Envirotainer completes va-Q-tec merger

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September 4, 2024

Temperature-controlled equipment specialist Envirotainer has completed the integration of va-Q-tec’s pharma business, advancing the future of pharma cold chain

It says that as the pharmaceutical industry faces growing demands for more reliable and flexible cold chain solutions, it has strengthened its portfolio with the addition of advanced passive cooling technology.

It adds that its extended range of solutions allow pharmaceutical companies to transport products at any temperature, size and at any stage of the product lifecycle, spanning the entire range of pharmaceuticals, from precision medicines and advanced cell and gene therapies, to commercial distribution of vaccines and chronic disease treatments to even the most challenging regions.

Services include real-time monitoring, predictive analytics and 24-hour customer assistance, supported by an expanded global network.

Envirotainer chief executive, David Simonsson (pictured), said: “This integration marks a significant step forward for our customers and company. By combining the best of active and passive technologies, we’re better equipped to meet the evolving needs of the pharmaceutical industry, helping vital medicines reach patients safely, no matter where they are.

“As we continue to innovate, sustainability remains central to our mission, and we’ll continue to offer solutions that not only protect the efficacy of medicines but also align with environmental best practices. This is the beginning of a new era for us, one where we can make an even greater impact on global health.”

Cathay A350s set to return soon

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Chris Lewis

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September 4, 2024

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Hong Kong carrier Cathay Pacific’s says its A350 fleet will resume full operations by 7 September after 14 of the aircraft were temporarily withdrawn from service after fuel line faults.

Six aircraft have already undergone successful repairs and are cleared to operate and the remaining nine will be repaired and expected to resume operation by Saturday (7 September).

Cathay Pacific was forced to cancel a number of flights between 5 and 7 September. But does not anticipate any further cancellations will be required.

WFS lands Magma Aviation in Liege

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Chris Lewis

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September 3, 2024

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SATS Group’s Worldwide Flight Services’ (WFS) arm has gained a multi-year contract to handle Magma Aviation freighters at Belgium’s Liege Airport.

Starting in September WFS will provide ramp and warehouse cargo handling for a minimum of five regular Boeing 747-400F flight rotations a week.

WFS will also handle cargo onboard charter flights and the overall contract is expected to generate over 50,000 tonnes of cargo a year.

WFS operates two warehouses at the growing airfreight hub of Liege with a total of 24,000sq m.

WFS managing director, Belgium, Nathan De Valk, said: “This is a significant contract gain for WFS in Liege. We look forward to working closely with the Magma Aviation team to jointly develop handling solutions suited to the products and services they offer.”

Magma Aviation head of operations, James Le Poer Trench, added: “This collaboration strengthens Magma Aviation’s supply chain and enhances our ability to deliver exceptional products and service to our customers. By leveraging WFS’s expertise and innovative solutions, we expect to drive increased efficiency, improve quality, and unlock new growth opportunities.”

Scots gateway appoints man in China

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Chris Lewis

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September 3, 2024

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Glasgow Prestwick Airport (GPA) has appointed Colin Dai as its country sales director for China. He brings over 25 years of experience in aviation and e-commerce, having work for carriers including Qatar Airways and Virgin Atlantic.

GPA aims to foster business relationships across China, including the e-commerce industry. It recently launched an e-commerce solution in partnership with British postal company Royal Mail Group and has invested over £2 million (US$2.6m) in new cargo equipment, and now claims one of the fastest turnaround times for air cargo in the UK.

Dai said: “With the rapid growth of Chinese e-commerce and demand for it across the UK, there is an increasing need for efficient and reliable international logistics solutions. My focus will be on meeting these rising business needs by introducing GPA’s services to Chinese companies, leveraging the airport’s strategic location, state-of-the-art facilities, and partnership with Royal Mail.”

GPA business development director, Nico Le Roux, added: “China represents one of the most dynamic e-commerce markets globally, and we are excited to have Colin on board to spearhead our efforts in the region. We are committed to providing cost-effective, efficient solutions for e-commerce companies looking to access the UK market, and Colin’s new role is a testament to this.”

GPA will be participating in the Shenzhen Logistics and Supply Chain Expo in September, and the TIACA Air Cargo Forum 2024, from 11-14 November in Miami.

