The International Air Transport Association (IATA) concluded the 9th World Cargo Symposium (WCS) in Shanghai with the announcement of the winners of its inaugural Air Cargo Innovation Awards. In a public vote on three finalists – all from the Netherlands coinicidently according to IATA - by WCS delegates, Floris Kleijn from CHEP Aerospace Solutions, was declared the winner for his CanTrack idea to bring smart technology to the ULD environment, harnessing solar energy and implementing smart … [Read more...] about World Cargo Symposium picks innovation winners
Leasing & Chartering
ICAO appoints first woman secretary general
Fang Liu of China succeeds Raymond Benjamin of France, who has held the position for two consecutive terms since 2009. She becomes the first woman ever to be appointed to the prestigious global position heading the United Nations specialised agency for civil aviation, and only the second ICAO secretary general from an Asia Pacific state. The director of ICAO’s Bureau of Administration and Services since 2007, Liu has led many improvement initiatives in ICAO in recent years and served … [Read more...] about ICAO appoints first woman secretary general
Vietnam Airlines reveals livery of its first A350 XWB
The first A350 XWB for Vietnam Airlines has been rolled out of the Airbus paint shop in Toulouse on Friday 6th March, featuring the airline’s updated blue and gold lotus livery. The aircraft, which will be leased from AerCap, is now entering the advanced stage of production. This will include installation of the engines, completion of cabin furnishing, and cockpit fitting, followed by ground and flight tests. The aircraft is scheduled for delivery in the middle of the year. Vietnam … [Read more...] about Vietnam Airlines reveals livery of its first A350 XWB
SmartKargo pulls a coup, brings Vertannes onboard
Barely eight months into his retirement, former global head of cargo for the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Des Vertannes has re-joined the air cargo industry, taking up a role as strategic advisor for IT firm, SmartKargo. Announcing Vertannes’ new role in the company, Jay Shelat, SmartKargo executive VP, Sales and Marketing said: "We are fortunate to have Des on board. “Des’ more than four decades of air cargo experience, … [Read more...] about SmartKargo pulls a coup, brings Vertannes onboard
Jet Airways forays into air cargo biz
Mumbai-based Jet Airways is planning to enter its air cargo business by leasing up to three Airbus A330-200F freighter aircraft from Etihad, its Abu Dhabi-based partner airline. The plan is to start with the wet lease of one A330-200F in the next few months and later expand. As the business grows, the aircraft would be converted into dry leases. The move will help the company tackle Dubai-based Emirates, which carried the highest amount of inbound and outbound air freight in 2013-14. Jet … [Read more...] about Jet Airways forays into air cargo biz
Sanad extends contract with Etihad by US$100M
Sanad Aero Solutions GmbH, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mubadala Development Company, has increased its leasing portfolio of spare engines and components with Etihad Airways through the addition of new assets valued at US$100 million, including spare GEnx and GP7200 engines and spare landing gear and nacelles, to support the airline’s growing fleet of B777, B787, A320 and A380 aircraft. With the additional assets, the overall value of Sanad’s leasing relationship with Etihad … [Read more...] about Sanad extends contract with Etihad by US$100M
