PRESS RELEASE
August 28, 2014: Boeing and Silk Way Airlines today celebrated the delivery of the airline's two 747-8 Freighters. The first airplane delivered last week and the second airplane delivered today. Both new 747-8 Freighters will bring new levels of efficiency to the Baku, Azerbaijan-based cargo carrier.
"We strive to be a successful and profitable cargo operator by investing in our fleet and our services, and by 
continuing to increase our regional and international footprint," said Zaur Akhundov, president, SW Holding, parent company of Silk Way Airlines. "The delivery of our new 747-8 Freighters is a sound step forward in that direction."
Silk Way Airlines is considered as one of the leading cargo carriers in the region, providing full-fledged services to Europe, the United Kingdom and Middle East, as well as the Far East including South Korea, China and Hong Kong. In addition, the carrier also serves international destinations through a network of alliances, operating 747-400 Freighters and 767-300 Freighters.
"We are very proud of our continued partnership with Silk Way Airlines and today we have double the reasons to celebrate," said Marty Bentrott, vice president of Sales, Middle East, Russia, and Central Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The 747-8 Freighter is the most efficient large freighter in service and the two new airplanes will now serve some of the world's high-growth markets."
The new 747-8 Freighter gives cargo operators the lowest operating costs and best economics in its class while providing enhanced environmental performance. The airplane is optimized to provide greater revenue cargo-carrying capability than the 747-400, offering 16 percent more cargo volume while keeping its iconic nose door. With more than 340,000 hours in service, the 747-8 Freighters are achieving performance milestones with customers. To date, Boeing has delivered 49 747-8 Freighters.
PRESS RELEASE
August 29, 2014: Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) has been awarded the handling concession for a new 5,000 sq. mt. cargo terminal at Milan Malpensa Airport, part of a major investment programme to increase the airport's cargo capacity to one million tonnes a year by 2020.
WFS, the world's largest cargo handler, will move into the new building in early 2016 on completion of the construction phase and will invest in excess of €1.8 million to equip the facility with modern handling systems and the necessary logistics infrastructure.
The successful bid is for a minimum of 10 years with the option of a further five years at Milan Malpensa, which handles some 50% of all air cargo exports from Italy. WFS has operated an airline representative office at the airport since 2008 and has cargo handling contracts in Milan for major airline customers including American Airlines, US Airways and China Cargo Airlines.
The new cargo terminal will be built by SEA, the operator of Milan's Malpensa and Linate airports and will be developed in conjunction with the technical department of WFS in Paris. The building will incorporate seven landside doors for trucks, a ramp for smaller vehicles, secure cages for valuable cargo and dangerous goods, and cool rooms for temperature-controlled shipments. The design will also include a 1,000 sq. mt. covered area on the air-side ramp, an additional 2,000 sq. mt. ramp area and office accommodation.
Emilio Fernandez, WFS' CEO Europe, said: "We are proud to have been chosen to operate what will be a magnificent new cargo facility, and intend to play an important role in helping Milan Malpensa achieve its impressive growth targets for the next six years and beyond."
Massimiliano Introini, Managing Director Italy at WFS, added: "WFS is the only international handler at MXP and will provide the global expertise, knowledge and services that will be essential in attracting more airlines from across the globe. We also offer the considerable benefits to airlines of our extensive road feeder system connecting the WFS airport network throughout Europe."
WFS expects to employ up to a further 50 new cargo personnel at Milan Malpensa when the cargo terminal opens.
PRESS RELEASE
August 29, 2014: Virgin Atlantic Cargo saw tonnage rise 1% in the first six months of 2014 to 111,196 tonnes and a 3% increase in its load factor to 76% network-wide.
The increases were achieved despite a 3% reduction in the airline's cargo capacity in the six months to the end of June. However, overcapacity in the industry on major routes continued to suppress yields.
John Lloyd, Director of Cargo, said: "In terms of revenue, we are slightly ahead of our target for the year but the level of capacity some airlines are bringing onto the main markets is driving yields down to a level that will be unsustainable for many operators. This needs to be seen as a warning message for the industry."
