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 May 18,
2026
Today’s
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/// Sea Cargo News ///
In the accident, an Indian crew member named Altaf Talab Ker, who was working in the engine room of the ship, died, while the remaining 17 crew members were rescued.
Speaking to
Bhaskar, Adam Bhai, General Secretary of the Indian Sailing Vessels
Association, shared this information. He also sent an email to the Indian
Embassy in Dubai, requesting help.
The cargo
ship MSV AL Faiz Noore Soleimani-I was carrying cargo from Dubai to
the Yemeni port of Mukalla. A total of 18 crew members, including one gunman,
were on board. Secretary Adam said – after the firing, the ship filled
with water
According to Adam
Bhai, the ship was passing through the Strait of Hormuz at around 1 a.m. on May
7th. At that time, a firefight broke out between the Iranian and US navies. The
Gujarati ship was also caught in the crossfire. The firing caused extensive
damage to the ship, which began to fill with water, leading to its sinking.
Altaf Talab Ker, who was in the engine room, was seriously injured and died on
the spot. After the ship sank, the crew began their rescue efforts.
Another vessel, MSV Prem Sagar-I, passing by, arrived to help. This
ship safely evacuated 17 crew members.
All the rescued
crew members arrived safely at Dubai Port late on May 8th. Adam Bhai also
provided a video of the crew to Bhaskar. As soon as news of the incident
reached Salaya, grief spread throughout the area and the fishing community.
Vessels Association
seeks help from Indian Embassy
Following the
accident, Adam Bhai, General Secretary of the Indian Sailing Vessels
Association, immediately emailed the Indian Embassy in Dubai, informing them of
the incident. He appealed for immediate intervention and humanitarian
assistance. The association has demanded the last rites of the deceased
crew Altaf Talab Ker, death certificate and safe return of the 17 crew who
reached Dubai.
The association has
demanded that the necessary administrative procedures for the funeral of the
deceased, Altaf Talab Ker, be completed expeditiously. In addition, the death
certificate and postmortem report be made available in coordination with the local
administration. The process of repatriating the crew to India has been
initiated.
ONE reportedly orders six LNG-fueled
containerships
Ocean Network Express (ONE) has reportedly placed an order with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries for six LNG-fuelled containerships with a capacity of 15,000 TEU each.
According to multiple reports, the vessels are expected to be
priced at approximately USD 203 million per ship. The order reflects continued
investment in dual-fuel and lower-emission vessel technologies as carriers
accelerate fleet renewal and decarbonisation strategies.
The new buildings are expected to strengthen ONE’s long haul
fleet capacity while improving fuel efficiency and environmental performance.
Iran’s Strait of
Hormuz blockade leaves 1,500 ships, 20,000 crew stranded: IMO
Speaking at the Maritime Convention of the Americas in Panama on Thursday, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said thousands of civilian seafarers are caught in a crisis driven by escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. “At this moment, around 1,500 ships and close to 20,000 crew members are unable to move,” Dominguez said. He emphasized that the affected sailors are civilians carrying out essential work and should not bear the consequences of international conflict.
He emphasized that
the affected sailors are civilians carrying out essential work and should not
bear the consequences of international conflict. “These are people simply doing
their jobs to support global commerce, yet they are trapped in circumstances
completely beyond their control,” he added.
The blockade came
after tensions escalated in the region following military strikes by Israel and
the United States against Iran on February 28. Tehran subsequently launched
retaliatory actions across the region, further intensifying the conflict. The
Strait of Hormuz is among the world’s most critical shipping corridors,
handling nearly 20 percent of global oil and gas trade before the conflict
erupted. This situation has disrupted energy supplies and led to sharp rise in
global oil and natural gas prices.
According to
Dominguez, “any prolonged disruption to seaborne trade will have a significant
effect on global supply chains, given that 80 percent of global commerce is
moved via sea.” Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump announced
plans for a naval mission to escort commercial ships through the waterway and
help reopen one of the most important strategic water channels. However, the
operation was later put on hold amid signs of possible diplomatic engagement.
Washington is now awaiting Tehran’s response to proposals aimed at easing
tensions and restoring shipping access through the Strait of Hormuz.
Report That Somali
Pirates Seized another Dhow for Potential Mothership
The ongoing surge in activity by Somali pirates continues to
raise concerns, with a new warning that another group may be on the prowl for a
merchant ship. It comes after at least three ships have been seized in less
than a month, and several others have reported suspicious approaches or having
to fire warning shots to scare off skiffs.
