JUPITER SEA & AIR
SERVICES PVT. LTD, EGMORE – CHENNAI, INDIA.
E-MAIL : Robert.sands@jupiterseaair.co.in Mobile : +91 98407 85202
Corporate News
Letter for Monday March 02, 2025
Today’s Exchange Rates
|
CURRENCY▲ |
PRICE |
CHANGE |
%CHANGE |
OPEN |
PREV.CLOSE |
DAY's LOW-HIGH |
|
90.96 |
0.040001 |
0.043996 |
90.95 |
90.92 |
90.9275- 90.975 |
|
|
1.1805 |
0.0008 |
0.067815 |
1.1797 |
1.1797 |
1.1789- 1.1822 |
|
|
122.7717 |
-0.218605 |
-0.177742 |
122.7618 |
122.9903 |
122.4314- 122.8423 |
|
|
107.4366 |
0.170601 |
0.159045 |
107.3939 |
107.266 |
107.3051- 107.5083 |
|
|
156.186 |
0.056 |
0.035867 |
156.13 |
156.13 |
155.542- 156.234 |
|
|
1.3491 |
0.0009 |
0.066758 |
1.3482 |
1.3482 |
1.3462- 1.3508 |
|
|
97.7 |
-0.091003 |
-0.093059 |
97.755 |
97.791 |
97.611- 97.824 |
|
|
0.5825 |
-0.0003 |
-0.051474 |
0.5822 |
0.5828 |
0.5822- 0.5849 |
/// Sea Cargo News ///
MSC
announces new freight rates from India and Pakistan to Europe
MSC has released updated freight rates for
shipments moving from India and Pakistan to Europe. These rates will be
applicable with effect from March 01, 2026 to March 31, 2026. The new pricing
affects major ports including Nhava Sheva, Ennore, Kolkata and Port Qasim.
The carrier has set specific rates for the
ports of Antwerp and Valencia. For Antwerp,
rates from Nhava Sheva and Port Qasim start at USD 1850 for all
container types. Meanwhile, Ennore it is
priced at USD 2050 and for Kolkata it is 2150.
Rates for Valencia are slightly higher, beginning at USD 1950 for Nhava
Sheva and Port Qasim.
These base rates include the ocean freight,
contingency adjustments, Piracy Risk Surcharges. However, several additional
fees apply to every shipment. Specifically, dry containers incur a Bunker
Recovery Charges of USD 170 per TEU. Shippers must also pay USD 88 for the
Emissions Trading Systems and USD 17 for Fuel EU per TEU.
Origin Terminal Handling Charges vary from
Port to Port and are billed in local currency for India. For instance, Nhava
Sheva charges INR 10,070 per 20Ft Container. Port Qasim charges are billed at
USD 137 for the same size. Additionally, carrier security fees cost USD 11 for
Pakistan and USD 13 for India.
Destination charges are applied in Euros at
the discharge ports. Antwerp requires a EUR 230 for Terminal Handling Charges
plus security and release charges. Valencia charges USD 248 for Terminal
Handling. These rates apply one to “Freight All Kinds” and exclude high value
or dangerous goods.
Therefore, logistics providers should account
for these combined costs when planning March exports. MSC will maintain these
levels until further notice or the end of the month.
Sea-Intelligence
: Ocean Alliance Day 10, China +1 Strategy?
In issue 752 of the Sunday Spotlight, Sea Intelligence analysed the new 2026 “Day 10” network product from Ocean Alliance. There are 318 unique port-port connections that are unchanged between the Day 9 and Day 10 products, 26 that are discontinued from Day 9, and 21 that have been newly introduced in Day 10. In terms of total connectivity, the new Day 10 product has 498 port-port connections than Day 9.
When we look at the changes in port rotation
and service frequency in greater depth, the date reveal a strategic pivot by
Ocean Alliance, whereby they are positioning themselves to directly serve the
emerging “China+1” market in Southeast Asia.
