Freighters and belly cargo conference 2013

This year's Freighters and belly cargo Conference will be held at the Park Hyatt Hotel on Sadiyaat Island, Abu Dhabi from 29 September to 1 October 2013.

This is the 13th consecutive year we have held the Freighters World Conference – and this year we have included topics on belly cargo.

This two-day conference presents fantastic opportunities to network and socialise. Attended by delegates and speakers who can make things happen, make a difference and make change, you will not be disappointed.

Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel in the United Arab Emirates is an exclusive sanctuary for the discerning business and leisure traveller, located on a nine-kilometre stretch of environmentally protected beach on Saadiyat Island. The resort is adjacent to the famous Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, minutes from the city’s prime business district, the Abu Dhabi Corniche, and 25 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport. The island is only a 40 minute taxi journey from the business district of Dubai.

Source: http://www.aircargonews.net/events/book-event-form.html

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Cargo Airline of the Year 2014

The 31st anniversary of Air Cargo News awards evening, Cargo Airline of the Year, will take place at the Lancaster London Hotel on Saturday, 26th April 2014. If you need any further information about this Air Cargo News event, known throughout the airfreight world as the ‘Oscars’ of the air cargo industry, then please contact Patricia Cooper, General Manager of the Events Division on p.cooper(at)aircargonews.net or telephone +44 (0) 1784 255000

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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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Three new container freight stations mooted

VISAKHAPATNAM: Three new Container Freight Stations (CFS) are expected to be set up in the Port City around the end of the year. Currently, the Container Corporation of India (Concor), Sravan Shipping Services Private Limited, Gateway East India Private Limited and CWC-SICAL have one CFS each in Visakhapatnam.

According to sources, Concor and Sravan Shipping Services plan to set up one more CFS each in the near future. The central government too plans to set up one CFS in Vizag to cater to the increasing demand for container services. "The Balmer Laurie CFS is being undertaken as a joint venture between the central government and Visakhapatnam Port Trust (VPT). "We are finalising the joint venture," said the senior port official. The proposal was made three years ago but could not be implemented because of land related issues. "The handling capacity details will be released once the formalities are completed," said the official.

Phase 1 and 2 of the Concor CFS is expected to come up across 80 acres and is likely to handle around half-a-million TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units), according to a senior port official."The new (phase 1) Concor facility will be built with a terminal built across 55 acres adjacent the Aiyappa temple. We have transferred the land and it will be operational by October," said the official.

Sravan Shipping chief executive G Sambasiva Rao said the firm aims to handle 10,000 TEUs per month with a CFC built across 30 acres from December. "Container cargo is the future. More than 70% of the commodities in the developed world are switching to container cargo. In some places, even iron ore and coal are being transported through containers. Though container cargo in vizag is just 5% of total cargo handled, it is expected to increase provided there is improved infrastructure in place," he said.

"People are looking at better viability. Earlier, lorries used to be used to transport marble slabs from Rajasthan which was expensive. However, now with domestic and exim (export import) facility available at the ports, businesses are looking at container traffic," said a source.

VPT handled 45.54 lakh tonnes of container traffic in terms of tonnage and 2.48 lakh tonnes in terms of TEUs in 2012-13 as compared to 42.14 lakh tonnes and 2.34 lakh tonnes respectively in 2011-12.

source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/visakhapatnam/Three-new-container-freight-stations-mooted/articleshow/21436552.cms

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Indore domestic freight charges- July 26

July 26 (Reuters) - Freight rates from Indore, the key wholesale soybeans
market in central India, to other destinations in India :

