JUPITER SEA & AIR
SERVICES PVT. LTD, EGMORE – CHENNAI, INDIA.
E-MAIL : Robert.sands@jupiterseaair.co.in Mobile : +91 98407 85202
Corporate News
Letter for Friday September 25, 2026
Today’s
Exchange Rates
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0.6044 - 0.6075 |
/// Sea Cargo News ///
India Opens Market to
Uzbek Pomegranates and Chillies
India has opened its market to pomegranates and chilli peppers from Uzbekistan, creating new opportunities for agricultural trade between the two countries.
The market-access decision will allow Uzbek
exporters to ship the two agricultural products to India, subject to applicable
phytosanitary and import requirements. The move is expected to support greater
diversification of Uzbekistan’s agricultural exports.
The opening of the Indian market also
provides Uzbek growers and exporters with access to one of the world’s major
agricultural markets, potentially expanding trade volumes and strengthening
commercial links between the two countries.
For India, greater access to overseas
agricultural suppliers can broaden sourcing options for fresh produce and
support closer cooperation in the agri-trade sector.
The development comes as India and Uzbekistan
continue to explore opportunities to expand bilateral trade and economic
cooperation. Agricultural products remain an important area for increasing
trade flows between the two markets.
Exporters will need to meet India’s
plant-health, quality and documentation requirements before consignments can
enter the country. The new market access is expected to facilitate further
engagement between agricultural exporters, importers and authorities in both
countries.
Hackers Allegedly
Seized LNG Carrier Safety System Controls
The crew of an LNG carrier has reportedly claimed that hackers gained control of some of the vessel’s safety systems, highlighting growing concerns over cybersecurity risks in the maritime sector.
According to the crew’s account, the alleged
cyber incident affected systems used to monitor or support the safe operation
of the LNG carrier. The reported incident has raised questions about the
vulnerability of shipboard operational technology to unauthorised access.
Cybersecurity has become an increasing
concern for the shipping industry as vessels rely on interconnected digital
systems for navigation, cargo management, communications and engine and safety
monitoring.
A successful intrusion into operational
systems could potentially disrupt normal vessel operations. The reported
incident also underscores the importance of separating critical operational
technology from vulnerable networks, maintaining updated security controls and
having contingency procedures for operating safely if digital systems are
compromised.
Maritime operators and regulators have been
strengthening cybersecurity requirements in response to the growing use of
connected ship systems. LNG carriers, which transport liquefied natural gas,
require particularly robust safety and operational controls because of the
nature of their cargo.
The specific circumstances and extend of the
alleged incident would need to be established through technical investigations.
The crew’s claims do not by themselves confirm the identity of the attackers or
the full scope of any system compromise.
The incident adds to wider industry concerns
over cyber threats to commercial shipping and the potential impact of attacks
on vessel safety and global energy supply chains.
US Targets Russia’s
Shadow Fleet Under New Sanctions Law
US President Donald Trump has signed legislation expanding sanctions and other economic measures against Russia, including provisions targeting the country’s shadow fleet of oil tankers used to circumvent existing restrictions.
The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and
Iran Act of 2026, signed into law on September 18, expands statutory sanctions,
tariffs and prohibitions involving Russia while extending existing sanctions on
Iran.
The legislation specifically addresses
Russia’s energy sector and covert tanker network, increasing the potential
pressure on vessels and entities involved in moving Russian oil outside
established sanctions mechanisms.
The law also gives the US President authority
to impose tariffs up to 100% on certain goods from countries that meet
specified conditions related to Russian energy purchases, adding a wider trade
dimension to the sanctions framework.
For the global shipping industry, the
measures could increase compliance requirements for tanker operators, cargo
owners, insurers and financial institutions involved in Russian oil trade.
Operators may face greater scrutiny of vessel ownership, trading histories and
sanctions exposure.
The legislation comes as the shadow fleet has
become an important part of Russia’s oil-export logistics, with older tankers
and complex ownership and operating structurers used to transport cargo outside
conventional Western shipping and insurance arrangements.
The impact on tanker markets and Russian oil
flows will depend on how the US administration implements the new authorities
and which vessels, companies or trading partners are subsequently targeted.
Asian
carriers order 14 container ships in new fleet expansion
Four Asian shipping lines have placed firm orders for 14 container ships, with options potentially increasing the combined total to 16 vessels.
