GEODIS has successfully completed a series of international trials using sustainable paper-based thermal covers for pharmaceutical airfreight shipments, marking a step forward in combining temperature-controlled logistics with sustainability goals. Conducted across multiple international trade lanes since September 2025, the initiative was developed in collaboration with a global pharmaceutical customer to evaluate recyclable alternatives to conventional thermal protection solutions used in air cargo.

The trials involved the use of two paper-based thermal cover solutions Solaris 5 and Solaris 10 introduced as sustainable alternatives to traditional aluminium and foil-based thermal covers commonly used in pharmaceutical logistics.

A total of 86 trial shipments were completed across India, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand. The objective was to assess whether recyclable paper-based materials could deliver the temperature stability required for transporting sensitive pharmaceutical products while reducing environmental impact.

According to GEODIS, the trials demonstrated that the paper thermal covers successfully maintained product integrity within the required temperature range of +2°C to +25°C throughout transport operations.

The shipments were tested under a variety of environmental conditions experienced during airport handling and transit. External temperatures ranged from as low as -15°C in South Korea to more than 40°C in India. Despite these challenging conditions, no critical temperature excursions were recorded.

To support the operation and maintain temperature control throughout the journey, GEODIS implemented an integrated cold-chain approach across the supply chain. This included the use of Temperature-Controlled Vehicles (TCVs), airline Pharma Services, cool dollies and temperature-controlled warehousing.

The company said combining these measures helped ensure safe handling and preserve the integrity of temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical products from origin to destination.

GEODIS said the trials have generated valuable operational insights into the use of recyclable thermal protection materials for pharmaceutical airfreight and form part of the company’s broader strategy to support customers through tailored logistics solutions aligned with both operational requirements and sustainability objectives.

As demand for pharmaceutical transportation continues to grow globally, the company said initiatives such as sustainable packaging and temperature-controlled innovation will play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of healthcare logistics.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the International Airlines Technical Pool (IATP) have announced a new cooperation agreement aimed at helping airlines improve access to aircraft parts and strengthen supply chain resilience amid ongoing disruptions across the aerospace sector. The collaboration, announced in Madrid, will combine IATP’s aircraft materials pooling capabilities with IATA’s technical and digital solutions to support airline maintenance operations, improve parts visibility and reduce operational pressure caused by supply chain constraints.

The agreement comes at a time when airlines continue to face shortages of aircraft components, higher maintenance costs and operational challenges linked to delays in global aerospace supply chains.

Under the partnership, IATA and IATP will focus on two key priorities.

The first area is improving airline access to serviceable aircraft materials. Through the agreement, IATA will support IATP’s technical materials pooling programmes, enabling airlines to access shared aircraft parts, equipment and maintenance resources. At the same time, IATA’s MRO SmartHub platform will complement these efforts by improving visibility into available aircraft components and helping airlines assess inventory value and availability more efficiently.

The second focus area of the agreement is strengthening technical, safety and quality cooperation across the industry. Both organisations will increase the exchange of technical knowledge and best practices related to aircraft operations, maintenance quality and safety management.

This collaboration will include the use of established IATA programmes and guidance tools such as the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) programme and the IATA Safety Connect community platform. Alongside the partnership, IATA also announced broader access to its MRO SmartHub platform to support airline operational resilience.

Under a new data participation programme, the core capabilities of MRO SmartHub will be made available at no cost to eligible airlines associated with participating organisations including IATA, IATP and ALTA, with scope for expansion over time.Originally launched in 2019 and recently upgraded, MRO SmartHub provides airlines with deeper analytics on materials availability, usage trends and parts shortages. The platform also enables users to identify serviceable inventories from accredited suppliers, supporting more efficient procurement and materials planning.

IATP’s technical pooling network currently gives member airlines access to more than 6,600 aircraft parts across 350 stations, line maintenance support at more than 900 locations and worldwide aircraft recovery services.

The agreement reflects wider industry efforts to improve collaboration and strengthen supply chain resilience as airlines continue managing maintenance requirements and operational reliability across global networks.

Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) has expanded its partnership with DSV through the launch of a new weekly freight service from Luxembourg (LUX), marking another step in the airport's effort to strengthen its role in global cargo movements. The new service was announced on June 25 at Air Cargo China in Shanghai and adds to the existing network connecting Europe, Asia and the Americas.

