Hong Kong-listed ESR Cayman, a logistics real estate platform, has started construction on a distribution centre in the greater Tokyo area which is expected to be the world’s first cargo drone logistics facility. Together with UK-based drone developer VRCO, ESR will design and demonstrate the ESR Higashi Ogishima DC–Phase 1, which will cover around 365,000 square metres of floor area and is expected to be a base for the electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) airframes touted to move … [Read more...] about Hong Kong-listed firm to open world’s first cargo drone facility in Japan
Air Shipping Asia
GEODIS bullish about Asia Pacific free trade deal
As one of the major logistics service providers in Asia Pacific, Geodis is bullish about news on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which is poised to become the world’s largest free trade agreement. “So many countries across the Asia Pacific region agreeing to the RCEP has significance of historic proportions. We look forward to supporting our customers in taking advantage of the emerging opportunities accruing from RCEP,” said Onno Boots, GEODIS APAC regional president … [Read more...] about GEODIS bullish about Asia Pacific free trade deal
Air cargo handler WFS taps Transputec for cybersecurity
Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) has partnered with IT services provider Transputec to boost cyber security monitoring across its global network which comes at a time when safety and security have become even more important as vaccines start to roll out. Transputec, who also launched its own thermal scanner, will provide round-the-clock protection of WFS’ air cargo and ground handling operations, made up of 21,800 employees at 171 stations in 22 countries across five continents. The IT … [Read more...] about Air cargo handler WFS taps Transputec for cybersecurity
WHO faces ‘outrageous’ air freight rates for vaccine-related shipments
The World Health Organisation’s logistics chief last week complained about “outrageous” airfreight charges for vaccine-related consignments as lack of capacity has driven prices up amidst the pre-holiday rush. Paul Molinaro, WHO chief of operations support and logistics, told Reuters that “across the board” increases in airfreight rates could make the movement of vaccines to emerging nations more difficult. He cited rates for the movement of dry ice needed to maintain vaccines at cold … [Read more...] about WHO faces ‘outrageous’ air freight rates for vaccine-related shipments
Etihad gives view to cargo handling capacity with Validaide
Etihad Cargo has partnered with Validaide to leverage on its validation platform that provides info on the special handling capabilities of various logistics suppliers. The platform can be used to co-manage and co-share station facilities for pharmaceutical products and other special cargo with global customers. The “premium membership” partnership will see Etihad Cargo join Validaide’s advisory board and extends the carrier’s digital reach to more than 500 logistics providers. Validade’s … [Read more...] about Etihad gives view to cargo handling capacity with Validaide
South Korea cools dry ice rules to boost vaccine air transport
South Korea’s transport ministry has raised the limit of dry ice a plane can carry from 3,300 to 11,000 kilogrammes which will allow more containers of vaccines that need to be stored at ultralow temperatures on each flight. Deputy minister for civil aviation Kim Sang-do told Reuters the move will triple the number of containers aircraft can carry and allow a Boeing 747 freighter to haul up to 52 containers of vaccines from the usual 15. Dry ice is typically used by airlines as a cooling … [Read more...] about South Korea cools dry ice rules to boost vaccine air transport