In case you missed it, perhaps too busy reading up on the pre-Copenhagen dialogue, or maybe the latest political intrigue from deepest, darkest Africa, Sir Richard Branson recently unveiled what is intended to be the first private rocket ship to ferry tourists to the edge of space. And this kinda got us thinking that perhaps the billionaire entrepreneur is already a bit, ummm, out there...if you know what we mean. Tickets for the galactic thrill ride cost about US $200,000 apiece. The … [Read more...] about Earth to Branson, earth to Branson… do you read me?
Air & Cargo Services
Never ones to let …
Never ones to let a good opportunity go to waste, the good folks at Changi Airport came up with a novel, albeit cheesy, event in early September that appears to have been aimed at simultaneously tackling two pressing issues — the problem of sagging air passenger and cargo demand along with the ever-valuable opportunity for some extra publicity courtesy of Singapore’s Formula One night race. And so...the first-ever jetliner-versus-car race in Asia was staged, pitting a … [Read more...] about Never ones to let …
Shenzhen ups stakes for air cargo supremacy
The gloves have come off. Shenzhen Airport Authority and Shenzhen Airlines have unveiled plans to grab as much of the air cargo market as possible in the Pearl River Delta in southern China, in direct competition with Hong Kong International Airport, sweeping aside all the past diplomatic talk about one airport complementing the other. Shenzhen Airport Authority plans to increase freighter services at Shenzhen airport by 50 per cent in 2010 as opposed to a 3 per cent increase in … [Read more...] about Shenzhen ups stakes for air cargo supremacy
FedEx Trade Networks paints Asia purple
The freight forwarding arm of the global express giant has virtually simultaneously opened 10 new facilities in Singapore, Taipei, Taiwan, and in Beijing, Guangzhou, Qingdao, Shenzhen, Tianjin, Xiamen, and Dalian, China. This was followed by the opening of a representative office in Vietnam. These openings add to FedEx Trade Networks’ freight forwarding operations in Hong Kong and Shanghai, which launched in 2008 and brings the total number of locations to 12. Speaking to … [Read more...] about FedEx Trade Networks paints Asia purple
Ground Handling Supplement in February issue
Years ago, ground handling services at commercial airports were strictly conducted by the airlines themselves. In a move to concentrate on their core business and lower labor and equipment costs, a number of airlines began to contract with third parties to provide the service. Of version of the self-handling model involved the hiving off of a semi-autonomous unit that, aside from handling the parent airline, would also seek business from other carriers and at various airports. As the … [Read more...] about Ground Handling Supplement in February issue
A new year beckons
Another year over – almost – and for pretty much most of the air cargo industry it’s probably a year best forgotten. But as we are, here on the eve of the year-end and a brand new year awaits just around the corner, one cannot help but detect the scent of optimism in air. On the bright side, it appears industry opinion is unanimous that the worst is over and the world is unlikely to plunge back into turmoil in a much feared and – oh so cruel … [Read more...] about A new year beckons