The STAT Trade Times - May 2021

WHO IS CHANGING THE GAME FOR AIR CARGO?

Up until five years ago, the air cargo industry was considered less digitally mature than other sectors marked by rigid legacy systems. But with the onset of Industry 4.0, innovation is on every business manager’s agenda and exciting changes are transforming this industry. Also, as consumer habits change and customer expectations grow, clients demand end-to-end visibility of their delivery. With emerging technologies like Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence and IATA’s initiatives One Record and Interactive Cargo, technology is definitely making changes to efficiency.

WAITING TO BE FILLED AIR CARGO CONTINUES TO BE IN THE DOLDRUMS

Global air cargo industry continues to suffer across all regions and the demand decline experienced in 2019 is the steepest drop since 2009 during the global financial crisis. Airline association IATA predicts that air cargo demand will increase by two percent in 2020; however there are several ifs and buts for the industry to get back to growth momentum.

TRADE WAR ADDS CANADIAN FLAVOUR INTO CHINESE CUISINE

The surging lobster business in Canada built on the trade war between the US and China shows the capability of Nova Scotia in addressing the supply chain issues of stakeholders, at a time when China demanded more lobster than the province exported earlier. By exporting around 22 tonnes from January-October 2019, one of the three maritime provinces of Canada is confident to face the aftermath if trade war ends, by foraying into new markets.

INDUSTRY RISES AGAINST DANGERS OF ROGUE LITHIUM SHIPMENTS

As the threat of mis-declared or ill-packaged shipments carrying lithium batteries looms large, the aviation industry is joining forces to fight the menace. As e-commerce and demand for cleaner technology grows, the demand for lithium batteries is also seeing an upward trend. It’s time this industry affair got more attention to make aviation safer.

GECAS, IAI Launch The B777 Freighter Conversion Programme, Freighter To Enter Service In 2022

GECAS and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) have launched the Boeing 777-300ER freighter conversion programme.

From Booking Middlemen To Strategic Partner

Founded in the united kingdom in 1994, Air Logistics Group (ALG) has developed significantly from the traditional ‘general sales agent’ to a strategic partner offering the highest level of value added services to its airline and forwarding partners. As ALG completes 25 years, Stephen Dawkins, founder & chief executive officer of ALG, speaks to Reji John, about many more exciting years ahead providing airlines and forwarders with a reputable, financially sound partnership that can deliver in terms of revenue, network coverage, digitalisation and manpower. Edited excerpts.

FLA-PLA 2019 Call For Embracing Technology, Sustainability, Better Infrastructure

Sustainability and need for collaboration dominated the narrative of the latest Flower & Perishable Logistics Africa conferences in Nairobi, Kenya. Attendees discussed the importance of infrastructure development, exploring new markets, and looking beyond the traditional avenues.

Raising The Stakes On Perishable Logistics

When dealing with fresh produce and other food items intended for human consumption, there is no wiggle room when it comes to freshness and quality. For the food to reach one’s plate, there is a lot that happens along the way – this includes harvesting crops at the right time, maintaining proper temperatures, and of course, on-time delivery from farm to fork. As consumption patterns change, regulations vary, customer expectations rise, industry players are converging to create a seamless supply chain.

Connecting Intelligently For Cargo Mobility

The air freight industry, which has remained traditional in its processes and business models for a very long time has seen a perceptible shift on the back of advances both in operation and information technology in the last few years. For the industry to work more efficiently, the supply chain needs to generate a constant stream of data that can be collected, analysed and used to optimise productivity.

Benelux Building Capacity Through Infrastructure Additions

The Benelux (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg) region has witnessed infrastructure growth, adding sheen to its traditional image as the main logistics gateway to Europe. Even as global cues suggest a slowdown, the air cargo community in the region remains optimistic of growth.