WestJet-set vets reach the parts other carers can’t

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October 28, 2025

WestJet Cargo has supported a volunteer veterinary mission in the remote Arctic community of Pangnirtung, Nunavut by Canadian Animal Assistance Team, a non-profit organisation dedicated to improving animal welfare in underserved communities.

The airline worked with CAAT’s volunteer veterinary team to move 12 cases of surgical tools, saline and medical supplies from Vancouver to Ottawa via Calgary for delivery by part6ner carrier Canadian North for the final leg to Pangnirtung. After several days of surgery, follow-ups, and community animal care, the equipment returned safely to Victoria on September 16 by WestJet.

CAAT’s “MASH-style” (mobile army surgical hospital) clinics bring fully equipped, temporary veterinary hospitals directly into communities where access to veterinary services is limited or unavailable. It also works with local leaders to create Community Animal Care Plans, long-term strategies that promote sustainable animal health and welfare.

“Every community deserves access to basic veterinary care — no matter how remote,” said Taylor Nadeau, Cargo Sales Representative at WestJet Cargo. “These animals are family, workers and part of the community. We were honoured to assist CAAT by transporting the specialized equipment that makes their work possible.”

“CAAT’s volunteer teams have tight schedules, with flights and accommodations arranged around community needs,” added Nadeau. “Any delay in the cargo’s arrival could impact the entire mission. We worked closely with Chris from CAAT to prioritize and monitor the shipment at every stage, ensuring it arrived exactly when needed.”

American offers biggest Latam capacity since 2022

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Chris Lewis

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October 28, 2025

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American Airlines Cargo is offering its highest widebody capacity out of Latin America since 2022 in its winter widebody schedule for the 2025/2026 winter season.

The carrier is adding a fourth daily flight between Miami International and Buenos Aires Ezeiza, operated by a Boeing 777-300ER. It will also launch daily service from Dallas Fort Worth to both Rio de Janeiro Galeão and Buenos Aires with Boeing 787 aircraft. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) will also see daily service to Rio de Janeiro.

American is adding to its Brisbane capacity as it introduces new service from Los Angeles International and is reintroducing its daily service from Dallas to both Brisbane and Auckland International, operated by Boeing 787-9 and 787-8 aircraft, respectively.

It is also offering daily service from Miami to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG).

Domestically, it is launching service from Chicago O’Hare International to Honolulu.

Etihad to launch twice-weekly East Midlands freighters

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Chris Lewis

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October 24, 2025

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Etihad Cargo is to launch twice-weekly 777F freighter flights between its Abu Dhabi hub and England’s East Midlands Airport on 27 October.

It is the latest in a series of new cargo operators choosing EMA as their UK gateway. In May, Central Airlines became the first China-based operator to fly into East Midlands, on behalf of Chinese logistics firm YunExpress. Since then, Atlas Air, Ethiopian Cargo and Saudia Cargo have all started running China-UK routes via East Midlands Airport.

UK operator One Air moved its operations from Heathrow to East Midlands last year, since when it has grown its fleet to four aircraft, including a brand new 777F which began operating new scheduled services last month, with another due to arrive before the end of the year to take the total to five.

EMA saw a 17.4%surge in cargo activity between May and July this year. It has reconfigured its aprons to increase the number of stands available for cargo aircraft to help handle the extra demand. FedEx and ground handling firm Swissport have both recently announced improvements to their on-site facilities to increase capacity.

Longer-term growth plans involve the development of four key sites next to the runway for cargo operations, to meet a projected 54% increase in demand over the next 20 years.

The airport’s newly-appointed commercial director, Adam Andrews said: “This new operator is a further positive sign of East Midlands Airport’s success as the number one UK airport for express cargo, with the capacity and capability to grow.”

Chief cargo officer of Etihad Airways, Stanislas Brun, added: “Introducing a new freighter service to East Midlands Airport is an important step for Etihad Cargo as we continue to expand our global footprint. As the UK’s major hub for airfreight and cargo operations with direct access to key distribution networks for both domestic and European deliveries, this route allows for fast turnaround times and efficient customs handling. Above all, it empowers the people and businesses behind each shipment, helping them build connections that go beyond borders.”

Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics arm of Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates, currently operates six 777F aircraft and, since its establishment in 2004 has become one of the world’s leading air cargo carriers.

Swissport opens new English hub in Manchester

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Chris Lewis

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October 24, 2025

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Swissport has opened a new cargo hub at Manchester Airport, doubling annual handling capacity to 110,000 tons.

The facility features advanced cargo handling systems, a dedicated Pharma Centre with cold rooms and temperature-controlled environments, and sustainability measures including an ‘A’ EPC rating and infrastructure for a fully electric ground service fleet within two years.

It also increases Swissport’s operational footprint by 67% compared to the previous site.

Specialized racking systems, dock levellers, and an open-plan layout optimize operational flow, while enhanced facilities for airline tenants and expanded pallet Swissport aims to electrify 55% of its ground support fleet by 2032 and achieve net zero emissions by 2050,.

At an inauguration event on 23 October, Swissport chief operating officer cargo UK&I, , Joe Bellfield, said: “This expansion strengthens our ability to handle a diverse range of goods – from e-commerce shipments and perishables to pharmaceuticals and high-value products – with the highest standards of safety, security, and efficiency.”

Chief commercial officer at Manchester Airport, Stephen Turner, added: “This new facility will allow our airlines to transport higher volumes of cargo, which will not only help businesses in our region to source the products they need and sell their own products abroad but will also create jobs and incentivise airlines to grow their schedules from Manchester.”

The new facility in Manchester is part of Swissport’s wider UK expansion strategy, with several new cargo hubs planned across the country. It also improves working environments for employees, with upgraded welfare areas, spacious offices, and modernized equipment. The site will initially employ 95 team members, all transferred from the previous location, with further recruitment planned as volumes grow.

It follows the company’s landmark partnership to manage the Digital & Intelligent International Cargo Terminal at Shanghai Pudong International Airport.

Airforwarders call for action on cargo crime

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Chris Lewis

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October 24, 2025

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The Airforwarders Association (AfA) has urged the US Department of Transportation (DOT) to set up a Federal Cargo Theft and Fraud Task Force, following it publoshed data showing eight in ten AfA members reporting a significant rise in organized theft and cyber-enabled fraud.

The findings of its survey form the basis of AfA’s formal response to DOT’s October 2025 Request for Information on cargo theft and fraud prevention. The results show that identity spoofing, fake carrier operations, and fraudulent use of Motor Carrier (MC) and DOT numbers are among the industry’s fastest-growing vulnerabilities.

AfA board member David King, of AB&M Logistics, and chair of AfA’s newly-formed Truck Fraud Committee, said: “Cargo crime is no longer an isolated problem; it is a coordinated, technology-driven threat affecting every part of the logistics chain. AfA members work across the global supply chain, and we see firsthand how inconsistent enforcement and limited data sharing leaves businesses exposed. We need stronger federal leadership and a unified approach to protect legitimate operators and customers alike.”

AfA’s survey found that 80% of respondents cited fragmented enforcement and unclear federal authority as major obstacles, while 75% reported multi-state barriers that hinder investigations. To address these challenges, AfA Executive Director Brandon Fried has proposed a dedicated task force led by DOT and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), working alongside the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Department of Justice (DOJ).

He has also recommended a national cargo theft database powered by artificial intelligence, stricter carrier verification rules, and uniform federal penalties for repeat offenders.

Later, the AfA said it was disappointed that Congress was unable to reach an agreement on 23 October on measures to ensure essential federal workers are paid during the ongoing government shutdown as millions missed their first full paycheck.

Critical personnel at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) continue to report for duty without pay, it said but as the shutdown continues, staff absence rates are expected to rise, endangering trade and public safety.

Dnata to handle Silk Way at new Baku airport

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Chris Lewis

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October 23, 2025

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Dnata has signed a joint venture with Azerbaijan’s Silk Way Group to establish ground handling and cargo operations at the new Alat International Airport in Baku. It is set to launch with the opening of the new terminal in April 2027, which will be capable of handling more than 500,000 tonnes of cargo per year.