Yields in the first half of the year were flat in the Europe, Middle East and Africa region as well as in Asia Pacific. The drive for all-in ULD rates in the American market and increased customer buying power due to excess market capacity meant this was the market most impacted by falling yields.
Highlights for Virgin Atlantic in the first six months included a 4% increase in tonnage on its flights from the Americas and the consistency of its year-on-year tonnage levels out of Asia Pacific despite a 6% reduction in capacity from the region, largely due to the end of the airline's Hong Kong-Sydney route in May. Virgin Atlantic's partnership with Virgin Australia continued to perform strongly with a 20% increase in tonnage and a 9% revenue gain. Cargo capacity on Virgin Australia's flights from Los Angeles, which is marketed by Virgin Atlantic, was fully sold out throughout the first half of the year.
"We have a good yield position in the market compared to many of our competitors and have done well considering how our network is proportioned with a high percentage of transatlantic operations," John added.
As part of its transatlantic joint venture with Delta Air Lines, Virgin Atlantic will begin a daily Airbus A330-300 service from London Heathrow direct to Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport from October 26. Following analysis of the route, Virgin is "confident we will get good load factors and it will be a profitable route for us," he continued.
Cost efficiencies continue to be achieved as a result of the co-location of Virgin Atlantic and Delta cargo handling operations. In the first half of 2014, Orlando and Miami became the latest stations where the two airlines now share the same handling facilities, following similar moves in New York JFK and Boston last year.
In April, Virgin Atlantic Cargo reported a healthy turnover of £225.3m for 2013, exceeding expectations in a challenging global market. Last year saw the airline achieve the highest ever average cargo load factor in its 30-year history of 76%, up 6% year-on- year and well ahead of the industry average. Tonnage rose 5% to 224,500 tonnes for the year.
PRESS RELEASE:
August 27, 2014: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) called on the Vietnamese government to work with the air transport sector to strengthen the country's economy through global air connectivity.
"Vietnam is a dynamic and rapidly growing aviation market. The successful development of aviation will pay big dividends to the Vietnamese economy. It must be treated as a strategic asset and handled correctly," said Tony Tyler, IATA's Director General and CEO in his keynote address at the Vietnam Aviation Day organized by IATA and Vietnam Airlines. Aviation contributes $6 billion to Vietnam's GDP and supports over 230,000 jobs. Between 2008 and 2013, Vietnam's passenger traffic grew by 96%.
Cargo
While air freight accounts for a very small amount of Vietnam's trade by volume, it represents 25% of Vietnam's trade by value, or $29 billion. E-freight will help to improve the efficiency of Vietnam's air cargo industry.
"A key step to implementing e-freight is the adoption of the e-Air Waybill (e-AWB). While Vietnam Airlines has been able to use e-AWB for domestic freight, it is unable to do so internationally as Vietnam has yet to ratify the Montreal Convention 99 (MC99). I urge Vietnam to ratify MC99 quickly so that greater efficiencies can be achieved in Vietnam's air cargo sector," said Tyler. MC99 provides the legal framework for the use of electronic document of carriage, paving the way for freight forwarders and airlines to use the e-AWB.
Infrastructure
Infrastructure is a critical component of the air transport sector which needs improvement. Vietnam ranks 82nd in the Infrastructure Index of the World Economic Forum's Global Competitiveness Report. Among the ten ASEAN states, Vietnam is ranked sixth. Vietnam is addressing these low rankings with significant investments. It has announced an aviation master plan to have 26 airports by 2020. Expansion programs are underway at Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh airports, with the new Long Thanh International Airport to be ready by 2020.
While encouraged by the positive steps taken to improve Vietnam's infrastructure, IATA urged careful planning and industry consultation leading to a well-thought-out regulatory structure in advance of any change to the current structure and ownership of Vietnam's airports. Vietnam has indicated plans to open its airports to foreign investment and management, and to privatize the Airports Corporation of Vietnam. "While airport privatization can provide access to the capital needed for infrastructure programs, we have seen enough spectacular examples of unintended negative consequences to urge caution. The most common being unjustified increases in charges or under-investment in the CAPEX plan as the private operator tries to squeeze out profit," said Tyler.
