JUPITER SEA & AIR
SERVICES PVT. LTD, EGMORE – CHENNAI, INDIA.
E-MAIL : Robert.sands@jupiterseaair.co.in Mobile : +91 98407 85202
Corporate News
Letter for Thursday November 05, 2026
Today’s
Exchange Rates
|
Currency ▲ |
Price |
Change |
%Change |
Open |
Prev.Close |
Day's Low-High |
|
94.64 |
-0.110001 |
-0.116096 |
94.56 |
94.75 |
94.50 - 94.88 |
|
|
1.126 |
0.0067 |
0.598592 |
1.1193 |
1.1193 |
1.1187 - 1.127 |
|
|
127.6825 |
0.545502 |
0.429066 |
127.2879 |
127.137 |
127.2604 - 127.9049 |
|
|
106.5481 |
0.516205 |
0.486839 |
106.2797 |
106.0319 |
106.2731 - 106.6845 |
|
|
158.316 |
-0.374008 |
-0.235685 |
158.69 |
158.69 |
157.381 - 158.749 |
|
|
1.3489 |
0.0074 |
0.551615 |
1.3415 |
1.3415 |
1.3408 - 1.35 |
|
|
0.5976 |
-0.0015 |
-0.250377 |
0.597 |
0.5991 |
0.597 - 0.6014 |
/// Sea Cargo News ///
Maersk
revises North America PSS from Indian Subcontinent and Middle East
Maersk has revised its Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) for shipments from the Indian Subcontinent and Middle East to the United States and Canada.
The new surcharge levels apply from 23
October 2026. They cover cargo moving to the North American West Coast, East
Coast and Gulf Coast.
The origin scope includes the United Arab
Emirates, Bangladesh, Bahrain, Bhutan, India, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Sri Lanka,
Maldives, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Yemen.
US and Canadian West Coast
Maersk will apply a PSS of US$3,400 per
container to the US and Canadian West Coast.
|
Container type |
PSS |
|
20-foot dry |
US$3,400 |
|
40-foot dry |
US$3,400 |
|
40-foot high cube dry |
US$3,400 |
|
45-foot high cube dry |
US$3,400 |
|
20-foot reefer |
US$3,400 |
|
40-foot high cube reefer |
US$3,400 |
East Coast and Gulf Coast
Maersk has also revised the PSS for dry
containers moving to the US East and Gulf coasts and the Canadian East Coast.
|
Origin |
Destination |
Container types |
PSS |
|
Northwest India, Nepal and Bhutan |
All ports except Houston |
20-foot dry, 40-foot dry, 40-foot high cube
and 45-foot high cube |
US$5,150 |
|
India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives,
Nepal and Bhutan |
Houston |
20-foot dry, 40-foot dry, 40-foot high cube
and 45-foot high cube |
US$5,700 |
The revised surcharge applies from 23 October
2026.
X-Press
Feeders launches Pakistan–Fujairah service
X-Press Feeders has announced the launch of
its new Pipavav/Pakistan–Fujairah X-Press (PFX) service.
According to DynaLiners, the inaugural
sailing originated at Pipavav in India. However, subsequent published sailings
indicate that the service will operate as a shuttle between Port Qasim in
Pakistan and Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates.
The PFX service deploys a single container
ship with a capacity of approximately 1,700 TEU.
Sailings will operate on an approximately
three-week rolling schedule.
The published rotation for subsequent
sailings is:
Port
Qasim – Fujairah – Port Qasim.
Firefighting
continues aboard Espirito Santo Express
Hapag-Lloyd has issued an update on the fire
aboard the Espirito Santo Express, a vessel chartered from Seaspan.
According to information provided by Seaspan,
firefighting operations remain underway. The response teams are focused on
managing the incident and stabilising the vessel.
Seaspan has confirmed that all crew members
are safe and accounted for.
Cargo condition remains unknown
The full extent of the fire and its impact on
the vessel and cargo remain under assessment.
Hapag-Lloyd said it cannot currently confirm
the condition of individual shipments or containers. It is also unclear when
detailed information about possible cargo damage will become available.
The carrier remains in close contact with
Seaspan and will provide affected customers with verified updates when
available. Customers do not need to take any action unless Hapag-Lloyd contacts
them directly.
Maersk
ends Walvis Bay export coverage to Europe and North America
Maersk will stop accepting export cargo from
Walvis Bay to Europe and North America as it adjusts capacity across its West
Africa network.
Week 42 will mark the end of cargo acceptance
for these trades. Helene, voyage 642N, will operate the final W13
sailing from Walvis Bay with coverage to Europe and North America.
