The rst and only PAN-Regional Magazine Years Middle East - Africa - Asia and beyond 2001-2018 el C ebr ati ng

Vol. 8 Issue 3, No. 61, April 2018

Lufthansa Cargo Rebounds with renewed strength Peter Gerber CEO & Chairman Lufthansa Cargo AG

The Lounge

Saudia Cargo turns Silk Way West Airlines sight to more relaunches service to eLearning course innovative products 14 Budapest, Hungary 32 36 for truck drivers and solutions Ali Al Hamdany CEO, Fly Baghdad www.aircargoupdate.com

EDITORIAL Editor’s Note

Monthly: Vol 08 | Issue 03 | No. 61 Middle East, Africa, Asia & beyond Catching up with time

The air cargo industry may be flying high value goods at high speed but its system and means of doing business remain antiquated with some experts saying its technology is probably 30 years behind what is commonly used now in the digital age.

With e-Commerce making a significant impact on the global trade landscape, the need for the airfreight industry to catch up with the digital world is increasing.

Even the most sophisticated cargo carriers in Europe agree something must be done to speed up the system in the industry. But the challenges are great. Going digital means money and investments in technology, more staff training, system upgrades, new infrastructure and more.

Add to their woes is the difficulty in synching emerging markets in Asia, the Middle East, Africa and the Americas, to Chief Editor embrace digitalization which are all important links in a Gemma Q. Casas gemmadimensionsmedia.com healthy airfreight industry. Contributors Nirmala Rao In this edition, we'll bring you insights on how big players in Ayesha Rashid ayeshaaircargoupdate.com the industry are dipping deeper into technology to shore

Sales Marketing up growth. How logistics and freight are also doing the Israr Ahmad same to bring about efficiency, cut costs and speed up the isrardimensionsmedia.com Tousif Ahmed process in transporting goods between borders. tousifdimensionsmedia.com Head Operations We'll also discuss what industry experts are doing to curb Jamal Ahmad the perennial problem on cargo theft and other crimes jamaldimensionsmedia.com linked to transportation. We'll also bring you the latest Photo Journalist Wasim Ahmed financial reports from different cargo and related wasimdimensionsmedia.com companies which described 2017 as one of their best years Cr eative Head Mohammed Imran ever, profit and productivity wise. imrandimensionsmedia.com

And as always, we'll bring the latest news and features in the air cargo industry, airlines, airports, aviation and starting this issue, emphasis on the freight and logistics sector.

Gemma Q. Casas Editor-in-Chief

t

CONTENT n e t April 2018 n

Cover Story Lufthansa Cargo o 36 Rebounds with renewed strength

The Global Lounge 09 News 08 Cargolux adds new weekly

C ight to Tokyo's Narita airport Japanese martial arts, travel & learning shore up spirit Turksh Cargo carres 1.5M of Iraqi CEO lve fish to Oman from Izmr

40-eLearning course News for truck drivers vs cargo Feature thefts, human trafficking 30 and illegal migration Airport Show 2018 Smart security, technology, digitalization & innovation

44- Aviation Airlines & Airports join forces in creating route development

46- Airlines 10 Emirates aircraft now circle the 34-Saudia Cargo turns globe with HH Sheikh Zayed livery sight to more innovative products and solutions Ethiopian launches new ight to Nosy-Be Madagascar

ACS invests £1m more to take 52-Dubai seeks to turn waste into 54- Photo Gallery: lead in Europe's aviation industry energy & green byproducts Wings India 2018

50- Executive Moments Skycell appoints Groeneveld as CCO

Volga-Dnepr Group names new commercial director for charter business

58- Upcoming Events

The L UNGE

Fly Baghdad Ali Al Hamdany CEO is an Aikido CEO, Fly Baghdad expert

In 2003, the US-led invasion of Iraq under the false aviation industry, Fly Baghdad successfully began its new assumption the country was keeping weapons of mass journey flying domestic at Erbil International Airport and at destruction began. That same year, the oil-rich Middle East Sulaymaniyah International Airport. Internationally, the airline welcomed the birth of the first low cost carrier (LCC) in the flies out of its hub at Baghdad International Airport to region, the Sharjah-based Air Arabia in the United Arab Amman in Jordan, Lebanon's Beirut and the Turkish cities of Emirates. Istanbul and Ankara. With more than 143 billion barrels of proven oil reserves, Iraq, “Iraq is no longer considered a war zone. Although it's not in one of the founding members of the powerful Organization the best situation, it's not as bad as the media portrays. Before of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), ranks third globally 2003, LCC was unheard of in the region. It's not possible after Venezuela and Saudia Arabia, as the richest in terms of because everything is controlled by the government,” said Al oil resources. Hamdany who has a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical But 15 years after the US-led war and more than a decade Engineering from the University of Baghdad before taking up after the death of its former dictator Saddam Hussein in 2006, his two Masters Degrees in IT and Engineering in the UK. Iraq is still in ruins, grieving over countless lives lost and “With security stabilizing, investments are starting to come millions of innocent civilians displaced. in,” he added. Though peace and stability remain elusive in this once Through mainly online bookings and the social media, Fly prosperous country, Iraq is slowly rebuilding itself and Baghdad is able to sustain its operations. investments have started pouring in. Among those taking a “We are heavy on the social media,” said Al Hamdany chance is Fly Baghdad, a privately financed LCC re-launched explaining that in Iraq, the digital world connects everyone to in February 2017. the outside world without compromising security or anything Ali Al Hamdany, CEO of Fly Baghdad, who began his aviation else. career with Air Arabia even before its launch in 2003, said it's This year, Al Hamdany hopes to expand the airline's routes to an enormous task to rebuild the country and an equally Dubai, New Delhi, Sweden and Germany where a large challenging environment for investors, but Iraqis like him are population of Iraqis who fled during the war are located. up for the challenge. With so much at stake and the burden of running an airline “There is a point in time when you need to make a decision at upon him, Al Hamdany finds solace in his passion for learning a different level,” Al Hamdany told Air Cargo Update in an new things, traveling and honing his skills in the Japanese interview noting that he felt the need to return to his martial arts known as Aikido. homeland despite having a lucrative aviation career at Air “Aviation has its own challenges wherever you are. My dream Arabia which he described as an “excellent university” in the is to make this first LCC in Iraq a success in line with industry. international standards,” said the CEO who is an Aikido With Al Hamdany's vast experience and connections in the Blackbelter.

GLOBAL NEWS Cargolux adds new weekly flight to Tokyo's Narita airport

During the ceremony, additional market opportunities for Richard Forson, Chief both airlines on the Europe-Narita Executive Officer of sector while at the same time Cargolux, emphasized promoting competition between the the impor tance of partner airlines. Japan in the cargo More than 2 million tons of air cargo c a r r i e r 's n e t w o r k , volume is handled at Narita Airport saying: “Japan has long each year, which accounts for more played an important than 50 percent of international air role in Cargolux's Far cargo in Japan. LUXEMBOURG: Cargolux has began a East network and we are new weekly flight from Luxembourg looking forward to supporting Japan's The major import items are prestige Airport to Narita International Airport trade lanes to and from Europe.” cars, communications equipment, in Japan under a cooperation pharmaceuticals and semiconductors agreement with Nippon Cargo Airlines The Cargolux weekly flight to Narita and electronic components. Major (NCA) for code-share cargo flights leaves Luxembourg every Tuesday export items include automobile between Luxembourg and Tokyo. e v e n i n g , a r r i v i n g i n N RT o n parts, semiconductors, electronic Wednesday afternoon at 16:25. Return Cargolux's Boeing 747-8 freighter, components and other manufacturing flight is routed via Incheon and registered LX-VCM, was warmly devices, as well as scientific optical Novosibirsk. welcomed with the traditional water equipment. cannon salute upon arrival on March As the Cargolux and NCA flights are Cargolux started operating flights to 28, followed by celebration events at operated on different days of the Japan in 1985, & has been serving Narita airport. week , this arrangement gives Japanese exporters & importers since. GLOBAL NEWS Turkish Cargo carries 1.5M live fish to Oman from Izmir

ISTANBUL: Transporting cargo to handling officers,” Turhan Ozen, The air freight company said it takes 121 different countries around the Chief Cargo Officer at Turkish p r i d e i n i t s ro l e of b r i d g i n g world as a sub-brand of Turkish Airlines, shared. economies across the world. Airlines, Turkish Cargo added “They were carried to Oman from S e r k a n I l g a z , E x e c u t i v e V i c e another successful operation to its Izmir in 3 hours, so, we were able to President of Production at Kilic proven track of records by carrying carry them within 24 hours in total. Holding, said Turkish Cargo's role is 1.5 million live Gilt-head breams We accomplished this operation by crucial in growing their business and weighing 100 tons to Oman from means of our Boeing 777F type the marine industry in Turkey. Izmir. freighter in accordance with IATA “We carried With the right environment, Turkish LAR (Live Animals Regulations), approximately 1.5 million Cargo managed to transport the 1.5 r e i n f o r c i n g o u r s u c c e s s i n million Gilt-head bream grown in the transportation of live animals baby gilt-head breams to Aegean Region by Kilic Holding to requiring an utmost level of care,” he the Indian Ocean off the Oman. added. coast of Oman in shorter The fish were flown using a chartered T h e c a r g o e x e c u t i v e s a i d than 40 hours, and Boeing-777F wide-body freighter. transporting these delicate fish performed our first Aquaculture engineers checked requires expertise and the right shipment with Turkish every hour the baby gilt-head conditions such as accurate air- breams for the right pH balance, conditioning, oxygen and regular Cargo. We hope to keep oxygen and water temperature temperature checks. The shipment is developing our levels. considered under dangerous goods cooperation with our flag- “The live fish of 100 tons were due to the use of oxygen cylinders. carrier and accompli- required to be transported to Oman “We could provide the environment shming more from Bodrum in a maximum period required for health of the fish, and achievements in the of 40 hours. They were first taken to meet the requirements of the trucks and carried to Izmir in 3 hours operation thanks to our expert team future,” said Ilgaz. upon completion of the initial and the assurance by Turkish Cargo. Turkish Cargo supports the growing preparations. Then, they were loaded We, as Turkish Cargo, will keep export and import seafood industry in our freighter equipped with standing by the Turkish exporters at in some Arab countries—Turkey, special techniques by our cargo all times,” said Ozen. Tunisia, Oman, Qatar & Saudi Arabia.

