Emirates Post Group (EPG) has signed a letter of intent with cargo drone airline, Dronamics, to explore the technology’s capabilities in the UAE at the launch of the Smart and Autonomous Vehicles Industry Cluster in Abu Dhabi. EPG will explore and trial Dronamics’ cargo drone service to enable same-day middle-mile and long-range deliveries and both organizations will collaborate in developing a comprehensive cargo drone delivery network in the UAE and the wider Gulf region. It will enable Dronamics to conduct proof-of-concept (POC) flights in the UAE with at least one drone aircraft by 2024.
Saudia gains CEIV Pharma mark
Saudia Cargo has gained IATA Centre of Excellence for Independent Validators (CEIV) Pharma certification. CEIV Pharma is designed to ensure that facilities, equipment, operations, and personnel meet the standards, regulations and guidelines that pharmaceutical manufacturers require.
Saudia Cargo chief executive, Teddy Zebitz, stated: “Since we’ve seen a significant increase in pharmaceutical shipments over the past four years, we’ve made the firm commitment to facilitate the leasing of the best temperature-controlled packaging options and unrivaled knowledge to guarantee secure and dependable pharmaceutical transportation in the rapidly expanding Middle East market.”
FedEx to build new Dublin base
FedEx Express Europe is to build a new logistics facility in Dublin.The new hub at the Horizon Business Park south of Dublin Airport will be FedEx’s headquarters in Ireland and will include a 14,560sq m warehouse, 30 truck loading bays and 137 van bays, a pickup and delivery station, aircraft operations, customs clearance teams, and other back-office functions.
It will also comply with the Nearly Zero Energy Building (NZEB) standard, equivalent to a LEED Silver rating, and sustainable features will include rooftop solar panels, insulated ceiling and wall panels, and double-glazed UV protective windows.
Subject to planning permission, construction is scheduled to commence in January 2024, and the facility is anticipated to become operational in early 2025.
FedEx Express Ireland managing director, Mike Roche, said: “We are thrilled to announce our expansion in Dublin, which enhances our operations in Ireland, and sets us and our customers up for future growth in this important market. This new facility will also enable us to reduce transfer times to and from the airport, meaning we’ll continue to provide fast, reliable service to Irish businesses trading within the domestic market or looking to go global.”
ACS to the rescue of rhinos
Air Charter Service was called into action by non-profit conservation organisation African Parks to help relocate 16 Southern White Rhino from South Africa to Garamba National Park, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The last Northern White Rhino was poached in the DRC in 2006 but Garamba is now a safe location and the project aims to restore the ecological balance of one of Africa’s oldest national parks.
ACS decided that a Hercules L-100 would be the best beast for the job, largely because of its ability to land on short, dirt runways and its rear-loading capability also came in handy as Barrick’s Kibali M Even with the mighty Herc, two flights were needed, as each rhino weighs a couple of tons or more. However, through careful planning, ACS was able to perform both flights in the same week, with both being loaded at night and both arriving at first light in Kibali.
Modernise or die, Raft founder tells US customers brokers
Artificial intelligence (AI) is essential to making US customs brokerage more efficient and transparent, founder of the Raft intelligent logistics platform Nisarg Mehta told the Northern Border Customs Brokers Association (NBCBA) Fall Conference.
Brokers needed to shift from manual data entry to AI-driven solutions that automate the work and help them identify discrepancies in a timely way, Mehta remarked, adding: “Harnessing AI is not just about automation; it’s about elevating our ability to ensure compliance, bolster security, and refine customer service.”
Such a shift is embodied by new plans announced by the US Customs Border Protection is in fact re-engineering its customs system in just such a way, he continued.
The Automated Commercial Environment ACE 2.0 platform promises to re-imagine the international exchange of trade data, positioning the U.S. at the forefront of global customs modernization.
“By using AI and machine learning to quickly analyze and understand various customs documents, from certificates of origin to commercial invoices and packing lists, we not only enhance data quality and unearth real-time insights in a cost-effective manner but also ensure greater accuracy and operational agility as goods journey to the US border,” Mehta elaborated.
