Canada bans lithium metal cargo on airliners

Canada is to ban transporting lithium metal batteries as cargo on passenger flights.
Earlier this year, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) adopted a ban on the shipment of lithium metal batteries as cargo aboard passenger aircraft after growing concern that if ignited, they can cause any nearby batteries to overheat and catch fire.
While most passenger airlines in Canada have already voluntarily banned lithium metal batteries as cargo, the ban comes into effect on January 1, 2015, to comply with the ICAO ban. It will apply to all shipments of lithium metal batteries as cargo on passenger aircraft within Canada.
It does not apply to batteries already contained in or packed with equipment, but only to those packaged and shipped separately. The ban will not affect travellers’ personal devices such as laptops and smartphones, which use lithium ion batteries.
The United States has already banned the transportation of lithium metal batteries as cargo on passenger flights.

Source : http://www.airtrafficmanagement.net/2014/12/federal-government-bans-shipments-of-lithium-metal-batteries-on-passenger-flights/

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Exelsius launches pharma programme

Exelsius has launched a pharmaceutical qualification programme (PQP) for companies involved in the handling and transportation of pharmaceutical & life science products.
The UK-based international cold chain management consultancy says that its programme allows airports, freight forwarders and logistics service providers to become certified to Good Distribution Practice (GDP) standards.
The PQP has been developed specifically for those involved in the air cargo cool chain and allows participants to demonstrate that they are compliant to the latest GDP regulations issued by the airlines, the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), the European Union and the US Food and Drugs Administration.
Exelsius chief executive Tony Wright says: “With over half of the value of healthcare products being moved by air, shippers will be seeking only the most compliant GDP logistics providers.
“This programme will be of initial importance in the UK where the MHRA have taken a lead in requiring airport ground handling companies, airlines and forwarders holding pharmaceuticals to have applied for a Wholesale Dealers Authorisation (WDA).
“With the Exelsius pharmaceutical qualification programme, organisations involved in good distribution practice can be ready to meet those requirements.
The PQP programme includes a full facility assessment, compliance plans, quality management system & SOP development, vendor assessment, route qualification and a fully integrated and certificated training plan.
The PQP requires participants to demonstrate compliance with all aspects of an initial gap analysis and training programme before certification will be granted. Re‐assessment will take place within two years.

Source : http://www.aircargonews.net/news/single-view/news/exelsius-launches-pharma-programme.html

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Dubai drives October's cargo surge

A Dubai cargo surge helped global air freight traffic maintain an upward trend in volumes with a year-over-year growth rate of five per cent for October, reports Airports Council International (ACI).
Overall worldwide accumulated volumes for the last twelve months rose by 4.6 per cent. International freight volumes jumped up by 5.6 per cent, whereas domestic volumes increased by 3.4 per cent.
Global air freight is set to grow by over four per cent this year compared with 2013, said the association of 591 member airport authorities, which operate 1,861 airports in 177 countries,
The Middle East posted the greatest increase in freight volumes at 13.7 per cent year-over-year for October. Dubai World Central (DWC) is now “a major contributor to overall increases in freight volumes for the region,” said ACI, adding: “Air freight volumes at DWC have increased by over 331 per cent as compared to the previous year.”
Part of the reason for the massive uptick is that DWC has benefited from a switch of freighter operations from Dubai International Airport. 
Africa also achieved double digit growth of 10.7 per cent for the month of October. Johannesburg (JNB), Africa's largest freight hub, moved up by 7.6 per cent in terms of freight volumes.
Asia-Pacific posted increases in volumes of 4.8 per cent in of October, which is slightly below the twelve-month growth trend of 5.7 per cent: “Nevertheless, the region's largest freight hubs continue to report gains in volumes. Hong Kong (HKG), Shanghai (PVG) and Incheon (ICN) saw volumes increase by 4.3 per cent, 7.5 per cent and 1.7 per cent respectively for the month.”
North America also experienced growth of over four per cent following a weakened air freight market in 2013. Memphis (MEM), North America's busiest freight airport and FedEx hub, and Louisville (SDF), the UPS hub, grew by 2.2 per cent and 4.2 per cent during October.
Europe experienced “more moderate growth” of 3.6 per cent year-over-year. However, results were mixed across airports in the region.
Frankfurt (FRA) grew only slightly (0.7 per cent), while Paris (CDG) had a decline of one per cent. Amsterdam (AMS) and London (LHR) grew by 7.7 per cent and 8.3 per cent respectively.
With ongoing weakness in the Brazilian and Argentinian economies, freight volumes in Latin-America-Caribbean increased only slightly, by 1.7 per cent for October.

