Cathay Pacific today released its traffic figures for April 2023, which reflected strong demand for travel during the holiday period.

Travel sentiment has remained positive since the beginning of the year and as a result, the Cathay Pacific Group, comprising passenger airlines Cathay Pacific and HK Express, carried almost six million passengers during the first four months of the year.

Cathay Pacific carried a total of 1,381,073 passengers last month, an increase of 3,283% compared with April 2022. The month’s revenue passenger kilometres (RPKs) increased 3,139% year-on-year. Passenger load factor increased by 31.3 percentage points to 86.9%, while capacity, measured in available seat kilometres (ASKs), increased by 1,973% year-on-year. In the first four months of 2023, the number of passengers carried increased by 3,707% against a 2,116% increase in capacity and a 3,989% increase in RPKs, as compared with the same period for 2022.

The airline carried 109,372 tonnes of cargo last month, an increase of 18.4% compared with April 2022, when our cargo capacity was significantly reduced due to stricter aircrew quarantine measures. The month’s cargo revenue tonne kilometres (RFTKs) increased 93.3% year-on-year. The cargo load factor decreased by 16.6 percentage points to 63.6%, while capacity, measured in available cargo tonne kilometres (AFTKs), increased by 143.7% year-on-year. In the first four months of 2023, the tonnage increased by 30.8% against a 168.4% increase in capacity and a 118.1% increase in RFTKs, as compared with the same period for 2022.

Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau said: “April was a busy month for our travel business as many of our customers looked to enjoy a getaway during the holiday period. Passenger demand was especially strong over the Easter holiday in the early part of the month, and on 9 April, we recorded our highest number of passengers on a single day since the start of the pandemic, carrying 53,233 in total. Meanwhile, we continued to increase our passenger flight capacity and add more frequencies to destinations in Europe, Southeast Asia, Australia and Japan. Demand for premium class seats has also been positive, driven by both corporate and leisure travel.

“We experienced a surge in demand from Indonesia in mid-April, coinciding with the end of Ramadan, and we added more flights from Jakarta and Surabaya for our customers accordingly. Towards the end of April, we also saw increased traffic ahead of Labour Day and the Golden Week holiday from the Chinese Mainland. ​

“On the other hand, demand for our cargo business was impacted by the holiday period in April. As a result, overall tonnage in April was down 10% month on month with a total of 109,372 tonnes carried, while capacity decreased 5% compared with March as we optimised schedules. One area that continues to show positive momentum was e-commerce demand from Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland across our network, which remained strong. ​

“As we look ahead to the rest of May and beyond, we continue our efforts to reconnect our customers and our home hub with the world. We are progressively increasing our passenger flight capacity as we approach the peak summer travel season. In terms of destinations, we look forward to resuming our Johannesburg service from 1 August with three return flights per week, once again connecting our home city with Africa. On top of that, from 3 October we will be resuming our Chicago service with three return flights per week, bringing our total number of destinations in North America to seven and further expanding our connectivity with the region.

“As we continue to rebuild, we are excited to be bringing back more customer experience highlights that we know our passengers love. Our Cathay magazine is back on board this month and we hope our customers enjoy discovering the inspirational travel lifestyle content when they fly with us.

“In terms of cargo, while short-term demand has been affected by the Labour Day and Golden Week holidays at the beginning of May, we expect it to improve over the subsequent weeks. We are continuing to adjust our freighter network to reflect any significant changes in trade flows and business opportunities. As the belly capacity from our passenger operations grows, we are able to offer more choices to our customers and we continue to see good demand momentum with our specialist cargo solutions across the expanding network.”

DB Schenker launches its new Circular Economy Logistics product line, bundling its market leading experience in reverse operations and investing in the future of returns, repairs and refurbishment of electronic devices.

On the back of Transport Logistic, the industry’s largest trade show currently taking place in Munich, the global logistics service provider thus underlines its ambition to excel in modular reverse management operations and to provide a one-stop-shop for its customers. DB Schenker just recently became the only logistics company with a diamond member status in the Reverse Logistics Association.

Hessel Verhage, Board Member for Contract Logistics at DB Schenker: “Our Circular Economy Logistics product line is our commitment to realizing DB Schenker’s sustainability ambitions, while driving business value for our customers around the world. We invest in the future of reverse and return operations to support global leading manufacturers at accomplishing their ESG mission. After building up market leadership with our partners in recent years, we are now ready to support more of our customers around the globe to set up effective reverse logistics supply chains.”

