Tag: cargo

  • 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.

  • 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.”

  • 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

  • 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.

  • Lufthansa Cargo publishes winter flight schedule 2024/2025

    Lufthansa Cargo publishes winter flight schedule 2024/2025

    With the newly published timetable, Lufthansa Cargo offers its customers 89 weekly B777F freighter connections worldwide, seven more than in the summer timetable. A significant development in the winter timetable is a transpacific flight: a weekly rotation of a B777F freighter connects Frankfurt via Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) with Los Angeles (LAX) and then returns to the home hub in Frankfurt. This is the cargo carrier’s first direct connection from the Asian market to the U.S. network, offering cargo customers an even faster, high-quality connection between the two continents. With the expansion of new routes and direct connections, Lufthansa Cargo is underlining its long-term growth plans in a dynamic market environment and underlining its purpose of “Enabling Global Business”.

    “Lufthansa Cargo is constantly reviewing all possibilities to offer its customers seamless, high-quality connections and to enable global business even more efficiently and sustainably. With a comprehensive review of our existing schedule and network, we have been able to optimize our rotations. In the future, some of our freighters will have fewer stopovers, allowing our customers to benefit from direct connection and transportation of their freight within our global network,” said Ashwin Bhat, CEO of Lufthansa Cargo.

    For the winter schedule, the cargo carrier is increasing its frequencies to destinations in India and China to accommodate the continued growth in e-commerce shipments and other goods requiring Lufthansa Cargo’s renowned quality services and solutions. The increase in frequencies is primarily due to the entry into service of the 18th B777F freighter in the fleet, which was transferred from the Boeing plant in Seattle to Frankfurt in mid-August. In addition, the A321F fleet will operate up to 34 weekly medium-haul and short-haul flights connecting our two Hubs Frankfurt and Munich.

    In the Asia-Pacific region, Lufthansa Cargo is increasing its weekly freighter capacity to Mumbai (BOM) and Taipei (TPE) by one flight per week. Chennai (MAA) will be served twice weekly in combination with Hyderabad (HYD) or Mumbai (BOM). With the recent addition of Shenzhen (SZX) and Zhengzhou (CGO) to its route network, the cargo carrier can now offer its customers a total of 50 weekly frequencies to Asia.

    In addition, the freighter rotation from Frankfurt via Tel Aviv (TLV) to Cairo (CAI) will be increased by one weekly flight with a B777F. The continental network will remain largely unchanged with the A321F fleet, which since July has also been offering cargo customers, particularly in southern Germany, a direct connection from Munich to Istanbul (IST) and back.

    The Winter schedule 2024/2025 can be booked from October 6 and takes effect on October 27. In addition to the freighter service, Lufthansa Cargo also markets the additional cargo capacity of up to 7,500 flights a week to over 350 destinations served by Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Discover Airlines and SunExpress – and since this summer also on numerous new connections to North America, such as from Frankfurt to Raleigh-Durham (RDU) or Minneapolis (MSP).

  • Etihad Cargo’s cutting-edge solutions bridge the gap between East and West for high-value shipments

    Etihad Cargo’s cutting-edge solutions bridge the gap between East and West for high-value shipments

    In the ever-evolving landscape of global logistics, ensuring the safety and security of high-value is paramount. Etihad Cargo, a leader in the air freight industry, continuously enhances its security measures to meet the demands of transporting valuable goods. By leveraging specialised products, technological advancements, and strategic partnerships, Etihad Cargo remains at the forefront of secure cargo handling.

    Added security when transporting high-value goods
    In the context of evolving security threats, Etihad Cargo ensures continuous enhancement and robustness of security measures for handling high-value cargo through its specialised SafeGuard product. For goods classified as “valuables,” which exceed a certain value per kilogram, Etihad Cargo also leverages the expertise of its sister company, Etihad Secure Logistics.

    Leonard Rodrigues, Director Revenue Management & Network Planning at Etihad Cargo explains, “The partnership, in combination with our SafeGuard product, provides state-of-the-art security measures, including secure transit via dedicated, armoured vehicles and security personnel.” For vulnerable goods, such as electronic products, Etihad Cargo offers SecureTech, a process-based product that controls more aspects of the transportation process. SafeGuard and SecureTech serve the transportation needs of both valuable and vulnerable goods, ensuring high standards of safety and security.

    Enhanced security and transparency
    Technological advancements enable more intermediate milestones for tracking, reducing physical touchpoints and human intervention. Leonard says, “This approach increases digital updates, enhancing functional tracking while minimising the risk of errors and security breaches.”