    --Charges for WET CARGO, in rupees per 10,000-litre tanker--


 
                      Friday's            Previous
    Indore to
    Abohar       ---               33,000-33,500       33,000-33,500
    Alwar        ---               24,500-25,000       24,500-25,000
    Ambala       ---               31,500-32,000       31,500-32,000
    Amritsar     ---               34,000-34,500       34,000-34,500
    Banglore     ---               32,000-32,500       32,000-32,500
    Bulandshahar ---               23,500-24,000       23,500-24,000
    Chennai      ---               36,000-36,500       36,000-36,500
    Chandigarh   ---               33,500-34,000       33,500-34,000
    Delhi        ---               25,000-25,500       25,000-25,500
    Faridabad    ---               24,500-25,000       24,500-25,000
    Gaziabad     ---               22,500-23,000       22,500-23,000
    Hedarabad    ---               21,500-22,000       21,500-22,000
    Hisar        ---               27,000-27,500       27,000-27,500
    Jaipur       ---               20,500-21,000       20,500-21,000
    Jalandhar    ---               34,000-34,500       34,000-34,500
    Jammu        ---               40,500-41,000       40,500-41,000
    Kanpur       ---               22,500-23,000       22,500-23,000
    Karnal       ---               30,000-30,500       30,000-30,500
    Ludhiana     ---               34,500-35,000       34,500-35,000
    Mumbai       ---               14,000-14,500       14,000-14,500
    Modinagar    ---               23,000-23,500       23,000-23,500
    Pathankot    ---               38,500-39,000       38,500-39,000
    Rajpura      ---               33,000-33,500       33,000-33,500
    Sangrur      ---               33,500-34,000       33,500-34,000
    Sarhanpur    ---               29,500-30,000       29,500-30,000
    Sikandarabad ---               23,000-23,500       23,000-23,500

    --Charges for DRY CARGO, in rupees per 10-tonne truck load--


    Indore to:
    Ahmednagar   ---               12,500-13,000       12,500-13,000
    Ahmedabad    ---                9,500-10,000        9,500-10,000
    Amritsar     ---               30,000-30,500       30,000-30,500
    Aurangabad   ---               12,000-12,500       12,000-12,500
    Baroda       ---                8,500-9,000         8,500-9,000
    Bedi Bunder  ---               10,000-10,500       10,000-10,500
    Bhavnagar    ---                9,500-10,000        9,500-10,000
    Bangalore    ---               25,000-25,500       25,000-25,500
    Chandigarh   ---               25,500-26,000       25,500-26,000
    Delhi        ---               20,000-20,500       20,000-20,500
    Dhulia       ---                8,500-9,000         8,500-9,000
    Faridabad    ---               20,500-21,000       20,500-21,000
    Jaipur       ---               18,500-19,000       18,500-19,000
    Jalandhar    ---               29,000-29,500       29,000-29,500
    Jammu*       ---               36,500-37,000       36,500-37,000
    Kandla       ---               11,500-12,000       11,500-12,000
    Karar        ---               16,000-16,500       16,000-16,500
    Karnal       ---               23,000-23,500       23,000-23,500
    Kolhapur     ---               17,000-17,500       17,000-17,500
    Ludhiana     ---               26,000-26,500       26,000-26,500
    Malegaon     ---               10,000-10,500       10,000-10,500
    Mumbai port  ---               14,500-15,000       14,500-15,000
    Mundra       ---               12,000-12,500       12,000-12,500
    Nashik       ---               10,000-10,500       10,000-10,500
    Nanded       ---               13,000-13,500       13,000-13,500
    Navlakhi     ---               12,000-12,500       12,000-12,500
    New Bombay   ---               13,500-14,000       13,500-14,000
    Okha         ---               12,000-12,300       12,000-12,300
    Porbandar    ---               11,000-11,500       11,000-11,500
    Pipawa       ---               11,500-12,000       11,500-12,000
    Pune         ---               14,500-15,000       14,500-15,000
    Satara       ---               15,500-16,000       15,500-16,000
    Sangli       ---               16,000-16,500       16,000-16,500
    Solapur      ---               15,000-15,500       15,000-15,500

