JUPITER SEA & AIR
SERVICES PVT. LTD, EGMORE – CHENNAI, INDIA.
E-MAIL : Robert.sands@jupiterseaair.co.in Mobile : +91 98407 85202
Corporate News Letter for Wednesday March 11, 2025
Today’s
Exchange Rates
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CURRENCY▲ |
PRICE |
CHANGE |
%CHANGE |
OPEN |
PREV.CLOSE |
DAY's LOW-HIGH |
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91.81 |
0.540001 |
0.584733 |
91.91 |
92.35 |
91.70- 92.1925 |
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1.1642 |
0.0006 |
0.051562 |
1.1636 |
1.1636 |
1.1607- 1.1664 |
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123.5667 |
0.414803 |
0.336822 |
123.3538 |
123.1519 |
123.3252- 123.8284 |
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106.9773 |
0.309303 |
0.289968 |
106.7252 |
106.668 |
106.6928- 107.0943 |
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157.741 |
0.070999 |
0.04503 |
157.67 |
157.67 |
157.277- 157.979 |
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1.3455 |
0.0018 |
0.133954 |
1.3437 |
1.3437 |
1.3414- 1.3483 |
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0.582 |
-0.001 |
-0.171524 |
0.5855 |
0.583 |
98.492- 98.939 |
/// Sea Cargo News ///
KMTC
Line books six 1,900 TEU ships at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries
South Korean regional shipping line Korea
Marine Transport Company (KMTC) announced it has ordered six 1,900 TEU ships at
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD-HHI) for delivery in 2028.
The ships would be constructed at the premises of the former HD Hyundai Mipo, which merged with HD-HHI in last December.
Middle
East Conflict – Carrier updates
MSC : Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has outlined alternative logistics solutions for inland cargo shipments to the Gulf region in response to the current security situation in the Middle East. The carrier said it is offering customers additional routing options designed to maintain cargo flows to key Gulf destinations despite ongoing regional disruptions.
CMA CGM :
CMA CGM will introduce an Emergency Fuel Surcharge (EFS) following a
sharp rise in global fuel prices linked to ongoing geopolitical in the Near and
Middle East.
The EFS Charges vary from USD 60 to USD 180
per TEU. These rates will be implemented from March 23, 2026. It will remain in
place until further notice, subject to regulatory requirements where
applicable.
Carrier Response to Fuel Market Volatility : CMA CGM says the measure is necessary to manage rising bunker costs and ongoing market volatility. The company stated it remains committed to supporting global supply chains while maintaining reliable shipping services during this challenging period.
OCEAN NETWORK EXPRESS (ONE) : ONE Line has
announced operational adjustments across several shipping routes in response to
escalating security challenges in the Middle East including the effective
closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Maersk : Maersk will temporarily suspend
services connecting the Far East and Middle East to Europe due to the
escalating security situation in the Gulf region. The carrier will also suspend
shuttle services in the Gulf.
X-Press
Feeders expands America service network
X-Press Feeders has announced a series of
enhancements to its America services, strengthening connections key trade lanes
to meet growing market demand and improve reliability.
Updated America Services – Here’s what’s new
:
·
PVX now calls Guanta, Guaranao and Maracaibo. It operates as
a fixed day weekly service with reliable
links from Manzanillo and Cartagena to Venezuela.
·
CPX adds a port call at Ilo. This fixed day weekly service
connects to Callao to Northern Chile directly.
·
CHX features an updated rotation and retains its fixed day
weekly schedule, connecting Callao to Central Chile.
·
PCX runs weekly between key Caribbean trans-shipment hubs,
linking Moin to Central American and Kingston with ample reefer capacity.
PCX 2 – operates weekly between Panama and
multiple Central American Ports.
CIX – offers weekly sailings with competitive
transit times to and from two of the Caribbean’s largest trans-shipment hubs.
These enhancements aim to improve schedule
reliability and expand connectivity across the Americas for importers and
exporters. At X-Press Feeders, the company says it remains committed to
strengthening global trade through reliable, efficient feeder services that
respond to evolving customer needs and shifting trade patterns.
