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| Vol. 24 No. 6 | Friday February 14, 2025 |
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“2024 was a transformational year as we brought Hawaiian Airlines into Alaska Air Group and began our journey to unlock $1 billion in incremental pretax profit over the next three years,” said Ben Minicucci, Alaska Air Group President and CEO. “We're proud that our incentive plan will reward Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air employees with nearly six weeks of pay, which we believe will lead the industry. Looking forward, our vision is clear and we're focused on executing our strategic plan – leveraging the strengths of our combined network, enhancing the end-to-end travel experience for our guests, and delivering value for everyone who depends on us.”
Now air cargo gets some exciting new destinations including a move internationally as the airline is deepening its offering adding new destinations including the launch of Seattle as an international gateway with nonstop routes to Tokyo Narita and Seoul Incheon in 2025, with plans to add a dozen international widebody destinations by 2030. The international move is new territory for the Seattle-based carrier that expects to deliver significant increases in its annual air cargo business. The carrier is also adding nonstop service between San Diego International Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, making Alaska the only airline to operate this route. Starting with the summer schedules Alaska commences nonstop services from Anchorage to Detroit and Sacramento; Portland to Houston, Fairbanks, and Eugene; and Medford to San Diego. Meantime Hawaiian received two A330-300 freighter aircraft from Amazon during the fourth quarter 2024 bringing the total within the airline's fleet to six.  Jason
Berry “Mr. Air Cargo” at Alaska Air for many seasons got upped
last September to Executive Vice President at the Alaska Air Group. Inc.
parent company level, while also maintaining his role as President of Horizon
Air. At the same time who came along in a puff of smoke but the cargo pro, Ian Morgan, named Alaska Airlines Vice President of Cargo to lead the day-to-day charge and nearly 600 employees who make up Alaska Air Cargo. Morgan is managing the continued growth of Alaska Air Group's cargo business – operated by both Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines. “We are investing in air cargo.” Ian said. “Two established, well-respected brands are together creating new opportunities and expanding our portfolio, and it’s an incredible time to be here working with these phenomenal teams,” declared Ian, who also noted that he will be attending Air Cargo Conference in Dallas next month. For more see story below. “We couldn't be more thrilled about this next chapter for Alaska Air Cargo,” Ben Minicucci noted. “With these two leaders, we're well positioned for unlimited future success as we grow and expand our cargo operations to deliver for everyone who depends on us. “At Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, cargo plays a critical role in the communities, the airlines serve. Cargo is a strategic function for the business and enables both airlines to support multiple needs for customers.” |
Ian Morgan, the likeable air cargo industry stalwart that joined Alaska Airlines Cargo last September, is never at a loss for words when it comes to thinking big, and the addition of Hawaiian Airlines is a particularly sweet spot right now. We caught up with Ian in his role as Alaska Airlines' vice president of cargo, leading the combined teams of Alaska Air Cargo and Hawaiian Air Cargo wondering with six months under his belt since being tapped for an exciting new adventure …. what surprised you ? IM: I’m energized by the scope and scale of the airline as it grows with the Hawaiian combination. We have a ton of opportunity for customers across the globe to get to know us as well as those in our historical key markets do. With widebody, narrowbody and freighter service, we’re becoming a viable option for an expanded global customer base with diverse needs. While not exactly surprised, I’ve been very impressed with the professionalism and creativity of both airlines. We definitely punch above our weight. And getting to lead in an organization that is guided by strong values resonates with me. Be kindhearted, do the right thing, care in everything you do . . . these are strong values that bring a sense of ownership and pride to our work. It’s a powerful motivator. FT: Talk about “The Plan.” What can shippers expect from Alaska Cargo in 2025? What do you see as potential interface and growth for Hawaiian? IM: This is an exciting year for Alaska Air Cargo, and our customers can gear up for more opportunity. By combining our two networks, seamlessly connecting our three key hubs (SEA, ANC and HNL), and investing in SEA as an international hub, customers will have access to a truly global freight carrier this year. Even amidst all the growth and change, customers can still expect the quality, care, enthusiasm and dedication they’re used to receiving from our combined cargo team on every transaction. FT: What drives you most—The joy of winning or fear of losing? IM: It has always been both – one feeds the other. The fear of losing has always pushed me to try and work harder and smarter. The success that brings helps you understand it’s balancing both the fear and the joy of success. . FT: Who do you admire in business and life? Why are you optimistic? IM: I admire my managers over the years. I started in this industry 46 years ago, quite by mistake. My first manager recognized something in me I could never see myself. I am fortunate enough that has been my experience in most cases. I stand on their shoulders and will be forever grateful. I have now come full circle, working again with Jason Berry, who brings out the best in everyone he