Congratulating Hong Kong Int Airport.......

Celebrating the city's achievement and reaffirming its commitment to contributing to its home hub’s continued success.

Cathay Cargo congratulates Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) for once again being named the world's busiest cargo airport in 2023, according to the latest data from Airports Council International (ACI). As the city's home carrier for 77 years and the largest cargo operator at HKIA, Cathay Cargo is proud to be part of this success story.

Cathay’s Director Cargo Tom Owen said: “Hong Kong once again being named number one in the world for air cargo is a testament to the resilience, innovation and collaboration of the Hong Kong air cargo community. With its world-leading infrastructure, expertise and capabilities, supported by the increased development of intermodal connectivity within the Greater Bay Area, Hong Kong continues to be at the forefront of the global air cargo industry.

“Cathay’s ongoing investments in our passenger and freighter fleets, our extensive cargo network, cargo facilities, and our digital and sustainability capabilities to meet the evolving needs of cargo customers, are a reflection of our deep confidence in the long-term future of the Hong Kong air cargo logistics hub. We certainly don’t take Hong Kong’s air cargo success for granted, and remain committed to continuing to work together with the Transport and Logistics Bureau, Civil Aviation Department, Airport Authority Hong Kong, all sectors in the air cargo industry, and countless other important stakeholders to continue to grow Hong Kong further as the world’s leading air cargo hub, and the premier air cargo gateway connecting the Chinese Mainland with the rest of the world.”

Cathay Cargo congratulates Hong Kong International Airport on being named world’s busiest cargo airport for the 13th time in 14 years

Celebrating the city's achievement and reaffirming its commitment to contributing to its home hub’s continued success.

Cathay Cargo congratulates Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) for once again being named the world's busiest cargo airport in 2023, according to the latest data from Airports Council International (ACI). As the city's home carrier for 77 years and the largest cargo operator at HKIA, Cathay Cargo is proud to be part of this success story.

Cathay’s Director Cargo Tom Owen said: “Hong Kong once again being named number one in the world for air cargo is a testament to the resilience, innovation and collaboration of the Hong Kong air cargo community. With its world-leading infrastructure, expertise and capabilities, supported by the increased development of intermodal connectivity within the Greater Bay Area, Hong Kong continues to be at the forefront of the global air cargo industry.

“Cathay’s ongoing investments in our passenger and freighter fleets, our extensive cargo network, cargo facilities, and our digital and sustainability capabilities to meet the evolving needs of cargo customers, are a reflection of our deep confidence in the long-term future of the Hong Kong air cargo logistics hub. We certainly don’t take Hong Kong’s air cargo success for granted, and remain committed to continuing to work together with the Transport and Logistics Bureau, Civil Aviation Department, Airport Authority Hong Kong, all sectors in the air cargo industry, and countless other important stakeholders to continue to grow Hong Kong further as the world’s leading air cargo hub, and the premier air cargo gateway connecting the Chinese Mainland with the rest of the world.”

IAG Cargo restarts services between London and Abu Dhabi as part of its 2024 summer schedule

IAG Cargo kicks off the start of its summer schedule which will see an increase in services between its core hubs in London, Madrid, Barcelona and Dublin to key destinations across the world.

The cargo division of International Airlines Group (IAG) advises that as part of the new schedule, services between London Heathrow (LHR) and Abu Dhabi (AUH) will return on the 20th of April following a four-year hiatus. This route will benefit from the use of a Boeing 787-9 widebody aircraft and forms part of a 19% increase in weekly rotations to Africa and the Middle East. 

IAG Cargo restarts services between London and Abu Dhabi for the first time in four years

 

IAG Cargo increases services to the Middle East and Latin America as part of the new summer schedule

Key transatlantic routes will also see a boost in capacity, with a 9% increase in services to Latin America and the Caribbean. This includes an additional three services per week to Buenos Aires (EZE) and up to four services per week to Sao Paulo (GRU) out of Madrid. Furthermore, there will be a doubling of weekly services between London Heathrow and San Diego (SAN), and an extra seven flights per week to Chicago (ORD). IAG Cargo has also launched a new service between Barcelona and Miami (MIA). 

