Airbus, ST Aero in talks on A330 conversion

Airbus and Singapore Technologies Aerospace Ltd (ST Aero) are in discussions over a deal for conversion of A330 widebody passenger aircraft into freighters. “We’re talking to them about it,” Airbus chief operating officer John Leahy said at the Dubai Air Show, according to a Bloomberg report. Leahy’s comments follow those of Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker earlier this year when he said the carrier planned to convert 15 A330s to freighters by 2016. The outspoken Al Baker has said on more than one occasion that the carrier might opt instead for B767 conversions if Airbus wasn’t up to the task of A330 conversions. Industry watchers have suggested that Airbus might be reluctant to license the A330 conversions for fear it would impact sales of its newly launched A330 newbuild freighters because of the much lower cost involved. ST Aero did not respond to a request for comment.

Boeing, Hawai’i BioEnergy partner on biofuel

Boeing has announced a collaborative agreement to work with Hawai’i BioEnergy on renewable energy sources for creating aviation fuel. The memorandum of understanding outlines how the companies will work together to identify biofuel sources and supporting technologies for producing sustainable jet fuel in Hawaii. Boeing and Hawai’i BioEnergy will look at various crops including sorghum and eucalyptus as potential sources that can be grown locally and converted to jet fuel. The collaboration will also look to assess new supporting technologies for aviation biofuel production.

CHAMP Cargosystems acquires TRAXON Europe

CHAMP Cargosystems, a leading provider of integrated air cargo solutions, today announced it has acquired TRAXON Europe, a leading provider of electronic communications solutions to the air cargo industry. TRAXON Europe is now a subsidiary of CHAMP and will continue to operate under the TRAXON name. CHAMP said the deal with Lufthansa Cargo and Air France – the majority shareholders of TRAXON Europe – “will deliver real synergy between the two companies,” and through a strong, integrated portfolio of solutions will accelerate initiatives such as e-freight, Cargo 2000 and global customs compliance. “The combination of CHAMP’s software solutions and TRAXON’s wide network will result in the most comprehensive suite of software and distribution services available in the market. A combined force for change, innovation and above all leadership, representing a positive impact on the industry as well as stimulating growth in the combined group”, says John Johnston, CEO of CHAMP. Felix Keck, MD of TRAXON Europe welcomes the deal, commented: “TRAXON’s and CHAMP’s strategic objectives are complementary and together project a stronger united force in the industry. The portfolio of electronic air cargo solutions we can jointly offer is a clear benefit for both company’s customers and the wider air cargo market.” Executive board member Product and Sales of Lufthansa Cargo, Andreas Otto said the move was part of the cargo carrier’s ongoing policy of trimming non-core businesses. “TRAXON will remain a major partner of Lufthansa Cargo as a neutral platform and provider of electronic communication solutions,” he added. Florence Parly, executive VP of Air France Cargo, added: “The Air France KLM group believes the deal with CHAMP enhances TRAXON’s long term strategy as a specialist for electronic cargo distribution services under the CHAMP umbrella”.

DHL introduces wireless tracking device

International express and logistics company DHL has launched DHL Smart Sentry, a wireless locator device for highvalue cargo – including mission critical packages, temperature-sensitive supplies for medical and pharmaceutical clients as well as specialised parts and deliveries demanding extreme urgency – that provides real-time tracking data for increased security. It is the first device of its kind with an Federal Aviation Administration compliant certification procedure that can be used safely on approved commercial airlines in the US. The compact DHL Smart Sentry provides increased security and transparency for shippers because it includes sensors that monitor key criteria such as temperature, humidity, pressure, shock, location and vibration. The DHL device uses multiple modes of sensory and proprietary logic giving it the necessary intelligence to automatically suppress its wireless radios to an ‘off’ mode, thus ensuring safe operation during flight. Once in transit, the DHL Smart Sentry transmits real-time tracking data and analytics via a global cellular network to a central monitoring location staffed 24/7 by the DHL Same Day analytics team. Additionally, clients can track DHL Smart Sentry deliveries directly through a webbased dashboard that monitors the progress and condition of their package. DHL has partnered with the leading airline carriers who accept this new technology so it can be offered to global customers requiring expedited air courier delivery service, an innovative new logistics option.

Qatar to launch Boeing’s Electronic Flight Folder

Boeing and Qatar Airways have announced that the Abu Dhabi-based carrier will be the launch customer for Boeing’s new Electronic Flight Folder (EFF). The carrier will install the EFF on their entire fleet of B777s, making it the first in the world to transmit day-of-flight data such as flight plans and weather information directly to the B777 Class 3 Electronic Flight Bag (EFB). Qatar Airways will also install the Electronic Flight Folder on their future B787 fleet, making it the first airline to deploy such advanced operational software on both models. The carrier will begin using Electronic Flight Folder in 2012. EFF is a software application that runs on an airplane’s Electronic Flight Bag, allowing pilots to conduct route briefing and log flight progress directly on the EFB. The suite of EFF applications helps the airline to achieve ground report efficiencies and to reduce or eliminate paper printing, handling and storage costs.