Pessimism: The feeling that things will turn out badly. A general disposition to look on the dark side and to expect the worst in all things. Definitions vary in degrees but in essence this is it – pessimism is all about seeing the glass half empty. Optimism, on the other hand sees the glass half full. Today, as this magazine is about to go to print I think the air cargo world - and by extension the rest of the global economic system by virtue of air cargo’s leading … [Read more...] about The glass half full
cargo aviation
WFS wins V Australia cargo in LA
V Australia has appointed Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) in Los Angeles to provide cargo handling for its new Boeing 777-300ER flights from Sydney, Australia. The inaugural flight touched down in Los Angeles with a payload of 20 tonnes of cargo as well as a celebrity passenger list that included the airline group’s cofounders, Sir Richard Branson and Brett Godfrey. WFS expect to handle some 6,000 tonnes of import and export cargo a year for V Australia. … [Read more...] about WFS wins V Australia cargo in LA
Kiwi exporters hit with security surcharge
Air New Zealand, the country’s largest ground handler, announced it would add an additional per kilogram charge as part of new cargo terminal security required under international rules. A new minimum charge of NZ$15 for all cargo shipments or 2 cents a kg plus a screening fee of 5 cents a kg if required. DHL has calculated the charges will add about $600,000 to its costs annually which will be passed on to exporters, the company said. … [Read more...] about Kiwi exporters hit with security surcharge
Three new carriers for Aviapartner at Schiphol
Aviapartner has announced the finalisation of three new handling contracts with Malaysia Airlines, Turkuaz Airlines, and Onur Air at Amsterdam- Schiphol airport. Since 1 March 2009, Aviapartner Handling has been handling Malaysia Airlines’ daily flight in Amsterdam, operated with B747 or B777 aircraft. The contract covers full handling services which include passenger services, aircraft handling, and traffic operations. Malaysia Airlines already is Aviapartner’s … [Read more...] about Three new carriers for Aviapartner at Schiphol
Swissport prospers in 2008
Global aviation ground services provider, Swissport International, has reported what it says were favourable business trends for 2008 despite a difficult market environment. Swissport reported a rise in total operating revenue of 8.6 per cent to CHF 1,896 million (€1,202 million), but added that the coming months will pose major challenges for the industry as a whole. “Swissport was not entirely immune from the difficult developments within the air transport market, but can … [Read more...] about Swissport prospers in 2008
HK’s cargo volumes continue to slide
Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl) said it handled a total of 133,624 tonnes of cargo in February, down 22 per cent year-on-year. Import volume for February was 38,587 tonnes, down 20 per cent against February last year while exports were down 25.3 per cent year-on-year for a total of 64,546 tonnes. Exports to Europe were particularly weak, with a significant decline of 37.7 per cent. Cumulative tonnage for the first two months of the year was 276,378 tonnes, down 26.9 per … [Read more...] about HK’s cargo volumes continue to slide
