Newsletter – February 28, 2023

AIR FREIGHT UPDATES

Air cargo continues aid efforts for Turkey-Syria earthquake

aircargonews.net
A 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck close to the Turkish city of Gaziantep on the Syrian border on February 6, causing extensive casualties and deaths as well as damage to buildings and infrastructure.
The air cargo industry quickly swung into action to transport aid destined for the devastated region and efforts are continuing. Read more here.

Passengers And Flight Crews Are Enjoying The Best Views Of The Northern Lights

simpleflying.com
These days, if you’re flying over the right location, at the right time, and on the correct side of the plane, you could be one of the lucky few to see the magnificent Northern Lights. Going by the various social media posts, it seems that many airlines and passengers are making the most of these spectacular natural light shows that peak only for a few months in a year. Read more here.

Grim reality airlines are facing over pilot shortage

aircargoweek.com
The chairman of the board of Avia Solutions Group Gediminas Ziemelis has predicted a shortage of 300,000 pilots within a decade, which he describes as a “grim reality airlines are facing”.
Pilots work through a seniority-based system. This implies that these aviation professionals progress through ranks and open positions as they advance in their careers. For many airlines, the recruitment process requires qualified pilots to bid for open positions, after which they receive intensive training to match the skill requirements for a specific position, notes Ziemelis. Read more here.

OCEAN FREIGHT UPDATES

Five MSC ships detained in Australia in first two months of 2023

splash247.com
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has issued a refusal of access direction notice the Liberian-flagged 1,732 teu containership MSC Kymea II from Australian ports for 90 days.
AMSA issued the notice following months of “sub-standard performance” from the ship’s operator, MSC Shipmanagement (MSC), including critical maintenance issues. Read more here.

CANADA BUSINESS – GOVERNMENT UPDATES

Airport on Montreal’s South Shore to offer flights to Canadian cities as part of major expansion

www.msn.com
A terminal for commercial flights from Montreal’s South Shore to cities like Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary and Halifax is at the heart of Saint-Hubert Airport’s expansion plans, which are expected to cost at least $200 million.
The terminal will cover 40,000 square metres east of the airport and host up to four million passengers a year. Toronto-based Porter Airlines will operate out of the airport located in Longueuil, Que., though the airport says it is inviting more airlines to do so as well.  Read more here.