    Etihad Cargo’s digital transformation initiatives have significantly enhanced the safety and security of high-value cargo during transit. A dedicated Cargo Control Centre team monitors shipments and alerts stakeholders if there are any deviations from the SLA. Recognising the crucial role of technology, Etihad Cargo plans to introduce live monitoring, allowing customers to view the real-time status of their shipments. By engaging with multiple service providers, Etihad Cargo aims to implement the best solutions.

    Enhancing efficiency and security in high-value cargo handling
    In June 2024, Etihad Cargo expanded its partnership with SF Airlines, increasing the frequency of flights between mega hubs Abu Dhabi and Ezhou to boost cargo connectivity and capacity between China, the UAE and other global destinations.

    Strategic partnerships, such as this, enhance Etihad Cargo’s ability to handle and transport goods, especially in the e-commerce sector, by leveraging state-of-the-art facilities and digital controls.

    Leonard highlights that SF Airlines’ Ezhou hub employs dedicated staff and advanced digital systems to increase handling security. The partnership, which provides full control over the process unlike traditional reliance on third-party providers, ensures more efficient and secure management of high-value cargo. This is especially true for goods from China, where much of today’s mobile phones and consumer technology are manufactured. The entire platform is digitally monitored, and all staff are under the direct control of the operator. The collaboration allows Etihad Cargo to benefit from dedicated teams and enhanced oversight, improving overall efficiency and security in transporting valuable and vulnerable goods.

    Elevating security and customer trust with SecureTech
    Etihad Cargo’s state-of-the-art facilities and security protocols ensure the security of high-value electronic devices transported under its SecureTech program. Security supervision is provided at every stage, from acceptance to transit, buildup, and delivery. This comprehensive approach ensures continuous monitoring and protection throughout the transportation process, safeguarding high-value electronic devices from potential risks.

    Leonard adds that the introduction of SecureTech has significantly enhanced customer trust and satisfaction for high-value or vulnerable cargo shipments. “We saw a 40% growth in Q1 compared to last year following the launch of SecureTech. The main USP is the handling and security we offer, ensuring electronic shipments are protected throughout transit, with the added option to clear cargo immediately upon arrival at the destination.” Through this, Etihad Cargo has created more alignment and clarity throughout the supply chain, ensuring consistency in service delivery and allowing customers to understand exactly what they are receiving.

    Strategic location, efficient cargo transit
    The location of Etihad Airlines and Etihad Cargo’s hub, Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, significantly enhances the efficiency of high-value cargo transit. The airport features security vaults, special storage areas, security escorts, and CCTV surveillance, making it a secure hub. Serving as a central hub, the airport receives shipments from multiple destinations.

    Leonard notes that for Etihad Cargo’s SecureTech product, top markets include Vietnam, China, Hong Kong, and India; while for SafeGuard products, top markets include Singapore, Hong Kong, Pakistan, and India. Additionally, Abu Dhabi’s central location is ideal for handling high-value cargo efficiently between these key markets and connecting destinations across the carrier’s global network, essentially bridging the gap between East and West.

    Looking forward, Etihad Cargo is exploring new technologies to further secure and optimise shipment handling. “The goal is to provide more information with less human intervention, ensuring every shipment follows a pre-approved path and progresses as expected, with alerts being sent if shipments deviate from this path. This approach focuses on utilising advanced technology rather than increasing human involvement,” Leonard concludes.

    As global trade and security challenges are evolving, Etihad Cargo remains steadfast in its commitment to innovation and excellence. By continuously refining its security protocols, embracing technological advancements, and fostering strategic partnerships, Etihad Cargo ensures that high-value goods are transported with the utmost care and precision. With ambitious plans to further enhance their digital monitoring capabilities and streamline operations, Etihad Cargo is well-positioned to lead the industry in secure cargo handling. In bridging the gap between East and West, Etihad Cargo not only meets the demands of today but also sets new standards for the future of high-value shipments.

  • eleport and Etihad Cargo partners in line with growing trade flow between Southeast Asia and Middle East

    eleport and Etihad Cargo partners in line with growing trade flow between Southeast Asia and Middle East

    Teleport, an integrated logistics provider, and Etihad Cargo have partnered to inject cargo capacity and frequency into their respective cargo network between Southeast Asia and the Middle East, with plans to increase frequency shortly. This move is against a backdrop of growing airfreight demand and trade between the two regions.