Figure 1 illustrates this divergence in
network strategy. While the connectivity on the Asia-Mediterranean trade lane
contracts by -4.8% and remains flat on the Asia-North America East Coast Trade
Lane, the Asia-North America West Coast Trade Lane sees a +4.9% increase in
total connectivity.
This is not a general expansion, but a
targeted injection of capacity into Vietnam and Thailand. Ocean Alliance has
effectively upgraded these markets into core deep sea origins.
Haiphong sees a massive 33% increase in
direct market reach. This includes the introduction of double-weekly services
to New York and new direct connections to the US West Coast, allowing high
value goods to bypass traditional trans-shipment via South China. Laem Chabang
sees service frequency to the US West Coast double, moving from one to two
weekly sailings.
Crucially, this expansion appears to be a
zero-sum game. The data shows a direct operational swap, where resources were
stripped from a trans-shipment hub like Port Klang to fuel the direct-call
frequency in Laem Chabang. This indicates that Ocean Alliance is betting on the
performance of the sourcing shift, establishing direct, high frequency
corridors for “China +1” volumes.
European
Commission seeks clarity from US on IEEPA Ruling
The European Commission has called for full
clarity from the United States of America following the recent judgement by the
Supreme Court of the USA on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act
(IEEPA).
In a statement , the Commission said the current situation does not support efforts to deliver “fair, balanced and mutually beneficial” trans-Atlantic trade and investment, as outlines in the EU-US Joint Statement of August 2025.
Brussels stressed that EU companies and
exporters must receive fair treatment, predictability and legal certainty. As
the largest trading partner of US, the EU expects Washington to honour its
commitments under the Joint Statement, just as the bloc says it stands by its
own obligations.
The Commission underlined that EU products
should continue to benefit from competitive treatment, with no tariff increases
beyond the previously agreed ceiling. It reiterated that tariffs act as taxes,
raising costs for businesses and consumers and disrupting global supply chains
when applied unpredictably.
The Commission confirmed it remains in close
contact with the US administration. On February 21, EU Trade Commissioner Maros
Sefcovic held talks with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Commerce
Secretary Howard Lutnick.
The EU said it will continue working toward
lowering tariffs and preserving a stable and predictable trans-Atlantic trade
environment, while reinforcing its broader commitment to open, rules-based
global trade.
US
Supreme Court voids Trump tariffs as ports warn of uncertainty
The Supreme Court of the United States has struct down Donald Trump’s sweeping global tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), ruling that the president exceeded his authority.
IN a 6-3 decision authored by Chief Justice
John Roberts, the Court held that IEEPA does not grant the President the power
to impose tariffs. The ruling affirms that the US Constitution assigns tariff
and tax authority to Congress.
“Our task today is to decide only whether the
power to regulate importation embraces the power to impose tariffs. It does
not”, Roberts wrote.
The majority said the administration failed
to show clear congressional authorization for measures of such vast economic
and political significance. The decision represents the most significant
judicial setback for Trump since returning to office in January 2025.
Trump announced new 10% global tariff
Trump reacted sharply, calling the ruling
“terrible” and “totally defective”. He said he would pursue alternative legal
avenues and immediately announced a new 10% global tariff under a different
statutory authority, on top of existing duties.
The Court’s decision does not address whether
the US Government must refund tariffs already collected under IEEPA. Economists
estimate those collections exceeded $175 Billion. Trump said any refund process
could take years to resolve in court.
Markets reacted with volatility as investors
weighed the potential easing of inflationary pressure against uncertainty over
the administration’s next steps.
PORTS : “Certainty helps keep freight moving”
Major US gateways warned that the ruling
removes the tariffs but not the uncertainty.
Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene
Seroka said the decision rescinds about two-thirds of the tariffs collected to
date. However, he stressed there is no clarity on possible refunds or when the
newly announced 10% tariff will take effect.
The timing adds complexity. The ruling comes
during the Lunar New Year period, when most factories in China and across Asia
remain closed. Production is not expected to resume fully until next week,
potentially concentrating shipment volumes once plants re-open.
