The first and only PAN-Regional Magazine Middle East - Africa - Asia and beyond Years 2001-2016 el C ebr ati ng
Vol. 06 Issue 9, No. 47, November 2016
Carving a niche and thriving Ms. Liana Coyne Director, Coyne Airways
Transits to Amazon Automation Uber & the Qatar to get enters air will transform driverless trucks free visa cargo Middle East's of the future industry packaging industry
www.aircargoupdate.com
René Steinhaus Lux Airport Commercial Director
EDITORIAL Editor’s Note
The Numbers Game Monthly: Vol 06 | Issue 9 | No. 47 The year is about to end with the numbers predominantly Middle East, Africa, Asia & beyond determining where a company is headed and how reforms, plans and strategies would figure to achieve corporate goals. The sudden global slump on oil prices has impacted every business on the planet and the air cargo industry is no exemption. Lower fuel cost has essentially encouraged the return to the market of less fuel efficient aircraft that led to increasing the global air freight capacity despite a slowdown on international commercial cargo activities. Cargo volumes in the Middle East weren't badly affected as others but the circumstances had put a dent on its performance. It posted a 6.5 percent growth for the first half of the year, based on data from the International Air Transport Association—paling in comparison to its record 14.3 percent growth for the same period last year. AITA projects the global cargo revenue to drop to $49.6 billion this year from $52.8 billion in 2015. The situation is forcing many companies to thoroughly examine their performance and strategizes for more realistic goals. While caution is how most companies approach the situation, Chief Editor Gemma Q. Casas there are some who make bold decisions, with high hopes of gemma dimensionsmedia.com reaping benefits in the long run. Contributors Take for instance, global online retail giant Amazon's decision to Nirmala Rao Ayesha Rashid operate its own air cargo fleet rather than enjoin the services of ayesha aircargoupdate.com major couriers to deliver ordered products across the globe.
Head-Sales Marketing Under a partnership agreement, this long-term cost-effective Israr Ahmad israr dimensionsmedia.com solution to hasten delivery time yielded 40 planes for this US- Head Operations based company. Air Cargo Update examines this on this issue. Jamal Ahmad And so is the push for more automation or the use of robots in jamal dimensionsmedia.com logistics and other related industries, which some fear may drive Photographer s Jamal Wasim more skilled workers out of job.
Art Director Robots with artificial intelligence will also be a familiar face in Mohammed Imran airports, tourist spots and neighborhoods in Dubai as the imran dimensionsmedia.com government opts to utilize them to provide security and easy access to information for both residents and tourists. We have this story for you on our Technology section. And of course, we have the latest news and features on logistics, air cargo, airlines, aviation and allied industries, from across the globe.
Gemma Casas Editor
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René Steinhaus Lux Airport Commercial Director
Growing up in East Germany as a child and teenager, René Steinhaus was trained to focus on education early on. He survived tough rules by being with like-minded circle of friends who honor an unwritten rule to help each other no matter what happens. His focus was on math and science and learned at an early age how to fly a plane, which eventually shaped his adult life. René Steinhaus Lux Airport Commercial Director “I came from East Germany and there you get to be trained as a pilot early,” he recalled. By the late 1980s, the Cold War began to thaw in Eastern surfing. In the summer, we go to the Mediterranean. Europe. On November 9, 1989, East Berlin's Communist Party agreed to allow the free movement of people from What sort of music do you like? the country to West Germany and people like René Any kind. Different music is good. I'm not hooked on any couldn't be happier. particular one. The collapse of the Berlin Wall led to the German Movies or Books? Reunification in 1990, providing opportunities for East I like both. Germans to rebuild their lives in a Democratic way. What is your favorite book? René decided to pursue aviation and aerospace It's a long time ago but I love “Star Wars.” In East Germany, engineering at the Technische Universität Berlin or TU it's not permitted to read that book so I got one illegally. I Berlin, a prestigious research university that has produced also like “Great Expectations” by Charles Dickens. I love it. topnotch scientists, thinkers and engineers. If you were given a chance to meet a famous person who Eighteen years since becoming an aviation and aerospace would it be and why? engineer, René has successfully maneuvered his way to Michael Douglas because he looks like my father the corporate ladder in Europe, entrusted with high (laughter). positions at Germany's Fraport AG, the global American Name some places you want to visit. consulting firm A.T. Kearney and most recently with Lux Dresden City in Germany. I love going there. It has nice Airport in Luxembourg. buildings and vineyards like Luxembourg. The people are Currently the commercial director at Lux Airport, René has nice. The structure of the city is really good. You can go his sights on higher goals to further grow passenger and biking. Dubai is also a good place to visit. It's a very fancy cargo traffic at one of the busiest airports in Europe. city. I also want to go to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, Tokyo and Like most busy executives, René also tries to balance work San Francisco. Those are the list of cities I want to visit. and family life. In this edition, he shares with Air Cargo Name three things you can't live without. Update some of his thoughts on living. My car (a Mercedes Benz). My smart phone because it's my link to my family, including video, whenever I travel. My How do you spend your free time? credit card, of course. With my family. My son is 17 years old and we like to go by boat. We go to the winery at every opportunity. When Favorite quotation? we're in Germany, we drive around. What else? Wind To be honest, I don't use any quotations. I just live.
www.silkwaywest.com
From Baku Tailored Transportation to the world over Solutions
Silk Way Airlines, a leader in scheduled and charter cargo ights, with a route network of more than 50 destinations worldwide, has just added Chicago O'Hare International Airport to its routes. Based in Baku, Azerbaijan, with offices in Dubai and all over the world, it offers cargo transportation services globally via scheduled ights to the United States, Middle East, Europe, Far East and Asia, including CIS countries. We build our reputation based on commitment, safety and reliability.
Dubai Azerbaijan Turkey Frankfurt, Germany New York, USA United Arab Emirates Head Office Turizm Ltd Sti. Main Airport Center, Building 75, Ste. 230, Cargo Dubai Airport Free Zone Heydar Aliyev International Airport IDTM A-2 Blok Kat: 9 No: 306 Unterschweinstiege 2-1460549 Area D JFK Intl. Office # 4e-A115 Baku AZ1044, Azerbaijan Yesilkoy / Istanbul Phone: +49 (69) 65007040 Airport, Jamaica, NY 11430 Phone: +971 4 295 0772 Phone: +994 (12) 437 40 41 Phone: +90 212 4655 472 +49 (69) 6500704/ex 151 Phone: +1718 9955010 E-mail:[email protected] Fax: +994 (12) 498 20 42 Fax: +90 212 4655 471 Fax: +49 (69) 6500704190 Fax: +1718 9955011 GLOBAL NEWS Etihad and Abu Dhabi forge partnership with Parma, Italy
ABU DHABI: The UAE's capital develop cargo volumes at the airport. conjunction with Etihad GCMC partner welcomed last month a delegation of “Our partnership is more than one airline Alitalia, provides regional industrial powerhouses from Parma, between aviation entities, but two businesses with rapid delivery of their Italy, aimed at promoting business countries. It was an honor to welcome products to a global market. opportunities between them and the the Italian delegates to Abu Dhabi and Parma is the centre of one of the largest routes that the flag carrier serve. we are looking forward to creating exporting regions in Italy for high value Etihad Global Cargo Management new business opportunities by commodities – such as chemicals and Company and the Abu Dhabi Chamber connecting local producers with pharma products and foodstuffs – of Commerce said the visiting global customers through our vast which require swift, secure transport companies collectively represent 3.7% n e t w o r k o f m o r e t h a n 2 5 0 through an international network of the Italian GDP and they were joined destinations,” said David Kerr, Senior which Etihad GCMC and its partners by 75 representatives from Emirati Vice President of Etihad Cargo. facilitate. businesses. As part of the agreement daily road “I am proud of what has been done by The event followed the recent signing feeder services will be operated to Etihad Airways and our airport in by Etihad Global Cargo Management Italy's air cargo hub, Milan's Malpensa Parma, which will serve to boost trade Company (Etihad GCMC) and Parma Airport, 180 km away. between our countries,” said Parma Airport of an exclusive agreement to The project, being developed in Mayor Federico Pizzarotti. CEVA to manage Leroy Merlin's in-house warehouse and distribution in Italy MILAN: Leroy Merlin, the market-leader in specialist home improvement and do-it-yourself products, and CEVA Logistics have signed a four-year agreement for the in- house warehouse management and distribution of its products throughout Italy. CEVA Logistics, one of the world's leading supply chain companies, is tasked to manage Leroy Merlin's warehouse in Castel San Giovanni (PC) in northern Italy and to handle the distribution of its wide range products, from doors and lighting to synthetic grass. e-commerce fulfillment center. 150 employees will operate from the site to ensure the From the Castel San Giovanni warehouse, 25,000 journeys timely restocking of 48 stores across Italy as well as 20 will be required annually to service the Leroy Merlin others located in Greece, Cyprus and Romania. business and approximately 40% of them will utilize At 92,000 square meters, the warehouse is divided into two intermodal transport services (Rubber-Iron-Rubber) - key areas: a dedicated cross-docking activities zone and an designed to reduce emissions of particulates and CO2.
GLOBAL NEWS DHL ups investment in Leipzig hub to €655 million The expansion costing at the site. €230 million covers a “The successful launch of our total area of 44,000 expanded hub and the new sorting square meters, of which facility is a further step that reinforces 40,000 square meters is the importance of Leipzig as our main d e d i c a t e d t o t h e European express hub,” said Frank warehouse building and Appel, CEO of Deutsche Post DHL 4,000 square meters to Group, at the opening ceremony on modern office facilities, October 12. DHL said in a statement. Appel said he is particularly delighted The new expansion is a with the creation of new jobs at the strong reflection of the hub which now brings to nearly 5,000 importance of Leipzig their total employees in Leipzig. Hub to trade activities DHL's new sorting technology is the w i t h i n E u r o p e a n d first of its kind in the industry. It throughout the world, it consists of a combination of various noted. LEIPZIG: DHL Express recently opened innovative conveyor technologies, DHL's new state-of-the-art sorting its new multi-million sorting center at enabling the fully automated handling facility can sort bulkier and heavier its European air freight hub in Leipzig, of packages with a weight of up to 170 shipments on a fully automated basis. Germany, bringing to €655 million kilograms, which would otherwise be (about Dh2.644 billion) its total A b o u t 1 5 0,0 0 0 s h i p m e n t s o f too heavy or bulky for standard investments in the facilities so far. production work can be done per hour conveyor belts. GLOBAL NEWS DXB welcomes 7.7 million passengers in August DUBAI: Dubai International Airport world's number one international passengers, followed by the UK (DXB) welcomed a record 7.7 million hub. Over these five and a half (584,508 passengers) and Saudi passengers in August, bringing to decades, DXB has welcomed more Arabia (535,280 passengers). close to 56 million, thus far, than three quarters of a billion London was the top destination city passenger traffic to one of the world's passengers," said Paul Griffiths, CEO with 371,320 passengers, followed busiest airports. of Dubai Airports. closely by Doha (252,616) and Kuwait According to Dubai Airports, the Eastern Europe was the fastest (240,712). August figure is 6.1 percent higher expanding market in terms of Baku (+284.5 percent) topped the list than the 7,282,256 record in the same percentage growth at 67.9 percent, of cities in terms of percentage month in 2015. Year-on-year, that's largely fueled by additional capacity growth, followed by Mashhad (118.6 6.9 percent up compared to the and new services launched by a percent) and Boston (88.2 percent). period's 52,264,223 total. number of carriers including Aircraft movements totaled 33,827 "Consecutive months with record Emirates and flydubai. during the month compared to breaking traffic is a great way to mark Travelers from Asia posted 13 34,773 movements in August 2015, the 56th anniversary of DXB (last percent growth; South America and marginally down by 2.7 percent. Year O c t ob e r) . Lo o king b a c k , it ' s the Indian Subcontinent both had 11.7 to date aircraft movement totaled astonishing to see how quickly a tiny percent. 276,233, up 2.9 percent compared to airport that was once a refuelling In terms of volume, India remains the 268,360 during the same period in stop for airlines has turned into the top destination country with 924,256 2015. Dubai International handled freight totaling 201,100 ton in August compared to 207,427 ton in August 2015, a contraction of 3.1 percent. Year to date cargo reached 1,686,277 ton, up 2.4 percent compared to 1,645,815 ton recorded during the first eight months last year.
