GLOBAL A
I
R
C
A
R
G
O
W
E
E
K
MANAGEMENT
A
I
R
C
A
R
G
O
W
E
E
K
WORLD ACW Digital is sponsored by AIRPORTS.COM FREIGHTERS.COM
FREIGH
FRE
Tabloid page bled.indd 1
22/02/2021 12:39
The weekly newspaper for air cargo professionals No. 1,122
::
8 MARCH 2021
Women in airfreight on International Women’s Day
LATAM converts 767-300ERs to freighters
Pages 4/5
INSIDE
CELEBRATING WOMEN IN AIR CARGO
THE senior team of American Airlines Cargo, Jessica Tyler, president of cargo, Lisa Oxentine, managing director global sales, Lorena Sandoval ... PAGE 4
GENDER EQUALITY: NEW PERSPECTIVES
ALTHOUGH the proportion of women in the workforce is increasing, that is not to say the challenges they need to overcome disappear. As ...
T
he LATAM Airlines Group has planned a significant expansion of its cargo operations with the conversion of up to eight Boeing 767-300ER aircraft into Boeing Converted Freighters in the next three years. This represents a freighter capacity growth of up to 80% and seeks to increase the service options and leverage the synergies of operating a single type of aircraft. The plan is divided in two gradual stages. The first phase is based on four confirmed conversion slots with Boeing with re-deliveries between 2021 and 2022.
Upon completion of that phase, LATAM’s cargo fleet will be 15 Boeing 767-300ER freighters. The second phase includes four conversion options with Boeing that would allow aircraft to be added between 2022 and 2023. If all options are executed LATAM would operate a total of 19 767-300ER freighters. “Despite the deep crisis the industry is enduring due to the pandemic, we maintain our commitment to support the region’s exporters and importers by providing them with more and better options to carry their cargo to their destinations. As
a result, growth plans have been accelerated with conversion of up to eight Boeing 767-300ERs in the next 30 months. “This investment, together with the significant cost efficiencies that we have generated during the Chapter 11 process, puts us closer to achieving our aspiration of being the best alternative for cargo customers,” commented Roberto Alvo, CEO of LATAM Airlines Group. Andrés Bianchi, LATAM Cargo’s CEO, highlighted the advantages of the Boeing 767-300ER freighter: “Combining the passenger belly operations of LATAM Airlines Group
with 15 to 19 Boeing 767-300ER freighters efficiently strengthens our customer value proposition. These conversions will enable the cargo affiliates to grow in key segments such as the Colombian flower market or imports to Brazil. “It also allows our affiliates to expand their network in domestic markets where e-Commerce is rapidly generating an increase in air cargo traffic. Growing with Boeing 767-300BCFs is extremely efficient as it is the optimal aircraft for all these undertakings and we can take advantage of the benefit of operating a single fleet type.”
PAGE 5
SHE’LL ROCK AS SHE TAKES OVER
ACW: How did you come to be commercial director, Europe at Strike Aviation? Julia Knecht-Ostwaldt: I started in 2003 on the forwarding side ... PAGE 5
Follow Us:
aircargoweek.com
NEWS
A
I
R
C
A
R
G
O
W
E
E
American Airlines Cargo: set for digitalisation IAG celebrates second AMERICAN Airlines Cargo is leveraging industry-leading technology to offer customers enhanced supply chain tools for a smoother and more efficient shipping process. After completing the implementation of a new end-to-end management system last year, the carrier is using the iCargo platform to evolve business capabilities that support the varying needs of its customers. To better support capacity forecasting, American now uses artificial intelligence and Robotics Process Automation. This process uses bot technology to automate human to machine interactions and to auto-confirm specified airwaybills (AWB) or product types once booking requests are made. When bookings fall within certain
criteria, the bot confirms the shipments 10 times faster than manual confirmation. This frees up more time for team members to focus on more intricate booking requests or unique customer needs. The airline also now uses machine learning technologies to inform decision making and protect cargo capacity.
