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The weekly newspaper for air cargo professionals No. 1,118

8 FEBRUARY 2021

CLOUDS CAN HAVE SILVER LININGS

WeQare: the next chapter QATAR Airways Cargo has revealed Chapter 2 of its sustainability programme WeQare: Rewild the Planet. The cargo carrier is committed to preserving wildlife and endangered animals and has pledged to transport these animals back to their natural habitat, free of charge. Guillaume Halleux, Qatar Airways chief officer cargo said, “We are concerned about the legacy we leave for the future generation. “As the world’s leading cargo carrier, we strongly believe in giving back to the community and protecting our environment. We all know that animals have an important role to play in preserving ecological balance which in turn ensures

existence and stability of the environment. “Through Chapter 2 – Rewild the Planet, we want to encourage this preservation and that is why we are offering free transport to bring wild animals back to where they belong.” The airline has released a series of striking advertisements and a special video to commemorate the announcement and importance of Chapter 2. Through them, Qatar Airways Cargo aims to raise awareness of such issues among its customers and air cargo stakeholders. All chapters of WeQare are based on the core pillars of sustainability - environment, society, economy and culture and the programme has the backing and support of the employees of Qatar Airways Cargo. The cargo carrier believes that such positive actions will have a ripple effect and inspire people to put sustainability on top of their agenda. Qatar Airways Cargo will launch more chapters in the coming months, all of which are directly linked to the everyday activities of the carrier. Through such programmes, Qatar Airways Cargo is leading the way for a more sustainable and socially-responsible air cargo industry and playing an active role in building tomorrow’s world.

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INSIDE BIFA 2020 FREIGHT SERVICE AWARDS

DESPITE a year beset by multiple operational difficulties and uncertainties across the entire supply chain, BIFA notes that there were many ... PAGE 2

AUTOLOGIC’S SOLUTION

AutoLogic Airports has launched a low-cost cargo solution that will enable airports to create a sophisticated cargo facility ... PAGE 2 QUAH: “WE’LL RIDE THIS OUT”

As an inaugural signatory to the Buckingham Palace Declaration in March 2016 and a founding member of the United for Wildlife Transport Taskforce, Qatar Airways has a zero-tolerance policy towards the illegal trade of endangered wildlife. The cargo carrier’s initiative to bring wildlife back to their natural habitat is consistent with the airline’s commitment to fight wildlife trafficking and illegal trade of wild animals.

ACW spoke to Roland Quah, executive director of World Alliance GSA about Asian airfreight, diversification and the year ahead ... PAGE 4

Unite ends BA fire and rehire dispute

BRITISH Airways and trade union Unite have been at loggerheads over the firing and hiring of the workforce in the airline’s cargo division. However, Unite union has now secured a deal to end the long-running dispute after BA’s new CEO Sean Doyle became directly involved. Members of Unite employed at BA Cargo, the majority of whom work at Heathrow Airport,

undertook nine days of strike action over the Christmas/New Year period which caused overwhelming disruption to the company’s cargo services. Unite had proposed a total of a further nine days of strike action beginning on Friday January 22 but the first three days were called off at the last minute, after progress was made at the

negotiations. The key points of the deal include the end of fire and rehire, workers to revert to previous contractual provisions, no compulsory redundancies, improved pay protection for staff whose pay sits above the new agreed rates and an increase in pay for a significant proportion of staff. Staff who did not sign and were dismissed will be offered their jobs back.

STARTING IN A STORM

IN January, Adam Cooper joined Air Menzies International (AMI) as head of sales in America. ACW caught up with Cooper to find out what it is like ... PAGE 7

aircargoweek.com

NEWS BIFA 2020 FREIGHT SERVICE AWARD WINNERS DESPITE a year beset by multiple operational difficulties and uncertainties across the entire supply chain, BIFA notes that there were many outstanding entries in the BIFA Freight Service Awards 2020. In the Air Cargo Services category, sponsored by ASM UK, Simarco Worldwide Logistics beat fellow finalists DHL Global Forwarding, Kerry Logistics and Ligentia Global. DB Schenker took first place in the Project Forwarding category, sponsored by Peter Lole Insurance Brokers, defeating fellow finalists Atlantic Pacific Global Logistics; RIF Worldwide; Specialist Logistics Services and Ucargo. In the Specialist Services category, presented by Transaid, the winner was NNR Global Logistics; whilst the other finalists included B&H Worldwide; In Time Worldwide Logistics; and Lila International Logistics. B&H Worldwide was revealed as the winner of the Supply Chain Management category, sponsored by BoxTop Technologies, beating off strong competition from fellow finalists Killick Martin & Company; Ligentia Global and Progressive 3PL. Scooping first place in the Cool & Special Cargoes category, spon-

