ECS Group’s Aero Cargo International France subsidiary says it has set a new industry benchmark with its campaign to deliver Beaujolais Nouveau to wine connoisseurs in 2025, moving 40% of all exports on DHL Aviation-operated flights to gateways in Tokyo and Osaka, the highest market share ever achieved. “This record achievement is a clear demonstration of what happens when operational excellence meets true partnership,” said ECS Group chief executive, Jean Ceccaldi.
Saudia Cargo signs export-boosting pact
Saudia Cargo has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Saudi Export Development Authority to support the competitiveness of local products and increase access to international markets. It also encompasses overcoming logistical and regulatory obstacles, facilitating and accelerating export operations, building capacities, conducting joint studies and developing innovative shipping solutions.
Anything from an aircraft engine to a new eye
Lufthansa Cargo transported over 1,000 aircraft engines and numerous high-tech systems in 2025, along with some3,500 horses, 12,000 pets, 80 million ornamental fish, and 200 zoo animals, said the carrier in its review of the year.
Other shipments included a rare BMW classic car from Prague to Tokyo, 12 critically endangered Vietnamese crocodile-tailed lizards returning to their native habitat and specially trained sniffer dogs to South Africa for anti-poaching duties.
Perhaps most importantly, 10,000 corneal tissue transplants gave recipients the chance to see again in a collaboration with the Lions World Vision Institute, which coordinates donations worldwide.
Swissport gains CEIV Pharma for Dusseldorf
Swissport has earned IATA CEIV Pharma status for its Dusseldorf facility, bringing its network certified warehouses to 24 globally.
The expansion builds on the aviation services provider’s ‘Cool and Connect’ air cargo facility launched in Basel in 2024, which set the blueprint for the company’s pharma-dedicated logistics, with a focus on 2-8°C cool container infrastructure.
Swissport has recently opened dedicated pharma facilities in Manchester, New York JFK and Shanghai, aiming to cater for the shift in pharmaceutical manufacturing toward biologics and temperature-sensitive therapies.
Swissport operates 65 pharma-capable warehouses and 24 warehouses certified for pharmaceutical logistics under industry standards including the Air Transport Association’s CEIV Pharma, the British Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), and Good Distribution Practice (GDP).
Menzies makes the Cargo iQ grade
Airline service company Menzies Aviation has achieved Cargo iQ certification, following completion of a quality audit. It worked to align its global cargo operations with Cargo iQ’s globally recognised Master Operating Plan (MOP), the industry’s standard framework for end-to-end shipment planning and performance measurement. The MOP defines key milestones across the cargo journey and establishes consistent quality benchmarks for airlines, handlers and forwarders worldwide.
Cargo iQ executive director, Marie Seco-Köppen, said: “By gaining accreditation Menzies are demonstrating their commitment to continuous improvement, 2026 promises to be the year of action for Cargo iQ and it’s the members like Menzies that are helping to drive the quality journey for air cargo forward.”
KN and Swiss sign SAF deal
Kuehne+Nagel has signed a memorandum of understanding with Swiss International Air Lines to collaborate on sustainability projects, centering on a shared commitment to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) produced by Synhelion, a Swiss company that converts sunlight into renewable synthetic fuels like solar jet fuel Swiss WorldCargo, has agreed on a five-year offtake agreement of SAF from 2027 that provides Synhelion with planning security and to drive innovation in the sector. This commitment provides producers such as Synhelion with the certainty needed to expand their output and advance new technologies.
Ceva to buy project forwarder Fagioli
CMA CGM’s Ceva Logistics arm has signed a share purchase agreement to acquire 100% of Italy-headquartered project forwarder Fagioli Group, subject to regulatory approvals.
Ceva Logistics already has over 1,000 project logistics experts around the world and the acquisition will add about 450 employees from Fagioli Group, including more than 40 specialized engineers working in technical operations and management roles.
Ceva Logistics aid that adding Fagioli’s capabilities would allow it to offer end-to-end solutions, from the design phase to the freight forwarding and transport to the complex delivery and installation operations. The project logistics specialist’s global operations would support CEVA’s business especially in Europe, Asia Pacific and North America thanks to its direct customer relationships with engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) companies and industrial customers.
Private equity firm QuattroR is currently the largest shareholder of Fagioli Group, while the remaining shares are held by the family of its long-time chairman, Alessandro Fagioli. The company had revenues of €216 million in 2024.
RAM appoints cargo chief
Royal Air Maroc has appointed Ms Rita Chraibi as vice-president of cargo, succeeding Mr Yassine Berrada. She has held several key leadership positions at the airline and in her new role will be responsible for advancing commercial development strategy through 2037, with a focus on strengthening customer experience and supporting new route openings.
Saudia renews handling deal with WFS
Saudia Cargo has extended its partnership with Worldwide Flight Services (WFS). The renewed contract covers comprehensive cargo handling services at eight gateways in the US and Europe, including New York JFK, Washington Dulles International, London Heathrow, Manchester, Amsterdam Schiphol, Brussels, Frankfurt and Paris CDG.
Beyond these eight locations, WFS also provides cargo handling services for Saudia Cargo at Liege in Belgium, Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, India, as well as in Bangkok, Johannesburg, and Los Angeles.
Emirates flies aid to stricken Sri Lanka
Emirates and Dubai Humanitarian have set up an airbridge to Sri Lanka to transport aid to people affected by Cyclone Ditwah. For the next two weeks, the Dubai-based carrier will offer over 100 tonnes of cargo space free of charge on its daily passenger flights to Sri Lanka.
The first shipments departed Dubai International Airport on Tuesday 9 December on the three non-stop Emirates flights connecting Dubai and Colombo. On-ground, the shipments will be sent to a government disaster management unit.
As the largest humanitarian hub in the world, Dubai Humanitarian streamlines relief missions and, through its longstanding partnership with Emirates, is able to mobilize swiftly and efficiently across the airline’s network.