Operational challenges Using historical data, American can predict the probability of operational challenges as well as where late cancellations or failure to show may occur. This allows for a tailored, proactive approach for mitigating these challenges and managing customer needs. At a time when adaptability is cru-
cial, American is committed to being responsive to its customers’ needs. More self-service features will be available later this year, including online booking for specialty products and increased capabilities for varying payment and check-out methods. “As we move through 2021, it will be increasingly important that we continue to modernise and adapt as an industry. “The technology we’re using allows us to be more agile to meet evolving customer needs and keep cargo moving around the world,” said Roger Samways, vice president of commercial for American Airlines Cargo. “Despite its challenges, 2020 paved the way for us to be more effective and I look forward to seeing how the industry evolves as a result.”
anniversary of Euro Pharmaceutical centre
IAG Cargo has celebrated the second anniversary of its pharmaceutical centre in Madrid, dedicated to its Constant Climate product for the transport of temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical products. The centre has played a key role in the COVID-19 vaccine roll-out and recently despatched its 30th COVID-19 vaccine shipment. Fernando Terol Armas, director of Spanish hub and operations at IAG Cargo, commented: “The opening of our pharmaceutical centre in Madrid was a landmark moment for IAG Cargo – supporting our world-leading Constant Cli-
mate product. The decision to invest in this state-of-the-art facility reflects our commitment to drive quality across our network, whilst increasing capacity for our customers who rely on us to transport pharmaceuticals and life-saving medicines across the world every day. “Our Madrid pharmaceutical facility is the largest in Southern Europe and with its strategic location it will continue to play a key part in the global roll-out of COVID19 vaccines alongside our two other GDP certified hubs in Dublin and London Heathrow.”
Network Airline Services: GSA contract renewal with RwandAir NETWORK Airline Services has renewed its GSA contract with RwandAir in Germany and France, cementing the relationship for a further two years. During the pandemic, RwandAir has continued to operate flights, with their Airbus A330 aircraft, to and from Europe with strong support from both our Network Airline Services offices in Paris and Frankfurt. Patricia Heilbrink, managing
2
ACW 8 MARCH 2021
aircargoweek.com
director of NAS Europe commented: “We are so pleased to be continuing our ongoing relationship with RwandAir to not only keep vital air cargo flowing during the COVID-19 pandemic, but also beyond into more ‘normal times.’”
K
Tabloid page bled.indd 1
02/03/2021 14:38
NEWS
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
A
I
R
C
A
R
G
O
W
E
E
To mark International Women’s Day ACW is shining a light on some of the brilliant women in logistics and air cargo.
CELEBRATING WOMEN IN AIR CARGO
THE senior team of American Airlines Cargo, Jessica Tyler, president of cargo, Lisa Oxentine, managing director global sales, Lorena Sandoval, director cargo sales, Latin American and Caribbean and Annisha Brown, director cargo sales, global and key accounts spoke to ACW to mark International Women’s Day about their careers in cargo and their hopes for a more diverse workforce across the industry. ACW: How did your career in air cargo start? Tyler: It is not a very linear story! I actually started as a high school maths teacher and volleyball coach in my twenties. I joined American nine years ago, spending most of my time in cargo.
Oxentine: It was 1987 when I started with American as a ticket agent on the passenger side. I worked in four different airports, which included working in Hawaii for eight years. But I did have an aspiration to do other things. I spent 15 years in operations and 15 years in the sales side. Sandoval: I’ve worked with American Airlines for the last 30 years - 27 have been dedicated to the passenger side and the last three fantastic years to cargo! Brown: I am the newest face of this group. My career with American started 12 years ago in New York at the One World HQ where I started in ad sales. I then moved into the passenger sales side.
ACW: In your opinion what does diversity bring to the workplace in the cargo industry? Tyler: [In this group] we couldn’t be further apart in our talent and strengths and that is the key to me in terms of real diversity in our industry, that it’s about finding great people with great experiences and incredible strengths to come join the team. Sandoval: When we’re talking about business, I see talent rather than gender. Who is behind the skills. I think if we can continue supporting diversity it will be fantastic because that automatically creates collaboration, understanding and tolerance.
