In this issue

This edition sheds light on the pivotal role of cross-border e-commerce in driving air cargo growth amid sustainability concerns, technological advancements, and industry insights.

The cover story by Rajarshi Chatterjee highlights how cross-border e-commerce drives air cargo growth and presents opportunities for airlines.

In the special report, Nehal Gautam discusses how sustainability has become a necessity for the air cargo industry.

Jyothi Shankaran's industry report highlights the use of AI, machine learning, and automation in air cargo security.

We also have a feature by Parijat Sourabh that emphasises on how cargo drones are transforming logistics.

This edition also features an exclusive interview with Ferwin Wieringa, Managing Director at HCW Global Logistics, sharing insights on logistics, niche solutions, agility, and customer-centricity.

The report by Libin Chacko Kurian discusses how air cargo is important for African flower exports despite a shift to sea is happening due to sustainability, capacity, cost, and competitiveness.

AVIATION INDUSTRY: FUELING THE FUTURE WITH SUSTAINABILITY

Following rising concerns about climate change and the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the aviation industry is building a well-established strategy for sustainability. Thanks to technological advancements, innovative practices, and a strong commitment to environmental stewardship, sustainable aviation is emerging as the path to a greener future.

7 mins

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.

7 mins

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.

5 mins

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.

4 mins

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.

7 mins

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.

2 mins

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.

4 mins

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.

5 mins

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.

7 mins

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.

10+ mins

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.

10 mins

Flirting With Cargo Drones Ready To Deliver

Drones are the new frontier in the digital revolution. Drone deliveries are creating a new customer experience in the logistics sector that opens up even more opportunities for sustainable growth and greater economic contribution. The technology is flexible enough in its implementation, to be scaled up or down to fit the required application.

10+ mins

Technology, Increased Cargo Volumes Propelling Canada Aviation

With the North American Free Trade Agreement set to be replaced by the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement, trade for Canada is likely to become smoother and more beneficial. The push of e-commerce and perishables cargo, coupled with the quest for technological excellence in operations is paving the way for progress Canada-style.

9 mins

Why Is Everyone Afraid To Share Data? GPLS Finds

At the third Global Pharma Logistics Summit (GPLS) 2019, panelists discussed technological advancements, creation of data, the existence of trust deficit in sharing data, need for educating and building a skilled workforce for better handling of pharma cargo.

4 mins

Digital Transformation Reimagined

Responding to the demand for more transparency, speed, and efficiency in handling cargo and ULDs, ACL Airshop introduced FindMyULD in June this year. Within four months of its launch, the cutting edge mobile app is not only bringing operational efficiencies but significant cost saving as well.

4 mins

P2F Conversions Matching Capacity To Cargo Demand

Recent market trends notwithstanding, over the next 20 years, air cargo traffic is expected to more than double while the world freighter fleet is likely to grow by more than 75 percent riding on the back of strong demand from the ecommerce sector. From converting older aircraft to placing new orders, the global market for air cargo is looking at fleet expansions to address this demand. With market conditions priming the pump for conversions, suppliers are positioning themselves for the uptick.

8 mins

Artificial Intelligence

The New Enabler in Ground Handling 

9 mins

The Changing Landscape Of Logistics In E-commerce Era

The global flow of goods and services is taking place and is becoming a multi-trillion dollar opportunity. The air express industry is enjoying the benefits of this opportunity. Placing the consumer who is the king in middle of all that the industry is doing, the industry is moving from B2B focus to addressing b2C-related requirements. The carriers and other stakeholders in the express industry continue to see surge in the e-commerce shipments handled, unmoved by foray of e-tailers such as Amazon into logistics space.

10 mins

Airports Company South Africa Reports Revenue Growth Of 3.4 Percent In Fy2017

Airports Company South Africa has reported revenue growth of 3.4 percent to R8.6 billion in the year ended March 31, 2017. The profits during the reported period stood at R2 billion registering a 10.8 percent growth.

2 mins

Digitisation The Next Big Thing

Digitisation and its futuristic approach is taking the global business landscape by storm and air cargo industry is not an exception. More than being physical, it is a mindset change. The winners will act now by forgoing resistance and embracing technology!

10+ mins

When Flying Medical Cargo Matters

As the pharmaceutical and biotech industry gets more complex and the markets they serve become more diverse, the logistics involved in transporting these highly sensitive products gets more challenging. With changing regulations, strict temperature control and strong competition, it has become imperative for those involved in the pharmaceutical supply chain to consistently innovate and evolve to meet their clients’ needs. 

