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
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
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.
Partners set out joint venture timetable
IAG Cargo, Qatar Airways Cargo and MASKargo say they plan to launch their global cargo joint business in late 2025, subject to regulatory approvals, following their initial announcement in April.
The three carriers are working to progressively align systems, processes, and commercial offerings. They will look to optimise freighter and belly hold capacity across their combined networks, with coordinated ground handling and trucking.
At the same time, the three carriers will enter into individual agreements with the UN World Food Programme. They propose to provide a total of 1,000 tonnes of free tonnage to support WFP in the delivery of essential food supplies and commodities.
Geodis takes smart approach to cutting carbon
Geodis has launched an AirSmart solution to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from air freight. The French forwarder says that by selecting the most energy-efficient aircraft and optimizing routing, it can significantly reduce by using external flight data and analytics tools to make smarter routing decisions. The emission savings are available to all customers through Geodis’ digital platforms.
Emirates to restore Syria flights
Emirates is set to return to Damascus, Syria after a 13-year absence, from 16 July. The Dubai-based carrier will initially operate 777-200LR flights on Monday, Wednesday and Sunday, and plans to add a Saturday flight from 2 August.
CargoLand scheme would push Belgium’s Liege to number three spot in Europe
On 2 June, Liège Airport announced a €500 million investment in what it described as its next generation hub, CargoLand.
The scheme, scheduled for full completion by 2040, would position the Belgian gateway in Europe’s top for cargo, compared with its current fifth place, it says.
CargoLand will see 90 hectares dedicated to logistics developments to attract more major global logistics players, and a further 24 hectares available for office development. Customers will also benefit from a 38,000sq m first line warehouse constructed to support long-term growth. This will be complemented by a 120,000sq m e-commerce and 180,000sq m landside warehouse. There will be 15 new parking stands ground support equipment and an aircraft maintenance hangar.
Head of commercial cargo and logistics, Frederic Brun, declared: “We’re adding magic to cargo handling with CargoLand and are confident that it will deliver beyond expectations. After all, we are within a one-day truck drive to 75% of European GDP centres, and we will be strengthening our links to rail, road, and sea, maximising on our unique geographical qualities. Seamless multimodal integration will play a major role in CargoLand.”
Gebrüder Weiss opens in Thailand
Austrian forwarder Gebrüder Weiss will open a new country organization in Thailand on 1 June. The team of 20 employees in Bangkok provide international air and sea freight transportation, customs handling, and national and cross-border land transport services.
Gebrüder Weiss is now present in nine countries across the East and South-East Asia region and Oceania including Australia, China, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, and Vietnam. Its regional network now spans 35 locations with around 800 employees.
Fraport supersizes Lima airport
Lima Airport Partners, a subsidiary of German operator Fraport, has officially opened a new terminal at Lima’s Jorge Chávez International Airport. On the night of May 31 to June 1, airlines, government agencies, and partners will relocate from Lima’s old terminal. Opening was preceded by a two-week soft launch involving four airlines to ensure an efficient start of operations and operational stability.
The new terminal is three times bigger than the previous one and by the end of 2025 will be expanded further to cover 270,000sq m with a modular design, that can be increased to accommodate future growth.
The approximately US$2 billion expansion program that began in 2019 involved building both the terminal itself and infrastructure including a second runway, a new air traffic control tower and aircraft parking positions.
Hactl moves to stage 2 of fire detection system
Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl) has begun Phase 2 of implementing its intelligent thermal detection system at SuperTerminal 1.
Hactl – Hong Kong’s largest independent handler – started the project in December 2023. It enabled Hactl to scan cargo for exceptional temperatures before loading onto aircraft.
Under Phase 2, the handler is using the system to scan bulk cargo during cargo acceptance – providing a double layer of protection.
The intelligent cargo thermal detection system combines advanced thermal imaging, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, data analytics, and artificial intelligence, to overcome the limitations of existing thermal energy monitoring techniques.
It monitors the temperatures of different cargo in real-time, quickly identifying any abnormal conditions such as a fire hazard in lithium battery cargo, and thereby triggering alerts.
Hactl’s next step will implement the same level of scrutiny for export prepacked cargo at acceptance.