Virgin Atlantic Cargo earns 9% in 2017 as volumes reach five-year high

Dominic Kennedy Managing Director Virgin Atlantic Cargo

LONDON: Virgin Atlantic Cargo saw volumes reach a five-year high in 2017 and revenues rising 9% to £199.6 million, driven by strong growth in pharmaceutical and e-Commerce shipments. The airline carried 230.5 million kilos last year – up 6% on 2016 – thanks to particularly strong westbound business to the U.S. Virgin Atlantic's new daily Heathrow-Seattle services, launched last March, performed above expectations and there were strong, double-digit gains in demand to other destinations across the U.S. from both London and Manchester. “There's no doubt the air cargo market was buoyant in 2017 compared to previous years but there was still strong competition for this business. We are delighted with the results we have delivered for the airline, which are a tribute to the outstanding performance of our entire Cargo team,” said Dominic Kennedy, Managing Director of Virgin Atlantic Cargo. “With our prime route network, growing capabilities to transport specialist products, and our continued passion for delivering high quality service levels, we are well-placed to meet the sustained level of demand from our customers and looking forward to another positive year in 2018,” he added. Virgin Atlantic's daily services to India and Africa saw strong volume gains, as did routes to the UK from these markets, as well as from China and the U.S., despite exchange rate pressures. In addition to growth in perishables and high value cargo shipments in 2017, Virgin Atlantic's biggest gains came from the carriage of pharmaceuticals and e- commerce shipments. Supported by the opening of its new Heathrow Pharma Zone with joint venture partner Delta for temperature- controlled life science and pharmaceutical products in October 2017, shipments of these cargoes increased 20% year-on-year. Similarly, the airline's e-commerce business grew in 2017, boosted by its high service levels and quick connections to major consumer markets in the U.S, the Middle East, China and Australia.

GLOBAL NEWS

Recycled cardboards in place of AMI Melbourne timber seen to save cargo industry relocates at new Airport Freight Precinct

FRANKFURT: The airfreight sector is purchase price of the new solution is LONDON: Air Menzies up for an innovative major change convincing. International (AMI) – the with the introduction in the market “ T h e s y s t e m h a s a t w o f o l d world's largest trade-only of recycled cardboards in place of advantage: On the one hand squAIR- airfreight and express heavy timber solutions. timber provides a tremendous wholesaler – is moving its Melbourne, Australia “This is a revolution in the advantage in costs and weight for the airlines. On the other hand operation to new and larger air freight sector,” says handling agencies are benefitting premises. Andreas Langemann from f r o m t h e t i m e s a v i n g w h e n The brand new, state-of-the- t r i l a t e c , i n v e n t o r a n d a s s e m b l i n g t h e u l t r a m o d e r n art facility is located within manufacturer of the novel transport system,” said Langemann the new Melbourne Airport transport system. Initial as he noted that ground handlers are Freight Precinct, just one saving 15 minutes per ULD when kilometer and three minutes' experiences with airlines assembling the build-up. drive from the airport's cargo have shown that 1,200 tons squAIR-timber is setting new terminals. It provides of weight can be saved standards regarding performance. significantly larger warehouse, a n n u a l l y – r o u g h l y One metre of the novel material office and yard space, with a dock leveller, and awnings equivalent to three fully carries up to 5 tons if weight is evenly distributed, and with a net weight of covering all loading bays. loaded jumbo jets. only 1.2 kg/m. Timber of the same AMI's range of services The squAIR-timber system of trilatec dimensions has a net weight includes Approved Security GmbH is up to 80 percent lighter between 3 and 4 kg/m. Screening with multiple X-Ray compared with conventional pallets. machines and Explosive Trace “The key to the stability lies in the The company started production Detection equipment. manufacturing process,” explains and worldwide distribution of its new Stefan Trinkaus, Technical Director at “The new facility and addition product in March 2018. trilatec. “After working in cold glue to our truck fleet represents a The company said disposal of the combinations into several layers of significant investment in new material can be carried out in an the cardboard fibers these are upgrading our capabilities at environmentally friendly way, using a laminated together under pressure. Melbourne, which is one of paper recycling facility. Costs for T h i s p r o c e s s e n a b l e s w a t e r our largest operations in the special wood disposal are saved as resistance of the product, thus, it is Australasia region,” said AMI squAIR-timber is manufactured of suitable for multiple use and at the Regional VP Australasia Geoff 100% recycled material. Even the same time ISPM15-compliant.” Young.

GLOBAL NEWS American Airlines Cargo picks GSAs in Croatia, Slovenia & Kuwait to our international GSA operating from its base in Kuwait City. network,” said Richard From Croatia and Slovenia, cargo will Hartmann, regional sales be trucked from both countries to m a n a g e r, A m e r i c a n European destinations already Airlines Cargo. “Both are offering direct service into the h i g h l y e x p e r i e n c e d American Airlines global network and companies with a proven interline solutions will be added for track record in working customers looking for express with exports to the USA. products. Not only are they looking to send cargo to the US, Out of Kuwait, wide-body interline but they believe there is agreements into Europe to London FORT WORTH: American Airlines considerable demand for service to Heathrow (LHR), Paris (CDG), Madrid Cargo has further expanded its onward destinations across our (MAD) and Rome (FCO) will connect international reach with the network in Latin America.” seamlessly with American's own appointment of General Sales Agents services to the US and beyond. ( G S A s ) i n t h r e e a d d i t i o n a l In Croatia and Slovenia R-BAG the destinations outside of its network – Central Eastern Europe and Balkans Commodities outbound from Kuwait Croatia, Slovenia and Kuwait. specialist company has been chosen are expected to mainly comprise of to represent American from Ljubljana This brings American's European general cargo, while out of Croatia Airport (LJU) in Slovenia and at network to 18 cities in 12 countries, and Slovenia there will be a more Zagreb International (ZAG) in Croatia. the company said. diversified range of goods including Meanwhile in Kuwait, Al Rashed specialist pharmaceutical shipments “These are two great new additions International Group is now the GSA, and spare parts.

GLOBAL NEWS

Silk Way West Airlines relaunches MASkargo joins service to Budapest, Hungary IAG Cargo program

KUALA LUMPUR: IAG Cargo announced MASkargo, the cargo division of Malaysian Aviation Group, has become the ninth carrier to join its Partner Plus Program which allows members to interline BAKU: After a break of nearly two René Droese, director property and on each other's metal on a years, Silk Way West Airlines has cargo of Budapest Airport, said commercially booked basis. again introduced scheduled service welcomes the new flight which he MASkargo serves almost 100 into Hungary's capital, Budapest, as said “creates export opportunities in destinations worldwide, part of its expansion project in Hungary.” delivering through scheduled Europe. “We are proud to welcome freighter services and Malaysia Airlines belly space The new flight landed at Liszt Ferenc the new cargo flight of Silk International Airport in the morning capacity. Wa y W e s t A i r l i n e s t o of March 18, 2018, and henceforth, The partnership comes after Budapest. The new flight will have two flights a week— Air New Zealand also joined Thursday and Sunday—between creates additional export the program in November Baku and Budapest. o p p o r t u n i t i e s f o r t h e 2017 as its eighth member. With Vienna and Kiev already on Hungarian industry, and Partner Plus members already Azerbaijan's state-owned air freight through the international included American Airlines, the Avianca group, China network of portfolio, the Budapest network of Silk Way West Southern Airlines, Finnair, connection becomes part of its wider Airlines not only the main European expansion program with Japan Airlines, LATAM cargo hubs of Western more destinations to be launched Airlines and Qatar Airways. during the course of the year. Europe become accessible IAG Cargo, which has 546 “We have recognized an increasing for its partners in industry aircraft announced its demand for scheduled services to and logistics, but markets in commercial revenue in 2017 and from Eastern Europe, which we the Middle East and Asia totaled €1084 million. believe came along with the rise of too,” said Droese. IAG Cargo is the single the eCommerce and tech business in business created following Silk Way West Airlines fleet consists this specific region. In the spirit of the the merger of British Airways of more than 10 Boeing 747 full ancient Silkroad, we want to facilitate World Cargo and Iberia Cargo freighters with at least two more in April 2011. Following the this growth by providing regular aircraft due to be delivered soon. The integration of additional shipping opportunities to Central carrier operates a global network Europe as well as into the booming along the ancient Silkroad with an airlines into the business, Middle Eastern and Asian markets enhanced network through Baku including Aer Lingus, Vueling with the establishment of this connecting China, Central Asia, the and bmi, IAG Cargo now connection,” said Wolfgang Meier, Middle East, Europe, Africa and North covers a global network of CEO at Silk Way West Airlines. America. over 350 destinations.

GLOBAL NEWS

Volga-Dnepr delivers 130 tons Cargo volume sold of equipment under below via GSA 'fairly stable' LONDON: About 23 percent freezing condition of air cargo volume is sold via GSAs and the percentage remains fairly stable despite the volatile business environment, according to WorldACD Market Data. The research intelligence firm listed ECS as among the leading GSAs worldwide which account for about 35 percent of all GSA-business. “In the world's latest Top-10, accounting for 35% of all GSA-business, we find ECS, ATC Aviation Services, Air LONDON: In temperatures of -35° their aircraft and experienced Logistics, Kales, Aviation Celsius, Volga-Dnepr Airlines carried specialists. Our company is the Solutions, FlyUS, Worldwide out two flights from Novy Urengoy to contractor to one of the world's GSA, Nordic GSA, Sabetta in Russia to deliver 130 tons largest oil and gas projects so it is ScanPartners and Global GSA. of industrial equipment for 'Yamal- essential for us to meet the terms of They are mainly active in LNG', one of the world's largest gas our responsibilities and provide Europe and North America, recovery projects in the polar region. continuous equipment supplies to where they take over 50% of Carried out in harsh climatic the production site of the 'Yamal- all GSA-business,” WorldACD conditions, the transportation LNG' plant.” said in its latest report culled solution was provided at the request The equipment was delivered to from its data for 800 GSAs on of AeroTransCargo, a Russian Volga-Dnepr's An-124-100 from the record. logistics company which has already customer's warehouse in Novy WorldACD described the managed the air transportation of Urengoy before being loaded into GSA-market in Asia Pacific, over 3,500 tons of equipment, mostly the aircraft using a ramp extension the Middle East and South using the unique IL-76TD-90VD and and the freighter's onboard cranes. Asia “more fragmented.” In An-124-100 freighters and expertise The first flight delivered 70 tons of Africa, Central and South of Volga-Dnepr Airlines. equipment to Sabetta International America, GSAs are “virtually non-existent.” For these latest shipments, Volga- Airport and a timely unloading “The largest group of GSA's Dnepr transported a 30-ton high enabled the 'Ruslan' aircraft to return remains WFC (World Freight pressure pump and other gas to Novy Urengoy to collect the Company), with brands like recovery cargo weighing a total of remaining 60 tons of cargo for Air Logistics, ATC, Kales and approximately 130 tons onboard two delivery the next day. Hermes Aviation. Number An-124-100 flights. The equipment is “In the course of such deliveries, 2(ECS) has lately been most being installed at a liquefied natural ever y single detail is of high active in acquisition. YoY gas plant being built on the Yamal importance: loading equipment, volume growth for the top- Peninsula. q u a l i fi e d c re w m e m b e r s , f u l l 10 in 2017 varied from 1% to Alexander Supichenko, Director of coordination with the customer 54%. In the Top-100 country AeroTransCargo LLC, pointed out: regarding provision of the cargo to pairs, in 2017 GSA's produced “Taking into consideration such the airport, the arrangement of yields for their principals on difficult operating conditions, we powerful cranes, lowbed trailers and average 12% below the yields could only turn to real professionals. the performing of loading/offloading generated by airlines doing We have been working with Volga- by the airline's certified staff,” noted their own sales,” WorldACD Dnepr Airlines since 2015 and have Mikhail Smirnykh, General Director, noted. witnessed the vast capabilities of Volga-Dnepr Airlines.