Seroka said the Port of Los Angeles and its
supply chain partners stand ready to manage any cargo fluctuations.
Port of Long Beach CEO Dr. Noel Hacegaba
echoed those concerns. He said businesses depend on predictable trade policy to
plan investments and cargo flows. While the Court ruled on legality, he noted
that clarity is still needed on refunds and the implementation of new tariffs.
“Freight can’t wait – and certainly helps
keep it moving”, Hacegaba said, highlighting the 2.7 million jobs tied to Port
of Long Beach activity.
Global trade implications
Tariff have been central to Trump’s trade policy and global trade tensions. He invoked IEEPA by declaring a national emergency linked to the US goods trade deficit, which reached a record $1.24 trillion in 2025.
The ruling curbs the use of emergency powers
to impose broad based tariffs. However, the administration retains other legal
tools to pursue trade measures, suggesting further policy shifts could follow.
For global shipping markets, the immediate
outcome is mixed. One layer of tariffs has been removed. Yet the prospect of
new duties, combined with refund disputes and shifting legal strategies, keeps
supply chains and freight markets on alert.
CMA
CGM reorganizes Indian Subcontinent, Middle East and East Africa Network
CMA CGM has announced a significant restructuring of its service network connecting the Indian Subcontinent and the Middle East with East Africa. Effective March 2026, these changes are designed to optimize coverage for Somalia, Kenya, Tanzania and Mozambique while improving overall reliability and transit times.
KARIBU service : Strengthened Indian Ocean
coverage
The
KARIBU service is being enhanced to provide weekly coverage for Somalia and the
Indian Ocean islands.
New Coverage : Now includes the
Seychelles.
Continued Calls : Mauritius, Reunion,
Madagascar and Mayotte.
Somalia Access : Strengthened focus
on the Somali market.
Zanzibar Connectivity : Served via Lamu.
SWAX
Service : Primary link for Kenya and Tanzania
The SWAX service will now become the Primary
offering for cargo moving from the Indian Subcontinent and Middle East to
Kenya and Tanzania.
Focus
: Enhanced reliability and
broader coverage for the major ports of Mombasa and Dar es Salaam.
Positioning :
This move consolidates the SWAX rotation as the lead service for the East
African hub ports.
New KANIMAMBO service : Dedicated Mozambique
loop
A new service, KANIMAMBO, is being
introduced to handle Mozambique bound cargo with a specific focus on
connectivity via Colombo.
Route : Connects all origins to Mozambique
via the Colombo hub.
Frequency : Weekly.
Key Benefits : Improved transit
times across the network and optimized synchronization with Indian Subcontinent
services.
Suez
Canal Authority oversees transit of heavy-lift giant HUA RUI LONG
The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) has overseen the transit of the semi-submersible heavy-lift vessel HUA RUI LONG through the New Suez Canal as part of the south convoy.
SCA Chairman and Managing Director Ossama
Rablee said the vessel is one of the largest heavy-lift ships in the world. It
sailed through the Canal after passing Bab El-Mandab, en route from Singapore
to Denmark.
Built in 2022, the vessel is operated by
China’s Guangzhou Salvage Bureau. It measures 252 meters in length and 77.7
meters in width, with a gross tonnage of 115,254 tonnes. It transited the Canal
carrying the vessel NORTHERN ENDEAVOUR on board.
The operation required special navigational
measures as the vessel’s breadth exceeds the standard 75 meter limit. The SCA
deployed four tugboats to ensure safe passage. Six senior SCA pilots were
assigned to the transit, supported by escort tugs and real time monitoring from
the Main Traffic Control Center and pilot stations along the Canal.
Rablee said the successful transit highlights
the Canal’s ability to accommodate large and specialised vessels. He pointed to
recent infra-structure upgrades, including the New Suez Canal and the Southern
Sector Development Project.