August 2016 Abu Dhabi Dubai Passenger Traffic 2.3 million 7.7 million Cargo in Tons 68,728 201,100 Aircraft Movements 14,910 33,827
2.3 million passengers Total arrivals numbered 1,119,616, signifying a 2.3% increase. Passenger traffic to India grew 14.3% on 2015, maintaining its position as in Abu Dhabi the top destination, with 378,675 passengers throughout August. Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi International Passengers to the UK totaled 153,208, representing a 4.2% increase Airport saw positive growth on its compared to August 2015. passenger traffic for August at 2.3 million, up by 2.3 percent. Saudi Arabia rose to become the fourth busiest destination, with traffic To date, the airport has welcomed to and from the country increasing by 12.3%, largely due to the high more than 16 million passengers, volume of pilgrims traveling for Hajj. projecting a 6.2 percent growth Passenger traffic to and from Egypt rose 26.6%, impacted by Etihad's compared to the same period last year. introduction of thrice-daily flights, and Egypt Air's increased service of Significant highlights as follows: 13 flights per week.
Aramex posts 15% growth on Q3 earnings
DUBAI: Aramex (DFM: ARMX), a leading global provider of comprehensive logistics and transportation solutions, posted a 15 percent growth on its third quarter revenues to Dh1.050 billion from Dh917 million in Q3 2015. But its net profits decreased by 3% to Dh72.2 million, down from Dh74.6 million in Q3 2015. Aramex's strong revenue performance in the third quarter was driven by growth across most of its geographies, with the Asia-Pacific being a key contributor to this growth. Net profit was impacted by the reduced number of working days due to public holidays, in addition to slower economic activity in the GCC region. Commenting on the results for the third quarter, Hussein Hachem, Aramex CEO said: “Revenue growth was positive, with most geographies and business segments performing strongly. Cross border e-commerce was the key driver of this growth and will continue to drive Aramex's business strategy and expansion plans forward.” “Looking ahead, we are pursuing partnerships with innovative logistics and technology companies to further transform Aramex into a leading technology enterprise, grow our e-commerce proposition and sustainably expand the business. While we remain confident in this approach, we are also cautious in our outlook due to global economic uncertainties,” he added. The company reiterated it is committed to building on its core asset light model by integrating digital platforms and capabilities to give the business greater speed, improved customer experience and enhanced efficiencies. It also stressed that it will continue to develop its international cross-border e-commerce offering and pursue strategic investments in innovative products and services across growth markets for the remainder of 2016 and into 2017.
GLOBAL NEWS Robotic welder closes gap on job orders at FAST Global Solutions GLENWOOD: A room-sized robotic manage that in a fourth of the time as welder quickly seals steels without can be done otherwise. complaint at a major manufacturer of The skilled team tackles shorter, more WASP ground support equipment for complex and customized welds. The the airline and cargo industries in this combination ensures quality products Minnesota town. that are completed quickly. Fast Global Solutions says it purchased FAST's team of nearly 100 welders, the welder, the CLOOS Q1501008 E- who are certified by the American Large System with two robots, to Welding Society, participated in support increased global demand for classroom training on the robotic FAST products. welder, where they learned basic “Our line of WASP ground support concepts and operational safety equipment is known around the world measures as well as practiced service for quality, and the CLOOS robotic protocols. welder ensures consistent quality and After completing the classroom faster production times,” said Eric pieces of high-tech manufacturing training, welders transitioned to on- Kolstoe, FAST's vice president of equipment to enhance productivity the-job training to refine their manufacturing. and quality. programming skills. CLOOS makes identical welds on each T h e C L O O S w e l d e r j o i n s a “This machine is a major step in the piece of equipment, which increases manufacturing fleet that includes plan to continually introduce service life and confirms consistent plasma laser cutters, large-scale press advanced technology throughout quality. The robotic welder also can be brakes, automated powder-coat FAST's manufacturing facilities,” programmed to do 3D spatial checks painting lines and more to support prior to placing every weld. Kolstoe said. “It's been a great addition providing quality equipment quickly. t o o u r g a m u t o f h i g h - t e c h The checks act as a second set of eyes, manufacturing equipment, which FAST has grown by more than 70 allowing the team to see that welds are increases capacities while continuing percent in the past two years to meet correctly positioned on the seams to ensure the level of quality the needs of its growing customer every time. synonymous with the FAST name.” base. Company growth has come through advancements of technology The robot supplements FAST's Since FAST added its first robotic growing welding team in Glenwood. in manufacturing equipment as well as welder in 2003, the company has been Welders program the robot to handle 200,000 square feet in additional introducing larger units and more long, standard welds since it can manufacturing space.
WFS gets cargo handling and trucking contract from PIA LONDON: Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) has won a three- year contract to provide cargo handling and trucking services for Pakistan Inter-national Airlines (PIA) in the UK. The Paris-based WFS, the world's largest air cargo handler with annual revenues of €1 billion, will handle export and import cargo for PIA's wide-bodied flights at London Heathrow, Birmingham and Manchester, connecting customers in the UK with Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore. At Heathrow, cargo carried onboard PIA's 10 flights a week will be managed at WFS' Building 551 in the airport's World Cargocentre. WFS also operates cargo terminals at Birmingham and Manchester airports. PIA operates 10 flights a week from Manchester and four services a week from Birmingham. “This is another important contract win for WFS. PIA has recognized the value of having a single cargo handler at all three of its online airports in the UK, which we are also able to connect using our UK coastwise trucking network,” said Cliff McKrell, Operations Director, UK & Ireland at WFS.
GLOBAL NEWS
Maritime sector contributes Dh26.9 billion to Dubai's GDP DUBAI: The maritime sector in Dubai “The maritime industry continues to grow, contributing as was among the five major much as Dh26.9 billion in the sectors that positively e m i r a t e ' s G D P i n 2 0 1 5 , t h e impacted the economic government disclosed. growth of the emirate in Shipping had the largest share, 2015.” followed by ports, maritime He said their office will engineering, and maritime support continue “to develop and services. implement strategic Dubai Customs said the industry initiatives centered on grew by as much as 25 percent nurturing a maritime between 2011 and 2015, highlighting environment that attracts the emirate's success in becoming leaders of maritime one of the most globally competitive industries all over the H.E. Sultan Bin Sulayem, Chairman of Dubai Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation and President maritime centers in the world. world.” of the Dubai Maritime City Authority, H.E. Sultan Bin Sulayem, Chairman of Norway-based Menon Dubai Ports, Customs and Free Zone Group for Business Economics predicts Dubai will rank 7th among the world's Corporation and President of the best maritime capitals by 2020, outperforming London, New York, Tokyo, Dubai Maritime City Authority, said: Copenhagen, and Rio de Janeiro. GLOBAL NEWS
Fed-Ex to invest NAFL JOINS UAE FLAG DAY $1.5 billion in France
PARIS: FedEx Express, the world's The National Association of Freight & Logistics led by Ms. Nadia Abdul Aziz, center, largest express transportation joined on November 3, 2016, the UAE in celebrating the Flag Day which marks the company and a subsidiary of FedEx anniversary of President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan's Corp., announced it is investing €1.4 assumption of office as the leader of the country. On the occasion, Vice President, billion (about $1.5 billion) to double Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, raised the UAE flag on a 12-meter pole in Zabeel Park in the presence of the capacity of its logistics activities at more than 20,000 school students, representing almost 120 different the Charles de Gaulle International nationalities residing in the UAE. Photo by Gemma Casas Airport in the Paris suburb of Roissy. The US-listed firm (NYSE: FDX) says the initial investment would be €200 Qatar Airways launches service to Helsinki million (about $220 million) for the extension of its facility in Roissy and the rest of the money will represent its guaranteed rent for over 30 years. The new facility is envisioned to be one of the world's most advanced e x p r e s s l o g i s t i c s h u b s w i t h technology that will boost package sorting capacity by more than 40 percent. HELSINKI: Qatar Airways launched “Launching our new route to Helsinki is French President François Hollande last month its direct flight service from a proud moment for the airline, said the project indicates France's Doha to Helsinki, Finland, completing completing our strategy of serving the allure to investors, adding that, "With the airline's Nordic cities network of needs of Europe's Nordic capitals and the decision by Britons to leave the Stockholm, Oslo and Copenhagen. f a c i l i t a t i n g c o n n e c t i o n s f o r European Union, it should lead us to The new daily service will connect businesses, cultures and families attract even more investments.” Helsinki to more than 150 destinations between Finns and people throughout worldwide. the world. With this new service, the “This investment is part of the Apart from passengers, the flights will people of Helsinki have convenient company's network expansion also carry cargo between the and world-class air service to more strategy, creating more capacity and destinations. destinations, and we look forward to enabling more business connections welcoming our new customers on To support the new destination launch, board,” said Qatar Airways Group in Europe and around the world,” said the airline also announced a new Chief Executive Mr. Akbar Al Baker in a David Binks, president, FedEx Express code-share partnership with Finnair, statement. Europe and CEO, TNT. expanding Qatar Airways' presence in the Baltic States and Nordic countries Mr. Al Baker traveled on board the Construction is set to begin in the i n a u g u r a l fl i g h t w i t h F i n n i s h summer of 2017 and the facility should while strengthening Finnair's network in the Middle East and beyond. Ambassador to Qatar Mrs. Riitta Swan. be open by 2019.
