In week 22’s global wrap, we end the month of May as Dimerco US steps up to assist India by donating and delivering medical supplies free of charge from Philadelphia to Bangalore. We also feature updates from new partnerships, including Saudia and Liege Airport, TCS and Neutral Air Partner as well as CHI Aviation and Air India. Finally we wrap up with announcements from PharmaAero and Volga-Dnepr’s MRO unit. For week 21, click here.
Dimerco makes vital aid effort for Covid-hit India
Dimerco has stepped up to assist Covid-hit India by delivering medical supplies free of charge. The forwarder’s US team worked with charity Breath for Humanity to source and donate nearly 2 tonnes of medical devices, including respirators, PPE gowns and shields, and tubes. The life-saving supplies were shipped from Philadelphia to Bangalore, in collaboration with Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, The Islamic Council of North America and The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.
Saudia Cargo, Liege Airport sign commercial partnership
Saudia Cargo is strengthening its position in Europe by partnering with Liege Airport to serve as a secondary hub in the region. The airline is set to add cargo flights, including charters as it aims to expands its network to be able to deliver pharmaceuticals, e-commerce, and other types of cargo. The two have been operating since last year with intensified connections to and from the US, Africa and the Middle East, and the partnership is set until 2023.
Time Critical Solutions teams up with Neutral Air Partner
Dutch company TCS Worldwide is joining the air cargo network over at Neutral Air Partners as part of its time-critical specialist group as more forwarders and shippers in the automotive, aerospace, pharma and fashion sectors turn to air to avoid disruption in their production lines. The onboard courier specialist, based at Schiphol Airport, will leverage on its network coverage and dedicated services, which includes air cargo charters and customised road transport within Europe.
Blue Dart goes digitally green
Blue Dart has launched paperless transactions on its new digital portal as it aims to support the UN’s initiative to restore ecosystems over the next decade. It plans to make all owned or leased facilities to operate at net zero carbon by 2025 as well as use cleaner fuel for its six B757 freighters and support like-minded customers. It also plans to transition its customer invoicing fully online and to plant more trees each year.
Pharma.Aero’s pharma logistics masterclass
Pharma.Aero, the University of Antwerp and METRANS have jointly launched the first international masterclass on pharma logistics for both students and professionals. The 5-day hybrid programme will run from 7 to 11 September, combined with a visit to pharma production facilities of GSK, as well as the vaccines logistics programme of Brussels Airport and Air Cargo Belgium.
Topcast inks deal with H3R Aviation
Topcast Aviation Supplies or Topcast and H3R Aviation have signed a deal to add aircraft fire extinguishing agents to its growing portfolio. H3R Aviation is a leading supplier of Halon and Halotron extinguishers, which are multipurpose (Class A, B & C fire) agents that chemically interrupt a fire’s combustion chain reaction. The use of such products is addressed in the FAA Advisory Circular 120-80.
CHI Aviation, Air India extend partnership
CHI Aviation Handling, together with Air India and DSV Air & Sea, handled cargo for five charter flights landing on Srinagar (SXR) and Delhi (DEL) from Frankfurt (FRA) in May and early June. It handled some 31.5 tonnes of oxygen tanks, 27 tonnes of oxygen generators, and 68 tonnes of granules for oxygen production loaded on Boeing C17s. The carrier and family-owned freight handler have also extended their cargo handling contract over at FRA.
B777-200/300s get new MRO location in Russia
MRO services provider Volga-Dnepr Technics Moscow has secured approval for Boeing 777-200/300 maintenance at Domodedovo (DME) and Krasnoyarsk (KJA) airports, adding to its existing station at Sheremetyevo (SVO). Services provided include line maintenance, routine works and defect rectification, with more complex works up to 5A-check over at SVO.
PelicanBio’s single-use shippers add new option
Pelican BioThermal is offering a new option to complement its single-use bulk and parcel shipper services. It now offers the option to condition BRIC coolants for its single-use packaging products worldwide, specifically to pharma producers, particularly customers that do not have the facilities, equipment or staff to condition their temperature-controlled packaging.
