Loading...
Qatar Airways has restored approximately 85% of its flight network as the airline accelerates its operational recovery, while also announcing two senior executive appointments aimed at strengthening customer service and operational performance.
The carrier said the network recovery reflects continued progress in reinstating services across key international markets following recent disruptions. The restored schedule is expected to improve connectivity for both passenger and cargo operations as demand stabilises across its global network.
To support the next phase of its recovery, Qatar Airways has created two new executive positions. Abdulla has been appointed Chief Operating Officer (COO), while Calum will assume the role of Chief Customer Officer (CCO). Both executives will join the airline on 1 November and report directly to Group Chief Executive Officer Hamad Al-Khater.
According to the airline, the appointments are intended to strengthen operational oversight while placing greater emphasis on customer experience as services continue to expand. The COO will oversee operational efficiency and network execution, whereas the CCO will be responsible for enhancing the end-to-end passenger experience across the airline's global operations.
The latest developments come as Qatar Airways continues rebuilding its international network through the phased restoration of destinations and flight frequencies. The airline has gradually resumed services across several markets while adapting schedules to changing operational conditions and airspace availability.
For the broader air cargo and logistics sector, the recovery of Qatar Airways' network is expected to increase available capacity on key trade lanes, supporting supply chain resilience and improving freight connectivity through its Doha hub. As one of the world's largest international carriers, the airline plays a significant role in facilitating global cargo movements alongside passenger operations.
Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such updates.
Asia Airfreight Terminal (AAT) has renewed its operating franchise with Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) for a further 15 years, securing its presence at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) from 2028 to 2043. The agreement reinforces the cargo terminal operator’s long-term commitment to Hong Kong’s air freight industry, with plans to expand handling capacity to 2 million tonnes. A subsidiary of SATS Ltd and an affiliate of Eastern Option Ltd., AAT has operated at HKIA since 1998. Its services include physical air cargo handling and documentation processing for airlines, supporting the movement of freight through one of the region’s key international aviation gateways. The franchise renewal comes as Hong Kong strengthens its aviation infrastructure and regional transport links. The full commissioning of HKIA’s Three-Runway System is expected to support the airport’s long-term development, while improved multimodal connectivity across the Greater Bay Area offers opportunities to enhance cargo movement and links between air freight and other transport networks. Mike Chew, Chief Executive Officer of AAT, said: “We are honoured to continue our long-standing partnership with Airport Authority Hong Kong. Building on nearly three decades of experience at HKIA, we will continue to invest in enhancing the infrastructure, technology, operational capabilities, including increasing our cargo handling capacity to 2 million tonnes, for long-term development of Hong Kong’s air cargo industry.” The planned capacity increase will be supported by continued investment in infrastructure, technology and operational capabilities, aimed at improving efficiency and meeting evolving requirements across the air cargo supply chain. AAT’s specialised facilities include AAT COOLPORT, which holds IATA CEIV Pharma and CEIV Fresh certifications, alongside World Health Organization Good Distribution Practices (GDP) accreditation for pharmaceutical products. These credentials support the handling of temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals and fresh produce. AAT’s renewed franchise follows a similar extension secured by Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl), another major cargo terminal operator at HKIA, whose agreement also runs until 2043. Together, the extensions provide long-term operating continuity for the airport’s cargo handling sector as Hong Kong seeks to strengthen its position as an international air freight hub. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
Air France KLM Martinair Cargo has initiated a project to expand and automate its perishables centre at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), in partnership with Lödige Industries, to increase storage capacity, improve operational efficiency and strengthen its handling capabilities for temperature-sensitive shipments. The project reflects the growing importance of automated infrastructure in maintaining efficient and reliable cold-chain logistics. The dedicated cargo business of the Air France-KLM Group is implementing an elevating transfer vehicle (ETV) system to enable automated, multi-level storage and retrieval of unit load devices (ULDs) and pallets. The solution is designed to maximise the use of available building space while accommodating future growth in cargo volumes. By automating storage and retrieval operations, the system is expected to reduce manual handling, streamline internal cargo movements and improve the utilisation of existing storage capacity. It will also support consistent handling processes within dedicated temperature-controlled areas, which are critical for preserving the quality and integrity of perishable goods throughout their journey through the cargo facility. “Expanding our temperature-controlled cargo capabilities at Paris-Charles de Gaulle is an important step in strengthening our cold-chain operations. The new automated storage solution will enable us to handle growing volumes more efficiently and further enhance the cargo handling flow for temperature-sensitive shipments at CDG,” the project team at Air France KLM Martinair Cargo said. The installation will feature a 10-foot-wide edge ETV serving 58 storage decks, of which 17 will be located within temperature-controlled areas. This configuration will allow the facility to combine high-density storage with dedicated temperature-managed space, supporting the operational requirements of