GLOBAL NEWS Swisslog and KUKA team up to Air France KLM strengthen CarryPick Martinair Cargo rolls out new software solution SCHIPHOL/NEW YORK: Air France KLM Martinair Cargo (AFKLMP Cargo) has rolled out a new software solution across its global cargo network as part of its digital transformation project. With Accenture (NYSE: ACN), the cargo carrier began the implementation of the Accenture Freight and Logistics Software (AFLS) platform designed to help its customers get quality quote- D U B A I : G l o b a l w a r e h o u s e comprehensive service from our to-book process. automation specialist, Swisslog, in global support network. Its stability AFKLMP Cargo said the AFLS close collaboration with the KUKA leads to better results for our solution integrates all the Group, strengthens CarryPick by customers by reducing downtime and commercial functions bringing the mobile goods-to-person improving WIFI capabilities,” said Dr. (Booking, Offer, Pricing, system in-house. Christian Baur, COO Swisslog Group & Rating, Capacity & Revenue CarryPick, an automated storage and CEO Swisslog Logistics Automation. Management, Flight Planning order fulfilment system, is a flexible, This new approach will offer Swisslog and Airway Bill Control) across scalable asset for delivering high and KUKA customers the ability to Air France and KLM. value to customers in multi-channel interact with a single supplier, lower AFLS is now the unified digital fulfilment operations. The CarryPick risk and support from a global service platform for AFKLMP Cargo system's new KMP600 AGV was network. bringing an end-to-end developed in close collaboration commercial focus to revenue With all components of the CarryPick between KUKA and Swisslog. management process and system, from the AGV through extending the value chain to Synergies have allowed for a number software and support, located in- the end customers. of technical enhancements that make house, Swisslog will be able to further With the legacy systems the AGV suitable for use in multiple develop the entire solution to meet decommissioned and replaced industries. The CarryPick solution will exact customer requirements, added by the AFLS integrated be globally supported as part of the Baur. Commercial Suite, Air France KUKA portfolio. KLM Martinair Cargo IT A dedicated team of experts will system capabilities have been C o m b i n i n g t h e re s e a rc h a n d collaborate closely with customers, enhanced to enable price development power of Swisslog and ensuring answers to the most integrity and consistency for KUKA has resulted in a new CarryPick important questions and service the airline group's customers solution that will deliver the highest assistance are available from a single and partners. performance and reliability through a source. fully integrated system that includes The AFLS Flight planning tool Swisslog and KUKA also identified brings optimization focus for not only the vehicle but the system software as a critical factor for a the short-term capacity software. s e a m l e s s a n d p o s i t i v e u s e r management window. Better mechatronics make the vehicle experience. With a specific CarryPick The AWB Control tool enables much quieter and enable a more module within Swisslog's new SynQ automatic and guided ergonomic workspace, while also software platform, the customer will discrepancy resolution increasing battery life. no longer need to run several between the commercial order “Aside from the distinct advantages of different software systems, reducing and the operational shipment, preventing revenue leakage. the new system, it also comes with the risk of errors and downtime.

GLOBAL NEWS

DP World wins concession Cathay Pacific seals for first deep-sea port in Congo new cargo handling contracts with WFS in Brussels & Copenhagen LONDON: Cathay Pacific Cargo has awarded new cargo handling contracts to Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) in Brussels and Copenhagen. WFS's new three-year contract with cargo carrier DP World Chairman Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, left, began on March 25 for its with Congolese officials during the concession signing ceremony. new Brussels-Hong Kong direct service with four DUBAI: Global port operator DP infrastructure. flights a week on the route, World has won a 30-year concession T h e d e v e l o p m e n t g i v e s t h e transporting passengers and to build and operate a Greenfield Democratic Republic of Congo the cargo onboard its Airbus multipurpose port project in Banana, opportunity to be connected into A350-900 aircraft. the Democratic Republic of Congo global trade lanes, to have access to a WFS expects to handle some (DRC) with option for a further wide range of global markets and to seven million kilos of cargo and mail per annum for extension of 20 years. reduce its dependency on the Cathay Pacific in Brussels. It Under the deal, DP World will set up a neighboring countries' ports. will also continue to provide joint venture with 70% control, and “We are delighted to extend our handling for Hong Kong's the government of DRC holding a African footprint further with a major home airline trucking network to and from 30% share, to manage and invest in investment in DRC, which is Africa's Belgium. the Port of Banana. The first phase of third-most populous country but has In addition, the airline has the greenfield project, with an no direct deep-sea port. Investment also selected WFS for cargo estimated initial investment of in this deep-water port will have a handling in Copenhagen from US$350 million, will include a 600- major impact on the country's trade May 2 with a seasonal three- metre quay and 25-hectare yard with significant cost and time times-weekly direct service to extension with a container capacity of savings, attracting more direct calls the Danish capital. 350,000 TEU (twenty-foot equivalent from larger vessels from Asia and “WFS has been providing units) and 1.5 million tons for general Europe, and ultimately acting as a offline handling services for cargo. catalyst for the growth of the country Cathay Pacific's trucking operations to and from The Port of Banana will be the first and the region's economy,” said Brussels for several years so deep-sea port in the country along Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group we are delighted that the its small coastline of 37 kilometres, Chairman and CEO, DP World. airline has chosen to partner which currently only has the riverine Bin Sulayem said the project will with us for the launch of its port of Matadi, the UAE state news contribute to DP World's global new direct air services connecting the airport and agency WAM reported. network and mission of developing Hong Kong,” said Marc Construction is expected to start in markets. Claesen, Regional Vice 2018 and is expected to take about 24 Jose Makila Sumanda, DRC Vice President of WFS. months to complete. Prime Minister and Minister of This is the latest in a series of The initial investment of $350 million Transport and Communications, said new contract successes for will be spread over 24 months and the government has high hopes the WFS in Brussels, which earlier announced agreements with the total project cost of more than $1 project will deliver unprecedented CAL Cargo Airlines, Japan billion over four phases will be economic benefits to the country Airlines, MNG Airlines and dependent on market demand for while enabling traders and exporters Oman Air. the port, industrial and logistics zone access to more markets.

For BOOKING, CONTACT GLOBAL NEWS dnata and IBS Software Gulftainer welcomes mega launch iCargo terminal containership SHARJAH: Gulftainer recently welcomed one of the largest containerships in the world, the CMA CGM Antoine De Saint Exupery, at its flagship Khorfakkan Container Terminal (KCT) in the emirate of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates. With a capacity of 20,600 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU), the 400-meter ship is one of the largest containerships in the world and marks KCT's largest ever vessel From left: IBS Software SVP & Head of Airline Cargo Services Ashok Rajan; call. dnata Senior Vice President UAE Cargo & DWC Airlines Services Bernd Struck; Executive Chairman of the IBS Group VK Mathews, and; dnata Senior Vice CMA CGM, a leading worldwide President International Airport Operations Rosario Marino. shipping group, currently operates a diversified fleet of 445 vessels with a combined DUBAI: dnata and IBS Software are across the globe,” said Bernd Struck – capacity of over 2 million TEU. jointly introducing the use of iCargo Senior Vice President UAE Cargo & The company deployed the new terminal operation suite across all its DWC Airlines Services, dnata. building on its French Asia Line stations to manage the company's 1 service, which connects Asia Ashok Rajan, SVP & Head of Airline air cargo movement worldwide to Northern Europe. Cargo Ser vices, IBS Software, seamlessly. Prior to its arrival at KCT, the described iCargo as a “strong, stable vessel, which is longer than 4 dnata, one of the world's largest air and modern IT platform” widely football fields and bigger than services providers, is the first ground accepted to be suited in the air cargo the Empire State Building and handler to launch a global roll-out of industry. the Eiffel Tower had made calls iCargo and have all its operations on in a number of major ports “ O v e r t h e y e a r s , s i g n i fi c a n t one united platform using unified within Europe. investment has gone in to give processes. “Receiving one of the largest iCargo a strong product roadmap, containerships in the world IBS Software, a leading IT solutions c o n t i n u o u s l y i n c o r p o r a t i n g signifies our ability to deliver provider to the global aviation technology led innovation and industr y, says the end-to-end the highest standards of building a collaborative community solution is expected to be gradually operational efficiency, which is model of development. I am of tremendous value to large implemented across the system by extremely pleased and excited to vessels such as this. It 2020. By then, iCargo will have a user welcome dnata, one of the fastest represents another achievement base of over 5,000 staff members g r o w i n g G r o u n d H a n d l i n g for Gulftainer and is a across 27 stations, in 10 countries companies in the world, as our latest testament to our strengthening f r o m t h e U S A t o A u s t r a l i a , customer for iCargo and look relationship with the CMA CGM interfacing seamlessly with a host of group, as well as their forward to a mutually beneficial other system applications within the confidence in us,” said Peter long-term partnership,” said Rajan. IT landscape of the business. Richards, Group CEO of Gulftainer. “We are always in pursuit of Through iCargo, dnata will automate delivering exceptional service and key business and operational The Journal of Commerce has improving safety and efficiencies. f u n c t i o n s - i n c l u d i n g U L D recognized KCT, Gulftainer's With iCargo as our technology management, Quality monitoring flagship terminal, as the fastest terminal in the MENA region platform, we are confident that we and mail management with a single and third-fastest in the world. can stay agile and adapt to the fast seamlessly integrated platform - changing needs of our customers iCargo.

