Newsletter: February 14, 2022

AIR FREIGHT UPDATES

Ukrainian Government Pays To Calm Aircraft Insurance Concerns

simpleflying.com
The Ukrainian Government has allocated over half a billion dollars to calm the fears of lessors and insurance companies whose airline customers usually fly into Kyiv. Concerns are rising that Russia is poised to invade the country with an estimated 130,000 troops now massed near the border. Read more here.

33% Of Pilots Are Still Grounded Due To COVID-19

simpleflying.com
As the Omicron variant of COVID-19 begins to recede, the havoc wreaked on airline travel since 2020 by the pandemic continues. 33% of airline pilots remain grounded or on furlough, according to a new survey from GOOSE Recruitment and FlightGlobal. The survey questioned some 1,700 pilots worldwide about their work status. Read more here. 

Hong Kong Extends Flight Bans As COVID Cases Grow

simpleflying.com
While many jurisdictions around the world are easing restrictions despite rising COVID case counts, Hong Kong remains defiant- holding steadfast to its Covid Zero policy. As a result, the Chinese territory is announcing the extension of flight bans to eight countries- many of which would otherwise be key markets for both foreign carriers and its homegrown airline Cathay Pacific. Read more here. 

OCEAN FREIGHT UPDATES

FMC says non-profit PierPass at Los Angeles and Long Beach is making millions in profits

splash247.com
US Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) chairman Daniel Maffei issued a statement on Friday on a proposed change that “would make permanent an incentive program for off-peak gate use” at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.
PierPass, a not-for-profit company created by marine terminal operators at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach to address multi-terminal issues, including congestion, launched its OffPeak program in 2005 to reduce cargo-related congestion on local streets and highways around the ports. The program established regular night and Saturday work shifts to handle trucks delivering and picking up containers at the ports’ 12 container terminals. Read more here.

GROUND AND RAIL UPDATES

Ambassador Bridge reopens after police clear protesters

cbc.ca
The Canada Border Services Agency says the Ambassador Bridge border crossing between Windsor, Ont., and Detroit reopened late Sunday.
The crossing — one of the busiest in the country — had been closed for nearly a week by a blockade protesting COVID-19 measures. Read more here. 

Union members mull strike at Canadian Pacific

freightwaves.com
The Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC) plans to poll 3,000 members at Canadian Pacific on whether members should go on strike. The results of the poll will be tabulated by the end of February.
TCRC said the main issues that the union wants addressed relate to wages, benefits and pensions. Members include locomotive engineers, conductors, trainpersons and yardpersons. Read more here.