Maersk said the decision followed a review of
its service structure, vessel deployment and available network capacity. The
carrier aims to improve schedule reliability and operational stability across
the wider region.
W13 shifts its market focus
The W13 service will continue operating after
the change. However, it will focus exclusively on Middle Eastern and
intra-African markets.
Therefore, the service will no longer provide
export connections from Walvis Bay to Europe or North America.
Import coverage will continue
Maersk will continue accepting imports into
Walvis Bay from Europe and North America. These shipments will move through the
carrier’s FW6 service via the Far East.
The carrier acknowledged that the changes
could affect customers’ export plans and supply chains. Its teams are assessing
alternative routings and mitigation options where available.
Customers affected by the service adjustment
have been advised to contact their local Maersk representatives.
MSC introduces emergency surcharge on East Mediterranean–North Europe trade
MSC Ruby en puerto de
BilbaoMSC will introduce an Emergency Operations
Surcharge (EOS) on shipments from Greece, Türkiye, the Black Sea and
non-Italian Adriatic ports.
The surcharge will apply to cargo moving to
Northwest Continental Europe, the United Kingdom and the ScanBaltic region.
It will take effect on 1 November 2026, based
on the bill of lading date. The surcharge will remain in place until further
notice.
Emergency Operations Surcharge
MSC will apply the following charge per
container:
·
US$200 per container
·
€200 per container
·
£200 per container
The applicable currency will depend on the
relevant trade and payment arrangements.
According to MSC, the surcharge reflects
additional costs arising from the current market and operational environment.
It will support the continued operation of the carrier’s direct service to
Northern Europe.
MSC revises main service rotation
Alongside the surcharge, MSC will revise the
rotation of its main service connecting Northern Europe with Greece and
Türkiye.
The new port rotation will be:
Le Havre – Antwerp – Felixstowe – Vigo –
Sines – Piraeus – Gemlik – Tekirdag – Aliaga – Sines – Le Havre
MSC said the streamlined rotation aims to
improve schedule reliability and reduce turnaround times. The carrier will
continue providing direct connections between Northern Europe and the Eastern
Mediterranean.
Evergreen’s
HTW service returns to Tacoma
The Northwest Seaport Alliance has welcomed the return of Evergreen Marine’s HTW service to Tacoma, adding ocean capacity at a critical juncture for agricultural exporters moving peak volumes of refrigerated cargo during the Pacific Northwest’s harvest season.
Beginning with the 15,372 TEU EVER MACH in
late October, Evergreen is expected to make 13 consecutive weekly calls through
January at Pierce County Terminal in Tacoma.
The service returns as Pacific Northwest
growers and producers move peak volumes of refrigerated agricultural
commodities including apples and fresh potatoes.
The NWSA is the second-largest refrigerated
export gateway in the United States, with Evergreen serving as one of the
gateway’s leading ocean carriers for refrigerated exports.
Strong inland rail and intermodal connections
support the gateway’s agricultural export role, with inland rail hubs in Minot,
North Dakota, Pocatello, Idaho and Wallula, Washington providing exporters with
efficient access from key growing regions to international markets.
Dick Marzano, NWSA Co-Chair and Port of
Tacoma Commission President, described the NWSA as a critical connection
between US agricultural producers and international customers, noting that
reliable ocean service and additional capacity during peak harvest season
expands options for growers in eastern Washington and across the region.
Ryan Calkins, NWSA Co-Chair and Port of
Seattle Commission President, highlighted the combination of inland rail
connectivity, marine terminal infrastructure and ocean service as providing
agricultural exporters with an efficient path from farm to global markets, with
Evergreen’s additional weekly service building on that connectivity during one
of the busiest periods of the year for regional agriculture.
Hapag-Lloyd
and Wan Hai reduce Shanghai coverage on AA7 service
Hapag-Lloyd and Wan Hai have reduced Shanghai coverage on their joint Far East–US East Coast AA7 service.
Shanghai will now be served fortnightly,
alternating with Ningbo, instead of receiving a weekly call.
The AA7 service deploys 13 vessels ranging
from approximately 6,500 to 13,500 TEU.
The revised rotation is:
Shanghai/Ningbo – Taipei – Shenzhen (Yantian)
– Shenzhen (Shekou) – Ho Chi Minh City (Cai Mep) – Singapore – Colombo – Newark
– Norfolk – Charleston – Savannah – Shanghai/Ningbo
Shanghai and Ningbo will be served on
alternating fortnightly sailings, while Colombo will be included on the Ningbo
sailings.