Camilo Garcia Cervera, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer at IAG Cargo, said: “The new summer schedule will offer enhanced capacity and greater flexibility for our customers. We are particularly pleased to expand our offering in Africa and the Middle East, including the resumption of operations in Abu Dhabi after a four-year absence from our schedule. Abu Dhabi International Airport is emerging as an increasingly important regional logistics hub with state-of-the-art facilities and we are excited to contribute towards its further growth.” 

Out of London, IAG Cargo offers capacity to six continents with over 600 weekly wide-body services. Additionally, Dublin serves as a gateway to North America, boasting over 80 weekly wide-body rotations. The business now offers over 240 weekly wide-body services connecting Madrid and Barcelona with destinations across North America, Latin America and the Caribbean.

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Air Cargo Demand Maintains Double-Digit Growth in February

                                       The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for February 2024 global air cargo markets showing continuing strong annual growth in demand. 

•    Total demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTKs*), rose by 11.9% compared to February 2023 levels (12.4% for international operations). This is the third consecutive month of double-digit year-on-year demand growth. 

•    Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTKs), increased by 13.4% compared to February 2023 (16.0% for international operations). This was largely related to the increase in international belly capacity accompanying growth in passenger markets (29.5% year-on-year increase), which far exceeded international capacity on freighters (3.2% year-on-year increase).

"February’s demand growth of 11.9% far outpaced the 0.9% expansion in cross-border trade. This strong start for 2024 could see demand surpass the exceptionally high levels of early 2022. It also shows air cargo’s strong resilience in the face of continuing political and economic uncertainties,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

Several factors in the operating environment should be noted:

•    Global cross-border trade increased by 0.9% in January. 

•    In February, the manufacturing output Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) climbed to 51.2, indicating expansion. The new export orders PMI also rose to 49.4, remaining slightly below the 50 threshold that would indicate growth.

•    February year-on-year inflation dropped to 2.8% in the EU while rising to 2.8% and 3.2% in Japan and the US respectively.  After four months of deflation, China reported a 0.7% increase in inflation year-on-year—a positive development amid concerns over China's economic slowdown.

My Freighter leases third 767 from ATSG

Air Transport Services Group, Inc confirmed this week that it has delivered a newly converted Boeing 767-300 freighter to My Freighter Cargo Airlines of Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

This delivery marks ATSG’s fourth newly converted Boeing 767-300 dry-lease delivery this year, as outlined in its fourth-quarter investor release on February 26, 2024.

ATSG's subsidiary, Airborne Global Leasing, executed this delivery in alignment with ATSG's Lease+Plus strategy, which provides freighter capacity and associated aviation services to meet demand within established and emerging global freight markets.

“Our expanding relationship with My Freighter exemplifies the tangible value of our Lease+Plus strategy,” said Paul Chase, chief commercial officer of ATSG. “The Boeing 767-300 continues to be the freighter of choice among e-commerce integrators and express carriers as it provides the operational flexibility and efficiency to build those networks.”

ATSG continues to focus on global market opportunities in Central and Southeast Asia to enhance its global leasing network. ATSG's freighter offering, including the Airbus A321 and A330 freighters, is poised to meet increased capacity growth demands in these growing global markets.

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IAG Cargo looks to double its IT and digital team

IAG Cargo will expand its IT and digital team with more than 60 roles

The team will focus on enhancing systems and improving customer access to IAG Cargo’s extensive global network

 

IAG Cargo, the cargo division of International Airlines Group (IAG), is growing its IT and digital team with more than 60 roles, more than doubling the size of its global team. People can find out more information on available roles at www.iagcargo.com/en/careers, where applications are now open.

This expansion is part of IAG Cargo’s commitment to be an agile, innovative and customer-centric business, increasing efficiency and embracing new technologies that will enable the company to adapt in an ever-changing landscape. 

IAG Cargo already utilises various digital technologies and tools to streamline operations. For example, its new cargo handling facility at London Heathrow saw bespoke IT system upgrades and integrations that optimise how freight is moved and allocated within the facility, this state-of-the-art technology helps make IAG Cargo smarter and faster, enabling the company to provide the best customer service. 

ATSG delivers additional Boeing 767 Freighter to DHL

Air Transport Services Group, announced this week that it has commenced a new lease agreement with DHL Network Operations (USA), Inc. under which ATSG’s Cargo Aircraft Management (CAM) has leased a 767-300 freighter aircraft to DHL to operate within DHL’s global network.