GLOBAL NEWS SilkWay Airlines now flies direct to ORD
Azerbaijan's leading cargo carrier, Silkway West Airlines, added another “We work with government and non-government milestone with the launch of flights organizations from all over the world to provide solutions to between Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) in the United States and any request, no matter how complex. The dedicated Heydar Aliyev International Airport personnel at SilkWay Airlines continue to build our (GYD) in Baku. reputation based on a commitment to safety and reliability.” Silkway's direct transatlantic service between ORD and GYD began on Azerbaijan's capital, Baku. Since gaining independence from the September 18 and is envisioned to be US Census Bureau data showed the former Soviet Union on October 18, gradually increased to at least twice a value of exports between Azerbaijan 1991, Azerbaijan has experienced week using B747-8-F planes. and the US stood at $376.6 million dramatic economic growth largely Considered a leader in scheduled and due to its rich deposits of oil and from January to August 2016. Imports charter cargo flights, Silkway is known natural gas. value for the period was $390 million. for speed, reliability and cost-effective In 2006, Azerbaijan posted nearly 35 Azerbaijan primarily exports gas and solutions in areas not accessible by percent in economic growth, the scheduled flights. oil products as well as sugar and other highest in the world. agricultural products. With a route network of over 50 As of 2014, it holds the highest foreign destinations across the globe, Silkway About 40 percent of its imports from investment per capital among the also has regular flights on intercont- the US involve machineries as well as Common-wealth of Independent inental routes, extending throughout computers, food, and other raw Countries, with Germany leading its Asia and Europe, from its hub in materials. investors. Brussels Airlines signs 5-year contract with Jettainer PARIS: A subsidiary of Lufthansa Cargo Airlines to get new modern containers AG, Jettainer, has signed a five-year and pallets. contract with Brussels Airlines to “Thanks to the new partnership with control and maintain its fleet of 1,000 the world's leading ULD specialist, unit load devices at Brussels Airport we'll now be provided with innovative from February 2017. and modern containers and pallets The deal was reached on October 28, even more efficiently. This does not the conclusion of the three-day only represent financial savings, but it TIACA-sponsored Air Cargo Forum also supports our efforts to offer more held in Paris, France. efficient air services and to reduce our Alban Francois, Brussels Airlines vice ecological footprint,” said Brussels president for global cargo, said their Airlines Cargo Operations Manager company decided to outsource the Pieter Huyghens. some of its cargo operations. maintenance of its ULDs to Jettainer Jettainer sales director, Thorsten because it is known for its efficiency Riekert says: “The special features of Jettainer currently provides services and transparency. Jettainer services, like our ground to 450 airports for 23 airlines across “It's all about the efficiency. Jettainer h a n d l i n g a g e n t s a n d o n g o i n g the globe. It has its headquarters in has the right tools. It has the right developments in our own JettWare Raunheim near Frankfurt Airport, but quantity at the right time and at the software, are generating significant also has offices at the central hubs of right airport. It also has an app called value added and customers are clearly international airlines in Abu Dhabi, JettWare that allows clients to trace recognising this.” Dallas/Fort Worth, Dusseldorf, their cargo instantly,” said Francois. Brussels Airlines is the largest airline in Philadelphia, Rome and Zurich as well Part of the deal entitles Brussels Belgium and is known for outsourcing as an operations base in Mumbai.
GLOBAL NEWS Cargolux adds Oslo to growing routes LUXEMBOURG: The Cargolux Group added a weekly service between Oslo to Luxembourg with cargo up for distribution to its various destinations. The new route began on November 1, 2016 via flight C85022 from New York, carrying a load of Salmon. In addition to seafood, Cargolux also expects to carry shipments for the oil and gas industry on the US – Norway - Luxembourg service. Operated with modern 747-8 freighters, the Oslo service caters to customers has been phenomenal and industry requires more direct the air freight needs of Norwegian we appreciate the way they welcome capacity to the most important shippers who are set to benefit from us in Norway. The firm support of our markets in Asia and the US. We are Cargolux's long-standing expertise in clients shows that our personal continuously working to facilitate cool chain transports and the airline's attention and dedication to the needs more direct capacity from Oslo dedicated CV Fresh product offering. of our partners in the market is noted Airport and through Cargolux, the “We are very happy to introduce Oslo and appreciated.” seafood industry will have access to to our network,” says Niek van der Avinor Manager Cargo Development yet another desirable network to the Weide, Cargolux EVP Sales & Martin Langaas added: “The seafood most important overseas markets.” Marketing. “The response from our GLOBAL NEWS dnata launches one-stop shop for cargo stakeholders
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive of Emirates Airline and Group, center, leads the ribbon-cutting ceremony for dnata's new customer service center, with other officials, dignitaries and guests.
DUBAI: Bent on making it easier and His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Officials believe the center will not faster for all cargo stakeholders to Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and only improve customer experience process their business transactions, chief executive of Emirates Airline but speed up the process as well. dnata launched last month the Cargo and Group, inaugurated the dnata's Integrated Command Center (CICC), new customer service center, along which will house under one roof its with other government officials and 519,928 tons of cargo customer service center & re- top industry executives. processed as of Sept 2016 presentatives of relevant govern- Speed and efficiency ment entities. Spanning over 5,000 sqm with 50 An industry first for the region, the dedicated staff, the center is 205,673 tons of Dubai Airport Free Zone-based CICC expected to serve about 700 will operate 24/7 and is designed to customers a day and handle 25,000 exported cargo “monitor, troubleshoot and enable tons of export cargo per month. quick decision-making to enhance The new facility is part of dnata's movement and efficiency of cargo.” three-year Dh250 million expansion 402,713 customers “We have exciting plans ahead. The and technology enhancement served as of Sept 2016 evolution of this facility will see the program ending in 2017. opening of an import customer Bernd Struck, dnata's senior vice service center as well as additional president for the UAE cargo division, storage and handling capacity for our said their goal is to make the flow of export customers,” said Gary cargo so transparent that customers Chapman, dnata President and would be able to locate them Group Services. immediately. With new export counters, the CICC About 70 percent of cargoes in the has all relevant government agencies UAE processed by dnata are related like the Dubai Police and Dubai to imports and the rest for export. Customs, among others, are on its Struck said dnata expects to premises, a special cargo accept- separate the flow of export and ance area, a new office space for import cargo at its Dubai facility by airline and freight forwarding the end of next year primarily to customers. improve efficiency.
GLOBAL NEWS
IAG cargo delivers unique art works for British Museum LONDON: 50 pricey and high-profile T h e l o a n s a r t Wo r k s f r o m A f r i c a w e r e t r a v e l l i n g successfully shipped to the British under Secure Museum for its exhibition titled, “South included the Africa: The art of a nation.” f a m o u s M a p u n - IAG, the oficial logistics partner of the gubwe Gold British Museum, said the art works objects from were gathered from 11 different the collect- institutions across South Africa and ions of the Crawley, CEO at IAG Cargo, noting that were shipped to London via Cape University of Pretoria to the celebrated it took them many weeks to prepare for Town and Johannesburg. Magapangsat Pebble. the journey. The rare items travelled over 8,000 “We are proud to partner with the Jill Maggs, Registrar at the British miles from South Africa to the UK, B r i t i s h M u s e u m o n t h i s Museum, said IAG has a proven track t h r o u g h S e c u r e , I A G C a r g o ' s exhibition….Being entrusted to deliver record of safely delivering priceless art exceptionally high-security service these culturally significant art works works as it did for the BP exhibition d e s i g n e d s p e c i fi c a l l y f o r t h e for the British Museum is a tremendous Indigenous Australia. transportation of high value and privilege and underscores the strength South Africa: The art of a nation will run precious cargo. of our Secure product,” said Drew through February 26, 2017.
European Quality Cargo Castors MainFeatures Longlifetime(8-10years) Nomaintenancerequired EnablerealeasyULDhandling
ColsonEuropeBV|www.colson-europe.com|[email protected] CARGO AID Princess Haya brings UAE aid to Haiti DUBAI: Her Royal Highness Princess “We, as Arabs, are so fatigued from all C r e s c e n t S o c i e t i e s a n d H e i f e r Haya bint Al Hussein, the junior wife of the turmoil in the region. We fight on International, say more people are not Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler every front, and we have our own to feed able to get help because of problems o f D u b a i , H i s H i g h n e s s S h e i k h and shelter. And through it all, there are with logistics. Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, still the good among us who are Those in far-flung mountainous villages personally flew to typhoon-wrecked organizing aid relief to others around the are the hardest hit with land vehicles Haiti last month to oversee the world who also need our distribution of aid to victims of Hurricane help,” wrote the Jordanian Matthew. Princess on her Instagram account. Some 90 metric tons of supplies worth Dh1.29 million were transported to Haiti “If I could just tell you the aboard Sheikh Mohammed's Boeing 747 sense of humility I knew private jet, benefitting more than because my country the 300,000 people desperately in need of UAE had given and my help. people the Jordanians are there fighting.... it's a sense The shipment includes water purification of identity and pride that units, mosquito nets, medical supplies, others have given me. And I tents and other support equipment. am thankful for it,” she Known for her many humanitarian added. Princess Haya in Haiti with the UN peacekeepers. projects, Princess Haya has long been a Princess Haya who studied beacon of hope for victims of tragedies, Philosophy, Politics and especially in the Arab region. Economics at Oxford University chairs unable to reach them. Distribution and The Princess wrote on her Instagram t h e D u b a i - b a s e d I n t e r n a t i o n a l delivery of relief goods is, thus, done by account she flew in to the island-nation H u m a n i t a r i a n C i t y, w h i c h i s a walking or using donkeys or horses, in the same cargo plane that brought her nonreligious, nonpolitical logistics hub which take longer. there in the aftermath of the 2010 Haiti for humanitarian aid. Agency had also extended help bringing earthquake. And she's thankful that Relief goods and medicines are now in tents, blankets, plastic sheets, sleeping despite the difficulties others face, regularly flown to Haiti but many pad, portable jerry cans, water purifiers particularly in the region, they still have nongovernment organizations, including and simple water tanks to affected that sense of urgency to help others. the International Red Cross, Red villages.
Food, school supplies and ERC sends aid to Aden medications for Socotra ADEN: Emirates Red Crescent The aid shipments are in implement- (ERC) has dispatched urgent ation of directives from President His medical supplies to a number of Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al hospitals in Aden to prevent the Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh spread of cholera following Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, monitoring a number of cases in Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the several districts that caused the UAE Armed Forces. death of some patients there. The philanthropic organization The central laboratory at Al contributes to reconstructing and Jumhouriya hospital received restoring a number of infrastructure the oral rehydration solution SOCOTRA: Tons of food, school projects in various fields, such as ( O R S ) t o h e l p e x a m i n e supplies and medications were health and education facilities, water, suspected cases of cholera as recently flown in to Socotra Island in electricity and drainage stations, in Ye m e n a s p a r t o f t h e U A E ' s order to reduce the suffering of the well as 20 barrels of chlorine to humanitarian and development Yemeni people, due to the events fight its spread, reports the program for the war-torn country. taking place there. Emirates News Agency, WAM. The Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Home to about 44,000 people, Medical sources said a number Foundation (KF) has sent its 31st aid Socotra, has been declared a UNESCO o f p e o p l e w i t h c h o l e r a plane, with two tons of medications on World Heritage Site. It got its first roads continues to increase, and board, to the Khalifa bin Zayed Al only about five years ago. Nahyan Hospital on Socotra Island, called on the government and The island is also home to about 825 local authorities to take action to along with one ton of mixed content unique plant species, some dating as stationery to be distributed to far back as 20 million years ago. d e a l w i t h t h e s i t u a t i o n , students. especially in Dar Saad, Al Mansoura, among others.
COVER STORY Coyne Airways Carving a niche and thriving By Gemma Q. Casas “We have managed to claw out a small niche for ourselves by keeping to a very basic core tenet: “It is better to own a market than a mill”. What this means for us is that we do not own aircraft...What we concentrate on is the market: keeping in step with our clients, being flexible and proactive to meet their needs.”