The orders cover ships ranging from 1,900 TEU
to 14,000 TEU and involve three Chinese shipyards.
According to DynaLiners, China United Lines,
Wan Hai, Asean Seas Line and Regional Container Lines are behind the latest
contracts.
CU Lines orders its largest ships
China United Lines has signed a contract with
Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding for two 14,000 TEU container ships.
The vessels will become the largest ships
ever ordered by CU Lines. The carrier had not previously ordered tonnage
exceeding 10,000 TEU.
No delivery dates or financial details were
disclosed.
Wan Hai contracts six 11,000 TEU vessels
Wan Hai has signed contracts with Shanghai
Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding for six container ships of 11,000 TEU each.
The agreement may relate to earlier reports
that the Taiwanese carrier was preparing an order for vessels of a similar
size.
Further details about the ships and their
delivery schedule were not provided.
Asean Seas Line doubles maximum vessel size
Asean Seas Line placed an order with CSSC
Huangpu Wenchong in late August for two 5,300 TEU vessels.
The agreement includes options for two
additional ships.
The newbuildings will become the largest
vessels operated by the carrier. Asean Seas Line’s current maximum vessel
capacity stands at approximately 2,600 TEU.
RCL orders four Bangkokmax ships
Regional Container Lines has ordered four
1,900 TEU container ships from CSSC Huangpu Wenchong.
The shipyard is already constructing eight
4,300 TEU vessels for RCL. The final ships from that programme are scheduled
for delivery between late 2027 and early 2028.
No delivery dates or additional
specifications were disclosed for the latest 1,900 TEU order.
Japan
Engine completes hydrogen engine for large commercial ships
Group Photo of Representatives from Participating Organizations
Japan Engine Corporation has completed a
hydrogen-fueled engine for large commercial vessels, with factory testing
achieving a hydrogen co-firing rate of at least 95%.
The 6UEC35LSGH engine also reduced greenhouse
gas (GHG) emissions by more than 95% compared with conventional heavy-fuel-oil
engines during the tests, according to the project partners.
Japan Engine describes the unit as the
world’s first hydrogen-fueled engine for large commercial vessels, based on its
research as of September 2026.
Hydrogen engine completes land-based testing
The engine was developed under NEDO’s Green
Innovation Fund project by Japan Engine, Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Yanmar
Power Solutions.
It uses a high-pressure direct injection
system that injects hydrogen directly into the cylinder. The technology is
designed to provide stable hydrogen combustion.
The developers have also incorporated
measures to address hydrogen-related safety risks. These include a structure
designed to prevent hydrogen leakage and double-walled piping for the fuel
supply lines.
Approval testing was conducted in the
presence of ClassNK and was successfully completed.
Engine heading for 17,500 DWT MOL vessel
The next stage will move the technology from
land-based testing to an actual vessel.
The engine is scheduled to be installed in
January 2027 on a 17,500 DWT multipurpose vessel being built by Onomichi
Dockyard for Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) and MOL Drybulk.
The installation forms part of the Blue
Harmony project, which aims to develop and commercialize hydrogen-fueled
vessels.
Kawasaki will provide the vessel’s Marine
Hydrogen Fuel System (MHFS). The system includes the hydrogen fuel tanks and
equipment needed to supply hydrogen to the engine.
The company will also develop and manufacture
bunkering equipment for supplying liquefied hydrogen to vessels.
Green Innovation Fund Project / Development of Marine Hydrogen Engines and MHFS
Sea trials to precede 2028 demonstration
Following installation, the multipurpose
vessel will undergo sea trials before moving into demonstration operations.
Onboard demonstration testing is scheduled to
begin in April 2028. The programme will examine the engine’s durability and
performance under actual operating conditions.
ClassNK will conduct safety assessments
throughout the development process, covering the engine as well as the vessel’s
design, construction and operation.
Japan Engine previously completed an
ammonia-fueled low-speed two-stroke marine engine in August 2025.
The latest hydrogen project represents
another step towards testing next-generation marine fuels aboard commercial
vessels rather than only at the development stage.
Bengal
Tiger Line joins X-Press Feeders’ MBX service
Bengal Tiger Line has joined the Malabar
X-Press service operated by its associate X-Press Feeders, according to
DynaLiners.
BTL will market the weekly connection under
its South India Service brand.