AI and digitalization will steer the industry towards modernization, ensuring better outcomes and underlining the importance of interoperable software solutions in this transformation.
(Pictured: Raft founder Nisarg with Megan Montgomery, executive vice president, National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America; Lionel van der Walt, chief growth officer, Raft; Karen Damon, president, NBCBA; and JD Gonzalez, President, NCBFAA.)
WFS extends Etihad Cargo handling to Chicago
Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Cargo has appointed Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) as its US-wide cargo handling partner, adding Chicago O’Hare International Airport, in addition to New York JFK and Washington Dulles.
The carrier will have the use of two dedicated parking positions outside WFS’ cargo warehouse and the handling agent’s brand new facility, including temperature-controlled storage rooms with capacity for eight pallets.
Etihad Cargo says the expanded partnership with WFS will help it enhance its IATA CEIV-certified premium products, including PharmaLife for the transportation of pharmaceuticals, FreshForward for the transportation of perishables, LiveAnimals and SkyStables.
Etihad’s head of cargo operations and delivery, Thomas Schürmann, said: “Etihad Cargo’s network with WFS to encompass all three of the carrier’s US stations will enable the carrier to ensure Etihad Cargo’s robust quality standards are maintained throughout the cargo’s entire journey.”
Frank Clemente, WFS senior vice president cargo and express, added that WFS was introducing digital solutions for efficient dock management and landside operations, investing in auto-dimensioning equipment to improve accuracy, implementing IATA DG Autocheck for safer handling of dangerous goods and providing real-time warehouse progress monitoring. It is also introducing the Raft automated pallet storage system to optimize storage and retrieval efficiency.
GCL appoints auto chief
Global Critical Logistics has appointed Deron Brown as its new executive vice president and president of US Automotive. In over 20 years he has held senior management roles, including at private jet provider NetJets, and as a founding partner of air charter specialist, Wheels Up.
Maersk opens LAX site
Danish-owned shipping and airfreight giant AP Moller-Maersk has inaugurated a new 130,000sq ft import and export gateway near Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). It offers direct planeside recovery and immediate unit load device (ULD) transfers. It complements Maersk’s existing air cargo gateways, including Atlanta and Chicago that have opened in the last 12 months.
The new facility is just 15 miles from LAX and less than nine miles from the Port of Long Beach. The site is a US Customs bonded container freight station and a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) certified cargo screening facility (CCSF). It is also scheduled to attain Free Trade Zone status in 2024.
Maersk says the new facility will help cater for seasonal peaks or volume spikes for breakout product launches.
Car transport without the waste
Rhenus Logistics is offering a reusable alternative to single-use wooden crating for cars being transported by air.Based in the Rhenus major global finished vehicle logistics hub in London, Heathrow, the Cartainer can be used for round trips or multiple-stop delivery of security sensitive prototypes to testing programmes, media events, trade shows or global product launches.
Measuring 605 cm (length) by 238 cm (width) by 240 cm (height), it can accommodate any passenger vehicle or two-axle, four-tyre single-unit vehicle, regardless of make or model.
IAG Cargo adds Ghana, ups South Africa space
IIAG Cargo is to launch a new route between London Gatwick and Accra from 29 October 29th, adding three services per week to its present daily service between London Heathrow and the Ghanaian capital. It will also resume pre-pandemic levels of services to South Africa, with 31 weekly flights from London and expanded capacity on the Heathrow-Cape Town route by replacing the present Boeing 777-200 with an A350 and Boeing 777-300.
The increased frequency of services to Ghana will help meet the growing demand of perishables out of the country, while the switch to an A350 and Boeing 777-300 widebody aircraft operating between London and Cape Town will more than double the current cargo capacity.
Chief sales and marketing officer, Camilo Garcia Cervera, said the move would not only improve connections between Africa and Europe but also to the US, where there is growing global demand for fresh produce.