“As one of our longest leasing relationships, we take pride in identifying opportunities to enhance capacity within the DHL network,” said Paul Chase, chief commercial officer of ATSG. “The Boeing 767 remains unrivalled in the medium-widebody freighter market, serving as the backbone for lessees by offering payload capacity and range capabilities to optimize express delivery operations.”

The agreement will increase the total CAM-leased 767 fleet at DHL to fourteen.

“Leasing customers recognize our Lease+Plus strategy as an opportunity to increase capacity and meet market demand,” stated Chase. “No other company in the world can compete with our bundle of services for midsize freighters, including leasing, air express operations, heavy maintenance, freighter conversions, and logistics services.”

DHL eBrochure

IAG Cargo launches new service between Barcelona and Miami

IAG Cargo announces a new service between Barcelona and Miami with flights operating up to three times a week from 31st March

Miami is IAG Cargo’s fifth connection between Barcelona and the U.S. 

IAG Cargo also restarts services between Barcelona and San Francisco from 31st March

 

IAG Cargo, the cargo division of International Airlines Group (IAG), has announced a new service between Barcelona and Miami. The route will run three times a week to Miami International Airport from 31st March 2024, increasing to four services from June to September. 

Barcelona is one of IAG Cargo’s four hubs, alongside London Heathrow, Madrid, and Dublin, and is home to two of the IAG Group’s airlines, LEVEL and Vueling. Miami will mark IAG Cargo’s fifth direct connection to the United States from Barcelona, which already encompasses Boston, Los Angeles, New York’s JFK and San Francisco. This new route adds to almost 200 weekly connections between Spain and the United States. Barcelona is well positioned to connect the United States and the rest of Europe, with an extensive trucking network into nearby countries. 

Miami is the world’s largest gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean and offers two-way cargo traffic, linking the Americas with Europe. It is renowned as a hub for the distribution of perishable products, hi-tech commodities, telecommunications equipment, textiles, pharmaceuticals and industrial machinery. The introduction of this service is being made possible by adding a sixth aircraft to LEVEL’s fleet. 

Camilo Garcia Cervera, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer at IAG Cargo said: “The transatlantic corridor is an important part of our network and supports so many of our customers. Miami is a thriving logistics hub, strategic for air freight. With our already well-established network connecting major cities in the United States with Europe, this new route will enhance our connectivity even more.” 

IAG Cargo also restarts services between Barcelona and San Francisco from 31st March, with four weekly frequencies. In 2023 IAG Cargo had a commercial revenue of €1,156 million. It has a combined workforce of more than 2,250 people. Its parent company, International Airlines Group, is one of the world's largest airline groups with 582 aircraft at 31st December 2023.

 

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Cathay Cargo Terminal first air cargo terminal in Hong Kong to enable ePayments...........Providing seamless payment for cargo collection

Cathay Cargo Terminal has become the first air cargo terminal in Hong Kong to introduce a business-to-business (B2B) ePayment solution, partnering with leading global cargo payment platform PayCargo to offer a secure, user-friendly, and efficient digital payment method for import cargo collection.

Cathay Cargo Terminal Chief Operating Officer Mark Watts said: “We are delighted to have selected PayCargo as our ePayment solution, providing more choice and convenience for freight forwarders and their trucking agents. This marks yet another milestone in our digital journey after enabling eAWBs (electronic airwaybills) and introducing eSRF (electronic Shipment Release Forms) at our terminal, reaffirming our commitment to digital leadership.”

Benefits to freight forwarders include the convenience of settling transactions anytime anywhere, eliminating queuing for cash payments, enhanced security, and expediting the entire cargo release process. This initiative has also been welcomed by the terminal’s customer airlines, who value the ease with which their customers will be able to settle payments in future.

Emirates SkyCargo is now live on cargo.one

The new channel cements Emirates SkyCargo’s presence on three of the biggest digital marketplaces, providing more choice and flexibility for global customers.

Cementing its presence on three of the biggest digital marketplaces for air freight logistics, Emirates SkyCargo is now live on cargo.one. The partnership underscores Emirates SkyCargo’s long standing commitment to implementing digital solutions that streamline operations, drive efficiencies and unlock value for its global customer base. Bolstering its advanced and customer-centric digital distribution strategy, partnering with cargo.one ensures that Emirates SkyCargo offers are present where its customers wish to book. 