Service links Sri Lanka and India
The service connects Colombo in Sri Lanka
with New Mangalore and Kochi in India.
Its rotation is:
Colombo – New Mangalore – Kochi – Colombo
A single 1,100 TEU container vessel operates
the weekly service.
The arrangement gives Bengal Tiger Line
access to the same sailing opportunities offered through X-Press Feeders’ MBX
product.
Northwest
Seaport Alliance volumes fall 8.2% in August
The Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) handled 235,795 TEUs in August 2026, down 8.2% compared with the same month last year.
The decline was driven mainly by weaker
imports. Full international imports fell 10.3% year on year to 83,378 TEUs.
Full exports were more resilient, decreasing 2.1% to 41,195 TEUs.
Imports drive year-to-date decline
During the first eight months of 2026, NWSA
handled 1.91 million TEUs. This represents a 10.9% decline from the same period
in 2025.
International container volumes fell 14.1% to
1.41 million TEUs. Full imports decreased 13.2% to 689,844 TEUs, while full
exports slipped 1.2% to 384,791 TEUs.
NWSA noted that year-to-date volumes remain
below 2025 levels, when some cargo moved earlier ahead of anticipated tariffs.
However, loaded exports have remained
relatively strong. Through August, they were 2.1% above the five-year average,
according to the port alliance.
Domestic container volumes were broadly
stable, declining 0.6% year on year. Alaska volumes increased 0.1%, while
Hawaii traffic fell 4.1%.
Breakbulk volumes increase
Performance across NWSA’s other cargo
segments was mixed.
Breakbulk volumes reached 284,696 metric tons
during the first eight months, representing an increase of 10.7%.
Meanwhile, the ports handled 183,968
automobiles, down 3.6% from the corresponding period last year.
Terminal 5 expands reefer capacity
NWSA also completed an expansion of
refrigerated container capacity at Terminal 5 during August.
The project increased capacity to more than
1,500 reefer plugs.
The additional infrastructure is intended to
support agricultural and seafood exports from the Pacific Northwest, including
apples, cherries, potatoes and other temperature-sensitive products.
The expansion will also provide additional
capacity during peak agricultural export periods while helping maintain
cold-chain requirements.
/// Air Cargo News ///
AVIAREPS is WestJet Cargo’s GSA in
India
WestJet Cargo has appointed AVIAREPS as its General Sales Agent (GSA) in India, with the mandate covering cargo sales and market development across the country, informed Frederick Overton, Global Head, Cargo, AVIAREPS. The firm will work with forwarders, cargo agents, and other stakeholders to support WestJet Cargo’s cargo business in India.
The
company will focus on developing commercial relationships and identifying
market opportunities. The appointment comes as WestJet Cargo continues to
develop its belly cargo business.
In
India, the GSA arrangement is likely to provide the carrier with dedicated
local sales presence and closer engagement with the forwarding community. The
appointment fortifies WestJet Cargo’s commercial presence as it looks to
develop cargo opportunities across the country.
Atlas Air is set to change hands
Four
years ago, U.S. investor, Apollo Global Management acquired cargo carrier,
Atlas Air, for US$ 5.2 billion. Meanwhile, negotiations are underway for a
takeover by L’Imad Holding, a sovereign wealth fund based in Abu Dhabi.
However,
the price tag for acquiring the cargo airline now stands at a whopping US$ 12
billion. For Apollo, that represents a gain of US$ 6.8 billion, achieved in
less than four years.
Consequently,
it is a deal the U.S. investor cannot really do without, provided both sides
come to terms. That is what it looks like, because negotiations are at an
advanced stage, sources close to the case have indicated.
Atlas Air is the world‘s largest operator of the B747F – photo: CFG/hs
The
UAE struggles to secure its status
It is not so much economic as primarily political motives that are prompting
the Arab sovereign wealth fund to pursue the intended takeover. The move is
driven by the United Arab Emirates ruler’s concern that the closure of the
Strait of Hormuz and the conflict with Iran could destabilize its economic
framework. This model is based on free trade, a liberalized transportation
policy, low corporate tax rates, booming tourism, and the free movement of
capital – all guaranteed by authoritarian political structures that are largely
hidden from public view.
Since
the conflict between the U.S. and Israel on one side and Iran on the other – a
clash in which the UAE has also been drawn into on multiple occasions due to
Iranian attacks on airport infrastructure – the Gulf states’ existing business
model has been thrown into disarray. Consequently, they are seeking new paths
to safeguard their wealth, allowing them to continue fulfilling their role as a
hub for trade and transportation.