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o y n e A i r w a y s h a s interview. “We are effectivel y always dared to be “That said, I think that there has been different—living a bold progress all round, albeit at different metal neutral – we will C paces. I take a certain pride in noting find the frame that fits! legacy rich with business and life lessons. that Georgia ranked 24th last year in A l s o , f r o m t h e the World Bank's ratings of 189 easiest It has no plane but is a trusted cargo countries to do business with; Armenia customer's perspective, airline. It specializes in difficult to serve was pretty close behind it at number I think it makes very little destinations like Iraq, Afghanistan, 35 and Kazakhstan came in at number difference as to whether Somalia and South Sudan. It has been 41. These countries want to do we own, lease or rent the touching lives in times of peace and business and are actively trying to war that perhaps no other carrier can break down the barriers to comm- asset – the same way claim to. ercial growth,” she added. that most people don't “I could not have known when I set up Carving out a niche really care about their Coyne Airways from a spare room at taxi driver's ownership home,” recalled Mr. Larry Coyne, While widely known for pioneering air founder of Coyne Airways, when he cargo services in the Caucuses, Coyne arrangements, provided accepted his Air Cargo News Lifetime Airways has also managed to build a that the service is good name as the carrier that serves difficult Achievement Award in 2015, “that we a n d t h e p r i c e i s would grow to be in the top 100 cargo areas like Afghanistan and Iraq. carriers serving thousands of In one of his interviews, Mr. Coyne competitive.” customers around the globe.” “Not bad for an airline that does not actually own any aircraft.” Mr. Coyne, who was the president of The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) from 2001 to 2003, is held in high esteem for his unorthodox approach at things, his relentless efforts to liberalize the air cargo industry for the common good of all stakeholders and his passion to share his blessings with the less fortunate. Growing with time After the collapse of the Soviet Union, says “the big boys”—referring to major very basic core tenet: “It is better to Mr. Coyne, who holds an MBA from the airlines—refused to serve difficult own a market than a mill”. What this University of Pennsylvania's Wharton destinations and he found the need to means for us is that we do not own School, established a charter air cargo provide for these markets at fair prices aircraft; instead, we form strategic service into the Caucuses, Central Asia by cutting out unnecessary costs. alliances with selected operators with and Sakhalin Island in 1994 and later that expertise,” explained Ms. Coyne, transformed this into a scheduled And so in 2004, a decade after the who holds a degree in Politics, service. company began, Coyne Airways Philosophy, and Economics from His daughter, Ms. Liana Coyne, launched freighter operations into Oxford University, and is an English- director at Coyne Airways who is Iraq. qualified solicitor. currently based at the all-cargo At that time, Iraq was marred with She said their focus is on the market airline's Dubai hub in the UAE, takes sectarian violence between Shia and and the ability to provide clients with pride in knowing that the routes have Sunni militias, in the aftermath of the their needs, even under exceptional grown with them over the years. US-led invasion in 2003. Air cargo circumstances. “We started operating into Central played a very important role for “What we concentrate on is the Asia soon after the Soviet Union people's survival and in reconst- market: keeping in step with our collapsed, first as a charter operator ruction. clients, being flexible and proactive to and then later as a scheduled provider. By 2006, Coyne Airways initiated meet their needs. We have our own Over the years, we have seen some s c h e d u l e d s e r v i c e s t o t h r e e AWB and an extensive interline countries embrace changes and destinations in war-torn Afghan- network, meaning that our customers international trade, whereas others istan—Kandahar, Bagram and Kabul. can tender cargo from pretty much any seem to still be dreaming of simpler global gateway, and then track it all the times under Communism,” Ms. Coyne “We have managed to claw out a small told Air Cargo Update in an email niche for ourselves by keeping to a way to final destination on our
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website, on our app, or by talking to love cargo as much as we do, but only smoothly, we are operating into one of our representatives,” she cargo which can fit into their frame,” conflict- or post-conflict zones and explained. she said. sometimes matters can be out of our “We do all we can to make it easy to do “We are effectively metal neutral – we control,” she said. business with us, and we try to will find the frame that fits! Also, from On one occasion, Ms. Coyne recalled communicate the way and at the the customer's perspective, I think it one of their flights bound for a military frequency that our customers want,” makes very little difference as to base in Kandahar had its permit she added. whether we own, lease or rent the cancelled at the very last minute due to No planes, no issue asset – the same way that most people an unannounced presidential visit. don't really care about their taxi “In the lead-up, there had been no While the majority of cargo airlines driver's ownership arrangements, changes to the way flight permissions have their own fleet of aircraft, the lack provided that the service is good and were granted – perhaps they didn't of any hasn't affected Coyne Airways' the price is competitive,” she added. know themselves or they did not want to tip off anyone about the visit. Either Photo Courtesy of Air Cargo News way, we had some very upset clients to placate. Thankfully, we could point them to the news and explain our situation. We were also able to get permissions quickly soon after,” she said. Apart from unexpected circum- stances, serving these routes is also challenged with the volatility in volumes. “I think that one of the biggest challenges for air cargo to both Iraq and Afghanistan is the volatility in volumes – it can be either feast or famine.We are well-placed to deal with those because we can normally adjust capacity to meet demand by adding additional rotations or making arrangements with other carriers,” said Ms. Coyne. The cargo airline delivers goods vital to t h e c o u n t r i e s ' e c o n o m y l i k e Larry Coyne, CEO and founder of Coyne Airways (left) m a c h i n e r y , e q u i p m e n t , receiving his Air Cargo News Lifetime Achievement Award from John Conway. pharmaceuticals and other general cargo items. operations. In 2006, Coyne Airways started its first “Thankfully, many Iraqis and Afghans “In the beginning, this was necessary in B747-400F operation into the Caspian. are not forced to rely on expensive order to serve some staunchly All Gulf destinations are now served airlifted food for survival, but it is protectionist destinations which directly from Dubai with seamless rewarding to hopefully be a part of penalized other flag carriers, but in an connections from North America, their economic development,” said Ms. era of oversupply, a necessity has Europe and Asia via the company's Coyne. become a virtue,” said Ms. Coyne. large network of interline partners. Prior to the conflict in Yemen, Coyne For some business analysts, this Challenging Routes was serving several cities although business practice is more cost- these services were interrupted when Cargo delivery to both Afghanistan and effective because there are no extra the civil war escalated. Iraq can be very challenging in times of costs associated with maintenance war or even in post-war era. Every now and then, Coyne continues and the upkeep of the aircraft. to provide airlift for some vital medical “Operations in Iraq and Afghanistan For Ms. Coyne, it ultimately boils down and aid supplies. In Syria, the airline is can be challenging but our experience to the service and the pricing. also tapped by aid agencies to bring stands us in good stead to deal with relief goods to people. “Some people have queried whether most contingencies that arise. In fact, we can offer the same service levels as sometimes the most challenging thing “We try to help where we can and find an airline which owns it own aircraft. I can be reminding customers that, even solutions for where our customers ask think we can do better: asset-owners though 99% of the time things go us to go,” said Ms. Coyne.
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Ms. Liana Coyne Director, Coyne Airways
How many planes and pilots do you have? Is it a must for those flying to conflict zones to have some military background as con ngency for any eventuali es? We do not have our own fleet, but we do ensure that the operators we use are well-experienced and well-qualified. Africa seems to fairly use air cargo to increase trade globally, any future expansion plans in the region? We are currently serving more than 30 des na ons all over Africa. We do not have any immediate plans for expansion but we are looking to deepen Air cargo and avia on our current services. remain predominantly What about the Middle East, can you share with us your projec ons and male-dominated but some plans for this region? women who have broken Again, we are currently serving Iraq and Afghanistan here in the Middle the glass ceiling are chang- East. Our plan now is to focus on what we do best with our current services, ing the dynamics in the but as always, we will go with our customers. industry. Liana Coyne, As the woman steering the wheel for Coyne Airways, what business philosophy do you adhere to in running your company and managing your daughter of Coyne people? Airways' founder, is one of I think that the most important thing in business is respect towards our them. This Oxford customers, our suppliers, our colleagues and ourselves. It helps guide us on graduate who went on to what we should and shouldn't do, and what we will or will not do. become an English- We understand that you're also into some charitable projects. Can you tell qualified solicitor who co- us the latest about this? authored a number of We try to do our part. Our latest ini a ve aims to bring together a consensus within the air cargo industry on behalf of a charity; this ini a ve ar cles on legal subjects is being spearheaded by my father, as a former president of TIACA with while working for the law some of his colleagues in the Chairman's Council such as Chris Leach from firm Baker and McKenzie ACS and other luminaries. in London and Hong Kong, The charity is a small one with a big impact, providing life-changing support speaks six languages and to the most vulnerable children whose families, communi es and schools hopes to converse in have been torn apart by war. We have pledged $1 for each AWB we move Arabic one day. Here are and we will invite our customers and compe tors to match our more of her insights contribu ons. How important is it to share with the underprivileged the fruits of your shared with Air Cargo hard work? Update. We believe it is important to always give back to those less fortunate than ourselves. What you realize from working in conflict and post-conflict zones is that lives can change in a heartbeat; today we are able to help, tomorrow we might need that same help. What would you say is Coyne Airways' proudest moment and why? It's hard to choose! We try to do something to be proud of every day. However, on a personal level, I was very touched when my father was recognized for a Life me Achievement Award last year.
