Swiss WorldCargo has expanded its global network by inaugurating a new route linking Zurich and Seoul, South Korea, effective May 7, 2024. This strategic move establishes a vital connection between Switzerland and one of East Asia’s pivotal economic centers, renowned for its thriving electronics and high-tech industries.
As a result of the official visit of the President of Kazakhstan to Armenia, key documents were signed aimed at strengthening transport cooperation between the two countries. Air carriers of both countries can now operate mutual flights without restrictions, which helps strengthen air ties and exchange passengers.
DACHSER’s air and sea freight division is undergoing a significant expansion, introducing new fixed Less than Container Load (LCL) connections between the port of Rotterdam and various Asian ports with scheduled departure times. Since late 2023, DACHSER has been establishing weekly LCL export connections from Rotterdam to ports in Shanghai, Nhava Sheva, and Dubai, alongside LCL import connections from Shanghai and Shenzhen to Rotterdam. The company plans to further augment these LCL connections throughout 2024, utilizing its own consolidated containers for the service.
The new airline Bees Airlines from Romania has successfully carried out its first flights after receiving all the necessary certificates and permits to begin operations. According to data from Flightradar24, the company’s only aircraft, an Airbus A320, made several flights between Bucharest and Craiova between March 19 and March 25.
AsstrA Deutschland has proudly announced its recent induction into the esteemed International Air Transport Association (IATA), marking a significant milestone for the company’s air freight services. This strategic alliance underscores AsstrA Deutschland’s unwavering dedication to excellence and global connectivity within the aviation industry. As a prominent trade association, IATA serves as a pivotal platform for major airlines and air cargo carriers worldwide, advocating industry standards and facilitating collaboration among members.
On February 21, 2024, Koerschulte Group successfully launched Germany’s inaugural fully automated drone delivery service in Lüdenscheid. Developed over two years, this pioneering B2B courier delivery system utilizes automated flying drones, supported by HHLA Sky, a subsidiary of Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG, which operates its integrated drone control center.
The Development Bank of Kazakhstan (DBK) and the European Investment Bank (EIB) have developed a memorandum of understanding focused on supporting projects in Central Asia aimed at strengthening transport links with Europe. Particular attention is paid to the infrastructure of the Trans-Caspian international transport route and “green” projects, such as the development of sea and air freedom.
Yusen Logistics Co., Ltd., led by President Hiroyuki Okamoto, is actively participating in Korean Air’s Cargo SAF Program starting January 2024. This collaboration aims to boost the utilization of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) as part of Korean Air’s initiative to achieve net-zero emissions in the aviation industry. Launched in September 2023, the Cargo SAF Program involves cooperative efforts with shippers and forwarders, incorporating various measures such as governmental partnerships, engagement with fuel suppliers, and collaboration with aircraft manufacturers. In a strategic move to support sustainability objectives, Yusen Logistics has signed a contract with Korean Air for 2024, leveraging their “Yusen Book-and-Claim” service to assist customers in reaching their sustainability targets and fostering increased demand for SAF.
Kazakhstan and Neos, the Italian airline, have reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing collaboration in the realm of air communications. The agreement was solidified during a meeting between Kazakhstan’s Vice Minister of Transport, Talgat Lastayev, and Marco Beretta, the General Director of Neos Airlines in Kazakhstan and President of the Italian-Kazakh Trade Association. Acknowledging the success of Neos Airlines’ flights connecting Kazakhstan and Italy, both parties discussed ways to further improve air communication between the two nations.
In its most recent weekly market data analysis, Xeneta, a platform specializing in ocean and air freight rate benchmarking and market analytics, suggests that the global air cargo industry may experience a new economic growth cycle in 2024. The industry concluded the previous year with a notable +9% year-on-year increase in demand, leading to the highest air cargo spot rate in nine months. Niall van de Wouw, Chief Airfreight Officer at Xeneta, acknowledges that while terming 2024 a ‘new dawn’ might be overly optimistic, it indeed marks the beginning of a fresh cycle for airlines, forwarders, and shippers. The anticipated stability in the market is expected to enable shippers to make more accurate predictions regarding transportation costs for their products.