"To balance the market power of privatized airports, Vietnam needs to establish an effective independent economic regulator that is in line with well-established international norms. That should bring about fair charging schemes aligned with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) policies. Lower charges will also improve the viability of routes and allow Vietnam to reap the benefits from enhanced connectivity and increased traffic," said Tyler. ICAO's policies on charges are based on the principles of non-discrimination, cost-relatedness, transparency, and consultation with users.
PRESS RELEASE:
August 26, 2014: On 7 August 2014, the Russian Government announced an import ban to certain commodities from Europe, Norway, United States, Canada and Australia with immediate effect.
As a result Russia will no longer accept the following commodities:
Banned cargo presently en route to Russia will be returned and all costs arising will be for the shipper's account, including local costs and freight. Maersk Line will do all possible to assist with the return of any such cargo.
In order to minimize risk of possible rejection of cargo which is not in the list above published by the Russian Government we're asking you to provide the following information for cargo of food commodities no later than 48 hours before cargo arrival to last transhipment port:
- Code in accordance with Customs Union Commodity Classification of Foreign Economic Activity (TN VED code)
- Certificate of Origin (copy)
- Veterinary certificate (copy; where applicable)
- Phytosanitary certificate (copy; where applicable)
This information is required for proactive coordination of discharge of cargo that might cause questions from customs authorities whether this cargo is under sanctions or not.
Please be advised that even though additional information is provided by carrier, customs are the one who has final decision on acceptance or rejection of cargo.
Carrier and his agents are not responsible for decisions made by customs authorities. All risks, costs and expenses caused by these decisions are to be covered by customer. We're taking all reasonable actions in order to secure cargo discharge.
We recognize that you will have questions. Our Sales and Customer Service teams are prepared to address as many of your inquiries as possible.
Congestion surcharge:
19/08-2014: East Africa (Burundi, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, Tanzania and Uganda), Southern Africa, West Africa and Indian Ocean Islands to Matadi (Dem. Rep. of Congo): US$1500 per 40' reefer.
19-08-2014: Sudan to Matadi (Dem. Rep. of Congo): €1121 per 40' reefer.
PRESS RELEASE
August 27, 2014: Emirates SkyCargo, the freight division of Emirates and global connector of trade and economies, has added Los Angeles to its network of freighter destinations across the United States, with the start of a weekly service to the city.
"We have a network of ten key cities across the United States, which enables us to provide broad access to the world's largest economy for businesses across our network, and for American businesses in other parts of the world. The US economy is rebounding and we are seeing an upswing in the demand for air cargo services," said Hiran Perera, Emirates Senior Vice President Cargo Planning and Freighters.
"Los Angeles ranks 14th in the world and fifth in the US in the amount of air cargo tonnage processed, and handled over 1,9 million tons of air cargo valued at nearly US$ 87 billion in 2012, which is indicative of its importance as an air cargo hub. We anticipate good growth out of Los Angeles," he added.
Emirates SkyCargo uses a Boeing 777 Freighter aircraft on the route, which is capable of carrying 103 tonnes of cargo, and with its main deck door being the widest of any freighter aircraft, it's able to uplift outsized cargo and carry larger consignments. The top exports from Los Angeles are mainly perishables ranging from fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables, chilled and frozen meat and seafood, foodstuffs, as well as personal effects, construction equipment and electrical products, while top imports range from textiles, to perishables, electronics and personal effects.
In 2013, Emirates SkyCargo transported a total of 49 000 tons of cargo from the United States, equalling a 134 tons a day, while it carries more than 940 tons of cargo from the US to various points across the world each week. The top three exports from the US are machinery, construction equipment and electrical products and its three top imports are apparel, foodstuffs and pharmaceuticals.
PRESS RELEASE
August 26, 2014: Global logistics and supply chain provider Yusen Logistics (UK) Ltd announces the launch of a range of Transatlantic Services.
With nationwide UK collections, the service provides total coverage of North America, with Yusen’s extensive network giving access to all major inland destinations. In the U.S., Yusen Logistics supports its LCL Services with a range of domestic transportation services, providing integrated transport management solutions for customers’ domestic and international transport needs.