    * 9 tonnes

source: http://in.reuters.com/article/2013/07/26/indore-freights-idINL4N0FW2RK20130726

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Giant Logistics Group Falls Foul of Freight Forwarding Ownership Law

FedEx Proposes to Continue Operations Despite Being Ruled Out of Public Utility Contract 


PHILIPPINES – When the judiciary comes up against state in virtually any country, casual observers can often sit back and enjoy the ensuing row. After effectively being kicked out of the country this week when a Court ruled that its government-issued freight forwarding licence was invalid, FedEx has apparently vowed to continue operations whilst awaiting the final decision of the Supreme Court after two native logistics firms won a wrongful practice suit.

The government, under the auspices of the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB), issued FedEx with the 5 year licence in May 2011 following a Department of Justice authorisation some years earlier that exempted freight forwarders from the national requirement to only grant public utility contracts to companies owned and operated by Filipinos.

The appellate Court begged to differ however saying, having made the original decision to disqualify FedEx (and any other forwarder affected by similar licence arrangements) that the Justice Department had no authorisation to overturn its ruling. Three justices all agreed on this after a case was brought by two Philippine companies, Merit Freight International Inc. and Ace Logistics Inc., aiming to prove that FedEx is a foreign corporation.

There was precedent for the prosecution in that one company, Royal Cargo, apparently previously 70% owned by Filipinos and with a foreign president but married to a native, exchanged their president for a German national which caused the CAB to rescind their licence to operate unless a further change of presidential status was effected within one month.

It is difficult to see how FedEx can win this particular argument and certainly there may be some residue of distaste after the events of February 2009 when the logistics giant pulled out of its contract to operate a 300,000 square foot cargo terminal in the Subic Bay International Airport. The closure, despite an agreement stretching into 2010, was due to FedEx’s desire to reposition its main Asia Pacific hub to China’s Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, the first time the US company had ever closed a main cargo hub. The move cost over seven hundred Filipino jobs and followed a move the previous year when FedEx pulled the plug on the operations of Corporate Air which also had a presence at Subic.

It is presumed that the FedEx appeal will centre on the money the US corporation says it is has earmarked to invest in the expansion of its facilities in the country, which was to include new offices and freight terminals supposedly at a cost exceeding $11.5 million. In a statement a spokesman for FedEx (Philippines and Indonesia) said:

“FedEx is operating under the international freight forwarder licence issued by the CAB as an independent entity in the Philippines. The licence was issued on May 2, 2011 and is valid until May 1, 2016. Pending the final decision of the Supreme Court, the CAB has confirmed that FedEx (together with all of the 30 plus other foreign-owned air freight forwarders) can continue to operate under the licence.”

source: http://www.handyshippingguide.com/shipping-news/giant-logistics-group-falls-foul-of-freight-forwarding-ownership-law-_4791

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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.

---

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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Norfolk airport cargo traffic off 28 percent in June

Norfolk International Airport saw cargo traffic fall 28 percent in June compared with the same period last year, according to the airport's latest figures.
The cargo carriers that serve the airport, including Federal Express, Mountain Air Cargo and UPS, moved about 4.5 million pounds in and out of Norfolk, compared with 6.2 million pounds in June 2012. It's unclear what caused the drop, said Wayne Shank, airport authority executive director. "We're scratching our heads on that one," he said.
Passenger traffic fell 5.7 percent versus June 2012 to 303,295 in the latest month. The figure reflects service by American, Delta, Southwest, United, US Airways and their regional partners.