LOGISTICS NEWS More exhibitors at 'transport logistic China' 2018 as country presses for innovations

18, 2018 at the Shanghai New and the New Silk Road during the International Expo Centre conference programme. (SNIEC) covering a space of Messe Munchen says a forum on the more than 40,000 sqm. Chinese “One Belt – One Road” trading “Companies dare not lose sight strategy will be held on the second day of the Chinese market. New of the event where participants will developments are taking place discuss the challenges, problems and too quickly. The two topics of solutions for the New Silk Road digitization and the New Silk between China and Europe. Road provide the logistics Those attending will include speakers i n d u s t r y w i t h a u n i q u e from the United Transport and MUNICH: The leading Asian trade fair oppor tunity to adopt a Logistics Company (Russia), Raillink for logistics, mobility, IT and supply strategic position and become International Intermodal Logistics c h a i n m a n a g e m e n t — t h e 8 t h involved at an early stage. It's now (China) and Rail Link Cargo AG “transport logistic China”— expects essential to be present locally in order (Austria). more exhibitors this year than in 2016 to conclude possible cooperation as China presses ahead with arrangements,” says Gerhard The maritime sector, too, faces new innovations at top speed. G e r r i t z e n , M e m b e r o f t h e challenges, particularly with a view to The German company Messe Management Board at Messe digitization. The IoT (Internet of München GmbH, event organizer, said München GmbH. T h i n g s ) , f o r e x a m p l e , c a n China just recently increased its Alongside this, the China trading significantly increase the efficiency of financial subsidies for projects that strategy known as “One Belt–One shipping. Representatives from the accelerate the process of digitization Road” involves massive investments in Hamburg Liaison Office Shanghai, T- within its “Made in China 2025” infrastructure. Visitors to the Systems, Saudi Arabian ports as well strategy. And the country now “transport logistic China” will also have as representatives from Spanish particularly plays a leading role in the an opportunity to obtain information p o r t s w i l l a l s o d i s c u s s t h e i r development of artificial intelligence. and exchange ideas about these experiences in this field during the This encouraged more exhibitors to current developments and trends “Smarter Talks on Smarter Ports” join the event scheduled for May 16- related to the topics of digitalisation forum on the second day.

SEKO Logistics expands global footprint to Mexico LONDON: SEKO Logistics says it is William J. Wascher, who took setting up six offices in Mexico as part o v e r a s S E KO L o g i s t i c s ' of its global expansion strategy to Chairman in February to focus meet growing client demand in the on strategic initiatives for the automotive, retail and aerospace company. industries. “This is a true milestone in the In its first phase, SEKO Logistics development of SEKO Logistics Mexico will operate from locations in and will enable us to provide to Laredo/Nuevo Laredo, McAllen/ clients in Mexico and other Reynosa, Mexico City, Monterrey, c o u n t r i e s t h e u n i q u e Toluca, and Queretaro. Phase two will for warding, logistics and see this network grow to 20 locations technology solutions that have México, added: “We will offer the w i t h t h e o p e n i n g of f u r t h e r successfully driven SEKO's growth in scope and quality of services that will warehouse and office operations. the 40 existing countries where we ensure best-in-class solutions for our SEKO Logistics Mexico officially already operate,” said Wascher who clients, including airfreight and ocean inaugurated its new Distribution noted the company's 60 locations Center located in Ocoyoacac, State of next door in the US will further logistics, ground transportation, Mexico, on March 7, 2018. enhance their network. warehousing and distribution, and This is the first project successfully Manuel Diaz, newly-appointed customs and compliance within fully completed under the direction of Managing Director of SEKO Logistics secured environments.”

LOGISTICS NEWS

Revenues and profits roll CIS and EEU out for Deutsche Bahn in 2017 countries prepare for Blockchain technology

MOSCOW: Logistics and transportation companies in countries belonging to the Commonwealth Independent States (CIS) and Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) gathered last month in a forum to discuss how to effectively use Blockchain technology in their operations. Blockchain is the world's fastest rising system in doing business characterized by the distribution of an open ledger that can record, but BERLIN: German rail operator The DB Group's adjusted revenues not copied, transactions Deutsche Bahn AG, including its climbed 5.2% to EUR 42.7 billion. between two parties. The subsidiary that focuses on logistics, Adjusted EBIT rose 10.6% to EUR 2.15 cryptocurrency Bitcoin was DB Schenker, raked in record revenues billion. In 2018, DB expects to originally designed for this. and profits in 2017, the company generate revenues of some EUR 44 The delegates, mostly announced. billion and an adjusted EBIT of at least members of the Associated EUR 2.2 billion. Cargo Experts (ACEX), the DB Schenker, which includes air, land first Russian logistics alliance, and sea freight and a rail division from D B L o n g D i s t a n c e a n d D B 's discussed how digital the European rail freight companies, international business units were the logistics can be utilized and said European land transport was up primary drivers of the Group's how a united digital space for 0.8%, contract logistics grew 4.8%, and financial growth in 2017. DB Schenker CIS and EEU countries can be air and ocean freight saw the largest generated record revenues of EUR worked on to keep up with gains, at 10.3% and 8.1%, respectively. 16.4 billion, while revenues at DB the demands of time. Arriva totaled EUR 5.3 billion. Despite a 2.3% drop in transport The forum discussed performance in rail freight in 2017, the “We kept our word and we delivered. extensively the following issues: Blockchain DB management team is confident But this good showing cannot hide technologies and IoT, that DB Cargo will be back on track to the fact that we still have work to do to creation of digital platforms; grow again in the future, the company improve quality and punctuality,” said transparency of supply said. Chairman of the Management Board chains; digitization of the DB said it intends to purchase up to and CEO of Deutsche Bahn, Dr. economy as a driver of 1 0 0 m o r e n e w m u l t i - s y s t e m Richard Lutz, today at the Group's development of transport locomotives and some 4,000 Annual Results Press Conference for infrastructure and united additional modern freight cars by 2017 held in Berlin last month. transport system; intellectual solution in the system of 2022. The German government's new DB increased its gross capital transcontinental routes and Rail Freight Master Plan and the expenditure by EUR 954 million, or implementation of global associated reduction in track access 10.0%, to EUR 10.4 billion last year. At initiative “One zone one charges are important steps in making EUR 18.6 billion, net financial debt as route” in the digital format, r a i l f r e i g h t t r a n s p o r t m o r e of December 31, 2017 was around and; required legislative competitive. EUR 1.0 billion higher than at the end initiatives for the Deutsche Bahn said over 142 million of 2016. This increase in net financial development of digital passengers took DB's long distance debt was due to an increase in the logistics and digitization of transport industry in the trains in 2017, up from 139 million in funds needed for investments in region. 2016. vehicles, including the ICE 4.

LOGISTICS FEATURE Innovate or Perish: The Logistics industry of the future

SHANKAR SUBRAMONIAM Director National Association of VENKAT SUBRAMANIAN Freight and Logistics (NAFL-UAE) Product Manager Large Telcom Group

ver the last 30 year s, an industry unto itself to an asinine In the post 2008 era, transportation logistics and supply chain sub-function with little or no human suddenly became a focus area to Omanagement in the GCC intervention. reduce overheads and improve had seen significant transformations efficiency. What this wave brought, Transportation that have completely changed the was a host of cheaper mobile way the industry functions.This Transportation is one business operators with little expertise, lack of article focuses on certain individual function that has seen disruption on reliability, technical skills and poor business functions and show the way a global scale. In emerging markets service delivery. What began as an business needs and skill sets have like the GCC, this business function endeavor to reduce costs ended up having a negative effect, thereby, evolved due to constant innovation has seen three waves of trans- creating an unprofessional parallel and technological advancements. formation. Documentation Looking back 30 years, one can safely say that documentation was one of the most important functions in the logistics and supply chain industry. The whole process of shipping goods from one point to another was supported by a web of complex documentation that required the right expertise and know-how. In short, this business function was extremely people-centric. Experienced staff with the working knowledge of documentation were often some of the most highly-paid professionals in the industry and were considered an asset to the In the early days, transportation as a industry structure with very little c o m p a n y . H o w e v e r , t h e s e b u s i n e s s r e l i e d o n p e r s o n a l regulation and oversight. professionals were regarded as relationships between companies In the last few years, however, we experts based on the many hours and transporters. The impact of cost have seen this imbalance being they spent on documentation rather control and consolidation were correct through technology. The than on productivity. never really considered in the larger uberization of the transportation Cut to 2018 and documentation only scheme of things.Productivity and industry has ensured a fair degree of requires trained, semi-skilled asset utilization were secondary standardization of services and professionals on industry-standard factors as long as business was smaller players are able to thrive and systems which call for a few basic regular. Monitoring systems were grow. The emergence of new entries into an interface and one click rudimentary. Focus was only on transportation systems such as of a button. Over the last few years, availability, and a few large players drones has further incentivized new documentation has gone from being completely dominated the industry. players to enter the industr y.

LOGISTICS FEATURE

Additionally, the focus is on This led to the emergence of a Globalization, change in consumer achieving a holistic balance between category of mid-level executives who b e h a v i o r a n d t h e a d v e n t o f cost and efficiency which has oversee warehousing functions still eCommerce challenged the entire benefited the industry as a whole handled by a largely under-skilled global supply chain with the idea of and weeded out inferior players to a workforce. It is estimated that over handling a very large volume of new large extent. 60% of the costs are dedicated to SKUs giving rise to the concept of time-bound deliveries.Planners and Warehousing maintaining this new category of distribution experts relied heavily on Wareh3ousing is one function that e m p l o ye e s . H o we ve r, l a c k of technology to improve efficiency. has in our opinion benefited the most opportunities for ground-level staff has seen this industry stagnate, Distribution has now subsumed from innovation. When the logistics thereby creating an opportunity for warehousing and transportation and industry was just taking root in the disruption. where'First past the post'has become GCC, what we know as warehouses the motto. today were simply known as Go- Companies like Amazon have taken a Our analysis of the changes in the downs, as in a place to go down and rather extreme view on warehousing Logistics industry shows that the store goods. by investing heavily in automation. future holds promise with the advent Their fulfillment centers typically of new paradigm. Even government As the market grew and require a smallforce of semi-skilled entities like customs are stepping in to workers who can function with the scope of industries meet the changing requirements by minimal oversight through the use of requiring storage facilities means of Smart clearance systems. automation and robotics for every expanded, the modern- There is talk of autonomous vehicles function from storage to sorting and and hyperloops for both passenger day warehouse was picking. This is the direction that the and cargo. AI and Blockchain coupled born.With the needs of industry seems to be heading in and with Big Data analysis are changing there is an urgent need to address business getting more the way business is done. Niche new the challenges for the current industries such as 3D printing are time-bound and with workforce. finding more use cases. focus shifting towards Distribution Preparing a workforce that is future- proper handling of goods Earlier, “Scheduling” was the ready is only one part of the buzzword in distribution. It was a such as pharma or agri- challenge. This is a time to discuss, simple yet effective system of doing deliberate and chart out a new products, the creation of a business where customers had a framework of the future of logistics more skilled workforce to fairly comfortable window in which and supply chain. Every hand that can help as a mentor, innovator and monitor these changing their delivery schedules could be fit and the further handling of goods contributor is welcome in this journey. needs was felt. could be planned accordingly. Join us, won't you?