With a growing number of contract logistics sites engaging in circular operations on all continents, DB Schenker already proves its market leading capacities in Circular Economy Logistics. Far more than ten million printers, smartphones or entire server structure are handled annually, with additional millions of devices being screened for damages and repaired. Beyond this, 1.5 million devices, such as tablets, laptops or wearable electronic devices are returned to the original manufacturer for recycling of their components.

DB Schenker reverse logistics process expertise includes return initiation as well as return and repair processing. Low carbon warehousing and the choice of environmentally friendly materials for packaging enable customers to improve their ecological footprint. Among political debates over customers’ rights to repair of their electronic devices, experts expect the circular economy market volume to double by revenues in the coming five years.

Haven’t nailed down those summer plans yet? No need to worry.

From Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend, the Port of Los Angeles and its community partners offer a full slate of new and returning events on the LA Waterfront. This summer’s calendar of events has something for just about everyone.

The summer season kicks off with several returning crowd-favorite signature events, including LA Fleet Week® over Memorial Day Weekend, the Cars & Stripes Forever!® classic car show in late June, and the John Olguin Fireworks Spectacular July 4th at Cabrillo Beach. Promising even more fun under the sun and the stars are new additions this year, such as the San Pedro Ballet’s Swan Lake at the Cabrillo Marina, the global SailGP boat racing circuit coming to the Port in July, and Insomniac’s Interstellar Experience.

Below is the 411 on events coming to the LA Waterfront this summer.

This annual celebration of our nation’s Sea Services features free public ship tours, live entertainment, aerial flyovers, a Fleet Week EXPO at Battleship IOWA with military equipment displays, multiple veteran and military information booths, as well as other family-focused activities. While there, climb aboard one of the Los Angeles Maritime Institute’s Tall Ships in the Downtown Harbor, take a sunset tall ship cruise, and stop by the Los Angeles Maritime Museum for a deeper dive into our harbor’s nautical history.

LA Fleet Week will officially kick off with the Downtown San Pedro Welcome Party for our visiting service members on May 25 from 5-9 p.m. The Welcome Party will feature live music, food and drinks for purchase and great downtown restaurants to enjoy with friends and family. Select restaurants and bars will also be offering LA Fleet Week discounts throughout the weekend. Check out all LA Fleet Week 2023 activities at LAFleetWeek.com.

“On pointe” for June is the debut of the San Pedro City Ballet’s Swan Lake free performance under the stars at Cabrillo Marina’s Berth 37 at 8 p.m. The beautiful 400-seat performance space will provide heaters, but guests are encouraged to bring a wrap, blanket and a seat cushion if desired. The San Pedro City Ballet website has all the details.

Ciao! It’s time to run the second annual Italy 5K Run LA. The fun run starts and finishes at Harbor Blvd. at 7th Street in downtown San Pedro. Register for the race in advance, arrive 45-60 minutes prior to the 8 a.m. start time on race day, and plan to attend the post-race "festa" immediately following the Italy Run LA in the Piazza located at 638 S. Beacon Street in San Pedro.

Something’s likely to be fishy at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium's “Meet the Grunion” events on June 5 and 19. Grab your flashlight and your jacket and head to the aquarium’s John Olguin Auditorium to watch a short educational film about Grunion at 8 p.m. Next, walk over to the beach for a guided observation where these curious silvery fish will wriggle ashore and blanket the beach under the moonlight before riding the tide back out to sea.

San Pedro Pride returns to the LA Waterfront with a line-up of new and exciting festivities, including a drag brunch at noon and a 2 p.m. flag-raising ceremony at the LA Maritime Museum. Come show your support for the LGBTQ+ community.

Hop over to Brouwerij West on Father's Day, Sunday June 18, for the kickoff of their infamous Popfuji summer music series. This family and dog friendly favorite local gathering spot promises to keep your calendar and your glass full all summer long with an impressive line-up of brews and bands. While you are there, treat your inner artist with a visit to CRAFTED at the Port of Los Angeles, where you can create your own art and browse through more than 45 artisan workspaces.

The Port of Los Angeles will host the Juneteenth fireworks spectacular at Cabrillo Beach on the evening of June 19th to honor and acknowledge emancipation of African American slaves in the U.S. on this date in 1865.

