Air Libya forms partnership for cargo flights

Chapman Freeborn and Air Libya have formed a partnership to fly cargo in Libya using an Antonov An-26 freighter, which will be based at Tripoli’s Mitiga International Airport on a long-term lease agreement.

The venture will introduce internal scheduled services to connect Tripoli and Benghazi with Libya’s more remote airfields—including regular operations to the oil fields in the south of the country.

The An-26—which offers a 5.5 ton payload—will be available for ad hoc cargo charter requirements within Libya as well as international flights to and from the European Union and North Africa.

“The venture will provide much needed logistics solutions in a country where few international aviation companies are currently willing to invest in establishing services,” Chapman Freeborn said in a statement. “It will also provide a viable alternative to sea freight routes to and from Europe which have been subject to high rates.”

Source : http://atwonline.com/finance-amp-data/air-libya-forms-partnership-cargo-flights

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AP set to become major sea, air logistics hub

Andhra Pradesh commanded a lion’s share of over 46 per cent in the total basket of new port projects being implemented across Indian maritime States.


The port sector in Andhra Pradesh is set to receive a significant boost with the decks cleared for setting up of a second major port in the State.

The proposal to set up the port, with an initial capacity of six berths in Prakasam district, has been already placed before the Union Cabinet — the initial investment will be of Rs 8,000 crore.

While the State Government will hold about 11 per cent stake in the project, the rest will be picked by the other PSUs such as NMDC and steel companies, who are the major users of the port facilities.

Once commissioned, the State will have two major ports, the other being the country’s premier Visakhapatnam port, and 14 non-major ports.

Having occupied the top slot amongst all major ports in terms of throughput for six consecutive years, it slipped to the second position, after Kandla, in the last two years.

However, the port, which currently handles about 70 million tonnes of cargo annually, is expanding its capacity, after which it could regain the lost position.

RS 3,500-CR EXPANSION

The Rs 3,500-crore expansion, which includes setting up three coal berths, a fertiliser berth, a liquid cargo berth and a general cargo berth, are all scheduled for completion within a year.

It is being implemented through the (public-private partnership) PPP route, with private sector port players such as Essar, involved in the capacity building exercise.

The three non-major ports in the State, Gangavaram, Kakinada and Krishnapatnam ports, together handle about 40 million tonnes.

The State Government has prepared a master plan that envisages increasing the capacity of its non-major ports to handle 175 million tonnes in 2020.

Immediate on the anvil are two ports at Machilipatnam and Nizampatnam, with 20 million tonnes and 15 million tonnes capacity respectively.

Gangavaram port is expanding its capacity from 15 million tonnes to 45 million tonnes by adding three multi-purpose berths and a coal handling terminal, which may be commissioned by next year.

Already the port has made waves in the industry due to the natural draft that it has, allowing bigger ships to anchor.

A recently study by trade body Assocham has pointed out that Andhra Pradesh commanded a lion’s share of over 46 per cent in the total basket of new port projects being implemented across Indian maritime States.

The State is currently implementing three projects worth Rs 20,000 crore in the ports sector under the PPP model as on April 2013, according to a study.

However, the study revealed that Andhra Pradesh comes fourth in terms of completion of port-related projects in the Eleventh Plan period — it completed three projects worth Rs 1,425 crore, with a share of 5.8 per cent in the completed projects pie.

Indeed, Andhra Pradesh is well on its way to becoming a major logistics hub not only in the realm of sea transportation but also air cargo.

AIR CARGO HUB

The Rajiv Gandhi International airport, located at the centre of the country’s production hub with a strong regional connectivity, is gaining ground as India’s first full-fledged air cargo hub.

With more than 20 important domestic and other South Asian cities located less then two hours of flying time away and South-East Asian cities such as Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok and Westa Asia cities four hours away, the airport is gearing up to cash in on this natural advantage.

Hyderabad airport currently handles over one lakh tonnes a year, which can be modularly scaled up to 1.5 lakh tonnes.

Lufthansa has already nominated the airport as its pharma hub and Cathay Pacific recently added Hyderabad with a twice-a-week Boeing 747 freighter service. Also Thai Airways and Blue Dart are offering main-deck through their Boeing 747-400F MD-11F and Boeing 757F freighters.

MORE AIRLINES

In addition, about 18 scheduled airlines, including 13 international, have cargo bases here, offering belly spaces, ranging from 2-3 tonnes in a 737 type aircraft and 20-25 tonnes in the larger 747 type aircraft.

The airport has a 33,000-tonne capacity dedicated temperature-controlled pharma zone, a 20-acre Free Trade Zone with warehousing and distribution and the integrated terminal operated by GMR and Menzies Aviation of the UK.

New initiatives include cool container links for pharma products, general and temperature-controlled warehouses within the cargo village, promotion of road feeder services and 24x7 customs clearance of cargoes.