CNC
launches BY8 service for faster South East Asia connections
CNC has launched BY8, a new feeder service
that provides smarter and more efficient connections across Southeast Asia. The
service links Singa -pore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Myanmar, offering faster
transit times, improved flexibility and reliable operations.
Key Benefits of BY8 : Faster, Direct Market Access – BY8 offers
direct calls between Singapore, Belawan and Yangon, reducing unnecessary
trans-shipments. Cargo reaches its destination faster and more predictably.
Simplified Routing, Smoother Operations – The direct
connection between Port Klang and Belawan streamlines the supply chain.
Handling is reduced, minimising the risk of delays.
Greater Scheduling Flexibility – BY8 provides
additional frequency between Singapore and Port Klang West, giving shippers
more options to plan shipments around production timelines.
Fully CNC operated for Maximum Reliability – The service is
fully CNC operated, ensuring consistent service standards. Tighter operational
control and schedule integrity reduce uncertainty.
Accelerated Access to Global Markets – Exports from
Myanmar move faster via Singapore. The service connects seamlessly to the CMA
CGM’s global network, opening doors to worldwide destinations.
Port Rotation : Singapore – Port Klang – Belawan – Singapore – Yangon (MITT) – Yangon (AWPT) – Singapore.
Evergreen
suspends bookings for several Middle East ports
Evergreen Marine Corporation has suspended
acceptance of new bookings for a number of Middle East ports as the security
situation in the region continues to evolve. The suspension applied immediately
to shipments both to and from Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates,
Saudi Arabia (excluding Jeddah) and Iraq through the port of Umm Qasr.
Evergreen said the measures aims to safeguard
crews, vessels and customer’s cargo, adding that local offices will contact
customers with cargo already in transit or booked to arrange further logistics
and handling options.
Hapag
Lloyd outlines contingency measures for Gulf cargo
Hapag Lloyd has announced contingency
procedures for shipments linked to several Gulf countries as the security
situation in and around the Upper Gulf continues to affect vessel movements and
port operations.
The measures apply to cargo already in transit to or from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Iraq (including Umm qasar), Oman and Yemen, following the earlier suspension of new shipments to and from the region.
Under the contingency plan, vessels may
remain in safe waters, experience schedule changes or deviate to alternative
ports depending on operational and security conditions. Cargo could also face
delays until normal operations can safely resume.
For containers already booked but not yet
loaded, export shipments where empty containers have not been collected will be
cancelled. Shipments already gated in at terminals should be retrieved by
customers, as loading has been suspended.
For cargo already in transit, customers may
request a change of destination to another port subject to operational
feasibility and revised freight rates or arrange for cargo to return to the
original port of loading at their own expense.
If no instructions are received and
alternative arrangements are not possible, the carrier may declare end of
voyage and store the cargo at a safe location.
Hapag Lloyd noted that all shipments remain
subject to the previously announced War Risk Surcharge and additional
operational changes inclu- ding demurrage, detention, storage and handling at
contingency ports – may apply.
The company said such measures are
implemented under the provisions of its Bill of Lading or Sea Waybill when the
safe continuation of a voyage becomes impracticable.
HMM
warns of potential disruptions to Hormuz transits
HMM has alerted customers to possible
disruptions to its maritime services as tensions and security risks escalate in
the Middle East, particularly around the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
In an advisory to clients and partners, the
company expressed appreciation for the continued trust and cooperation of its
customers while outlining the challenges posed by the current regional security
situation.
According to HMM, the highly volatile
maritime security environment in and around the Strait of Hormuz is already
affecting global supply chains. The company noted that regional instability is
creating elevated risks for commercial shipping operations which may require
adjustments to normal operational practices.
These circumstances could impact shipping
schedules, service routes and overall transit times. As a result, customers may
experience delays, changes to vessel itineraries or potential cost increases
linked to operational adjustments. HMM stated that it is closely monitoring
developments in the region and remains in communication with relevant
authorities to assess risks and determine appropriate response measures.
