Kuehne+Nagel has entered into a long-term strategic collaboration with its customer, Amazon. Building on an existing relationship, it includes Amazon Web Services, encompassing infrastructure construction, equipment deployment, ongoing maintenance, upgrades and expansion projects.
Global Cargo Joint Business handles first shipment
IAG Cargo, MASkargo and Qatar Airways Cargo have completed the first trial shipment ahead of the full launch of their Global Cargo Joint Business later this year – 11 tonnes of copper foil transported from Kuala Lumpur to Chicago O’Hare via Doha and Dublin.
IAG Cargo said it was an early demonstration of how customers will benefit from the combined strengths of the three airlines.
Announced in 2025, the Global Cargo Joint Business brings together the three carriers to create of over 400 destinations on six continents.
IAG Cargo chief executive David Shepherd, said: “Alongside our partners, we have been aligning our operations, systems and expertise to create a Joint Business that works seamlessly across our combined networks. As we progress towards full launch, our focus remains on delivering a coordinated proposition that provides tangible benefits for customers across the global air freight market.”
Earlier this year, IAG Cargo was appointed as the ground handling agent for Qatar Airways Cargo in Dublin and Madrid, two of the Joint Business’ strategic hubs, and following the introduction of MASkargo handling operations at London Heathrow last year,.
The three carriers will continue operational trials and integration activities ahead of the launch of the Global Cargo Joint Business later this year. Customers can book shipments on any of the carriers’ online booking platforms.
Lufthansa offers ‘911’ airfreight option
Lufthansa Cargo is offering an “Emergency” add-on service for highly critical shipments that require the highest transport priority and dedicated handling throughout the journey. The target market includes urgent spares, life-saving drugs and medical samples.
It is available at more than 200 stations worldwide. Customers benefit from the highest transport priority with this service and can book it at short notice, up to the Latest Acceptance Time (LAT). The maximum cargo capacity on the booked flight can be utilized.
Shipments are clearly identified and subject to enhance monitoring throughout the entire transport chain with additional dedicated monitoring is provided at the carrier’s Frankfurt, Munich and Vienna hubs. In Frankfurt, shipments are handled around the clock via the time:matters Courier Terminal in Cargo City North which has direct access to the apron and dedicated handling processes.
Dedicated customer service is available 24/7 in English and German.
The service also includes a money-back guarantee if the shipment is not available for collection within six hours.
Jettainer appoints senior account manager
ULD fleet operator Jettainer has appointed Jörg Krings as senior global account manager. He will focus on developing new business opportunities and further expanding Jettainer’s relationships with existing and prospective customers. He brings over 25 years of experience in international key account management and air cargo, having spent more than two decades at Envirotainer, most recently as global key account manager airlines.
Ethiopian available through CargoAi
Ethiopian Cargo & Logistics Services is making its services available to forwarders through the CargoAi platform. The largest African carrier will offer real-time rate visibility and eBooking capabilities either through the CargoMART marketplace or direct connections to transport management systems via CargoAi’s CargoCONNECT system.
Etihad extends Swissport relations
UAE national carrier Etihad Airways has signed a memorandum of understanding with Swissport to increase the number of airports at which the handler serves the airline from 30 to 40. It covers airports in North America, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Under the MoU, the two companies will work together across ground handling and cargo services.
Air France KLM Cargo gives its employees a lift
Air France KLM Martinair Cargo is has introduced a vacuum lifting aid from Swedish company LiftsAll at its build-up and break-down operation at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. Following two successful test phases, the technology has been in daily use since 13 July.
Cargo handling involves many repetitive physical movements, particularly during the breakdown of pallets. The vacuum lift supports employees in handling individual cargo boxes when breaking down pallets, significantly reducing the effort involved.
The technology can be used for around 80% of individual boxes although some cargo, such as wet boxes, cannot be handled with the system.
The vacuum lift is part of KLM’s broader Autonomous Operations programme, which aims to make work across ground operations, cargo and maintenance safer, smarter and more sustainable.
Kuehne+Nagel opens Frankfurt pharma site
Kuehne+Nagel has opened a 3,505sq m healthcare logistics centre at Frankfurt Airport, for temperature-sensitive products. It builds on a series of recent healthcare logistics developments in Frankfurt. Earlier this year, Frankfurt was added to Inspire, Kuehne+Nagel’s Boeing 747-8F freighter network, and the Frankfurt-Atlanta Cool Corridor for temperature-sensitive healthcare shipments was launched.
Located in the Airport’s Cargo City South within a Kuehne+Nagel-owned 13,000 sqm complex, the HealthChain-certified facility offers direct tarmac access and connections to handling areas, helping reduce transit times and product exposure during transfers. The dedicated GDP-compliant environment offers approximately 2,500 sqm of controlled room temperature storage (+15°C to +25°C), more than 500 sqm of cold chain storage (+2°C to +8°C), and ultra-low temperature freezers capable of storing products at -70°C. There are also temperature-controlled staging areas and specialised pharmaceutical truck handling facilities.
It forms part of the forwarder’s global network of more than 270 HealthChain-certified locations.
American Airlines appoints head of global accounts
American Airlines Cargo has appointed Danny Robbeson as director, head of cargo global accounts. He will lead the airline’s Global Accounts sales team and oversee relationships with key customers worldwide, based in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Kevin Wang takes Taiwan helm at Global GSA
Global GSA Group has appointed Kevin Wang as managing director in Taiwan. He will take responsibility for overall management, operational performance, business development and full P&L accountability. He says that North America and Europe remain key long-haul trade lanes, while major Southeast Asian markets such as Singapore and Kuala Lumpur also offer strong growth potential. He sees high growth potential in semiconductors, AI equipment, electronics, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, temperature-controlled freight and cross-border e-commerce. He brings 30 years of airline experience in Dallas, Manila, Bangkok and Xiamen.