IAG adopts APAC agent

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Chris Lewis

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September 3, 2024

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IAG Cargo has appointed Group Concorde as its general sales agent (GSA) in Cambodia, Philippines, Myanmar, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Australia, and New Zealand.Group Concorde started in business since 1985 in India and has expanded to 14 countries within Asia Pacific. Over the next three months, Group Concorde will assume responsibility for cargo sales operations in the markets.

Lufthansa Cargo appoints Asia Pacific chief

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Chris Lewis

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September 2, 2024

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Elodie Berthonneau is to take over as vice president Asia-Pacific at Lufthansa Cargo from 1 October. Based in Singapore, she will head sales and handling in markets including China, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines and Oceania. Berthonneau joins Lufthansa Cargo from Qatar Cargo where she was vice president network planning and strategic partnership.

In 25 years, she has held management positions at Qatar Airways and Air France KLM.

Head of global markets at Lufthansa Cargo, Anand Kulkarni, said: “The Asian region is one of our most important markets and is expected to become even more relevant in the coming years. Combining her expertise and experience within the industry and the Lufthansa Cargo brand and knowledge, she will set new accents in our Asia Pacific organization and in the dialogue with our customers.”

WFS plans to take over Menzies in Amsterdam Schiphol

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Chris Lewis

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August 30, 2024

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Worldwide Flight Services Holland, a member of the SATS Group, is expanding its presence in Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), with the proposed acquisition of Menzies World Cargo (Amsterdam) B.V., Menzies Aviation’s general cargo handling operations at the main international airport in the Netherlands.

It would increase warehouse capacity and cargo handling capabilities for WFS in one of Europe’s busiest air cargo locations.

WFS has served Schiphol since 2000 and is now operating at close to maximum capacity.

The proposed acquisition is subject to certain conditions including local works council consultation.

CargoAi appoints CargoWALLET chief

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Chris Lewis

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August 28, 2024

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The CargoAi online platform has appointed Olivier Veyrac as senior vice president of its CargoWALLET arm. Launched in February 2023, CargoWALLET facilitates payments in over 47 currencies and inthe last 18 months has been adopted by over 5,000 airlines, freight forwarders, handlers and logistics service providers.

CMA CGM Air Cargo launches Asia/US freighter route with third B777F

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Chris Lewis

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August 27, 2024

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The Air Cargo arm of shipping and logistics group CMA CGM has launched a new transpacific route between Asia and North America after taking delivery of its third Boeing 777-200F on 18 August.

The new aircraft, operated by Atlas Air, will serve airports including Hong Kong, Chicago, and Seoul. The first commercial flight took place on 25 August from Hong Kong to Chicago with a technical stop in Anchorage. On the westbound leg, the aircraft operates from Chicago to Hong Kong, via Seoul (ICN).

Another B777-200F will be received in the fourth quarter of 2024 and will also be deployed on a transpacific route, connecting mainland China to North America, giving a total of seven transpacific frequencies per week.

Another B777F delivery will take place in 2025, giving CMA CGM a fleet of five aircraft.

Two aircraft based at CMA CGM’s Paris-Charles de Gaulle hub have been serving routes between Europe and Greater China since 2022, with five flights per week to Hong Kong and four to Shanghai.

CMA CGM Air Cargo chief executive, Damien Mazaudier, said, “We are very proud to extend CMA CGM Air Cargo’s reach to the US, a strategic country for the Group. This opening comes with the delivery of a third B777 Freighter, a very efficient long-range aircraft that will allow us to serve our customers on new routes across the Pacific and to respond to dynamic market conditions. This new asset also plays a key role in contributing to greater sustainability in airfreight, in line with the CMA CGM Group’s ambitions.”

DSV and investment group CVC launch $14bn bids for DB Schenker

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Chris Lewis

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August 23, 2024

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The Bloomberg news agency is reporting that Danish transport and logistics group DSV and a consortium led by CVC Capital Partners have separately put in binding bids for DB Schenker, the forwarding and logistics arm of Germany’s Deutsche Bahn rail group.

The bids value the company at about €14 billion ($15.6 billion), Bloomberg reports.

It adds that the CVC-led group has also tabled an offer of for up to €16 billion under which the German government would reinvest a roughly 25% stake in DB Schenker underwhich the buyout firm would keep the DB Schenker brand and its German headquarters .

Deutsche Bahn revealed in December that it was exploring a sale of DB Schenker to help the rail operator cut its debt and to raise funds to invest in its network.

AP Moller-Maersk had also expressed interest in buying DB Schenker but dropped out of the bidding in July.