ACI world economics director Rafael Echevarne said: "Although there has been improvement in the US economy, coupled with greater momentum in international trade volumes in Asia-Pacific, downside risks continue to persist in other regions, particularly in the Euro area."
Echevarne continued: “The German economy has experienced weak industrial production and export growth, which may translate into weakness across its economy. Japan, Russia and Brazil are also stagnating. Many of these factors combined may adversely affect air transport demand."

Source : http://www.aircargonews.net/news/single-view/news/dubai-drives-octobers-cargo-surge.html

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Tonnage up but rates to shrink in 2015 says IATA

Senior cargo executives at IATA member airlines are predicting that global air freight tonnage will increase next year at its fastest rate since 2010. Yet rates are likely to shrink by a further 5.8 per cent in real terms, intensifying pressure on margins.
Brian Pearce, IATA chief economist, told a media briefing in Geneva that volume measured by freight tonne-kilometres has continued its steady recovery this year. The October figure of almost 14.5bn FTKs surpassed the industry’s all-time peak achieved four years ago.
“We’re seeing growth after a challenging time but we’re facing significant challenges,” Pearce said. IATA heads of cargo foresee a 4.3 per cent increase in volumes to 53.5m tonnes, slightly ahead of this year’s growth rate, but expect further yield erosion.
Air freight yields are now 20 per cent below their 2010 levels, reflecting continued weakness in load factors, and are declining again after some evidence of rate stabilisation mid-year. Pearce said growth in word trade was “half hearted” and business confidence had flat-lined.
Meanwhile, changes in manufacturing patterns could impact on international freight flows. “We are seeing some on-shoring of production for good economic reasons. China has seen a doubling of labour costs in the last 10 years while US energy prices have halved, leading to a renaissance of manufacturing in the US,” he commented.
Pearce also warned of the risks of protectionism, occurring via subtle procurement changes as well as traditional tariff mechanisms. Governments were concerned about protecting jobs at home, but their action risked “shrinking international trade and economic growth for everyone,” he said.
Air’s share of the overall freight market, which fell by 1.5 per cent annually over the first decade of this century, had stabilised since 2012 and air was “becoming more attractive again compared with other modes,” Pearce insisted.
However, the 40 per cent fall in oil prices since mid-2014, while in principle helping airlines control their costs, would not produce an immediate benefit as they would have hedged at least half their fuel requirements at rates north of $90 per barrel.    
“The success of their passenger colleagues also challenges cargo departments,” Pearce said. Load factor had stopped falling and freighter utilisation was increasing, underlining the industry’s ability to matching supply to demand, but he stressed that “lots of new capacity is coming online”.
IATA estimates that aircraft deliveries will increase by six per cent in 2015, putting pressure back on utilisation.

Source :http://www.aircargonews.net/news/single-view/news/tonnage-up-but-rates-to-shrink-in-2015-says-iata.html

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IATA figures find fair weather for freight flow

IATA’s November Airlines Financial Monitor finds good news for much of the air cargo sector as freight volumes continue to expand steadily and load factors improve on the back of growth in demand.
Air freight volumes increased in October compared to September, with recent improvements driven by progress in Asia Pacific and North America due to expanding trade volumes, bouncing back after weaker performance earlier in 2014.
Asia Pacific’s improvements were blunted somewhat as Chinese carriers were hit by a depreciating local currency, leading to a combination of weakness in cargo revenues as well as rising cost pressures.