MSCIO (Maritime Security Centre Indian Ocean), maintained by the
European Union, received reports that a dhow inbound for Kismayo, Somalia, was
apparently seized on May 9. The vessel was reported to be off the southern
coast. The security operation Atalanta has deployed assets to investigate the
reports.
The seizure came just hours after MSCIO warned that another
pirate action group was reported to be preparing to launch attacks in the
region. The pirates are favouring seizing the small boats and using them as
motherships to hunt for merchant ship targets. The small boats permit them to
blend in with regional traffic.
MSCIO and Atalanta are renewing their calls for all vessels to
increase security, especially within 150 nautical miles of the Somali coast
between Mogadishu and Hafun. They are recommended that vessels avoid the region
and the coast if possible.
The earlier warnings seemed to have some impact, with reports of
increased vigilance by commercial shipping. The French news agency AFP reported
during the week that one pirate group had abandoned a dhow because they had
been unable to seize a merchant ship. They were said to be running low on
supplies, and the report cited the increased vigilance by the ships as reducing
the potential targets for the pirates.
Several ships have resorted to displaying their armed guards to
the approaching skiffs. One report said the guards traded shorts with the
potential boarders, and last weekend, another group said they had been forced
to fire several warning shots. The skiff reportedly withdrew on May 2, but
then, several hours later, there was an alert that pirates had boarded a small
tanker.
Operation ATALANTA assets later confirmed the hijacking of
the tanker vessel Eureka, a 3,353-dwt vessel registered in Togo. It was
believed that the tanker was being taken to the Somali coast, where another
tanker and a general cargo ship are also being held.
Speculation is that the pirates have been encouraged to increase
their activity in part by the war with Iran and the dramatic increase in fuel
prices. Somali is also reporting fuel shortages, making the tankers potentially
more lucrative prizes.
Mumbai Port Authority Unveils Major Modernisation Drive to Build Future-Ready
Maritime Hub
Chairman M
Angamuthu said the initiatives are aligned with the broader vision of the
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways to promote greener, safer and
technologically advanced port operations across the country. As part of its
marine modernisation roadmap, the port authority is planning a phased
transition of its tug fleet under the Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP),
with a focus on adopting hybrid and low-emission green tug technologies.
“This initiative is
aimed at improving operational efficiency while reducing environmental impact
and aligning with national green shipping objectives,” Angamuthu stated.
To enhance vessel
handling capability, the port authority has undertaken the deepening of two
inner anchorages to accommodate deeper-draft vessels. The move is expected to
significantly improve cargo handling safety and operational efficiency,
especially during adverse weather conditions when draft restrictions previously
impacted port users.
The improved draft
availability will enable the handling of larger vessels, faster cargo
operations and reduced weather-related disruptions, thereby strengthening
Mumbai Port’s competitiveness in maritime trade.
In a further push
towards smart marine navigation, the port authority is exploring the
installation of virtual buoys and advanced navigational systems within harbour
limits. The proposed systems are expected to improve vessel navigation, channel
identification and marine traffic management during monsoon and low-visibility
conditions. Mumbai Port Authority is also examining the deployment of
advanced environmental technologies, including modern debris collection and
water-cleaning systems, to maintain cleaner harbour waters and improve marine
environmental conditions within port limits.
To strengthen
emergency preparedness and waterfront safety, the port authority is considering
the adoption of robotic and remotely operated firefighting systems aimed at
improving response capability while minimising risks to personnel during major
marine or waterfront fire incidents. Efforts are also
underway to strengthen ancillary marine support services such as bunkering,
freshwater supply and ship provisions to improve ease of doing business and
support vessel operations.
In coordination
with Customs and Immigration authorities, the port authority is working towards
operationalisation of Port Leave Allowance (PLA) facilities to facilitate crew
change activities.
On the occupational
safety front, Mumbai Port Authority has initiated implementation of
Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Systems aligned with ISO 45001
standards to strengthen workplace safety, risk management, incident prevention
and compliance across port operations.
The authority is
also planning a dedicated Safety Experience Centre featuring simulation-based
and experiential learning systems to improve safety awareness, emergency
preparedness and practical training for employees, marine personnel and
stakeholders.
