Air freight demand down "only" 1.1% in November 
According to Iata, air fright demand, measured in freight tonne kilometres (FTKs), decreased by 1.1% in November 2019 compared to November 2018. This marks the thirteenth consecutive month of yoy declines in freight volumes. However, this performance was the best in eight... more
Atlas Air deal brings B747 back to EL AL
After ending its own freighter operations by returning a B747-400F to its lessor and B747 operations in general, on 3 November last year, EL AL Israel Airline is about to expand its reach and cargo lift for its customers. Under the terms of an ACMI agreement, Atlas Air will... more
Etihad Cargo begins and ends 2019 with Iata certification
Last month, Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics arm of Etihad Airways, became the second carrier to be awarded Iata's centre of excellence for perishable logistics (CEIV Fresh) in Abu Dhabi (UAE). The new award elevates Etihad Cargo as the first Middle East airline to hold... more
Kazahkh cargo carrier incorporates B747 freighter
The Kazakh carrier Sigma Airlines has leased a B747-222B from an unnamed company based in the UAE. The lease is scheduled to run until 2022. It is planned that the aircraft will be based at Shymkent airport (CIT) in Kazakhstan. Sigma Airlines has been operating flights since... more
Iranians and Rome
Iran Air has filed a proposed schedule for Tehran Imam Khomeini – Rome Fiumicino service. Based on preliminary listing, the airline would operate an A310 aircraft from today, 6 January 2020, twice weekly. Meanwhile, Mahan Air, another carrier from Iran, saw its last flight... more
Saudia's new services provider
Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) has launched Saudi Arabian Logistics (SAL), the new independent entity within the Saudia Group which will act as the main cargo gate and ground handling and logistics services hub across the Saudi airports. SAL CEO Omar Talal Hariri (3rd from... more
Six fatal cargo plane accidents in 2019
Over the year 2019, the Aviation Safety Network recorded a total of 20 fatal airliner accidents, involving civil aircraft of which the basic model has been certified for carrying 14 or more passengers, resulting in 283 (occupant) fatalities. The accident rate is one fatal... more
Pushing e-commerce in Jeddah 
Aramex and Naqel Express are expanding their presence in the port of Jeddah, making use to this end of Logipoint’s logistics facilities. The efforts are a part of the overall Saudi strategy of making logistics a key pillar of a reformed post-oil economy. more
Iata expects slight improvements for 2020
Iata has forecast that the global airline industry will produce a net profit of USD 29.3 billion in 2020, above the net profit of USD 25.9 billion expected in 2019. If achieved, 2020 will mark the industry’s 11th consecutive year in the black. $ In 2019 cargo traffic turned... more
Kerry Logistics opens new office in Bahrain
Kerry Logistics is deepening its presence in the Middle East by setting up a new office in Bahrain and opening a new bonded logistics facility in Dubai (UAE), in order to extend its footprint and enhance its service capabilities as growth in the region gains momentum. The new... more