According to the Authority, the Southern
Sector expansion increased navigational safety by 28% after a 40-meter eastward
widening of the waterway. The New Suez Canal’s straight course and limited
curvature have also improved its capacity for special transits.
The SCA handled 27 vessels of this class in
2025 and four more since the start of 2026.
Rablee said choosing the Suez Canal reduces
transit time, operating costs and carbon emissions. For this voyage, the Canal
saved approximately 3,432 nautical miles compared with alternative routes.
HUA RUI LONG previously transited the Canal
in ballast in October 2022 on its maiden passage through the waterway.
China’s Zhi Fei achieves world’s first fully unmanned
container operation in Qingdao
Following years of incremental testing and
successful sea trials, the smart container vessel Zhi Fei has reached a
definitive milestone in maritime history. On Saturday, the vessel completed the
world’s first full process unmanned operation, successfully navigating,
berthing and handling cargo at an automated terminal in Qingdao Port without a
single human hand on deck.
While earlier reports from Container News in 2021 and 2022 tracked the vessel’s constructions and its initial entry into commercial service, those phases still relied on hybrid intervention for the most complex port maneuvers. This latest achievement, reported by CGTN, marks the transition from a ship that can simply steer itself to a ship that can manage an entire logistics cycle autonomously.
The 300 TEU vessel, which translates to
intelligent navigation, docked at the terminal using a sophisticated array of
sensors and a domestically developed navigation systems.
The most striking technical advancement of
this mission was the departure from traditional manual line handling. Upon
reaching the pier, a vaccum based automatic mooring system utilized high power
suction pads to secure the hull in less than 30 seconds.
Once the ship was steady, the terminal’s
automated loading and unloading equipment took over. The operation was
synchronized by the A-TOS (terminal operating system) and A-ECS (equipment
control system), which coordinated quay cranes and guided vehicles with
millisecond level response times.
This successful operation proves that the
integration between autonomous vessels and smart ports is no longer a
theoretical concept but a functional reality” said a spokesperson for the
project’s technical team.
The Zhe Fei remains a versatile asset for the
Shandong Port Shipping Group, maintaining its capability for manual, remote and
autonomous control. However, this full process demonstration in Qingdao
suggests that the industry’s long standing goals of reducing maritime accidents
and solving labour shortages through automation are rapidly becoming the new
standard for global shipping.
Lufthansa
and Air India deepen ties
The Star Alliance Partner airlines signed a
Memorandum of Understanding as starting point for a comprehensive Joint
Business Agreement. This will include the airlines of the Lufthansa Group, Air
India and Air India Express.
However, the group’s air cargo daughter,
Lufthansa Cargo is left out of the MoU, at least for the time being. This is
rather surprising given that India is an increasingly important market for the
freight carrier, and is firmly anchored in its intercontinental network, as
Lufthansa Cargo’s communications department emphasizes when approached by
CargoForwarder Global.
With its growing economic role as producer
and/or importer of pharmaceuticals, automotive and high-tech items, demand for
reliable air freight connections between India, Europe, and other regions of
the world is growing. “Through our own freighter capacities and the belly
capacities of the Lufthansa Group Airlines, we offer stable transport solutions
and thus support the growing trade relations between India and Europe – in line
with our mission of enabling global business,” states spokesperson, Jan Paulin.
FTA – big door opener
This became evident on 27JAN26, when the EU and India signed a free trade
agreement (FTA). The deal is expected to strengthen economic and political ties
between the world’s second and fourth largest economies, spurring passenger and
cargo traffic.
India will grant the EU massive tariff
reductions (-96.6%) that are forecast to double EU exports to India by 2032,
while the Indian agri-food sector but also its fast-growing chemical, IT or
pharmaceutical industry will greatly benefit from the deal. Overall, the trade
liberalization will save around €4 billion per year in duties on European
products imported by India.
Though Lufthansa Cargo is not part of the
MoU, the flight frequencies demonstrate how important the Indian market is for
the cargo carrier. Lufthansa’s freight arm offers the market daily B777F
operations to and from Frankfurt. The freighters serve BOM, DEL, HYD, MAA, and
BLR alternately.