MSC
highlights inland cargo solutions to Gulf amid Middle East
MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company has
outlines alternative logistics solutions for inland cargo shipments to the Gulf
region in response to the current security situation in the Middle East.
The carrier said it is offering customers
additional routing options designed to maintain cargo flows to key Gulf
destinations despite ongoing regional disruptions.
MSC’s Dragon and Jade services continue to
provide competitive transit times connecting major Asian ports. These services
are supported by merchant haulage and carrier organised inland transport,
allowing cargo to move inland into the Gulf via the Saudi Arabian ports of King
Abdullah and Jeddah.
Through these gateways, shipments can be
transported to several major inland and regional destinations across the Gulf.
Key cities served include Dammam, Riyadh and Jubail in Saudi Arabia, as well as
Bahrain, Kuwait, Hamad, Jebel Ali and Abu Dhabi.
The company noted that these solutions are
supported by its broader East-West network, which includes six standalone
Asia-Mediterranean services. This network provides extensive connectivity
between Asia and Mediterranean markets through multiple direct port calls and
competitive transit times.
MSC said the combination of maritime and inland transport options is intended to help customers maintain supply chain continuity and reach critical Gulf markets despite the ongoing security challenges in the region.
IndiGo
CEO Elbers steps down months after airline’s worst-ever crisis; Rahul Bhatia to
take interim charge
Budget carrier IndiGo said on Tuesday that
its chief executive officer Pieter Elbers has stepped down with immediate
effect, with managing director Rahul Bhatia set to take charge of the airline’s
affairs on an interim basis.
In a regulatory filing, Inter Globe Aviation
Ltd, which operates IndiGo, said its board of directors took note of Elbers’
resignation at a meeting held on March 10, 2026.
“We wish to inform you that the Board of
Directors of the Company, at its meeting held today, i.e., March 10, 2026,
inter-alia, took note of the resignation tendered by Mr. Pieter Elbers, Chief
Executive Officer. He will be relieved from the service of the Company
effective close of business hours on March 10, 2026,” the airline said in the
statement.
The development comes months after the carrier’s worst-ever operational crisis
in December, when a widespread outage forced India’s largest airlines to cancel
around 4,500 flights in the first weeks of the month, drawing scrutiny from
both the public and the government and raising fresh concerns about limited
competition in the world’s fastest-growing aviation market.
The airline later apologised to passengers,
saying it had failed to update crew rosters in time to comply with stricter
government-mandated pilot fatigue regulations.
The company said Bhatia will temporarily take charge of the airline’s
affairs.
Elbers submitted his resignation in a letter
dated March 10, citing personal reasons and requesting that his notice period
be waived.
Iran
war deals double blow to Indian airlines already hit by Pakistan airspace ban
Airspace restrictions in the Middle East amid
the Iran war have dealt another blow to Indian airlines, which count the region
as a crucial corridor for flights to Europe and the U.S. since Pakistan banned
Indian carriers from its airspace last year.
As war in the Middle East forces flight
rescheduling and re-routing, Indian airlines have limited options because they
can't fly over Pakistan either.
The country's biggest international carriers Air India and IndiGo did not
operate 64% of their 1,230 scheduled flights to the Middle East, Europe and
North America in the last 10 days,
Cirium data shows.
"It is a double whammy for Indian airlines which fly international routes," said Amit Mittal, an independent aviation expert.
Pakistan has banned Indian carriers from its airspace since last April
following military tensions between the two neighbours.
Last week, HSBC said that current
geopolitical tensions in the Middle East will lead to a "significant
burden" on the cost and profitability of Indian airlines. HSBC estimated
that seven days of cancellations to the affected regions could shave 1.2% off
its estimate for the airline's annual profit-before-tax.
While the two airlines resumed some affected
routes in recent days, IndiGo is facing unique problems.