sored by TT Club was Gist which overcame fellow finalist, Killick Martin & Company. In the Extra Mile Award, sponsored by Descartes, United Worldwide Logistics literally went the extra mile to defeat fellow finalists Kerry Logistics; Moto Freight and Pentagon Freight. Morrison Freight triumphed in the Staff Development category, sponsored by Albacore Systems.

Apprentice of the Year Winner of the Apprentice of the Year category, sponsored by Seetec Outsource, was Ryan Wilkes from Kuehne + Nagel, who defeated fellow finalists Chloe Hamlett (Charles Kendall Freight); Eloise Hill (DHL Global Forwarding); Stuart Lupton (DHL Global Forwarding); Ben Milligan (DHL Global Forwarding) and Harry Wilson (Ligentia UK). Katy Hopkinson from Kuehne + Nagel defeated fellow finalists Jack Coope (B&H Worldwide); Sam Greenhalgh (Zencargo); Zoe Lowe (Kerry Logistics); Keegan Starkey (Specialist Logistics Services) and Beckie Vallance (Geodis) to win the Young Freight Forwarder category, which is sponsored by Virgin Atlantic Cargo.

Emirates reinstating UK pax operations EMIRATES has reinstated outbound passenger operations from the UK from February 2. Initially this includes a daily flight from London Heathrow and four weekly from Manchester. Services from Birmingham and Glasgow will continue to be cargo-only.

utoLogic Airports has launched a low-cost cargo solution that will enable airports to create a sophisticated cargo facility within months. iCargo will enable airports to start filling the spare passenger aircraft capacity faced by the industry as a result of the pandemic. It would also allow airports without previous cargo experience to generate a new revenue stream, desperately needed at this time.

iCargo comprises a prefabricated semi-permanent modular building, cargo hardware and software that can process from 40,000 to three milion tonnes of cargo per annum. The module takes just weeks to erect, is not subject to the usual planning requirements and has a lifespan of 15 years. The iCargo facility can be fixed directly to a level ground slab, removing the need for bespoke foundations and a lengthy build process. Hardware available includes cargo

system conveyors plus EU/TSA cargo X-ray and Explosive Trace Detection (ETD) and customs zones. There are also optional UV and Fridge Freezer Solutions. AI virtual design, performance simulation and digital twins then test the facility before it is even built, shortening the commissioning time even further. The end-to-end rapid deployment cargo solution can be fully operational within six months.

World Cargo Summit: Asian market outlook THE World Cargo Summit kicked off on January 26 with plenty of informative sessions and networking opportunities. In the Asian Market Outlook seminar, Lim Ching Kiat, managing director of Air Hub Development at Changi Airport Group, Khata Vinin, deputy VP of Air Cargo Management Department at Airports of Thailand, Do Xuan Quang, CEO of Vetjet Cargo and Joey Laurente, director of cargo sales at Cebu Pacific Air gave plenty of insights into the changing market. The panel reiterated the importance of cargo throughout the pandemic. Xuan Quang explained that cargo revenue is now one of the main revenue contributions to airline operations at Vietjet, with Vinin adding that the emphasis

MENZIES Aviation, the global aviation logistics specialist, has made five new appointments, including three new strategic hires, which will further bolster its cargo team. Rory Fidler joins Menzies in the newly-created role of VP cargo technology and will be responsible for driving forward digital innovation across Menzies’ global cargo operations. Fidler has extensive experience in designing and executing digital transformation programmes. Another new addition to Menzies’ cargo team is Colin Baldwin, who is assuming the position of head of cargo Africa. In the US, Adam Cooper joins as Air Menzies International head of sales from United Airlines, where he was senior manager of cargo sales strategy. Alongside these new external hires, Menzies has made two internal appointments. James Wong will assume the position of VP cargo for the Americas region, whilst Karl Aldwinckle will become head of cargo operations at London Heathrow Airport, to strengthen the operations team as part of an ongoing transformation process for London Heathrow cargo.