Source: http://hamptonroads.com/2013/07/norfolk-airport-cargo-traffic-28-percent-june

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Why cars and rough seas don't mix

It is not uncommon for cars to spend weeks on cargo ships en route to their destination - but sometimes the cars simply don’t make it.
That scenario played out on a ship that experienced rough seas on a chaotic ocean crossing from Japan to Russia by the Cambodian vessel, Astongate.
According to the description of the dramatic vision uploaded to YouTube, the ship was carrying 64 used cars to Vladivostok, but following a storm and enormous swells, only 12 made it to the end. Further investigation suggests the incident may have actually occurred in February 2012, according to The Maritime Bulletin.
The vessel is described as being a Roll-on, Roll-off (RO-RO) ship, which are commonly used for shipping cars. In most cases, however, the vehicles are secured in the hull of the ship, meaning they won't be exposed to the elements. In this instance, however, the cars were on the top-deck.

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The video shows several cars falling over the edges of the ship, and it appears there are broken tie-down straps littered over the deck.
The person who paid for the cars to be carried on the top deck of the ship reportedly signed a document acknowledging the risks involved.
There have been two well-documented incidents involving RO-RO ships, including the sinking of the MS Herald of Free Enterprise in 1987, and the capsize of the TEV Wahine in New Zealand in 1968.
And even cargo ships with the cars secured in the hull can experience significant problems at sea. For example, the Norwegian carrier MV Tricolor sank in the English Channel in 2002, taking 2800 cars with it. And in 2006, a ship with nearly 5000 Mazdas on board tipped onto its side in rough seas.

Source: http://news.drive.com.au/drive/motor-news/why-cars-and-rough-seas-dont-mix-20130726-2qp1r.html

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Activities at Karachi and Qasim ports

The Karachi Port handled 93,458 tonnes of cargo comprising 71,179 tonnes of import cargo and 22,279 tonnes of export cargo including 5,038 loaded and empty containers during the last 24 hours ended at 0700 hours on Thursday. The total import cargo of 71,179 tonnes comprised 41,134 tonnes of containerised cargo; 7,985 tonnes of bulk cargo: 1,500 tonnes of coal; 774 tonnes of shredded scrap; 5,711 tonnes of rock phosphate and 22,060 tonnes of oil/liquid cargo.

The total export cargo of 22,279 tonnes comprised 21,865 tonnes of containerised cargo; 30 tonnes of general cargo and 384 tonnes of cement. As many as 5,038 containers comprising 3,064 containers import and 1,974 containers export were handled during the last 24 hours on Thursday.

The brakeup of imported containers shows 985 of 20's and 1,012 of 40's loaded while 55 of 20's and nil of 40's empty containers, whereas that of exported containers shows 457 of 20's and 433 of 40's loaded containers while 125 of 20's and 263 of 40's empty containers were handled during the business hours.

There are six ships namely Naxihe, UAFL Zanzibar, UASC Shuwaikh, DL Ace, Ellie and Banglar Mamata with three container ships, one oil tanker, one bulk cargo ship and one jute carrier respectively sailed out to sea during the reported period. There are four vessels viz Tasanee, Posen, UASC Shuwaikh and Vinalines Mighty with three container ships and one bulk cargo ship respectively are currently at the berths.

There are five ships namely OOCL Jakarta, Hyundai Bangkok, Posen, MT Karachi and Orient Singapore with three container ships, one oil tanker and one scrap carrier respectively sailed out to sea on Thursday, while another ship namely Stavanger Bliss with one oil tanker expected to sail on Friday. There are four vessels viz Rio Blanco, Kota Gembira, Ozay-5 and Sapphire-T with three container ships and one chemical carrier respectively due to arrive on Thursday, while five vessels viz APL Oman, Hansa Nordburg, Northern Prelude, Liberty Promise and SFL Yukon with three container ships, one vehicles carrier and one steel ship respectively due to arrive on Friday.

PORT QASIM A cargo volume of 99,181 tonnes comprising 76,856 tonnes of import cargo and 22,325 tonnes of export cargo inclusive 2,280 loaded and empty containers (TEUs) was handled at Port Qasim during the last 24 hours on Thursday. The total import cargo of 76,856 tonnes includes 46,667 tonnes of diesel oil; 9,194 tonnes of phosphoric acid and 20,995 tonnes of containerised cargo. The total export cargo includes 22,325 tonnes of containerised cargo.

