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#INTHEAIREVERYWHERE

Vol. 23 No. 30	Tuesday July 2, 2024

Air cargo stakeholders are looking forward to the July 4 annual conclave organized by the Air Cargo Forum India (ACFI). The national forum comprising representatives from the air cargo logistics/supply chain industry has a vision of building “a world-class environment-friendly air logistics industry by innovation with credible allied activities and providing business facilitation to boost the Indian economy.”
The annual conclave is a much-awaited event where government leaders and officials participate in fruitful talks with air cargo stakeholders. This year’s conclave theme will be: “Air Cargo: Unlocking Potential, Paving Way for a Developed India” and will witness the participation of 700-odd delegates spanning a wide array of services ranging from forwarding to manufacturing.

     The conclave will see and hear the newly-appointed Minister of Civil Aviation, Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, (right) who will be expected to outline the government’s steps and initiatives for the air cargo sector. The Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government has assumed office the third time after the recent general election.
     Senior bureaucrats from the government like the Director General Bureau of Civil Aviation, the Central Board of Taxes, the Department for Promotion of Industry, and Internal Trade (DPIIT) etc. will be present at the conclave. They will deliberate, discuss, and exchange ideas on how the air cargo industry could come together to build a developed nation.
     The business sessions will focus on opportunities, challenges, and actionable strategies that will further the growth of the country’s air cargo industry. The sessions with air cargo veterans will, according to the ACFI, create the path for the progress of air cargo and logistics in the country.

Manoj Singh, Nikhil B. Ved, Vishal Bhatnagar

One of the subjects for discussion in the business session will be on building air cargo capacity. The session will focus on development of infrastructure that needs to be created to move on to the next stage of achieving annual throughput at airports of 10 million metric tons by 2030. Among the participants would be Manoj Singh, Chief Cargo Officer, Adani Airport Holdings, Capt. Nikhil B. Ved Managing Director – Blue Dart Aviation, Vishal Bhatnagar, Managing Director, Global Cargo Operations, Delta Air Lines, among others.
The second business session will see the participation of the Federation of Indian Exporters, global providers of software, product engineering, electronics manufacturing services and solutions in air freight among others. The session would be one where airlines, exporters and forwarders come together to understand the expectations from both sides. The aim: creation of a win-win situation for both sides.

According to Yashpal Sharma, ACFI President, the forum has brought many stakeholders together. The world, he said, was looking at India for business and growth. The ACFI conclave would showcase India's logistics landscape in front of the world. On its part, the country’s air cargo ecosystem is ready to showcase the best airports, the best airlines, the best forwarding solutions, best customs broking solutions, etc. Indian industry should not hesitate to ride the wave when it comes. It is important for the conclave to project all that is available in the country to those representing global carriers, terminal operators, etc.
Tirthankar Ghosh

Emiliana Limosani, Thomas Botzios, Amber Achilles Ritter, Luca Santagostino, Antonio Marco Temporini

     ITA Airways launched a nonstop connection via a cargo and passenger friendly Airbus A330 neo along a ribbon-of an aerial highway between Chicago O'Hare International Airport and Rome Fiumicino.
     In the picture Emiliana Limosani, ITA Airways Chief Commercial Officer and CEO Volare Aviation Limited; Thomas Botzios, Consul General of Italy in Chicago; and Amber Achilles Ritter, Managing Deputy Commissioner and Chief Commercial Officer for the Chicago Department of Aviation.
     “We are proud to announce a new nonstop flight between Chicago and Rome,” Emiliana Limosani said
     “Chicago our seventh gateway in North America, expands our network and consolidates ITA expansion toward the United States, a top market for our company.
     “Chicago services enhance our efforts to be the reference carrier from the United States to Italy and via Rome to Europe and the Mediterranean.”
     ITA multiple services connect New York, Boston, Washington, D.C., Miami, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Additionally, Toronto-Rome nonstop flights launched on May 10th, bring to 140 the weekly flights between North America and Italy. Last month June 2024 ITA added nonstop flights to Accra and Kuwait City; in July to Dakar and in August to Jeddah.
     Luca Santagostino (above right), ITA Regional Manager Cargo Americas : “As Italy’s national carrier, ITA Airways Cargo offers shippers unmatched connectivity for the Italian market.
     “Our hub at Rome Fiumicino is a key strength, combined with an impressive Road Feeder Service across a wide geographical area.
     “We have also undertaken extensive organizational and strategic advances, having added digital cargo booking on cargo.one.”
     ATC Aviation Services AG is listed as contact at +1 (718) 917-8827.
     On May 23rd, the 6th Conference of the Air Cargo Observatory was held at Terminal 5 of Leonardo da Vinci Airport in Fiumicino.
     Key executives at a roundtable discussion to analyze demand trends, focusing on strategic sectors for Italian import-export.
     Antonio Marco Temporini, (above left) VP Cargo at ITA Airways, emphasized the importance of strategic assets in the Cargo development plan, including digitalization, sustainability, and the quality of commercial offerings.
     Speaking of arrivals and departures, 91 years ago in July 1933, twenty-four Savoia Marchetti S.55 seaplanes commanded by the great aviator General Italo Balbo flew from Rome all the way across the Atlantic Ocean to the Century of Progress Exhibition in Chicago, Illinois, where his triumphant arrival was celebrated as the greatest feat of modern aviation.
     Italy donated a 2000 year-old column from Ostia to the city of Chicago.
     Today the Balbo Monument can still be seen along the Chicago Lakefront Trail, a little south of Soldier Field.
Geoffrey