ACW 8 FEBRUARY 2021

AutoLogic’s solution to spare pax capacity

Menzies Aviation boosts cargo team with five appointments

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on cargo operations has forced businesses to diversify. For example, cross border trucking to and from Thai Airports has become an extremely important part of cargo operations. Where jobs were lost in the passenger sector, Vinin comments that 15,000 employees still work under him in cargo operations. “The pandemic has changed the way we do business,” Laurente added. “Cargo has always been significant but more so in the pandemic.” At Cebu Pacific Air, cargo usually generates about 8% of business revenue share, but in Q3 of 2020, this figure was 66%. “Cargo will continue in 2021 to play a major role.” An increase in ecommerce certainly contributed to this. Vietjet recorded an 80% increase in ecommerce during the pandemic, something Xuan Quang believes will continue. He notes that The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) signed back in November will promote trade in the region, with Laurente adding that investment in the region will also increase. Businesses are re-engineering productions because of broken supply chains, Xuan Quang explained. The promotion of free trade within the RCEP region may result in a shift in supply chains within the region when rebuilding chains. As for vaccine transportation, the panel all agreed they are ready to hit the ground running. At Suvarnabhumi Airport, the cargo team are operating “land and go” solutions for vaccines, meaning documents and processes are completed before touchdown to speed up onward transportation. It was clear from the seminar that the Asian cargo market is in a good position and will continue to strengthen with the roll out of vaccines and the gradual return to normal capacity. SINGAPORE Airlines has taken to the skies to restore global supply chains. In HI of FY20/21, SIA reports stronger cargo flown revenue, up S$274 million or +28.3%. Some 308.4 million kg of

cargo was flown, compared to 616.3 million kg in FY19/20, a drop of 50%. “To ease cargo capacity, we have introduced cargo-only passenger flights,” said the carrier.

NEWS

transport logistics exhibition - save the date! Jan de Rijk increase road feeder capacity

ransport logistics exhibitions and TIACA Executive Summit have announced the first physical industry gathering after an 18-month hiatus - “On Course for the Future – the 2 + 2 on Innovation in Logistics”. The event will be held September 21-24 2021 in San Francisco and will include two days of conference programme with enough time for networking plus two days of innovation journey to the trendiest impulse generators in Silicon Valley. “No region in the world continues to stand more for inventiveness in the digitalised world. What can logistics learn from this, how must supply chain management adapt to it in the future? But also - which digital trends can be implemented in your own company?” say organisers. “After the long break, we look forward to meeting face-to-face once again.”

ACS expands in Switzerland AIR Charter Service (ACS) has announced it has made further investment in growing its Swiss operations and has more than tripled its office space. It has come a long way since year one, when the office booked 27 flights, generating a turnover of £450,000. Despite the pandemic in 2020, ACS Geneva had its record year, booking over 500 flights and recording a turnover of more than £30 million. “This is an exciting time for ACS Switzerland – we have added several new faces to our team, and celebrated our fifth anniversary last year,” commented Alvaro Recas Pardo, CEO of ACS Switzerland.

New office “We initially opened the office in 2015, with only two desks – now the new office can accommodate up to 23 team members. “We will continue expanding the team in 2021, which is another reason for the move to this bigger office. “The project to move here has taken almost a year to complete, in order for it to be as seamless as possible. “The new office is more than double the floor space of our previous premises. “Our business in Switzerland has grown every year since it opened and this new office space allows us to continue that trend for the foreseeable future.”

aniel Uijtdewillegen, director international transport Jan de Rijk Logistics, received the keys of the first delivery of new trucks out of the hands of Johan Claassen, sales manager, TB Bastianen. The delivery of the first eight DAF trucks are part of a larger investment programme to substantially expand Jan de Rijk’s road feeder capacity.

”Early 2020 we anticipated a strong expansion in the demand for high quality road feeder services,” explains Uijtdewillegen. “Apart from the initial shock early March caused by the COVID-19 outbreak, demand recovered strongly. Having a strong backbone of owned modern equipment enabled us to swiftly respond to that demand and service our clients during a volatile peak season. This continued expansion of the fleet capacity is

also a mainstay for our strategy in 2021. So far the strong demand for capacity this year proves our point and makes these keys part of our key to success.” The trucks are equipped with a EURO 6 MX 11, 450 hp engine that is both economical and environmentally friendly. Optimum performance can be achieved in combination with the standard mounted TraXon automatic gearbox.