Jump-start Independence Day this year by attending the 13th Annual Cars & Stripes Forever! classic car show, which will feature nearly 100 pre-1975-era exotic cars and motorcycles. This Port-sponsored event will be held from 6-10 p.m. at Harbor Boulevard and the Vincent Thomas Bridge. Come for the cars and stay for the live bands, gourmet food trucks and beer garden. Don’t miss the fireworks at 9:15 p.m.

This long-standing fireworks tradition will light up the sky over Cabrillo Beach at 9:15 p.m. Bring beach chairs and blankets and enjoy this free evening celebrating Independence Day. The event is co-sponsored by the Cabrillo Beach Boosters and the Port of Los Angeles.

It’s all hands on deck this summer for the ”Formula One” of sailing events coming to the Port of Los Angeles’ Outer Harbor. For the first time in Los Angeles, SailGP will host global elite sailing teams and athletes for this exciting, high-speed sail racing event, which will also include an action-packed entertainment line-up. Find out more on the SailGP website.

In the name of music, art, imagination and positivity, Insomniac invites you on an Interstellar Experience at their two-day music festival in the Port of LA’s Outer Harbor, Berth 46, Sat. Aug. 19 and Sun. Aug. 20 starting at noon each day. Concert goers must be 21 or older to purchase tickets and attend this transformative music experience.

End your summer with a photo finish at the 14th annual Conquer the Bridge foot race on Labor Day Monday, September 4. Join thousands of fellow walkers and runners on the 5.3 mile course which starts at 7 a.m. at the intersection of 5th and Harbor Blvd. in San Pedro and heads up and over the historic Vincent Thomas Bridge and back. Register in advance, tell your friends and get ready to Conquer the Bridge.

Congestion and capacity constraints have made container visibility in recent times an absolute necessity for supply chain management.

The new Container Dashboard in Kuehne+Nagel's myKN online platform harnesses data of a geo system cloud solution to allow customers to track all their containers in real-time. In addition, it reduces manual effort in identifying milestones and current deviations from the planned schedule. It not only increases accuracy and productivity by eliminating previous white spots in supply chain transparency but also enables early preventive measures for the cargo.

The Container Dashboard is part of Kuehne+Nagel’s digital solution myKN. Notifications on the next milestones, such as pick-up or departure, improve the transparency of the customer's door-to-door transport chain. This includes pre- and on-carriage, demurrage and detention, as well as transshipments. A new user interface lists container flows and dwell times and highlights deviations from the initial carrier schedule. Long-term analytics allow customers to reorganise routes that consistently exceed dwell times. The underlying real-time geo system collects and includes telemetry and multiple internal and external industry data sources, such as carrier data, terminal information, route maps, and vessel trackers, to improve the accuracy of the Estimated Time of Arrival.

Otto Schacht, Member of the Management Board of Kuehne+Nagel International AG, responsible for Sea Logistics, says: “To meet the demands of today's markets, shipping visibility must enable logistics operators to detect exceptions in real time and take preventive action before an order is disrupted. The Container Dashboard gives our customers an unparalleled edge in exception management. Backed by Kuehne+Nagel's global network, which offers a wide range of alternative shipping options, our expert teams can react and reschedule faster in case of route plan deviations or delays. This development is in line with our Roadmap 2026, which aims to strategically expand Kuehne+Nagel's digital ecosystem for a better Customer Experience.”

Commenting on the Retained EU Law (REUL) bill amendment, Kate Jennings, Logistics UK’s Director of Policy, says:

“Logistics UK has been in constant contact with government over the REUL bill and the impact it could have on our industry, and recently raised members' concerns in a letter to the Prime Minister. The change in approach announced by the Secretary of State is one which should smooth over the process, but our industry still needs clarification on exactly what is to be reviewed, to ensure the ongoing security of the supply chain.”

Logistics UK is one of the UK’s leading business groups, representing logistics businesses which are vital to keeping the UK trading, and more than seven million people directly employed in the making, selling and moving of goods. With decarbonisation, Brexit, new technology and other disruptive forces driving change in the way goods move across borders and through the supply chain, logistics has never been more important to UK plc. Logistics UK supports, shapes and stands up for safe and efficient logistics, and is the only business group which represents the whole industry, with members from the road, rail, sea and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers whose businesses depend on the efficient movement of goods.