In the passenger
transport and waterfront development segment, the port authority has introduced
Ro-Pax facilities to promote efficient passenger and vehicular coastal
transport and improve regional connectivity. Online
registration systems for passenger boats and harbour crafts have also been
introduced to improve regulation, monitoring and operational convenience.
To further improve
passenger safety and efficiency, safe access infrastructure has been developed
at Jetty No. 5. Additionally, a proposal has been initiated for the development
of a mini marina near the domestic cruise terminal to facilitate organised parking
and berthing of small crafts and leisure vessels.
The initiatives
collectively reflect Mumbai Port Authority’s long-term strategy to position
Mumbai Port as a technologically advanced, environmentally sustainable and
globally competitive maritime gateway.
Indian Sailors
Airlifted From Virus-Affected Ship
The affected ship reported multiple crew members showing symptoms linked to hantavirus infection, leading authorities to isolate the vessel and coordinate emergency medical assistance. Indian sailors onboard were evacuated for treatment and observation as a precautionary measure. Health officials and port authorities launched containment protocols to prevent further spread of the virus, while the vessel underwent sanitization and medical inspection.
The condition of
the evacuated crew members was reported to be stable. Hantavirus is a
rare but potentially serious viral disease typically spread through exposure to
infected rodents or contaminated environments. Maritime authorities are
continuing investigations into the source of the outbreak and the ship’s
onboard health conditions.
The incident has
raised concerns over crew safety and onboard health preparedness in the
shipping industry, especially as global maritime operations continue to face
operational and medical challenges.
The World Shipping Council (WSC) has published its latest update
to its WSC Dual-Fuel Fleet Dashboard, which tracks the global liner shipping
industry’s investment in vessels capable of running on renewable and
lower-emission fuels, and how the liner fleet is preparing for the energy
transition.
As of March 2026, the number of dual-fuel container ships and
vehicle carriers on the water has reached 440 – which is a 65% year-over-year
increase.
The number of dual-fuel vessels on order has also continued to
grow, reaching 764 ships. Across the order book, 78% of container ship orders
are dual-fuel, 94% of vehicle carrier orders are dual-fuel, and 17% of orders
across the rest of the fleet are dual-fuel.
In total, 1,204 dual-fuel container ships and vehicle carriers
are now delivered or on order, representing over $180 billion USD in private
investment.
“These vessels are long-term investments built with flexibility
in mind,” said Joe Kramek, WSC President & CEO. “Ships built today will
operate for decades, and the ability to operate on different fuel pathways
helps reduce risk, strengthen energy security, and support more resilient
global supply chains. Continued constructive engagement at the IMO remains
essential to provide the global regulatory certainty needed to scale investment
in alternative fuels.”
The updated Dual-Fuel Fleet Dashboard is available at: https://www.worldshipping.org/dual-fuel-fleet-dashboard
/// Air Cargo News ///
Emirates SkyCargo performance boosted by freighter additions in 25/26
Emirates SkyCargo saw both its revenues and cargo tonnage increase in its past financial year as it expanded its freighter fleet and network.
In the financial year running to 31 March, the cargo division of the wider Emirates group registered a slight increase in cargo revenues to AED16.2bn from AED16.1bn in the prior year.
Meanwhile,
cargo volumes increased 2.5% year on year to 2.4m tonnes thanks to additional
freighters.
The all-cargo element of the business saw volumes increase by 11.7% year on year to 637,000 tonnes, while scheduled cargo carried was down 0.4% to 1.8m tonnes.
General cargo, fresh produce and charter operations were “notable contributors” to volume performance this year.
Cargo
yield per freight tonne km was down 3% year on year due to market pressure and
the impact of tariffs, in particular on e-commerce, and expanded industry
capacity weighed on pricing in certain markets.
The company said that it had benefited from the delivery of five new Boeing 777 freighters during the financial year, which had grown its all-cargo capacity by 13% year on year. Meanwhile, two older freighters were retired.
The airline also utilised an additional two wet-leased Boeing 747 freighters
during the year on average, compared with the previous year.
At the end of March, Emirates’ SkyCargo’s total freighter fleet stood at 13 777Fs, with eight more units pending delivery.
Work
has also begun on converting one of its passenger 777s into a cargo
configuration.
During the year, SkyCargo expanded its freighter network to 44 points with the addition of Bangkok, Budapest, Liege, and Tokyo Narita; added frequency to existing freighter routes; and grew its trucking network.