At MUC, operations are going electric EFM, the company for de-icing and aircraft towing at Munich Airport, is using an aircraft tow tractor equipped with the latest 700 V lithium-ion battery technology, to effortlessly tow aircraft up to a take-off weight of 352 tonnes. The tractor achieves speeds of up to 32 km/h with consistently high tractive power. The ‘PHOENIX E’ is also equipped with a range extender that enables operation with diesel in exceptional cases. Compared to conventional diesel tractors, the maintenance effort is significantly lower. With the deployment of the all-electric aircraft pushback tug, EFM, a joint subsidiary of Lufthansa and Munich Airport, is making a contribution to Munich Airport’s climate protection goals, which are to be operated in a completely CO2-neutral manner by 2030 at the latest.

Silk Way West Airlines adds Tokyo route SILK Way West Airlines has inaugurated a new twice-weekly service to and from Tokyo Narita Airport, with the first flight set for February 11. Based on an agreement signed between Silk Way West Airlines and Nippon Cargo Airlines, both partners will operate a code-share service connecting Baku with Tokyo. Cargo will be delivered from Baku’s Heydar Aliyev International Airport to Narita. “We are delighted that the new air bridge will connect our two capital cities directly for the first time in our history, and that the geographic reach of our regular flight network continues to expand and now fully covers North Asia,” said the president of the Silk Way Group, Zaur Akhundov. “At the same time, we are constantly improving the air transportation infrastructure at Baku airport in order to meet the global demand for cargo services and we are fully ready to handle any cargo.”

DIMERCO’S SPEEDY DELIVERY FROM A to B in just five days, Dimerco has delivered oversized cargo for a leading telecommunications client to Lahore, Pakistan from Guangdong, China. Three sets of product line equipment, totalling chargeable weight 91,577 kgs, were required by the client in time for the planned opening of its new plant in Lahore. As product line equipment requires inspection for air transportation, part of Dimerco’s service included liaising with the relevant inspection institute, as well as co-ordinating local low-bed trucking and air transportation with chosen partners to provide seamless shipping from pick up to destination.

The project included instructing an experienced palletisation company to load the cargo to fit the B777F freighter, controlling all necessary documentation and ongoing communication with all parties throughout the

entire process. A spokesperson on behalf of Dimerco commented, “Most airlines providing a service to Pakistan offer a route to Karachi rather than Lahore, but clearly this would have been less convenient for our client, creating a longer transit time with higher costs. “It would also have meant a delay in the client’s new plant becoming operational, incurring costly lost production time. In this case, our industry experience and established network of trusted partners enabled us to identify an air carrier able to handle our optimised route from Guangzhou to Lahore, deliver the cargo in record time and save costs for our client.”

ACW 8 FEBRUARY 2021

NEWS SPECIAL = ASIA-PACIFIC

Quah: “We’ll ride this out” ACW spoke to Roland Quah, executive director of World Alliance GSA about Asian airfreight, diversification and the year ahead.

The past year was a rollercoaster. How has the Asian market changed? The greatest impact was the grounding of airlines across the world resulting in unhinging normal supply chain links. This brought about changes to the multimodel transportation line hauls as shippers sought alternatives to move their exports. With our major principal LOT Polish Airlines suspending scheduled flights into Singapore and Vietnam, WAG was severely tested. How did WAG adapt to these changes? From April 2020, WAG created sea-air transhipment programmes through our own

network, for cargo generating from Vietnam, Malaysia and Myanmar to Europe and Japan. During the same period, we had also actively promoted and handled a couple of LOT Polish Airlines cargo-only charters. We also worked with a couple of regional carriers on their regular limited flights into Singapore during this period. WAG started to sell cargo charters in 2020, how is this going? WAG had been working closely with regional airlines in Asia and also global charter brokers to develop our cargo charter initiatives to support our customers in SE Asia.