NEWS FEATURE

Airport Show 2018 Smart security, technology, digitalization & innovation In the Middle East, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), home to one of the world's biggest airlines, Emirates, is leading in terms of exponential growth in airports with 37 planes arriving every hour at the Dubai International Airport (DXB) and 41 aircraft leaving every 60 minutes, according to its operator, Dubai Airports.

NEWS FEATURE

he global aviation industry saw a record over 4 “Through the solid billion passenger traffic in 2017 but with support from both Tinternational travel forecasts to grow at 8.4 percent this year that figure may swell to a new high. government and private Airports in different parts of the world are racing sectors, the 18th edition against time to adequately cope with the rising of Airport Show will number of passengers, investing heavily on smart security, technology and digitalization and continue to offer our embracing innovations in various areas to speed up airport development teams and colleagues DXB forecasts around the region an its passenger trafc invaluable opportunity in 2018 to reach over to view the latest global 90 million eventually rising to technologies, meet 118 million in the coming years. aviation experts from around the world and processing time without compromising security and share ideas, best convenience of passengers. practices and create new In the Middle East, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), home to the one of the world's biggest airlines, opportunities for our Emirates, is leading in terms of exponential growth in industry to collaborate.” airports with 37 planes arriving every hour at the -Reed Exhibitions, the Dubai International Airport (DXB) and 41 aircraft leaving every 60 minutes, according to its operator, Airport Show organizer Dubai Airports.

NEWS FEATURE

Biggest airport show Held under the patronage of H.H. S h e i k h A h m e d b i n S a e e d A l Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airpor ts, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, the Airport Show 2018 promises to be the most important event of its kind with leading international suppliers of the most a d v a n c e d a i r p o r t s o l u t i o n s participating. “Through the solid support from both government and private sectors, the 18th edition of Airport Show will continue to offer our airpor t In 2017, annual traffic at Turkey's Ataturk International Airport development teams and colleagues around the region an invaluable DXB reached 88.2 million, handles more than 63 million passengers annually. This year, the opportunity to view the latest global keeping its position as the country is scheduled to open a new technologies, meet aviation experts world's number one airport—Istanbul New Airport— from around the world and share described as the biggest in the world ideas, best practices and create new airport for international opportunities for our industry to with ultra modern features and even passengers for the 4th collaborate,” Reed Exhibitions, the capable of thwarting security threats Airport Show organizer said. consecutive year. It as was the case in Ataturk in 2016 that welcomed six new resulted to the death of over 40 The B2B event draws more than 350 people and injuring nearly 250. exhibitors from over 80 countries scheduled passenger annually with thousands of unique airlines during the year— Saudi Arabia is also heavily investing visitors from the Middle East, Africa on aviation, transport and other SalamAir, Badr Airlines, and South Asia's growing aviation industries amid a widespread industry. and Air Moldova, while initiative for economic reforms in the Security continues to play an Kingdom. Saudi Arabian Airlines, the home based carriers increasingly important role as flag carrier, opened in December of Emirates and flydubai airports remain keen to accelerate 2017 a city terminal check-in facility added 3 and 10 new their outputs while enhancing their enabling passengers to skip long customer experience. passenger destinations queues at the King Abdulaziz Airport Show's 18th edition will have International Airport in Jeddah. and increased co-located events—the Air Traffic frequency/capacity on 31 The kingdom is also carrying out Control Forum; Airport Security and 22 routes, expansion at its main international Middle East; the CAPA (Center for airport with capacity to service 70 Aviation) Global Airport Leaders respectively. aircraft simultaneously, featuring Forum, and; Women in Aviation. DXB projects its passenger traffic in (3,700) prayer rooms, a 4-star hotel, a Organizer said the most future proof 2018 to reach over 90 million 14-meter-high aquarium, (299) airport security products and services eventually rising to 118 million in the elevators, 18,000 square meters of from around the world will be on years ahead. internal green spaces and 28,000 display at the event happening on May In the region, Turkey is aggressively square meters of retail spaces. 7-9, 2018 at the Dubai International competing with the UAE in the Jordan, Kuwait and Egypt are similarly Convention Exhibition Center. aviation industry with Turkish Airlines expanding their aviation industry Experts said about US$100 billion becoming more popular globally, through liberalization policies and worth of airport-related projects are closing 2017 with nearly US$1 billion enjoining investments from the planned & underway across the Middle in profits. private sector. East & North Africa (MENA) region.

NEWS FEATURE

Saudia Cargo turns sight to more innovative products and solutions

Whether it's about passenger, cargo or Optimising capacity airport growth, Middle East carriers have Vohra said the company's core stood up to the challenge capitalizing on their strategy is to grow on its strength strategic position as the gateway between the which involves “optimizing the East & the West. capacity and expanding its strong network” with quality offerings. Saudi Arabian Airlines or Saudia is one of “Saudia will be expanding its cargo them, making enormous strides and carrying capacities in the field of consolidating on markets where it is strong. pharmaceuticals and perishables. We will be further improving our Vikram Vohra, Regional Director Asia Pacific processes and also strengthening of Saudia Cargo, who shared some of his our temperature controlled systems as to give the best to the insights in this very dynamic industry, told Air highly demanding pharma and Cargo Update: “The Saudia brand is well perishables industry,” said the established in the region. We are running cargo executive who is based in India. good capacities from South Asia, Africa and From India, Saudia carries mix Saudi Arabia itself. We will further products that include perishables, consolidate on our position, coming out with pharma, automotive, oil and gas, innovative products & solutions.” machineries and equipment, etc.

NEWS FEATURE

“Our (Saudi Arabia) “Korea is one of our strong markets. It domestic market is huge is high on our agenda. Bangladesh is one of our biggest partners. We and we are developing hubs primarily move textiles and other in Riyadh, Dammam and products from Bangladesh, a country Jeddah. There is so much which accounts for 25 per cent of demand for pharma within South Asia's revenues. We run five freighters to Bangladesh on a weekly Saudi Arabia that we will basis which is indicative of its focus on addressing that importance,” he added. need. Similarly, we will With the United Kingdom lifting ban continue to move general on imports from Bangladesh, Saudia sees further opportunities, while it will Vikram Vohra pharma into Africa from India. A number of big strengthen safety & security systems. e-Commerce growth driver Indian pharmaceutical Vohra said Saudia sees security and safety of cargo as among their With e-Commerce becoming a major companies are involved in biggest challenges, thus, is investing driver of the cargo segment, Saudia supply pharmaceuticals on improving its IT infrastructure, sees enormous potential for growth, through the World Health data quality, cold storage facilities in the region of about 30 percent. Organisation (WHO) and and cargo village. “We are changing our schedules to the United Nations,” said Saudia is also known for its out of the accommodate e-commerce. China Vohra. box solutions. It recently introduced and Hongkong are driving e- the 'Fly Box' product which is tailor- commerce segment and many a time Saudia is bullish made for Filipinos returning home the segment is not been served well Saudia is optimistic about the future after working in the Middle East. This due to poor capacities. We are having of the global cargo industry with has helped many Filipinos take most daily flights connecting many statistics pointing to more growth. of their belongings back to the destinations as 'time' is at a Philippines. “We are quite bullish about the global premium.” cargo market. We will be doing “Innovation is the key and we are This year, Saudia will concentrate on marginally above 2017 results. We are constantly looking at improving our improving its frequencies/schedules talking to different big players on services to the customer, though we connecting the Middle East with movement of cargo in India and the still remain an airport to airport South Asia and Africa. Far East,” said Vohra. carrier,” said Vohra.

COVER STORY

Lufthansa Cargo Rebounds with renewed strength

COVER STORY

After experiencing bumpy years amid an unstable global market, Lufthansa Cargo rebounds in 2017 with a surprise 21.1 percent sales growth

to EUR 2.5 billion with 8,886 million The company's FTKT sold compared to 2016. higher revenues were also a result of ufthansa Group, its parent of Lufthansa Cargo,” Gerber said c o m p a n y , a l s o m a d e during their annual press event in certain cost-cutting Lsignificant profits in 2017 March held at the Lufthansa measures, including with total revenues amounting to Aviation Center in Frankfur t, EUR 35.6 billion, up 12.4 percent Germany. in personnel, and over 2016, which it described as its “Lufthansa Cargo has achieved prudent best results so far in its history with impressive earnings. In the volatile the inclusion of the positive EUR logistics business, our team restructuring plans. 582 million one-off effect from d e m o n s t ra te d h i g h p rof e s s - agreeing on the collective labor “I'm happy to be i o n a l i s m a n d p a s s i o n a t e agreement with the Vereinigung commitment. For the current year, here. Much happier Cockpit union for the pilots of we will therefore remain focused on Lufthansa, Lufthansa Cargo and pursuing our efficiency program than last year.” Germanwings. and investing in our future. At Dr. Martin Schmitt, Lufthansa Peter Gerber, CEO and Chairman of p r e s e n t , t h e s e a r e m a i n l y Cargo Chief Financial Officer the Executive Board of Lufthansa i n v e s t m e n t s i n g r o u n d Cargo AG, marked out 2017 as “one infrastructure for highly profitable and HR Officer of the most successful years in the s p e c i a l b u s i n e s s a n d i n revenues were also a result of history of Lufthansa Cargo.” digitization,” continued Gerber, a certain cost-cutting measures, Gerber attributed Luf thansa lawyer who has been with Lufthansa including in personnel, and prudent Cargo's excellent performance to “a since 1992, rising from the ranks to restructuring plans. strong focus on cost optimization, become one of its longest serving high-performance products and CEOs. “I'm happy to be here. Much happier than last year,” Schmitt said flexible capacity management” and Dr. Martin Schmitt, Lufthansa Cargo in jest during the press conference. the company's strong sales team. Chief Financial Officer and Human “2017 developed into one of the Resources Officer, Personnel To t a l o p e r a t i n g i n c o m e o f most successful years in the history Director, said the company's higher Lufthansa Cargo increased by 21.2