FlyingTalkers

State Of Air Cargo 2024
D-Day
Rembembering Alex Thiermann

     As India inches closer to the ambitious target of 10MMT of air cargo handled per year by 2030, one question that is being asked is: Why are there so few freighter operators from India? One of the major reasons is the high belly capacity available in India. Around 80 percent of cargo traffic is carried on passenger aircraft. Today, Blue Dart apart, there are only a handful of freighter operators like Quikjet, SpiceExpress (of SpiceJet) and CarGo (of IndiGo).
     The major obstacle for potential domestic freighter operators is the lack of a level playing field. Three cargo carriers – Air India, SpiceJet and Quikjet – sent an appeal to the Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation about the Open Skies Policy for Non-Scheduled Cargo flights.
     In February this year, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued a notice which stated: “The operation of foreign ad hoc and pure non-scheduled freighter charter service flights shall be allowed at all international airports in India without co-terminal rights by cargo-only aircraft for three years from the date of issue of the aeronautical information circular.”
     The DGCA’s decision to allow all foreign freighters to land at any international airport in India came after continued protests from the export and logistics industry. The DGCA amended the rule for freighter operations after it reviewed its earlier direction which limited ad hoc and non-scheduled cargo flights by foreign carriers. While the relaxation by the DGCA was welcomed by a number of air cargo stakeholders, especially the perishable trade, the three domestic cargo carriers – Air India, SpiceJet and Quikjet – were of the view that the move would harm them.

Ajay singh, Preetham Philip, Ramesh Mamidala

     The appeal sent out by three cargo carriers -- Ajay Singh, Chairman and MD, SpiceJet, Ramesh Mamidala, Head of Cargo, Air India, and Capt Preetham Philip, CEO and Accountable Manager, Quikjet were the signatories – pointed out the lack of a level playing field and that “it was crucial to acknowledge the existing hurdles that hinder domestic operators from competing on equal terms with international carriers.” The request to the Ministry of Civil Aviation to bring about changes would not only support the retention of business in the country but also enhance the competitiveness of domestic operators. Also, it will usher in the principle of fairness and ensure that Indian cargo airlines have an equal opportunity to expand and contribute to the growth of the national economy.
     The three carriers emphasized to the Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, that “Indian carriers face barriers in other countries which causes a delay in permits for non-scheduled operations making us uncompetitive in the market.”      The three signatories requested that “airlines of the countries who impose such restrictions should also face similar restrictions for non-scheduled operations in India.”
     The appeal listed out examples of the barriers imposed by foreign countries and airlines. The Civil Aviation Authority of China (CAAC), for instance, has put “many barriers to entry which cause delays in the start of non-scheduled operations by Indian Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) holders such as CCAR 129 (a regulation that ensures frequent operators to China to comply with CAAC operational and safety standards and requirements) for each station in China to be applied separately; takes approximately 1.5 months; and, Dangerous Goods (DG) permit is not available for Non-Scheduled operations in China”. Similar barriers should be put, said the appeal, for non-scheduled operations of Chinese carriers as they have approvals to operate with non-scheduled flights with DG and do not need the long process like CCAR 129 in India.
     Other examples were listed like Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan, and Belgium requiring NOC/No capacity email from regional/local carriers for the approval of any Non-Scheduled flights with Fifth Freedom rights.
     The letter also pointed out the case of Bangladesh: “Any Non-Scheduled flight to Bangladesh requires payment of heavy royalty to Biman Bangla but the same is not done in India when any Non-Scheduled flight from Bangladesh is operated.”
     European countries and the UK too, were mentioned. All have put up barriers for Indian carriers carrying cargo to Europe. Indian carriers are required to have ACC3 validation of each station in India for carrying cargo to Europe and UK. (Air carriers are required to be designated as an 'Air Cargo or Mail Carrier operating into the Union from a Third Country Airport’ (ACC3) for each non-EU airport from which they fly cargo or mail into the EU.) The letter mentioned that “China, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea. etc. are already considered and are not required for ACC3 approvals.”
     As for domestic operations by foreign carriers, the letter from the three cargo carriers mentioned that most countries do not permit a domestic leg (double dipping/co-terminus operation) if there are domestic carriers that perform a similar operation, as the foreign carrier would have the capacity to serve cargo demand for two cities in India. For such an operation to be performed by lndian carriers in another country, the carriers would have to fly back to India, before operating to another domestic location in the foreign country.
     The note pointed out that such moves limited the loads that can be carried, since there will only be point-to-point demand. Any demand to another city in a foreign state would require cargo to be handed over to local domestic carriers, or transported by other means. “In this case also, Indian operators stand to miss out on an opportunity,” the signatories pointed out and mentioned that “it would be prudent for foreign carriers to enter into an interline arrangement with domestic carriers, which is the norm in the passenger airline industry.” That would enable Indian carriers to carry domestic loads.
     Another significant disadvantage that domestic freighter operators face is the use of aircraft. Foreign cargo operators are allowed to use older aircraft which enables them to offer competitive rates. The three signatories mentioned that to ensure fair competition, the 25-year-old plane rule should be applied to foreign operators who operate cargo flights in and out of India. Otherwise, Indian carriers should be allowed to use older aircraft.
     As for the change in the National Civil Aviation Policy (2016) which allows foreign carriers to operate from all international airports in India, the appeal from the three carriers mentioned that there were Indian cargo operators operating out of Indian airports that have capacity as well as regional capability to carry cargo in and out of the country. However. the non-scheduled international charter demand was currently unknown to Indian operators. The appeal requested for a mechanism to be made available through the DGCA for scheduled and non-scheduled cargo operations to enable Indian cargo operators to facilitate both international, as well as domestic cargo operations.
     This, said the letter, would “ensure that Indian cargo operators get a first right of refusal. Not having this visibility proves to be a disadvantage to Indian operators who will miss out on this opportunity. Alternatively, “foreign carriers should enter into an interline arrangement with Indian carriers, which is the norm in the passenger airline industry, to access any other airports other than the six international airports that were approved under the existing policy for non-scheduled cargo operations.”
Tirthankar Ghosh

