Geodis opens up in Guadalajara

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June 13, 2025

Geodis has opened an office in Guadalajara in response to growth of its freight forwarding activities in Mexico. The French-owned company will now centralize its freight forwarding services including air, maritime and land, as well as customs and foreign trade, project logistics and supply chain management at the location.

Geodis operates twice-weekly flights from China and Hong Kong to Guadalajara and sea connections are available at the port of Manzanillo. The new office brings its total footprint in Mexico to 14 buildings and more than 148,000sq m.

It was 40 years ago today…

By

Chris Lewis

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June 13, 2025

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FedEx Express, the world’s largest express transportation company, is celebrating the 40th anniversary of its scheduled transatlantic service. On June 15, 1985, a fleet of seven Federal Express Boeing 727s took to the skies, establishing links between New York, London, and Brussels, redefining global commerce and connectivity.
Federal Express, founded 14 years previously in Little Rock, Arkansas, was laying the groundwork for a new era in global trade.
The new transatlantic route wasn’t just about moving packages; it was about laying the groundwork for an era of unprecedented economic integration. Faxes were phased out, PCs appeared, and air freight of everything from pharmaceuticals, to machine parts, and perishable foods flourished.
From its small beginnings in 1973, FedEx is now a global network handling over 17 million shipments every single day.
Initially serving just 25 cities – all in the US – in 1973, FedEx now connects more than 220 countries and territories, enabling a level of global commerce previously unimaginable. Its workforce has grown from 389 employees to half a million globally.
Regional president, Wouter Roels, comments: “In 1985, the concept of rapid, reliable transatlantic shipping was just coming to the fore, as groundbreaking as the first commercial internet connections that would soon follow. Our commitment to connecting Europe and North America then, and now, has played a crucial role in the evolution of modern supply chains. Just as personal computers began to revolutionise offices, the FedEx effect established the physical infrastructure to allow the global trade we all rely on today to flourish.”
Today, FedEx’s operates two air hubs in Europe alone, and 28 road hubs connecting 45 countries daily, It sorts an average of 2 million packages daily at over 500 pick-up and delivery stations in Europe.
It connect 90% of Europe to most US business centres next day. European e-commerce traders particularly benefit from day-definite international shipping services.
Roels adds: “The transatlantic trade relationship continues to be a cornerstone of the global economy. While the dynamics have certainly evolved – from the rise of e-commerce to the focus on sustainable logistics – our mission remains the same: to provide certainty in an uncertain world. We are proud to have been a part of European trade for four decades, and look forward to facilitating ever greater growth, and innovation in the years to come.”

Hellmann’s HEX to go global

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Chris Lewis

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June 11, 2025

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German forwarder Hellmann Worldwide Logistics is to offer a digital express solution, HEX (Hellmann Express Airfreight), globally, starting in the US and Canada at the end of June. Initially launched launches in Germany, the UK and Ireland, HEX is a new platform for international door-to-door express delivery, using courier networks to bundle shipments centrally with smart digital connectivity.

The platform enhances and streamlines access to global express networks. As customs clearance is also managed by the express carriers, the service is particularly aimed at US importers following the imposition of tariffs by President Trump.

HEX is aimed at small and medium-sized businesses that regularly handle national and international express shipments. The platform offers companies access to globally negotiated terms and conditions, removing the need for individual contracts with courier, express and parcel service providers

The digital connection was developed in partnership with the logistics software provider Shipsy. It includes real-time shipment tracking, detailed analysis, and booking and invoicing processing via a central digital user interface.

In the latter half of the year, HEX will be expanded to additional countries in the Americas as well as markets in APAC, IMEA and Europe. The goal is to offer this product in around 50 countries by the end of 2026.

Global Airfreight vice president, Timo Schamber, said: “HEX offers our customers an innovative solution that combines cost savings, reliability and excellent customer service. Our collaboration with Shipsy enables us to deliver a single platform that significantly simplifies and streamlines the entire shipping process. The cross-carrier customer service benefit is especially notable in the volatile and often fragmented courier and express services sector, where customers can use a single, dedicated contact person for all their needs.”