Cargo charters will remain part of our new and future business initiatives regardless post-COVID-19. What will 2021 look like for WAG? Much of the initiatives started in 2020 will continue as we are constantly being invited to tender in cargo GSA RFP contracts. WAG recently concluded an off-line GSA contract to represent Mercury Air Cargo for Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia. This project gives us impetus to work hard to succeed given the current market conditions. Although challenging, there are opportunities for us to create a new line haul from SE Asia into South America. We are also transitioning our business to include passenger GSA representation in our business objectives and mission. The new initiatives do not dilute our current resources as WAG had formed a passenger division to

develop and secure passenger GSA contracts. We are seeking airlines that are currently restructuring their business models to include passenger GSA representation. Some airlines are looking for opportunities to reduce their overseas operating costs during this pandemic period. The future of WAG will evolve to manage both passenger and cargo services contracts. How are you feeling for the year ahead? The worse is not over yet but we are more prepared now and our team are constantly reviewing new business opportunities for 2021. WAG will ride this out and come back stronger.

All recessions come to an end ALTHOUGH the Far East may have been the initial epicentre of COVID-19, the region has managed to control the effects, with many Asian airfreight players reporting an increase of business in 2020. Wilson Kwong, chief executive of Hong Kong’s neutral air cargo operator HACTL is optimistic. “All recessions – no matter the cause or the depth – will come to an end,” he assures. “This one will be no exception. “While the global economy recovers, airfreight will receive an interim boost from vaccine transportation, as well as the on-going and accelerating growth in e-Commerce, which has moved from a discretionary alternative means of purchasing to a virtual necessity due to continuing restrictions on bricks and mortar retailing around the world.” HACTL’s investment in automation from the get-go paid off in 2020 when it came to remote working: “We invested in IT resources to make remote working possible for many more staff and simplified and further digitised our systems and procedures to dispense with the need for physical meetings,” explains Kwong. The high degree of automation also accommodated the dramatic switch from passenger bellies to freighters. “Recent upgrades and digitisation in our ramp operations meant we were able to handle the sudden growth in freighter traffic with the same levels of equipment and manpower. “Recognising that e-Commerce growth was going to accelerate as a result of COVID-19, we

ACW 8 FEBRUARY 2021

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have invested in a new e-Commerce fulfilment centre to assist customers to win a greater share of this business,” Kwong adds. Also recognising the need for increased efficiency in vaccine handling, HACTL have made many changes and investments including an expedited “Golden Route” through their giant pharma facility and they were one of the first handlers to operate thermal dollies on the ramp. “Our facility is fully prepared for handling and re-charging active thermal containers. The scale of the COVID-19 global vaccination programme, and its special handling requirements, pose no challenge to our operations,” Kwong explains. “We are fully ready.” Despite the likely increase in pharma handling, it is business as usual for the Hong Kong-based operator, which includes handling of oversized cargo. “The most recent example of outsize handling was two 21m long crates containing railway track. The two boxes totalled some 20 tonnes in weight. Their exceptional length meant we had to operate four main deck loaders in a row and precisely synchronise their lowering to the ground,” said Kwong. With uncertainty still looming for the year ahead, Kwong assures HACTL will “strive to bring more cargo through Hong Kong and help our customer airlines secure a larger share of it. If we empower our customers to maximise their opportunities from cargo, their success will become our success.”

s r e LOVEFIS lowIN THE AIR

Planting the seed for more growth MOMENTUM built from last year has meant Kenya-based Astral Aviation has hit the tarmac running into the New Year. “2020 was an interesting year for Astral Aviation as it marked its 20th anniversary in the midst of the biggest crisis in the aviation sector,” explains Sanjeev Gadhia, CEO of Astral. “The outlook in February 2020 appeared bleak with the stoppage of passenger flights and the imposition of crew quarantine restrictions.” But the drop in capacity from the decrease in passenger flights proved the importance of cargo operations.

due to the stoppage of flights.” Astral continued to operate scheduled flights in the pandemic despite the reduction in volumes of cut flowers. “The flower industry will take many years to rebound and to get to the preCovid levels,” explains Gadhia. “However we have noticed a surge in demand for the upcoming Valentine’s Day which has resulted in many carriers increasing charter capacity for flowers from January up to February 10.” Sadly this is not enough, as the pandemic has changed consumer-demand as experienced in 2020. It is likely for the flower industry to brace for lower-volumes in 2021 as its biggest market, Europe, is still experiencing the effects of the pandemic. “But there is hope that the industry will recover in 2022 as the vaccine rollout will have been overcome in 2021.” Gadhia remains “cautiously optimistic for 2021,” but assures the acquisition of the new Boeing is certainly “a sign of positivity.” This paired with the planned vaccine rollouts across the next two years will hopefully bring the flower market back to full bloom.