Source: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/ap-set-to-become-major-sea-air-logistics-hub/article5071494.ece

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Turkish Cargo expects continued global growth

Turkish Cargo, the freight service of Turkish Airlines, has ambitious plans for growth, and it seeks to continue the rapid expansion it has experienced over the last several years. The cargo carrier has averaged a 20 percent growth rate over the past five years.

“We have a strategy independent from market conditions,” says Mehmet Kizilkaya, Turkish Airlines’ regional cargo director for Central and Southern Europe. “Over the last 10 years, we are playing our own game. Of course, for the airfreight sector in general, the first half of 2013 has been challenging. Based on the positive indications, we believe that there will be a recovery during the second half of 2013 and for 2014.”

Turkish Airlines’ blueprint for growth includes a major expansion in its fleet, which now numbers 232 planes. That figure includes nine freighters and 45 wide-bodies. The Turkish fleet will grow majorly over the next three years, reaching 14 freighters, 71 wide-bodies and 338 total aircraft by the end of 2016.

Turkish Cargo is projecting growth around the globe, with concentration in Africa, the countries of the former Soviet Union, Asia and the Americas, but one region stands out for growth in 2013 and beyond.

“This is an Africa year for Turkish Airlines,” Kizilkaya says.

The southern region of Africa is “interesting,” and is a growing market for the carrier, Kizilkaya says. Central Africa, especially Nigeria, is a strong market, as are the traditional great markets of Algeria, Morocco and Libya.

“We have allocated resources to Africa and we believe in the future of Africa,” Kizilkaya says. “The developing nations will find that Turkish Airlines is a good partner and a good friend.”

The expansion into Africa has been brisk in 2013. Cargo flights to Khartoum, Sudan; Johannesburg; Nairobi; Entebbe, Uganda and Kigali, Rwanda, have been added to the existing network. Trucking networks have also been added in South Africa and Nigeria.

Kizilkaya, who moved over to the cargo department in 2012 after working eight years on the passenger side for Turkish Airlines, says several factors are contributors to the airline’s cargo success. These include Istanbul’s logistics-friendly central location, a young, energetic, well-educated staff and aggressive investment in the company’s infrastructure.

“We are optimistic, but we are more than just optimistic,” he says. “We plan everything. We develop five- and 10-year budget plans and each year, we work hard to achieve our targets.”

Turkish handles a wide range of cargo. Recent examples include:

• 14 tonnes of gold shipments between September and October 2012
• 130 tonnes of live fish between September and November 2012
• 730 tonnes of mobile phones and computers between September and November 2012
• 335 tonnes of hunting weapons between September and November 2012
• 10 tonnes of live bird between September and November 2012.

A major facility expansion is also in the works at Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport. Turkish Cargo is on track to open a new dedicated cargo terminal in the third quarter of 2014. The new terminal will be 42,500 square meters (457,725 square feet), have a 1.2 million tonne capacity and have a special cargo are of 5,250 square meters (56,542 square feet). The current building is 23,000 square meters (247,710 square feet), has a 500-tonne capacity and a special cargo area of 1,200 meters (12,924 square feet).

“With the increase in our fleet and destinations, our base should also coincide with the high demand from our customers,” Kizilkaya says. “The expansion will allow us to handle more special cargo such as live animals and valuables.”

Source: http://www.aircargoworld.com/Air-Cargo-News/2013/08/turkish-cargo-expects-continued-global-growth/2815102#sthash.62iXfM7j.dpuf

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Ethiopian Airlines opens second cargo hub in Africa

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia - Ethiopian Airlines, which operates the largest cargo services in Africa, is to open its second cargo hub in Africa, in partnership with the Lome-based ASKY Airlines, the Ethiopian flag carrier has announced on its website.

PANA reports Saturday that the new cargo hub will commence operations in September 2013 using a B737-400F aircraft.

For the past three years, Ethiopian and ASKY have partnered to serve the needs of passengers travelling within, to and from West and Central Africa through the Lomé hub.

Now, Ethiopian and ASKY are partnering in the establishment of a new cargo hub in the Togolese capital for the transportation of goods between West Africa and the rest of the world.

'This partnership will enable easy and convenient air transport of high value and perishable goods to and from West and Central Africa, thereby playing a critically essential role in the growth of trade and the economic development of the region,' Ethiopian Airlines said.

“As Africa continues with its fast economic growth, we are expanding our cargo network to serve the continent better and make air cargo accessible to more countries and more people,' it added.

Ethiopian Cargo, the cargo operations of the Airlines, serves 25 cargo destinations globally using six dedicated freighter aircraft.