“Despite fluctuations across global logistics, we delivered a solid performance in 2025-26,” the company said in its annual report.
“The division continued its strategy of offering tailored cargo solutions as a key differentiator and value proposition.
“This
year, it launched Emirates Courier Express – an innovative door-to-door
cross-border delivery solution; and a new Aerospace and Engineering suite of
specialist services to transport time-critical components for the aviation,
engineering, defence and space industries.”
Dnata performance
Meanwhile,
the Emirates Group’s ground handling business, dnata, saw cargo handling
revenue rise by 10% year on year to AED3.4bn and cargo volumes increase by 2.1%
to 3.2m tonnes.
The company said the improvement in revenues was supported by pricing and aircraft mix optimisation, the acquisition of Wymap Group, an air cargo trucking specialist in Australia and New Zealand, and strong e-commerce momentum across the UAE and the UK.
In Amsterdam, dnata opened a new and fully automated cargo facility, one of the largest of its kind, with an annual capacity of 600,000 tonnes, representing a €70m investment.
Cargo
volumes were also boosted by new contracts and increased flight activity by
dnata’s airline customers across markets, particularly in its international
operations.
Middle East conflict
On
the impact of the Middle East conflict, Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum,
chairman and chief executive, Emirates airline and Group, said: “We are
fortunate to be based in Dubai, where years of infrastructure investments and a
cohesive aviation ecosystem has enabled the government to quickly secure safe
corridors for commercial flights.
“Emirates and dnata have since gradually restored operations at DXB. Although we are still operating at a lower passenger capacity than pre-disruption, cargo operations have ramped up to support the movement of essential goods into and through the UAE.”
On the impact of jet fuel price rises, he added: “From a fuel perspective, Emirates is well-hedged until 2028-29; and we have worked with our suppliers to secure the volumes required to support our current operations and our scaling up to pre-disruption levels. ”
Lufthansa Cargo merges Heyworld and Customs Broker businesses
Lufthansa Cargo has merged its Heyworld e-commerce and CB Customs Broker businesses into a new subsidiary, GlobeCross.
The cargo carried said that combining the two businesses would mean e-commerce customers can benefit from a simplified offering.
Lufthansa Cargo said that nothing would change in terms of day-to-day operations for existing customers of heyworld and CB Customs Broker with contracts, contacts and services remaining in place.
“At the same time, customers benefit from a more integrated setup: one partner instead of multiple interfaces, shorter decision paths and faster implementation of tailored solutions.”
Lufthansa
said that GlobeCross would offer e-commerce customers “faster, more predictable
and fully compliant solutions in an increasingly complex trade environment”.
“With GlobeCross, we are significantly expanding our cross-border logistics capabilities and taking a decisive step in offering our customers solutions beyond traditional airport-to-airport transportations,” says Ashwin Bhat, chief executive of Lufthansa Cargo.
“By bringing together deep customs expertise and digital eCommerce solutions, and by combining the complementary strengths of CB Customs Broker and heyworld, we are creating a unique, fully integrated platform for cross-border parcel logistics.
“This strengthens our market position and enables us to deliver faster, more compliant, and fully transparent processes – creating greater value and precision for our customers.”
Services
offered by GlobeCross include end-to-end e-commerce logistics; e-commerce
import terminals; and digital customs clearance.
The logistics offering includes transportation, customs and last-mile delivery; the import terminals are gateways at key air cargo hubs, supported by certified proprietary handling and customs software; and customs clearance includes import and export customs services.
Murat Odabas, managing director of GlobeCross, added: “By organising information flows and embedding regulatory requirements into our software and solutions, we reduce complexity, minimise delays at borders and remove friction from cross-border logistics.”
Lufthansa Cargo launched Heyworld back in 2019 to target online retailers, digital marketplaces and forwarders.
Meanwhile,
CB Customs Broker joined the Lufthansa Cargo stable back in 2018 when it was purchased
by time:matters.
FedEx MD-11Fs back in the skies
Image:
© Shutterstock The Global Guy/ ShutterstockTwo of FedEx’s MD-11Fs have returned to the skies after being grounded following the fatal crash of a UPS MD-11F on 4 November last year.
Data from FlightRadar 24 shows that one of the express giant’s MD-11Fs (N621FE) conducted its first flight on 9 May, taking off and landing in Memphis in what looked like a test flight lasting just over an hour.