Mark Lancaster, General Manager International commented: “Yusen has been developing its LCL services in response to increasing demand for flexible shipping options, offering a full range of services on the Transatlantic Trade Lane, to include LCL, FCL and Airfreight, as well as comprehensive added value services.”
As a global supply chain leader, Yusen Logistics provides full end-to-end service coverage including origin cargo management, ocean freight forwarding, air freight forwarding, reverse logistics, surface transportation and integrated supply chain solutions, ensuring the timely flow of raw materials, components and finished products – regardless of where they are sourced – as they move through the supply chain.
PRESS RELEASE
August 26, 2014: CEVA Logistics, one of the world's leading supply chain management companies, today announced plans to expand its presence in the San Diego market with a new Freight Management and Logistics facility totaling 125,000 sq. ft. (11,612 sqm.) and 23 dock doors.
The new facility will be the largest Freight Management and Logistics facility serving the San Diego market and represents the largest new warehouse agreement completed in central San Diego in the past five years. It will combine two current CEVA operations – a customer-dedicated facility presently based in Poway, CA, and the company's current Freight Management operation, which is located in the same office park as the new facility in Mission Trails Industrial Park, 7411 Goen Place, Suite B&C, San Diego, CA 92120, near the San Diego International Airport and all major road arteries in the area.
This announcement follows CEVA's recent expansion of its Los Angeles (LAX)/Torrance freight management operation, underscoring its momentum in the Southern California market. One of the largest operations in CEVA's global network, the company's LAX/Torrance station now comprises three facilities totaling more than one million sq. ft. (92,903 sqm.) and 170 dock doors.
"Our goal for our San Diego operations is to bring innovation and unparalleled knowledge of our customers' business needs to bear on their total supply chain requirements, including transborder solutions such as customs brokerage and cross-docking on both sides of the border," said Rick Goldenstein, District Manager for CEVA in San Diego.
Goldenstein stated that CEVA had outgrown its Poway contract logistics location, as business there had more than doubled in the past several years and demand for CEVA's Freight Management Home Delivery services in the San Diego market had grown substantially as well, exceeding 100,000 deliveries per year. CEVA's extensive Home Delivery network provides a dedicated end-to-end network solution incorporating line haul and final mile services with flexible delivery options for heavy, bulky items – with the goal of providing a best-in-class in-home delivery experience for consumers. Deliveries include home spas, white glove electronics deliveries and specialized appliance delivery and installation.
CEVA provides the complete range of supply chain services in San Diego with local market knowhow – including comprehensive freight management, contract logistics, transborder services, customs brokerage and more.
CEVA is the only global freight forwarder with complete warehouse, logistics and transportation services on both sides of the Otay Mesa border near San Diego. The company also has a new Vendor Fulfillment Center located in the heart of Tijuana, Mexico's Maquiladora industry. CEVA's ability to import raw material into Mexico under its own IMMEX permit enables the company to bring the benefits of a true Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) model to Tijuana's Manufacturing and Distribution community.
PRESS RELEASE
August 21, 2014: Lufthansa Cargo is further integrating Lagos into its own network through twice-weekly freighter flights. From 15 September, a Lufthansa Cargo MD-11 freighter will take off from Frankfurt for the Nigerian city every Monday and Thursday.
Lagos is an important destination for the oil and gas industry in particular. Urgently required spare parts and equipment for oil production facilities can now be transported even faster to Nigeria, and with greater flexibility. A total of 170 tonnes of capacity will be available each week to Lufthansa Cargo customers on this route from September.
Following a brief stop, the freighter will fly on to Johannesburg. The return leg to Frankfurt will include a stopover in Nairobi. Another two weekly flights from Frankfurt to Johannesburg will also stop in Nairobi on the southbound flight.
"Adding Lagos to our freighter network considerably strengthens our involvement in West Africa", emphasised Carsten Wirths, Vice President Europe & Africa at Lufthansa Cargo. In Nigeria alone, Lufthansa Cargo offers freight capacity on board Lufthansa Passenger Airlines flights to three destinations. Besides Lagos, Lufthansa also flies to Port Harcourt and Abuja with an Airbus A330. Accra (Ghana), Malabo (Equatorial Guinea) and Luanda (Angola) are further destinations in West Africa.
