CARGOCONNECT-JANUARY2025 - Flipbook - Page 92
N EWS
IATA Introduces Air Cargo Device Assessment
for safety and efficiency
T
he International Air Transport Association (IATA)
has unveiled the IATA
Air Cargo Device Assessment
programme, aimed at validating
air cargo tracking devices, data
loggers, and sensor-equipped
devices for adherence to stringent safety standards. The program ensures compliance with
IATA's Recommended Practice
1693, covering electromagnetic
compatibility and battery
safety. Validation outcomes
will be accessible through ONE
Source, a centralised platform for
stakeholders seeking approved
tracking devices.
LivingPackets'
innovative reusable
packing solution,
THE BOX, is the
昀椀rst product validated under this
program. Known
for its smart,
secure, and sustainable design,
THE BOX now boasts universal
acceptance for air cargo, aligning
with global safety standards.
This initiative bene昀椀ts the
entire supply chain by simplifying the approval process for
device manufacturers, improving
operational safety for airlines, and
o昀昀ering shippers and forwarders
centralised access to compliant
devices. It is set to enhance
efficiency and reliability for
time- and temperature-sensitive
shipments, reducing waste and
preserving cargo integrity.
APM Terminals completes major expansion at
MedPort Tangier, increasing capacity to 5.2 mn TEUs
A
PM Terminals
has completed
the 昀椀nal phase of
its three-year, 2 million
TEU expansion project
at MedPort Tangier,
Morocco, bringing the
terminal's total capacity to 5.2 million TEUs
annually. Operational
as of this month, the
upgraded facility boasts a
two-kilometer berth and
advanced technological features,
including an automated mooring
system, digital berth planning,
and the Gemini simulation tool.
The facility, one of the most
e昀케cient container terminals globally, was ranked the 4th most
e昀케cient by the World Bank and
S&P Global in 2023.
Supporting East-West
trade routes through
the Gemini Cooperation
between Maersk and
Hapag-Lloyd, the terminal also added 500 new
employees over the past
two years. The expansion is set to enhance
crane productivity,
reduce port hours, and
lower emissions with
shore-power capabilities, reinforcing its role as a critical hub
for global trade and a driver of
regional economic growth.
Egypt and New Zealand sign bilateral air
transport agreement to boost connectivity
T
he Egyptian Ministry of Civil Aviation
announced the signing of a bilateral air
transport agreement with New Zealand,
aimed at enhancing aviation cooperation and mutual
interests. Signed by Captain Amr El-Sharkawy,
Head of the Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority, and
New Zealand Ambassador Amy Laurenson, the
agreement was 昀椀nalised following the completion
of official procedures. Key officials from both
nations attended the signing ceremony.
The agreement enables flight operations
between Egypt and New Zealand, grants code92 | CARGOCONNECT JANUARY 2025
sharing rights for airlines, and seeks to increase
commercial and investment cooperation. It aims
to improve connectivity and o昀昀er a broader range
of 昀氀ight options for travellers, enhancing trade
between the two countries.
This development is poised to facilitate stronger air cargo services and overall air transport
between Egypt and New Zealand, marking a
significant step in fostering deeper economic
and aviation partnerships. The agreement aligns
with broader strategies to promote sustainable
growth in the sector.
My Freighter
expands fleet with
sixth Boeing 767300 freighter
cargo
Uaddedzbekistan-based
airline My Freighter has
a sixth Boeing 767-300
freighter to its fleet. The new
aircraft, registered as UK67019,
will enhance the airline's
capacity to meet growing cargo
demand. While the acquisition
source remains unspecified, the
carrier's previous 767-300s have
been passenger-to-freighter
(P2F) conversions leased from
US lessor Air Transport Services
Group (ATSG). The addition of
this aircraft will boost cargo
turnover, shorten delivery times,
and enhance logistical solutions.
The 767-300F, capable of transporting up to 58 tons of cargo,
will strengthen My Freighter’s
position in the Central Asian air
cargo sector. The airline has
been expanding routes, including a new connection between
China’s Zhengzhou Airport and
Belgium's Liège Airport.
Abu Dhabi Airports
expands cargo
infrastructure
with East Midfield
Cargo Terminal
and strategic
warehousing
bu Dhabi Airports has
AMidfield
begun constructing the East
Cargo Terminal (EMCT)
at Abu Dhabi International
Airport (AUH), a 90,000 sq mt
facility designed to handle 1
to 1.5 million tonnes of cargo
annually. Integrated with the
logistics free trade zone, the
terminal will offer services like
consolidation, warehousing,
distribution, and re-export. Abu
Dhabi Airports, managing five
UAE airports, reported a 23%
increase in air cargo handling,
processing 572,000 tonnes
year-to-date in 2024 compared
to 465,000 tonnes in 2023, driven
by rising demand for belly-hold
capacity and freighter services.
Supporting this growth, the Abu
Dhabi Airports Free Zone (ADAFZ)
is expanding warehousing with
agreements for a 29,000 sq mt
facility by MSM Logistics (AED
85 million investment) and a
140,000-square-metre Radius
Group complex (AED 320 million).