COVER STORY

because of the sharp rise in demand than the entire Europe's population in time for the industry's usual peak of over 741 million. season at the end of the year, so that Gerber said it's important to Lufthansa Cargo operated a total of recognize China's potential for 17 cargo aircraft including five market growth with its rising middle B777F freighters at the end of 2017. class, estimated at more than 400 In addition, there is the capacity of million, way more than Europe's approximately two 777 from the purchasing adult population. Aerologic joint venture. “They buy on the net. And they want Air freight: A growth market goods to be delivered on the same Gerber, the CEO of Europe's leading day. Not three or four months later,” cargo airline, underscored air said Gerber who also attended freight will remain a growth market Columbia Business School in New in the coming years but it will still be York. characterized with volatility, with Technology & Digitalization “Air freight is and both external and internal factors influencing its movement. Gerber is convinced it's time for the will remain a growth air freight industry to embrace “This business seems to be very technology and digitalization in the market. For certain volatile,” said Gerber who was supply chain to keep up with the visibly happy that the company goods, air freight is time, enhance efficiency and reduce performed well despite stiff global operating costs. the only choice. competition regaining its top spot Above all, export- as the best cargo carrier in the world Lufthansa Cargo itself is slowly followed by Emirates, Cathay embracing digitalization with plans strong regions such Pacific, Air France and Korean Air to fully digitalize its transactions as Germany are an rounding up the top 5 list. “It's nice with all of the players in the to be on top. But the question is transport chain, from bookings to excellent long-term what's in the upcoming years. It's deliveries, believing that customers basis for the air very difficult to predict.” w i l l b e n e fi t f r o m g r e a t e r But while that may be the case, transparency, higher speeds, better freight business.” - Gerber is convinced air freight will quality and more flexibility as well Peter Gerber, CEO and continue to grow along with e- as greater efficiency. Chairman of the Executive Commerce which requires speed I n 2 0 1 7 , L u f t h a n s a C a r g o Board of Lufthansa Cargo AG and efficiency in delivery. m o d e r n i z e d i t s r e v e n u e “Air freight is and will remain a management to enable greater percent to a total of EUR 2.6 billion growth market. For certain goods, differentiation. The response times in 2017. Adjusted EBIT improved by air freight is the only choice. Above in sales were further improved by a EUR 292 million to EUR 242 million all, export-strong regions such as significant reduction in the number over the difficult previous year. EBIT Germany are an excellent long- of manual processes. improved by EUR 304 million to EUR term basis for the air freight Lufthansa Cargo is also working 240 million. business,” he said. closely with start-ups as part of its Lufthansa Cargo has reduced the China is of particular interest to strategic Cargo Evolution program, size of its MD-11F fleet to 12 aircraft many cargo carriers like Lufthansa in order to make its business more by selling two aircraft. A MD-11F because of its huge domestic customer-friendly along the entire was reactivated in November 2017 market—1.4 billion—much bigger transport chain. The freight center

COVER STORY in Frankfurt is being continually modernized. Lufthansa Cargo teams up with Brussels Airlines “Progress in technology is acce- lerating fast. When everything is accelerating, there is growth. I think it's fair to predict there will be substantial growth in our industry,” said Gerber beaming with hope in an industry that accounts for about a third of the world's total trade.

Starting September 1, 2018, Lufthansa Cargo will market the cargo capacities of Brussels Airlines, making it the 5th passenger airline with similar arrangement with the top German cargo carrier. The cargo capacities of Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, Eurowings and SunExpress are already available to Lufthansa Cargo customers. With the marketing of Brussels Airlines, belly capacities of 10 wide-body aircraft will be added. Networks of both companies complement each other perfectly in the new deal—Brussels Airlines customers have access to Lufthansa Cargo's route network: the largest network with around 300 destinations in over 100 countries. And for customers of the freight crane, the route network will be supplemented by further attractive destinations, above all in West, East and Central Africa, directly from Brussels. Brussels Airlines operates 17 African destinations. These include Dakar, Monrovia, Abidjan, Douala, Kinshasa and Entebbe. The capacities will be marketed under 020 AWB. Dr. Alexis von Hoensbroech, Chief Commercial Officer at Lufthansa Cargo, says: “Brussels Airlines' African destinations are complementary to our existing network, and thus, ideally complement our connections.” Christina Foerster, CEO of Brussels Airlines as of 1st of April, emphasizes the advantages of the partnership: “Lufthansa Cargo has a lot of experience in marketing the cargo capacities of passenger airlines. This cooperation will help us to make even better use of the freight capacities of our fleet. And we, as the European Africa specialist, can add new destinations to Lufthansa Cargo's offering.” Lufthansa Cargo ranks among the world's leading air freight carriers. In the 2017 business year, the airline transported around 1.6 million tons of freight and mail and sold 8.9 billion revenue ton-kilometers. The company operates 17 freighters and uses freighter capacities from Aerologic, a joint venture of Lufthansa Cargo and DHL Express.

TRUCKING

eLearning course for truck drivers vs cargo thefts, human trafcking and illegal migration “Cargo crime is a global problem. In 2016, we recorded 2,611 cargo thefts in EMEA, up 72% over 2015, and although only 43.5% of these reported a value, these crimes alone involved losses of over €77.6 million. The average loss for major incidents last year (those with a value of €100,000 or more), based on crimes with a value, was €351,031 per crime. Our latest data for Q3 2017 shows a further 25.9% rise year-on-year, while losses giving a value in the rst nine months of 2017 have already exceeded €80 million.” – Thorsten Neumann, Chairman of the Transported Asset Protection Association (TAPA) in the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA)

TRUCKING

he eLearning market is rapidly showing a 10.3% increase in Association (TAPA) in Europe, Middle expanding globally pushing recorded cargo crimes in the region East and Africa (EMEA) region how Tmore companies and entities last year, 2018 got off to an ominous eLearning can help drivers combat to tap this resource to enhance start with freight losses up by a cargo theft to a minimum. people's skills, improve services or further 18.5% year-on-year in even fight crimes. January. The 179 reported incidents “Cargo crime is a global problem. I can only quote The Transported Asset Protection last month compared to 151 in Association (TAPA) in the Europe, January 2017. figures for cargo thefts Middle East and Africa (EMEA) in Cargo crimes were recorded in 15 recorded by TAPA's c o o p e r a t i o n w i t h I R U , t h e countries across the EMEA region in Incident Information International Road Transport Union, the past month, producing a total Service (IIS) in the EMEA are among these entities exploring loss value of €8,020,896 for the 144 eLearning to fight cargo thefts, or 80.4% of reports providing region and, although we illegal migration and human financial data. The average loss, still strongly believe cargo smuggling. based on all crimes with a value, thefts are significantly IRU and TAPA have jointly developed however, fell by 52.7% over the underreported, these give corresponding month last year to a new eLearning course to help truck a clear insight into the size drivers minimize security risks such €55,700. of the problem and the as cargo theft, illegal migration and Furthermore, 14 of the crimes added smuggling. to the TAPA IIS database in January upward trends we are Globally, eLearning market globally were major cargo thefts with loss seeing,” said Neumann. is valued at US$165 billion but is values in excess of €100,000. They “In 2016, we recorded 2,611 cargo likely to grow by 5% between 2016 had a combined value of €3,775,805 thefts in EMEA, up 72% over 2015, and 2023, exceeding US$240 billion, and an average loss of €269,700. and although only 43.5% of these according to Docebo's eLearning TAPA EMEA has been asked not to reported a value, these crimes alone Market Trends and Forecast: 2017- share any information on three of involved losses of over €77.6 million. 2021, a report on the current state these crimes. The average loss for major incidents and future of eLearning globally. Through email interview, Air Cargo last year (those with a value of Following TAPA EMEA's newly Update discussed with Thorsten €100,000 or more), based on crimes released Incident Information N e u m a n n , C h a i r m a n o f t h e with a value, was €351,031 per crime. Service (IIS) Annual Report for 2017 Transported Asset Protection Our latest data for Q3 2017 shows a

TRUCKING

further 25.9% rise year-on-year, similar in that we are raising their completion are issued. while losses giving a value in the first a w a r e n e s s of t h e r i s k s a n d The course has two versions: nine months of 2017 have already challenges they may face out of the exceeded €80 million,” he added. roads to try and ensure they, and the A general cargo version for all loads they are transporting, stay safe drivers transporting any type of Combating cargo theft and secure”. goods by road The e-learning course developed by For TAPA, this is only one of the A high value, theft targeted IRU and TAPA is designed to protect initiatives it is providing or (HV T T) ver sion for driver s truck drivers and raise awareness for supporting to reduce the risk of carrying high value loads, which drivers of security risks such as cargo cargo crime for their members as adds content related to the theft, illegal immigration and w e l l a s g a t h e r i n g i n c i d e n t e q u i p m e n t a n d p ro ce d u re s smuggling, which all cause major intelligence. specific to such transport. disruption and substantial cost to supply chains. “I mentioned, we also offer supply The course covers topics such as: chain security industry standards for £ Thorsten reports, “One of our main Awareness of security threats facilities, trucking and secure goals is to increase intelligence and their consequences parking as well as training in the sharing of cargo crime incidents £ implementation of TAPA Standards. How to plan routes to reduce because this is our greatest asset to We a l s o o rg a n i z e t w o m a i n risk exposure fight against cargo losses. At TAPA, networking conferences a year to £ we do this by giving our members How and when to conduct address current and emerging access to our Incident Information vehicle inspections threats and we are the representative Service (IIS), which provides alerts on £ voice of our Manufacturer and How to spot illegal migrants, new incidents as well as a constantly- Logistics Service Provider members mistakes in cargo documents, updated crime database that they at the governmental, regulatory and a n d s i g n s o f v e h i c l e can search to understand where industry levels”. tampering crimes are occurring, the locations £ where criminals target goods in Course outline The value of confidentiality and appropriate use of social transit and the various modus The course can run on computers, media operandi they use to steal high value, tablets and smart phones and can be theft targeted goods. This helps our assessed online or downloaded and How to react if an incident occurs? members to avoid crime hotspots c o m p l e t e d o f fl i n e , t a k i n g “We expect these e-learning courses and to manage the risk of these a p p r o x i m a t e l y o n e h o u r t o to make a further contribution to known threats. complete. Course participation is cargo crime reductions because, as I “The e-learning course for drivers is t r a c k e d a n d c e r t i fi c a t e s o f said, knowledge is everything. The