/// Air Cargo News
///
IAI commences B777-300ERSF P2F
conversions in North America
IAI first announced its partnership with Ascent Aviation Services in September 2023, with plans to establish two Boeing 777-300ERSF conversion lines at Marana, Arizona, and begin operations in 2024. BySTAT Times|22 Oct 2026 9:05 PM Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Ascent Aviation Services and World Star Aviation today announced the commencement of Boeing 777-300ERSF passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversions in North America.
The
first Boeing 777-300ER passenger aircraft from World Star Aviation’s portfolio
has arrived at Ascent’s newly expanded Pinal Air Park campus in Marana,
Arizona, for conversion. The aircraft, registered N755WS (MSN 33755), is an
18-year-old Boeing 777-300ER that Taiwan's EVA Air previously operated as
B-16712.
First
delivered to EVA Air on July 24, 2008, the aircraft was withdrawn from
passenger service in June 2026 and arrived at Marana on July 29 for conversion.
Ascent’s Marana facility will serve as the North American conversion site for
IAI’s 777-300ERSF programme, forming part of IAI’s global conversion network.
"As
cargo operators seek to maximise fleet value and meet growing long-haul freight
demand, P2F conversions have become one of the fastest-growing segments in the
commercial aviation aftermarket," the release reads.
IAI
launched its Boeing 777-300ERSF passenger-to-freighter conversion programme,
known as the ‘Big Twin’, in 2019 in partnership with GECAS, which later became
part of AerCap. The first aircraft entered conversion in 2021, and the
programme received certification from US and Israeli aviation authorities in
September 2025.
As
of October 2026, IAI has completed and delivered 11 converted aircraft, with
customers and operators including Kalitta Air, Fly Meta, Challenge Group and
Emirates SkyCargo. Kalitta Air, the launch operator, received seven aircraft.
In July 2026, IAI reported five additional aircraft undergoing conversion.
The
company is expanding production beyond its Tel Aviv facility in Israel through
conversion partnerships with Sharp Technics K in Incheon, South Korea, Etihad
Engineering in Abu Dhabi, UAE, and Ascent Aviation Services in Marana, Arizona,
US, where the first aircraft from World Star Aviation arrived for conversion in
October 2026.
Challenge Group to launch India-US
freighter service via Belgium Twice-weekly
Boeing 777 freighter flights will connect Navi Mumbai, Belgium and Rockford from 4 November 2026, strengthening international cargo connectivity. BySTAT Times|28 Oct 2026 9:56 AM (L-R): Ken Ryan, Director of Business Development and Cargo, RFD; Ruth Lamdan, Regional Commercial Manager - Americas, Challenge Group; Rene Espinet, VP - Cargo Business Development, RFD.
Chicago
Rockford International Airport (RFD) will welcome a new twice-weekly Boeing 777
freighter service operated by Challenge Group from 4 November 2026,
strengthening cargo connectivity between India, Europe and the United States.
The service will originate at Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMI) in India,
transit through Liège Airport (LGG) in Belgium, and arrive at RFD in Illinois.
The
new route will also facilitate outbound cargo movements from Rockford through
Liège, where Challenge Group operates a network of approximately 1,500 truck
movements per month, providing onward connections across Europe and linking
shipments to India.
The
launch is expected to strengthen Rockford's international air cargo network
while expanding Challenge Group's operations in North America. The service will
primarily handle pharmaceuticals, oversized shipments, and out-of-gauge cargo,
with plans to introduce live animal (AVI) transportation in the future.
Or
Zak, Group Chief Commercial Officer, Challenge Group, said, “Chicago is a
strategically important market, serving a broad range of industries that depend
on reliable international cargo connectivity. By introducing this service
through Rockford, we are creating additional opportunities for customers moving
specialised cargo between India, Europe and the United States.”
The
service further strengthens RFD's efforts to expand its international freighter
network and position the airport as a key US gateway for specialised cargo.
Zack Oakley, Executive Director, RFD, said, “This new service is a direct
result of our continued efforts to attract international freighter operators to
Rockford, particularly the work we have undertaken to establish the airport as
a leading cold chain corridor into the United States.”
The
Group sees significant potential to expand the partnership beyond the initial
twice-weekly service by increasing flight frequencies and introducing live
animal (AVI) transportation. Located approximately 40 miles from animal
quarantine facilities, a distance comparable to Chicago O'Hare International
Airport (ORD), RFD is currently seeking approval from the United States
Department of Agriculture (USDA) to handle AVI shipments.