Ethiopian Airlines, which has been in operation close to seven decades, is the fastest growing Airline in Africa. It is 100% owned by the Ethiopian government

ASKY, a passenger airline operating out of the Togolese capital, was founded in 2008 as a hub carrier for West and Central Africa, and it is 40% owned by Ethiopian Airlines.

Source: http://www.afriquejet.com/news/10782-ethiopian-airlines-opens-second-cargo-hub-in-africa.html

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Airport Tries Attracting Freight and Logistics Customers and Incentivising Cargo Charters

Space to Expand Means it's Special Offer Time for Prospective Customers 


US – How to drum up more business? The eternal question for all companies whether in the logistics industry or any other, but a question especially relevant when economic times are hard. Advertising (even with the low rates charged by the Handy Shipping Guide) is one avenue but for Lambert St Louis International Airport (STL) the decision to position itself as the ideal cargo charter airport for the US Midwest firstly meant offering a range of incentives to attract more freight and now the airport has a new drive for cargo charter traffic under way.

The airport already provides new freighter operators with an 18 month waiver of landing fees and terminal rentals, based on a 2 year service agreement, whilst the State of Missouri also provides incentives to attract trade. Now STL is making itself more ‘charter-friendly’ by increasing the amount of charter-related information on its website. The website and supporting video also now feature details of local ancillary service providers such as cargo handlers, freight forwarders, customs brokers and specialist equipment operators. The aim is to simplify the flight planning process for charter brokers and operators.

STL strategy is actively to encourage all forms of cargo and logistics activity on and around the airport; this is fully supported by local government as a vitally-important driver of employment and economic prosperity for the region. The airport already generates an estimated US$3.6 billion annually for the 16-county area surrounding it and the airport has form, it was formerly a major cargo hub, as the home base of Trans World Airlines (TWA) until the latter's absorption into American Airlines in 2001 whilst geographically it is strategically placed, with seventy million people living within just five hundred miles.

The four active runways can handle the largest of aircraft, including the giant Antonov An225 and the adjacent cargo area stretches to 21,500 m2. When pressed Cargo Development Director, David Lancaster, waxes lyrical about the lack of night-time operating curfews, a 24/7 Customs presence, STL’s proximity to inland waterways and major highways and the lack of ramp congestion and slot constraints. He continues: 

“Attracting scheduled freighter services is a long process, especially in the currently unfavourable environment where freighters are being parked and frequencies reduced. We continue to work hard for this business, but tangible results could take some time yet. On the other hand, ad hoc charters continue to flourish. We already accommodate many such flights each year, and we are well suited and located to expand this important area of our business.

“Some of the leading charter operators already pick STL whenever they are allowed a choice of airport by their customers, and they speak highly of the ease of operating here. We now want the rest of the sector to get the message loud and clear that we love cargo charters!”

Source: http://www.handyshippingguide.com/shipping-news/airport-tries-attracting-freight-and-logistics-customers-and-incentivising-cargo-charters_4812

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EXCLUSIVE-China approves first Argentine GMO corn cargo -sources

BUENOS AIRES, Aug 6 (Reuters) - China has approved its first shipment of genetically modified Argentine corn, Buenos Aires-based trade sources said on Tuesday, signaling that the Asian country may eventually import GMO crops from other producers like the United States.

The sources said Chinese health authorities cleared 60,000-tonnes of genetically modified (GMO) Argentine corn. The cargo was already headed inland to be used as hog and chicken feed.

Benchmark Chicago corn futures fell briefly after the market learned about the shipment. Argentina competes for market share with the United States, the No. 1 world corn exporter. But CBOT corn futures, which were already depressed due to good U.S. crop weather, ended the session mixed.

U.S. farmers could eventually benefit from China finally opening the door to GMO corn imports.

Demand for corn-fed pork and poultry has boomed in China as a growing middle class can afford a higher-protein diet.

The Argentine corn was imported by China's state-owned trading house COFCO and left Argentina about a month ago, said three Buenos Aires-based grains trading sources with knowledge of the situation.

The market knew since May that Argentine corn was headed to China. But questions lingered as to whether it would be approved for entry by the AQSIQ, China's General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine.

"The cargo has now been approved by the AQSIQ and the vessel has been discharged in China. The corn is officially imported and on its way to end customers," said a source at a major trading company in Buenos Aires, asking not to be named.

Chicago corn prices have fallen sharply from record highs last summer, and many analysts and traders expected prices to fall further on prospects for a U.S. bumper crop this season.

In contrast to last year, the world is expected to be awash with corn for the foreseeable future, keeping prices in check. Argentina's 2012/13 crop is nearly all harvested.

China is seen by corn futures traders as a wild card in their attempt to pencil in specific price projections.

Most Argentine corn is genetically modified. A small amount was allowed into China late last year as a test case under a China-Argentina GMO deal signed in February 2012.

