DHL Aviation has signed a new multi-year contract with Worldwide Flight Services (WFS), a member of the SATS Group, to manage freight at its airport stations in France.

Air cargo rates are rising from most of the main global regions, especially from Asia Pacific and from the Middle East & South Asia (MESA), strengthened by the ongoing disruptions to container shipping and elevated demand for cross-border e-commerce shipments.

B&H Worldwide, a leading provider of aviation and aerospace logistics solutions, successfully facilitated the urgent movement of two CFM56 aircraft engines for T'Way Air, a South Korean low-cost carrier.

The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) has appointed six industry experts to its Board of Directors, including representatives from MSC Air Cargo, Atlas Air, Avianca Cargo, Swissport International, SATS Ltd., and UPS. These new diverse members offer extensive knowledge, aiming to align TIACA with industry needs and investing in initiatives like BlueSky. TIACA plans the Air Cargo Forum in Miami, and seeks future board members from the shipping community.

Global air cargo demand grew by 11% in March, continuing a three-month rise due to strong e-commerce and concerns over Red Sea shipping disruptions. Capacity increased by 8%, pushing the load factor to 59%, with March seeing a bump to 61%. This unexpected first-quarter strength is driven by shifts from ocean to air freight to avoid Red Sea delays, particularly from the Middle East and South Asia. Spot rates also jumped, with significant increases on specific corridors such as India to Europe and the Middle East to the US, while other areas like China and South America saw changes in market dynamics.

Jettainer has appointed Dr. Gert Pfeifer as General Manager Europe to enhance its Unit Load Device management services, continuing its strategic reorganization. Pfeifer will oversee regional sales, operations, and customer service, utilizing his vast experience with the company to meet regional market demands and drive growth in the European market.

Rose Yiqian Qiu is appointed as the new Cargo Sales Director at Ostend-Bruges International Airport as of April 2, 2024. With vast aviation experience, her focus will be enhancing OST's air cargo operations leveraging its prime location, robust facilities, and recently launched Cargo Village to capitalize on the air freight sector's expansion.

Air Canada has contracted SATS for passenger, ramp, and cargo handling as it resumes flights to Singapore after more than 30 years, starting April 2024. Four weekly flights on Boeing 787-9s will connect Vancouver with Singapore, offering the only non-stop route between Canada and Singapore. This partnership strengthens Air Canada's ties with the SATS Group, including WFS, enhancing connectivity in Southeast Asia.

Çelebi India announces a partnership with Virgin Atlantic as the ground handling partner for the airline's new London-Bangalore route starting April 1, 2024. Praised for their ISAGO certification, RA3 compliance, ISO standards adherence, and operational excellence, Çelebi emphasizes its commitment to safety, efficiency, and superior service. The collaboration highlights Çelebi's significant role and expanding influence in the Indian aviation sector, with ongoing dedication to sustainability through eco-friendly practices.

Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl) is set to introduce autonomous electric tractors (AETs) into its operations by 2024, aiming to automate tasks such as towing and coupling cargo dollies. An MoU with Westwell Holdings will see these AETs, equipped with advanced safety features, integrated into Hactl's fleet, supporting its workforce efficiency and carbon reduction goals. This move represents Hactl's broader strategy to embrace autonomous technology for improving productivity and sustainability.