Through cargo.one, customers will be able to access Emirates SkyCargo schedules, tariff and contract rates, along with real-time access to available capacity, empowering freight forwarders to make immediate bookings at any time. During the initial launch phase, the partnership will roll out in select countries in Europe before expanding across the Americas, Africa, the Far East and Australasia. cargo.one now contributes to Emirates SkyCargo’s digital status in the market, with its seamless booking experience and reach to 15,000 freight forwarders in every corner of the world. 

Jeffrey van Haeften, Senior Vice President Cargo Commercial Worldwide, Emirates SkyCargo, said: “Digitalisation is a key way that we help the world work better, providing flexible and convenient options for freight forwarders to seamlessly access Emirates SkyCargo’s world-class product and services. In turn, by streamlining our quotations and bookings, we enable our teams to focus on providing outstanding customer service, which is the cornerstone of our brand. We will continue to invest in digital solutions and partnerships such as cargo.one to enhance the experience for our customers and expedite the movement of goods all over the world.”

Emirates SkyCargo’s four core products are listed on cargo.one, including Emirates Fresh and Emirates Fresh Breathe, an integrated and responsive cool chain purpose-built for perishables; Emirates Airfreight Priority for urgent shipments that require speed and reliability; and Emirates Airfreight for the quick and careful transport of general cargo.

Airbus establishes an OpenCargoLab with leading airfreight industry partners

Airbus has launched the OpenCargoLab, a collaborative initiative with leading partners from the airline, logistics and handling sectors, focusing on the entire airfreight ecosystem. The collaboration involves a team of experts from CHAMP Cargosystems, Fraport, KLM Cargo, Kuehne+Nagel and Swissport. Together, the partners will work to drive digital, resource-saving concepts, contributing to more resilient and efficient airfreight processes.

Announced at the IATA World Cargo Symposium in Hong Kong taking place from 12 to 14 March, the OpenCargoLab supports Airbus’ forecast, which expects the global freight market to grow by 50% by 2042. Specifically for Asia-Pacific, the region’s continued rapid economic growth means this market remains highly promising for modern airfreight business with digital-savvy hubs. Airbus anticipates demand for around 400 widebody freighters, including new builds and conversions, in Asia-Pacific over the next 20 years. This represents more than 25% of global demand for 1,490 cargo aircraft in the above 40 tonne segment.

As part of the OpenCargoLab initiative, Airbus will also evaluate digital solutions such as augmented reality and robotics in order to optimise data connectivity in general and, for example, the transport of dangerous goods in particular.

"With the OpenCargoLab, we benefit from a holistic think tank for the dynamically growing cargo market and thus an agile environment for developing innovations connecting the airfreight market of today and tomorrow,” says Marvin Ehrmann, Head of Airbus’ OpenCargoLab. “We are very excited to have established a thought leadership platform where experienced partners can drive the airfreight sector to become even more efficient, sustainable and connected.”

In addition, the OpenCargoLab will contribute to the A350F’s further design and application development. Just two-and-a-half years after launch, the order book for this all-new, next-generation freighter stands at 50 firm orders from nine customers as Airbus steadily expands its market share in this highly competitive segment.

In order to test the findings developed at the OpenCargoLab, an innovative test field for validating these new technology concepts is currently established at Airbus’ Cargo competence site in Bremen, Germany, e.g. known for the development of the cargo loading systems or the cargo door actuation systems.  Among others, a replica of the A350F fuselage with the large cargo door included will be installed at the sites’ new Cargo Test Center by the end of 2024.

Your travel planning isn’t complete without learning the language—or at least some essential phrases. Fully immerse yourself in the language, or use Phrasebook to learn travel essentials—the choice is yours!

Emirates SkyCargo is now live on cargo.one

The new channel cements Emirates SkyCargo’s presence on three of the biggest digital marketplaces, providing more choice and flexibility for global customers.

Cementing its presence on three of the biggest digital marketplaces for air freight logistics, Emirates SkyCargo is now live on cargo.one. The partnership underscores Emirates SkyCargo’s long standing commitment to implementing digital solutions that streamline operations, drive efficiencies and unlock value for its global customer base. Bolstering its advanced and customer-centric digital distribution strategy, partnering with cargo.one ensures that Emirates SkyCargo offers are present where its customers wish to book. 