It relies heavily on six Boeing long-range aircraft it has leased from Norse
Atlantic Airways to fly to Europe. Given the registration of those planes
remains Norwegian, they have to abide by a European Union
Aviation Safety Agency advisory that
has asked airlines to avoid airspaces of Iran, Iraq, Israel, Kuwait, Lebanon,
Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.
That has forced IndiGo to take longer routes via Africa, increasing flight
times by up to two hours in some cases, according to Flightradar24.
Even then, the routes face challenges. An IndiGo
Delhi-Manchester flight was forced to return to Delhi on Sunday after air
traffic control in the African nation of Eritrea declined airspace use due to
confusion over how a Norse-registered plane was being used by IndiGo, a source
familiar with the matter said.
IndiGo said the incident, which saw the plane return to Delhi after being in
the air for 13 hours, was due to "last-minute airspace restrictions."
Another IndiGo Boeing aircraft flying from London to Mumbai faced the same
issue with Eritrea and had to divert to Cairo on Monday, the source added.
Flight disruptions due to the Middle East conflict add to problems at IndiGo
whose CEO Pieter Elbers stepped down on Tuesday, in the aftermath of an
operational crisis that drew scrutiny from the public and the government in
December.
IndiGo and Air India did not respond to Reuters queries. Norse referred Reuters'
questions to IndiGo.
AIR INDIA WOES
Air India said on Monday that it would operate 78 additional flights on routes
between India and Europe and the U.S. over the next week in response to high
demand during the Iran conflict.
Air India said on Monday that it would
operate 78 additional flights on routes between India and Europe and the U.S.
over the next week in response to high demand during the Iran conflict.
But its flight times to some destinations are becoming much longer as it
is forced to add a stopover, giving an edge to rivals like Lufthansa and
American Airlines on routes to and from India.
Air India's Delhi to New York flight on Monday made a stopover in Rome,
extending the journey time to to nearly 22 hours, according to Flight- radar24.
Before the Iran war, Air India could fly via Iraq and Turkey and reach the U.S.
in about 17 hours with no stops. In comparison, an American Airlines flight on
Sunday took about 16 hours on the same route, via Pakistan.
Air India, owned by Tata Group and Singapore Airlines , has forecast a hit of
$600 million a year due to the Pakistan airspace ban, Reuters has reported. The
airline, which was sold by the Indian government in 2022, has been reporting
losses which amounted to $433 million last year.
Longer flight times will only add to the airline's costs as they mean more fuel
usage, further pushing up energy costs on top of the spike in oil rices since
the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran began.
Turkish Airlines reinforces top global player status
Turkish Airlines closed the 2025 financial
year with an operating profit of USD 2.2 billion. Its traffic and sales figures
underscore the airline’s claim of being one of the world’s leading carriers.
They were presented last Thursday (05MAR26) at the company’s Istanbul
headquarters. Despite difficulties in aircraft delivery and engine supply
issues affecting the industry, the company’s fleet expanded by 5% in 2025,
ending the year with 516 aircraft in operation.
In its full year consolidated results for
2025, Turkish Airlines achieved a record revenue of USD 24.1 billion, up 6.3%
in a year-to-year comparison. Key driver of the revenue increase was the
passenger business, which grew by 7.4%. In contrast, cargo figures decreased
slightly, from USD 3.5 to USD 3.4 billion. The slowdown reflects the general
decline in yields in 2025, while volumes went up by remarkable 16.6%, reaching
2.2 million tons.
Centennial vision
Ahmet Bolat, Chairman of the Board of Turkish Airlines, commented on the
results for the 2025 financial year: “Despite an exceptionally
challenging and unpredictable market environment, our financial success in 2025
once again demonstrated our ability to adapt quickly to changing economic and
geopolitical conditions thanks to our diversified revenue structure. In line
with our long-term value creation goals, the investments we made and commercial
partnerships we entered into in 2025, were milestones that further expanded our
global reach and advanced our company’s progress toward our centennial vision.”
Turkish Airlines will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2033.