Astral’s flower uplift at a glance: Cut Flower volumes

2015 122,800 tonnes 2016

33,700 tonnes

2017 160,000 tonnes 2018 161,200 tonnes 2019 173,700 tonnes 2020: est 50,000 tonnes

Blooming shame Kenya is the largest grower of flowers in Africa with a 40% market share in Europe but, Gadhia explains that due to a drop in demand during the pandemic, flower exports especially to Europe saw “a significant reduction.” For the past six years, Astral has operated a dedicated B747F from Nairobi to Doncaster Airport and one to Liege Airport, which offers capacity for cut flowers. If you are picking up a bunch of roses this Valentine’s day in Waitrose, a leading UK retailer, they will have come via an Astral flight. The pandemic particularly affected the Kenyan flower market with devastating losses. 70% of flowers were destroyed and 50,000 flower farmers lost their jobs in 2020. “Kenya exported 173,000 tonnes in 2019 but sadly in 2020, following the effects of Covid-19 in Europe, the exports of cut-flowers reduced by 70% due to the lack of demand from March which was followed by a lack of capacity from April

Flowers by numbers

The yield/rates for flowers increased by 7% in 2020, a lower increase than all other product categories.”

Over the last two years, flowers experienced higher volume growth than the overall air cargo market. Worldwide flower volumes went down by -9% in 2020, compared with -15% for All products. Of the top markets, flowers from Colombia performed best (+2%) and flowers from Kenya contracted most (-22%). Source: WorldACD Market Data, Netherlands

ACW 8 FEBRUARY 2021

NORTH AMERI A

Toronto Pearson Airport: The view from where we stand WITH the global disruption to passenger flights, Toronto Pearson Airport has had to batten down the hatches and weather the storm. “The Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA), operator of Toronto Pearson International Airport, has had to make a significant number of changes to adapt to the challenges of 2020,” explains Robin Smith, senior advisor of communications for the Airport. “First and foremost among these changes was a workforce reduction of 27% and numerous cost reduction measures implemented since the pandemic began, including a hiring freeze, reducing planned capital spending by $265M for 2020, and temporarily reducing executive and board of director salaries.” But again, the cargo sector proved its resilience. Although it is still challenged by the lack of belly capacity, all-cargo operations increased by 21%. However, to the end of the third quarter, on a year over year basis, total cargo volumes at Toronto Pearson decreased by 28%, which was driven by a 50% reduction in cargo transported in the belly of passenger aircraft.

Vaccine transportation This cargo sector is playing a significant role in vaccine transportation. “Using lessons from Spring 2020 from the PPE deliveries, the GTAA’s Cargo Task Force has worked diligently to understand what the optimal operational requirements are for smooth, seamless vac-

B737 MAX returns to Air Canada AIR Canada has announced that it will be resuming the Boeing 737 MAX commercial operation, which started February 1. This is in line with Transport Canada’s (TC) Airworthiness Directive and January 20 lifting of the existing Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) for the aircraft. “We are very confident the nearly twoyear regulatory process undertaken by Transport Canada and other regulators worldwide ensures the utmost safety of the Boeing 737 MAX fleet from nose to tail, and from wing to wing,” commented Captain Murray Strom, vice president, Flight Operations at Air Canada. “As part of Air Canada’s multi-layered

approach to reinforcing and enhancing safety, our internal experts have also worked with independent specialists to conduct assessments of the aircraft and our operating procedures. “In addition to implementing all required updates and modifications to the aircraft, Air Canada has gone beyond by equipping its fleet with additional safety-enhancing features that exceed required regulatory standards. “These measures are backed by our industry-leading flight operations, the extensive, comprehensive training programmes our pilots and maintenance engineers regularly undergo.“

Gama acquires Jet East GAMA Aviation has acquired Jet East Aviation from East Coast Aviation, which will significantly expand its existing US aircraft maintenance operations. Jet East is a full-service business aviation aircraft maintenance provider. The acquisition of Jet East has been transacted by the Group’s wholly owned US subsidiary Gama for $7.7 million in cash, with a further $1m in deferred cash payable over two years and the assumption of $3.2m of Jet East debt. In 2020, Jet East’s performance was neg-