The Luxembourg service builds on DSV's weekly Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) to Rockford operation, which was introduced in November 2025 under the company's Shanghai Star Air Freight Charter programme. The addition expands DSV's network through Rockford and increases cargo connectivity between European and Asian markets while supporting onwards distribution across the Americas.

The airport said the expanded partnership reflects continued growth in cargo activity at Rockford, which has positioned itself as a gateway for international freight through dedicated cargo operations and round-the-clock access. The new connection is expected to strengthen supply chain links by providing another direct route from Europe into the United States.

"This expansion demonstrates the strength of our partnership with DSV and reinforces Rockford's position as a premier cargo gateway for international trade," said Zack Oakley, Executive Director, RFD.

"Rockford offers a unique value proposition for logistics providers through our dedicated, uncongested, 24/7 cargo operations, and we are proud to leverage this in support of DSV's expanding network."

DSV said its experience with the Shanghai service has demonstrated the operational benefits of using Rockford as a cargo hub. The company pointed to the airport's infrastructure, transit times and market access as factors supporting its decision to expand services through the airport.

“Rockford has proven itself to be a valued partner through its dedicated cargo focus, reliable infrastructure, and operational consistency,” said Stefan Krikken, Head of Airfreight – Global, DSV.

"The success of our Shanghai operation highlighted the strategic value of Rockford, and we have plans to further benefit from the airport’s flexibility, fast transit times, and dependable access to key markets."

The existing Shanghai to Rockford service provides access to destinations across North, Central and South America through the airport's cargo network. With the addition of the Luxembourg route, DSV is extending its European reach while continuing to use Rockford as a distribution point for cargo moving across multiple regions.

Looking ahead, DSV is evaluating further expansion through Chicago Rockford International Airport. The company said it is considering the introduction of a new service linking Incheon International Airport in South Korea with Rockford later this year, a move that would further expand its trans-Pacific network and increase connectivity between Asia and the United States.

Jettainer and Hangyi have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a strategic partnership for Unit Load Device (ULD) management in Mainland China, bringing together manufacturing, fleet management, maintenance and digital technologies to support airlines operating in the market. The agreement was signed during air cargo China 2026 in Shanghai.

The partnership aims to deliver integrated solutions covering the provision, maintenance and operational management of ULDs. The companies said the collaboration combines Hangyi's manufacturing capabilities and presence in the Chinese market with Jettainer's experience in international ULD fleet management to improve operational efficiency across air cargo networks.

Under the agreement, Hangyi will manufacture and supply ULDs based on the agreed technical specifications while maintaining manufacturing standards. Jettainer will manage ULD fleets through its fleet management expertise and digital operational systems to improve fleet utilisation across airline networks.

The partnership will use Jettainer's proprietary JettWareNG platform to manage ULD fleets. Jettainer will also oversee the technical onboarding of equipment, including the integration of Internet of Things technology for tracking, monitoring and process management. The company's UCD team will support operational coordination.

The agreement also brings together the maintenance and repair capabilities of both companies. Hangyi currently operates maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities in China and Kuala Lumpur and plans to establish additional facilities in Saudi Arabia, Europe and Canada. For locations outside Hangyi's network, Jettainer will provide maintenance support through its global MRO partner network.

Beyond maintenance, the cooperation includes trucking services and storage support. Hangyi will provide domestic trucking coverage within China and warehouse capacity for ULD storage where required. Jettainer will support logistics operations across Europe through its existing transport network.

Jan-Wilhelm Breithaupt, CEO of Jettainer, said the partnership would strengthen the company's offering in the Chinese market by combining regional capabilities with international expertise.

"With Hangyi, we have a strong partner by our side. Together, we can offer airlines in Mainland China the most comprehensive ULD service portfolio, including the latest IoT tracking technology for maximum efficiency. This partnership brings together Chinese expertise and global capabilities even more closely," said� Breithaupt.

Fei Qiang, CEO of Hangyi, said the agreement supports the company's strategy of expanding its aviation services business internationally while strengthening its product and maintenance capabilities.

"The collaboration with Jettainer marks an important milestone in our growth strategy toward becoming a global high-quality aviation service provider. We continuously enhance our innovative ULD product portfolio as well as our MRO services to deliver first-class, efficient, and cost-effective solutions. Together with Jettainer, we are delighted to offer an integrated solution for the Chinese market," said Qiang.