Through cargo.one, customers will be able to access Emirates SkyCargo schedules, tariff and contract rates, along with real-time access to available capacity, empowering freight forwarders to make immediate bookings at any time. During the initial launch phase, the partnership will roll out in select countries in Europe before expanding across the Americas, Africa, the Far East and Australasia. cargo.one now contributes to Emirates SkyCargo’s digital status in the market, with its seamless booking experience and reach to 15,000 freight forwarders in every corner of the world. 

Jeffrey van Haeften, Senior Vice President Cargo Commercial Worldwide, Emirates SkyCargo, said: “Digitalisation is a key way that we help the world work better, providing flexible and convenient options for freight forwarders to seamlessly access Emirates SkyCargo’s world-class product and services. In turn, by streamlining our quotations and bookings, we enable our teams to focus on providing outstanding customer service, which is the cornerstone of our brand. We will continue to invest in digital solutions and partnerships such as cargo.one to enhance the experience for our customers and expedite the movement of goods all over the world.”

Emirates SkyCargo’s four core products are listed on cargo.one, including Emirates Fresh and Emirates Fresh Breathe, an integrated and responsive cool chain purpose-built for perishables; Emirates Airfreight Priority for urgent shipments that require speed and reliability; and Emirates Airfreight for the quick and careful transport of general cargo.

Sustainability, digitalization and safety in air cargo

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reviewed progress in digitalization, safety and sustainability at the opening of the IATA World Cargo Symposium with the aim of accelerating progress on these critical priorities.  “Air cargo volumes are now firmly back to pre-pandemic levels. The challenge now is to ensure that air cargo growth is efficient, safe and aligned with achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Through the hard work of the air cargo industry, the building blocks are in place to significantly accelerate progress in all these areas,” said Brendan Sullivan, IATA’s Global Head of Cargo at the World Cargo Symposium (WCS), which opened in Hong Kong, today.  Digitalization  “The biggest opportunity for the air cargo industry is digitalization. This has not happened as fast as any of us would have liked. But progress is real. Inefficient paper-based, manual processes are being replaced with digital solutions in all aspects of cargo operations from tracking to customs clearance. That’s a fact. And it’s making international trade more efficient. Our call to action is clear: Governments must consistently implement global standards, supply chain partners need to collaborate to overcome shared challenges, and the entire industry must align to ensure a unified and effective approach to digitalization,” said Sullivan.  Three areas were highlighted to illustrate progress: •    Seamless sharing of digital information: The adoption of the ONE Record standard is enabling efficient data exchange throughout the supply chain. The aim is for all IATA members to achieve ONE Record capability by January 2026. Cathay Cargo and Lufthansa Cargo have already met this target. And all major airline IT platform providers have pledged to attain ONE Record capability to support this transition.  •    Digitalization of customs and trade facilitation processes: Among countries already implementing, Brazil's use of IATA's digital standards has cut cargo release times from 5 days to just 5 hours, potentially reducing manual processing by up to 90%. And the EU, UAE and Canada recognized the value of accurate data sharing across the air cargo supply chain and will adopt pre-loading advance cargo information systems by the end of 2024. The US was the early-adopter of this in 2019.  •    Shipment tracking: The updated IATA Interactive Cargo Guidance offers a unified framework, enabling tracking devices to ensure the quality and accuracy of conditions for time and temperature-sensitive goods. This is critical to facilitate growing demands for real-time shipment tracking by e-commerce and pharmaceutical trade.

Ethiopian inaugurates the first of its kind e-commerce logistics facility at Bole International Airport

The facility positions Addis Ababa to be the cross-border e-commerce logistics hub for Africa and beyond

Ethiopian Airlines Group, the largest airline group in Africa and one of the fastest-growing airline brands globally, proudly announced the launching of its state-of-the-art e-commerce logistics facility in a grand event recently. The Ethiopian e-commerce facility is located inside the Ethiopian Cargo & Logistics premises.