There is broad scientific consensus that food on the market derived from genetically modified crops pose no greater risk than conventional food. However, advocacy groups argue the risks of GMO food have not been adequately identified. (Additional reporting by Sam Nelson in Chicago; Editing by Gerald E. McCormick, Jeffrey Benkoe and David Gregorio)

Source: http://www.trust.org/item/20130806201856-jygv5

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Abu Dhabi cargo portal planned

Etihad Airport Services – Cargo (EAS-Cargo), a subsidiary of Etihad Airways, is working with the Singapore-based Cargo Community Network (CCN) to roll out a new information technology platform for the Abu Dhabi cargo community called Cargo Community Service (CCS). 

The service is designed to facilitate air cargo booking and shipment processes for Abu Dhabi-based freight forwarders and clearing agents, by linking them directly with air cargo carriers, ground handlers and third parties.

Also, under CCS, several comprehensive electronic cargo services for the Abu Dhabi air cargo community will be introduced utilizing a secure online portal called CCNhub. This includes Electronic Customs Manifest and Electronic Delivery Orders (eDO) functions, which Etihad says offers freight forwarders a timely and cost-effective way of submitting customs data electronically for cargo clearance, in addition to obtaining pricing information for printing delivery orders.

EAS-Cargo and CCN expect the new information technology platform services to go live in the fourth quarter of 2013.

“We are delighted to collaborate with EAS-Cargo as it sets about building an air cargo e-commerce environment and hub in Abu Dhabi,” said Teow Boon Ling, CCN’s CEO. “Having been in this region for the past few years, we have a good understanding of the local market requirements and practices, and with this exciting partnership we envisage the customized e-services we deliver to the Abu Dhabi cargo community will elevate the standard of air cargo services to the next level.”

Kevin Knight, Etihad Airways’ chief strategy and planning officer, said: “In line with Etihad Airways’ vision to promote Abu Dhabi as an international gateway, e-commerce has always been at the forefront of how we do business. Partnering with CCN to create a cargo technology platform will simplify business engagement for the entire Abu Dhabi cargo community by enabling all stakeholders including, freight forwarders, clearing agents, the terminal operator and the regulatory authorities to communicate on a single platform.”

Source: http://www.aircargoworld.com/Air-Cargo-News/2013/08/abu-dhabi-cargo-portal-planned/0614818#sthash.JHvNC3kI.dpuf

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E-commerce boost for Abu Dhabi air cargo community

Abu Dhabi: Etihad Airport Services — Cargo (EAS-Cargo), a subsidiary of Etihad Airways, is working with the Singapore-based Cargo Community Network (CCN) to roll out a new information technology platform for the Abu Dhabi cargo community called Cargo Community Service (CCS).

The one-stop service is designed to help air cargo booking and shipment processes for Abu Dhabi-based freight forwarders and clearing agents by linking them directly with air cargo carriers, ground handlers and third parties.

Furthermore, under CCS, a number of comprehensive electronic cargo services for the Abu Dhabi air cargo community will be introduced utilising a secure online portal called CCNhub. This includes Electronic Customs Manifest and Electronic Delivery Orders (EDO) functions, which offer freight forwarders a timely and cost-effective way of submitting customs data electronically for cargo clearance, in addition to obtaining pricing information for printing delivery orders.

EAS-Cargo and CCN expect the new information technology platform services to go live in Q4 2013.

Teow Boon Ling, CEO of CCN, said: “We are delighted to collaborate with EAS-Cargo as it sets about building an air cargo e-commerce environment and hub in Abu Dhabi.

“Having been in this region for the past few years, we have a good understanding of the local market requirements and practices, and with this exciting partnership, we envisage the customised e-services we deliver to the Abu Dhabi cargo community will elevate the standard of air cargo services to the next level.”

Kevin Knight, Etihad Airways’ chief strategy and planning officer, said: “In line with Etihad Airways’ vision to promote Abu Dhabi as an international gateway, e-commerce has always been at the forefront of how we do business. Partnering with CCN to create a cargo technology platform will simplify business engagement for the entire Abu Dhabi cargo community by enabling all stakeholders, including freight forwarders, clearing agents, the terminal operator and the regulatory authorities, to communicate on a single platform.”

Source: http://gulfnews.com/business/aviation/e-commerce-boost-for-abu-dhabi-air-cargo-community-1.1217443

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US: Stricter cargo security to cost airlines $2.8m a year

The new measures, which include more scanning, might usher an increase of the maximum prices for flying shipments or the introduction of a security fee on exporters.

The price for sending air freight overseas could soon rise due to stricter US security demands that could halt flights to the United States if not carried out. The companies affected would be El Al Israel Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines and US Airways.  