Jettainer manages more than 100,000 ULDs across 500 locations worldwide and provides fleet management, maintenance, repair, leasing and temperature chain solutions. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Lufthansa Cargo AG.

Hangyi holds manufacturing and maintenance certifications from the Civil Aviation Administration of China and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration. The company said nearly 300,000 of its ULDs are in circulation across more than 40 airlines. It operates maintenance bases in China and Malaysia and plans to expand its after-sales network with new facilities in Saudi Arabia, Europe and Canada.

Saudia Cargo has collaborated with cargo.one to deploy AI workers across its commercial operations, aiming to accelerate quotation processes and enhance customer service.

Built on cargo.one’s AI-native operating system, the AI workers will manage inbound requests for quotations (RFQs), generating optimised quotes within seconds and around the clock. The move is expected to significantly reduce response times for customers while allowing Saudia Cargo’s sales teams to focus on specialised shipments and higher-value customer engagement.

As Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen its position as a global logistics hub, Saudia Cargo handles a large volume of rate inquiries each day via email. Processing these requests typically requires evaluating schedules, airport options, and service levels before preparing a competitive quotation. The new AI-powered solution automates much of this work, providing customers with faster responses in multiple languages and tailored pricing options in near real time.

According to cargo.one, its AI workers can intelligently assess sales opportunities, maintain context throughout the customer journey, and recommend suitable alternatives, including premium service offerings. The technology is designed to support carriers in streamlining sales operations while improving service quality.

The company said its AI workers typically reduce quote turnaround times by 68% and achieve 89% accuracy on first-generated quotations. By automating a significant share of routine sales tasks, the platform enables airline teams to dedicate more time to customer relationships and business development initiatives.

Turhan Ozen, Chief Commercial Officer of Saudia Cargo, comments, “This important addition to Saudia Cargo’s digital transformation and sales strategy equips our teams with reliable industry-specific AI workers, engineered to our exact standards and processes. cargo.one’s AI workers deliver a unique proposition of industry knowledge, data foundation, and state-of-the-art technology, and we look forward to sharpening our efficiency and customer experiences, and building our competitive muscle in the market”.

“We are proud to power Saudia Cargo’s industry-first AI workers to help transform their sales and operations across the globe. Our customers, like Saudia Cargo, are reaping the benefits of cargo.one’s investments in a logistics-specific, AI-native operating system over the past years, and stand to benefit from massive efficiency gains and improved execution. We are excited to lead this new chapter in logistics”, Moritz Claussen, Founder & Co-CEO of cargo.one.

cargo.one allows carriers to determine the level of AI autonomy best suited to their operations, ranging from AI-assisted quote drafting to co-pilot support and fully autonomous workflows. The AI workers can automatically process routine requests while escalating exceptions based on parameters defined by the carrier, with every action recorded and fully auditable.

The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) has released its 2026 Air Cargo Sustainability Insights Report, showing that the global air cargo industry continues to strengthen its sustainability commitments despite a decline in external pressure and regulatory drivers.

The sixth annual report, based on responses from airlines, airports, freight forwarders, ground handlers, shippers, manufacturers, technology providers and other industry stakeholders worldwide, found that sustainability is increasingly being driven by internal business priorities rather than external expectations. Overall sustainability pressure fell to 53%, its lowest level since 2021, but executive support and organisational commitment remained strong.

According to the report, 95% of respondents said sustainability is supported by their CEO, while 92% said their CEO considers it a strategic priority. Another 92% indicated sustainability is equally or more important than it was a year ago, and 72% reported having a formal sustainability strategy in place.

“What is particularly encouraging in this year’s report is that sustainability is no longer being driven solely by external pressures or regulatory requirements,” said Roos Bakker, Chair of TIACA. “Even as sustainability pressure has declined to its lowest level since 2021, we see overwhelming support from company leadership, with 95% of respondents confirming CEO commitment and nearly three-quarters reporting that sustainability is now part of their company’s DNA.”

The report found that sustainability remains an important expectation for both employees and customers, with 60% of respondents identifying each group as a key driver of sustainability efforts. However, pressure from regulators has declined by 19% points over the past two years as sustainability reporting requirements have evolved in several major markets.