Its parent, Lufthansa Passenger Airlines,
serves India 44 times a week, with 25 flights departing in FRA and 19 in MUC.
In addition, its group members, Swiss and ITA Airways, also operate flights to
India. The lower decks of the aircraft, filled with pallets and containers,
contribute to high cargo loads.
25% of the world’s GDP
The Memorandum of Understanding, signed by Lufthansa CEO, Carsten Spohr and
Campbell Wilson, his counterpart at Air India, is aimed at capitalizing on new
growth opportunities arising from the recently concluded free trade agreement
between India – the world’s most populous country – and the European Union
(EU).
The EU states are India’s largest trading
partners for goods. Bilateral trade currently totals €180 billion per year.
Both economic powers account not only for a quarter of the world’s population,
but also for a quarter of the world’s gross domestic product (GDP). The latest
agreement creates nothing less than the world’s largest free trade area.
From black sheep to desired partner
For many years, Star Alliance member, Air India, was considered the unloved
black sheep of the airline association due to poor service, minor and major
scandals, and numerous passenger complaints. But that has changed. Since 2023
at the latest, Air India and the Star Alliance intensified their relations,
following a multitude of service improvements initiated by management, combined
with the order for 470 Airbus and Boeing aircraft. This was supplemented a year
later by adding a further 100 Airbus jetliners to the orderbook. These
initiatives also improved the airline’s reputation in aviation circles.
New chapter in aviation
During the MoU signing ceremony, Carsten Spohr, Chairman of the Executive Board
of Deutsche Lufthansa AG and Chief Executive Officer of the Lufthansa Group
stated: “Today’s agreement […] is a strong signal of our mutual
determination to open a new chapter in aviation between the EU and India,
following the landmark trade agreement between both economic regions.
Together with Air India, we will strengthen
our access to the aviation market with the highest growth rates worldwide. The
Lufthansa Group is already the most successful and most popular European
airline group among customers in India.
In the future, we will contribute to
deepening economic and cultural relations between India and Europe with even
more connections. With our new long-haul aircraft and Lufthansa Allegris and
SWISS Senses on board, we are offering a significantly improved premium travel
experience in all classes on more and more routes, including to India.”
Unlocking greater value
Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Air India,
responded to this: “This milestone in our deepening relationship with the
Lufthansa Group is great news for travelers and enterprises alike between India
and Europe.
As Air India continues to expand its global
footprint with a fast-modernizing fleet and transformed product and service
offerings, this framework enables us to explore closer cooperation on multiple
fronts to meet the growing trade, commerce, and people-to-people ties between
our respective regions. This would unlock greater value for our common
customers and respective shareholders, and we look forward to progressing these
initiatives together with the Lufthansa Group.”
Strengthening the ties
Both executives spoke of an initial step and emphasized their intention to
expand the collaboration. The focus will be on further coordination of flight
schedules and route networks in selected markets so that passengers can benefit
from better connections and shorter transfer times.
In addition, both partners want to combine
their sales and marketing activities for flights between the Lufthansa Group’s
European home markets and India, better integrate frequent flyer programs, and
optimize airport processes for improved customer comfort.
Long-standing relationships
Lufthansa can look back on more than 60 years of shared history with India. The
airline first landed in Delhi as early as 1959. This connection has been
continuously expanded. A codeshare agreement with Air India has existed since
2004, and in 2014 the Indian airline joined the Star Alliance co-founded by
Lufthansa. In FEB25, the Lufthansa Group and Air India announced the expansion
of codeshare agreements between Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, and Air
India.
The Hinduja JV
In this context, it should also be noted that Lufthansa Cargo once had close
ties to India. Together with the Hinduja Group, it founded its own cargo
airline in 1996, called Hinduja Cargo Services, with Hinduja holding 60% and
Lufthansa Cargo 40% in the airline. The fleet included three B727-200
freighters, which served routes between Lufthansa Cargo’s local hub, Sharjah in
the UAE, and destinations in India.