Rene
Espinet, Vice President – Cargo Business Development, RFD, said, “RFD is well
positioned to support this service as it develops, with cargo-focused
infrastructure and the capacity to accommodate specialised freight. Challenge
will have access to the wider Chicago market, combined with the efficiency,
flexibility, and reduced congestion of a dedicated freighter airport.”
RFD
will arrange dedicated temperature-controlled trucking services for
pharmaceutical shipments arriving on the new route, ensuring onward transport
to destinations across the Rockford area and warehousing facilities in Chicago.
The announcement was made at the International Air Cargo Association (TIACA)
Air Cargo Forum, held in Miami from 26–29 October 2026.
Miami International Airport launches
AI-powered cargo platform
The
system aims to improve truck scheduling, reduce waiting times and cut annual
carbon emissions by 5,900 US tons if adopted across the airport’s cargo
operations. BySTAT Times|27 Oct 2026 11:30 PM L to R: Ralph Cutie, Director and
CEO, MIA; Daniella Levine Cava, Mayor, Miami-Dade County; Danielle Cohen
Higgins, Commissioner, Miami-Dade County; Amar More, Founder and CEO, Kalé
Miami International Airport (MIA) has launched an AI-powered Airport Cargo
Community System (ACCS), developed by Kalé Logistics, to improve cargo
coordination, reduce congestion and cut carbon emissions.
The
launch was announced at The International Air Cargo Association’s (TIACA) Air
Cargo Forum in Miami on 27 October. The platform provides a shared online
portal for freight forwarders, cargo handlers, truckers, carriers and ground
handlers, reducing reliance on fragmented, manual information exchange.
It
is designed to improve information sharing, advance planning and truck
scheduling, helping reduce waiting times and increase productivity across the
airport’s cargo operations. Cargo trucks currently arrive at MIA with limited
information about their arrival times and cargo types, contributing to
congestion, carbon emissions and operational inefficiencies.
The
new system is also intended to provide the digital infrastructure needed to
connect MIA with international partner airports and facilitate the movement of
goods along specific international trade lanes. Also Read - Menzies wins SIA
contract at Western Sydney Airport MIA handled a record 3.4 million US tons of
freight in 2025, making it the busiest freight airport in the US and the third
busiest in the world, after Hong Kong and Shanghai.
Its
cargo operations require an average of 190 cargo-only flights and more than
1,600 truck trips daily. If adopted across MIA’s entire cargo operation, the
system could save 5,900 US tons of carbon dioxide emissions, 3,000 trees and up
to $250 million in annual operational costs across the air cargo supply chain.
These
estimates are based on a 15% reduction in paper handling and an average saving
of two hours in truck turnaround time. Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine
Cava said the technology would help simplify and speed up the movement of goods
through the airport, support businesses and jobs dependent on international
trade, and improve operational efficiency and sustainability.
Amar
More, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Kalé, said the platform could
improve collaboration and visibility across MIA’s cargo operations, where small
inefficiencies can have a significant impact given the volume of freight
handled.
Menzies Aviation secures seven-year
ground handling licences in Portugal
Cargo and mail handling is included in the licences at Lisbon and Porto airports, alongside baggage handling and other ground handling operations across Portugal’s three largest airports. BySTAT Times|27 Oct 2026 10:35 PM Menzies Aviation has secured seven-year ground handling licences at Portugal’s three largest airports, Lisbon, Porto and Faro, following the completion of the National Civil Aviation Authority’s (ANAC) tender process.
ANAC
confirmed that SPdH – Serviços Portugueses de Handling, SA, has met the
applicable legal and regulatory requirements and demonstrated the technical
capacity to provide ground handling services to third parties at the three
airports. The licences cover baggage handling at Lisbon, Porto and Faro
airports.
Cargo
and mail handling is authorised at Lisbon and Porto, while ground handling
operations are permitted at all three airports. Menzies said the seven-year
licences would provide long-term certainty for its customers, employees and
airport partners, while supporting further investment and growth across its
Portuguese operations.
Portugal
is one of Menzies’ largest European markets, where the company employs more
than 3,500 people and supports over 100,000 aircraft turns every year. In
addition to Lisbon, Porto and Faro, it operates at Funchal and Porto Santo
airports in Madeira. Menzies acquired a majority stake in SPdH from TAP Air
Portugal in 2024 and took full ownership of the company in June 2026.