Source: http://www.freshplaza.com/news_detail.asp?id=111688

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Mideast carriers see freight volumes up 12.7pc

Middle Eastern airlines saw a continued robust expansion of demand in June with freight volumes growing by 12.7 per cent year-on-year, said a report released by the International Air Transport Association (Iata).

The consistent high growth in recent years, as the region’s carriers take advantage of the geographical position of the Middle East, has led to a substantial increase in its share of world air freight, it added.

African airlines recorded relatively slower growth in June, up 2.4 per cent on June 2012. This lags the year to date trend of 4.3 per cent, which is the second best of all regions, the report noted.

With economic growth in some key African markets looking strong, demand for high-value light weight consumer goods should rise, helping air freight volumes in the months to come, according to Iata.

The global air freight demand in June saw a 1.2 per cent year-on-year expansion in June according to the figures.

The figure, although weak, shows an improvement as compared to the 0.9 per cent year-on-year demand growth recorded in May and the 0.1 per cent growth realised over the first half of the year.

From May to June, global freight volumes increased by 0.8 per cent. A quarter of that improvement was captured by European airlines which saw a 0.9 per cent improvement in demand compared to May, and 2.6 per cent up compared to June 2012.

In contrast, Asia-Pacific carriers and North American airlines recorded year-on-year declines of 1.8 per cent and 1.2 per cent respectively.

“It’s too early to tell if June was a positive turning point after 18 months of stagnation. Air freight volumes are at their highest since mid-2011, but that good news needs to be tempered with a dose of reality. The global economic environment remains weak, and the basis for the acceleration of air cargo growth in June appears to be fragile,” said Tony Tyler, Iata’s director general and CEO.

Earlier this month Iata released the July edition of its Airline Business Confidence Index which showed nearly 58 per cent of respondents expecting freight volumes to increase over the next year.

A much greater percentage of respondents (72.2 per cent), however, expect no change in weak cargo yields despite their expected increase in demand over the same period. The macro-economic trend remains challenging.

Global economic trend was previously defined by robust emerging economies and stagnant growth in developed markets, the strongest improvements in business confidence are now occurring in some developed economies. The overall business confidence, which is a key indicator for air freight, continues to be weak.

Source: http://www.tradearabia.com/news/IND_240327.html

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Slow growth in China hits Asia-Pacific air freight performance with June volume down 1.8%: IATA

CHINA'S ECONOMIC slowdown has dampened air-freight demand throughout Asia and the Pacific as regional carriers' business volume in June contracted 1.8 per cent year on year, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

In the first half, volume dropped 2.3 per cent.

To the organisation representing some 240 airlines comprising 84 per cent of global air traffic, this is the weakest performance among the regions and reflects the broad impact of the slowing growth of Chinese gross domestic product.

There are now fears that China will not achieve its 7.5-per-cent growth target this year, which may disrupt the global economic recovery. The Thai National Shippers Council forecasts only a 2-per-cent increase in the country's shipments to China this year. 

Elsewhere in the world, only airlines in North America suffered from contraction - 1.2 per cent in June and 1.6 per cent in the first half.

European carriers grew freight volumes by 2.6 per cent in June. Though in recession, the euro zone showed some signs of stability. For example, manufacturing activity contracted at its slowest pace in 16 months, easing pressure on key economies such as Italy, Spain and France. An improvement in consumer confidence is also likely to support demand for the sale of lightweight, high-value goods that are typically shipped by air.

While African airlines recorded relatively slower growth in June, up 2.4 per cent, Latin American airlines experienced a 7-per-cent increase. Middle Eastern airlines saw the biggest growth of demand, with freight volumes up by 12.7 per cent. The consistent high growth of airlines based in the Middle East in recent years is the result of their ability to take advantage of their geographical position.

In June, global air-freight demand expanded 1.2 per cent, higher than the 0.9-per-cent increase in May and the 0.1-per-cent growth in the first half.

While the global economic trend had been defined by robust emerging economies and stagnant growth in developed markets, the strongest improvements in business confidence are now occurring in some developed economies. Neverthe-less, overall business confidence, which is a key indicator for air freight, continues to be weak.

"It's too early to tell if June was a positive turning point after 18 months of stagnation," Tony Tyler, director-general and chief executive of IATA, said yesterday. "Air-freight volumes are at their highest since mid-2011, but that good news needs to be tempered with a dose of reality. 

"The global economic environment remains weak, and the basis for the acceleration of air-cargo growth in June appears to be fragile." 

Last month IATA released the July edition of its Airline Business Confidence Index, which showed nearly 58 per cent of respondents expecting freight volumes to increase over the next year. Despite this, 72.2 per cent expect no change in weak cargo yields despite their expected increase in demand over the same period. 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/business/Slow-growth-in-China-hits-Asia-Pacific-air-freight-30211599.html

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Positive Growth for Air Freight Volumes in June 2013

IATA’s figures for June 2013 show a 1.2% year-on-year expansion in global air freight demand.

