DHL Express moves Florida-bred bongos to new life in Kenya

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March 27, 2025

DHL Express has moved 17 mountain bongo antelopes from the US to Kenya for animal charity Tusk.

The critically endangered animals came from the Rare Species Conservatory Foundation in Florida to a sanctuary on the slopes of Mount Kenya, run by the Meru Bongo and Rhino Conservation Trust. The bongos were bred in Florida but are on the verge of extinction in the wild with only some 100 remaining due to poaching, forest degradation and habitat fragmentation.

The full herd had to be transported together, so DHL provided a dedicated aircraft which carried the antelopes 8,223 miles from Palm Beach International Airport (Florida) to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Kenya.

They were transported in custom-built crates, alongside 6 tonnes of pelleted feed and 3 specialist animal care staff including a veterinarian and two bongo specialists from the US.

The 12 females and five males will remain in paddocks to safely breed but the offspring will then slowly be reintroduced into Mount Kenya’s forest ecosystem, from which they have been absent for over 40 years.

Online pioneer SAS to launch on Cargo.one

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Chris Lewis

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March 26, 2025

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SAS Cargo is to offer its capacity on the Cargo.one platform. The Scandinavian carrier provides bellyhold capacity on its Airbus widebody fleet worldwide through its hubs in Copenhagen Oslo and Stockholm. SAS Cargo in fact launched the first direct booking portal in 2015, just before the launch of Cargo.one’s ‘airline agnostic’ platform in 2017 and today over 80% of its bookings are made online. From April, forwarders using Cargo.one in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia can quote and book SAS Cargo’s global capacity for general cargo and temperature controlled shipments up to 10,000 kg to major destinations including Frankfurt, London, New York, Miami, Atlanta, Tokyo, and Seoul. It is planned to launch additional markets in the coming months.

CargoAi offers Qantas space

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Chris Lewis

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March 24, 2025

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The CargoAi digital platform has signed partnership with Qantas Freight, Australia’s largest air freight provider. International capacity on selected Qantas and Jetstar flights is now available on CargoAi’s CargoMART and CargoCONNECT solutions, opening up e-booking on trade lanes between Australia and the US, UK and South Africa. Further destinations will be added in future.

Pharma Logistics Winter University blends academia and practice

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Chris Lewis

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March 21, 2025

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The Pharma Logistics Winter University concluded its inaugural session at Khallifa University, Abu Dhabi, on 7 February, bringing together over 40 participants, including students from the University of Antwerp, Etihad Cargo, and key representatives from handler dnata and forwarder Kuehne+Nagel.

The event was co-founded by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), Etihad Cargo, Pharma.Aero, industry grouping, the University of Antwerp, and Khalifa University

The programme blended academic instruction with practical site visits, including Etihad Cargo’s pharma hub at Zayed International Airport. Participants gained first-hand insights into the region’s life sciences and healthcare ecosystem while exploring the latest innovations in pharma supply chain solutions.

Participants also explored the patient-centric healthcare ‘ecosystem’ and gained insights into the roles of supply chain stakeholders and logistics modes. Sessions highlighted the UAE’s significant investments in life sciences infrastructure, cold chain management monitoring, and advanced control tower technologies.

Other key topics included the latest developments in the UAE and global life sciences sectors, quality management practices, logistics certification processes, and the complexities of distribution, warehousing, and last-mile logistics.

Special focus was given to emerging areas such as cell and gene therapy, oncology, and vaccines, reflecting their growing importance in shaping the future of pharma logistics. Participants who successfully completed the programme earned 3 European Credit Transfers (ECTS) and a micro-credential certificate, reinforcing their academic and professional credentials.

The programme’s mission was also to drive innovation and inspire future leaders in pharmaceutical logistics.

Pharma.Aero secretary general, Frank Van Gelder, reflected on the success of the program and its long-term vision, stating: “With this inaugural edition, we have seen first-hand the value of industry-academic collaboration in preparing the next generation of pharma logistics leaders.