The study also highlighted the growing maturity of sustainability programmes across the air cargo industry. Around 73% of respondents said sustainability is now part of their company’s DNA, while 65% integrate Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) considerations into risk management processes. In addition, 70% incorporate sustainability into procurement decisions and 79% actively engage industry partners to advance sustainability goals.

“The findings demonstrate that sustainability in air cargo has evolved beyond compliance and external expectations,” said Glyn Hughes, Director General of TIACA. “While regulatory and stakeholder pressures have eased in many markets, organisations continue to strengthen their sustainability commitments, invest in climate adaptation, and integrate ESG principles into core business processes.”

The report identified a growing link between sustainability and resilience. While environmental performance remains the main focus for many organisations, 41% of respondents now define sustainability through ESG principles, a significant increase from the previous year. A further 33% specifically include resilience within their sustainability definitions.

Climate preparedness is also becoming a greater priority. The report found that 68% of organisations have already started integrating climate adaptation into their business strategies through investments in climate-resilient infrastructure, risk management, business continuity planning and long-term capital allocation.

On decarbonisation, companies continue to focus on practical measures. About 73% are prioritising energy consumption reduction, while 59% are improving vehicle and asset utilisation. Fleet modernisation initiatives were reported by 58% of respondents, and 55% are investing in greener buildings and infrastructure. The report also found that 40% are actively involved in deploying Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) or other fossil-free energy solutions, up 8% points from 2025.

Innovation and workforce development emerged as key elements of sustainable growth. Training and education, as well as digitalisation, were identified as sustainability priorities by 98% of respondents. Innovation and continuous improvement were each cited by 96%, while business partner support was highlighted by 95%. Employee experience and industry collaboration were each identified by 93% of respondents.

The report also highlighted regional differences in sustainability progress. Organisations headquartered in Asia reported the strongest integration of sustainability into company culture, with 87% saying sustainability is part of their organisational DNA. This compared with 80% in the Middle East and Africa, 73% in Europe and 44% in the Americas.

TIACA concluded that although external sustainability pressure is moderating, the industry’s internal commitment continues to strengthen. Organisations are increasingly embedding sustainability into governance structures, operational processes, strategic planning and long-term investment decisions to build a more resilient and future-focused air cargo sector.

The 2026 Air Cargo Sustainability Insights Report was presented during the TIACA Executive Summit 2026 in Warsaw, Poland.

Challenge Handling has appointed Detlef Schaefer as Chief Executive Officer, marking a new chapter in the company’s growth journey.

Bringing extensive international experience across aviation, airport operations, and ground handling, Schaefer combines deep operational expertise with strategic leadership and a strong track record of delivering results in complex aviation environments.

His appointment underscores Challenge Handling’s commitment to strengthening its position as a trusted handling partner while continuing to evolve in line with customer and industry needs.

As he takes on the role, Schaefer will focus on building strong relationships with employees, customers, business partners, regulatory authorities, the airport community, and stakeholders across the wider Challenge Group, ensuring alignment as the company enters its next phase of development.

�Detlef Schaefer, CEO�

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Detlef said, “𝑀𝑦 𝑓𝑖𝑟𝑠𝑡 𝑝𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑏𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑔𝑒𝑡 𝑡𝑜 𝑘𝑛𝑜𝑤 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑒𝑜𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑎𝑡 𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑒 𝐻𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑘𝑒𝑦 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑘𝑒ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑠, 𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑜𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑤𝑒 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑔𝑛𝑒𝑑 𝑎𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑 𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑟 𝑜𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑙, 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑔𝑖𝑐, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝑝𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑒𝑠. 𝑇𝑜𝑔𝑒𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟, 𝑤𝑒 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑒 𝑏𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑛𝑔 𝑓𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑢𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑤ℎ𝑖𝑙𝑒 𝑑𝑒𝑙𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑒𝑟𝑣𝑖𝑐𝑒 𝑒𝑥𝑐𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑐𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑡.”

He will work closely with the Group’s leadership team to support the continued development of Challenge Handling’s operations in Liège and help drive the company’s next phase of growth.

To ensure a smooth transition, David Alexis will remain with the business until the end of November 2026. David is a General Manager at Challenge Handling, and during this period, he will work alongside Detlef to ensure continuity for customers, employees, partners, regulatory authorities, and other key stakeholders.

Having played a pivotal role in the development and growth of Challenge Handling over the past two decades, David will remain actively involved in facilitating a successful handover and supporting the company’s continued success.