In APR00, the company was dissolved because
the forecast traffic results had proved too optimistic. And thanks to its
then-new MD-11F freighter fleet, Lufthansa Cargo was able to fly nonstop to
India, eliminating the need for Sharjah as a hub.
CFG
talks with Cargojet CEO, Pauline Dhillon
The first of January, this year, saw Pauline
Dhillon (PD), step into the role of Chief Executive Officer of Cargojet. For
over two decades, Dhillon has contributed to Cargojet’s journey – from its
inception, through to it becoming Canada’s leading all-cargo airline, known for
dependable service and a strong customer focus.
Having held increasingly senior roles in
corporate marketing and government affairs, and later overseeing a broad range
of corporate and operational functions – most recently as Chief Corporate
Officer and co-CEO – Dhillon brings a deep understanding of the company’s
values and operations to her latest leadership role. Her appointment signals
both continuity and renewal – a natural next step for someone who has shaped so
much of Cargojet’s story from the very beginning.
In interview with CargoForwarder Global
(CFG), Pauline Dhillon reflects on the company’s evolution, the lessons learned
along the way, and how Cargojet is preparing for the next phase of growth in a
rapidly changing logistics landscape.
CFG: You are a founding member of Cargojet
and now officially became CEO of the airline on 01JAN26. What aspects of the
business received your immediate attention at the start of this year and what
important decisions are forecast for 2026?
PD: Since officially becoming CEO on 01JAN26, my immediate focus has been on
ensuring continuity of Cargojet’s operational performance, which has been
central to the company since its founding. I have also prioritized supporting
the next phase of international expansion, including the operation to Europe.
Equally important has been maintaining our people-first ‘ONE TEAM’ culture,
with over 2,000 team members driving 24/7 operations.
CFG: Regarding the Cargojet fleet: The
average age of your 44 freighters is around 30 years. When are you planning a
rollover, given that older B767 and B757 freighters generate higher greenhouse
gas emissions? And what freighter variants is Cargojet planning to purchase or
lease?
PD: As of 30SEP25, Cargojet operates a fleet of 41 freighter aircraft, 24
Boeing 767s and 17 Boeing 757s. We believe our current fleet size is sufficient
to meet our growth needs for at least the next 12 months. Boeing 767 and 757
aircraft are the workhorses of the air cargo industry, and are operated by many
major air cargo airlines, including major carriers like UPS and FedEx. We
expect these aircraft types to be mainstays of the air cargo industry for some
time, and our fleet has years of safe, efficient, and profitable service ahead
of it.
We focus on reducing our emissions through fuel-efficiency initiatives using
our existing fleet and are actively pursuing a number of opportunities to
reduce our overall fuel burn and therefore greenhouse gas emissions, including
optimizing our fuel levels with flight plans and optimizing certain maintenance
activities to ensure engines are performing at their maximum efficiency.
CFG: In Europe, Liège (LGG) is the only
airport served by Cargojet. Are additional destinations in the EU block an
option that Cargojet considers serving?
PD: At present, Liège (LGG) serves as Cargojet’s primary gateway into Europe,
providing a reliable foundation for our international expansion. While
additional EU destinations are being evaluated, any future service will be
guided by market demand, operational feasibility, and alignment with our
existing network.
CFG: What are the main commodities that
Cargojet carries and where do you see its USP in air cargo?
PD: Cargojet specializes in transporting key commodities such as e-commerce,
seafood, automotive parts, live animals, and AOG shipments. The airline’s
unique selling point is its industry-leading on-time performance, consistently
exceeding 98%. Its coast-to-coast overnight domestic network enables the
shortest cut-off times in the Canadian market. With a cargo-only operating
model, Cargojet is purpose-built to handle time-critical logistics with
reliability and precision.
CFG: You mention Cargojet’s 98+% on-time
reliability – what is the secret to this success?
