In this week’s PLA Global Wrap, we feature the latest sustainability efforts from the likes of DHL, SEKO Logistics, Airbus, as well as other aviation news across the globe. This wrap also rounds up the industry updates on the aviation and air cargo supply chain, including United’s one year of cargo-only pax operations, AEI’s new orders from Aviation Holdings. Read here to know what happened during week 11.
SEKO Logistics joins Sustainable Air Freight Alliance
SEKO Logistics has joined the Sustainable Air Freight Alliance (SAFA) to accelerate its global decarbonization programme and help clients achieve their own sustainability goals. SAFA is a buyer-supplier collaboration between shippers, freight forwarders and airlines to track and reduce carbon dioxide emissions from air freight and promote responsible freight transport, which includes AirBridgeCargo, American, Cargolux, Cathay Pacific, Delta, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa Cargo, Polar Air Cargo, SAS and United.
DHL to invest €7 billion to meet 2030 green targets
Deutsche Post DHL Group is increasing the pace of its planned company decarbonization as it plans to invest €7 billion (opex and capex) over the next 10 years to reduce its CO2 emissions based on science-based targets and in line with the Paris Climate Agreement. The logistics giant will use the funds to look into into alternative aviation fuels and to expand its e-vehicle fleet and climate-neutral buildings.
AirBridgeCargo moves reindeer from Moscow to Frankfurt
AirBridgeCargo has successfully delivered four reindeer from Moscow to Frankfurt in partnership with Astra Brokers. Under the regular animals’ exchange programme of Moscow Zoo, the reindeer were safely delivered to Wuppertal Zoo in Germany. Four two-year-old animals, weighing around 150 kilograms each, were comfortably located in separate dedicated cages to guarantee their well-being during the flight, the airline noted.
United Cargo marks one year of cargo-only pax flights
On 19 March, United marked one year after it first operated a cargo flight without passengers on board carrying more than 29,000 pounds of commodities from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) to Frankfurt Airport (FRA). Since then the carrier has operated more than 11,000 cargo-only flights carrying more than 570 million pounds of air freight. It has also transported more than 113 million pounds of medical and pharma products to support the Covid-19 response, including around 10 million vaccines.
AEI to convert three more B737-800SFs for Aviation Holdings
Aeronautical Engineers, Inc. (AEI) will be providing Aviation Holdings with three more B737-800SF freighter conversions. Aviation Holdings’ order now stands at eight.. Modification touch labor will be performed by Commercial Jet, in Miami, Florida. The first aircraft (MSN: 30704) of this new order is scheduled to commence modification in April 2021, whilst the remaining two start commence modification in May 2021.
Aviation leaders launch SAF study on commercial jet
Airbus, German research centre DLR, Rolls-Royce and Neste have teamed up to on a project to look into the effects of 100 percent sustainable aviation fuel on aircraft emissions and performance. Findings from the study will support efforts to ensure readiness for the large-scale use of SAF as part of the wider initiative to decarbonise the industry. The SAF will be provided by Neste, with the study to be conducted on an Airbus A350-900powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engine.
MRO provider Topcast names MD for Oceania
Aircraft parts distributor and MRO provider Topcast has named Tony Lameri as Managing Director, Oceania. Based in Australia, the former business development director for Flite Path Proprietary Limited will be responsible for sales growth and increase product penetration within the region. Lameri joins the group with more than 35 years of leadership experience in aviation sales, procurement, operations, business development and MRO operations.
ANA tests Toyota’s autonomous towing tractor
All Nippon Airways (ANA) will partner with Toyota Industries to conduct a test of the latest autonomous towing tractor in the restricted area at Tokyo Haneda Airport from 29 March 29 to 3 April. ANA says this advanced model is able to transport a large amount of cargo, even in the congested driving conditions at Haneda, with increased location tracking abilities and improved towing capacity – even on inclined surfaces.
WFS to pick up Ukraine International’s cargo at MXP
Ukraine International Airlines has awarded Worldwide Flight Services an 18-month cargo handling contract at Malpensa Airport. WFS will handle cargo onboard the airline’s three B737 weekly flights between Milan and Kiev. This is the second contract for the cargo handler in Milan after it announced an agreement with Asiana Airlines to handle its three weekly B747 freighter flights between Milan and Seoul.
Swissport to support Korean airline startup Aero K
Airline startup Aero K carrier has contracted Swissport to provide ground services at Cheongju International Airport (CJJ) starting 1 April 2021. Swissport AIK Ltd, a joint venture between Swissport and Aero K Holdings, will provide airport ground services for the low-cost carrier, with three daily flights airline startup to Jeju (CJU), a popular island holiday destination off the southern coast of the Korean peninsula.
Star Alliance to set up office in Singapore
Star Alliance will set up a management office in Singapore later this year after a decision made by its chief executive board to position the group to deliver on its post-pandemic strategy. Star Alliance will maintain two centres of excellence internationally, with the Singapore office complementing the Frankfurt office in Frankfurt through innovation hubs established by Lufthansa and Singapore Airlines.
Alaska Airlines names first female COO
Alaska Airlines has appointed Constance von Muehlen as new chief operating officer effective 3 April. The 30-year aviation veteran and former Alaska SVP of maintenance & engineering brings a proven track record of safety and operational excellence to the role and will oversee daily operations on the ground and in the air. Constance served as COO for Horizon Air and was as an officer in the United States Army as well as a Black Hawk helicopter pilot.