CEVA Logistics has expanded its transpacific air cargo network with the launch of a new charter service from Hanoi, Vietnam, to Chicago and the renewal of its Wuxi, China, to Chicago route, strengthening capacity between Asia Pacific manufacturing centres and the United States. The move comes as manufacturers continue to diversify production networks across Asia and seek greater reliability in cross-border supply chains.

The company announced that the new Hanoi-Chicago charter will operate three times a week using Boeing 777 freighters, offering same-day departure and arrival. The service is aimed at customers in the technology, industrial, retail and e-commerce sectors and is designed to support growing export volumes from Vietnam, which has emerged as a manufacturing base for global companies looking to broaden sourcing beyond China.

CEVA said the charter will provide direct access to the U.S. market while integrating with its wider logistics network. Cargo will be collected and consolidated through multiple gateways in Vietnam, including Hanoi, Danang and Ho Chi Minh City. Domestic operations teams will coordinate multimodal transport, customs brokerage and transshipment activities to support the movement of goods from production sites to international markets.

The expansion reflects continued growth in Vietnam’s manufacturing and technology sectors, where investments from multinational companies have increased demand for air cargo services capable of providing predictable capacity and transit schedules. By offering dedicated charter capacity, CEVA is seeking to address concerns among exporters over market volatility and fluctuating freight availability.

The company is also renewing its Wuxi-Chicago charter service for a second year following the route’s launch in 2025. The service will operate twice weekly and will now be supported by CMA CGM Air Cargo, another business within the CMA CGM Group. Using Boeing 777 freighters, the route will offer up to 100 tonnes of capacity per flight.

According to CEVA, the Wuxi service has evolved from a pilot programme into a recurring operation driven by sustained demand on transpacific trade lanes. The renewed charter is intended to provide shippers with an alternative to spot market fluctuations while offering greater planning certainty for long-term supply chain operations.

To support the service, CEVA has expanded pickup coverage across manufacturing and export centres throughout China. The company said its ground transportation network will enable cargo consolidation from multiple origins before shipment through the Wuxi gateway, improving access for exporters located beyond major coastal hubs.

Both charter services will be supported through CEVA’s logistics gateway in Chicago, one of North America's major cargo distribution centres. The facility, located near O'Hare International Airport, spans 700,000 square feet and includes 350,000 square feet of freight handling space, a Free Trade Zone and temperature-controlled storage facilities. The gateway also operates as a Certified Cargo Screening Facility equipped with electronic trace detection, X-ray screening and K-9 inspection capabilities, allowing cargo to move through customs and onward transportation processes more efficiently.

The company said the Chicago operation is intended to shorten end-to-end transit times and improve inbound distribution across the United States by combining air cargo services with destination trucking and warehousing capabilities.

CEVA has also made sustainability options available for customers using the two charter routes. Shippers can choose Sustainable Aviation Fuel and other carbon reduction measures through the company's FORPLANET logistics programme as part of efforts to reduce emissions associated with international freight transport.

Commenting on the expansion, Loic Gay, Vice President of global air and ocean operations at CEVA Logistics, said, "We continue to strategically expand our controlled air network along key transpacific trade lanes to guarantee our customers access to reliable and resilient capacity. The launch of our new Hanoi charter directly addresses the rapid growth of Vietnam as a desired manufacturing hub, while the return of our popular Wuxi service supports our customers’ needs for transpacific supply chain stability. By leveraging CMA CGM Air Cargo’s capabilities, alongside our Chicago gateway, we are delivering the end-to-end speed, security and flexibility that our customers need."

The launch of the Hanoi service and the continuation of the Wuxi operation underscore how logistics providers are adapting to shifting manufacturing patterns in Asia. As companies pursue China-plus-one sourcing strategies and seek greater resilience in supply chains, dedicated air cargo capacity between Asian production centres and North American markets is becoming an increasingly important component of global trade networks.

Kalé Logistics Solutions has acquired Spain-based Portel Logistics Technologies, a provider of port community and regulatory compliance solutions, strengthening its presence in Europe and expanding its capabilities in customs and regulatory compliance across the air and maritime logistics sectors.

The acquisition will add Portel’s regulatory and customs compliance expertise to Kalé’s portfolio of airport and port community systems. Portel’s flagship products, Dedalo and Vellore, will complement Kalé’s existing solutions by providing advanced compliance capabilities for customers operating in Europe.