Strait
of Hormuz blockade is a gamechanger
As far as the maritime angle of the business is concerned, this is shattered by
Iran’s hostile blockade policy, so air transport remains the only viable option
to retain their hub function. From this perspective, it makes sense for the
UAE’s leaders to invest USD 12 billion in Atlas to secure air transport assets
in addition to those offered very efficiently by local UAE players such as
Emirates, Etihad, and, more recently, flydubai.
If
the deal goes through, Atlas Air will provide a large chunk of the needed
capacity. It remains to be seen whether this will affect existing flight
schedules and lead to a greater concentration of Atlas flights at airports in
the UAE. Currently, the carrier operates a fleet of 86 wide-body freighter
aircraft, solidifying its position as the world’s largest operator of the
Boeing 747F.
However,
its long-standing loyalty to Boeing came to an end on 16MAR26, when management
placed a major order for 20 factory-built A350 freighters with Airbus. This
made the carrier the largest single customer to date for this wide-body cargo
jetliner. In addition to the firm order, Atlas Air has signed options for 20
further aircraft. Deliveries of the firm-ordered units will begin in 2029, and
are scheduled to be completed by 2034.
Smart
move
The switch from Boeing to Airbus is also an investment in the future: The A350F
is the only large freighter that fully complies with ICAO’s stricter CO₂
emission standards, which take effect in 2027. Airlines that violate the
requirements will have to pay escalating emissions fees from next year onwards,
which will inevitably make freight transport based on B747F services more
expensive. From this perspective, L’Imad Holding’s planned acquisition of Atlas
Air is a smart move, from a strategic, business, and environmental angle,
despite the high price demanded by Apollo.
An airport by any other name…
What’s
the main reason for naming a building, creating a statue or using a person’s
image? Aside from a show of power in certain cases, it is to honor that person
for their contribution to society.
They
remain visible, thought about, talked about and, best case, are emulated.
Representation is motivation – if you can see that someone has carved a path,
you may be more inclined to follow it. Even more so, if you can see yourself in
that person.
Yet,
how often are these buildings/objects named after women, despite women being
behind so many of the things that are part of our daily life? The fact that
you’re reading this online, for example, is largely thanks to Hedy Lamarr
(1914–2000) who pioneered a frequency‑hopping spread‑spectrum technique that
underpins modern Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth and GPS, prevalent in entertainment, defense
and digital connectivity. Familiar name? Where have you seen it?
Whereas,
these days, one particular individual appears desperate to have his name adorn
every landmark going (including a different international airport, earlier this
summer), evocative of an animal feeling the urge to mark its territory, there
is one suggested airport renaming that I am wholly in favor of: that of
Nashville International Airport being named after Dolly Parton.
The
petition to rename Nashville International Airport was actually launched during
Dolly’s lifetime, by two Tennessee fans on 21JAN25. At the time, comedian,
Lydia Popvich, and comedy producer, Dan Dion, stated: “As proud citizens of
Tennessee, we are motivated by our deep-rooted admiration for the national
treasure and Tennessee legend, Dolly Parton. She is not only a celebrated
artist who encourages love, acceptance, and goodwill through her music, but
also a philanthropist, known for her countless contributions to society. It is
only fitting that an institution as significant as Nashville International
Airport carries the name of such a remarkable woman.”
Miss Dolly unveils nose art at McGhee Tyson ANG Base on 08SEP04. Image: Senior Master Sgt. Kendra M. Owenby
Petition
gains traction
By
APR25, the petition had already surpassed 50,000 signatures. In typical
humorous fashion, Dolly, hearing of the petition, told the Tennessean: “I
think that’s probably more of a joke than anything. I mean, it does sound like
a lot of fun to say: ‘Your flight is departin’ from Nashville’s D Parton.’”
When she sadly passed away on 25AUG26, the petition’s signatures rocketed from
around 53,000 to well over 100,000 within days, and by 11SEP26, Nashville’s
mayor, Tennessee’s governor, and the airport’s board of governors voted
unanimously to go ahead with the name change in her honor. A statement issued
by the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority explained that: “While a
final name has not yet been determined, we are working closely with the
appropriate parties to thoughtfully determine how Dolly Parton’s name and
legacy will be incorporated”.