The newly built facility, which is dedicated to e-commerce, mail and courier logistics services is aimed at bridging logistical gaps and positioning Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, as the cross-border e-commerce logistics hub for Africa and beyond. Marking the unveiling of the new facility, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mr. Mesfin Tasew said: "The inauguration of this cutting-edge e-commerce logistics facility is a significant breakthrough for Ethiopian Airlines Group and the entire African economy. We have implemented high-end technologies in the infrastructure that revolutionize the way goods are transported and delivered in the e-commerce industry in Africa. Through this facility, Ethiopian Airlines paves the way for the development of e-commerce services in Ethiopia and the African continent. Built on 15,000 square meters of area, the facility boasts a capacity to handle 150,000 tons annually. We are glad to witness that our investment of 55 million USD has indeed pay off and enabled us to set the e-commerce industry in the continent to follow the global trend.”

This e-commerce Logistics Facility is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and meticulously implemented systems; as a result, the facility will offer a range of services including consolidation, deconsolidation, sortation, repacking, labelling and more.

Air Canada Cargo Named 2024 ATW Cargo Operator of the Year

First Canadian operator to receive the award

Air Canada and Air Canada Cargo are honoured to have been named the 2024 Cargo Operator of the Year as part of the 50th annual ATW Airline Industry Achievement Awards, the first Canadian operator to be bestowed the award.

Air Canada Cargo was recognized for its digital transformation as a key pillar of its commercial strategy, including a customer-centric digital environment that provides valuable self-serve scheduling and booking tools. Air Canada Cargo has also moved customer accounts to a cloud-based system, reducing the need for paper air waybills.

"We are extremely honoured to be recognized by ATW as Cargo Operator of the Year for 2024. I thank the thousands of dedicated employees at Air Canada Cargo who work tirelessly to ensure the unique needs of all of our customers are met and that essential goods keep moving around the globe. We have continued to invest in technology that allows us to find efficiencies and provide our customers with the best service possible. As a true global combination carrier, we have been able to provide consistent capacity worldwide through the flexibility our freighter fleet and expansive passenger widebody network provides," said Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President, Revenue and Network Planning.

IATA World Cargo Symposium agenda released.

The agenda for the IATA World Cargo Symposium (WCS) which will feature specialized tracks on Digitalization, Sustainability and Safety & Security. WCS is taking place in Hong Kong (SAR), China from 12 - 14 March 2024, has been released.

"Air cargo is an unsung hero of the global economy. In normal times, it delivers some 35% of the value of goods traded across borders. In the pandemic, air cargo brought medical supplies and vaccines to where they were needed. And today it is providing a vital transport alternative for some products as Red Sea shipping lanes face geopolitical uncertainty. Air cargo’s success matters. When air cargo’s global leaders gather in Hong Kong for the IATA World Cargo Symposium, ensuring the future reliability and growth of this critical sector will be top of mind with an agenda focused on sustainability, digitalization, safety and security," said Brendan Sullivan, IATA’s Global Head of Cargo.

Speakers & Sessions 

Ronald Lam, Cathay Group Chief Executive Officer, Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General, and Marie Owens Thomsen, IATA’s SVP Sustainability and Chief Economist, will join Sullivan in setting the scene for the conference with keynote addresses. They will be followed by key air cargo experts, including: 

•    Tom Owen, Director of Cargo, Cathay Pacific 

•    Michael Steen, Chief Executive Officer, Atlas Air 

•    Vivian Lau, Chief Executive, Jardine Aviation Services Group

•    Kirsten de Bruijn, Executive Vice President Cargo, WestJet

•    Marco Bloeman, Managing Director, Accenture and Head of Accenture Cargo

The event’s overall theme of Driving Sustainable and Inclusive Growth will be supported by three tracks: 

•    Sustainability, which will include sessions on tracking progress towards net zero carbon emissions by 2050, ESG reporting, optimizing operations for environmental performance, reducing single use plastics, and circular strategies for Unit Load Device (ULD) components.

•    Digitalization, which will include sessions on data driven strategies to improve performance and reduce costs, achieving the efficiencies of OneRecord, and the potential for generative AI in air cargo.

•    Safety & Security, which will include sessions on Annex 18 Regulatory oversight of freight forwarders/handling agents for dangerous goods shipments, fire containment strategies for lithium battery shipments, ULD airworthiness, latest developments for the safety of live animal shipments, implications of an integrated risk management framework.