The deal will also give Portel’s more than 350 customers access to Kalé’s wider range of logistics technology solutions. At the same time, it creates opportunities to integrate services and technologies across the customer bases of both companies.

“Kalé strongly believes that e-commerce and regulation will be the key trends driving the future of the industry and the acquisition of Portel is a defining step in Kalé’s journey to become the leading global platform for trade facilitation and logistics compliance, following our acquisition of AvLog, the e-commerce technology provider, earlier this year,” said Amar More, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Kalé Logistics Solutions.

Vipul Jain, Chairman of the Kalé Group, said Portel’s expertise in European Union regulatory mandates, combined with its local team and customer relationships, would strengthen Kalé’s ability to serve the European market.

“Together, we are positioned to help the industry navigate an increasingly complex regulatory landscape,” Jain said.

He added that the acquisition would benefit Kalé’s existing customers in the Netherlands, Norway, Germany, Spain, Hungary, the United Kingdom and other European countries, as well as Spanish-speaking customers in South America.

Dedalo and Vellore support the electronic exchange of advance cargo information in line with Import Control System 2 (ICS2) standards, which require all cargo entering Europe to be declared before arrival.

The platforms are designed to reduce manual customs processing across maritime and air cargo operations, helping freight forwarders, ports, airports and ground handlers improve efficiency and simplify compliance processes.

Angel Ramirez, President of GTD Group, the former owner of Portel, said joining Kalé marked a new chapter for Portel, its employees and customers.

“By combining Portel’s expertise in European regulatory compliance with Kalé’s global trade facilitation capabilities, we can deliver greater value to customers while accelerating innovation across our platforms,” Ramirez said.

According to Kalé, the acquisition strengthens its operational presence in Europe through Portel’s local team and supports its strategy of building a comprehensive compliance-first technology platform for global trade.

Shanghai-based Oriental Sky Aviation has become the first Chinese General Sales and Service Agent (GSSA) to join Awery Aviation Software's CargoBooking platform, making its airline capacity and services available for digital quotations and bookings through the online marketplace.

The agreement was announced at Air Cargo Shanghai on June 24 and builds on an existing partnership between the two companies. Oriental Sky has been using Awery's Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system since 2022 to support its GSSA and charter operations.

With the integration, freight forwarders will be able to access Oriental Sky's airline portfolio through a single digital interface. The move is expected to streamline quotation requests, booking processes and shipment management by providing direct digital access to available capacity.

Oriental Sky's network spans 20 airline partners across 14 countries and 21 locations. Through CargoBooking, this capacity will be accessible to freight forwarders seeking cargo space and related services through an online platform.

The development reflects broader efforts within the air cargo sector to digitise booking and capacity distribution processes. By bringing GSSA-managed airline capacity onto digital marketplaces, stakeholders aim to reduce manual workflows and improve speed and transparency in cargo transactions.

"We are looking forward to expanding our relationship with Oriental Sky by bringing its capacity to CargoBooking, following the successful implementation of our ERP platform across its business," said Vitaly Smilianets, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Awery.

“China is one of the world’s most digitally advanced air cargo markets, and Oriental Sky’s decision to join the platform reflects the strength and competitiveness of the technology we continue to develop for the industry.

“Welcoming our first Chinese GSSA onto CargoBooking is an important milestone, and we are particularly pleased to announce this partnership here in Shanghai.”

The addition of Oriental Sky expands CargoBooking's presence in the Chinese market at a time when digital adoption continues to reshape air cargo operations. China remains a major hub for global air freight flows, making digital connectivity between airlines, GSSAs and freight forwarders an area of growing focus.

Oriental Sky provides cargo representation, total cargo management, charter operations, interline services and value-added logistics solutions for airline partners across 21 countries. The company said digitalisation remains central to its operational strategy and customer service approach.

“Digitalisation remains a key priority across all areas of our business as we continue to enhance the services we provide to airline partners and customers,” said Rush Wang, Founder and President, Oriental Sky.

“Having worked with Awery for a number of years, we have seen first-hand the benefits that its technology can bring to our operations.

“Joining CargoBooking was therefore a natural next step, enabling us to further improve accessibility to our network while supporting greater efficiency for our customers.”

Representatives from both companies are attending transport logistic Shanghai, where Awery is exhibiting in Hall 5 at Stand 641 and Oriental Sky is exhibiting in Hall W5 at Stand 551. The announcement highlights the increasing role of digital platforms in connecting cargo capacity providers with freight forwarders as the industry continues to seek greater operational efficiency and network visibility.