perishable cargo. Lödige Machine Warburg and Lödige Machine Romania are supplying the system, which is scheduled to become operational at the end of September 2027. The installation is expected to provide a scalable foundation for further automation as cargo volumes and cold-chain requirements evolve. Commenting on the project, Björn Ussat, Director Airport Logistic Solutions at Lödige Industries, said: “Cold-chain logistics place particularly high demands on reliability, efficient use of space and consistent handling processes. This project demonstrates how automation can help cargo operators optimise storage capacity and internal material flows while supporting the stringent handling requirements of temperature-sensitive shipments. We are delighted to support Air France KLM Martinair Cargo with an efficient and scalable solution that also provides a solid basis for future expansion of automated storage processes at Paris-Charles de Gaulle,” The investment will reinforce Paris-CDG's role in the group's cargo operations by improving how temperature-sensitive shipments are stored and transferred within the facility. Automated storage systems can help cargo operators manage space constraints, reduce unnecessary handling and establish more predictable internal workflows. For Air France KLM Martinair Cargo, the project forms part of the broader effort to strengthen specialised cargo-handling capabilities as supply chains increasingly demand reliable infrastructure for perishable goods. Efficient cold-chain operations are particularly important for shipments such as fresh produce, flowers and other temperature-sensitive commodities, where handling conditions and transit efficiency can influence product quality. As air cargo facilities face growing pressure to improve throughput without proportionate increases in their physical footprint, automation offers a way to enhance capacity and operational consistency. The Paris-CDG project combines these objectives with dedicated temperature-controlled storage, positioning the facility to accommodate future demand while maintaining the handling standards required for perishables. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
Aramex has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GMR Airports Limited (GAL) to strengthen its express cargo and freight infrastructure across GMR-operated airports in India, with a focus on improving cross-border logistics, customs clearance and international trade connectivity. The proposed collaboration aims to support micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), exporters, importers and other businesses by enabling more efficient movement of international shipments through key airport gateways. Signed at GMR Hyderabad Air Cargo (GHAC) in Hyderabad, the agreement will explore opportunities to enhance Aramex’s operational infrastructure at GMR Airports’ express cargo terminals. The proposed facilities include dedicated truck docks, screening systems and designated operational space, subject to mutually agreed terms and conditions under a definitive agreement. The infrastructure is expected to facilitate integrated customs clearance capabilities for multiple international products, helping streamline cargo processing, improve operational efficiency and support smoother movement of shipments across borders. Exploring Warehousing and Airside Connectivity Under the proposed arrangement, GMR Airports will maintain the identified infrastructure at the express cargo terminal in accordance with the terms to be finalised by both parties. Aramex and GAL are also exploring the development of a warehousing facility close to the express cargo terminal, with dedicated airside corridor access to support cargo movement. GMR Airports may additionally facilitate engagement with relevant authorities and share its technical expertise and operational experience to support the proposed development. The initiative is intended to strengthen Aramex’s logistics network in India while enhancing the capabilities available to businesses using GMR-operated airports for international shipments. The collaboration places particular emphasis on supporting trade flows between India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. The two companies are working towards developing the proposed infrastructure by March 2027. Investment requirements, project timelines and other implementation details will be explored jointly as discussions progress. Strengthening India's Global Trade Connectivity Commenting on the partnership, Amadou Diallo, Group CEO, Aramex, said, “Our focus on India goes beyond expanding our footprint; it is about building the capabilities and infrastructure needed to support the country's next phase of growth in global trade. At Aramex, we are committed to strengthening our network, investing in local capabilities and working with strategic partners to create more efficient channels for businesses to access international markets. Our collaboration with GMR Airports Limited reflects this long-term commitment to India and will further strengthen our ability to support businesses across the country with efficient logistics solutions.” Veena Bhogaonkar, Managing Director, Aramex India, said, “We are pleased to partner with GAL to strengthen our logistics capabilities across GMR-operated airports. By enhancing our infrastructure and operational capabilities at the express cargo terminal, we aim to provide businesses, including MSMEs, with more efficient and seamless express and freight services to support their domestic and international trade requirements.” Abbas Panju, Regional CEO GCC and Indian Subcontinent, Aramex, said, “India is a strategically important market for Aramex, and we continue to see significant opportunities to strengthen our logistics network and support the country's growing international trade. Our collaboration with GAL will help us enhance our capabilities through GAL’s key international gateways and further support businesses looking to connect with global markets.” Therefore, this MoU reflects the companies’ intent to build stronger airport-linked logistics capabilities as India’s international trade and cross-border shipment requirements expand. Subject to the final agreements and implementation plans, the proposed infrastructure could help businesses access more integrated express and freight services while supporting the efficiency of international supply chains. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