By then and in line with its vision, the airline intends to operate 813
aircraft, transport 171 million passengers annually, and rank second in global
seat capacity. This is backed by financial self-reliance.
Superior ground infrastructure
What the executive did not mention while commenting on the 2025 annual result,
but which plays a key role in the growth of Turkish Airlines, is the new
airport located north of Istanbul on the Black Sea. Thanks to innovative
technology, 24/7 operation, three runways, and an expanded cargo
infrastructure, it has developed into a global aviation hub offering Turkish
Airlines tailored slot opportunities.
According to the EUROCONTROL European
Aviation Overview Report, an average of 1,624 takeoffs and landings take place
there every 24 hours.
This means that the Turkish hub has surpassed Amsterdam Schiphol, Paris Charles
de Gaulle, Frankfurt, and even London Heathrow, in terms of daily flight
operations. In cargo throughput, it ranks second in Europe, just behind
Frankfurt.
MAD becomes joint hub
In the current year, Turkish Airlines will continue to grow organically,
complemented by M&A activities. As seen on 06NOV25, when the carrier
acquired a 27% stake in Spain’s Air Europa (IATA code: UX), thus solidifying
its intercontinental network. However, the relevant competition authorities
still must approve the step, which could take six to twelve months from the
date of the agreement. But this is considered a mere formality.
The deal, valued at EUR 300 million, secures
Turkish Airlines important intercontinental routes, linking Spain and Latin
America including the Caribbean, Air Europa’s main international markets.
Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD) will become an important gateway for transiting
Turkish Airlines / Air Europa travelers and cargo shipments alike.
Eyeing Sun Express
In addition, Turkish Airlines has its eye on leisure carrier Sun Express, which
it wants to take over completely, local media report. Lufthansa and Turkish
Airlines each hold a 50% stake in the company, which has been in the market
since 1990 and achieves positive margins.
Lufthansa’s reluctance can also be explained
by the fact that its subsidiary, Eurowings, and Sun Express closely coordinate
their capacities as part of their codeshare agreement covering routes between
Dusseldorf, Cologne/Bonn, Stuttgart, and Antalya. In addition, Lufthansa bosses
expect the joint venture to continue its growth trajectory and produce
satisfying financial results.
Air
traffic in Venezuela picks up again
The contrast could hardly be greater. While
the airspace over the Middle East is currently largely closed due to the war in
Iran, it is reopening in Venezuela. Due to a U.S. blockade, the Latin American
country had been cut off from international commercial air traffic since
04DEC25. The initial mission was the transport of 65,000 chicks, which were
flown from Brazil’s Viracopos Airport to Valencia (VLN) in central Venezuela
last week.
A Boeing 737-400SF belonging to the Colombian
airline, Cargo Aerosucre, was used for the charter project. The company
responsible for transporting the animals was Global GSSA, which claims to be
‘very experienced’ in managing delicate and special cargo flights. The entire
project, valued at 6.5 million reais (USD 1.3 million), was carried out timely
and successfully, confirms the agent.
Carriers are returning
Next in line was Spain’s Plus Ultra, which resumed flights between
Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) and Maiquetía International (IATA: CCS). The
current two air services per week are to be increased to three from 01APR26,
announced the carrier.
At the same time as Ultra, Turkish Airlines
resumed its Istanbul-Caracas route with a B787-9 Dreamliner. The flight
schedule includes three weekly nonstop services on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and
Saturdays. It stipulates that the outbound flight departs Istanbul at 3.30 p.m.
and lands in Caracas at 9.50 p.m. In the opposite direction, flight TK 224
departs from the Venezuelan capital at 11.45 p.m. and arrives in Turkey at 6.30
a.m. the next day, local time.
U.S. airlines are also planning flights to
Venezuela
Also last Tuesday (03MAR26) the U.S. Department of Transportation approved a
request from American Airlines to again offer passengers and cargo clients air
services to Venezuela. These include the routes Miami-Caracas and
Miami-Maracaibo.