Source : http://www.aircargonews.net/news/single-view/news/iata-figures-find-fair-weather-for-freight-flow.html

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ANA and Lufthansa Cargo JV hauls first shipment

The cargo joint venture between All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Lufthansa Cargo has carried its first shipment.
Sent by forwarder Schenker-Seino and booked via Lufthansa Cargo, three pieces of general cargo weighing 153kg were transported by ANA on a direct flight from Tokyo to London.
The forwarder was able to receive the shipment approximately 16 hours earlier than by choosing the transfer connection via Frankfurt.
On the same day, a Lufthansa Cargo freighter flight carried the first shipment booked through ANA. The load weighed 1.8 tonnes.
Japan’s largest airline and global freighter operator Lufthansa Cargo have launched their air cargo joint venture on Japan-Europe routes, with both airlines now offering joint sales of shipments on flights from Japan to Europe.
By accessing cargo capacities on freighter aircraft, it is now possible for ANA customers to send big volume freight and cargo that may be transported only on freighters, directly from Tokyo to Frankfurt.
Akira Okada, ANA Cargo chief executive, said: “I am delighted that we have implemented the world’s first cargo joint venture of this kind. This partnership will improve the level of service offered to customers by generating a greater selection of routings and a wider range of service options.
“With the joint venture, both airlines will boost their position in global competition and make even better use of their aircraft capacities”, underlines Okada. 
Peter Gerber, Lufthansa Cargo chairman and chief executive, said: “This cooperation marks a great step for our customers. They will benefit from a more attractive network. We are looking forward to intensifying our cooperation with ANA, which sets a further milestone in bringing the economies of Japan and Europe closer together.” 

Source :http://www.aircargonews.net/news/single-view/news/ana-and-lufthansa-cargo-jv-hauls-first-shipment.html

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TNT cockpit iPads save 50kg in paper

TNT Airways is to roll out paperless cockpits across its worldwide fleet by using iPad Air tablets as electronic flight bags.
TNT’s subsidiary airline, with a fleet of 50 aircraft, has made the move following approval from the Belgian Civil Aviation Authority.
Each iPad will replace the 50kg of paper books and manuals carried by crews on each flight. Going paperless will also simplify the updating of flight documents, as updates are managed centrally and electronically, regardless of the crews’ location.

All TNT Airways’ 274 pilots have received an iPad. The aircraft cockpits have been modified to house the devices and permit their use in all phases of a flight, including take-off and landing.
The approval was granted following a successful six-month validation period. TNT will remove paper documentation from its aircraft and flights by the end of 2014.
From January 2015, TNT pilots will rely solely on iPads to access information such as operating manuals, maps and navigation charts.
“TNT Airways is one of the first commercial airlines in Europe to receive the authorisation to deploy paperless cockpits. This testifies to TNT’s commitment to innovation and safety,” said Martin Sodergard, managing director network operations, TNT.
In September this year, Lufthansa Cargo said it was introducing an iPad-based Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) packed with navigation maps and operating manuals for cockpit use by pilots.


Source : http://www.aircargonews.net/news/single-view/news/tnt-cockpit-ipads-save-50kg-in-paper.html

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UTi charters B747F to ease US port congestion

US dockside port congestion has prompted UTi Worldwide charter a weekly B747F from Shanghai to Chicago.
The global supply chain services and solutions company says that the scheduled service is intended to ease the backlog of goods needed in North America.
"Congestion at west coast US ports has reached a critical level and we think it will get worse before we see any improvements," said Ed Feitzinger, UTi's executive vice president, global operations
Feitzinger added: "Airfreight demand has spiked in recent weeks to levels not seen in years. In order to provide relief to North American importers during these extraordinary times, we are offering dedicated premium lift service to the US Midwest."
The first charter is scheduled to depart Shanghai on November 24, with a second charter scheduled for December 1. The flights will arrive in Chicago's O'Hare International Airport and UTi can arrange on-forwarding to other destinations.
"Our charter service offers shippers an alternative to having their freight sit on a dock and miss this important selling season or be forced to shut down a factory for want of parts," Feitzinger added.