The next day, on 10 May, the same aircraft conducted a one-hour 40-minute flight from Memphis to Miami.
Meanwhile,
another aircraft (N521FE), on 10 May conducted two flights. First, it flew from
Memphis to Memphis in a flight lasting just over an hour before conducting a
flight to Los Angeles lasting just over three hours.
The return of the carrier’s MD-11Fs had been expected after Richard Smith, chief operating officer of FedEx said the aircraft were “ready to go” during a recent presentation at the New York-based Wings Club, a global society of aviation professionals, in late May.
The aircraft had been grounded for more than six months after the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an Emergency Airworthiness Directive (AD) that ordered owners and operators of MD-11 freighters to inspect their aircraft for faults following the fatal UPS accident that resulted in the deaths of three pilots onboard and 12 people on the ground.
The National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB) has since early on focused its investigation into the November accident on a failed aft mount assembly after the left GE Aerospace CF6 turbofan and left pylon separated from the wing, sparking a fire, shortly after takeoff.
That assembly, which connects the pylon to the underside of the wing, consists of a bearing assembly housed within two lugs. The bearing assembly itself has an outer race housing an inner “ball element”.
Investigations found evidence of fatigue cracking in one of the two lugs, and along the interior of the bearing race, which fractured into two pieces. Notably, the fatigue cracks in the race originated at the edge of a recessed groove.
“The fatigue cracking extended through the thickness of the bearing race toward the exterior surface, encompassing about 75% of the fracture surface, with the remaining fracture surface consistent with overstress failure,” the agency said.
In FedEx’s fiscal third quarter running to 28 February, FedEx grounding of the company’s MD-11F fleet led to an adjusted operating income “headwind” of $120m as a result of higher operating costs and lost revenue, it said.
FedEx expects further headwind of $55m during the current quarter as a result of the grounding.
Air Cargo News reported in January that FedEx hoped to have its MD-11F aircraft back in the skies by the end of May.
In
contrast to FedEx, UPS retired
all its MD-11Fs in
the fourth quarter of 2025 and said it will replace these aircraft with Boeing
767Fs.
In addition to UPS and FedEx, Western Global Airlines also operated 15 MD-11Fs. All of these are currently parked.
FedEx
had largely used its MD-11Fs, on domestic or regional services.
Research by Rotate showed that before the grounding, around 70% of total MD-11F capacity was deployed on domestic operations and the model accounted for just 0.4% of total international capacity.
Cathay Cargo restarts freighter service
to Bangkok
Cathay
Cargo has restarted its freighter service from Hong Kong to Bangkok after a
10-year hiatus.
The cargo arm of Cathay Pacific is now operating one flight a week from Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) to Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) in Bangkok, Thailand.
As of 6 May, Cathay began operating the Wednesday service with a 747-400 freighter, to offer shippers and forwarders additional capacity alongside the belly capacity on Cathay Pacific’s existing passenger service on this route.
This additional capacity provides more shipping options for both general cargo and selected special shipments and makes it easier for customers to better manage peak-period demand.
The service also caters for cargo that may be constrained on passenger services, such as outsized or high-density shipments, or eligible dangerous goods.
In its 2015 interim report, Cathay Pacific said it stopped operating its weekly Bangkok freighter service in May of that year because intra-Asia cargo capacity – especially in passenger aircraft bellies – had grown, meaning Cathay could carry most shipments without needing a separate freighter on that route.
Ashish Kapur, Cathay regional head of cargo, Southeast Asia & Oceania, said: “The return of our scheduled freighter to Bangkok marks an important step in strengthening Thailand’s cargo connectivity with the world.
“As Bangkok grows as a high-potential market and an emerging high-tech manufacturing hub in Southeast Asia, this service supports Thai exporters and freight forwarders while expanding routing options through our Hong Kong hub to enable smoother onward connections.
“As demand for air freight continues to grow, we remain committed to working closely with local shippers and forwarders to deliver dependable capacity and efficient end-to-end solutions for a wide range of cargo, from high-value manufactured goods to temperature-sensitive perishables.”
Thailand
remains an important market for Cathay Cargo within its Southeast Asia network.
In 2025, Cathay Cargo carried more than 29,000 tonnes out of Thailand, reflecting steady year-on-year growth and demand across a broad mix of cargo, including general goods, time-sensitive shipments and special cargo.