Annisha Brown
ACW: What does representation in the workplace mean to you? Tyler: Representation is absolutely critical. The fact that you have that within leadership roles starts to paint a picture for others to think: “Hey, I see someone that looks like me, I can do that.” That’s true for women, people of colour, LGBTQ team members. That’s a really important message for younger generations or people looking to move careers, to say that looks like somewhere I can work. Brown: There is statistically a disproportionate amount of females working in the industry. Based on being a part of this culture that American is creating, with core values around diversity, I think it’s important to continue to highlight diversity, as well and inclusion. ACW: What do you love about working in the air cargo industry? Oxentine: Air cargo can help change somebody’s life, like shipping cancer treatment, which I think is awesome. Sandoval: Being from Latin America, I’m very
Lisa Oxentine
4
ACW 6 MARCH 2021
aircargoweek.com
Jessica Tyler
happy to have a carrier like American Airlines supporting the economy in Latin countries. You’re supporting families. It’s amazing to see how many jobs that you can sustain with air cargo and be able to help people to send their products abroad. Brown: I joined at a very interesting time. [During COVID], we’ve been able to keep people employed because of the cargo business and the gratitude that comes with that has just been really amazing. We’re also moving vaccines. It makes you feel really proud of what you’re doing every day. ACW: What advice would you give to a woman considering a career in air cargo? Oxentine: I’ve had opportunities in this role to travel all over the world and learn and develop myself in different ways. I have learned of different cultures and challenged myself. That’s what I would tell folks who are interested in this field: if you want to be challenged, if you want to develop and grow yourself as a person, this is the right field to come into.
Lorena Sandoval
Tyler: I think [my advice] would be to know your strengths. To know what you bring to the table and follow that no matter where it takes you. Brown: Based on my experience, you can learn so many different things. People in the industry are really passionate about what they do and that creates such a strong drive to feel good about what you’re doing too. When I first joined America, I can’t tell you how many people described the team as a family! And that’s what I am experiencing now. Sandoval: I think that my advice is to definitely know that you will be joining an amazing industry. This is something that is growing so fast, especially in terms of technology. It’s a very dynamic industry that is ever evolving. If you’re persistent and follow your skills, this industry has everything.
K
A
MARCH 8, 2021 Gender equality brings new perspectives I
R
C
A
R
G
O
A
W
E
E
NEWS
K
lthough the proportion of women in the workforce is increasing, that is not to say the challenges they need to overcome disappear. As Renata Mihich, country manager, DHL Global Forwarding, Canada, explains, one of these is juggling a career and motherhood. Studies show that for many, taking maternity leave has a negative impact on their career. Mihich describes that when she was awarded a promotion on her return from maternity leave, it was one of the most meaningful moments in her career. “It is extremely important to support women who are re-entering the workplace after maternity leave. Many of them are juggling responsibilities on a number of fronts including elevating
and advancing their careers. Giving mothers flexible options about working conditions relieves some of that pressure, which in turn creates support for an extremely talented
employee pool. “Giving your employees the possibility to advance because they are the best fit for that promotion, regardless if they have a new baby at home or not, will not only be an investment in that person but also an investment in the company. Companies that care create an environment to nurture their
employees’ needs, encourages success, creativity and dedication. Companies that fail to recognise the value of supporting and retaining their female workforce will not be sustainable in the long-term. “Pushing for more diversity and gender equality brings new perspectives to the table, which ultimately drives value for our customers. I believe that having more women at the table in general fosters more understanding and collaboration among teams but also increases productivity and competition. We need to promote women’s success stories both internally and externally if we want to encourage women to join and stay in this sector. “Representation is powerful because it inspires hope for the future.”
She’ll rock as she takes over ACW: How did you come to be commercial director, Europe at Strike Aviation?
J
ulia Knecht-Ostwaldt: I started in 2003 on the forwarding side in the airfreight logistic chain and stayed there until December 2005 until after I had finished my logistics diploma. I wanted to start on the side towards the carriers so I started to work for a GSA called Cargoworks in 2006 and stayed for 1.5 years until I met Frank Ziesemer and we decided to rock the industry together! After the years of working with Frank, and just shortly with Andrius, we have managed to grow the European division to a quite small but well known GSA around Europe and the Americas. ACW: What’s the proudest moment of your career so far? K-O: One of the proudest moments was when I was offered 10% of the Strike shares and then another 20%, which made me feel very important, honoured and respected within the Strike Team. ACW: What advice would you give to a woman considering a career in cargo and logistics? K-O: Use the fact that you are a woman in a fairly male-dominated industry and take over without them knowing until it is too late!
