In this latest instalment of the global wrap, we look back at week 32 as e-commerce takes the spotlight with Amazon starting operations at its newest air hub over at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG). We also feature the enhanced collaboration between IATA and the UN Conference on Trade and Development who are looking to upgrade existing platforms to manage e-commerce shipments more efficiently. We roundup the wrap with other B2B updates from the likes of IAG Cargo, … [Read more...] about PLA Global Wrap: Week 32
Amazon
Amazon takes stake in aircraft lessor ATSG for US$131m
Amazon has snapped up a 20 percent stake in cargo airline operator and lessor Air Transport Services Group (ATSG), which operates part of the company’s air fleet. The deal, valued at around $131 million, saw the e-commerce giant exercise warrants in ATSG, which will allow it to purchase around 13.5 million shares in the cargo airline at $9.73 per share, or more than $131.9 million, according to ATSG’s SEC filing on 8 March. Amazon also purchased around 865,000 shares of ATSG on a cashless … [Read more...] about Amazon takes stake in aircraft lessor ATSG for US$131m
Weekly Recap: Amazon registers first B767-300; ST Engineering doubles A321P2F conversions; Airbus’ August announcements
From PaxExAero After the issuance of its Part 135 Airline Operations Certificate (AOC), Amazon is now owner of a Boeing 767-300 freighter operating under a direct registration rather than through a leasing agreement, PaxExAero reports. The registration N503AZ was issued on 31 August to Amazon.com Services LLC. The aircraft, which will now serve as part of Amazon’s PrimeAir flight operations, flew for WestJet over the last five years before going into storage in March and subsequently … [Read more...] about Weekly Recap: Amazon registers first B767-300; ST Engineering doubles A321P2F conversions; Airbus’ August announcements
Amazon gets regulatory approval to test drone delivery
Amazon Prime Air, Amazon’s special service delivering packages in 30 minutes or less, has been approved by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to start trials of transporting orders using autonomous drones. Amazon added that while the Prime Air fleet isn’t ready to immediately deploy package deliveries at scale, it’s actively flying and testing the technology. Amazon joins Alphabet’s unit Wing and United Parcel Service to receive FAA approval for drone delivery, whilst other … [Read more...] about Amazon gets regulatory approval to test drone delivery
UK digital freight forwarder Beacon closes $15 million Series A fundraise, with investment from Jeff Bezos
London-based Beacon, the next generation freight forwarding and supply chain finance company, has raised over $15 million in its Series A fundraising round, with investors including Jeff Bezos, the founder and CEO of Amazon, and leading US venture capital firm 8VC. Beacon was founded in 2018 by CEO Fraser Robinson and COO Dmitri Izmailov, both former Uber executives. They were joined by CTO Pierre Martin, previously at Amazon, bringing together a management team with deep expertise in … [Read more...] about UK digital freight forwarder Beacon closes $15 million Series A fundraise, with investment from Jeff Bezos
Virgin Australia’s new daily Melbourne – Hong Kong services
According to Virgin Atlantic Cargo, which provides long-haul international cargo sales and management for Virgin Australia, the launch of Virgin Australia’s daily Melbourne - Hong Kong service is a timely boost to meet growing demand for cargo capacity on the route. Pip Palmer, Virgin Atlantic’s Regional Sales manager, Australia and New Zealand, said: “Our freight forwarder and courier customers are absolutely delighted that Virgin Australia is increasing its commitment to the … [Read more...] about Virgin Australia’s new daily Melbourne – Hong Kong services