Via Cathay’s Hong Kong hub, the service enhances routing choice and connectivity for Thai exporters, and onward access to key long-haul markets such as North America and the Chinese Mainland.
Halifax to become WestJet’s Atlantic Gateway
The Canadian airline will add three additional European destinations to its existing six transatlantic routes to and from Halifax. These are Lisbon, Madrid, and Copenhagen. WestJet will operate Boeing 737 MAX 8 jetliners on all three routes.
.According to the manufacturer, their range is 6,510 km (3,500 nautical miles) at maximum passenger capacity and cargo load. The distance between Nova Scotia and Copenhagen, the longest of the three new routes, is 5,300 km.
While flights to Lisbon have been operating since 01MAY26 (5/7), Madrid and Copenhagen will follow on 15MAY26 and 28MAY26, respectively – each with four weekly flights. However, all these routes are limited to the summer season and will not be served during the winter schedule 26/27.
In doing so, WestJet is, to some extent, following the business model of its Canadian peer, Air Transat. The Montreal-based carrier primarily serves routes between Canada and Europe in the summer and routes to the Caribbean and Central America in the winter.
Nova Scotia sees an upturn in air traffic
In addition to the three new European connections, WestJet operates
transatlantic routes from Halifax to Barcelona, Amsterdam, Dublin, Edinburgh,
London Gatwick and Paris.Halifax is massively benefitting from the new WestJet
flights, strengthening its status as a gateway for passenger and cargo traffic
between Europe and Canada’s East Coast, at least for the current summer season.
The response from Nova Scotia has been correspondingly positive following the WestJet announcement: “These new non-stop services will complement WestJet’s six existing European destinations from Halifax Stanfield, reinforcing our status as North America’s most internationally connected airport of our size and a key Canadian gateway.
Each new route strengthens our global reach, offers travelers more choice, and fuels economic opportunity here at home,” enthusedJoyce Carter, President & CEO of Halifax International Airport Authority.
Colton LeBlanc, Minister of Growth and Development for the Province of Nova Scotia, made a similar statement: “WestJet’s expansion of their international routes between Halifax and Europe will help the province establish new markets for our products and services, grow our economy and make it easier for more people to visit our province than ever before.
The new direct WestJet routes between Halifax and Madrid, Copenhagen and Lisbon, in addition to Detroit and in combination with their other routes, illustrates the airline’s acknowledgement that Nova Scotia is a province that is open for business, and our economy is taking off.”
Canada instead of USA
WestJet’s operational growth has a direct impact on air traffic in Nova Scotia.
This is also evident in domestic flights, which have also seen a sharp increase
– a remarkable 50% compared to the previous year. This is partly because
Europeans are increasingly avoiding the U.S. and preferring to fly to Canada
instead, where they feel welcome.
“Strengthening our direct connections to key markets, including Europe and the northeastern United States, enhances tourism, creates economic opportunities, and makes it easier for our residents and businesses to connect with the world. These new routes will bring more visitors to Halifax, support our local economy, and further position our city as a gateway to Atlantic Canada,” Mayor Andy Fillmore, Halifax Regional Municipality, enthused.
Codeshare agreements with SkyTeam partners SAS, KLM, and Air France, ensure seamless connections for passenger and cargo traffic to and from Europe, enabling WestJet to offer its customers destinations in virtually every region of the EU.
Flights to South America have been put on the backburner
Final word from Samantha Taylor, WestJet Group Executive Vice President and
Chief Experience Officer: “WestJet is proud to invest in Halifax and to
help open Europe to Canadians, and Canada to the world. With shorter flight
times, competitive fares and direct access to Europe’s cultural heartlands,
Halifax is uniquely positioned to serve as Canada’s Atlantic gateway.”
Simultaneously to its transatlantic expansion, WestJet has postponed its entry into the South American market by canceling the launch of its direct service between Toronto and Medellín, which was scheduled to begin in late April 2026. So far, there have been no changes to the launch of its scheduled flights between Calgary and São Paulo-Guarulhos, set to begin on 09NOV26.
Spotlight on… Olga Palec-Furga, Chief Operating Officer, 4RCargo
Each week, CargoForwarder Global shines its ‘Spotlight On…’ a particular segment of the air cargo industry to show just how many factors interact with each other to move shipments across the globe. General Sales and Service Agents (GSSA) act as commercial and operational representatives of airlines in specific regions where the airline has no direct presence or limited infrastructure.