The
first major airport in the U.S. to be named after a woman
Tennessee
Governor Bill Lee said: “Dolly Parton’s extraordinary life is forever woven
into the fabric of our state. From her rural mountain home in East Tennessee to
global stages, Dolly carried the Volunteer Spirit with her. At a place where
Tennessee welcomes the world, it is fitting that Nashville International
Airport would bear the name of our state’s favorite daughter and greet
travelers with the enduring legacy of Dolly’s music, generosity, faith, and
kindness.”
Nashville
will then be the first major airport in the U.S. to be named after a woman
(there are two regional ones, already). If you were to hazard a guess as to how
many airports across the world honor a female person, what would it be?
Netflights carried out an analysis in 2020, and found that just 16 out of the
352 global airports on its list, were named after women – and of those, one
woman was sharing the honor with her husband: ‘Bill and Hillary Clinton
National Airport’ in Little Rock, Arkansas. So, 15-and-half*, really. Which
translates into just 4.3% of airports. Single digits. And unfortunately, single
digits are not uncommon within aviation and related fields, when it comes to
female representation.
Single
digits in key areas
If
you take a look around the aviation industry, air traffic control stands out
with a 21.1% share of women in ATC. Otherwise, you will find that just 4.7% of
pilots across the globe are women (India at 15% and South Africa, 13%, are the
only countries in double-digits, in this case), only 3.1% of aircraft
maintenance engineers are women, and just 9% of CEOs at IATA member airlines
are female.
The
latter statistic is up from 3%, however, according to IATA’s 25by2025
initiative, which was launched in 2019 to increase female representation by 25%
or to a minimum of 25% in participating companies. IATA itself just recently
appointed its first female Director General in its 81-year history: Saadia
Zahidi. Though women make up roughly 40% of overall aviation employees, they
are a clear minority in the historically male-dominated domains already
mentioned. Within cargo, fewer than 15% work in core cargo operations such as
ramp, cargo handling, or trucking.
Building
the pipeline
Visibility,
exposure and recognition are vital to getting more women into the different
fields of the aviation industry. One initiative that is gaining traction, is
the Women in Aviation International’s annual Girls in Aviation Day. The 12th
edition of this took place on 19SEP26, with 200 events (of which 131 in U.S.)
planned at airports, FBOs [Fixed-base Operators], museums and hangars across
the U.S., Europe, Africa and Asia.
It
began in 2015 with 32 events and 3,200 youngsters participating and has now
grown to more than ten times the number of participants. The program introduces
young people aged 8 to 18, to aviation through hands-on STEM activities,
aircraft walk-arounds, simulators and panels with female industry leaders, free
of charge.
The
earlier the seed of inspiration is planted, the better. That is something that
Dolly Parton also understood and encouraged with her international Imagination
Library, which gifted books every month to millions of children, from the day
they were born up until their fifth birthday. Books that taught them community,
emotional skills, and about the world around them. Among her reading list were
titles such as ‘Violet the Pilot’, ‘On This Airplane’, and ‘Freddie the Flyer’,
to name but three industry-relevant titles.
Women
in Air Cargo Awards, Athens, SEP26
This
important spirit of recognition will again be taken up in this year’s Aviation
Connect in Athens (29SEP-01OCT26), which hosts the Women in Air Cargo Awards.
The awards, introduced in 2025 in Copenhagen, celebrate female achievement
across the air‑cargo supply chain, and underline the focus on visible role
models: “If you can see them, you can be them”, is the message we hope
to get out there to the next generation of women in aviation and air cargo.
One
thing is certain, however – in the entire air cargo and aviation industry,
there is no such thing as “Working 9 to 5”!