“By bringing together academic institutions, industry experts, and young talent, we are not only addressing current workforce challenges but also equipping the sector with highly skilled professionals who can navigate its evolving complexities.”

Etihad Cargo vice president, Stanislas Brun, added: “This initiative highlights the carrier’s commitment to developing the next generation of pharmaceutical logistics leaders and driving innovation in cold chain management. Etihad Cargo remains dedicated to collaborating with industry partners to support Abu Dhabi’s development as a global hub for healthcare and life sciences.”

Participants also signed a memorandum of understanding to continue hosting the Pharma Logistics Winter University annually in Abu Dhabi for the next five years with plans to expand the programme to accommodate up to 80 participants and develop a full-year master’s programme within two years.

No more nasty shocks for semiconductor shippers

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Chris Lewis

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March 20, 2025

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Qatar Airways Cargo says it has vastly improved transportation for the semiconductor industry with its new TechLift service. It offers targeted shock absorption for ground and aircraft equipment moving all types of semiconductor products such as integrated circuits, chipsets, microchips semiconductor manufacturing machinery and testing equipment.

Chief cargo officer, Mark Drusch, explained: “Semiconductors must be delivered in pristine condition. Their transport is best carried out by established cargo professionals, as it demands absolute precision, expertise, and highly trained staff. At Qatar Airways Cargo, we have perfected every aspect of the transportation for semiconductor products to leave absolutely nothing to chance and have developed a world-leading dedicated service to cater for this.”

TechLift gives a higher loading priority, the use of approved data loggers, specialised it with AirPlus Solutions including Q-Climate temperature control, Q-Plus for even higher loading priority and Q-Prime, which gives the highest priority on capacity along with continuous monitoring by Qatar Airways Cargo’s Control Tower.

WFS and KN get together to speed Frankfurt clearances

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Chris Lewis

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March 20, 2025

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SATS’ Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) arm has launched a pilot project with forwarder Kuehne+Nagel to accelerate import cargo clearances at Frankfurt Airport.

Developed by WFS’ specialist E-commerce & Freight Forwarder Handling (EFFH) team and Kuehne+Nagel Frankfurt, the project aims to optimize operations team and warehouse capacity to reduce waiting times and unnecessary storage fees.

The partners say that early results already show significant improvements in air cargo delivery times, supported by a trucking control tower set up for the pilot to schedule truck movements between the warehouse and Kuehne+Nagel Gateway and process all customer requests and inquiries immediately. Using the control tower avoids the need to wait until a freight forwarder’s truck driver registers at its Frankfurt facility to commence the cargo outsourcing process. Instead, import cargo is loaded onto WFS/FCS’ own trucks and delivered directly to Kuehne+Nagel with close communication between both parties.

The EFFH team is now reviewing the implementation and optimization of e-commerce and freight forwarding products at all WFS locations in the EMEAA region.

Kuehne+Nagel vice president, Michael Jonas, said: “This pilot project in Frankfurt is designed to show us how the handling and clearance processes developed can significantly accelerate air cargo delivery in the import process by reducing clearance times. By implementing these processes within the cargo operation, any necessary adjustments can be made quickly to enable more efficient resource planning and utilization.”

EFFH vice-president Soheyl Rahmani, added: “With this enhanced import delivery service, we are working to make the import cargo handling process more efficient to enable us to offer freight forwarders in Frankfurt a more reliable and cost-efficient service moving forward. We are proud to be partnering with Kuehne+Nagel in this launch initiative, which we hope and expect to lead to broader import handling benefits for the wider cargo community at the airport.”

Dates with destinations – Saudia Cargo gets national fruit to tables worldwide

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Chris Lewis

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March 19, 2025

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With the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan drawing to a close, Saudia Cargo’s cold chain technology in delivering a sizeable part of the 1.6 million ton Saudi date harvest to global markets. The country is one of the world’s largest producers, and its product is renowned for its quality and heritage. It is indeed an integral part of Saudi culture as a symbol of generosity and hospitality.

Saudia Cargo transport dates to over 45 international destinations, and in 2024 it moved 64% more than in 2023, nearly 1.5 million kilograms.