CEVA Logistics announced today during the 2023 Transport Logistic show in Munich that the company plans to grow its fleet of electric vehicles (EVs) to 1,450 by the end of 2025 as the next step in its commitment to reaching net zero by 2050.

The major sustainability commitment includes 1,000 delivery vans, 300 straight trucks and 150 tractor units deployed across CEVA’s dedicated fleet operations, LTL and last mile pick and delivery operations—as well as for special projects like the recently launched European Clean Transport Network. The expanded EV fleet would reduce the company’s CO2 emissions by an estimated 67,000 tons per year—the equivalent of 30,000 round trips by a truck between Paris and Munich.

CEVA is pursuing an “asset right” strategy for its EV fleet. Along with the vehicles of its own employee-driven operating model, CEVA will also enable the transitions to EVs for some of its dedicated subcontractors. In the company’s shared user networks—where trucks are not dedicated to a specific customer—CEVA will sell the certified CO2 savings to customers to further support its EV fleet investment.

CEVA identified electric battery trucks as the most promising technology to replace fossil fuels and initiated its transition to electric vehicles several years ago. This decision permitted the company to build up its experience operating more than 200 EV vans through its Colis Privé subsidiary and more than 20 EV trucks across all continents.

In another example, CEVA has been operating seven JAC iEV1200T electric box trucks in its Ground fleet in Brazil since the end of 2021. The EVs have a range of 200 kilometers per charge and a 3.5-ton load capacity via the 26 cubic meters of cargo space. After one year of use, the trucks covered more than 14,000 kilometers and transported more than 150,000 packages. The EVs are expected to provide annual savings of 56 tons of CO2 emissions—the equivalent to preserving more than 1,600 trees each year.

CEVA is also expanding its EV fleet in Thailand in 2023 to support sporting goods retailer Decathlon. The two companies began working together in Thailand since 2021 for nationwide ground distribution. After beginning with only one electric van, the fleet is now three electric vans and two EVO G9 electric straight trucks with a gross vehicle weight of 33,000 pounds. Two more G9 trucks are expected to join the fleet in 2023.

CEVA is also implementing other initiatives into its Ground operations to further reduce emissions by scaling up the use of biogas and biofuels, testing hydrogen fuel cell and other low-carbon trucks and transitioning eligible full-truckload shipments to its rail solutions.

In its on-going commitment to finding better ways to transport and manage customer shipments, CEVA Logistics announced earlier in 2022 a sustainability commitment for its warehouses—many of which support its Ground operations. CEVA expects to triple the surface area of its solar panels through a joint investment of $180 million by the end of 2025. The company also expects to power all of its warehouses with low-carbon electricity in the same timeframe and to use 100 percent LED lighting in its warehouses by the end of 2023.

Xavier Bour, global ground leader, CEVA Logistics, said: “An EV fleet of this size is a significant, tangible step in our journey towards a more sustainable future. This major investment is enabled by the expertise of our Ground & Rail teams, as well as the commitment of the CMA CGM Group and of our customers. This decision exemplifies both our relentless focus on finding better ways to transport our customers’ goods and the desire of our CEVA colleagues to reduce emissions across our logistics operations. Change can be difficult sometimes, but innovating and learning are fun and benefit our planet, while also motivating our teams. We believe in the future of EVs, and we’re committed to making that future happen.”

As part of a Dutch trade delegation to Brazil this week, APM Terminals’ CEO Keith Svendsen pledged a EUR962 million (R$ 5.2 billion) investment in its Brazilian operations up to 2026.

This figure includes a EUR296 million (R$ 1.6 billion) of a total EUR 483 (R$ 2.6 billion) investment exclusively for the Phase One development of a new terminal in Suape. The terminal, located in Estaleiro Atlântico Sul, is in the final stages of acquisition and will rejuvenate infrastructure and increase competition in the port.

APM Terminals has committed an additional EUR666 (R$ 3.6 billion) of investment to the company’s four other terminals and inland depots, by 2026. A large share of this, around EUR285 million, is allocated to Brasil Terminal Portuário, Santos.

The company, which plans to multiply storage capacity fivefold at its inland container depots in the Northeast and Southeast of the country, will prioritise early renovation of its terminal in the Port of Santos, Brasil Terminal Portuário (BTP). BTP is operated in partnership with Terminal Investment Limited (TIL), a subsidiary of the MSC group).

