Newsletter- February 28, 2020

AIR FREIGHT UPDATES

Chinese Airlines Are Selling 3 Hour Flights For Just $4

simpleflying.com

Airlines around the world are feeling the impact of the coronavirus outbreak. However, in China, the aviation market has taken a drastic turn for the worse. Now, there are domestic flights for as low as $4. Read more here.

Airports need to set standards for cargo handlers – the business makers or breakers

theloadstar.com

Airports should set standards for cargo handlers, and showcase their capabilities to shippers, delegates at Air Cargo India in Mumbai heard this week.

Fitsum Abadi, managing director of Ethiopian Airlines Cargo, said: “Mostly airports are focused on facilities, but the main impact at the airport is the handler – that is the maker or breaker. Read more here.

OCEAN FREIGHT UPDATES

Vancouver records second-highest cargo volume despite trade ‘challenges’

freightwaves.com

The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority reported Thursday that 144 million metric tonnes of cargo moved through the Port of Vancouver in 2019, down 2% from the record-setting 147 million metric tonnes in 2018. Read more here.

Maersk credit linked to eco performance, forcing small fry to comply

seanews.com.tr

DANISH shipping giant Maersk is helping banks enforce the carbon-neutral agenda, terms under which smaller players must conform, reports London’s Lloyd’s List. Read more here.

Sri Lanka signs agreement to build new harbour at Colombo’s North Port

seanews.com.tr

THE Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) will conduct a feasibility study into the development of the Colombo North Port, as it looks to substantially increase Sri Lanka’s capacity, reports London’s Port Technology. Read more here.

Rates hold steady as shippers prioritise getting exports to market

theloadstar.com

Despite continued weak demand, the comprehensive index of the Shanghai Containerized Freight Index (SCFI) edged down just 1.3% this week, with the US west coast component actually recording a gain.

This provides further evidence that, for now at least, rates are less important to shippers desperate to get their exports to market. Read more here.

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS – GOVERNMENT UPDATES

DOT reassures Congress on COVID-19 response

americanshipper.com

U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Elaine Chao outlined the department’s latest strategy to address the increasing threat posed by the coronavirus outbreak.

Testifying at a U.S. House Appropriations committee on DOT’s budget request Thursday, Chao said that while the main responsibility for coordinating response efforts lies with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, DOT’s coordinating role is dealing primarily with domestic and foreign airlines. Read more here.