Geoffrey Arend, Ralph Arend, Emily Arend, Sabiha Arend, Flossie Arend

Family Arend: Minus grandchildren and partners From left to right pictured with Mr. Chips Geoffrey II, Ralph, Emily, Sabiha, Geoffrey and Flossie.

     When Sirius would appear in the sky just before the sun, in July, that marked the beginning of the very hottest days of the year.
     The Romans referred to this period as "dies caniculares" or "days of the dog star," which was eventually translated as just "dog days."
     Too hot to handle?
     Now that the world seems warmer and that last trade show of the first half of 2024 was over at PVG last week, we are counting the ‘Dog Days’ as July 4th in America approaches Thursday wishing all A SUPER SUMMER 2024!
     At home we look at our four-legged friends with some passion whilst they continue to do what they have always done best as great spirits looking up every time, we enter the room and no matter what, asking us the same question with longing in their eyes:
     “What’s up?” they always want to know.
     Lulu, our faithful companion (pictured here), could not be described as a wonder dog, that’s for sure.
     No heroics on tap for July 4th either.

Dog On Assignment
     As you read this the fireworks begin to go off early into the wee small hours, Lulu, who is on assignment at the home our daughter Flossie shares with her husband Anthony, hides under the bed.
     But gone is not forgotten, so I often think about our dog who came to us a couple of Thanksgivings ago from the Linden Boulevard. ASPCA kill shelter.
     Located near JFK International Cargo area, the Animal Care Center is where they send dogs for a last chance at finding a home before something less seemly happens.
     Lulu, as it turns out, was named Lucy when I first spied her hard up against an uncomfortable wire cage.

How did this Happen?
     “How the hell did I end up here?” was the question in her eyes, ringing clear as a bell.
     “Look Geoffrey, here is a cute dog named Charlie,” said my darling wife Sabiha, as Lucy and I stared at each other through the wires. A big truck pulled up out back and the place went nuts as a few dozen dogs had their ticket punched and were about to be moved from the shelter to storefront adoption centers somewhere in downtown Brooklyn.
     Undoubtedly, they were celebrating their liberation and a chance to live another day.
     In most shelters, the animals look at you or pace around as you walk past or extend a hand.