Source : http://www.aircargonews.net/news/single-view/news/uti-charters-b747f-to-ease-us-port-congestion.html

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17TH WCA FIRST ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2015

For the 17^th consecutive year, WCA will once again host the world’s most dynamic event for independent logistics companies. Acknowledged globally as the most important conference of its kind, independent freight forwarders from the world’s premier global network will come together for face-to-face meetings with their peers from around the world.
Thanks to the unprecedented opportunities to build new relationships and strengthen existing ties, the conference is firmly established as the most productive business-generating platform of the year. The event has grown every year without exception and the 2015 conference will offer even greater avenues for you to develop new partnerships and secure more business.
The 17^th WCA First Annual Conference will be held from 29 Jan - 1 Feb and acts as the launch event for the prestigious WCA Conference Week, which runs from 2-5 Feb and integrates all WCA networks into the world’s largest logistics meeting.
WCA Conference Week is a must for all members of WCA – with millions of dollars of new business generated from One-on-One Meetings with fellow members, potential partners and existing colleagues, as well as from the extensive social networking events.
Members of WCA make up the world’s most powerful grouping of independent freight forwarders with 5565 member offices in more than 762 cities and ports – more logistics power than all other logistics networks combined.

Source : www.wcaworld.com

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11th Annual Sino International Freight Forwarders Conference (4-7 November 2014)

The Sino-International Freight Forwarders Conference celebrates its 11th anniversary, and the 2014 event opens up even greater opportunities for delegates as it moves to Guangzhou — the most important manufacturing city in southern China and situated at the heart of the Pearl River Delta.

Open to all independent freight forwarders from around the globe, as well as an impressive range of logistics vendors and industry-related companies, the Sino-International Conference is the largest and most influential fully-open networking event in the world.

Co-organised by China International Freight Forwarders Association (CIFA) and WCA, the conference is scheduled to attract over 1,000 freight forwarders, all dedicated to creating new mutually beneficial partnerships and securing millions of dollars of new business.

Located at the luxurious 5-star Shangri-La Hotel, strategically located at the center of Guangzhou's new business and convention district, delegates can take advantage of the wide range of hotel options to suit all budgets and enjoy the many restaurants and bars overlooking the famous Pearl River.

The Sino Conference has time and again proved to be the most cost-efficient and beneficial event in the logistics industry. Face-to-face meetings are most productive way for independent forwarders to expand into new markets form vital new partnerships .

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Air Freight Volumes Show Solid Gains

 
Air freight volumes continue to show solid gains on a year ago, supported by economic improvements in some regions, says IATA in its latest quarterly cargo chartbook.
But high jet fuel prices and overall weakness in yields have kept cargo financial performance from improving so far this year, adds IATA.
“Emerging Asia trade volumes have rebounded after weakness in Q1 and consumers in the US are more optimistic. These developments have supported growth in demand for airfreighted commodities like semi-conductors,” says the report.
It continues: “However, in Europe consumer confidence and trade activity have weakened due to the Russia-Ukraine crisis. Business confidence continues to point to expansion, but rates of improvements are still weaker than 2013 year-end.”
And although jet fuel prices have eased slightly, they remain high at about $120/bb, the chartbook, adds: “On the positive side, although yields remain weak, overall they appear to be stabilizing and are up slightly on a year ago.
“This could help reduce downward pressure on cargo financial performance in months ahead. Consistent with more supportive demand conditions in some regions, cargo heads surveyed in July expect growth in traffic and yields to pick-up during the year ahead.”

Source : http://www.aircargonews.net/news/single-view/news/air-freight-volumes-show-solid-gains.html

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