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Update: US Gulf of Mexico Clean Up - Ports Status
As of press time, the sea ports of New Orleans and Houston are not reporting any delays, re-routes or closures due to the recent Deepsea Horizon oil rig disaster and spill and clean up efforts in the Gulf of Mexico. The Alabama State Port Authority, which operates the sea port of Mobile, reports that the Port of Mobile remained open to all vessels as of press time despite oil being reported in Mobile Bay.
U.S. Exports: Be Prepared. Communicate Priorities!
Because AIT works with a variety of carriers to help minimize cargo delays, export customers are reminded to communicate their priorities when booking shipments.
When requesting rates or bookings, be sure to indicate whether a faster transit time or immediate booking takes priority over the rate level; or vice versa. If the cargo is more rate-sensitive (i.e., low cargo value), it may take longer to ship. Lead times for lower rates in this market currently average between 3 to 4 weeks as vessels and equipment hovers around 100% for all lines. Customers willing to book at a slight premium will more than likely see their shipments moving in 1 to 2 weeks.
AIRPORT UPDATES
Atlanta (US)
Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is gaining a new carrier before year end. Asiana Airlines has announced it will begin operating four weekly 747-400 freighter cargo flights to Seoul, South Korea beginning on September 13. (Source: CargonewsAsia, 7/16/2010)
Stansted (UK)
Stansted, the UK's second busiest airport after London Heathrow, handled 17,700 tons of cargo in June 2010, a 16% increase over June 2009. Heathrow recorded a 23% increase during that same period. The UK Civil Aviation Authority has granted Stansted airport clearance to handle Code F aircraft, including the A380, which means the airport can cope with the largest aircraft if they are diverted, and will be able to bid for future scheduled passenger and/or freight business.
British Airways, Etihad, Qatar Airways, Korean Air, Thailand Airways and Malaysia Airlines have placed firm orders for the A380 passenger aircrafts but a Stansted spokesman said the Code F go-ahead plays to their strengths in areas such as cargo. Currently Air France, Lufthansa, Emirates, Singapore Air and Qantas are already using this type of plane.
(Air Cargo World, 7/22/2010)
Italy
According to the Dow Jones Newswires, a recent consultancy report commissioned by the Italian government suggested that Italy should close 24 of its 48 airports and bulk up its national aviation strategy around international gateway airports FCO Rome, MXP Milan and VCE Venice. Utilizing those three airports can double or even triple their annual passenger counts and boost cargo capacity by 2030. Prompt investments for improved capacity are required, the report by One Works, KPMG and Nomisma said.
UP UP & AWAY: Airline Updates
Not only has Vienna-based Austrian Lufthansa Cargo begun cargo marketing for both Airlines in Austria; the German cargo carrier has now added Vienna to its list of security hubs that include Frankfurt, Munich, New York, Chicago and Shanghai. Austrian Lufthansa Cargo also handled its first eFreight shipment from Vienna to New York earlier this month and according to the airline, a paperless option will be available throughout its network by the end of 2010. (Source: Air Cargo World)
Korean Air is specifically targeting global pharmaceutical manufacturers that are looking for a carrier to provide comprehensive global network options with consistent quality service.
In repositioning itself to focus on temperature-sensitive commodities, the carrier has signed a lease agreement with Envirotainer to secure temperature-controlling containers and has remodelled Variation Pharma, its main cold chain service. Storage facilities at the airline's cargo hub at Incheon Airport, outside of Seoul, are capable of holding 24 tons of temperature sensitive shipments at any one time. (Source: Cargonews Asia)
After a six year absence, Garuda Indonesia Airlines has launched a daily A330 service from Jakarta to Amsterdam via Dubai. It has also awarded a Europe-wide cargo GSA contract to European Cargo Services (ECS). ECS will market the 14 ton daily capacity throughout France, Germany, and the Scandinavian area and expects to generate 5,200 ton of freight per year for Garuda to destinations across Asia and Australasia. (Source: Air Cargo World)
Alitalia Airlines has received its first new A330-200 for use on transatlantic routes. A second aircraft will be delivered by the end of the year.
International cargo traffic carried by members of the Association of European Airlines (AEA) increased in May by 17.3% year over year. This was the highest monthly increase for more than 15 years though the AEA pointed out that this should be seen in the context of the "near collapse" of business during the recession. Seven member airlines, Alitalia, Finnair, Iberia, Lot Polish Airlines, Malev, SAS and Turkish Airlines, saw their May 2010 figures improve by more than 50% from May 2009.
(Source: Air Cargo World)
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