FEATURE Bengaluru goes 'cool' with AISATS On the first day of trial operations, approximately 25 tons of temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical shipments were accepted at the AISATS COOLPORT for carriage onboard Cathay Pacific's Dragon Air, Malaysia Airlines and Singapore Airlines, leading to a commendable start
I S AT S , a 5 0 : 5 0 j o i n t Since the start of its operations in 2008, AISATS has provided hassle-free venture between Air India and comprehensive solutions to its customer airlines in international Aand SATS Ltd, is a leading airports at Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, Mangalore and Trivandrum. gateway services and food Currently employing over 7,000 staff, AISATS offers end-to-end ground solutions provider in Asia. handling services such as passenger and baggage handling, ramp As part of the Indian government's handling, aircraft interior cleaning, load control and flight operations, and initiative to upgrade its airports to cargo handling services for general, perishable, transshipment, express world-class facilities and attract courier and special cargo. more airlines to fly into India, In the past year, AISATS' Cargo Airfreight Terminal in Bengaluru won the AISATS was formed with the vision “Air Cargo Terminal Operator” for the 4th year running from the Indian to provide world-class airport Chamber of Commerce. AISATS' customers also won various “best services in ground and cargo performing” station awards from their respective HQs as well. AISATS is handling that exceed customers' ISAGO (IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations) and ISO 9001:2008 expectations. certified
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were accepted at the AISATS However, in certain cases, the COOLPORT for carriage onboard shipments are required to be kept in Cathay Pacific's Dragon Air, Malaysia the cold storage for a day or more – as Airlines and Singapore Airlines, leading per stakeholder request. to a commendable start. Trial Warehousing plays a pivotal role in operations for other types of freighting of the cargo and perishable perishable cargo started on 17th goods need more care. With AISATS October. AISATS COOLPORT is COOLPORT, cargo dwell time is still expected to be fully operational by the dependent on the abovementioned Mike Chew end of this year. formalities, however, it ensures an What are the unique features of the unbroken cold chain, the temperature COOLPORT, not available elsewhere of the cargo is maintained throughout It was another first in October this year in India? the handling which ensures the quality when AISATS commenced trial Mike Chew: AISATS COOLPORT holds of the final delivered products. operations of India's first integrated the merit of being India's first on-airport perishable cargo handling You have mentioned that perishable integrated on-airport perishable cargo centre, “AISATS COOLPORT”, at the growth has witnessed 15 percent handling center established with the Kempegowda International Airport, CAGR, could you tell us which vision to meet the ever-increasing Bengaluru (KIAB). perishables are primarily driving this demand and handling requirements of growth? The state-of-the-art, 11,000 sq. meter temperature-sensitive cargo, by Mike Chew: The growth in perishables facility will meet the ever-increasing providing modern cold storage is driven by a mix of products, which demands and handling requirements infrastructure and processes to primarily includes fruits & vegetables, of temperature-sensitive cargo and maintain an unbroken cold chain. It will will further enhance the State of enhance Karnataka's status as the pharmaceuticals and fresh flowers. Karnataka's status as the pharm- pharmaceutical and perishable hub of With the emergence of India as one of aceutical and perishables hub of India. India. the top five pharmaceutical markets, In an interview with Air Cargo Update, One of the unique features of AISATS witnessing an annual growth rate Mike Chew, CEO of AISATS gives COOLPORT is being an on-airport (CAGR) 13%, cold supply chain acts as details of the facility. integrated facility which is first of its the backbone for this industry as well. When you say 'first integrated' kind in India. Apart from temperature- For the temperature and time sensitive COOLPORT, can you please subs- controlled storage, the facility also will pharmaceutical industry, it is tantiate on integrated? house a state-of-the-art Drug m a n d a t o r y t o h a v e a c c u r a t e regulatory supervision and to maintain Mike Chew: Spread over 11,400 sq. Controller lab as well as a Plant meter area, AISATS COOLPORT, at the Quarantine Inspection & Certification the efficacy of the drug throughout the Kempegowda International Airport, office. The facility houses dedicated X- supply chain. This is where AISATS Bengaluru, is a state-of-the-art ray machines for Pharma and COOLPORT will play an important role dedicated perishable cargo hub. This Perishable cargo. AISATS COOLPORT with the presence of a state-of-the- one-stop-shop houses a complete ensures an unbroken cold chain by artDrug Controller lab at the facility. range of facilities under one roof for handling temperature sensitive cargo Perishables require uninterrupted seamless handling and storing of under controlled temperatures, right power supply, how have you met your temperature-sensitiveimport and f r o m a c c e p t a n c e , s t o r a g e , energy requirements? export cargo. The AISATS COOLPORT buildup/breakdown, even while Mike Chew: At present uninterrupted is fully equipped with a Drug Controller transporting between the terminal and power supply for AISATS COOLPORT Lab testing facility, Plant Quarantine the aircraft, through the use of is provided by the airport operator, custom-built Cool Trollies. These Cool Inspection and Certification facility, as and so far we have not faced any t r o l l i e s e n s u r e t e m p e r a t u r e w e l l a s o n - t e r m i n a l C u s t o m challenges in terms of power supply maintenance of the cargo during to C l e a r a n c e s w h i c h c u t s d o w n either at our Air Freight Terminal at and fro movement from the aircraft. In processing time. It has 17 cold storage Bengaluru or at AISATS COOLPORT. addition, the facility has dedicated rooms with adjustable temperatures However, as part of our future plans, charging points for envirotainers and from -25 degree Celsius to 25 degree we are looking to tap clean & green Celsius, to cater to the whole range of other value added services such as Thermal Blankets, Dry Ice & Batteries energy, of which 135 KVA of power customized needs of perishable supply would be generated through products like pharmaceuticals, available on request, thereby making it a truly integrated facility. solar energy, which again would be a flowers, poultry, etc. first for an air freight terminal. What is the current average dwelling How are the trials going on and when How much investmen has gone into is it going to become fully operational? time of perishables at BIAL and will COOLPORT make any difference in the COOLPORT? Mike Chew: Trial operations at AISATS dwelling time? Mike Chew: AISATS COOLPORT has COOLPORT commenced on 1st Mike Chew: Perishable products at been established under ASIDE October 2016 for pharmaceutical (Assistance to States for Infrastructure shipments and have been running BIAL are usually shipped out and delivered immediately on a priority Development for Exports & Allied smoothly, without any hiccups. On the Activities) scheme of the Government first day of trial operations, approx- basis after completing the necessary documentation, customs formalities of India. AISATS has invested close to imately 25 tons of temperature- $675,000 in the facility. sensitive pharmaceutical shipments and build-up/break-down processes.
FEATURE Amazon enters air cargo industry By Gemma Casas
The world's largest e-Commerce retailer, the US-based Amazon.com, is the newest player in the air cargo industry, rivaling major freight service providers FedEx, UPS, DHL, among others. With the holiday season approaching, analysts and consumers are closely watching Amazon's strategy on delivering products at quicker pace now that it's using its own cargo planes.
Amazon's 2015 Revenue - $107 Billion IPO Price - $18/share Current trading price - $831/share
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A clever move “For the moment, Amazon doesn't go Dr. Wouter Dewulf, a professor at the for profit maxi-mization. It goes for University of Antwerp in Belgium who market maximization and to obtain specializes in cargo, told Air Cargo that you must have full control of Update Amazon's decision to operate service delivery,” said Dr. Dewulf. “It's its own fleet of cargo planes is “a very to their business advantage.” clever move.” In the US, the average delivery cost for “I think it's a very clever online shopping is $4 from point to point. In Europe, it's 4 Euros. Delivery in move,” Dr. Dewulf said on the the Middle East is cheaper because of c o m p a n y ' s n e w c a r g o the workers' relatively lower salaries venture. “Service delivery is compared to their counterparts in developed countries. of utmost importance. I've Entrepreneurial Spirit heard that they are having Amazon began as a small online store service delivery problems in 1995 mainly selling books. It was Jeff Bezos d u r i n g p e a k t i m e s l i k e first named as Cadabra but was changed to Amazon when someone Christmas, so they want t to he online retail giant best known mistook it as “cadaver.” for its tech products launched its own the complete supply Its founder Jeff Bezos, who has two Tfirst ever branded air cargo chain.” Bachelor of Science degrees in electrical engineering and computer plane named Amazon One in August “It makes good business sense science, left his high-paying Wall during the Seafair's Air Show in its because the company pays a lot of Street job to start-up Amazon upon hometown Seattle, Washington. At m o n e y o n o r d e r s , w h i c h a r e least 11 planes are so far in operation. learning that the tech industry would sometimes delayed,” he added. soar by 2,300 percent. The Boeing 767-300 operated by The global e-retail sales for 2013 He renamed the company Amazon Amazon's air cargo provider Atlas Air, reached $840 billion and analysts is the first of 40 planes the firm after the biggest river in the world project it's going to hit $1.5 trillion by located in Brazil because he wanted his envisions to use to ship various 2018. products to its different warehouses business to be exotic and to be the and stores across the globe and North America remains the largest biggest in the world. ultimately to consumers. regional market for online shopping At its initial offering in Nasdaq, with sales of about $126 billion in 2013. Amazon has agreed to lease 40 planes Amazon, which trades under the through air cargo partners Atlas Air and During the same period, the global B2C symbol AMZN, was sold at just $18 per ATSG. e-commerce sales grew by 19 percent share. As of press time, it was trading at with the US, UK, France and emerging $831 per share with prospects of “Creating an air transportation markets in Asia like China, the earning more with the company's network is expanding our capacity to Philippines, India, Thailand, leading the entry into the cargo industry. ensure great delivery speeds for our growth. Forbes Magazine ranked this year Prime members for years to come,” Bezos as the third richest person in the said Dave Clark, Amazon's senior vice Dr. Dewulf said the prospects for e- Commerce remains bright and the world with assets of over $72 billion, president of worldwide operations much of which are from his more than during the launch of Amazon One. whole air cargo industry stands to benefit from this scenario. 80 percent shares at Amazon.com. Amazon said the move is part of its He bought the Washington Post in pledge to “ensure great delivery But he said Amazon doesn't seem to be targeting profit for now but market 2013 for $250 million in cash. He also speeds and supply chain capacity for has stakes in dozens of start-up its customers.” maximization in return to more favorable sales in the future. projects, including Uber. The company has more than 125 fulfillment centers and over 20 sortation centers across the world use high-end algorithms, robotics, m a c h i n e l e a r n i n g a n d o t h e r technological innovations to increase delivery speeds for customers. Last year, it launched Amazon Flex, the mobile application that allows individuals to sign-up, be vetted and begin delivering for Amazon, now a dedicated network of 4,000 trailers to increase trucking capacity.
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Automation will transform Middle East's packaging industry Food manufacturers are moving into ready meals, pre-packed ingredients, fruits and vegetables similar to Western trends
DUBAI: With convenience, ease of UAE-based Al Thika Packaging says prompted this market to react faster to production and reduced costs that's because the food processing global trends. dictating the future of the food sector strives to become more “Food manufacturers are moving into industry, more manufacturers will opt competitive in response to increasing ready meals, pre-packed ingredients for sophisticated automated solutions consumer demand for convenient and fruits and vegetables—we are in packaging their products, experts products. following Western trends. The growth say. “Automated solutions are being sought over the past six to seven years has not Exhibitors at Gulfood Manufacturing as companies try to reduce overhead let up and, put simply, there is a desire —the Middle East's biggest food labor costs and keep up with global to implement new technology; the manufacturing, processing and supply trends,” said Tim Ansell, Al regional industry is more open to packaging, logistics and materials handling exhibition—which ran from Thika's Sales Director. “International innovation.” November 7-9 at Dubai World Trade trends in food products are coming to High-end automation now represents Center—said the demand for more market much quicker in the UAE as 20 percent of Al Thika's sales with automated food packaging will likely people see through social media what Ansell predicting that number to double in the next five years. is being offered elsewhere – it's double within five years.