The joint venture will initially focus on cargo and ground handling, before expanding into catering, freight forwarding, de-icing and other services. The aim is to build an integrated one-stop-shop for airlines and airport customers.

The project is expected to generate over 1,000 local jobs, with investment in skills development and training to create long-term opportunities in Azerbaijan’s aviation sector.

Dnata already provides services to Silk Way West in five countries, handling 1,150 flights and 85,000 tonnes of cargo annually.

Rhenus to take care of COP30 logistics in Brazil

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Chris Lewis

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October 23, 2025

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The Global Logistics Service Provider for the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 30) has nominated Rhenus Group as the Strategic Logistics Operator for the event.

The forwarder will manage the international transport of the United Nations cargo to the climate conference, which takes place on November 10–21 this year in Belém, Brazil.

The Rhenus Brazil team is playing a key role with Rhenus managing the international logistics process, starting with cargo collection in Bonn, Germany, followed by air transport to Brazil via São Paulo–Guarulhos (GRU) and Viracopos (VCP) airports. Upon arrival, the cargo will be processed under a temporary admission regime. Rhenus will also oversee the re-export of the cargo back to Frankfurt (FRA), ensuring its final delivery to Bonn.

Rhenus has a track record in supporting major international events and including being Official Logistics Partner for COP 29 in Baku, Azerbaijan last year, supporting the Belgian Olympic team at the Summer Games in Paris and providing logistics support for a customer during the Rio de Janeiro Summer Olympics.

It offers solutions like RheGreen, an air freight service, that avoids up to 40% of CO₂ emissions by selecting the most efficient aircraft.

Swissport makes first entry into China with Shanghai deal

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Chris Lewis

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October 22, 2025

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Swissport International is to manage and jointly operate the new Digital & Intelligent International Cargo Terminal at Shanghai Pudong International Airport in partnership with Smargo, a joint venture between AVINEX Logistics and China Eastern Airlines Logistics. The agreement, signed on 21 October marks the handler’s first entry into the Chinese market.

The new facility, located in the West Cargo Area of Pudong Airport, covers 222,000sq m meters and represents a total investment of 1.56 billion yuan (approximately US$ 215 million) and is designed to handle between 600,000 and 1.2 million tons of international cargo annually when it becomes operational in late 2025.

The terminal features an AI-driven warehouse management system with 99.5% scheduling accuracy – 60% higher than conventional operations. Its fully automated processes, including 94 autonomous vehicles and specialized AGVs, eliminate manual handling and cut dwell times. It also includes 15,000sq m of temperature-controlled space—including a 200 sqm ultra-deep freeze chamber.

Logistics world descends on Miami in November

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Chris Lewis

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October 22, 2025

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The international logistics industry will gather at the Miami Beach Convention Center on November 11 to 13 for Transport Logistic Americas & air cargo Americas, bring together exhibitors from 18 countries and five world.

The show will open with a ceremony featuring Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava (invited), German Consul General Christofer Burger, and other political and business leaders.

For the first time, Project Cargo Americas will highlight innovations and best practices in heavy-lift and oversized cargo transport.

Occupying Halls C and D of the Miami Beach Convention Center and covering over 50,000 sq ft, the exhibition will showcase innovative solutions to meet the challenges of global logistics networks. Every transport mode and every link in the supply chain is represented — from air, sea, and rail to road and digital logistics.

While the air cargo segment remains a cornerstone of the event, service and technology providers for road, rail, and maritime transport now account for half of all exhibitors.

https://www.tl-americas.org

Bluebox integrates with Cargo Community Network

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Chris Lewis

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October 22, 2025

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BlueBox Systems and Cargo Community Network (CCN) have signed a partnership. The BlueBoxCargo real-time tracking platform is being integrated into CUBEforall, giving freight forwarders a single solution to monitor shipments across airlines and automatically calculate their CO₂ footprint. The integration also consolidates tracking data from over 80% of global airlines and 1,600 airports into one interface – including live flight status, delay alerts, and airline performance insights – alongside existing booking and customs tools. It will avoid the need to juggle multiple portals to see where shipments are and it automatically calculates CO₂ emissions for each shipment based on the actual flight route, aircraft type, and cargo weight.