Knecht-Ostwaldt: Strike force
More interviews next week
ACW 8 MARCH 2021
5
NEWS
TURKEY
A
I
R
C
A
R
G
O
W
E
E
From ancient statues to vaccines: Turkish Cargo’s year in airfreight
ONE in every 20 air cargos transported are flown by Turkish Cargo, the cargo arm of Turkish Airlines. This impressive figure reflects the Turkish carriers dedication to keeping freight moving. “Today, Turkish Cargo operates flights to more than 320 destinations in 127 countries and operates scheduled flights to 96 destinations by making use of dedicated freighters,” explained Turhan Ozen, Turkish Airlines chief cargo officer to ACW. In the face of the pandemic, the cargo carrier, which has a global market share of 5%, continued to keep industries moving, as well as uplifting vital medical supplies. “In 2020, Turkish Cargo carried more than 50,000 tonnes of health equipment and increased its global market share in pharma and pharmaceutical products to 7.5%.” Ozen believes that Turkish Cargo’s global targets, energy, service quality and strategic geographical
position, have allowed the carrier to develop operations and capacity. The carrier has upped their pharma infrastructure to support the on-going global vaccine distribution in which they have played a significant role. “Turkish Cargo has been expanding its capacity recently in terms of cold rooms and increased passive and active container capacity significantly.
Internal task force “An internal task force for the COVID-19 vaccine transportation has been developed along with projections based on the existing and potential traffics. “In the light of recent investment, I am proud to say that we are now able to transport, handle and deliver 30-40 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines throughout the world in a single day,” Ozen adds.
Catering to air cargo capacity demand, Turkish Cargo increased their total destinations to over 130, which Ozen describes as “the physical evidences of Turkish Cargo’s commitments to customers and business partners.” “As we are expecting that the vaccine production and vaccination efforts will expand and accelerate throughout this year, the air cargo industry for a second time in a row will show its enormous value to the world citizens. “IATA sees the transportation of vaccines as the “Mission of the Century” and we are glad to see more and more alignment and preparations going on day by day.” Turkish Cargo started transporting vaccines in September with clinical-trial vaccines, and by November, began to carry approved ones. Now, the carrier has transported over 20 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to Turkey, Brazil, Spain, and Uzbeki-
stan. Increased pharma shipments have certainly not slowed down other operations. Late last year, Turkish Cargo took on the responsibility of transporting the 1,700-year old, Kybele statue from New York to Istanbul.
Rich history Due to the country’s rich history, this was a significant responsibility for the carrier. “Human habitation in Anatolia dates back to the Paleolithic. For this reason, Turkey is a country with rich diversity of cultures and offers many historical artefacts and different civilisations,” explained Ozen. “The Kybele statue is one of them and we, as Turkish Cargo are proud to have brought it in Turkey.” In recent years, Turkish Cargo have also carried historical artefacts from the Topkapı and Dolmabahce Palaces that were flown to Japan, as
Lödige Industries equips cargo terminal of Turkish Cargo
I
n 2019, Lödige Industries, which to date has delivered more than 40 air cargo terminals worldwide, supplied a new fully automatic terminal with state-of-the-art technology for Turkish Cargo at the new Istanbul Airport. To enable the expanding cargo airline to shift its freight activities to the new mega-hub, the terminal will have a handling capacity of two million tonnes per year and a total area of 300,000 sq m. The equipment of the new cargo terminal includes automated high-bay warehouses with 17,000 storage bins, 30 stacking cranes, 15 lifters and an integrated warehouse management system (Lödige Cargo Professional) with a direct interface to the customer and freight management systems. Freight handling for perishable goods, excess luggage, express luggage, domestic freight and general cargo takes place on two levels. The cargo terminal is maintained on site by a local Lödige-
6
ACW 8 MARCH 2021
Industries service team and is connected to the Lödige Customer Care Centre in Germany, able to quickly remedy system errors 24/7. “We are proud to have contributed to the creation of this flagship project and our selection by Turkish Cargo for this new mega-hub is testament to our engineering and automation expertise as well as our rich experience in air cargo terminals,” said Philippe De Backer, CEO of Lödige Industries. “The new state-of-the-art terminal will place us in an excellent position for future growth,” commented Turhan Özen, chief cargo officer at
well as contributing to the return of the missing pieces of the Gypsy Girl Mosaic to its homeland. This impressive repertoire also includes transporting more than 50 masterpieces from the Louvre Museum to Tehran and successfully transporting the Sarcophagus of Hercules of the Roman Era from Geneva to Istanbul. “Turkish Cargo carries historical artefacts in very sensitive and specially sheltered containers,” Ozen said. “Turkish Cargo has three high security “Special Cargo” rooms in our facility located in Istanbul. All cargo rooms and operations are monitored 24/7 by CCTV.” Turkish Cargo will be starting operations via its brand new facility at Istanbul Airport by 2021. With this, the carrier aims to continue growth in 2021 and fulfil ambitions to become one of the top five global air cargo brands in the world.