APM Terminals is negotiating with the federal government to extend its concession agreement, which expires in 2027, for another 20 years. In exchange, APM Terminals would modernise and double the current 1.5 million TEU capacity of the terminal, which is currently operating at close to full capacity (92%).

An initial investment of at least EUR285 million (R$ 1.54 billion) up to 2026, could realistically reach EUR408 million (R$ 2.2 billion) over the next five years due to ongoing improvements. As well as expanding BTP, APM Terminals and TIL expressed joint interest in a new container terminal at the Port of Santos, STS 10, located in an area adjacent to its existing terminal. The new government, however, has not yet defined the future of the project, which has been put on hold for reassessment.

Under the previous government, the tender was subject to controversy, as other port operators expressed concern over the dominance of Maersk and MSC, the parent companies of APM Terminals and TIL respectively. Responding to this, APM Terminals’ CEO Keith Svendsen said that experience in other countries shows that the concern is unfounded.

With BTP operating at 92% capacity – and an 80% capacity generally seen as the maximum for optimal efficiency, Svendsen stated: “Our primary focus is increasing capacity and modernisation. There is now an urgent need for investment in the Port of Santos, both to ensure the deepening of the access channel - which will allow the entry of new, larger, and more efficient ships - and to expand capacity of the port complex, which is close to the limit.”

Any investments in the terminal will also be an opportunity to uniquely position the terminal with low or zero-emission container handling, something which is increasingly being demanded by customers. APM terminals has committed to Net Zero Greenhouse Emissions by 2040 and a 70% reduction in absolute (total) emissions as an interim milestone for the period 2020-2030 for its commercially controlled terminals. This will involve investment in the electrification of equipment, purchase or generation of renewable energy and optimisation.

In 2018, APM Terminals invested heavily in its Way of Working (WoW), which draws on Lean principles. This efficiency mindset has led to, among other things, cost savings and reduced time in port for vessels. APM Terminals is on track to reduce average port stay reduction by 20% in 2023 compared to 2021 and achieve a 30% reduction by 2025 worldwide.

Union Pacific Railroad today released its annual Building America Report, which encompasses the railroad’s progress toward its safety, sustainability, corporate accountability and community engagement goals.

As part of its steadfast commitment to corporate transparency, the report tracks progress made to address Union Pacific stakeholders’ most important issues identified in its 2021 a materiality assessment.

“This report highlights our progress to achieve the goals outlined in our Building a Sustainable Future 2030 strategy and follows through on our commitment to transparent communication,” said Chairman, President and CEO Lance Fritz. “Placing our stakeholders at the center of our decision making helps us find the best solutions, enables our customers to get their jobs done, and supports and connects the communities where our employees live and work.”

Union Pacific improved key safety metrics in 2022 as a result of its comprehensive approach to safe train operations through use of technology, 1.5 million hours of best-in-class training for its workforce and maintenance methodologies. Total derailments on Union Pacific declined by 21% compared to 2019.

In addition to its safety efforts, Union Pacific invested $1.9 billion in its infrastructure to provide consistent, reliable service. From installing nearly 4 million new rail ties to replacing, resurfacing or expanding more than 20,000 track miles in 2022, Union Pacific prioritized building a safer, more efficient railroad.

As technology has become more central to Union Pacific’s operations, so has the focus on maintaining the security of its systems and data. The railroad implemented an industry-leading qualitative cybersecurity risk management process to ensure its operations are appropriately protected from cyber events. To date, Union Pacific has not experienced any material disruption of operations due to a cyber threat or attack.

The report also highlights how Union Pacific’s $24.1 million in community investment reached 2,500 nonprofit organizations in 2022, helping build and enhance community spaces, develop the workforce, bolster safety and advance the health of our environment.

“The Building America Report tracks our progress across our most important sustainability categories, and we are proud of our achievements,” said Beth Whited, executive vice president – Sustainability and Strategy, and chief human resources officer. “At Union Pacific, sustainability is integrated into our company processes, goals and culture, and the actions we are taking now will help build a more sustainable world for our workforce, customers and communities.”

The Building America Report – along with Union Pacific’s Climate Action Plan, We Are One Report, Proxy Statement and other communications – keeps its valued stakeholders apprised of progress toward its sustainability goals and where it’s headed in the future.