TRUCKING better-informed drivers are about While the course may not solve vehicles and loads.” risks when they go out on the road, entirely cargo crimes, Neumann is TAPA issues regular alerts, monthly, the less likely they are to become a hopeful it will improve safety and quarterly and annual crime statistics victim of crime. Aside from the high security in the industry. but awareness about the problem value of goods regularly stolen from needs to be intensified. trucks, this is especially important “Supply chains all over the because of the worrying increase in world are being targeted on “Although we already have a high violent attacks on drivers by criminals a daily basis and now level of awareness, companies have trying to steal their trucks and/or virtually all products are at not always known where to go to get cargo,” explained Neumann. risk of being stolen, often training and advice for their drivers so that they have a clear understanding “We are focused on minimizing risks by organized criminal gangs of the risks as well as recomm- for drivers and companies but who will stop at nothing to endations on how to either avoid or reducing cargo crime is important to steal goods. Even when deal with those risks. That is why the countries too. Manufacturing and IRU and TAPA have launched this logistics make a significant financial new security initiatives are contribution to local and national launched, criminals are initiative,” said Neumann. economies and companies investing quick to find a way around The simple fact is that in the EMEA in countries and generating them. So the fight against region, over 85% of all recorded cargo employment want to be assured that cargo crime has no end crime involves trucks, mostly when all levels of security are as high as game. It is a constant threat drivers take their mandatory breaks. possible. On a positive note, we are The risk to drivers on these occasions seeing an ever-increasing number of and the greatest threat to is exacerbated by the lack of secure countries taking the issue of cargo companies is complacency. parking places, which is something crime seriously and TAPA is growing Companies need to be alert else TAPA is working to improve in its private-public partnerships with to these threats 24/7/365,” 2018 with the launch of its new regulators and law enforcement he said. Parking Security Requirements (PSR) agencies in those countries,” he security standard. added. Raising awareness The key pillar is actually intelligence Future partnerships Partnership with IRU because until you know what is The e-learning course is currently TAPA's initial priority is to encourage happening, you cannot train anyone being trailed with a handful of as many companies as possible to on how to minimize the risks they companies and is expect to be fully take advantage of the opportunity face. Nonetheless, training has a very Live towards the end of Q2 2018. the IRU and TAPA are offering and to important role to play in reducing ensure their drivers complete the “This course can have a significant cargo losses from supply chains, training. Ultimately, of course, TAPA impact because it aims to help those whether it is driver training courses wants to be able to measure a in the frontline of supply chains, like the ones we are discussing here, downward trend in attacks on drivers notably truck drivers. Companies helping companies to adopt the TAPA and a reduction in cargo losses, which obviously want to protect their Security Standards, or offering this training will contribute towards. drivers' safety but the drivers are also courses to deal with issues such as their eyes and ears on the road. The “The IRU Academy is a highly cybercrime, according to TAPA. more we are able to help drivers to professional source of training and The main issue is that drivers are understand the risks they may face development and they recognize constantly on the move, which is why and offer advice on the actions to take TAPA as the world's leading Supply the IRU/TAPA e-learning course offers to stay safe and secure, the more we Chain Security Expert network. So mobile training through various can help to bring down the number of when they wanted to develop a devices. incidents,” said Neumann. training module that included the risks associated with transporting “We recognized that classroom- TAPA said its future partners include high value, theft targeted products, based training for drivers would only Requirements (FSR) and Trucking they saw TAPA as a natural partner. restrict the number of people able to Security Requirements (TSR) because TAPA and the IRU also work together complete the course. It is important their manufacturer members, in as supply chain security stakeholders that we are able to reach the biggest particular, are keen to work with on a number of other initiatives as possible driver audience because logistics service providers that are respective leaders in our fields and we every single driver that is trained will compliant with the TAPA Standards. often sit together on various advisory not only improve their own personal These have been developed by the groups,” said Neumann. safety but can also better protect their industry, for the industry.

AVIATION

join forces in creating route development By Mohammed Salem Awad - Aviation Consultant

Route development is essentially based on annual

and monthly trends of demand (passengers) and supply (seats)

which give airlines and airports an educated guess or

forecast of what lies ahead.

wo main factors have always considered facilitators for airlines, aviation industry that generates i n fl u e n c e d “ r o u t e they have been fairly influential in jobs and account for more than 30 Tdevelopment” in the aviation developing routes and creating percent of world trade. demand for passengers. i n d u s t r y — s u p p l y a n d Route development is essentially demand—which refer to seats and These days, airports, particularly in based on annual and monthly passengers. Europe, had been transformed into trends of demand (passengers) and Airlines have traditionally been business communities of sort, supply (seats) which give airlines concerned about the viability of a offering entertainment, retail and airports an educated guess or route for commercial gains. Such shops, facilities for dining, various forecast of what lies ahead. External that there is no operation at a r e c r e a t i o n a l a n d r e l a x a t i o n and internal factors, however, often certain city or airport if there is no activities, among many others. impact their movements. passenger demand for seats. These airport communities are The general rule in forecasting for W h i l e a i r p o r t s a r e a c t u a l l y essential parts of the broader global “Goodness of Fit” is to accept the

AVIATION result when R-square is greater than 80%. But in practice, many analysts come with different results above 80 % which give different answers and to avoid that we have set a specified figure as Target. Input Data The basic data is available from Eurostat, a directorate of the European Commission providing statistics on a global scale. This article, however, narrowed down the statistics from Jan 2013 to June 2017, per country, per airport, for Passengers and Seats at total approach first for annual target then 2018 Seats = 1,599,315Seat. At R2 = level and monthly basis. This city for monthly targets, that's fulfilling 90.37%&Annual Growth =2.93%. pair analysis covers passenger the first condition. traffic at Heathrow Airport (LHR) Route Performance (L/Factor = and Geneva Airport (GVA). Setting Annual Targets Paxs/Seats) for 2018 =67.84 %. Predicting Route Performance Using the three suggested Since GrowthSeat is greater than There are three possible formulas formulas and setting up GrowthPax, this is a diverge case, i.e on how to forecast supply and the forecast at 12 rolling the gap becomes wider and tends to demand. months for Paxs and Seats, lower the performance level. The first possibility is when the we can implement two LHR-GVA: Getting the Complete growth of traffic demand is greater trend models by using Add Picture than the growth of capacity offered. Based on input data—three years a trend line in XLS: First – This led us to “converge case” or database, July-2014 to June 2017 when the gap becomes narrower General Trend Model using ( t o t a l t r a f fi c ) , t w o m o n t h l y (good performance in future). the concept of Straight forecasted models are setup for The second possibility is when the Line equation; Second – Passengers and Seats, it is head to growth of traffic demand is lesser Most Recent Trend Model head analysis for pax and seats for than the growth of capacity offered. using a Polynomial Model actual values and forecasted one. This led us to “diverge case” or as the – Second-degree equation. Results g a p b e c o m e s w i d e r ( p o o r The mid-point is the most The study shows the highest performance in future). performance for route LHR-GVA – c o n v e n i e n t f o r e c a s t The third possibility is when the total traffic in 2018 will be 78.22 % at annual result at Dec 2018. growth of traffic demand is almost month of July while the lowest will equal to the growth of capacity Predicting Route Performance be 56.88% in November while the offered. This led us to “leveling case” (2018) - Annually annual performance November as we have a constant gap (and the E v a l u a t i o n a n n u a l r o u t e while the annual performance will per formance will sustain its performance is calculated by be 67.84 %. Losses are likely to occur pervious figures to be in the future L/Factor = Paxs/Seats. as we have a diverge case between or keeping the gap between them at So for 2018 Paxs=1,084,983Pax. At Pax and Seats. Airlines are, thus, constant distance). R2 = 96.47% & Annual Growth = encouraged to thoroughly review their capacities. The best way is to set targets 1.73%. (defined figures to be achieved) and Disclaimer: Views expressed in this article are solely that of the author and not necessarily that can be done by top – down of Air Cargo Update.

AIRLINES

10 Emirates aircraft now circle the globe with HH Sheikh Zayed livery

the spirit of the remarkable legacy and values which UAE. Emirates is have shaped the formation of the proud to spread UAE. Through the pillars of wisdom, h i s u n i v e r s a l respect, sustainability and human m e s s a g e t o development, the inspirational global audiences leader has created a lasting vision of in airports and prosperity, determination and cities around the tolerance – attributes that remain globe,” said His strongly embedded in UAE culture. Highness Sheikh Each bespoke decal covers an area Ahmed bin Saeed of 480m² on the A380 and 312m² on A l M a k t o u m , the Boeing 777-300ER. Since C h a i r m a n a n d DUBAI: Emirates has completed the Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & November 2017, the ten aircraft a p p l i c a t i o n of t h e s p e c i a l l y - Group. have travelled to 90 destinations designed 'Year of Zayed' livery on 10 across six continents including Five Airbus A380s and five Boeing of its aircraft as a tribute to the His Rome, Sydney, Hong Kong, Los 777-300ERs with the 'Year of Zayed' Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Angeles, Buenos Aires and Accra. Nahyan, “the father of the nation” livery have circled the globe on over who would have turned 100 this 1,500 flights to date, and will The aircraft have collectively flown year. continue to carry its message of more than 4 million km. Dedicated inspiration from the UAE's late Emirates staff at the Emirates “His Highness Sheikh Zayed was a founding father throughout 2018. Engineering Aircraft Appearance legendary leader, a true pioneer, and an inspirational figure. His legacy for The “Year of Zayed” is a year-long Center spent a total of 119 days to sustainable development lives on in tribute to HH Sheikh Zayed's install the decals.