PD: Our on-time reliability depends on our people – our team – supported by
disciplined execution and a culture built around consistency. What has made
Cargojet truly successful is our team; we would not be who we are or what we
are without them. With a singular focus on air cargo, we’re able to provide our
customers with the personal attention they deserve and the dependable service
they expect, night after night. That focus, reinforced by our culture, drives
our operational excellence and ultimately our success.
CFG: What has remained the same and what has
changed within the airline, since its founding? And where do you see Cargojet
in 2030?
PD: Since its founding, Cargojet’s core focus on reliability, customer trust,
and people-driven performance has remained unchanged. What has evolved is the
scale of the business, growing from a single aircraft operation to a global
network spanning North America and Europe. The airline has also expanded beyond
domestic overnight operations to offer international and charter services
across more than 47 countries. Looking ahead to 2030, Cargojet aims to continue
building on this foundation, further expanding its global reach while
maintaining the operational excellence and customer focus that have defined the
company from the start.
CFG: How would you end this sentence: Running
a cargo airline is like…
PD: “Running a cargo airline is like orchestrating a 24/7 symphony – every
detail matters, and reliability is earned, not claimed.”
Thank you, Pauline Dhillon
Bringer
Air Cargo seeks to scale up with SmartKargo technology
Bringer Air Cargo has invested in
SmartKargo’s technology to enhance its air cargo operations across booking,
capacity management, operations, analytics, and customer engagement.
SmartKargo said its platform enables airlines
to operate more efficiently by unifying commercial and operational processes
into a single, connected system, while utilising a more automated and
insight-driven operating model.
The company said this is crucial as airlines
strive to improve visibility, optimise capacity utilisation and streamline
workflows to meet the demands of evolving air cargo markets driven by
e-commerce growth, time-critical shipments and rising customer expectations.
“Air cargo is undergoing a fundamental
transformation, with airlines seeking smarter, more flexible platforms that can
evolve with their business,” said Olivier Houri, chief revenue officer at
SmartKargo.
“Our collaboration with Bringer Air Cargo
reflects a shared commitment to innovation and to building a technology
foundation that supports operational excellence, scalability, and long-term
growth.”
The implementation of SmartKargo’s technology
supports Bringer Air Cargo’s strategy to scale efficiently while maintaining
high service standards.
By modernising core cargo processes and
improving data visibility across the operation, SmartKargo has anticipated that
Bringer Air Cargo will be able to better align capacity with demand, improve
coordination across teams, and respond more effectively to market needs.
“Technology plays a critical role in how we
deliver reliable and efficient cargo services,” said Eduardo De Castro, chief
technology officer for Bringer Air Cargo.
“Partnering with SmartKargo allows us to
strengthen our operational capabilities with a flexible, future-ready platform
that supports our growth and our customers.”
Bringer offers charter services, alongside
general and specialist transport of shipments. The company offers capacity on a
variety of cargo aircraft, including Boeing 747Fs, 767Fs and 757Fs.
Healthcare
exports boost Puerto Rico’s air cargo, but investment needed
Pharmaceutical and medicine export shipments
are helping Puerto Rico grow its air cargo operations, but additional
infrastructure improvements are required, a new study has found.
The US Government Accountability Office (GAO)
report, published on 17 February, said that Puerto Rico has been expanding air
cargo operations over the past several years.
Healthcare-related goods – including
pharmaceuticals and medical devices – accounted for about half of the reported
cargo volume leaving the country, according to Census trade data, said the
report.
Speaking
about Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) in San Juan, the
report said: “We found that Puerto Rico’s international airport in San Juan has
become increasingly important to air cargo operations.
“The airport has improved its airside
infrastructure and has available cold storage space, which is essential for the
island’s pharmaceutical exports.
“Puerto Rico’s expansion strategy has
included working with industry to improve cargo handling and identify facility
investments.”
Air cargo volume handled by Puerto Rico’s
three international airports fluctuated between 2015 and 2024, hitting a low of
501m pounds in 2019 before increasing to 621m pounds in 2024, according to the
Bureau of Transportation Statistics’ air carrier data.