*The
15 airports that are named after women, are:
·
Queen
Alia – Queen Alia International Airport, Amman, Jordan
·
Amelia
Earhart – Amelia Earhart Memorial Airport, Atchison, Kansas, US (regional)
·
Queen
Beatrix – Queen Beatrix International Airport, Oranjestad, Aruba
·
Fatmawati
Soekarno – Fatmawati Soekarno Airport, Bengkulu, Indonesia
·
Indira Gandhi – Indira
Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, India
·
Jacqueline
Cochran – Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport, Thermal, California, US
·
Josefa
Camejo – Josefa Camejo International Airport, Paraguaná, Venezuela
·
Juana
Azurduy de Padilla – Juana Azurduy de Padilla International Airport, Sucre,
Bolivia
·
Queen
Juliana – Princess Juliana International Airport, Sint Maarten
·
Maharani
Ahilyabai Holkar – Devi Ahilyabai Holkar International Airport, Indore, India
·
María
Montez – María Montez International Airport, Barahona, Dominican Republic
·
Mother
Teresa (Nënë Tereza) – Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza, Albania
·
Sabiha Gökçen – Sabiha
Gökçen International Airport, Istanbul, Turkey
·
Queen
Sofía – Tenerife South–Reina Sofía Airport, Spain
·
Queen
Tamar – Queen Tamar Airport, Mestia, Georgia
Next
month, on 26OCT26, Australia will open Western Sydney International Airport,
which is also named after a woman: Nancy-Bird Walton (co-founder of a
commercial aviation enterprise,) bringing the list up to 17 names, and Dolly’s
airport will then be number 18.
Air France KLM Martinair Cargo launches
vacuum lift to make cargo handling easier
Air
France KLM Martinair Cargo (AFKLMP) has launched a vacuum lifting aid in its
build-up & break-down operation at the KLM Cargo Hub at Amsterdam Airport
Schiphol in an effort to make cargo handling less physically demanding.
Cargo
handling involves many repetitive physical movements, particularly during the
breakdown of pallets. The vacuum lifting aid from Swedish company LiftsAll
supports employees in handling individual cargo boxes when breaking down
pallets, significantly reducing the physical effort involved in lifting and
moving cargo, said AFKLMP.
Sensor
measurements using Movella Xsens motion capture technology show that the vacuum
lift removes the lifting effort associated with handling boxes during pallet
breakdown.
The
technology can be used for approximately 80% of individual boxes. Although some
cargo, such as wet boxes, cannot be handled with the vacuum system and
continues to require conventional handling methods.
The
vacuum lifting aid underwent two successful test phases at the hub and has been
in has been in daily use since 13 July.
During
two test phases, KLM Cargo employees worked with the vacuum lift in practice,
testing its usability and sharing feedback to ensure it was technically viable
and met the needs of employees and the realities of the daily operation.
Charlotte
Elpers, vice president worldwide operations, KLM Cargo, said: “At KLM Cargo, we
continuously invest in innovation to drive improvements for both our customers
and our people.
“The
vacuum lift is a great example of how technology can make daily operations less
physically demanding. By testing solutions together with our employees, we
ensure they deliver real value in the workplace.
“This
is exactly the kind of practical innovation we want to accelerate within KLM
Cargo.”
The
vacuum lift is part of KLM’s broader Autonomous Operations programme, which
aims to make work across ground operations, cargo and maintenance safer,
smarter and more sustainable by combining human expertise with new
technologies.
In
June, AFKLMP said it was utilising artificial
intelligence (AI)
across various areas of the business to aid automation, efficiency,
personalisation and data-driven insight.
Etihad Airways and Swissport expand
global cargo partnership
Swissport
has expanded its global ground handling and cargo partnership with Etihad
Airways to extend its scope of work with the airline from 30 to 40 airports.
The
expanded ground handling and cargo services partnership covers airports across
Africa, Europe, North America, the Middle East and Asia.
Swissport
told Air Cargo News that it carries out cargo handling at 18 of the of
the 40 airports.
Both
sides intend to have a long-term partnership, giving them a framework to add
airports and services as Etihad’s network grows, said Swissport.
Majed
Al Marzouqi, chief operations and guest officer, Etihad Airways, said:
“Etihad is expanding at pace, and each new destination we add depends on the
right standard of service being in place on the ground before the first flight
arrives.
“Working
with one partner across 40 airports gives our guests the same experience
whether they are departing from Europe, Asia or North America, and gives our
operation the consistency it needs to match that expansion.
“By
combining Swissport’s global expertise with Etihad’s ambitious plans, we can
enhance efficiency, service quality and the guest experience across our
operations, while creating a strong platform for what comes next.”
Warwick
Brady, president and chief executive, Swissport, added: “Etihad and Swissport
are a natural fit. We share the same ambition for operational excellence and an
uncompromising focus on the customer experience.
“Etihad
is embarking on an exciting phase of growth, and Swissport is proud to support
that journey with our global network, our teams’ operational expertise and our
technology capabilities.