As many as 2,280 containers comprising 1,105 containers import and 1,175 containers export were handled during the last 24 hours on Thursday. There are two ship namely CV CMA CGM Mozart and MV Better Sea Park with containers and chemicals sailed out to sea on Thursday morning, while another ship namely MT Al-Salam-II with diesel oil is expected to sail on the same day afternoon.

A total number of four vessels viz CV CMA CGM Mozart, MV Better Sea Park, MV Beacon SW and MT Al-Salam-II are currently occupying berths to load/offload containers, chemicals, wheat and diesel oil respectively during the last 24 hours. As many as three ships namely Bux Contact, Brightoil Legend and Flora with containers, crude oil and cement currently at the outer anchorage of Port Qasim. There were two vessels viz CV Bux Contact and CV Dubai Express with containers expected to take berths at Qasim International Container Terminal on Thursday. There is one ship namely CV MSC Reunion with containers due to arrive on Thursday.

Source: http://www.brecorder.com/business-a-economy/189/1215122/

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Project Freight Forwarding Logistics Simpler with Modern Technology

CAD and Predictive Software Makes Designs for Tricky Cargo Movements Easier


WORLDWIDE – According to Per Thornblom, the planning of difficult freight movements using modern technology is allowing logistics providers to set new standards of value and efficiency. Thornblom, Group Project Logistics Manager for the GAC Group, will be addressing the PowerLogistics Asia 2013 conference this October where he will explain why he is embracing the new tools available to shippers with such enthusiasm.

Thornblom recounts how Computer Aided Drawing (CAD) is emerging as a vital element in planning how to load and store complex shipments. Lashing calculations identify the best way to secure cargo on a vessel whilst on-board stability and weather routing software help plan a safe and efficient voyage. In his speech the GAC man will outline the key advantage that dedicated software brings to the planning of heavy lift projects, and how the smart application of technology facilitates the engineering of detailed solutions to ensure timely, safe and on-budget execution. He explains how the availability of these new instruments, plus the wise utilisation of a trained workforce can ensure success, saying:

"Project logistics is a diverse and demanding field, in which having the right skills, knowledge and experience is essential. Project skills are built on practical experience and a solid background in shipping and logistics – and we now have new tools to enhance that expertise.

“Within GAC, wherever we can, we aim to bring existing employees into the heart of project logistics operations - as and when required - and train them in the specific skills they need. Our staff can also enhance their knowledge through a range of theoretical and practical courses offered by the GAC Corporate Academy. Staff with a practical background, who have served at sea or who have been involved in heavy lift logistics operations, are always a good fit.”

Many of the world's leading project forwarding professionals and their clients from the EPC (Engineering, Procurement & Construction), oil & gas, energy and mining sectors will gather at the Singapore's Marina Bay Sands Hotel for PowerLogistics Asia 2013. Participants from throughout the Middle East, Indian Subcontinent, Asia and Australia will include industry giants such as Chevron, Technip, Jacobs Engineering, Mammoet, Jumbo Shipping, SAL Heavy Lift, Panalpina, JAS Forwarding and many more.

Source: http://www.handyshippingguide.com/shipping-news/project-freight-forwarding-logistics-simpler-with-modern-technology_4788

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UPS Takes Proactive Steps On Fire Protection

UPS has placed an order for 1,821 fire resistant shipping containers capable of containing a fire with temperatures as high as 1,200F for more than 4 hr. to use on its aircraft. Deliveries start in September and will be complete by early 2014, the airline says.

The unit load devices (ULDs) are built with MACROLite, a fiber-reinforced plastic composite similar to the material used in ballistic body armor, says UPS. The airline performed burn testing of the materials with the FAA and witnessed by the NTSB.

“That timeframe would give a flight crew ample time to land safely in the event of an in-flight fire,” the airline says.