    Trade between the Gulf nations and emerging Asian nations continues to show high growth momentum, surging 35% from US$383bil in 2021 to US$516bil in 2022, and is expected to reach US$757bil by 2030, outstripping growth rate with Western nations such as the US, UK and the Euro Area. At the same time, air freight demand continues to pose double-digit growth across all regions, having risen 14.1% as of June 2024.

    Since signing the partnership in May this year, Teleport has deployed its freighters for Etihad to ship machines, raw materials, phones and chip sets among others, from Ho Chi Minh to Kuala Lumpur twice a week, with onward connection via Etihad’s capacity to Abu Dhabi and beyond. This partnership also enables both parties to maximise the available passenger belly capacity especially out of leisure hubs such as Bali and Phuket, by leveraging on each other’s network strength. Etihad will deepen its connectivity in Southeast Asia on the back of Teleport’s extensive network in the region, while Teleport leverages Etihad’s strong global network to expand its network reach into the Middle East, Europe, Americas and the African regions. By the end of this year, the partnership is expected to see 1600 tonnes of cargo moved between the two destinations with the potential for an increase in flight frequency and new routes.

    Stanislas Brun, Vice President of Cargo at Etihad Cargo said, “We continue to anchor our strategy on key partnerships that will enable us to better serve our customer needs while supporting global trade. This recent partnership with Teleport is important to enhance our connectivity to Southeast Asia, and we are confident that through the integration of their freighter operations and our capacity, we are able to continue to grow and build a more efficient and robust network that better serves both regions, and quickly. The market environment is highly favourable to grow our presence here today, and with a strong air partner like Teleport.”

    Jagedeswaran Nadrajah, Head of Air Partners at Teleport, commented “The integration of Etihad’s global network with our largest Southeast Asia network has opened up a more dynamic way to connect cargo between these two regions – leveraging on the strengths of both our networks. This is valuable to both our existing and new customers trading between two important regions. This sort of synergy is testament to what Teleport has been building through its Air Partners programme as a win-win solution for all Teleport Air Partners, where we can continue to build and grow, and never fly empty.”

  • Vietnam’s exports to US accelerate

    Vietnam’s exports to US accelerate

    Vietnam’s exports to the U.S. surged 24.4% year-on-year to $66.09 billion in the first seven months, the highest growth rate among its export markets.

    In the seven-month period, American buyers spent a monthly average of close to $9.6 billion on purchasing goods from Vietnamese suppliers.

    With the U.S. accelerating goods purchases for the year-end festive season and the volume of their goods in stock plunging, the number of orders from U.S. buyers is expected to grow significantly.

    Vu Vinh Phu, an economic expert, predicted Vietnamese exports to the market such as electronics, leather and footwear, garment textiles, farm produce, machinery and equipment will continue to recover in months to come.

    These product categories have seen improvement in quality and competitive pricing thanks to substantial foreign direct investment in production and export activities as well as their deep integration into supply chains, making them more favoured and trusted by U.S. importers.

    If the current growth momentum is maintained, bilateral trade could reach $135 billion this year.

  • FedEx expands International Connect Plus service to the U.S. and Europe, boosting growth opportunities for Asian SMEs

    FedEx expands International Connect Plus service to the U.S. and Europe, boosting growth opportunities for Asian SMEs

    Federal Express Corporation, one of the world’s largest express transportation companies, is expanding FedEx® International Connect Plus (FICP), its international, day-definite, e-commerce shipping service. Already available for e-tailers to send shipments within Asia Pacific markets, the expanded service will now connect to destinations in the U.S. and Europe. Initially, this service expansion will be available to e-tailers operating in China, Hong Kong SAR, and Japan, with other Asia Pacific markets being added later this year.

    The expanded coverage of FICP is the company’s latest effort to support the growth of cross-border e-commerce from Asia to the U.S. and Europe. E-commerce sales in Asia are projected to reach $13,209 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 17.6% from 2023 to 2030. China and Japan remain the largest Asian Pacific markets with robust cross-border e-commerce activity, providing extensive business opportunities for SMEs. With this expansion, e-commerce merchants in these markets can now offer their customers an international shipping solution with prices that offer greater value, while ensuring most shipments will be delivered between two to three business days to the U.S. and Europe.

    Greater value – The FICP allows businesses to enjoy greater savings at competitive day-definite transits and provide their customers greater value by matching attractive prices with their specific delivery needs.

    Flexibility and control – Besides home delivery, the FICP service enables e-tailers to give their end customers the flexibility to pick up their package from hundreds of available pick-up locations, and the option to change delivery date and location.

    Seamless Integration – Both online and offline shipping automation solutions are available for e-tailers to enjoy a paperless experience.