ACW 8 FEBRUARY 2021

atively impacted by COVID-19. In 2019, it reported revenues of $29.5m and an underlying EBIT of $1.2m inclusive of a depreciation charge of $0.3m. The net assets of Jet East as at 31st December 2019 were $6.7m . The acquisition will substantially enhance the Group’s already extensive maintenance capability within the United States, capturing further market share in the world’s most valuable business aviation market with approximately 15,000 active business aviation aircraft.

cine cargo movement. “As an airport operator, the GTAA is able to effectively manage cargo apron space and look for efficiencies with allocation, liaise with cargo handlers and government agency partners to better understand their needs and share information. It also assists with coordinating requests for additional support while logistics companies like FedEx Canada and UPS focus on the flow of this valuable cargo.” In 2021, the airport community has ensured it will focus on rebuilding public trust and confidence in the safety of air travel and airfreight operations. “This will involve continued innovation through the ‘Healthy Airport’ commitment, as well as further collaboration with partners in federal and provincial government to institute COVID-19 testing frameworks that help to reduce the spread of COVID-19 by identifying, tracing and isolating the disease.” With vaccine rollouts underway, the future is looking brighter and greener. Last year, the airport reported it had reduced greenhouse emissions by 60% compared to 2006 levels. Now this target has been reached the GTAA has now identified six environmental action plans on which to focus (see panel). “COVID-19 has created the opportunity to completely transform the airport, so while the pandemic certainly provides its share of challenges, we believe the industry will emerge on the other side better than ever through a focus on constant improvements,” Smith concluded.

The Climate Change Resiliency Plan will include actions for assessing risks related to changing weather patterns due to climate change.

· The Carbon Neutrality and Emissions

Action Plan will set near term targets and initiatives to put the airport on track for net zero by 2050.

· The Strategic Energy Master Plan will

implement a net zero energy strategy requirement into net new build and set renewable energy targets to support the net zero GhG goal.

· Under the Water Management Action

Plan, a sustainable construction policy targeting low flow fixtures and potable water use and water recycling has been drafted.

· The Natural Environment Action Plan will ensure environmental reviews of all airport development projects and manage on-site invasive plant and animal species.

Finally, the Zero Waste Action Plan will focus on the elimination of public-facing single use plastics and other pertinent waste streams, with a long-term goal of becoming zero waste certified by 2050.

Quick fire with Wally D Southwest Airlines C Q

HOW did Southwest Airlines Cargo adapt to the trials of last

year?

SOUTHWEST Airlines Cargo had very solid results in 2020 despite the very challenging environment we all faced. We had an excellent plan going in to the year that had to be altered a bit but I’m excited and incredibly proud of the team’s efforts and achievements. Despite the rapidly changing work environment, the Southwest Cargo team was able to make significant progress on many of the important initiatives we had set our sights on. Our folks also did an incredible job moving cargo around our system despite the reductions and regular changes in our flight schedule. I couldn’t be more thankful for the incredible work across our organisation taking care of our customers and each other!

aircargoweek.com

RICA REPORT A

NEWS

Starting in a storm storm I

n January, Adam Cooper joined Air Menzies International (AMI) as head of sales in America. ACW caught up with Cooper to find out what it is like starting a new role amidst the biggest disruption the aviation industry has seen.

Challenges and disruptions “Challenges and disruptions, like we are facing in the industry today, create opportunities to develop innovative solutions that can have a positive long term impact on the industry,” explained Cooper. “The position of head of sales, Americas with AMI gives me the opportunity to develop these solutions. “This is an environment I thrive in and it truly excites and motivates me.”

Two takeaways Before joining AMI, Cooper worked a 15-year stint at United Airlines. Most recently he held the position of senior manager cargo sales strategy, where he was responsible for supporting and developing the cargo division

strategy and managing the cargo division revenue plan. “Two of my big takeaways from United were the importance of your people and having a commercial mindset throughout the organisation. “Trust, transparency and reliability are at the heart of the air cargo business. “You can build policies, processes and systems to support and enhance these attributes, but it is the people that are the core of delivering on them. “These attributes must be built on the basis of having a commercial mindset. “People across the organisation, not just sales, must develop and prioritise strategies that directly impact customer experience in a positive way in order to grow the business,” Cooper explains. As for the year ahead and beyond, Cooper is sure AMI will continue to thrive. “AMI has a strong team with a great foundation,” he assures. “With

significant investments in our facilities and people in the US, complemented with our global network of 22 branches and 250 worldwide partners, I am confident we can achieve growth in 2021 and beyond.”

ly Devereaux, es Cargo Q A

SWA recently rolled out a cargo tracking feature, how has this been received? We were proud to launch a new commodity tracking system for Cargo in 2020 that provides piece level scanning of shipments as they’re being loaded on/off the aircraft, thus providing a confirmed on-board status for all shipments across our system. This information has been very well received.