The largest of these airports, SJU, increased
cargo volumes over this period. Meanwhile, volumes declined at the second
largest airport, Rafael Hernández (BQN) in Aguadilla. Mercedita
Airport (PSE) in Ponce is not regularly used as a cargo airport.
The Puerto Rico Life Sciences Air Cargo
Community has previously reported steady growth of life
sciences exports.
Improvements needed
However, according to the air cargo
stakeholders GAO interviewed, while some conditions at Puerto Rico’s
international airports, particularly SJU, can support existing air cargo
operations, improvements are needed for growth.
Stakeholders noted recent improvements to
airport infrastructure in San Juan, including expanding access
roads.
Though they also identified additional
improvements needed, such as enhancing warehouses and cold storage space at all
airports. They also identified that airports needed operational improvements.
For example, agency officials, including
those from US Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Agriculture,
noted that there were limited staff available to inspect cargo, which could
affect the speed of handling should operations increase.
That said, Puerto Rico has pursued several
initiatives to promote growth in air cargo operations, including seeking
expanded authority for some air carriers to transfer cargo, found the report.
In addition, Puerto Rico has developed an air
cargo strategy and worked with health care manufacturers and the logistics
sector to increase collaboration and standardise pharmaceutical handling
practices at its international airports.
Qatar
Cargo invests in digital ramp operations
Qatar Airways Cargo is digitalizing its ramp
operations to improve load visibility, turnaround times and accuracy.
The cargo business will utilise the Ramp
Offload and Load Supervision (ROLS) tool in order to digitalise operations.
This will replace traditional paper-based
loading instruction reports with a digital ramp workflow for enhanced ULD
verification, digital reconciliation for 100% verification and real-time data
transmission.
“With ROLS, ramp agents can execute loading
and offloading tasks with increased accuracy, reduced paperwork, and improved
turnaround efficiency, ultimately enhancing the flight handling process and
transforming freighter ground handling,” Qatar Cargo said in a press release.
The tool also offers real-time loading
confirmations and instant status updates to help minimise delays, service level
monitoring and compliance, QR code-based scanning capability, tail tipping
prevention and enhanced visibility on ramp operations.
Qatar Airways chief office cargo Mark Drusch
said: “The Ramp Digitalisation Programme is a key step in supporting Qatar
Airways’ broader vision of digitising every touchpoint of our operations and is
a major step toward our vision of a fully connected, paperless cargo
experience.
“As the world’s leading air cargo carrier, we
believe that digital transformation is not just a strategic priority – it is a
core mindset guiding how we lead innovation in the cargo industry.”
Qatar Cargo’s broader digital cargo vision
initiatives include enhancements in e-bookings, paperless shipments, and
automated warehouse solutions.
As part of these efforts, the Doha-hubbed
airline last year revamped
its QR Cargo Mobile App to give customers more control over booking and
tracking air cargo shipments.
The airline also partnered with ULD
firm Unilode Aviation Solutions to digitalise the carrier’s entire
fleet of over 42,000 ULDs.
I hope you have
enjoyed reading the above news letter.
Robert Sands
Joint Managing Director
Jupiter Sea & Air Services Pvt Ltd
Casa Blanca, 3rd Floor
11, Casa Major Road, Egmore
Chennai – 600 008. India.
GST Number : 33AAACJ2686E1ZS.
Tel : + 91 44 2819 0171 / 3734 / 4041
Fax : + 91 44 2819 0735
Mobile : + 91 98407 85202
E-mail : robert.sands@jupiterseaair.co.in
Website : www.jupiterseaair.com 1Branches : Chennai, Bangalore,
Mumbai, Coimbatore, Tirupur and Tuticorin.
Associate Offices : New Delhi, Kolkatta, Cochin &
Hyderabad.
Thanks to :
Container News, Indian Seatrade, Cargo Forwarder Global &
Air Cargo News.
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