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Leading the pack which will impact the packaging Saudi Arabia and the UAE are leading sector. the high-end automation process. “There will be polarisation. Politically Of late, manufacturers and processers stable countries will experience from Oman and Kuwait have also growth in convenience and ready-to- noticed a pick-up on demand for high- eat sectors and 'luxury' goods while end automation. politically unstable regions will fall The packaging automation changes back to a more agro/self-sufficient required new systems and innovations positions,” said Giese. in the industry. “Some large players will expand to “We've moved from offering just a tray produce and distribute their food sealer or x-ray for example, to products more efficiently and into providing turn-key production lines more regions, thus becoming regional with process equipment, conveyors, 'power players' while others will look packaging machines and automated to expand down or up in the food potential will grow further with time. carton erector loaders. Customers logistic chain. For example, growers Imported products in retail and want a one stop service, hassle free will move into manufacturing and hospitality indicate demand for more installation and local service, so this is distribution; so potato growers innovations in this direction and we playing to our strengths,” Ansell currently producing potato chips and expect the local manufacturing explained. snacks will diversify to include frozen industry will soon be compelled to chips and other potato products,” he a d a p t t o t h e s e f o r c e s . L o c a l By 2019, the Middle East and Africa added. packaging industry will register the policymakers have also been urged in highest growth of any region at 5.5 Rapid transformation some quarters to moot a 'Sugar Tax' percent compound annual growth rate ProPack Middle East will be a weather- w h i c h w i l l f u r t h e r c o m p e l (CAGR), based on Euromonitor's vane to the food manufacturing manufacturers,” said Shashank forecast. industry's transformation, according Vengsarkar, Managing Director of to Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice Dohler Middle East. The report pointed out Ishida, a leader President, Exhibitions & Events in the design, manufacture and Industry powerhouse IFFCO says Management, DWTC, the Gulfood “healthy food” has huge potential in the installation of complete weighing and Manufacturing organiser. packing line solutions for the food Middle East, where campaigns have industry, could further be impacted by “Through the state-of-the-art exhibits, led to greater consumer awareness of the emergence of export-oriented visitors will be able to track the health related issues. 'power' players within the Middle East, evolution of this vibrant regional The UAE-based Group is planning to particularly from snack, dates and industry which is at an undisputed high conduct its own education initiative poultry producers. point in its development,” said focused on 'Market Product Trends: LohMirmand. “With Saudi Arabian and Ishida is planning to capture a growing Naturally Lowering The Glycaemic UAE producers looking to satisfy Index' at this year's show. The initiative, market share with packaging system increasingly sophisticated domestic demonstrations at ProPack Middle says IFFCO, is part of its focussed demand and also eyeing lucrative commitment to health and wellness. East featuringweighers and X-ray export markets, innovative packaging inspection systems. and weighing solutions which meet “IFFCO's mandate is to provide quality, “ A p a r t f r o m r i s i n g regional and international standards healthy food products for customers will be high on buyers' shopping lists.” to enjoy as part of their balanced diet a u t o m a t i o n t o r e d u c e and wellness-driven lifestyle. Our packaging and waste costs At this year's event, local, regional and product development teams are international participation from at the manufacturing, retail constantly reformulating products to ingredients, bulk and commodity lower or remove trans-fat, eliminate and end-consumer stages, suppliers at Gulfood Manufacturing artificial colours and flavours, and t o i n c r e a s e s p e e d a n d increased by a third for a total of 407 minimise saturated fat, salt and sugar,” exhibitors from 41 countries. efficiencies there will also be said Fernando Alberto Arias, CEO- Organizers attributed the increase to Food Services, IFFCO Group. i n c r e a s i n g d em a n d fo r growth in regional demand for Gulfood also featured segmented c h e c k - w e i g h e r s , m et a l convenience and health products. areas like Ingredients Middle East, detectors, X-ray inspection Industry heavyweight Döhler, the f e a t u r i n g fi n e a n d f u n c t i o n a l systems and seal testers to Germany-headquartered global ingredients and the latest bulk and producer of technology-driven natural commodity ingredients, innovations, secure quality control for ingredients, ingredient systems and tastes and flavours; and Logistics exports outside the region,” integrated solutions for the food Solutions Middle East, a showcase for s a i d To r s t e n G i e s e , manufacturing sector, said an firms involved in material handling, increasingly discerning regional Marketing Manager. transport and commercial vehicles, IT consumer base is driving change. a n d t e c h n o l o g y s o l u t i o n s , Giese foresees huge changes within “Healthy and natural products are in warehousing operators, facilitators the food production sector, all of high demand in the region and the and service providers.
TRUCKING Uber & the driverless trucks of the future
Freighter trucks have always been a big part of the US economy. Around 67% of freight that moves within the country are transported by freight trucks, according to the A m e r i c a n T r u c k i n g A s s o c i a t i o n . M a n y n e w technologies are also being rolled out to ease the shortage of truck drivers while maintai ning trucks and highways safer.
TRUCKING
Autonomous trucks of good except for hazardous drivers who are employees, and next Autonomous trucks are self-driving materials. year the company will have more trucks that drive by itself for nearly 24 That should help Uber further test its partnerships with independent hours per day at a stretch without any technology – and perhaps fine-tune its drivers. Truck fleets will also help test break. b u s i n e s s m o d e l s t o s u i t t h e its technology. Driving a driverless truck accounts for requirements of logistics companies. Otto has had talks with potential fuel efficiency gain, as the optimal "Uber has already started partners and is in the process of trying cruising speed from a fuel efficiency to cement deals with some of them, standpoint is around 45 miles per hour. pitching services to shippers, Ron said. The potential saving to the freight truck fleets and independent "This is all about putting it on the road," transportation industry is estimated to drivers, and the services go Ron said, "collecting the miles." be $168 billion annually. well beyond Otto's initially About Uber The savings are expected to come Uber is an American online transp- from labor ($70 billion), fuel efficiency stated goal of outfitting o r t a t i o n n e t w o r k c o m p a n y ($35 billion), productivity ($27 billion) trucks with self-driving worldwide, headquartered in San and accidents ($36 billion), before t e c h n o l o g y , " R e u t e r s Francisco, California. It develops, including any estimates from non- markets and operates the Uber mobile truck freight modes like air and rail, reports. "It also plans to 'app', which allows consumers with estimates Morgan Stanley, a global compete with the brokers smartphones to submit a trip request, financial services firm. who connect truck fleets and which the software program then In addition to cost savings, fleets of automatically sends to the Uber driver automated trucks could save lives. shippers." nearest to the consumer, alerting the Crashes involving large trucks killed The technology remains under 3,903 people in the US in 2014, development, but with Uber's according to the National Highway considerable resources now on board, Traffic Safety Administration, and a Ron and his team aim to begin working further 110,000 people were injured. with warehouses and stores to More than 90% of the accidents were partially automate the driving process caused at least in part by driver error. and improve efficiency. Uber, Otto partnership “In Uber, you press a button, and an The online transportation networking Uber shows up after three minutes,” company, Uber, recently acquired the Mr. Ron said in a statement. “In freight, self-driving lorry startup Otto Motors the golden standard is that it takes (the for $680 million in a long-haul freight broker) five hours of phone calls to find business partnership. your truck. That's how efficient the The purpose of buying the company is industry is today.” to develop an aftermath self-driving The company is fast diversifying kit for freight trucks that could b e y o n d i t s c o r e b u s i n e s s o f potentially double their utilisation, transportation. Its 'UberEats' food driver to the location of the customer. hence, increase their safety. delivery and 'UberRush' shipping As of August 2016, the service was Lior Ron, co-founder at Otto Motors, service have already done the same available in over 66 countries and 507 said in a statement that Otto would thing on the city-level and, according cities worldwide. The Uber app expand its fleet of trucks from six to 15 to Mr. Ron, the new goal is about automatically calculates the fare and and begin hauling cargo to ware- "building that long-haul piece." transfers the payment to the driver. houses and stores as early as next year. Testing phase Since Uber's launch, several other Recently, Otto revealed that its self- Mr. Ron emphasises that Otto's companies have replicated its driving kits are intended for use only on autonomous driving technology is still business model, a trend that has come freeways. in a "testing regimen." The trucks can to be referred to as 'Uberification'. However, Uber is also deploying drive by themselves on highways, with About Otto Motors navigation, mapping and tracking two co-pilots as a backup, but OTTO Motors, a division of Clearpath, technologies for truckers' needs in its maneuvering off the open interstate provides self-driving vehicles current testing phase. remains a challenge. designed exclusively for indoor Otto believes its range of high-tech The trucks now haul random items material transport. The company's tools and services can help bring down from the company's garage to test how OTTO line offers infrastructure-free the costs involved in logistical the vehicles respond to hauling weight. navigation, obstacle avoidance, and operations and help Uber enter the But the company will "fairly soon" d y n a m i c p a t h - p l a n n i n g , a n d $700-billion-a-year trucking industry. move goods for shippers—just about collaboratively works alongside plant Mr. Ron further notes that the company any freight, except for hazardous personnel. Proprietary hardware, is already working to seal deals with a materials, Ron said. software, and services are delivered to few shipping partners to haul all kinds Otto currently has about two dozen provide customer excellence.
AIRLINES Transits to Qatar can get up to 4 days free visa DOHA: The estimated 30 million passengers passing through Qatar every year can now avail of up to 96 hours (four days) transit visa free-of-charge in a move to promote the oil-rich country as a world-class stopover destination. Qatar Airways, Qatar Tourism Authority and Qatar's Ministry of Interior said the new transit visa scheme will be offered to passengers with a minimum transit time of five hours at the Hamad International Airport (HIA). “Whether travelling for business or leisure, we want to enrich the journey of all of our passengers and are restructuring our fares to reflect this initiative and to promote stopovers to travelers,” Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Akbar al-Baker said in a statement. The agencies said the transit visa will be available on arrival at HIA to passengers of all nationalities upon confirmation of onward journey and completion of Qatari hospitality,” said Brigadier Abdullah Salim al-Ali, passport control procedures. All visas are approved and director general of the General Directorate of Nationality, issued at the sole discretion of MoI. Borders and Expatriates Affairs at MoI. “We are pleased to further facilitate the movement of the Previously, the Qatar transit visa is extended only to 30 million passengers who pass through HIA every year. travelers with a minimum layover of eight hours with We welcome them to spend time in Doha and discover maximum stay of 48 hours. Passengers carrying Samsung Note 7 could be prosecuted in US NEW YORK: The US government warned airline passengers could face prosecution if they carry Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smart phones on commercial planes as the device could endanger the lives of others on board. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said the devices won't be allowed either on passenger or cargo planes even if they have been shut off due to safety concerns with almost 100 incidents of overheating and fires blamed on Note 7. “We recognize that banning these phones from airlines will inconvenience some passengers, but the safety of all those aboard an aircraft must take priority,” US Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said in a statement. “We are taking this additional step because even one fire incident in flight poses a high risk of severe personal injury and puts many lives at risk.” Authorities estimate about 1.9 million Note 7s were sold in the US since Samsung launched it in October. The expanded restrictions on Samsung are embodied in an emergency US order. Samsung announced it will stop manufacturing Note 7 amid a spate of smoke, overheating and fire incidents related to the device. The move will cost Korea's most successful electronics company about $5.3 billion in losses.
PakistanreducesflightstoIndia KARACHI: As tensions run high anew between Pakistan and India over the disputed border in Kashmir, Pakistan International Airlines cancelled some flights between Karachi to New Delhi and Mumbai. weeks few of the Karachi-New Delhi and Karachi- Pakistan's flag carrier said the decision was made due to Mumbai flights have been cancelled," PIA said in a poor passenger load between the destinations. statement. Passengers who were affected on the “Lahore-New Delhi flights are operating normally, reduced flights were re-routed to Pakistan through other however, due to very poor load during last three to four airlines, it noted.
AIRLINES
SriLankanAirlinesstopsflightstoParisandFrankfurt
COLOMBO: The national carrier of Sri the dollar. made it clear that it will no longer fund Lanka is indefinitely suspending its SriLankan Airlines had its last flight on continuing losses,” the airline said in a operations to Paris and Frankfurt Frankfurt, Germany on October 30 statement, noting that it continues to amid low profitability on the routes and in Paris, France on November 6. m o n i t o r m a r ke t d y n a m i c s t o and the depreciation of Euro against maximize sustainable routes. “The government of Sri Lanka has The airline said while the drop in fuel prices has contributed to the airline's improved performance, this benefit has been significantly eroded with the airline's revenues declining for the FY ending 2015-16 compared to the previous year. The drop in airfares in European markets has further weakened profitability on the route compared to other destinations. For now, SriLankan Airlines will operate daily flights to Doha and Abu Dhabi, to which it has strong code share relationship with Etihad and Qatar, to continue providing connecting flights to European nations out of Sri Lanka.
