Alibaba Chairman Ma is concerned about the trade war potential between the US and China as are other business and countries opposed to the tough US rhetoric. “Protectionism would not help the American economy and would, in fact, hurt millions of American small business and farmers,” Ma said, adding, “Any country seeking to increase exports would do better to focus on developing good products and channels to access foreign markets rather than putting up trade barriers.”
Ark horse rules
The Ark at JFK is now responsible for coordinating the transportation of equine arrival and quarantine at JFK Airport. Shippers have the option of using the Ark quarantine facilities at JFK or shipping their stock to Stewart Airport for processing. There was a recent meeting with Port and horse ground handlers to introduce the security intricacies and permits that are required as part of ramp access.
IATA CEIV-Live cert
International Air Transport Association (IATA) has launched a new certification program called CEIV-Live Animals, that provides an industry standard for the safe handling of animals being transported in the cargo hold of aircraft. The launch is an expansion of IATA’s Center of Excellence for Independent Validators (CEIV) program that ensures compliance to handling standards across the entire supply chain. This is in addition to the CEIV-Pharma certification through IATA.
TSA cargo rules
The U.S. House and Senate have bills that give more power to the TSA for better cargo security. H.R. 4176 and S1812 are the bills being deliberated.
FedEx training
FedEx announced a new training program, called Purple Runway, which will recruit pilots in training from universities and aviation colleges. The move was made to ensure the carrier’s continued leading status in a market in which qualified pilots are increasingly scarce. The program will be initiated in conjunction with two of FedEx’s big U.S.-based feeder operators, Empire Airlines and Mountain Air Cargo.
Cargolux profits
Cargolux Airlines saw 2017 full year net profit after taxes reach $122.3m, compared with a prior year $5.5m for the European freighter aircraft operator. Cargolux president and chief executive Richard Forson said: “The outstanding results for 2017 are a reflection of Cargolux’ employees’ dedication, passion and commitment to make this year a successful one on all fronts.
Russian flyover
Russia agreed to an extension for overflight rights until 28th. Despite other tensions, this extension affects four routes over Russia from the US. The impacted freighter company include Atlas Air, National, and Kalitta. Seems tit for tat as this extension was granted just before an expiration and coincided with President trump’s decision not to enforce additional sanctions.
WFS contracts
Worldwide Flight Services has three new ramp handling contracts since the start of the year in Newark. All three-year contracts, these see WFS now serving Austrian Airlines, Primera Air and Swiss International Air Lines at the airport. Swiss currently operates seven services a week to and from Newark, while Austrian operates five. Primera Air is also launching seven services per week in April.
DHL expansion
DHL has been expanding its locations around the world to keep up with growing e-commerce and international trade demand, with the expansion in southern California that has doubled its intake capacity in Ontario, California. Shipments DHL processes in Ontario focus on international trade and e-commerce, and include documents, small parcels and palletized freight.
Lufthansa drones
Lufthansa Technik tests out use of drones for safety checks. Given the recent focus on the need for better safety inspections this is a timely enhancement.
777s for Qatar
Qatar Airways has signed a letter of intent to purchase five Boeing 777 Freighters, worth USD$1.7 billion at list prices.
New Delta cargo plan
Delta Cargo is introducing Equation Critical, a new service for international shipments. This premium GPS-enabled service for the transportation of highly time-sensitive shipments that must travel on the next available flight, offers GPS tracking on delta
UPS Boeing order
UPS has ordered 14 additional Boeing 747-8F freighters and four 767Fs in a deal valued at $6.5 billion at list prices. UPS takes Thinking that the 747 aircraft was dead, think again.
Atlas union woes
Atlas Air and Polar Air Cargo Worldwide which are subsidiaries of Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, have been granted a request for a preliminary injunction against the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT). Atlas Air says is committed to negotiate with the IBT for a joint contract for Atlas and Southern Air crew members in connection with the pending merger.
Emirates parts rush
Emirates SkyCargo is adding a new airfreight product to its catalog with the launch of Emirates AOG for priority transport of aircraft parts. With service to 141 destinations in 75 countries, With the continued growth of air travel, Emirates knows the importance of quickly providing maintenance teams with needed parts to keep the fleets flying.
CEVA IPO
CEVA Logistics of Switzerland said today it is scheduling an initial public offering (IPO) during the second quarter of 2018 and hopes to raise US$1.36 billion, part of which would be used to relieve some of the company’s massive debt loads.
Qantas signs dNata
Qantas has announced it has signed an agreement for the sale of its catering businesses to dnata, an aviation services company that is part of the Emirates Group. dnata has grown through acquisitions and contracts at JFK Airport over the past two years.
Rolfe to KLM
Congratulations to Mike Rolfe Regional Cargo Operations Manager, Air France KLM Cargo.
CEIV-Live cer
Mark Whitehead condolences. Industry sad with news of death of former Hactl CEO, Mark Whitehead. Whitehead, the recently retired CEO of Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Ltd. (Hactl), passed away in his sleep while he was competing in an ocean yacht race, which was one of his lifelong passions.