manages and supports his team 100%. I am optimistic by choice. I believe it’s a decision you make every day you wake up. I have the benefit of 46 years in this business, and it is truly a privilege to be part of this industry. That’s reason enough to be optimistic. FT: What are some measures and perhaps basic rules that air cargo can employ to advance the business? What might be changed or adopted that you admire from other industries? IM: My focus is on continuously creating reasons for our customers to want to do business with us. That can come from investment in infrastructure like IT that positions us well for the future. Perhaps even more important are the investments we’re making in our teams as we bring the cargo operations of Alaska and Hawaiian together. They are our most important investment because they provide the excellent customer service people have come to love. Some wise words I think about often: ‘Look after your team and they will look after the customer.’ FT: Will there always be an airline forwarder partnership as core to our business? What percentage of your business is forwarder driven? What is your view on how that partnership can continue to prosper. IM: There will always be a strong partnership with our forwarding partners – they are invaluable to customers. Over the years, there have been innovative ideas for business development. Our engagement in those conversations will be critical to our growth plans for 2025 and beyond. We will use our excellent customer relationships to continue to hone our direction and ensure that we provide significant value.  FT: What
do you do to relax?IM: Funny enough sometimes work can relax me. The adage is “do what you love, love what you do,” and cargo has given me that over the years. Outside of work, my preferred relaxation methods are hiking, cooking, and travelling to meet friends. FT: What trade shows do you deem important for 2025? IM: We are continuing to review our participation in shows as we emerge as a global carrier. We have committed to AFA/CNS/ACF/Boston seafood show where we look forward to joining our customers in a dialogue on how we can jointly advance the industry. |
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Sitting over here in Gotham otherwise famous as New York City we tend to take notice of air services that emerge at any of our three famous airports. News as 2025 continues, is that Tata Organization has reclaimed its 1932 ownership and birthright of Air India and now is making a world leader pitch for its North American non-stop services with bright new airplanes, with big volume potential routes as it lays down the law. Here is the new deal at Air India, to both carry the flag and build itself as a viable alternative, to recapture more of the airborne traffic from USA to India. The pitch includes widening understanding that today’s Air India offers no-hassle, non-stops and quick connectors to all the ancient and important destinations on the subcontinent. With hope and expectations running high, stay tuned for new opportunities, as that obligatory transit connection in Europe or the Middle East that has been the norm for 87% of the airborne traffic from the New World gateways, will now afford passengers and cargo an alternative. Sure, the airports in Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and IST are pretty and sumptuous enough and offer viable connections, but how about no longer walking for miles and hanging out for hours; instead arriving at the destination in one go, chopping a third of the time and effort to travel from New York and most other North American cities served, to Mumbai or New Delhi, whilst also saving some money and effort getting there in a sweepingly beautiful Air India A350.
 Dinesh
K. Krishnan has been in the logistics business for well over 30 years. As
the Founder and Managing Director of United Shipping Services, he has built
a team that has driven expansion across India’s major ports, airports,
and into the heart of Europe. Krishnan was the first Indian freight forwarder
to establish its own independent branch office in Antwerp Port, Belgium,
in 2004.Specializing in providing tailored logistics solutions to multiple sectors across India, Europe, the USA, and Korea, Krishnan pointed out that his role encompasses steering business operations, building teams, and developing new logistics products for customers. He is also the Chairman of the Southern Region of the Air Cargo Agents Association of India (ACAAI). In this capacity, he works with federal, state, and international cargo agencies on logistics policies, trans-national customs regulations, and ease of doing business initiatives. FT: How do you see air cargo in 2025? How do you see demand and capacity playing out in 2025? DKK: All airport data reported a volume of 334,251.1 tons in October 2024. The overall air cargo volumes are likely to witness growth of around 9-11 percent year-on-year, reaching approximately 3.6-3.7 million tonnes in FY2025, supported by an 11-13 percent expansion in international cargo and a 4-6 percent growth in domestic cargo. FT: Will India be impacted by U.S. tariff rules? DKK: We have yet to see any India-specific tariff rules from the USA, (Prime Minister Modi is in Washington, D.C. right now in talks with President Trump). However, higher tariff rules on Chinese goods will positively impact exports from India in the short term, especially in sectors where India serves as the second supply chain source for many products made in China. Stable tariffs and adherence to international trade regulations (WTO rules), without political motives for punitive rates among nations, form the basis for sustainable trade and achieving the UN Millennium Development Goals by 2030. FT: How do you see innovation and quality shaping the cargo journey from India? DKK: Indian logistics continues to be price-driven, as 80% of users (exporters/importers) are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) focused on secondary goods. However, as we move up the value chain of goods handled, quality becomes more of a focus. Tech-enabled innovations are rapidly improving the quality and scope of logistics services in the industry. However, regulatory compliance with legacy laws poses a challenge that the government is working to address in the medium and long term. FT: How important will technology investment be for you? DKK: Technology is the way forward. It is developed in India, and its adaptation is essential to maintaining ease of doing business for us and our customers. We are making significant investments in areas ranging from paperless processes to digital data management systems with AI support. This will continue to drive industry efficiency and offer enhanced logistics solutions to EXIM customers across this vast country. FT: Your take on the development of infrastructure in India? Do you feel that the government has finally recognized the importance of air cargo in the country? DKK: India is undergoing aggressive infrastructure development to unlock the full potential of its economy. The Logistics Excellence and Performance Standards (LEAPS) established by the Government of India to annually assess and award various logistics sector performances has been a great success in elevating the logistics sector's standards in the country. Air cargo is a strategic national asset, and the government has recognized its important role as a critical trade enabler and national security asset. It is now heavily investing in the development of this sector across the country to address the needs of the air cargo industry in India. Tirthankar Ghosh |
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Last week at Orlando, Florida where the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority: Orlando International (MCO) and Executive (ORL) Airports was making all the right moves to emerge as a major force in global logistics are from left Vicki Jaramillo, GOAA– Executive Vice President & Chief Development Officer; Brandon; Tim Weisheyer, GOAA Chairman of the Board; Kendra Tanner, MBA- AfA Board Director and CEO of Allstates WorldCargo; Tod Willman, GOAA Assistant VP of Cargo Development and Kevin Thibault,GOAA Chief Executive Officer. All were part of a day-long immersion session that unpacked an interesting and wide-ranging discussion titled, “Navigating the Dynamic Landscape of Air Cargo.” “Brandon’s involvement”, Tod noted, "was vital to move discussions and important issues and emerging air cargo industry trends.” Looking ahead, Tod will be taking the Orlando story farther as a featured voice in Dallas, Texas at Airforwarders Association (AfA) and their partners, AEMCA (Air and Expedited Motor Carriers Association) and ACI North America, delivering their Annual AirCargo Conference March 1-3 to a big domestic and international audience. Tod will be featured in an opening day session titled “State-of-the-Art Cargo Facilities in North America: Why Not?” scheduled for Monday, March 3, 2025 at 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM. |
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New
WFS Cargo Building 260 At JFK
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When Sirius appeared 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? Well here come cold weather February Dog Days! Just prior to the Super Bowl on Sunday February 9th, The Puppy Bowl offered a gentle couple of hours broadcast worldwide on The Discovery Channel. Actually Puppy Bowl has been a pre-Super Bowl Sunday warm up in our house for years. When the children were living at home, our daughters especially would sit with one or two of our dogs and have a wonderful time. Puppy Bowl went for three hours on Super Bowl Sunday and among other things including lots of puppies and all the action of dog ownership, even cleaning up after a couple of the Puppy Bowl combatants got overly excited and pooped on the set. Wonderful thing here, is that scores of puppies were offered for rescue adoption during the event. For background, during COVID and often when disasters strike, scores of animals, dogs especially are abandoned or put up for adoption.  “Those
Puppy Bowl adoption ads,” says Emma Shin, (right) who operates Rocky
Mountain Puppy Rescue in Denver, Colorado (rmpuppyrescue.org)
“are great for dog rescue, often resulting In waiting lists for viewers
who fall in love with dogs for the first time, or all over again.“Everywhere for days after the Puppy Bowl action for dog adoption in various shelters all over America bumps up," she said. An American tune written in the 1860s captured the challenges of those times and also the role of a dog perfectly. The tune is “Sweet Betsy From Pike” and the lyric explains what it is about dogs in just a couple words . . . Don't you remember Sweet Betsy from Pike Who crossed the big mountain with her lover Ike. With two yoke of cattle and a large yellow dog, A tall Shanghai rooster and one spotted hog. The rooster ran off, and the cattle all died, The last piece of bacon that morning was fried. Well Ike got discouraged and Betsy got mad, The dog drooped his tail and looked wonderfully sad. Here we are at home with a couple four-legged friends as they continue to do what they have always done best. As great spirits, just like most every other dog in this world, our dogs look at us and just want to know: “What’s up?” Hooray For Dog Days And Happy Valentine's Day! |
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 Vol. 24 No. 3 Air Cargo At The Kursaal Chuckles for January 24, 2024 Scoring Between Flights Year Of The Snake A Tale Of Two Airports |
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24 No. 4AirCargo Dallas March Is On Chuckles for January 30, 2025 iPhone Better Than A Diamond India To Host FIATA Event Stake The Year By The Beast |
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