Emirates SkyCargo has announced a strategic expansion of its freighter network across East and Southeast Asia, increasing flight frequencies and adding capacity in response to growing demand from manufacturers, exporters and e-commerce businesses across the region.

The air cargo carrier transported more than 439,000 tonnes of cargo on its freighter and passenger flights from 12 markets in East and Southeast Asia during FY25/26, marking an increase of around 5% compared with FY24/25. The growth reflects rising demand from businesses seeking fast and secure access to markets across the Middle East, Africa, Europe and the Americas.

Badr Abbas, Divisional Senior Vice President, Emirates SkyCargo, said East and Southeast Asia remain key manufacturing centres for the global economy, supporting production of high-tech goods, perishables and e-commerce shipments. He said the additional freighter flights and expanded network would provide exporters with faster connectivity and greater flexibility to move cargo worldwide.

According to Abbas, Emirates SkyCargo offers more than 12,000 tonnes of weekly cargo capacity from the region through a combination of dedicated freighter services to 12 cities and passenger flights from 25 destinations.

As part of the expansion, Emirates SkyCargo is doubling freighter capacity to Narita Airport in Tokyo, increasing services from one to two weekly flights. The additional flight will support Japan’s manufacturing sectors, including automotive, electronics and pharmaceuticals.

The carrier has also increased its operations in Hong Kong to 37 weekly freighter flights, providing greater flexibility for customers in the export-driven market. In Central China, Emirates SkyCargo has expanded its presence with three weekly freighter flights from Zhengzhou, linking Henan province with Dubai and destinations across its global network.

In Singapore, the carrier has resumed freighter operations with a weekly service connecting Singapore to Dubai via Mumbai, creating an additional trade link across Asia.

Emirates SkyCargo is also doubling its services to Taipei from one to two weekly freighter flights to support demand for the movement of high-tech electronic products.

The carrier continues to operate a weekly freighter service to Bangkok, supporting exports of technology products, perishables, fashion goods and other consumer products. In Vietnam, it maintains four weekly freighter flights to Hanoi, providing exporters with access to Dubai, the Middle East and other international markets.

Alongside its dedicated freighter operations, Emirates SkyCargo utilises cargo capacity on its wide-body passenger aircraft. The carrier currently offers cargo capacity on more than 320 passenger flights each week across East and Southeast Asia.

The airline also provides specialised cargo solutions through its product portfolio. These include Emirates Vulnerable for secure transport of high-value electronics, Emirates Fresh for perishables and fresh produce, Emirates Pharma for medicines, and Emirates Vital for clinical trials and bio-innovation materials.

Emirates SkyCargo is also participating in Air Cargo China 2026, being held from June 24 to 26, where customers can meet the airline’s team and learn more about its services.

Cathay Cargo reported continued growth in May 2026, carrying 150,089 tonnes of cargo during the month, an increase of 10.5% compared with May 2025. The airline's Available Freight Tonne Kilometres (AFTKs) rose 6.1% year on year to 1.31 billion, while Revenue Freight Tonne Kilometres (RFTKs) increased 6.7% to 783.1 million. Cargo load factor edged up by 0.3 percentage points to 59.8%.

For the first five months of 2026, Cathay Cargo carried 724,158 tonnes of freight, up 8.4% from the corresponding period last year. Available Freight Tonne Kilometres grew 4.5% to 6.39 billion, while Revenue Freight Tonne Kilometres increased 5% to 3.77 billion. Cargo load factor for the period improved by 0.3 percentage points to 59%.

Cathay Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau said the carrier's cargo business maintained momentum during May, supported by demand across key markets. “Our cargo business continued to perform well in May, with year-on-year growth underpinned by robust demand on key trade lanes, particularly between the Chinese Mainland and Southeast Asia."

The company said demand for its specialist cargo products also contributed to growth. Lau noted that Cathay Expert benefited from semiconductor and server shipments moving within Asia and to destinations in the Americas. Pharmaceutical exports from Europe to the Chinese Mainland also supported volumes handled under the carrier's Cathay Pharma solution.

Looking ahead, the airline expects cargo demand to remain steady through June despite uncertainties in global trade. “Turning to June, we expect air cargo demand to remain resilient, and we will continue to monitor market developments closely,” Lau said.