China Southern Airlines helps rove Chinese relics from Guangzhou
GUANGZHOU: China Southern Airlines successfully shipped out of China to Los Angeles and back ancient Chinese relics in 128 suits with total value of $27 million. The cultural relics, including the Bronze Masks Suit, one of the Six National Treasures in Sanxingdui Ruin Site, were showcased in Bower Museum and Houston Museum of Natural Science's exhibit entitled “The Mystery of Ancient China.” China's Bronze Age Culture was first discovered in 1929 and was rediscovered in 1986 in a walled city belonging to the Sanxingdui Culture founded between 11 and 12 centuries ago during the time of the Shu Kingdom. The valuable relics weighing more than 2 tons were loaded in 13 wooden cases and were flown out of Guangzhou on September 19. A special casing was used for the shipment and the airline's operation department decided to take the forklift in transportation instead of manually handling them. Plastic flat racks were also placed under the wooden cases to reduce their wiggle which moving through the X-ray machines. From the airport, the relics were placed under a 24-hour video surveillance until they were transported to the museum where security is very tight.
Showcase your latest aviation products and solutions at the Airport Show AIRPORTS 'Drone Hunter' will soon be a fixture at Dubai airports
n October 29, the Dubai International Airport was Oforced to close between 7:25 pm and 8:45 pm amid an unexpected sighting of a drone, delaying more than 3 0 fl i g h t s w i t h t h o u s a n d s o f passengers affected. The incident also required the mobilization of teams from the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), the Dubai Police and other concerned authorities. Dubai Police Commander-in-Chief Lt. Gen. Khamis Mattar Al Mazeina warned they will not hesitate to arrest a nyo n e u s i n g d ro n e s w i t h o u t permission and asked the public to immediately call 999 or any nearby police station if they suspect someone is involved in such activity. For safety reasons, any air space intended for commercial flying where
AIRPORTS a drone is seen will be closed until authorities have identified its operator and thoroughly investigated the matter. Only the Dubai Police is authorized to get through the land area underneath the cordoned off air space says Salim Mohamed Bin Salim Al Suwaidi, aerodrome senior inspector at the Standards & Regulations Department of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority. “For example, a commercial pilot while flying,” says Al Suwaidi, “can report that a drone is flying next to him which is wrong. To ensure safety, we need to close the air space.” Salim Mohamed Bin Salim Al Suwaidi, aerodrome senior inspector at Standards & Regulations Under the law, a civilian drone can only Department at the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA). operate no higher than 400 feet or 120 meters up in the sky. M o r e t h a n 3 0 0 m i x t u r e o f immediately get data feed on my The October 29 incident was, thus far, p r o f e s s i o n a l s , h o b b y i s t s a n d computer and I can track what he is the longest recorded closure of the government entities are currently shooting. If we noticed that he (drone Dubai International Airport, one of the licensed to operate drones in Dubai. operator) did something wrong, we busiest airports in the world. Al Suwaidi explained there are five can deal with it with fines,” said Al Suwaidi. Prior to which, it was closed for 70 categories licensed to fly a drone: If the violation endangered public minutes, 45 minutes or between 25 to hobbyists, professionals, commercial safety, the drone operator can be 30 minutes, again due to a drone. use, temporary commercial use and government entities. brought to court for a case. Al Suwaidi says the sudden closure of Drones are not toys the Dubai airports whenever a drone, Drone operators are required to undergo training at a special academy Last April, a drone crashed into an commonly referred to in Civil Aviation Airbus A320 approaching Heathrow created by the Dubai Civil Aviation. as Remotely Piloted Aircraft System Airport. The plane landed safely but (RPAS), is a major issue that the agency “Once the training course is finished or the incident worried civil aviation wants to address, thus, came up with if the participants think that they are experts across the globe enough to the idea of introducing the “Drone experienced enough to skip the make them come up with possible Hunter” project. training, they will undergo a series of solutions. The Drone Hunter, which was unveiled tests. There is the process of a By May, the US and European air- for the first time at GITEX Technology simulator test through a computer, a safety regulators announced new Week 2016, is equipped with cameras question and answer tests, then, we policies geared to thwart more drone with special lens, infrared, thermal and will take them out physically to activities menacing commercial night vision and can fly within a range examine their maneuvering skills,” flights. of 100 kilometers. explained Al Suwaidi. Both entities agreed to create bodies that will study the impact of drones on “This drone is a project that is under Drone operators must renew their commercial air space specifically on further development and study,” says license every year to be able to operate their machines. potential drone collisions with planes, Al Suwaidi about the Drone Hunter traditional fixed-wing aircraft and which he described as designed to Al Suwaidi said the drones must also helicopters. minimize the sudden closure of Dubai be routinely examined for safety The study aims to measure the extent airports due to drone activities. reasons. of actual damage from such accidents “It can fly within a range 100-km with “We also have special tests for drones. to the windshield, engines and special lens, infrared, thermal and We're checking the batteries, motors structures of manned vehicles. night vision. It can track drone up in the of the fan, signal bandwidth, The US Federal Aviation Admin- sky, can identify, follow and locate the frequency, among others. Once it istration has recorded more than 1,400 operator,” he told Air Cargo Update. passes all tests, we're going to add a drones coming close to planes last But due to the heavy weight of all unique serial number on it with the year. equipment attached to the machine, name of the owner and the date. It's a The European Aviation Safety Agency the Drone Hunter can now only fly up yearly process,” said Al Suwaidi. says the study is crucial to its planned to 90 minutes. Al Suwaidi says their Once the drones are registered, DCAA formal recommendations to address goal is to keep it up in the air for at least can program their identities in a special the civilian use of drones. three hours or more. portal where they can track down its Once limited to military use, the sale of Licensed to fly activities, specifically time and drones is expected to shoot up to 7 In Dubai, DCAA is the only agency location, for monitoring purposes. million by 2020 with prices falling authorized to license a drone operator. “Once the drone is switched on, I will sharply.
AIRPORTS Best and Least Liked airports For sleep-deprived travelers, traveling by plane can be such But some airports offer comfortable quiet zones, amazing a pain if you end up in the wrong airport en route to your final amenities, freebies and treats and rows after rows of stores destination. to window shop or buy the latest trends in the market. There's the sight of constant stream of passengers hurrying On its 2016 survey, travel site Sleeping in Airports said and lining up for a queue. The seats are far from comfortable travelers once again voted Singapore’s Changi International and are usually taken. There's a barrage of noise from Airports the best airport in the world to sleep. behind. Movements and lights are constantly on. And the list And the worst? The oil-rich Saudi Arabia's 35-year-old King goes on. Abdulazziz International Airport in Jeddah. Top 5 airports for sleeping
1 Singapore Changi International Airport A layover here is like visiting an amusement park with its five gardens, a fish spa and plenty of massage chairs around the passenger terminal. It also has a free movie theater and lots of space to lounge on while waiting for your flight. What's more, the city offers free transit tour if the passengers' schedule is not so tight.
2 Seoul Incheon International Airport With a cultural center, a movie theater, gardens, an ice rink and even free transit tours, a layover at ICN is a bliss. It offers a quiet rest zone with reclining lounge chairs for a peaceful sleep. There's also free shower and WiFi. This airport has also lots of interesting stores to visit to keep you busy while waiting for your flight.
3 Tokyo Haneda International Airport Extremely clean with plenty of interesting stores and restaurants to visit, a layover here could be fun. This Japanese airport also offers cool gadgets and electronic items that you can’t find anywhere else. It also offers a multitude of armrest-free benches for those who want to rest and even a hotel to nap in peacefully for those who want a private quiet time. And of course, there’s free WiFi.
AIRPORTS
4 Taipei Taoyuan Airport With every gate under a different theme and plenty of shops to explore, this airport dazzles travelers. Lots of things to buy at affordable rates. There are also plenty of restaurants to satisfy your cravings for oriental food. It also offers a number of rest zones, shower areas, family rooms and best of all free WiFi.
5 Munich International Airport This German airport offers free morning coffee, quiet zones, free Wi-Fi, sleep cabins, a mini-golf course, ice rink, surfing, shops and yes, even a brewery with the science behind it. With state-of-the-art features, a walk into this airport is like strolling into the future. All in all, it's unique experience to be stuck here while waiting for your next flight. Top 5 leas t liked airports in the world for sleeping 1 Jeddah King Abdulaziz International Airport, Saudi Arabia (JED) With large crowds but not enough seats to rest, travelers voted this airport as the worst place for sleeping. The floors are also not an option because they are dirty and cold. 2 London Luton Airport Known for predominantly serving low cost carrier airlines, passengers sleeping over while waiting for their flight are a familiar sight at this airport. But the weary travelers often endure discomfort with few benches and uncomfortable floor. 3 Reykjavik-Keflavik International Airport, Iceland (KEF) Sleeping is not tolerated here. Travelers passing through this airport can attest they are constantly flashed with the sign “No Sleeping” with security guards in tow to enforce the policy. This isn't ideal even for a quick nap because the airport is crowded and small. 4 Pisa Galileo Galilei International Airport, Italy (PSA) If you intend to go to this airport for your early morning departure, think again. This airport is closed from 12 am to 4 pm. You'll be forcibly booted out of the area during those hours. The lawn is also not an option for sleeping with sprinklers turned on. 5 Venice Marco Polo International Airport You could try getting some sleep in this airport but be wary of being interrupted by police officers checking for your plane tickets. Not ideal, travelers think, for sleeping.
EXECUTIVE MOMENTS Bannerman is Cargolux's new VP for corporate development b u s i n e s s environment.” a d m i n - With extensive experience in the istration and aviation and logistics industry at the has a PhD in Lufthansa Group in Frankfurt and p o l i t i c a l Singapore having been appointed in science from r e p u t e d various key management positions, universities in Cargolux has high hopes Mr. Germany. Bannerman could lead the company to even greater things. “ W e w e l - c o m e Mr. Bannerman also worked as C h r i s t o p h general manager at Select Courier in Bannerman as Hong Kong from 2010 to 2013 before a veteran of moving back to Lufthansa Cargo in Singapore as first regional head of Christoph Michael Bannerman the industry,” says Richard sales steering and marketing Asia LUXEMBOURG: Cargolux has named F o r s o n , PAndracific,ea later Gebbek as renegional director for Christoph Michael Bannerman as its Cargolux's President & CEO. “His South East Asia and Australia. new VP Corporate Development & knowledge and experience will be a Cargolux is currently Europe's leading Strategy taking over from Maxim v a l u a b l e co n t r i b u t i o n t o t h e all-cargo airline with a fleet of 14 Strauss who was promoted as EVP & development of our company and in Boeing 747-8 freighters and 12 Boeing CFO. the formulation of its strategy in an 747-400 freighters serving 90 increasingly challenging market The German executive studied destinations.