They are an important intermediary between airlines and freight forwarders, and often have a very varied range of tasks from sales and marketing to cargo booking and documentation, regulatory compliance, operational oversight, market intelligence, and much more. This week, Olga Palec-Furga (OP), Chief Operating Officer, 4RCargo, explains her role and shares her views and advice to anyone considering a career in air cargo.
CFG:
What is your current function and company? And what are your
responsibilities?
OP: I currently
serve in a senior leadership role at 4RCargo, where I combine strategic
leadership with operational oversight across a diverse and complex region. I am
responsible for Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, and the
Baltic States, including Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia.
This region represents a highly diverse mix of markets at different stages of maturity, with varying customer expectations, regulatory environments, and competitive dynamics, which adds both scale and complexity to the role.
In this capacity, I focus on driving commercial growth, strengthening long-term customer partnerships, and ensuring operational excellence across the cargo value chain. I am also deeply involved in aligning regional strategies with global market dynamics, navigating geopolitical and economic volatility, and building resilient, high-performing teams prepared for the future of air cargo.
CFG:
What does a normal day look like for you?
OP: In air cargo, there is rarely such a thing as a ‘normal’ day. The industry is highly dynamic and sensitive to global events, so flexibility and clarity of thinking are essential. My day typically spans strategic discussions, operational decision-making, and close collaboration with partners and teams across different markets.
It
is a constant balance between long-term vision and immediate, often
time-critical execution.
At the same time, one of my key priorities is to create the conditions for others to perform at their best. This means removing obstacles, simplifying complexity, and ensuring that teams can stay focused on what truly matters. Leadership is not about control – it is about removing obstacles, enabling people to succeed, and helping them grow.
CFG:
How long have you been in the air cargo industry, and what brought you to it?
OP: I have been professionally connected with the aviation industry since 2001, and closely involved in air cargo since 2014. My career path has given me a broad perspective, from airline operations, including my role as Station Manager for Austrian Airlines in Warsaw, to cargo-focused leadership positions and the GHA (WELCOME Airport Services) & GSA environment.
What has consistently drawn me to air cargo is its unique position at the intersection of global trade, logistics, and aviation, a space where strategic thinking meets real-time execution and where decisions have immediate, tangible impact.
CFG:
What do you enjoy most about your job?
OP: What I value most is the combination of impact and people. Air cargo plays a critical, often invisible role in keeping global supply chains moving, and being part of that ecosystem brings a strong sense of purpose.
At
the same time, I deeply appreciate working with diverse, international teams
and shaping organizational cultures built on trust, respect, and shared
accountability. For me, leadership is as much about results as it is about
creating an environment where people feel empowered to contribute and grow.
CFG: Where do you see the greatest challenges in our industry?
OP: The industry is
currently navigating a complex landscape shaped by geopolitical uncertainty,
market volatility, and increasing expectations around efficiency and
sustainability. One of the most critical challenges is building true
resilience, not only operational, but also organizational and human.
At the same time, we are in the middle of a profound technological shift. The real challenge is not simply adopting new technologies, but integrating them in a way that enhances, rather than replaces human expertise, judgment, and experience.
CFG: What advice would you give to people looking to get into the air cargo industry?
OP: Air cargo is
not an industry for spectators – it requires curiosity, resilience, and the
ability to operate under constant pressure. Building strong technical
foundations and understanding global supply chains is important, but what truly
differentiates people today is mindset, adaptability, and the ability to
continuously evolve.
Today, perhaps more than ever, authenticity in business truly matters. In a world increasingly supported, and at times overwhelmed by artificial intelligence, genuine human connection, integrity, and the courage to take responsibility are becoming rare and therefore highly valuable.
At 4RCargo, we actively cultivate a culture of continuous learning. We believe that staying relevant is not a one-time effort, but an ongoing process of growth, professionally, intellectually, and personally. The ability to learn, unlearn, and relearn is no longer optional. It is essential indeed.
In
an industry driven by speed and technology, those who combine expertise with
authenticity and the courage to think independently will not only succeed –
they will shape its future.
CFG: If the air cargo industry were a film/book, what would its title be?
OP: ‘The Invisible
Engine of Global Trade’
Many
thanks, Olga!
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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