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Lufthansa Cargo’s subsidiary time:matters GmbH and Shenzhen Airport Group Co., Ltd. have agreed to deepen their relationship with a focus on logistics handling services. Shenzhen Airport, located in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, is a key player in the e-commerce industry, experiencing a significant increase in air transport volume for cross-border e-commerce. Lufthansa Cargo has been operating a scheduled freighter connection between Shenzhen and Frankfurt twice a week since July 2024, integrating the logistics advantages of both international hubs to serve the growing demand in the e-commerce segment, especially to Europe. Furthermore, Lufthansa Cargo and Shenzhen Airport Group Co., Ltd. have been successfully operating the International Cargo Centre Shenzhen (ICCS), officially registered as Shenzhen Airport International Cargo Terminal Co., Ltd. since 2004 as joint shareholders.
Last week, time:matters Courier Terminals GmbH, a wholly owned subsidiary of time:matters GmbH, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the International Cargo Centre Shenzhen, marking a significant step towards a successful collaboration in delivering high-performance logistics handling services. The two companies have agreed to build a future-oriented relationship.
“With the International Cargo Centre Shenzhen (ICCS) having delivered high-quality cargo handling services for the past 20 years, this collaboration represents a forward-looking partnership in the logistics industry further enabling global business”, stated Ashwin Bhat, CEO of Lufthansa Cargo, who witnessed the ceremonial signing in Frankfurt.
Wong Ching Hao Ben, General Manager of Shenzhen Airport International Cargo Terminal Co., Ltd. shared at the MoU signing ceremony, “It’s the highlight of ICCS overall corporate development strategy, which is in line with Shenzhen Airport Group’s strategy and China’s national strategic planning of the Greater Bay Area.”
“The handling services and drive for innovation of both time:matters and ICCS complement each other ideally, with time:matters offering fastest freight handling at highest process quality on routes that run via our Courier Terminals in Frankfurt (FRA) and Shanghai (PVG), amongst others”, said Bernhard zur Strassen, CEO of time:matters GmbH. “This collaboration is expected to bring mutual benefits for both parties, and further strengthen our global growth path in the logistics industry.”
Kenya Airways has been selected by FedEx as its ground handling partner, marking the first time the American logistics and cargo carrier has appointed the airline for such operations. The partnership represents a significant milestone for Kenya Airways’ cargo and airport services business as international airlines and logistics operators continue expanding strategic collaborations across African markets. According to Kenya Airways, the agreement reflects growing confidence among global carriers in the airline’s operational capabilities, service standards and airport handling expertise. The collaboration is also expected to strengthen the airline’s role in supporting cargo connectivity between Africa and key international trade corridors. In an official statement shared on LinkedIn, Kenya Airways described the development as a proud milestone, noting that FedEx had become the first American airline to select the carrier as its ground handling partner. The agreement comes amid increasing focus within the air cargo industry on strengthening regional handling infrastructure, improving turnaround efficiency and expanding integrated logistics partnerships to support rising freight demand across Africa and global supply chains. The development further highlights Africa’s growing strategic relevance in international cargo networks as airlines and logistics companies seek stronger operational partnerships across emerging trade and distribution hubs.
Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl) is intensifying its sustainability and cargo safety initiatives as global supply chains increasingly demand greener, more resilient and technology-enabled logistics infrastructure. According to Hactl’s annual Sustainability Report 2025, the company’s latest investments in intelligent cargo screening, autonomous electric vehicles and sustainable terminal operations signal a broader transformation of air cargo handling from a traditional warehouse function into a critical supply chain resilience strategy. At the centre of Hactl’s latest move is the Phase 2 rollout of its intelligent cargo thermal detection system at SuperTerminal 1 in Hong Kong. The enhanced system now scans cargo during acceptance as well as prior to aircraft loading, creating what the company calls a “double layer” of protection against high-risk shipments such as lithium batteries. The technology combines thermal imaging, artificial intelligence, data analytics and fluid mechanics to detect abnormal temperatures in real time and trigger alerts before incidents escalate. For global supply chains, the implications are significant. Lithium battery shipments continue to rise sharply due to booming electric vehicle, electronics and e-commerce sectors. However, battery-related fires remain one of the biggest operational risks in air freight logistics. By investing in predictive monitoring and dedicated storage infrastructure, Hactl aims to reduce disruption risks across the cargo chain while improving reliability for airlines, freight forwarders and shippers. Hactl’s sustainability strategy extends well beyond cargo safety. Under its Green Terminal Programme, the company has committed to reducing Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by more than 50 percent by 2030 against a 2018 baseline. The company has already deployed renewable diesel initiatives, energy-efficient lighting systems, digitalisation projects and terminal-wide waste reduction programmes as part of its decarbonisation roadmap. Automation is also emerging as a major pillar of Hactl’s supply chain strategy. The company recently introduced Autonomous Electric Tractors (AETs) for ramp operations at Hong Kong International Airport. The vehicles, equipped with LiDAR sensors, HD cameras and AI-powered navigation systems, are designed to improve operational efficiency while reducing emissions and labour dependency in airport logistics. Industry analysts note that sustainability in air cargo is no longer limited to carbon reduction alone. Supply chains today require terminals that can simultaneously deliver operational continuity, cargo integrity, digital visibility and regulatory compliance. Hactl’s integrated approach reflects this shift, particularly as pharmaceutical cargo, perishables, lithium batteries and cross-border e-commerce place greater pressure on air logistics infrastructure. The company’s long-term strategy aligns with Hong Kong’s broader ambition to reinforce its position as a leading global air cargo hub amid intensifying regional competition. Investments in multimodal logistics connectivity, automation and green infrastructure are expected to strengthen Hong Kong’s role in Asia-Pacific supply chains over the coming decade. As supply chains become increasingly time-sensitive and sustainability-driven, Hactl’s latest initiatives highlight how cargo terminal operators are evolving into strategic enablers of secure, resilient and environmentally responsible global trade. 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐰𝐞𝐛𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞: https://cargoconnect.co.in/ for latest news!
London Gatwick Airport has acquired control of the World Cargo Centre, reinforcing its long-term cargo growth strategy and strengthening freight resilience across the South East logistics network. Located adjacent to the airfield, the 1,747 sq m cargo facility plays a critical role in facilitating cargo movement through the airport, particularly for freight transported in the bellyhold of long-haul passenger aircraft serving key trade markets across Asia, Africa and the Middle East. The acquisition brings one of Gatwick’s most strategically important cargo assets fully under airport management, enabling closer operational integration while supporting future infrastructure development linked to the airport’s Northern Runway expansion programme. The move comes amid rising demand for air freight and follows government approval for the airport’s Northern Runway project, which is expected to increase annual flight capacity to 389,000 movements and raise cargo throughput to 161,500 tonnes by the late 2030s. According to independent economic projections, expanding cargo operations at Gatwick could significantly enhance the UK economy’s trade ecosystem while supporting substantial employment growth nationwide.
