The advanced air mobility (AAM) industry, which includes the use of drones to transport shipments, has witnessed heightened interest over the last two years, with US$7 billion pouring into the industry in 2021, more than double the total investment secured by the sector over the last decade. Drone service operator and infrastructure developer Skyports has been testing ship-to-shore drone delivery services in Singapore since early this year to prepare for commercial operations. In this interview, … [Read more...] about Exclusive: UK-based drone services operator Skyports
E-commerce
Drone operator Skyports raises US$23 million in funding
UK-registered air taxi and drone services provider Skyports has raised US$23 million in the first close of its series B funding round from a combination of new and existing investors. Skyports will use the funding to consolidate its position as a global leader in advanced air mobility infrastructure and drone operations. The company plans to scale its drone services operations in new and existing markets, building on active operations in the UK, Europe and Asia. Skyports … [Read more...] about Drone operator Skyports raises US$23 million in funding
JD.com’s new charter service links China to Europe, Brazil
Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com has scheduled new cargo charter services from China to Brazil and Germany which will be operated by Angola Airlines and Capital Airlines. The new charter services, launched on March 17 and 19, respectively, will see Angola Airlines connect Hong Kong International Airport and Guarulhos International Airport in Sao Paulo two times each week. The inaugural flight carried a variety of e-commerce goods from China, including FMCG products, sports equipment and … [Read more...] about JD.com’s new charter service links China to Europe, Brazil
Embraer offers ‘right-sized’ cargo jets for e-commerce
Embraer is offering more options for cargo operators with the launch of its E190F and E195F passenger to freighter conversions (P2F) to cater the ongoing surge in demand for air freight driven by e-commerce. These right-sized jets, as Embraer describes, will fill the gap in the freighter market between turboprops and larger narrowbody jets. The E190F can handle a payload of 23,600 pounds or 10,700 kilos (10.7 tonnes), whilst the E195F variant can carry up to 27,100 pounds or 12,300 kilos … [Read more...] about Embraer offers ‘right-sized’ cargo jets for e-commerce
Saudia eyes more e-commerce space on China-KSA lane
The boom in e-commerce has spread across regions, and in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia has emerged as a key hub for the movement of goods from China to the Arab region, with major infrastructure projects being developed to help facilitate trade. With a mix of passenger and freighter aircraft, flag carrier Saudia Cargo has been operating this route with increased focus carrying industrial materials, project cargo and consumer goods for both B2B and B2C clients. Vikram Vohra, Regional … [Read more...] about Saudia eyes more e-commerce space on China-KSA lane
Steven Verhasselt exits Liege to help future air cargo hubs
“You know 15 years is a long time,” mused Steven Verhasselt, who not too long ago led Liege Airport to record cargo volumes not seen until the pandemic. When we did the interview, the former commercial director of LGG was in isolation at a hotel in Hong Kong. “We did great things in Liege and we are doing great things there. There was a lot in the pipeline, but business development wise, it will not be as good and spectacular anymore as it has been over the last 10 years because we did so … [Read more...] about Steven Verhasselt exits Liege to help future air cargo hubs