    Peace of mind – FedEx extensive parcel tracking capabilities gives e-tailers and customers visibility throughout the entire delivery journey.

    “FICP has been received enthusiastically by our e-commerce customers who value it as the optimal balance of expedited delivery and cost-effectiveness,” stated Salil Chari, senior vice president, Marketing & Customer Experience, Asia Pacific, FedEx. “At FedEx, we are focused on providing businesses with a comprehensive range of shipping solutions tailored to their specific requirements. The expansion of FICP, in conjunction with our other digital offerings, enhances our ability to support our customers and facilitate the continued growth of cross-border e-commerce from this dynamic region.”

    FedEx provides end-to-end e-commerce solutions that make order fulfillment easy and efficient for merchants while providing convenience and reliability for customers receiving deliveries. It recently launched cross-border e-commerce handbooks for merchants looking to expand in China and Japan. FedEx Picture Proof of Delivery was introduced to bolster e-commerce residential deliveries, in the company’s continued efforts to digitize its services and improve the customer experience while supporting e-commerce growth in the region.

    FICP also comes with the reliability of FedEx international, day-definite delivery service, coupled with its customs clearance expertise. It is further supported with capabilities including tracking, sending notifications to recipients, and flexible delivery options and visibility features via FedEx Delivery Manager® International.

  • Korean Air to order up to 50 widebody Boeing aircraft

    Korean Air to order up to 50 widebody Boeing aircraft

    Korean Air signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Boeing on July 22 at the Farnborough International Airshow to upgrade and expand its widebody fleet. The airline has announced its intent to procure 20 Boeing 777-9s and 20 Boeing 787-10s with options for 10 more of the largest 787 Dreamliner variant.

    The signing ceremony was attended by Walter Cho, Chairman and CEO of Korean Air, and Stephanie Pope, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

    The 777-9s and 787-10s, with their capability of long-haul flights to regions such as North America and Europe, are expected to play an important role after Korean Air’s merger with Asiana Airlines.

    The 777-9 is known as the most reliable and efficient airplane in the 777 series. The new carbon-fiber composite wings are longer than the previous 777 family airplanes, enabling the airline to achieve an improved fuel efficiency of more than 10%. With a range of over 13,000 kilometers, the 777-9 can provide direct services to all U.S. destinations from Incheon International Airport. The 777-9 has the longest fuselage in the 777 series, with a typical seating capacity of 400 to 420 seats.

    The 787-10 is the largest variant in the 787 family, capable of carrying 15 percent more passengers and cargo than the 787-9 currently in service. It is also more fuel efficient compared to similar-sized aircraft with reduced carbon emissions of over 20%.

    “The addition of the Boeing 777-9 and 787-10 aircraft marks a significant milestone in our strategic objective to expand and upgrade our fleet,” said Walter Cho, Chairman and CEO of Korean Air. “This investment underscores our commitment to providing a best-in-class flying experience. These new airplanes will elevate passenger comfort and enhance operational efficiency, while significantly reducing carbon emissions, supporting our long-term commitment to sustainable aviation.”

    “We are honored Korean Air has selected two of our largest, most efficient widebody airplanes to add capacity to their global network,” said Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “Boeing airplanes have played an integral role in the growth of Korean Air over the past 50 years, and we are confident the 777X and 787 Dreamliner will support the airline’s long-term sustainability goals and continued growth.”

    With the addition of the Boeing 777-9s and 787-10s, Korean Air plans to have a total of 203 next-generation, eco-friendly aircraft in its fleet by 2034, including 33 A350s, 50 A321neos and 20 Boeing 787-9s.

  • DHL Express and CIMB join forces to reduce CO₂e through sustainable aviation fuel

    DHL Express and CIMB join forces to reduce CO₂e through sustainable aviation fuel

    DHL Express has signed an agreement with CIMB Group Holdings Berhad (“CIMB” or “the Group”) to welcome the banking group onboard its GoGreen Plus programme.

    The partnership enables CIMB to leverage the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to mitigate the CO2e emissions associated with its international shipments. Through the partnership, CIMB will deploy the programme across Malaysia and Singapore.

    CIMB recognises the importance of aligning business interests with climate practice. In September 2022, the Group announced a net-zero by 2050 goal for Scope 3 emissions, emphasising the indirect greenhouse gases generated through transportation and distribution activities. DHL’s GoGreen Plus service helps to facilitate a pathway towards cleaner operations and contributes to scaling the wider SAF ecosystem.