Mikrut is SEKO Logistics's new VP Air Zimbabwe taps for home delivery veteran pilot to lead CHICAGO: SEKO Logistics has ZIMBABWE: A veteran pilot with appointed Jim Mikrut as vice president extensive experience in the aviation of its thriving US Home Delivery industry has been named as the Vertical Business which grew by over new chief-executive-officer of Air 50 percent last year. Zimbabwe. Home delivery shipments for Ripton Muzenda took over from oversized products such as furniture Edmund Makoma who has been the and big-screen TVs continue to grow carrier's acting CEO since 2013. this year with the thriving e- “Capt. Muzenda brings a wealth of Commerce industry as partly a v i a t i o n k n o w l e d g e , s k i l l s , responsible for the positive trend. experience and leadership to Air According to SEKO, US consumers Zimbabwe. He has been an airline buy more products online, notably pilot for over 25 years. He held the from companies in Hong Kong and posts of senior training captain and China, the UK, Australia and New examiner of Air Zimbabwe,” the Zealand. airline said in a statement. Internet Retailer reported in August Prior to working for Air Zimbabwe in that US eCommerce grew at its fastest various senior positions, Muzenda rate in two years in Q2 of 2016, up by worked for Singapore Airlines as captain for Boeing 747-400, 15.8%. Many larger commodities are Jim Mikrut management pilot operations and matching or exceeding this growth crew resource management rate as consumers are increasing their facilitator. demand for a growing number of goods online. Capt. Muzenda holds an MBA in The company believes Mikrut, who has over 18 years of experience in the Home a v i a t i o n m a n a g e m e n t f ro m Delivery sector, most recently as Vice President, Network Carrier/Customer Coventry University in England. Experience at MXD Group, could further develop the company's plans for home delivery sector. Air Zimbabwe's board of directors said the airline faces a lot of “Jim's focus will be on enhancing, strengthening and improving our overall challenges and it requires a leader Home Delivery solution and customer experience, using his expertise, wide “whose vision is consistent with the range of industry relationships and passion for exceptional service,” said Rick airline's mandate to contribute to Lee, COO for North America, in a statement. the nation's development.”
Tech Gadgets Dubai breaks Guinness World Record for virtual reality “At GITEX Technology Week, showcasing the latest virtual reality innovations and breaking world records shows how the show is a platform for serious business, and serious fun,” said Trixie LohMirmand, the Senior Vice-President for Exhibitions and Events Management at DWTC. Organizers had expected only 250 people, but got nearly double that number. “Virtual reality has rapidly advanced to enter the mainstream in transforming experiences in entertainment, education, and healthcare. Attempting this virtual reality world record underlines Dubai's commitment to innovation, and GITEX Technology Week as the one of the With 461 head-geared participants thrilled by a visual roller coaster world's leading events for immersive technologies,” said C. Purushothaman, Head of Marketing (Smartphones & presented in a 4DX theatre powered by Samsung, the Dubai World Trade Tablets), IT & Mobile Division at Samsung Gulf Electronics. Center successfully got a Guinness World Record for the activity. Spending on information and communications technology The virtual reality roller coaster ride happened during the GITEX Technology in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) is projected to reach Week and was aimed at putting Dubai on the map as the global hub for VR $110.94 billion this year, reecting a year-on-year growth innovation. of 5.1 percent.
Dubai Bot Developed by Microsoft Gulf, Dubai Bot uses Cognitive Services' Language Understanding Intelligence Service (LUIS) to perform real-time natural-language processing, allowing meaningful, on-the-spot conversations or text exchanges with users, via smart devices. The bot has the power to integrate with with popular communication platforms such as Skype, Slack, Telegram, Facebook Messenger and email to give travellers all the information they need, Microsoft said. It can suggest restaurants and entertainment venues; museums and beaches; and ideal attractions for children, parents or the lone traveller. The bot also helps with the more formal aspects of travel, such as All of this interaction is based on the bot's knowledge of the user's circumstances, booking a taxi, advising on use of the Metro or giving such as their length of stay, age and whether they are travelling alone or in up-to-the-second updates on currency exchange rates. company.
At GITEX, Dubai Police also introduced Robots will soon MEO, the Robocop Meo, the Robocop, designed to help become norm in police and security personnel keep communities safe. Dubai Meo is empowered with a rotation camera to scan faces of strangers, distinguishing them against community residents. The data it collects will be sent to a control room so ofcers can examine them. Pressing its red power button, a resident in an emergency situation can instantly Interactive robots with articial talk to a police ofcer remotely. intelligence (AI) will slowly creep into the daily lives of people in Costing about Dh1.8 million, Meo will Dubai and other parts of the UAE start serving the police force without as indicated in latest innovations monthly salary but only maintenance unveiled at GITEX Technology cost, starting next year. Week's Experience Zones. The International Air Cargo Association's
The Turkish Cargo team
The Saudia Cargo team led by Rainer Muller, center, vice president for operations.
Sanjiv Edward, TIACA chairman, addressing the crowd. 28th Annual Air Cargo Forum Paris, France | October 26-28, 2016
Prakash Nair, manager of Emirates Cargo, right, with Claude Morel, center, chief of staff of the French Secretary of State Transport with another official
Silkway West Airlines executives in a meeting
Bahrain International Airport executives The International Air 28th Annual Air Cargo Forum Cargo Association's Paris, France | October 26-28, 2016
Thomas B. Crabtree, left, and George Alabi, regional directors at Boeing.
Team Agility
Adrien Thominet (right), COO of ECS group, in a business meeting.
Photos By Gemma Casas and Jojo Dass Buzz...! Paperless air cargo industry envisioned PARIS: Airlines and air cargo leaders resolved to create a paperless industry that is safer and more efficient as the world shifts its gear to bigger e- commerce markets in the coming years. Sanjiv Edward, Chairman, TIACA, 2nd left, with other dignitaries and ofcials who graced the opening day of the 28th Air Cargo Forum. This was reached during the 28th Air Cargo Forum that The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) industry, and collaboration among all members of the air cargo community has never hosted on October 26-28, 2016 in Porte de Versailles been more important,” said Doug Brittin, TIACA's secretary-general. in Paris. “Together we can work towards a common goal to ensure that new legislation does not The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) impact air cargo flows, as well as to find solutions to ongoing challenges such as cargo and the World Customs Organization (WCO) joined delays, restrictions on the transport of lithium batteries and the impact of Big Data on the opening day in a show of force with TIACA—the our industry,” added Brittin who was joined by Dr. Fang Liu, ICAO Secretary General, and world's biggest not-for-profit trade association Sergio Mujica, Deputy Secretary General of WCO. representing all cargo airlines, forwarders, airports, ground handlers, road carriers, customs brokers, All three groups pledged to continue close cooperation to secure a bright future for the logistics companies, shippers, IT companies, industry. aircraft and equipment manufacturers, trade Hundreds of exhibitors from leading companies, including Frankfurt Airport, World press, and educational institutions. Freight Services, ECS Group, Saudia Cargo, Heathrow Airport, Chapman Freeborn, The air cargo community agreed a paperless Emirates SkyCargo, Le Groupe La Poste, and more welcomed hundreds of delegates environment is crucial to its growth and survival in a during the three-day forum. rapidly expanding e-commerce era. The use of advanced technologies was pointed out as an important tool to ensure a secure and efficient industry. “We are living in a period of great transition for our War Child Charity Drive At the forum, Coyne Airways founder, CEO and former TIACA President Larry Coyne, announced his company and Air Charter Service will donate starting December an agreed amount per transaction on behalf of their customers to the charity which supports children affected by conflict. Customers will be given the opportunity to match the donation on a quarterly basis. Chris Leach, Air Charter Service Chairman Chris Leach, left, “The air cargo business supports many charities but and Coyne Airways CEO and founder Larry Coyne. none specifically aimed at helping children in conflict areas” said Coyne, speaking on the second day of the forum. “We want to support a charity Larry brought War Child to my attention we felt we should dig that little bit deeper. which helps some of the most disadvantaged During our careers in this industry some of us have seen the horrors left behind by people during wars – children, and encourage conflict first hand.” participants in our industry to give, based on a formula which is simple and within their means.” “With Syria at the forefront of people's minds at the moment, we feel that we can do more to help. War Child helps rebuild children's lives following such conflicts and we are “By tying the giving to a transaction such as a really proud to be supporting them. There are some great people in this industry of ours booking, a landing, or a flight, at a rate they are and if more of us came together we could make a really significant impact,” he added. comfortable with, we take the guesswork out of how much to give and we are committing to give for War Child is the only specialist charity for children in conflict, delivering high-impact a minimum period. I appeal to any other companies programs that are rebuilding lives across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. interested in helping children in conflict zones to “It's brilliant that Coyne Airways has chosen to support us; we're very grateful and want support War Child through this type of to say thank you to all involved,” said Rob Williams, CEO, War Child UK. arrangement,” he added. “The funds generously raised by Coyne and their customers will go towards life changing Chris Leach, Chairman of ACS, added, “At ACS, we interventions for children affected by conflict – providing hope for the future for support a number of charities each year, but when thousands of children in some of the most difficult places on earth. Fax: +9714 886 5656 Info@mohebilogistics. 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2nd ACI Investing in Airports Conference
The 2nd annual Airports Council International (ACI) Investing in Airports conference, organized by ACI in cooperation with ICAO and the International Transport Forum (ITF) at the OECD, will feature sessions and panel discussions on topics related to economic regulation, financing frameworks and tools to modernize infrastructure and service at the world's airports with the end goal of meeting future demand. Logitrans 10th International The 6th Asian Logistics and Goa, India Trade Show Maritime Conference December 06-08, 2016 This international trade show features solutions The ALMC meet brings together logistics and in the field of transportation, logistics and maritime services providers and users, including telematics. Located in Turkey, logitrans is an manufacturers, traders and distributors, to ideal bridge between the markets of Europe, Asia exchange market intelligence and explore and Russia. The annual event attracts more than business opportunities in the region. 15,000 participants from 54 countries with over This year's conference is divided into three main 200 exhibitors from 22 nations. tracks— SCM & Logistics Forum, Maritime ifm Istanbul Expo Center Forum and Air Freight Forum. The event is expected to attract 2,000 industry players from November 16-18, 2016 around the world. Air Cargo Africa 2017 Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre November 22-23, 2016 This mega event seeks to engage the global air cargo community to explore and strengthen networking corridors within the African continent. Air cargo industry leaders, general sales agents, ground handlers, shippers, traders, and the media from all over the world are expected to attend this forum offering unlimited networking and business opportunities. Casino Convention Resort, Emperors Palace World Low Airlines Congress in City of Ekurhuleni, Johannesburg, South MENASA Africa February 21-23, 2017 World Low Cost Airlines Congress is part of The Aviation Festival MENASA, the ultimate AirCargo 2017 conference for airlines, airports and their partners to learn how to grow their business through the convergence of technology, AirCargo brings together all actors in the air cargo customer experience and new revenue streams. supply chain in one location to discuss trends, Over 120+ airlines and airports attend from the challenges, opportunities and the future of the air Middle East, North & East Africa, Central Asia and cargo industry. Airlines, airport authorities, freight forwarders and expediting companies along with the Subcontinent. the vendors who support them are all in one place. The Address Dubai Marina, Dubai Where: Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld, www.terrapinn.com/conference/world-low- Orlando, Florida cost-airlines-menasa www.aircargoconference.com November 22-23, 2016 June 04-06, 2017