Merkur Air Charter: 13-years in the marketplace
F Turkish Cargo. “In Lödige Industries, we have selected a partner that has enriched the project with innovative solutions to our specific requirements. We have found them to be both flexible and cost-sensitive, which is always a bonus with such large scale projects.”
aircargoweek.com
ounded in 2003, Merkur Air Charter has an experience of providing specialised air charter solutions for cargo movements. Merkur Air Charter’s headquarter is located in İstanbul Florya, next to Atatürk Airport. The company has six offices throughout Turkey. Merkur Aviation delivers air cargo charter services for heavy and outsize pieces, oil and gas equipment, automotive cargo, high value commodities, aerospace equipment, peacekeeping support, humanitarian relief cargo, dangerous goods, and AOG.
K
A
I
R
C
A
R
G
O
W
E
E
ULD
K
NEWS
ACL AIRSHOP’S ROLE IN PHARMA LOGISTICS
P
undits seem to be correct - peak season was a record level of air cargo activity especially by large freighters in 2020, and so far in 2021 ACL Airshop has seen no slow-down following the peak. Market research analysis from numerous sources suggests Q2 2021 will see more demand, and rising metrics in air cargo.
over 200 airlines and cargo carriers across 55 global air cargo hub airports. “Starting in April last year there has been a huge demand for transporting PPE materials from Asia into the rest of the world. ACL Airshop has a large footprint in Asia to support all scheduled and charter customers with their requirements.” Jos Jacobsen, managing director - global leasing, COO Eastern hemisphere, added: “Many carriers do not have an immediate availability of equipment at these locations. “We have been able to provide them when they needed pallets, containers, nets and straps the most. ACL Airshop still continues to do so.”
caused some uptick on ACL Airshop’s leasing operations with a very busy peak season and continued momentum now. “We expect to be a critical player in helping this effort later in the year as vaccina-
tions are rolled out into parts of the world that do not have the trucking/rail infrastructure that is common in more developed countries,” said Wes Tucker, executive vice-president manufacturing and COO Western hemisphere.
Logistics services Steve Townes Steve Townes, chairman and CEO ACL Airshop and founder, Ranger Aerospace (above) said: “We have invested in more ULDs and our technology offerings in anticipation of 2021 becoming one of the strongest years in ACL Airshop’s 38-years history.
Full hustle “The whole organisation worldwide is in ‘full-hustle’ mode, giving our trademark high-speed responsiveness to
According to Mark Edwards, managing director, Asia-Pacific: “Our Asia services footprint is large and still growing. “We are now providing ULDs and logistics services at 18 major airports in this highly strategic region, from Incheon to Sydney and numerous locations in between. “ACL Airshop provided assets throughout the COVID19 pandemic that solved many carriers’ logistical problems due to the high demand for pallets and ULDs.” The vaccine roll-out has
ACW 8 MARCH 2021
7
Animal
TransportTRA EX
The view from where we stand: Lufthansa Animal Lounge, Fraport The Frankfurt Animal Lounge offers a rest area for animal companions and a comfortable, tread-resistant floor. In addition, the Veterinary Border Inspection Post Hessen is located directly in the Frankfurt Animal Lounge. Although all of our animal guests are very well taken care of, Lufthansa Cargo customers have the option of booking an additional premium offer. Among other services, the owners receive photos of their pets during their stay in the Frankfurt Animal Lounge. ACW: How has animal transportation changed during the pandemic?