Shipsy’s co-founder and chief executive, Soham Chokshi, added: “At Shipsy, our core mission is to simplify and streamline global logistics. By integrating our capabilities into Hellmann’s Express product, HEX, we are not only enhancing visibility and control across the shipment lifecycle but also ensuring seamless coordination across multiple geographies and stakeholders.”

Sunwing boosts WestJet’s Caribbean capacity

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Chris Lewis

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June 10, 2025

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WestJet Cargo has expanded its network, following the integration of Sunwing Airlines into the group. The addition of Sunwing’s 18 Boeing 737 aircraft into the WestJet fleet brings increased capacity to Holguin, Santa Clara, and Varadero in Cuba, with up to 2.5 tons additional space per flight.

The expansion builds on WestJet’s existing weekly Toronto–Havana service, launched in 2023, and now includes daily service between Toronto and Veradero, four times weekly service between Toronto and Santa Clara, and three times weekly service between Toronto and Holguin.

In addition, daily freight service is also introduced between Montreal and Varadero, and four times weekly between Montréal and Holguin.

Growth is complemented by an increase to daily service between Toronto and Cancun, Montego Bay, and Punta Cana, while service is also increased between Toronto and Puerto Plata to three times weekly, and between Toronto and Liberia to twice weekly.

Air Canada returns to Czechia

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Chris Lewis

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June 9, 2025

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Air Canada launched flights between Toronto and the Czech capital, Prague, on 7 June, the carrier’s first service to Czechia for five years. The summer seasonal route will operate three times per week, departing Prague Monday, Wednesday and Saturday and from Toronto on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday. The route will be operated by Airbus A330-300s and Boeing 787 Dreamliners.

Delta joins carriers in India MoU

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Chris Lewis

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June 4, 2025

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IndiGo, Delta Air Lines, Air France-KLM and Virgin Atlantic have signed a memorandum of understanding to link India with Europe and North America. It will join IndiGo’s domestic network with Delta’s routes in North America and the transatlantic, Air France-KLM in Europe and North America, and Virgin Atlantic’s UK transatlantic routes. The MoU also creates a framework for deeper collaboration between the carriers on a bilateral and multilateral basis including cargo.

Etihad signs joint deal with China’s SF Airlines

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Chris Lewis

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June 3, 2025

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Etihad Airways has signed a joint business agreement with China’s SF Airlines to enhance cargo operations and expand network capacity. The two carriers will collaborate on a metal-neutral basis to jointly market and integrate their airfreight services. They will also invest in improving service quality and operational efficiency. The partnership also enables coordinated pricing strategies and alignment of service standards. The joint business will focus on key cargo product verticals, including Etihad Cargo’s SecureTech and PharmaLife solutions.

Emirates launches aircraft engine arm

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Chris Lewis

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June 3, 2025

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Emirates SkyCargo has launched an Aircraft Engines solution as part a new vertical, Aerospace and Engineering. Certified loadmasters supervise the loading, securing and unloading of engines, managing the transfer end-to-end with specialised handling techniques, checklists, and equipment such as shock absorbing transport dollies. An Emirates control tower team monitors shipments and additional track and trace devices can be added for real time updates throughout the journey.

China Airlines puts space on Cargo.one

By

Chris Lewis

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June 3, 2025

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Taiwan’s China Airlines (CAL) is putting its freight capacity on the Cargo.one platform. Having launched its own e-booking portal, the carrier has selected Cargo.one as its platform partner for key trade routes including from the US West Coast to destinations across Asia. China Airlines operates a fleet of 67 passenger aircraft and 18 Boeing 747F and 777F freighters. In the first phase, forwarders in the US and Canada, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, and Europe will be able to use e-booking and quoting.

Tracking gets smart at Etihad

By

Chris Lewis

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June 3, 2025

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Etihad Cargo has launched a SmartTrack service giving real-time access to shipment location and condition data.

Developed in partnership with Tag-N-Trac, SmartTrack uses smart label technology to deliver end-to-end shipment monitoring. The label has cellular, GPS, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing it to capture real-time data on exact location, temperature and humidity, shock, tilt and light exposure. It is aimed at mission-critical and condition-sensitive cargo, including pharmaceuticals, electronics and high-value goods.

The smart label can remain active for up to 30 days, has minimal packaging and eliminates the need for return logistics.

SmartTrack will be available via the Etihad Cargo website and mobile app from October.