Q A

What do you expect SWA to achieve by the end of 2021? 2021 will continue to be a challenging environment no doubt. Despite that, I do expect our cargo business to continue to perform well and I’m excited about the plan we have in place. Providing excellent and reliable service to our customers, taking care of our Southwest Airlines people and executing our plan are my priorities for the year.

Q A Next week, we look at World Airports and GSSAs What is one thing that has kept you sane throughout the chaos of the past year? My family: although I’m sure working virtually from home has probably driven them insane at times!

ACW 8 FEBRUARY 2021

CLOUDS CAN HAVE SILVER LININGS Connecting meteorological data more effectively with operational data from airports could make air traffic more efficient and environmentally friendly

eutscher Wetterdienst (German Meteorological Service, DWD), DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung GmbH (German air navigation service provider) and ASK – Innovative Visualisierungslösungen GmbH, as well as partners Flughafen München GmbH (FMG) and Fraport AG (Frankfurt Airport), are keen to work together with a view to optimising decision-making processes in traffic management of airports and air traffic control by incorporating meteorological parameters. The objectives are to protect the environment, increase capacity, minimise delays and optimise cost-efficiency. The project began in July 2020 and will run for three years and five months. Weather-related operational restrictions are to be connected with meteorological data through the development and deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) processes. Munich and Frankfurt, the two largest international airports in Germany, have been selected to serve as examples. The aim is both to detect and quantify these relationships and then implement them in corresponding recommendations for decision-making. To facilitate the implementation of the project, the requirements of the operational processes and operational structures of airport operations are to be highlighted. Building on this, the processes for the key influencing factors can then be determined and possibilities of intervention defined. Existing data sources will be identified and made available for the development of the AI process, as well as corresponding training. A milestone prior to the development of the actual process will be the presentation of the data process models used to illustrate the interde-

pendencies of the data. Testing is to be performed for at least one prototype with one weather parameter. Significant meteorological phenomena are often stated as the reason for delays in take-offs and landings. Before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, air traffic figures over Europe were constantly on the rise. The current assumption is therefore that these traffic figures will start to increase once again, at least in the mid-term. With its Single European Sky (SES) initiative, associated innovative solutions provided in the Air Traffic Management Master Plan and the SESAR programme, the European Union is attempting to find a long-term solution to the ongoing issue of ever-denser air traffic over Europe. The hub airports clearly represent a bottleneck in the network here.

Airspace users However, there is a whole host of issues associated with the construction of additional runways, meaning that other intelligent solutions are required in order to handle increasing traffic at the major airports. These can potentially include the introduction of a Total Airport Management System or various measures for increasing runway capacity. “The Met4Airports project is of major strategic significance for the DWD and ground-breaking in terms of co-operation with airspace users. “The project will use innovative methods to combine meteorological data with the operational data of airports and air traffic control, thereby contributing to more efficient procedures,” commented Klaus Sturm, department head of customer services and develop-

ment in the DWD’s Business Area of Weather Forecasting Services. “The operational air navigation services in Munich have already examined all kinds of meteorological phenomena in the past and worked on ways to address the associated problems. “The co-operation with partners and implementation of scientific findings play a key part in this regard. We are always on the lookout for innovative solutions and have found one here. The support of our project partners and politicians gives us a clear indication that we are on the right track,” added Wolfgang Bretl, director operations at the DFS unit in Munich. “With this project, we have brought together people with the right skills from all important fields. We feel certain that we can make a valuable contribution to optimising the forecast of weather-related delays and capacity bottlenecks in aviation through the use of the latest information processing technologies with a focus on AI and machine learning,” commented Hermin Beumer-Aftahi, managing director at ASK.

€2 million At present, aeronautical meteorological products are predominantly provided at airports in the form of visualisation systems to support decision-making processes. Machine-supported or even AI-supported evaluation of meteorological data together with operational data from airports and air traffic control is not yet being performed. However, to make this possible, the German Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMVI) is funding the current Met4Airports project with a total of €2,000,000 as part of the mFUND research initiative.

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