    SAF is considered the aviation industry’s most promising means of decarbonisation. Made from alternative raw materials such as used cooking oil, waste, and hydrogen, SAF cuts approximately 80 percent of carbon emissions for air transport shipments over its lifecycle compared to conventional jet fuel. In collaboration with DHL Express, CIMB expects to lower the carbon emissions of its time-definite international air shipments from Malaysia and Singapore by 20 percent via DHL. An independent auditor, Société Générale de Surveillance, verifies the greenhouse gas emission reductions to be counted against CIMB’s Scope 3 carbon emission footprint.

    “Many of our customers look at sustainability as a business imperative today. In Asia Pacific alone, more than 12,000 customers have signed up for our GoGreen Plus service and this number continues to grow consistently,” said Ken Lee, CEO DHL Express Asia Pacific. “As a leading express logistics company, we always connect people and businesses across borders. GoGreen Plus serves as a vital avenue for businesses to cut carbon emissions, and we are convinced more will come on board.”

    “SAF is widely acknowledged as a truly viable route to decarbonising the aviation sector. There is still significant progress to be made, as SAF makes up only 0.1 percent of aviation fuel consumed today. We are impressed with the leadership CIMB has demonstrated in the sustainability space and we are delighted to have CIMB partner us for this important initiative. This motivates us to accelerate efforts to promote SAF availability, accessibility, and affordability so that our customers realise their environmental ambitions,” said Julian Neo, Managing Director of DHL Express Malaysia and Brunei.

    “Sustainability is a key focus at CIMB and central to that are our 2050 net-zero commitments. In our roadmap to achieve these targets, we have long advocated the need to strategically partner and drive innovative solutions. CIMB is pleased to be partnering DHL in their sustainable fuel proposition that will help us mitigate our Scope 3 carbon emissions and in that regard, help us get closer to our 2050 net-zero commitments. DHL’s innovative solution in bringing such an option to its key clients is commendable and will accelerate the commercialisation of such technology,” said Gurdip Singh Sidhu, Chief Executive Officer of CIMB Malaysia and CIMB Bank Berhad.

    Launched in February 2023, GoGreen Plus is among the DHL Group’s initiatives to achieve net-zero missions by 2050, which is made possible by three of the most significant SAF agreements with bp, Neste, and World Energy. The air freight network accounts for around 70 percent of the company’s carbon footprint, so sustainable air transportation solutions are crucial for greener logistics.

  • Etihad Cargo expands European freighter network with launch of Madrid

    Etihad Cargo expands European freighter network with launch of Madrid

    Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics arm of Etihad Airways, is expanding its freighter network with a new route to Madrid. Starting 15 July 2024, Etihad Cargo will operate two weekly Boeing 777 freighter flights between Abu Dhabi and Madrid, adding over 200 tonnes of cargo capacity for Europe.

    The launch of a twice-weekly freighter service between Abu Dhabi and Madrid will increase the total number of flights to Spain to 25 per week. Etihad Cargo provides belly capacity via 10 passenger flights to Madrid, 10 to Barcelona and three seasonal flights to Malaga launched as part of the airline’s summer schedule. This expansion highlights the strategic importance of these destinations, particularly Madrid as a key European fashion hub, and aims to boost e-commerce connectivity from Asia to Europe via Etihad Cargo’s Abu Dhabi hub.

    This new route complements Etihad Cargo’s existing European freighter network, which includes six weekly flights to Amsterdam and three weekly flights to Frankfurt. With the addition of Madrid to the network, the total number of Etihad Cargo’s freighter flights to Europe will increase to 11 per week. Customers will also benefit from additional belly hold capacity offered as part of the carrier’s summer schedule, which includes the launch of two weekly seasonal flights to Nice. Flights to Athens will increase to 14 per week, with two operating via seasonal destination Mykonos and two via Santorini. A new route to Antalya will operate with three weekly flights, and flights to Istanbul will increase from ten to 14 per week starting 22 July 2024. Additionally, Dublin will see three more flights from 23 July 2024, totalling ten per week.

    Stanislas Brun, Vice President Cargo at Etihad Cargo, stated, “Launching Madrid as Etihad Cargo’s latest European freighter destination supports the growing demand for e-commerce flows between Asia and Europe. Madrid’s role as a key fashion hub makes it an essential destination for the carrier’s freighter network.”

    Etihad Cargo’s hub in Abu Dhabi serves as a crucial link between East and West, providing efficient and reliable cargo services to meet the specific needs of the fashion industry and other sectors dependent on timely e-commerce deliveries.