The flights are scheduled to be operated by
Envoy Air, a wholly-owned subsidiary of American Airlines Group.The step
follows a January move by Transportation Secretary, Sean Duffy, to rescind a
2019 order that barred U.S. airlines from flying to Venezuela. President Donald
Trump directed the department to lift the restriction, reopening the market
after more than six years without direct commercial service.
No safety concerns
American Airlines began serving Venezuela in 1987 and was once the largest U.S.
carrier operating in the country. It said the planned daily flights would
support business, leisure and humanitarian travel.
The U.S. Transportation Security Administration traveled to Caracas last week
to review and inspect airport security procedures – a required step before
flights can resume. The Transportation Department’s approval is valid for two
years. American has not specified when service would restart.
Wildcats rescued from war zone
An example from the Ukrainian region near Kharkiv, which was attacked by Russian troops, shows the disastrous consequences that wars can have not only for humans, but also for captive wild animals. There, two completely exhausted big cats left behind in cages by their owners, were rescued from starvation: a white tiger and a lynx. Thanks to a complex international effort supported and coordinated by DHL, they were taken to a sanctuary in the UK.
Abandoned and left behind
Aleks, as the tiger is called, was discovered
by Ukrainian soldiers behind bars in a dilapidated shed near Kharkiv. He was in
extremely poor condition, suffering from parasites, skin infections,
malnutrition, dehydration, and impaired liver and kidney function. Aleks was so
weak that he could no longer stand. His former owner abandoned him when the war
spread, without notifying any animal protection organization or official body.
The lynx, Lothar, also appears to have gone
through a similar ordeal. He was simply left behind in his cage by his owners,
who fled as the Russian invaders came closer. There are no official figures,
but NGOs report a constant number of wild cats kept illegally in private
households. Many are purchased as cubs and later abandoned when they become too
dangerous, too expensive or are simply no longer wanted. Sadly, their
experience is not unusual. Wildcats kept as pets or in other inappropriate
settings, often face severe neglect, and wars only intensify this untenable
situation.
From Ukraine to UK
After their rescue by animal rights
activists, Aleks and Lothar were first taken to a Wild Animals Rescue Center in
Ukraine to regain basic strength. Once the animals’ condition had stabilized,
they began their approximately 2,600-kilometer journey in specially designed
transport crates aboard a large transport van.
They traveled from Ukraine to Calais
(France), through the Eurotunnel to the UK, and continued by road to
Lincolnshire Wildlife Park. Upon arrival on 27FEB26, they were examined by a
veterinarian and then released into a specially built enclosure. Lincolnshire
Wildlife Park is one of the UK’s largest facilities dedicated to rescuing
animals and providing them with lifelong sanctuary.
Working with the NGOs, Nadiya and Wild
Animals Rescue Center, veterinarians, customs authorities, and Lincolnshire
Wildlife Park, DHL helped coordinate and support the animals’ journey to their
new sanctuary. Both animals are now beginning their next chapter in a safe,
species‑appropriate environment.
Track record of rescue logistics
“Aleks and Lothar were born in captivity and would not survive in the wild.
They lack the instincts typical of wild animals, such as hunting. Facilities
like ours are the only way animals like them can live a safe and fulfilling
life,” explained Steve Nichols, Chief Executive Officer, Lincolnshire
Wildlife Park, upon the arrival of the wildcats.
From little to large and big
That same year, DHL flew 25 rare bongo antelopes from the United States to
Kenya, as part of a program to release rare and endangered species into the
wild again. Please see: https://cargoforwarder.eu/2025/03/30/17-bongo-antelopes-fly-from-florida-to-kenya/ Even
heavyweights such as manatees and hippos, have traveled with DHL, the company
notes in a release.“For us, every shipment entrusted to us is something
special, and we always look for the best solution.
But transporting animals is particularly
complex. It requires an extra level of care – after all, they are living beings
and they need our special attention. Together with all our partners and our
combined logistics expertise, we were able to bring Aleks and Lothar to a place
where they will finally receive the care they deserve and can begin their long
path to recovery,” Nicola
Leske, Head of Communications & Sustainability, DHL Group, concluded.
