighting and ventilation systems, further reinforcing the company’s efforts to increase the carbon efficiency of its transportation and warehousing operations.

    “Portugal has been one of the strongest performers in Europe in terms of economic growth in recent years, supported by healthy demand for Portuguese exports, and DHL Express is fully committed to enabling the country’s further trade development over the long-term,” said Mike Parra, CEO of DHL Express Europe. “As usual, we are combining our investments in capacity with the addition of new technology that improves efficiency and reliability and supports increased sustainability, which we expect to significantly enhance the competitiveness of our customers in Portugal in their export and import activities.”

    “The inauguration of this new terminal at Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport in Porto marks an important milestone for DHL in Portugal. It is a renewed commitment to innovation, sustainability and economic growth in the North of Portugal,” said José Reis, CEO of DHL Express Portugal. “We are proud to contribute to the development of this region, supporting the small and medium-sized enterprises that are the foundation of our economy. With this investment, we are prepared to continue connecting people and improving lives, while raising the standards of efficiency and sustainability in the logistics industry.”

    The DHL Express executives were joined at an inauguration ceremony for the facility by António Tiago, Mayor of Maia, and Julia Monar, German Ambassador to Portugal.