AIRLINES

Ethiopian launches new ACS invests £1m flight to Nosy-Be Madagascar more to take lead in Europe's aviation industry PERTH: Scotland's leading flying school and aircraft maintenance company, ACS Aviation, is gearing up to become one of the leading commercial flying schools in Europe after putting in £1 million investment in aircraft, airside facilities and online presence. ADDIS ABABA: Ethiopian Airlines, “We are very happy to commence Founded in 2007, the company the largest Aviation Group in Africa flights to Nosy-Be, our second has increased the number of and SKYTRAX certified Four Star gateway in Madagascar af ter would-be pilots for its wide Antananarivo. Nosy Be, one of the Global Airline, began in March its range of commercial training thrice weekly service to Nosy-Be, an most beautiful tourist destinations of programs after extending the island off the northwest coast of Africa, will widen the menu of leisure range and flexibility of its Madagascar. destination choices for tourists from training offer. Allowing flying all over the world. In line with our Nosy-Be is the largest and busiest students, a “modular Vision 2025, we will continue to approach” ACS Flight Training tourist resort in the island-nation with expand and deepen our footprint in courses enable trainees to fit white sandy beaches, blue-green seas Africa with a view to support the instruction and flying hours and astonishing rich undersea life growth of tourism, business, trade around work commitments. making it a perfect destination for and investment between the The range of competitively- diving, fishing, cruise trips and much continent and the rest of the world,” priced courses has enabled more. Gebremariam said. ACS Flight Training to Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Ethiopian is the fastest growing airline compete with large multinational training schools Tewolde Gebremariam said Nosy-Be's in Africa, commanding the lion share such as Oxford Aviation addition to their routes is envisioned in both passenger and cargo network Academy and L3 Airline to help tourism in Africa while in the continent. Nosy-Be route will be Company based in England. widening Ethiopian's market share. operated with a Boeing 737-800. Recent enrolments include would-be pilots from as far afield as the Netherlands and Italy, as well as those generated by ACS's marketing operations around the UK. ACS is based at Perth Airport, the former WWII airfield owned by Morris Leslie Group and earmarked as a potential site for further development in the projected UK and Scottish Government-backed Tay Cities Deal. Potential upgrading of the airfield and its surrounding facilities under the plan would enable ACS to boost its offer RUS AVIATION RETURNS TO IRAQ: The Sharjah-based RUS Aviation successfully and compete better with resumed scheduled cargo flights between Sharjah and Iraq. The cargo carrier had its first European and UK rivals, commercial flight to Sulaymaniyah Airport on March 20, signaling the return of its twice bringing substantial business a week flights to the route. The Iraqi government announced Erbil and Sulaymaniyah and tourism benefits to the Airports in Northern Iraq are again open for business. Tayside economy.

EXECUTIVE MOMENTS

Skycell appoints Groeneveld as CCO Leadership role SkyCell, the 4th largest pharma airfreight container company, is hands over at expanding its team on multiple levels, especially in sales. Cargologicair Groeneveld has a 30-year track record LONDON: British cargo airline, of successful experience in the contract CargoLogicAir, has confirmed management changes to logistics and healthcare supply chain support the next phase of its industry with some of the largest development strategy. international logistics Dmitry Grishin, who led the companies like, DHL, UPS, Movianto establishment and launch of and Expeditors. CargoLogicAir as well as its Zurich/Switzerland: Skycell, the “Marrie is a natural choice for the new initial network development, leading provider of temperature- commercial leadership of SkyCell, as has now handed over his controlled container solutions and he has a proven responsibilities to newly- s e r v i c e s , h a s n a m e d M a r r i e track record, having worked in both appointed CEO David Kerr, a Groeneveld as Chief Commercial Officer. commercial and executive leadership move previously announced roles with by the airline. Groeneveld's appointment which took effect in February entails internationally well-known service Grishin contributed focusing on serving global pharma providers,” said Richard Ettl, CEO of significantly to the company's companies and sustainability. SkyCell. formation, its initial validation process and the commencement of flight Volga-Dnepr Group names new operations. As the airline now moves towards achieving its commercial director for charter business next strategic milestones, Kerr's key responsibilities will L O N D O N : T o n y be to focus on developing Bauckham has joined CargoLogicAir into a Volga-Dnepr UK, a leadership position in the air global charter sales cargo market through further centre for Volga- fleet expansion and network Dnepr Airlines, as development, as well as Commercial Director, strengthening the airline's reinforcing Volga- growing reputation as a high D n e p r G r o u p ' s quality service provider. strategy of building At present, CargoLogicAir is an international team the only British cargo airline t o f u r t h e r i t s Vo l g a - D n e p r U K t e a m a s i t s operating flights from the UK, leadership ambitions in the global air Managing Director, having joined connecting customers with charter market. from Evergreen International Aviation, where he held the posts of prime cargo markets around Bauckham is a highly respected air Executive Vice President and was a the world, including Frankfurt, c a r g o i n d u s t r y e x p e r t , w h o Board member. Mexico City, Atlanta, Houston, previously spent eight years as Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Hong Kong B a u c k h a m i s re s p o n s i b l e f o r Managing Director of the British and Tel Aviv. proactive charter sales management aircraft charter company, Air Charter as well as for development of the Its fleet currently consists of Service. commercial sales team and regional three modern Boeing 747 Earlier in his career, he was part of the management. freighter aircraft, including the latest generation 747-8F.

TECHNOLOGY

Dubai seeks to turn waste into energy & green byproducts waste into a source of energy by using artificial intelligence and without resorting to traditional means of shipping. Once implemented, the Wastenizer system will produce 17,500 tons of good ash for the production of green concrete. The pilot phase of the project has been scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2018, with the system entering full implementation in several regions of the emirate just before the opening of Expo 2020. The project includes carefully analysing the statistics pertaining to waste and the high costs of collection and DUBAI: Dubai is working on Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin treatment, in addition to the transforming its 3.5 million tons of Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of environmental disadvantages of waste annually into usable energy and Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai harmful emissions from Dubai's other green byproducts like concrete Executive Council. landfills. as it veers away from using landfills by Dubai, the business capital of the “We are working to create an 2030. United Arab Emirates, produces 3.5 ecosystem that embraces change and D u b a i M u n i c i p a l i t y s a y s i t s million tons of waste annually, uses disruption, and a smart, flexible "Wastenizer" project, which transports 7,560 sqm of land as landfills, deploys environment that engages both the and processes waste to generate 3,850 garbage collection vehicles to all public and private sectors, as well as energy is its official proposal to Dubai its districts, all at a daily operating cost the general public, to implement the 10X Initiative – an ambitious venture of AED2.3 million. services of the future,” said Dawood overseen by the Dubai Future Abdul Rahman Abdullah Al Hajiri, The plan is to transform the city's solid Foundation (DFF) chaired by HH Director-General of Dubai Municipality.

Stem cell therapy cures age-related blindness LONDON: In yet another published the findings of the 12-month experiment said the breakthrough, doctors have patients reported significant improvement in their eyesight. successfully tested stem cell The BBC reported Douglas Waters, 86, one of the two patients, therapy to cure age-related who could not see out of his right eye, can now clearly read blindness known as macular thanks to stem cell therapy. This is done by growing cells from a degeneration or AMD. human embryo into a patch then delicately inserting them into The groundbreaking new the back of the eye. t e c h n i q u e w a s p r o v e n “I can now read the newspaper,” the BBC quoted Waters as effective with two British saying. patients who suffer from AMD, a condition which The National Institute for Health, the Moorfields Eye Hospital, affects people over 50 NHS Foundation Trust and the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, characterized by damage to jointly collaborated for the project. the macular, a small spot near The second patient, a woman in her sixties, also claimed she the center of the retina. could see better now. Doctors, meanwhile, are finding ways to Nature Biotechnology which make this treatment affordable to the greater majority.

Wings India 2018 Hyderabad, India | March 08-11, 2018 12th World Cargo Symposium Dallas, Texas, USA | March 13-15, 2018 UPCOMING E V E N T S

2018 FIATA World Congress

FIATA, the global voice of freight logistics uniting the freight forwarding industry worldwide and improving the quality of services rendered by freight forwarders globally, will bring together industry stakeholders in New Delhi in the 2018 FIATA World Congress. Studies have estimated that India can save up to US $45 billion if logistics costs are brought down to 9% of the country's GDP as is the case in other developing countries, thereby, making domestic goods more competitive in global markets. New Delhi, India Sept 25-29, 2018

7th Annual Cargo ITF Summit 2018: Transport Air Cargo Forum 2018 Facts Asia Safety and Security Toronto

With explosive growth in China's e-Commerce The 2018 Summit on “Transport Safety and TIACA's International Air Cargo Forum and market and the resulting air express boom, Cargo Security” will address issues ranging from Exhibition is the premier air cargo industry event. Facts Asia 2018 is the forum to discuss how the terrorism and cyber-security to road safety and Over 4,000 air cargo decision makers and more industry can take advantage of this growth to extreme weather disruption, including the risks than 300 exhibitors from around the world gather expand business. and benefits of automated driving. Safety and at ACF to network and address current industry Cargo Facts Asia 2018's unique combination of security are core concerns for transport. A challenges and opportunities. The ACF is a cost- panels and presentations feature the best, transport system that is safe and secure enables effective way to network and showcase your brightest, and most innovative executives in the passengers to travel without fear and allows global air cargo industry. business to thousands of leaders and buyers from businesses to ship goods reliably and efficiently. across the entire air cargo supply chain. Shanghai, China Leipzig, Germany Toronto, Canada I www.aircargoforum.org April 23-25, 2018 www.itf-oecd.org/summit-events May 23-25, 2018 October 16-18, 2018 Airport Show 2018 2018 WCA Projects International Transport Logistics Annual Conference exhibition (logitrans Turkey) In May 2018, the Airport Show returns for its 18th edition. Taking place over three days, this is the world's largest annual airport exhibition The 12th Annual WCA Projects Conference will be The leading trade fair for transport logistics in the providing an ideal B2B platform for companies held at the Grande Elysee Hotel in Hamburg, Eurasian region will be held once again in Turkey to showcase airport and aviation-related Germany from 1-3 June, 2018. Hamburg is a on November 12-14 with a professional platform products and services. Over 7,000 aviation major project forwarding market, and organizers professionals are set to attend the event, for presenting innovative logistics solutions with expect a big member turnout due to the central networking and developing new business latest update on market developments to grow opportunities. 300 of the leading global location in Europe. your business and create new opportunities. This suppliers will be exhibiting at the event, WCA Projects will again provide social networking event will gather logistics and supply chain showcasing their latest airport technologies, events, extended 1-on-1 meeting times, products and services. Attendees will learn executives from Europe, North Africa, the Middle & about new trends and meet with the industry's professional discussions, and will present awards key decision-makers. for 'Best Projects Partners' to recognize the Far East and CIS countries. network's star members. DICEC, Dubai, UAE I www.airportshow.com Istanbul, Turkey Hamburg, Germany May 7-9, 2018 Nov 12-14, 2018 June 1-3, 2018 To view Career in Aviation Industry visit: http://www.aircargoupdate.com/index.php/careers