Saudia Cargo also takes part in Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, and the National Center for Palms and Dates initiatives to cultivate and improve palm productivity in the Kingdom, with over 37 million palm trees distributed across all regions.

Jettainer launches next-gen Cloud solution

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Chris Lewis

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March 19, 2025

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Unit Load Device (ULD) management firm Jettainer has launched the next generation of its Cloud-based IT solution. JettwareNG improves the user-friendliness of processes with a new design of real-time overviews of airline loading devices and enables faster development of customer features.

It is the latest version of the in-house developed Jettware platform that offers information about all ULDs in the network including complete ULD movement history.

Thanks to several new APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) the software can be integrated quickly and flexibly into existing IT systems. Customers get a comprehensive dashboard view and there is a mobile web application, JettApp, accessible via any browser and which no longer requires installation on mobile devices.

The next software updates are already in development to further optimize and automize processes, aiming to enhance tracking and provide a fast reporting feature. A Jettware user forum is planned for the future to gather further customer feedback and discuss service enhancements.

American Airlines signs long term ULD deal with Unilode

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Chris Lewis

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March 18, 2025

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American Airlines has signed a long-term ULD management partnership with Unilode Aviation Solutions, effective from 1 October.

Unilode will provide the carrier with full ULD management services including its repair network, its ULD fleet and digital technology.

Unilode will equip American Airlines’ ULD fleet with its Bluetooth and Lora-enabled tracking technology for asset visibility, location tracking, and condition monitoring.

Its in-house developed eULD app and customer portal will offer enhanced accessibility and transparency

Unilode says it has the world’s largest ULD tag and reader network, to optimise operational decision-making with real-time data to manage ULD movements, reduce losses, and minimise disruption.

Unilode will also provide extensive ULD maintenance, repair, and overhaul services across its US and global repair network. It will also expand its Americas Customer Success team to support American Airlines’ operations. Planning and positioning of ULD assets will be managed from Unilode’s Operations Control Center (OCC) in Bangkok

Chief executive of Unilode Aviation Solutions, Ross Marino, said: “Our digital tracking capabilities and expertise in ULD management will bring significant benefits to American Airlines’ cargo and passenger operations, and we look forward to a successful collaboration for many years to come. We sincerely thank American Airlines for placing their trust in Unilode”

The partnership will take Unilode’s asset coverage to nearly 200,000 ULDs deployed worldwide.

IAG Cargo sees pharma surge

By

Chris Lewis

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March 18, 2025

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IAG Cargo says that its Constant Climate service for temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals recorded a 22% increase in business in 2024 compared with 2023.

Constant Climate is designed for the transportation of pharmaceuticals, such as vaccines, biotech products, diagnostics samples, or any other temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical material.

With a large proportion of pharmaceuticals requiring temperature-controlled transportation to maintain safety and effectiveness, air cargo is an essential, yet often forgotten link in the supply chain that ensures medicines reach patients quickly and in optimal condition.

Head of pharmaceutical, Jordan Kohlbeck (pictured), said: “A significant portion of our consignments originate in Ireland and India. Both countries are reporting uplift in pharma exports and we are proud to play our role in supporting and facilitating that growth by providing such goods with a route to market, and ultimately ensuring lifesaving treatments and medicines reaches patients who depend on it.”

Data from the International Trade in Goods Division revealed that Irish exports of Medical and Pharmaceutical Products increased by €2,908 million (+48%) to €8,993 million in January 2024 compared with January 2023, representing 48% of total exports.

Meanwhile Indian Government statistics revealed that its drug and pharmaceutical exports increased from $2.13 billion in 2023 to $2.31 billion in 2024, some 20% of the global pharma supply chain.

IAG Cargo has increased its number of approved Constant Climate stations for temperature-sensitive transport, adding Cincinnati, Cape Town and Strasbourg.

It has also opened its New Premia facility at its London Heathrow Headquarters, which includes a state-of-the-art Constant Climate Quality Centre (CCQC) for pharmaceuticals, doubling the airline’s cool chain storage and handling capacity.