PRESS RELEASE:
August 26, 2014: Continuing weak demand and excess tonnage are expected to depress LNG shipping earnings in the near term. But longer term the sector could face vessel shortages as ordering slows and liquefaction projects come on stream, according to the LNG Shipping Market Annual Review and Forecast report published by shipping consultancy Drewry.
Presently, the LNG shipping market faces tough times. The fleet continues to grow even though its trade has declined and LNG supply has stagnated. The global LNG trade fell for the second consecutive year in 2013 by 1%, as many liquefaction sites faced unplanned shutdowns, which resulted in tight supplies and higher prices.
Japanese imports rose just 1% in 2013 and are expected to stagnate as the country looks to restart its mothballed nuclear power plants, in the face of rising fossil fuel import costs and a depreciating currency. Imports to Europe declined 23% due to lower demand and increased reliance on piped gas. Likewise, imports by the US and Canada fell 45% and 42% respectively because of surplus natural gas production. Meanwhile, insignificant additions to global liquefaction capacity and unplanned shut- downs led to a tight LNG supply during the year.
Despite weak demand, LNG vessel capacity rose 5% in the 18 months to June 2014 to 56 million cubic metres. Drewry is forecasting that fleet growth will accelerate at an annual rate of 8% both this year and next to reach 66 million cubic metres by the end of 2015.
"A deadly combination of expanding vessel fleet, limited cargo availability and falling trade caused short-term freight rates for conventional LNG carriers to decline through 2013 and the first half of 2014," commented Drewry's lead gas shipping analyst Shantanu Bhushan. "Although there are plans to add 64 billion cubic metres per annum of liquefaction capacity during 2014-15, major concerns for shipowners are the timely completion of these projects, the possible restart of Japanese nuclear power plants and the fast rising vessel fleet. As a result, the outlook for unchartered vessels over the next 18 months is not favourable and we expect spot and short-term freight rates to remain under pressure."
However, demand is expected to recover strongly in the latter part of the decade as new production comes on stream, on completion of various projects under construction in Australia and North America.
Bhushan elaborated: "Drewry cautions shipowners that the anticipated rise in cargo traffic may take them by surprise. We expect that the LNG shipping industry will need many more vessels in the latter half of the decade than are currently on order."
PRESS RELEASE
August 21, 2014: American Airlines Cargo has started construction of a dedicated pharmaceutical handling facility in Philadelphia, PA.
The new 25,000 square-foot facility is designed to cater for a full range of temperature sensitive products being shipped in and out of the strategically important Northeast pharmaceutical corridor of the United States.
Included within the new building will be 6,000 square feet for Controlled Room Temperature (CRT) passive shipments at +15°C and +25°C. In addition a 3,000, square foot refrigerated area will be available for shipments that need to be maintained in a +2°C to +8°C environment. A deep frozen area will cater to shipments needing to be kept at -10°C to -20°C, and also a zoned active container area with powered charging stations with space for up to 30 electronically controlled units.
The facility is expected to be completed in the fall and will be equipped with advanced technology for monitoring products with proactive alarming and will be validated to 0.25°C. There will also be full back up power generation to ensure product protection in the event of a power failure.
"This new pharmaceutical center will enable American's provision of state of the art, dedicated services for our life science and healthcare customers. Coupled with our proven handling processes, this facility will complement our existing temperature-sensitive infrastructure enhancements throughout our network", said Jim W. Butler, President, American Airlines Cargo. "It will allow us to meet and exceed the increasingly sophisticated expectations of those customers with specific temperature requirements both into and out of the United States."
The opening of the Philadelphia pharmaceutical facility will coincide with the roll-out of a full ExpediteTCsm cold chain program across the new American network.
About American Airlines Cargo
American Airlines Cargo is a division of American Airlines Group, the holding company for American Airlines and US Airways. American provides one of the largest cargo networks in the world with cargo terminals and interline connections across the globe.