Spotlight
on… Teresa Galán Barrios, Cadet Pilot, Aerodynamics Academy
Being a pilot in training is far more than just flying. Image: Teresa Galán BarriosWithout pilots, there would be no air cargo.
Pilots are key to the safe, efficient, and timely transportation of all kinds
of commodities.
They deal with ever-changing circumstances, and their responsibilities include aircraft handling, flight and route navigation, weather assessment, and team work with air traffic control and others to ensure optimal flight operations, minimal risk of delay, and best fuel use, for example. This week, Teresa Galán Barrios, Cadet Pilot at Aerodynamics Academy, takes us through her role and views.
CFG: What is your current function and
company? And what are your responsibilities?
TG: I currently hold the position of a cadet pilot and am in the
process of completing an integrated ATPL [Air Transport Pilot License] course
at Aerodynamics Academy in Málaga, Spain. My role involves the intensive study
of topics like Mass and Balance, Performance, Meteorology, Human Factors, and
Air Law. In addition to this, I also have to ensure the complete operational
readiness of each flight. This includes analyzing METARs and ATIS messages,
reviewing NOTAMs, performing performance calculations, mass and balance sheets,
navigation logs, briefings, and flying the Tecnam P2008JC.
To me, being a pilot in training is far more
than just flying. It involves understanding each and every system of an
airplane, memorizing each and every procedure, and dealing with hypothetical
emergency situations with a composed and disciplined mindset. I know that the
better I understand each and every topic on the ground, the better I’ll feel
once I get into the cockpit. In aviation, every flight begins long before the
engine starts.
CFG: What does a normal day look like for
you?
TG: Certainly, a day in aviation is unlikely to be considered
‘normal’, but there are daily rituals that provide some structure to my
day-to-day life. I enjoy reading about the latest happenings in aviation
journals every morning. I value the importance of knowing the context of a
situation in relation to my studies. I also appreciate the importance of
knowing the current state of weather at my school’s nearby aerodromes. I am a
frequent reviewer of METARs and ATIS reports.
My days are sometimes spent studying at home
doing preparation of documents for planned flights which includes draft
meteorological analysis, NOTAMs, route drafts and Mass & Balance along with
performance calculations. Other days, I am at the academy for ATPL classes
where I am able to advance my knowledge of the various subjects and get my
questions addressed by the teachers.
The flying days can get quite intense.
There’s meticulous planning involved for things like the route, the weather,
NOTAMs, ATIS, aircraft mass, and balance. Then, an instructor briefing is done,
and all the last-minute questions are solved before departure. After flying, a
long debrief is done, and all things are analyzed like what went well, what
could be done better and how to keep improving.
Classroom days are just as important since
they give me the chance to help solidify the theory and join the instructors’
experience. It happens when you look at the clock during the day, just to
realize that it is already nighttime. When you are properly engaged, time tends
to fly.
I consider myself tremendously fortunate to
be in the field even if I finish the day dead tired, because I get to do
exactly what I love. Aviation teaches you that ‘preparation builds confidence’
– a saying that has been repeated by one of my teachers. He has been spot on
every single time. This is especially true on the ground, because the more I
learn, the more I am able to control the plane in the air.
CFG: How long have you been in aviation, and
what brought you to it?
TG: I started my flight school journey this past September, but my
history is much longer and meaningful. My grandfather, who I never met, was a
commercial pilot. He died in a plane crash while on his 800th hour of flying.
Growing up, I developed a fear of flying and avoided anything to do with
aviation. I even chose to become a biomedical engineer working in bionic
prosthetics, which I thought was a great field to stay in for the rest of my
life.
Later, I moved into management consulting,
which was interesting but didn’t feel like the right fit. A significant moment
for me was an unplanned trip to Disneyland. A close friend of mine was flying
the plane, and I was invited to the flight deck. I had a sudden revelation that
my fear of aviation was irrational, and I was simply apprehensive of something
I didn’t understand.