 

Virgin Atlantic Cargo Joins Freightos' WebCargo to Bring Air Cargo eBooking to Thousands of Freight Forwarders Globally

Freightos, a leading vendor-neutral booking and payment platform for the international freight industry, announced that WebCargo by Freightos has partnered with Virgin Atlantic Cargo, a global air cargo leader. This collaboration combines Virgin Atlantic Cargo's extensive network with WebCargo's digital reach, providing more options for forwarders globally.

With the largest off-site cargo handling operation at the UK's largest commercial aviation hub in London, Virgin Atlantic Cargo flies to 30 destinations across four continents, including key locations across the United States, India, China, Nigeria, South Africa, and the Caribbean. Virgin Atlantic Cargo's state-of-the-art cargo centre "dnata City East" offers the latest technology and facilities available to handle cargo efficiently and enables smooth connections to its onward network. The airline's facilities and the processes implemented worldwide are designed to keep all types of products from general cargo to perishables and pharma safe during their transportation.

"We are delighted to have partnered with WebCargo as we continue to provide intuitive experiences for our customers, so they can move cargo their way. As customer requirements and digital experiences evolve it's important for us to work with a platform that has an optimized digital booking process and provides access to the largest number of forwarders with seamless access to our global network," said Virgin Atlantic Cargo Managing Director Phil Wardlaw. "Customers are at the heart of everything we do and we strive to make air cargo easier for everyone, offering more ways to book and access our capacity," Wardlaw added.

"The addition of Virgin Atlantic Cargo's capacity to WebCargo means that freight forwarders in over 10,000 offices worldwide gain instant, digital access to Virgin's vast network, including key destinations, such as New York, Los Angeles, and New Delhi," said Manel Galindo, Chief Revenue Officer at Freightos. "Global reach is crucial in our current era of supply chain disruptions and Red Sea workarounds. We are proud to partner with Virgin Atlantic Cargo to expand trade between the people of the world."

Virgin Atlantic Cargo Booking & Pricing | WebCargo

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Air Cargo demand surges 10.8% in December....

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for global air freight markets showing that air cargo demand rebounded in 2023 with a particularly strong fourth quarter performance despite economic uncertainties. Full-year demand reached a level just slightly below 2022 and 2019. 

•    Global full-year demand in 2023, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTKs), was down 1.9% compared to 2022 (-2.2% for international operations). Compared to 2019, it was down 3.6% (-3.8 for international operations).

•    Capacity in 2023, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTKs), was 11.3% above 2022 (+9.6% for international operations). Compared to 2019 (pre-COVID) levels, capacity was up 2.5% (0.0% for international operations).

•    December 2023 saw an exceptionally strong performance: global demand was 10.8% above 2022 levels (+11.5% for international operations). This was the strongest annual growth performance over the past two years. Global capacity was 13.6% above 2022 levels (+14.1% for international operations). 

•    Some indicators to note include: 

   

o    Global cross-border trade recorded growth for the third consecutive month in October, reversing its previous downward trend.

o    December inflation in both the United States and the EU as measured by the corresponding Consumer Price Indices (CPI) stayed below 3.5% year-on-year. China’s CPI, however, indicated deflation for the third consecutive month, raising concerns of an economic slowdown. 

o    Both the manufacturing output and new export order Purchasing Managers Indexes (PMIs) – two leading indicators of global air cargo demand—continued to hover below the 50-mark in December, usual markers for contraction.

“Despite political and economic challenges, 2023 saw air cargo markets regain ground lost in 2022 after the extraordinary COVID peak in 2021. Although full year demand was shy of pre-COVID levels by 3.6%, the significant strengthening in the last quarter is a sign that markets are stabilizing towards more normal demand patterns. That puts the industry on very solid ground for success in 2024. But with continued, and in some cases intensifying, instability in geopolitics and economic forces, little should be taken for granted in the months ahead,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

IAG Cargo named as one of UK’s Top Employers

IAG Cargo, the cargo division of International Airlines Group (IAG), has been recognised as a Top Employer in the UK. Reflecting the company’s ongoing commitment to the development and wellbeing of its people, through a progressive, ‘people-first’ approach.

Top Employers Institute has named IAG Cargo as a Top Employer for 2024

 

The Top Employer Institute is the global authority on recognising excellence in people practices.