8 mins

Airbus A350-1000 Makes Its First Stop At Doha On Its Demonstration Tour

Airbus A350-1000 Makes Its First Stop At Doha On Its Demonstration Tour

1 min

Heathrow Launches Largest Public Consultations For New Airspace Design

As part of its proposed plan to strategically revamp its airport, London's Heathrow Airport has opened up a 10-week public consultation to seek views on options to deliver and operate and expand its airport, along with principles of new airspace design.

1 min

Ensuring Smooth Ride for Flwowers & Perishables

Africa's horticultural and floricultural produce have gained popularity over the years in the international markets due to the quality and variety that the continent has to offer. For instance, Kenya holds 7 percent of the global market share of flowers today. There is also growth in perishable volumes from South Africa. With the growing volumes, every stakeholder in the air cargo supply chain must focus on collaboration to ensure that the perishables are delivered fresh to the world.

4 mins

Pharma Shippers Demand End-to-End-Visibility

The Pharmaceutical Industry Currently Relies and Will Continue to Rely Heavily on Air Transport for Its Speed, Reliability and Efficiency in Delivering High-value, Time-sensitive, Temperature-controlled Cargo. Besides Addition of New Airports and Inaugurating New Trade Routes, Airports Have to Be Equipped With Necessary Warehousing Facilities Conducive for Pharmaceutical Products. The Stakeholders in the Air Cargo Supply Chain Need to Focus on End-to-end Visibility, Better Communication and Integrity for Smooth Pharma Supply Chain.

4 mins

India Interesting And Promising

By introducing additional freighters to India Lufthansa Cargo is strengthening its position here and it considers India as an interesting and promising market with huge potential.

3 mins

Determined To Outpace Market Growth

Turkish airlines, founded in 1933, operated its first international air cargo shipment in 1936. Today Turkish Cargo, the cargo division of Turkey’s national flag carrier, is one of the fastest growing air cargo brands of the world and offers services to 120 countries. For the first half of 2017 Turkish Cargo reported an income growth of 24 percent yearon-year basis. In the recent past it has launched seven new services to take its total cargo destinations to 72 which in the beginning of 2016 stood at 55. In an exclusive interview Turhan Ozen, the chief cargo officer for Turkish Airlines, speaks to Reji John about the carriers performance in 2017 and the aggressive network expansion around the globe. ozen was appointed to the current position less than a years ago. 

3 mins

'Qatarstrophe' Weak Demand Dent Middle Eastern Air Cargo

The Middle East region is currently embroiled in one of its biggest diplomatic crisis in recent times. That, along with limited growth in demand, has had a rippling effect on the region’s air cargo market.

6 mins

Panynj Ports Set New Records In Cargo Volume

Cargo volumes handled at PanYnJ ports (sea and air) in the first six months of 2017 have registered the strongest first half performance. While the sea cargo volume was 4.4 percent higher than the previous record set in the same period in 2015; air cargo volumes expanded by 7 percent – the strongest since 2010.

3 mins

India The New Destination For Air Cargo

Indian air cargo segment is expected to register a growth of 14-15 percent in FY18 as against 12 percent last year. The sector is expected to grow in double digits over the next five years. Increasing volumes, enhanced connectivity, conducive policy and regulatory environment, with single window clearance clubbed with improved infrastructure makes India lucrative for the international cargo operators.

8 mins

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The STAT Trade Times Magazine Description:

The STAT Trade Times is a multi modal international transport media, specializing in Air Cargo, provides in-depth coverage for the Aviation,Transport, Shipping and tourism industries. STAT TIMES, as it is popularly known, provides a ringside view of the latest developments in the multi modal transport industry worldwide. The Media’s integrated approach to news coverage is appreciated and used by the decision makers for their commercial benefits since 1986. Apart from the print media, the STAT Trade Times has also launched its Website as early as 1990 for the benefit of its high profile readers worldwide. This site is useful to professionals from Aviation and Air Cargo Industries. Breaking News related to Airlines strategies, Airport updates, Air Cargo, Air Traffic and Air Travel trends form a major source of latest information. The Billion Dollar News capsules provide encapsulated news for the benefit of its worldwide readers. STAT TIMES is news-specific.