Although weak, this is an improvement when compared to the 0.9% year-on-year demand growth recorded in May and the 0.1% growth realized over the first half of the year.

While previously the global economic trend has been defined by robust emerging economies and stagnant growth in developed markets, the strongest improvements in business confidence are now occurring in some developed economies. Nevertheless, overall business confidence, which is a key indicator for air freight, continues to be weak.

From May to June, global freight volumes increased by 0.8%. A quarter of that improvement was captured by European airlines which saw a 0.9% improvement in demand compared to May, and 2.6% up compared to June 2012. In contrast, Asia Pacific carriers (the biggest players in global air freight) and North American airlines recorded year-on-year declines of 1.8% and 1.2% respectively.

"It’s too early to tell if June was a positive turning point after 18 months of stagnation. Air freight volumes are at their highest since mid-2011, but that good news needs to be tempered with a dose of reality. The global economic environment remains weak, and the basis for the acceleration of air cargo growth in June appears to be fragile," said Tony Tyler, IATA’s Director General and CEO.

Earlier this month IATA released the July edition of its Airline Business Confidence Index which showed nearly 58% of respondents expecting freight volumes to increase over the next year. Despite this, a much greater percentage of respondents (72.2%) expect no change in weak cargo yields despite their expected increase in demand over the same period. The macro-economic trend remains challenging. Recent declines in global export orders do not bode well for trade growth.

Source: http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news13/317-AirFreight.shtml

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DHL launches shipment tracking app

DHL Global Forwarding, the air and ocean freight specialist within Deutsche Post DHL,  has launched a

mobile app for customers to track their shipments.

The ‘DGF Cargo Mobile Tracking’ shows users their shipping history and the status of their current shipments. The app also provides global access and is available free of charge in the respective app stores for iPhone and iPad, android and Blackberry smartphones.  

“The “DGF Cargo Mobile Tracking” application provides increased visibility to customers, as to the current status of their cargo movements, in real time, no matter where they are,” said Michael Young, global head of Marketing and Sales.

“Supply chain managers are often away from their desks and benefit from mobile solutions, which enable them to track time sensitive shipments and adapt their planning, where necessary,” Young added.

The app offers four functions to the user: seeking shipments, saving search queries, a detailed shipping history of the past six months, and a “location finder” that shows the nearest DHL Global Forwarding office and its contact details.  

The search function also allows customers to track further details of the shipment process, such as the shipment’s starting time, current location and estimated time of arrival. The “Save Search” function saves pre-defined search queries, such as multi-digit consignment numbers that can be called up again.

Source: http://www.tradearabia.com/news/IND_240309.html

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Air Freight Figures Rise Slightly Overall as Cargo Totals Released

Shipping through Europe's Third Largest Airport Continues to Increase

NETHERLANDS – As the third largest cargo airport in Europe the air freight figures for Amsterdam’s Schiphol hub are always interesting as they tend to reflect underlying shipping trends. The first half of this year has shown modest growth with a total of 736,608 tonnes handled showing an overall growth of 1.02% against the figure for 2012. Total exports for the first half year rose to 362,124 tonnes, which was a 49.16% share of the total whilst the proportion of imports fell slightly to 50.84%, with a total of 374,484 tonnes.

Regionally, Schiphol’s largest market remained Asia and the total of 281,410 tonnes (up 3%) was 38.2% of all cargo handled. Exports to Asia rose 6% to 140,388 tonnes with imports from Asia also rising fractionally. North America remained Schiphol’s second largest market, with imports up 3% at 65,282 tonnes and exports down 11% at 60,079 tonnes, resulting in an overall share of 17.02% of freight handled (down from 17.94% in the same period last year).

The Middle East and Africa swapped places in terms of importance at Schiphol with the Middle Eastern market taking third place in terms of tonnage shipped, 38,088 tonnes of imports (up 16%) and 55,294 tonnes of exports (up 4.8%), producing overall growth of 9%. However, the increase in imports was largely due to the entry of various Middle East carriers into the Africa-Amsterdam flower trade, resulting in transhipments via the Middle East and re-classification of some Africa-originating traffic. Africa accordingly slipped to 4th place, with 55,641 tonnes of imports (down 3.8%) and 29,827 tonnes of exports (down 4.4%).

Latin America retained 5th position, with 40,492 tonnes of imports (down 4.8%) and 44,555 tonnes of exports (up 3.9%). The apparent reduction in imports chiefly resulted from re-routing of some South America originating flights via Miami, resulting in their re-classification as US traffic whilst Europe saw a small overall gain of 1.28% in the first half year, with a 9.3% fall in imports counteracted by a 12% growth in exports. Schiphol Cargo Senior VP Enno Osinga, commented:

“2013 is showing a similar pattern to 2012 so far, with an early peak around March. There has been a small decline in freighter flights of around 1%, which reflects the tightening of freighter capacity by some carriers in the face of rising costs and soft rates.”