The announcement comes as the United Arab Emirates’ air accident investigation department is set to publish a final report on July 24 into the Sept. 3, 2010 crash of UPS Flight 6, a Boeing 747-400 freighter that crashed after a cargo fire erupted 22 min. after departure from Dubai on a trip to Cologne.

Although the aircraft returned to Dubai, the pilots, with smoke in the cockpit and multiple failures including the captain’s oxygen system, were not able to land and both were killed. The aircraft crashed approximately 28 min. after the first fire bell warning went off in the cockpit.

The cargo suspected of causing an uncontained fire on the main cargo deck included “lithium and lithium derivative batteries,” according to an interim report. “The wider systemic risks associated with cargo fires and the carriage of hazardous air cargo will be addressed in the accident final report’s safety recommendations,” the report states.

The fire resistant ULDs are part of a broader safety overhaul of the cargo carrier’s fleet based on recommendations from the UPS Independent Pilots Association (IPA) safety task force, organized after the accident.

Other improvements include purchasing 575 fire-containment cargo pallet covers that can withstand 1,200F temperatures for 4 hr.; installing quick-donning, full-face oxygen masks across the entire fleet by the end of 2014, and completing the installation of emergency vision assurance systems (EVAS) in the 747-400 fleet. With EVAS, pilots press their oxygen masks into an inflatable pouch on the panel, allowing them to see the flight instruments and a portion of the forward windscreen despite having smoke in the cockpit.

According to Aviation Week’s Fleet database, UPS has a fleet of 235 aircraft, including leased-in aircraft, with 13 747-400s.

Source: http://www.aviationweek.com/Article.aspx?id=/article-xml/awx_07_23_2013_p0-599998.xml

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Export of Japanese food by air becomes big business for ANA

HONG KONG - ANA, Japan's largest airline, is targeting Hong Kong's appetite for next-day delivery of US$100 mangoes and other food to boost its cargo as shipments of Panasonic and Sony televisions slump.

Hong Kong, the biggest destination for food and live animals exported by air from Japan, is buying more Japanese beef, cherries and other premium items as the number of rich in the city increases. Expanding demand is prompting the airline to add more cargo flights in the region.

ANA is speeding up the transport of farm goods by avoiding Tokyo and using its cargo hub in Okinawa, in southern Japan. Rising exports of food and other perishables is helping the carrier withstand a slump in the shipment of electronics as Sony and other Japanese companies pare domestic manufacturing.

"Japanese seasonal fruits have a reputation for high quality in Asian countries," said Akira Okada, ANA's head of cargo. "In the future we want to be able to provide next-day delivery to the Chinese mainland as well. There are a lot of rich people in China."

The nation's exports of food and live animals by planes almost doubled in value in the past decade to 36 billion yen (HK$2.8 billion) last year, from 19 billion yen in 2002, according to figures from Japan customs. Hong Kong is the biggest importer, with 20 billion yen in purchases last year.

In comparison, television shipments by air have slumped, with about 661,000 units sent overseas last year from 2.5 million in 2002, according to Japan customs. Japanese companies have reduced or stopped television production in the country as they strive to cut costs and stem losses amid increasing competition.

In 2009, Sony closed a factory that made monitors and projectors in Ichinomiya while Panasonic cut its investment in two flat-panel factories at home. Hitachi ended its television manufacturing last year and Toshiba has also stopped domestic television production.

Yamato Holdings, Japan's largest express delivery company, in May said it would offer next-day deliveries direct to customers in Hong Kong and Taiwan from the Okinawa hub.

Oranges from Ehime prefecture, western Japan, sell for HK$338 for 1.2kg on Yahoo Hong Kong's website, while up to 700 grams of grapes from Kagawa prefecture, western Japan, are priced at HK$458. Customers are also paying up to 10,000 yen each for mangoes from Kyushu, southern Japan, Okada said.

Source: scmp.com

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