L
ufthansa Cargo’s Animal Lounge at Frankfurt Airport offers 24/7 care, handling, animal co-ordination and veterinary services under one roof. Sabine Grebe and Jessica Braun jointly manage the facility.
ACW: Lufthansa’s animal facility at Frankfurt Airport is the ‘world’s most modern’ animal station. What makes the facility different/better than other facilities? Sabine Grebe: On 4,000 sq m we can optimally care for and accommodate a variety of animal species. Our Frankfurt Animal Lounge provides 42 flexibly expandable large animal stalls (e.g. for horses), 39 small animal stalls (e.g. for dogs), 18 temperature-controlled climate chambers (e.g. for reptiles and cats), special aviaries, a black light area for examining ornamental fish and other isolable examination areas. Trained animal caretakers care for the animals around the clock. We house animals from different countries of origin in structurally separated import, export and transit areas. Due to the proximity to the apron, we can transport our guests to the aircraft very quickly.
Jessica Braun: We are pleased that we are able to continue offering animal transports during the coronavirus pandemic, especially with our freighters. During this time, we tend to have more animals as guests in our Frankfurt Animal Lounge. There, we accommodate all animals that travel in freighters, in the bellies of passenger planes or accompany a passenger with a longer stay in Frankfurt. Thus, all changes to scheduled flights can impact the number of animals with us. Basically, we are able to accommodate animals longer than planned and react accordingly also in case of pandemic-related flight changes at short notice. ACW: Have you had any exotic animals pass through the facility recently? How are their needs catered to? SG: We regularly have unusual animals, such as tigers or hippos as guests. Just recently, we were pleased to welcome two giant pandas. Also in these cases, we plan transport and accommodation very precisely with our customers beforehand. Often the animals are accompanied by keepers that they
already know. In our Frankfurt Animal Lounge, we can then cater to all individual needs. Be it special food, individual transport case or a certain ambient temperature. Our animal caretakers on site also receive appropriate training for the special species. ACW: How do you mitigate risks and problems that arise when the cargo can move and cause disruption both on the plane and in facility? JB: Our aircraft have a special floor system on which the cargo is secured and therefore cannot move during the transport. All cargo is loaded professionally and secured on special transport pallets, which are then firmly anchored in the floor system of the aircraft. When transporting animals, we also ensure that they are comfortably accommodated in the aircraft. It is important to us, that animal companions can have access to their fosterlings at all times during the flight. Our goal is to provide the animals with a journey as safe and comfortable as possible.
ACS: no stranger to animal transportation
A
ir Charter Service is no stranger to live animal transportation and regularly find charter solutions for creatures big and small. With global air capacity down, charter solutions stepped up to help transport cargo from chicks to tigers to PPE to full orchestras. “[2020] was a record year by miles,” said Dan Morgan-Evans, group cargo director at ACS. This record year included transporting of around 30,000 tonnes of PPE to 64 different countries around the world. It also included the delivering of satellite launch equipment
to California in July. “In 2020 we did seem to transport a lot of live animals,” he recalled.
Rescue animals “There were a lot of rescue animals and animals transported for conservation projects. Much of this was for charitable foundations, rather than transporting bloodstock and horses.” “Sometimes these charitable causes are to repopulate animals in a certain area, move
them away from poachers or for breeding projects.” “We have also completed a lot of dog rescues from around the world, which were flown to the USA, where many of these dogs are put up for adoption. [Flying] can be a stressful process for the live animal. Generally our customers are experts in this field so can mitigate risks within the flight. From our side it’s about choosing the right aircraft and the right airlines to ensure the staff involved are experienced.” Could the high demand for charter services
for animal transportation continue after the pandemic? Morgan-Evans explained there are many benefits to charter service, one being the reliability of the service compared to scheduled services. “A lot of the cargo space is sitting on the tarmac instead of in the air, which has meant the charter sector has become a real force in the air freight industry at the moment because there just isn’t the capacity anywhere else.” “Coupled with that is the certainty of cargo charters compared to the uncertainty of scheduled services.”
aircargoweek.com