Cathay Cargo also announced plans to expand its freighter fleet. The airline has placed an order for two additional Airbus A350F freighters, increasing its total commitment for the aircraft type to eight. In addition, an Airbus A330P2F freighter will join the fleet under a lease arrangement and will be operated by Air Hong Kong.

Lau said the fleet expansion forms part of the group's long-term cargo strategy. “We were also pleased to announce an order for two additional Airbus A350F freighter aircraft, bringing our total commitment to eight. Together with an additional leased Airbus A330P2F freighter to be operated by Air Hong Kong, Cathay Cargo will continue to invest and strengthen Hong Kong’s status as a world-leading international air cargo hub.”

The latest figures indicate that Cathay Cargo continues to benefit from demand across Asian manufacturing and technology supply chains, while pharmaceutical flows remain an important contributor to traffic growth. The carrier's cargo performance in the first five months of 2026 reflects sustained demand across its network despite wider market challenges and higher operating costs facing the aviation sector.

Hellmann Worldwide Logistics is marking the 20th anniversary of its operations in Japan, reaffirming its commitment to one of the world's most important logistics markets and its long-term growth strategy in the Asia-Pacific region.

The milestone comes as Hellmann continues to pursue its global growth agenda under its Forward2030 strategy, which identifies the Asia-Pacific region as a key area for expansion. Within this framework, Japan remains a strategically significant market due to its stable business environment, advanced industrial base, and strong demand for high-quality logistics services.

Since opening its first office in Japan in 2006, the company has steadily built its presence in the country, expanding its service portfolio to support customers across key industries, including automotive, fashion, healthcare, and technology. Over the past two decades, Hellmann has developed a range of logistics solutions encompassing air freight, ocean freight, customs brokerage, and specialised services tailored to customer requirements.

Today, Hellmann operates from offices in Tokyo and Osaka, providing domestic and international customers with integrated logistics solutions backed by the company's global network. The Japanese operations play an important role in connecting customers to international markets while delivering local expertise and customised supply chain support.

Jens Drewes, CEO, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics, said, “APAC is an important region within our global strategy, 'Forward2030, ' and Japan contributes to this as a mature and innovative market with strong connections to global supply chains. Going forward, we will continue to invest in the region and expand our capabilities to support our customers’ growth with integrated, sustainable logistics solutions”.

Sven Raudszus, Regional CEO APAC, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics, said, “Over the past years, we have grown our APAC presence by broadening our footprint, strengthening local teams, and building more connected solutions for customers across the region. Japan is part of this development: with our teams in Tokyo and Osaka, we have established a strong local foundation that combines market expertise with the reach of our regional and global network. We will build on this momentum and continue to strengthen Japan’s role within our broader APAC growth journey”.

DHL Group has appointed Joe Joseph as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective June 1, 2027. The appointment was approved by the Supervisory Board of Deutsche Post AG, the listed parent company of DHL Group. Joseph will succeed Melanie Kreis, whose contract runs until May 31, 2027, and who has decided not to seek an extension.

Joseph currently serves as CFO of DHL Express and has been with the company for more than 28 years. During his career, he has held a range of finance leadership positions across the Middle East, Asia and Europe before taking on his current role in 2014.

Katrin Suder, Chairperson of the Supervisory Board of Deutsche Post AG, said Kreis had made an outstanding contribution to DHL Group over more than two decades, helping strengthen the company through her strategic vision, financial expertise and focus on value creation. She said Joseph’s experience as CFO of DHL Express provides confidence that he will ensure continuity and advance the Group’s disciplined financial strategy.

Tobias Meyer, CEO of DHL Group, said Kreis had played a key role in shaping the company’s performance, resilience and culture. He said she had consistently represented a disciplined financial strategy, delivering stable or increasing dividends for ten consecutive years and ensuring shareholders benefited from share buybacks. Meyer added that Joseph’s deep knowledge of the company would help continue and further develop the Group’s financial strategy.

Kreis said the timing would allow for an orderly transition and ensure succession planning is handled in the best possible way for the company. She said she was pleased that Joseph, whom she described as an experienced and trusted successor, would take over the role. Having worked closely with him for many years, she said she was confident the Group’s finance function would remain in strong hands.

Joseph will assume responsibility for the finance function after Kreis hands over her duties in 2027.