Newsletter – January 9, 2018

AIR FREIGHT UPDATES

India’s air cargo market to grow 15pc in FY2018
source: Shipping Online CN

INDIA’s air cargo segment is forecast to grow by 14-15 per cent in fiscal year 2018, up from 12 per cent growth the previous year, according to rating agency Crisil. The sector is expected to expand by double digits over the next five years in terms of both international and domestic volumes on the back of enhanced connectivity, a conducive regulatory environment and improved infrastructure. Read more here.

Cambodia’s Lanmei Airlines links up with HK’s Asia Airfreight Terminal
source: Shipping Online CN

CAMBODIA-BASED Lanmei Airlines has become the first airline to start a new direct air link between Sihanoukville and Hong Kong, and the airline has appointed Asia Airfreight Terminal (AAT) as its cargo terminal operator in the territory.
Sihanoukville is a coastal city and has a rapidly developing tourism industry. It also has a vibrant logistics sector due to its deep-water port and designated industrial zone.

Established in 2016, Lanmei Airlines has expanded its international network to Vietnam, Macau and Palau. It has now launched three direct passenger flights per week to Hong Kong using A321 aircraft. General manager of AAT, Kuah Boon Kiam, said: “There is great potential for cooperation between Cambodia and Hong Kong to grow tourism and trade, and AAT is keen to work closely with Lanmei Airlines to further develop its business in Hong Kong.”

CSafe and China Airlines sign MLA
source: Pay Load Asia

The CSafe RKN active temperature-controlled system is the only compressor-driven air cargo container with approval to fly on upper… Read more here.

TIACA Strengthens Presence in Key Latin American Markets
source : The Canadian Shipper

TIACA has signed three Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with key Latin American organizations and has appointed a sales agent to further grow its presence in the region.
The MoUs are with Buenos Aires, Argentina-based Americas Alliance (AA), Bogotá, Colombia-headquartered Federation of National Associations of Cargo Agents and International Logistical Operators of Latin America and the Caribbean (ALACAT), and Santiago, Chile-based logistics provider AGUNSA. AGUNSA has also been appointed as TIACA’s sales agent for Latin America, to encourage companies in the region to attend and exhibit at TIACA’s events and to grow membership.

TIACA has pledged to work with the three organizations on new air cargo events, training, and to promote industry best practice across Latin America. TIACA also recently signed an MoU with the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) as part of its global expansion drive.

Who’s Going to Fly the Plane? Pilot Shortage Could Get Worse for Regional Carriers
source : CBC News

A pilot shortage across Canada is causing some regional carriers to cancel flights and put less-experienced pilots in the cockpit. A combination of factors is causing the shortage: ever-increasing air travel by Canadians, a shortage around the world and a large number of pilots reaching retirement.

A soon-to-be released report by the Canadian Council for Aviation and Aerospace says Canada should be producing an extra 300 pilots a year to meet demand. Furthermore, the report warns that demand for new hires for expansion and replacement of retirees could mean a shortfall of 6,000 pilots by 2036. Read more here.

OCEAN FREIGHT UPDATES

Turbocharging the slow boat to China’s FTZ success
source: Seatrade Maritime News

Could it be second time lucky for China’s new impetus to push through its flagship free trade zone in Shanghai?
China’s desire to set up free trade ports is not new and has so far met with limited success but there now seems to be added impetus, with more overt official support, that may make it different this time around. Read more here.

China ports brace for more bad weather
source: Seatrade Maritime News

Already hampered by heavy snowfall across wide swathes of the country last week which affected deliveries of key commodities such as thermal and coking coal and liquefied natural gas (LNG), China looks set for more supply issues as a cold front brings continued bad weather this week, wire reports said read more here.

 GROUND AND RAIL FREIGHT UPDATES

CN Provides Update on Track Status after Disruption in Ophir, Manitoba
source: Ciffa
CN sent a customer advisory on Monday to update on the status of tracks that were affected by a service disruption that occurred in Ophir, Man., 120 km east of Winnipeg. Service resumed on Sunday at 12:00 CST.

The advisory said: “Customers should expect delays due to a traffic backlog up to 48 hours, as we continue working to expedite traffic through this area. Thank you and, as always, we appreciate your business. CN Corporate Marketing & Service Delivery.