SPdH
was previously known as Groundforce Portugal. TAP remains a customer of
Menzies. Hassan El-Houry, Chief Executive Officer of Menzies Aviation, said
Portugal was a strategically important market connecting Europe, North America,
South America and Africa. He added that the company had invested in its
operations, workforce and service capabilities in recent years.
Miguel
Gomez Sjunnesson, Executive Vice President Europe at Menzies Aviation, said
Portugal welcomed a record 72.5 million passengers in 2025, an increase of 4.7%
from the previous year. He said the licences would provide stability for the
company to plan investments and support customers as the market develops.
ANAC
said the tender process was conducted in accordance with the principles of
legality, transparency, impartiality and equal treatment of competitors. The
authority will continue to monitor compliance with the legal, regulatory and
operational requirements applicable to the licensed activities.
Airbus A350F challenges Boeing's grip
on large freighter market
As Airbus secures 115 firm orders for its new A350F, aviation intelligence firm IBA forecasts strong market value and lease rates ahead of its 2027 debut. BySTAT Times|26 Oct 2026 6:59 PM Photo: Iba.aero The commercial aviation sector is witnessing a significant shift as the Airbus A350F makes formidable strides into the heavy freight sector, a domain historically dominated by its American rival, Boeing.
Backed
by robust order books and impressive technical specifications, the new European
widebody freighter is rapidly emerging as a compelling alternative for global
cargo operators seeking long-term operational efficiency.
According
to data from IBA Insight, the aviation intelligence platform of the leading
market advisory company IBA, the A350F programme has successfully secured 115
firm orders from 14 disclosed customers. This represents a substantial early
foothold, particularly when compared with the 89 firm orders from nine
disclosed customers currently held by its closest new-production competitor,
the Boeing 777-8F.
Strikingly,
the A350F’s customer base includes major industry players such as Cathay
Pacific, Korean Air, Atlas Air, and Silk Way West Airlines. Several of these
carriers have traditionally operated major or exclusively Boeing freighter
fleets, underscoring a strategic pivot in operator preferences and a remarkable
commercial victory for Airbus.
Financially,
the A350F is positioned as a premium asset. IBA’s market intelligence forecasts
a robust market value opinion of $197 million to $198 million for a new A350F
slated for delivery in 2027. Furthermore, monthly lease rates for the aircraft
are expected to be situated comfortably between $1.53 million and $1.55
million.
To
provide a benchmark for this projected value and lease-rate profile, IBA values
a new-delivery 2026 Boeing 777F at approximately $170 million, with
corresponding monthly lease rates hovering around $1.35 million.
From
a technical and operational perspective, the Airbus freighter brings
significant advancements to the global supply chain. The aircraft is designed
to offer an impressive payload capacity of approximately 111 tonnes, which
comfortably eclipses the 103-tonne capability of the existing Boeing 777F.
Airbus
has further differentiated the model by equipping it with a 14 ft 1 in
main-deck cargo door, which holds the distinction of being the largest in its
class, thereby facilitating the loading of awkwardly shaped and outsized
freight.
Operational
efficiency is heavily supported by the aircraft’s integration into the existing
Airbus ecosystem; it shares crucial crew, systems, and parts commonality with
the highly successful A350-900 and A350-1000 passenger fleets.
This
synergy allows mixed-fleet operators to streamline their maintenance programmes
and optimise flight crew rostering. Crucially, Airbus appears to have secured a
distinct first-mover advantage for this next generation of large freighters.
IBA expects the A350F to reach the market at least one to two years ahead of
the Boeing 777-8F.
This pivotal head start provides Airbus with a golden opportunity to embed the aircraft within the networks of large-capacity cargo operators before Boeing’s principal new-generation competitor formally enters commercial service. The broader macroeconomic outlook for the 90-tonne-plus freighter market remains highly positive.
IBA
predicts that sustained demand for global e-commerce, combined with the
continuous movement of bulky, high-tech, and time-sensitive cargo, will keep
structural demand high. Continued economic growth and manufacturing expansion
across the pivotal Asia-Pacific market are expected to serve as further
catalysts.
As
legacy operators finalise their strategic plans for the inevitable retirement
of ageing Boeing 747-400 series freighters, IBA anticipates that further A350F
order opportunities will continue to emerge.
Reflecting
on the shifting dynamics within the air freight industry, Jonathan McDonald,
Manager – Classic & Cargo Aircraft at IBA, said: “The A350F’s first flight
marks an important step for Airbus in the large-capacity freighter market. The
strength of the orderbook shows that operators are already willing to consider
a new alternative in a segment that has long been dominated by Boeing
products.”
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.
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