Geodis is looking to provide more air cargo space to ensure stable supply chains and has invested in its own leased A330-300 full freighter. The aircraft, flying with Geodis livery, will operate between Amsterdam, London, Chicago and Hong Kong and will be integrated into the company’s AirDirect charter schedule starting September.
The freighter, on lease for several years, will fly three times each week between Amsterdam/London and Chicago (AMS/STN–ORD) and will operate weekly rotations connecting Amsterdam and Hong Kong (AMS–HKG). It will also be deployed on the China-Europe route during peak season.
The freight forwarder is offering the entire range of its air freight products on the AirDirect flights, with the new dedicated cargo jet providing the flexibility to operate dedicated full capacity flights on demand.
With less than half the normal belly capacity and unexpected supply chain disruptions, rates have seen new highs given the air cargo demand, and forwarders have been trying to expand their charter networks or get whatever space they can get in the market.
Geodis said its AirDirect services has operated more than 650 air charter flights across Asia, Europe, North and Latin America, and the experience gained from these operations led to the decision to charter its own freighter.
With ongoing supply chain disruptions affecting shipping schedules and factory production across Asia, time has indeed become more crucial and the French forwarder has been busy reinforcing its infrastructure, processes and information systems to manage delays within the current market environment.
In Hong Kong, the local Geodis team was granted authorized economic operator (AEO) status by the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department. With the accreditation, the forwarder will now be given access to priority customs facilitation and inspection to help reduce further delays and bottlenecks in the supply chain.
“By achieving AEO accreditation we are helping to strengthen Hong Kong’s logistics credentials as a major international trading center and regional hub,” said Onno Boots, president and chief executive, Asia Pacific.
“AEO status reflects the team’s commitment to providing our clients with best-in-class services and expertise to not only navigate, but thrive, amidst the challenges brought about by the pandemic.”
Geodis in Hong Kong provides logistical support across key verticals such as high-technology, retail, fast moving consumer goods and industrial goods. It has a 60,000-sqft air export warehouse at HKIA and contract logistics hubs located in Tuen Mun, Tsuen Wan, and Yuen Long, covering 630,000 square feet.
