24.9 C
New York
Thursday, November 6, 2025
Home Blog Page 23

IAG, Qatar and MASkargo sign ‘groundbreaking’ tripartite cargo deal

0

IAG Cargo, Qatar Airways Cargo and MASkargo are to launch a global cargo joint business, subject to regulatory approval.

The partners promise “a truly connected, more agile cargo network that will address the evolving needs of global trade and logistics”. They say it will offer a streamlined service, better connections, faster transit times, and new routing opportunities across their combined networks

The partners will also develop harmonised safety and security standards.

Qatar Airways chief officer cargo, Mark Drusch, said the agreement was “a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to redefine the global air cargo landscape. This agreement will bring together three strong players to offer unparalleled service and global connectivity, reinforcing our commitment to customer satisfaction and operational excellence.”

IAG Cargo executive officer, David Shepherd, Chief added: “This agreement is a testament to our history of bringing businesses together. With years of experience in forging successful collaborations, we understand the real value they bring. This joint business not only unlocks choice and opportunities for our customers but also enhances connectivity for the businesses and industries they serve, further strengthening the role air cargo plays in facilitating global trade.”

MASkargo chief executive Mark Jason Thomas, said:  “This strategic collaboration marks a pivotal moment for MASkargo and the air cargo industry. We are excited to partner with Qatar Airways Cargo and IAG Cargo to deliver a new era of value and innovation to our customers. By leveraging our combined strengths and expertise, we will provide enhanced service offerings, expanded global reach, and cutting-edge solutions that address the evolving needs of the global market, ensuring greater efficiency and connectivity for our partners and customers .”

The carriers expect to implement the agreement in the near future, subject to first obtaining the necessary regulatory clearances.

DHL suspends US consumer deliveries

0

DHL Express temporarily suspended deliveries of goods worth more than $800 to US private consumers on 20 April, citing concerns over increased customs checks. Business-to-business deliveries will continue, it said, but these may be subject to delays.

The express carrier says that customs checks on packages worth up to $2,500 have been tightened as part of President Trump’s ‘Liberation Day round of swingeing tariff increases announced on 2 April. This had resulted in a surge in the number of parcels requiring full customs clearance.

DHL adds that it will still deliver packages worth less than $800, which currently enjoy de minimus status in the US but this concession is set to end on 2 May.

Kale to automate Mexico Cargo Handling

0

México Cargo Handling is to digitise operations with Kale Info Solutions’ Cloud-based Galaxy air cargo community system.

The system will streamline export, import, and transit operations by digitising all shipment data and eliminating the risk of incorrect shipment data on paper copies.

Warehouses operators will use hand-held devices to make the entire cargo handling process paperless.

México Cargo Handling chief executive, Mathilde de Rocquigny (pictured, right with Amar More, president of Kale Info Solutions) said: “At Mexico Cargo Handling we are looking at digital innovation to provide better value to our customers. We are happy to partner with Kale on creating the right digital infrastructure at our facilities to become more efficient, sustainable, and provide better visibility to our customers.”

Emirates SkyCargo Teleports itself into South-east Asia

0

Emirates SkyCargo has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with AirAsia’s cargo partner, Teleport, to develop traffic to and from Southeast Asia, via Dubai.

 The partners will work on initiatives including cargo interline options and block space agreements.

Teleport consolidates the bellyhold capacity of all AirAsia airlines, encompassing Malaysia-based AirAsia Berhad, AirAsia X Berhad, Indonesia AirAsia, Thai AirAsia, Thai AirAsia X and AirAsia Cambodia, together with a fleet of three dedicated freighter aircraft and over 40 other partner airlines. The move expands Emirates SkyCargo’s reach into over 100 destinations in Southeast Asia.

Established in 2018, it claims the largest air logistics network in Southeast Asia, covering 80% of the region, moving everything from large palletised cargo to eCommerce parcels.

Teleport will benefit from Emirates’ network of over 145 destinations with a particular focus on Europe, Africa and the US.

In recent years, Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPA) have been signed between the UAE and Malaysia, Indonesia and Cambodia, with Vietnam and Thailand expected to follow.