Source: http://www.handyshippingguide.com/shipping-news/air-freight-figures-rise-slightly-overall-as-cargo-totals-released_4794

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Airlines Braced for New EU Cargo Regulations

Russian carriers could be banned from transporting cargo from Russia to Europe if they fail to comply with new EU regulations that come into effect on July 1, 2014, Kommersant reported Monday.

Airlines who want to avoid the ban will need a third country to authorize their carrier status, but to achieve this they have to carry out audits on airport infrastructure.

The International Air Traffic Association said that the airlines themselves will have to pay for the audits — which could cost 18-60 million euros for each airport — and has offered to provide practical seminars to assist companies affected by the regulations.

Last Thursday Yevgeny Chibirev, head of the Association of Air Traffic Users, asked Transportation Minister Maxim Sokolov to provide recommendations to airlines on how to meet the requirements.

Chibirev said that Russian carriers will have to coordinate their flight safety programs with EU authorities and provide them with detailed information on the infrastructure of the airport from which the flight departed.

Cargo carriers argue, however, that airports are not obliged to provide them with the necessary information about customs points and security systems.

In 2010, the EU authorities decided to make cargo checks more rigorous after explosives were found in packages being shipped from Yemen to the United States.

A representative of Volga-Dniepr, the largest Russian cargo carrier, said he does not consider additional audits necessary because "all airlines and airports regularly have their safety standards checked."

The head of Novosibirsk's Tolmachevo airport called the initiative "an attempt to infringe on the rights of Russian airlines and create barriers in Russia on the cargo transportation market." He said the issue should be resolved on the government level.

Source: http://www.themoscowtimes.com/business/article/airlines-braced-for-new-eu-cargo-regulations/483796.html

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Nippon Express launches consolidated service to Guanajuato International Airport in central Mexico

Nippon Express Co., Ltd. (Kenji Watanabe, President), began to offer a consolidated air cargo transport service for urgent small-quantity shipments to Guanajuato International Airport on July 16.

The cities around Guanajuato Airport to be served as new destinations (Leon, Irapuato, Salamanca, Celeya, etc.) have seen remarkable inroads by the automobile industry in recent years and are expected to enjoy further development.

Our delivery network of Guanajuato Logistics Center opened on April 1 of this year by Nippon Express de Mexico S.A. de C.V., a subsidiary of Nippon Express Co.,Ltd, made it possible for us to carry out prompt and flexible deliveries.. This new service will allow customers to shorten total lead time by 12 to 24 hours compared with consolidated air cargo transport routes via Mexico City and Guadalajara.

To meet the various and sophisticated demands of customers in this developing region , Nippon Express will continue to enhance its service lineup.

Source: http://www.nipponexpress.com/news/global/2013/16-Jul-13.html

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Saudi Airlines Cargo reports 6% revenue growth for H1

Saudi Airlines Cargo has reported revenue growth of 6% for the first six months of 2013.

In the first half of the year, Saudia Cargo moved a total of 270,000 tonnes, breaking last year's record of 250,000 and achieving a 6% increase in revenue and a 4% increase in tonnage.

Cargo moved on the bellies of passenger aircraft grew by 29%, with the main contributors being the USA (+50%) and the UK (+40%), while cargo boardings on the freighter network grew by 3%.

Cargo moved on the bellies grew by 29%, with the main contributors being the USA (+50%) and the UK (+40%), while cargo boardings on the freighter network grew by 3%.

The airline’s growth is the result of a number of factors, the airline said through a statement. During the first half of the year, the carrier increased its freighter capacity from Dhaka and commenced B747 freighter flights in Mumbai and Kano, Nigeria. It also started operations with its first B747-8F in June, which is currently scheduled on Riyadh-Hong Kong-Riyadh-Frankfurt-Saudi Arabia flight rotations.

In terms of charter activity, revenues were lower than anticipated in the first six months due to a shortage of aircraft availability. As of July 2013, however, the airline increased its fleet to fifteen aircraft (4 MD11s and 11 747s), three of which are dedicated to offering sufficient capacity in the growing ad hoc charter market.

“Although the current market is a bit soft, we still expect to achieve a 10% growth during the second half of the year,”said Nabil Khojah, CEO of Saudia Cargo. “This is principally due to the boost in our charter activity, optimization of our freighter network, adjustments to freighter schedules and increases in the number of freighters to some of our key destinations.”

Saudi Airlines Cargo operates a fleet of 15 freighters and sells the belly-capacity on 145 passenger aircraft for Saudi Arabia’s flag carrier Saudia, spanning a rapidly expanding global network of 225 destinations. In addition to its scheduled freighter services, the cargo airline also provides cost-effective and practical worldwide charter flight solutions from a growing fleet of dedicated charter aircraft.