 

The Top Employers Institute programme certified IAG Cargo based on its excellent HR policies and people practices

The Top Employers Institute conducts a rigorous process exploring a company’s policies and practices in regard to 20 topics including People Strategy, Work Environment, Talent Acquisition, Learning, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, and Wellbeing among others. 

IAG Cargo’s commitment to its people and robust programmes enabled it to be selected among other significant organisations. One initiative is a new learning and development series the business introduced, “Leading the Way”, that is designed to energise all employees across the business on IAG Cargo’s vision, mission, values and customer essentials; over 500 employees from 13 countries attended the programme in person in 2023. The business also introduced initiatives such as ‘Power hours’, inviting employees from various departments to share knowledge bites, contributing to the upskilling of their colleagues across the business. 

In the last year, IAG Cargo has devoted resources to learning and development, including opening a new learning hub at its London HQ, introducing a global digital training platform, alongside a programme called CoLAB designed to hear and capture the ideas of employees in an open forum, creating a sense of belonging within the business. 

Caroline Andrews, Chief People Officer, IAG Cargo, said: “We are incredibly proud to be named as a Top Employer 2024 as a business dedicated to supporting our employees and fostering a purpose-driven business. A company’s culture greatly influences its employees’ work experiences and is a crucial component of empowering employees to be inspired and bring their curious minds and determined attitudes to work. 

As a global business that operates 24/7 throughout the year, we could not be successful without a remarkable group of employees.” 

In addition to the programmes and learning initiatives implemented at IAG Cargo, the business introduced a complimentary 24-hour gym at its London Heathrow campus, established a mental health first aider programme and opened a brand-new canteen that provides delicious and nutritious meals –working to create an office environment that is supportive and motivating.

IAG Cargo to open applications for 2024 graduate scheme at London Heathrow

IAG Cargo is taking applications for its 2024 Graduate Scheme

The programme has been running for 11 years and specially selects the top 1.1% of applicants to launch their careers in global logistics

 

Successful candidates will gain experience across a range of head office functions and have great opportunities for fast progression within the business.

IAG Cargo, the cargo division of International Airlines Group (IAG), is looking for eleven budding logistics professionals to join its two-year graduate programme commencing in September 2024 based at London Heathrow. Having first launched in 2012, the programme has produced numerous senior business leaders and provides valuable experience across different areas of the business from operations, revenue management, human resources to sales.

IAG Cargo supports many industries to transport goods across the globe, helping to keep the world’s economy turning. By utilising the belly-holds of passenger flights across the Group’s five airlines - British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, Vueling and LEVEL – IAG Cargo moves everything you can think of whether it’s to keep the automobile production line on schedule, stock supermarket shelves, or to deliver life-saving medicines. 

New intakes will benefit from IAG Cargo’s brand-new learning hub to ensure a comprehensive induction into the business. Graduates from the 2023 cohort also had the opportunity to travel to IAG Cargo’s hubs in Madrid and Dublin to provide an insight into the business’ global operations.

Caroline Andrew, Chief People Officer at IAG Cargo said: “Our graduate programme is a key initiative for the business in supporting and developing early-career talent. Working within high-performing teams across the organisation, our graduates are provided with nurturing support in a collaborative setting, fostering their true potential and paving the way for their journey as future leaders.

"Alongside our enticing accelerated development opportunities such as our Leadership Programme Leading the Way, recently revamped fitness facilities, and travel opportunities, we are establishing an environment conducive for everyone to excel in their careers. We’re looking forward to welcoming the upcoming wave of talented individuals and bringing their unique perspectives, and I send my best wishes to all applicants.”

Jack Mulholland Kinsella, Logistics Graduate at IAG Cargo commented: “Participating in this graduate programme has been an enriching experience. From the onset, I've assumed significant responsibilities, collaborating with professionals from diverse sectors and drawing inspiration from leaders in the business. Each day presents unique problem-solving opportunities which provides an engaging work environment that continuously challenges and motivates me.”        

The programme is based at IAG Cargo’s head office at London Heathrow and offers a competitive salary, in addition to several employee benefits, flexible work arrangements, including discounted flights.

Applications close at the end of January and applicants will hear whether they have been successful in April.

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Find out more about the IAG Cargo Graduate Programme and how to apply here: https://www.iagcargo.com/en/careers/