Not Lucy
     She just held her ground and sent me another message:
     “Get me the hell out of here.”
     Ready, Set, Go! But Wait . . .
     I, of course, was ready at once, but had this problem.
     We had lost our cocker of a decade, a black-and-white named Mr. Chips, about eight months prior, and although we had waited a decent amount of time our adoption of another dog had to pass the sniff test of both daughters, even though everybody at this point in time lives elsewhere.

For The Love Of Chips
     Chips was another shelter dog adoption so beloved by our family.
     When we had to put him down, we had most of the family—Sabiha, Flossie, Emily, Geoffrey, Christina, and I—in the old VW bus as we drove to the vet one very dark sad night.
     I recall driving back home in silence. No one said a word, but the next day I noticed that the big box of Kleenex in the bus was empty.
     Fast forward eight months and into the shelter marched the dubious daughters, Flossie and Emily, pictured here with Lulu and Zou Zou (our son's).
     Flossie took one look at Lucy and exclaimed:
     “How come you’re so damn cute?”
     I knew it was all over but the paperwork, when Flossie said that.
     Then we all went outside on a little “trial walk.”

Lucy Becomes Lulu
     On the VW bus ride home, Lucy became Lulu, named after the comic strip character “Little Lulu,” a notoriously mischievous rascal.
     “She is a great dog,” said the lady who took $160 dollars as fee for Lulu, figuring that we might not have already figured that out.

Chew On This Awhile
     “She likes to chew on stuff,” she added.
     Later we discovered that Lulu had belonged to some people in Manhattan that had bought her from a puppy mill for maybe three thousand USD and then kept her caged all day while at work.
     One day Lulu escaped captivity and had the run of the apartment. She found a nice, sumptuous pair of leather shoes and dutifully chewed them up.
     After that episode it was curtains for this dog and her “Mad Hattan” experience.
     I guess she earned her new name far earlier than suspected.

Pretty Face Did Not Add Up
     Lucy was not the “accessory” those folks wanted or were willing to care much about.
     “That happens a lot,” the dog people tell me.
     Lulu basically needed and still uses one of those nylon chew toys. She works at it for a couple of hours every day, honing it into a makeshift shiv that we quickly retire before she hurts herself or stabs one of us.
     It’s either that or lose a leg on the dining room table.
     Apparently, every few weeks Anthony takes a hammer and screwdriver, knocks the point off, and sands it down with sandpaper so she can get to work chewing again on the same bone. They’re marking time by how much her bone has shrunk.

Two Beauties
     When we brought her home, Lulu was immediately enamored with our small, green backyard.
     She also immediately took to Cunningham Park nearby, an enormous green space where she can visit tennis courts to help grow her collection of more than 100 bright green tennis balls.
     Flossie would walk her there and the two of them would sit outside the fence until a player would eventually spot the two beauties and toss a ball over the fence.
     After a year and a half of life in a crate all day, with nothing more than tiny patches of green around city trees, Lulu at times must be thinking (you will pardon the express the expression), “I must have died and gone to heaven!”

In The Company of Dogs
     I think this picture of Ingo Zimmer, CEO of ATC is the most endearing picture of love between man and beast ever shared across the board in air cargo.
     Give your cargo to this guy because he pays attention to detail and is relaxed about making your business work right, no matter the challenge, is the message here.
     I remember one time at ATC Cargo City Süd when suggesting we do a photo of my visit, Ingo handed me his little dog Tobi.
     There is something special about people who love dogs I thought and still do.
     The great American children’s song written during the California Gold Rush of the 1860s,recorded by Burl Ives in 1941 titled: ‘Sweet Betsy From Pike,’ captures the love of a dog perfectly:
     When the Gold Rush goes south comes the lyrics:
          “The rooster ran off, and the cattle all died,
          That morning the last piece of bacon was fried.
          Ike got discouraged, Betsy got mad,
          The dog drooped his tail and looked wonderfully sad.”

      So as our world heats up in July and August so does our love for dogs.
Geoffrey

If You Missed Any Of The Previous 3 Issues Of FlyingTypers Access complete issue by clicking on issue icon or Access specific articles by clicking on article title
Vol. 23 No. 27 Last Of The Greatest Air Cargo Took Off Above The Himalayas A Normandie Day Like None Other 80 Years Ago	Vol. 23 No. 28 Employing The Right One Ingo Zimmer Celebrates 35 Years Super Summer On The Wild Side Peter Sedgley One Of A Kind	Vol. 23 No. 29 From CLEAR VIEW You Can See Forever Chuckles For June 24, 2024

Publisher-Geoffrey Arend • Managing Editor-Flossie Arend • Editor Emeritus-Richard Malkin
Senior Contributing Editor/Special Commentaries-Marco Sorgetti • Special Commentaries Editor-Bob Rogers
Special Assignments-Sabiha Arend, Emily Arend • Film Editor-Ralph Arend

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