Source: http://www.arabiansupplychain.com/article-8965-saudi-airlines-cargo-reports-6-revenue-growth-for-h1/#.UfY1LuRHL_I

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Stricter cargo security in U.S. to cost airlines NIS 10m a year

The new measures, which include more scanning, might usher an increase of the maximum prices for flying shipments or the introduction of a security fee on exporters.

The price for sending air freight overseas could soon rise due to stricter U.S. security demands that could halt flights to the United States if not carried out. The companies affected would be El Al Israel Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines and US Airways.

source: http://www.haaretz.com/business/.premium-1.538436

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VAT on China freight charges

New rules have been issued by the Ministry of Finance and State Administration of Tax in their Cai Shui no.37 (Circular 37) regarding application of VAT to ocean transport services. The majority of carriers have confirmed that they will start to debit 6 % VAT on all charges payable in China.

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There is a great deal of uncertainty about the application of the new rules and some carriers are seeking clarification with Ministry of Finance and State Administration of Tax. We understand that until those carriers receive clarification of the rules and their application to ocean shipping, existing invoicing arrangements will remain unchanged.

As is often the case with changes to regulations in China there will be some contradictory statements and we cannot make definitive statements regarding implementation at present.

We have compiled the below information from carrier notices:

The following carriers have indicated that they will apply the 6% VAT charge on all invoices payable in the PRC from 1st August 2013based on the issuance date of the VAT invoice.
 
OOCL, Hamburg Sud, MSC, MOL, NYK Lines, CSAV, China Shipping Container Lines

The following carriers have stated that existing invoicing arrangements will remain unchanged until they have obtained clarification with the Chinese Authorities

Evergreen, Maersk, MCC

Source: http://www.bifa.org/content/popmessage.aspx?sec=2&id=3642

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DHL improves carbon efficiency for fourth consecutive year

DHL Express has improved its carbon efficiency for the fourth consecutive year at 7.4 percent despite a significant rise in volume.

Top country performers include Thailand, Australia, Japan, Singapore, and Bangladesh.

Deutsche Post DHL, parent company of DHL, has now achieved a 16 percent improvement in its carbon efficiency since the launch of the GoGreen programme in 2008 and is over halfway to meeting its target of a 30 percent CO2-efficiency improvement by 2020.

Jerry Hsu, CEO, DHL Express Asia Pacific, said: "Demand for DHL Express services has increased in Asia Pacific. Last year, we saw a double-digit growth in volume, yet overall we managed to achieve a 7.4 percent year-on-year improvement in carbon efficiency. Despite opening new and bigger facilities to serve growing customer demand – such as the North Asia Hub in Shanghai – our increasingly efficient ground operations, energy efficient buildings have enabled us to lower overall carbon emissions for the fourth year in a row, showing our absolute dedication to growing a sustainable business."

Fleet modernisation, such as the introduction of new and more fuel efficient vehicles in ground transportation, was a major contributor to improved CO2 efficiency in the region. Over 500 vehicles in Asia Pacific were replaced with new units that feature innovative systems like GPS and telematics to help monitor, measure, analyse and improve the carbon efficient behaviour of drivers, in addition to continued effort on route optimisation and asset utilisation.

Most of the vehicles are Euro IV and V emission standards, which are defined by the European Commission as the acceptable limits for exhaust emissions for new light duty vehicles sold in European Union member states.

Thailand achieved an outstanding performance with a 36.2 percent year-on-year improvement in CO2 efficiency, followed by Australia at 22.7 percent. In Thailand, diesel vehicles were fitted with gasoline engines running on 100 percent CNG (Compressed Natural Gas). Australia's older fleet was also upgraded with new and more fuel-efficient vehicles meeting Euro V standards. Changes to ground facilities with improved energy utilisation also played a big role in achieving CO2 improvements.

In Australia, all of DHL's facilities are currently certified as ISO 14001 (Environmental Management System), and staff is fully engaged with the environmental programme. initiating different activities around energy savings, paper reduction and waste recycling.

Among other top performers of CO2 efficiency improvement are Japan (18.6 percent), Singapore (17.9 percent), and Bangladesh (12.4 percent). DHL's Central Asia Hub was the top hub with an 11.4 percent improvement in CO2 efficiency.

DHL Express Asia Pacific started the assessment of its carbon footprint from energy consumption in real estate and ground transport to measure and improve carbon efficiency through abatement programmes. This program was first introduced by DHL Express in 2008 and now covers over 1,000 facilities in 27 markets across Asia-Pacific. 

Source: http://www.cargonewsasia.com/secured/article.aspx?id=7&article=31403

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