“Our
track record in managing complex, large aviation hubs will enable us to support
Etihad effectively wherever its growth takes it.”
The
MoU also has scope to extend the relationship into airport hospitality through
Swissport’s Aspire brand, which operates 110 airport lounges worldwide.
Swissport’s
recent expansion efforts have included investment in a new cold chain facility at Kilimanjaro
International Airport to cater for perishables, entry into the
Chinese market
with the launch of operations at Shanghai Pudong Airport, and entry into the
Moroccan market through the purchase of Swiftair
Maroc.
Global Aviation Link to expand
freighter operation through ABX deal
Global
Aviation Link has contracted ABX Air to operate a Boeing 767-300 freighter on
its behalf as it looks to expand its presence in Central America.
The
company, which offers freight forwarding, warehouse and air transport services
from its Miami base, said the additional aircraft will be used to enter several
new markets.
Juan
Pablo Luchau of Global Aviation Link said: “We are pleased to partner with ATSG
to expand our reach into new markets, including Caracas, Venezuela; Medellín,
Colombia; and Quito, Ecuador.
“This
expanded service will strengthen our position as a leader in regional
airfreight and cold-chain shipping.”
The
company has been selling capacity on Boeing 767-300 aircraft throughout Central
and South America for more than 25 years.
According
to its website, it currently offers scheduled flights between Miami and Bogota.
The
company provides regularly scheduled transportation for perishables,
pharmaceuticals, aerospace equipment and other time-sensitive cargo.
The
agreement is described as a long-term aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance
(ACMI) partnership.
ABX
parent company ATSG’s president and chief executive Greg Mays said: “This
agreement demonstrates how ATSG is delivering on its vision as an aviation
solutions provider by matching customers with the right combination of airline
and service capabilities.
“Our
Airlines & Services commercial strategy is centred on growing charter
opportunities while also offering flexible ACMI and other operating solutions
tailored to each customer’s needs. ABX Air’s extensive Boeing 767 experience
makes it well positioned to support Global Aviation Link’s continued
expansion.”
Bermuda adds E190F as it expands into
the cargo market
BermudAir
has entered the freighter market with the addition of a converted Embraer E190
aircraft leased from Regional One – the first of the model to be put into
operation in North America.
The
airline currently operates flights to 10 destinations across the Caribbean, the
US and Canada with two E175s and two E190s.
“Cargo
is a natural next step for us,” said Adam Scott, founder and chief executive of
BermudAir.
“We’ve
built a reliable, right-sized operation connecting Bermuda and the Caribbean to
North America, and the E190F lets us put that same network to work moving
express cargo, supporting local businesses, e-commerce and time-sensitive
freight across the islands we serve.
“It’s
an exciting expanded line of business for BermudAir, and one that builds
directly on the operational strengths we’ve already established.”
The
addition means that BermudAir is the second operator of the Embraer E-freighter
after Maltese cargo operator Bridges Air Cargo
began flights with the model in March.
Regional
One has placed five firm orders for the E190F. Two converted aircraft have
already been delivered and have entered successfully into service with Bridges.
George
Mamangakis, chief investment officer of Regional One, said: “We are
excited to welcome BermudAir as the second operator of the Embraer E190F and
the first E-Freighter operator in the Americas.
“This
milestone represents another important step in the continued growth of the E190
P2F program, and we look forward to expanding the global operator base and
bringing these highly capable aircraft to customers in markets around the
world.”
Embraer
launched its E-Jet freighter programme to convert E190 and E195 passenger
aircraft to freighters in March 2022.
The
Brazilian aerospace manufacturer said the E-Jet offers 40% more volume capacity
and three times the range of large cargo turboprops, and up to 30% lower
operating costs than larger narrowbodies.
Combining
cargo capacity under the floor and on the main deck, the E190F’s maximum
structural payload is 13,500 kg. The larger E195F will have a payload of 14,300
kg.
Arjan
Meijer, president and chief executive of Embraer Commercial Aviation, said:
“BermudAir’s selection of the E190F marks an important milestone for the
E-Freighter program as the aircraft enters service in North America and the
Caribbean for the first time.
“The
addition of another operator underscores the strong value proposition of the
E-Freighter, which was designed to address a unique gap in the cargo market
with the right combination of payload, volume, range and efficiency.”
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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