Emirates SkyCargo currently operates five freighters and 176 passenger flights per week to 11 destinations across the region. Further expansion is on the horizon with the upcoming launch of passenger services to Siem Reap, Cambodia and Da Nang, Vietnam in June 2025, both via Bangkok.

GSSA 4RCargo opens in Slovakia

0

General sales and services agent (GSSA) 4RCargo has opened an office in Bratislava. The Warsaw-headquartered company has tripled its team in 18 months and invested in four offices, as well as developing shipper pick-up services, including trucking solutions direct from manufacturing premises across the region, avoiding the need to twice screen cargo transiting to the UK for flights.

Emirates to launch Narita freighter; Dubai breaks 1m tonnes

0

Emirates SkyCargo is to deploy a dedicated weekly freighter from Dubai to Narita International Airport in Japan from 24 May. It will be the first direct, scheduled all cargo connection between Narita and the Middle East and will boost capacity between the two cities by 100 tonnes each way. Emirates SkyCargo already operates a twice weekly freighter to Kansai International Airport.

Narita International Airport is the largest air- or seaport in Japan, in terms of value of cargo handled, and, with further investment allocated to the ‘New Narita Airport’ Development Plan, is set to become the region’s foremost cargo hub by the end of the decade.

Meanwhile, handling company Dnata said it moved over 1 million tonnes of cargo through Dubai between April 2024 and March 2025 – the highest volume ever processed by the company in a 12-month period. A 30% year-on-year increase was driven by strong demand at both Dubai International (DXB) and Al Maktoum – Dubai World Central (DWC) airports, where Dnata currently serves more than 120 airline customers.  

Aerios speeds GTA response

0

Texas-based carrier GTA Air has integrated air cargo charter software company Aerios’ Carrier App platform into its operations. It says it has achieved a 66% reduction in quoting time, faster client responses and enhanced quote accuracy.  Integrating with flight planning software ensures quoted flight times reflect actual wind conditions and aircraft performance.

Cathay Pacific completes autonomous tractor trials

0

Cathay Cargo Terminal has completed the first end-to-end trial of autonomous electric tractor (AET) operations between the terminal and West Cargo Apron at Hong Kong International Airport.

The trial involved a fully autonomous electric tow-tractor pulling four cargo dollies into the Cathay Cargo Terminal and driving itself to the correct cargo transfer gate for loading. After loading, the AET drove itself out of the terminal and successfully completed its journey to the furthest cargo apron, the WCA, delivering the cargo ready to be loaded directly onto a Cathay Cargo flight.

The project is a collaborative effort between Cathay Cargo Terminal, the Airport Authority Hong Kong, and UISEE, one of China’s leading autonomous driving companies.

Saudia launches China-Liege freighters

0

Saudia Cargo has launched twice weekly freighter routes between Liège in Belgium, Dammam, Saudi Arabia and Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport in China. They will operate direct from Zhengzhou to Liège Airport with two weekly flights, and are aimed at the e-commerce market. They bring total weekly flights operated by the carrier out of Liège to 11 per week.

Senior vice president of sales, Marwan Niazi,said: “The addition of the Liège and Zhengzhou routes will be a game-changer in our operations. It not only enhances our ability to meet the growing demand in the region but also solidifies our position as a leading global air cargo company.

“Leveraging its position as an effective strategic hub connecting global supply chains and contributing to strengthening the Kingdom’s position as a global logistics centre, Saudia Cargo seeks to implement the highest standards of operational excellence and provide integrated solutions that meet the aspirations of the company’s customers.”

CargoIQ moves to three-tier certification

0

The Cargo iQ airfreight quality standards group is rolling out a tiered certification program to help members develop staggered implementation plans.

It aims to help them to map their quality progress and identify areas that require further improvement. The tiers – 1,2 and 3 -will reflect the scores achieved by members after a data-driven assessment, which will check milestone capabilities and monitor how continuous improvement practises are being applied to operations.

Lean audits are also being introduced alongside the existing audit process so members can upgrade their tiers outside the usual audit cycle.