I wanted to be part of that world. Still
under the influence of my grandfather’s stories, I began looking into becoming
an air traffic controller and took the selection exams for ENAIRE. I tried my
best to visit control towers and flight decks, secretly hoping that one day I
would be in the aviation world. Then, I got the unexpected chance to enroll in
one of the top aviation academies in Spain, Aerodynamics in Málaga. There, I
was able to train to be a pilot and say that I am in a place that I would love
to be for the rest of my life. I am certain that my grandfather would also love
to see me here.
CFG: What do you enjoy most about your job?
TG: What stands out the most, is the sense of meaning behind every
single action done in aviation. Things are not done habitually or
instinctively. Decision making, communication, and checklists follow a set of
guidelines designed to achieve specific outcomes. I appreciate being in a
sphere in which being prepared is not optional and the burden of responsibility
is taken without being asked. The strict adherence to guidelines and the high
degree of control engenders an environment in which the entre practical and
operational realms are held to a single standard end.
I appreciate the collaboration and teamwork
on this project. Apart from the obvious and from what many people may think,
winning in this domain is not only about the people in the cockpit. Aviation is
a highly elaborate and synchronized multidisciplinary team effort. Coordination
from the pilots, air traffic controllers, ground operations, and maintenance
and logistics teams is needed. The complexity of the system and the fluidity
and ease with which it operates is mind-blowing.
There is one instance, in particular, that is
very personal to me and very difficult to fairly communicate to others. It is
the instance where the engines spool up and the command inputs come to life. It
is a technical engagement but it feels very personal. I think of my grandfather
a lot, and I wonder if he experienced the same feelings of control and the mix
of emotions.
The most special and exciting thing about
flying is that people have the misconception that it is all about the machine.
The operator sitting in the front, is in control of a system that is not fully
theirs to control. The owner of the machine is not the only one who can control
the machine.
CFG: Where do you see the greatest challenges
in our industry?
TG: The two primary obstacles I see as a pilot working toward an
ATPL license are:
Referral prospects: Aviation as a profession is very exciting. However, it is
still very poorly understood. People don’t know what to study, how to go about
it, whether to take a modular path or an integrated path, or what the financial
requirements are. It is all very overwhelming. Because of this simple and
accessible information, a lot more people would be able to enter the profession
as a pilot.
The job market: My training colleagues and I
often speculate on our future prospects. Some people see themselves at airlines
and others at executive aviation; some think of cargo operations, and others of
more niche roles like aerial firefighting. But getting into a niche sector is
not straightforward. I recall university and corporate webinars, and I think
career focus initiatives like those would be very helpful for students after
they get a frozen ATPL.
CFG: What advice would you give to people
looking to get into the air cargo industry?
TG: You should first grasp the magnitude
and the implications of the responsibility that comes with the job. Being a
pilot is not just a matter of flying an airplane. You facilitate a crucial part
of the world economy. Air transport of anything, from crucial medical supplies
and industrial goods to thousands of people, is what keeps the world working.
Understanding that is what should ultimately
change your perspective on the training.
Regarding preparation, a strong technical
background is vital, as is having a good foundation in operations, logistics,
flight training, engineering, or airport management, depending on the relevant
career choice. Equally, if not more important, are the ability to think
critically, demonstrate strong analytical capacity, having a solid culture of
safety and the ability to work as part of a team.
I recommend acquiring as much experience as
you can, as early as you can. Aviation can be learned in books and, with the
right experience, it can be understood through the entire system in operation.
Most importantly, this is an industry of learning. Regulations change,
technology is always getting better, and the way we operate is not the same for
too long. Therefore, having knowledge of the industry is essential, but being
curious and humble will be just as, if not more important.
CFG: If the air cargo industry were a
film/book, what would its title be?
TG: The Invisible Engine of the World. It quietly connects the
continents, sustains tourism, supports supply chains and operations and keeps
the world moving.
Thank you, Teresa.
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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