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SATS has introduced an integrated transport service using Autonomous Cargo Vehicles (ACVs) at the Changi Airfreight Centre in Singapore, marking a step towards more automated, responsive and sustainable cargo operations at the airport. The service enables autonomous transportation of cargo between SATS Airfreight Terminals and freight forwarders’ warehouses within the Free Trade Zone.
Designed for freight forwarders and cargo agents, the service is currently being validated under live operating conditions as SATS progresses towards full deployment. The ACVs deployed in the pilot can carry up to 800 kilogrammes of cargo and automate routine point-to-point movements between SATS terminals and freight forwarders’ warehouses.
The solution is designed to scale with demand. SATS said higher-capacity ACVs capable of carrying up to 1,500 kilogrammes could be deployed in the future, while the model also has the potential to support round-the-clock operations. By enabling on-demand cargo transfers, the service reduces freight forwarders’ reliance on conventional truck and driver schedules, helping accelerate cargo collection and delivery and allowing consignees to receive shipments sooner.
Henry Low, CEO, SATS SG Hub, said, “Autonomous transportation allows us to rethink how cargo moves through the airport ecosystem, shifting routine movements towards an on-demand, scalable model. By integrating it into our operations, we can unlock capacity, strengthen resilience and augment the capabilities of our people, while delivering greater speed and reliability for our customers. This is how we are building a more intelligent and responsive Singapore air cargo hub for the future.”
SATS has worked closely with Changi Airport Group to deploy and validate the ACVs within the airport’s autonomous vehicle operational and safety framework. This collaboration allows the technology to be tested and progressively integrated into live cargo operations while meeting the safety and operational requirements of the Changi air cargo ecosystem.
The fully electric ACVs also support SATS’ efforts to transition towards more sustainable cargo transportation within the airport environment. The initiative forms part of SATS Singapore Hub’s Hub Handler of the Future programme, announced in October 2025, which brings together people, technology and new operating models to increase capacity, improve visibility and strengthen operational resilience.
𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬
Kazakhstan-based cargo airline Jupiter Jet is rebuilding its operations with the addition of a leased Boeing 757-200 passenger-to-freighter (P2F) aircraft from AerSale, marking an important step in the carrier’s plans to expand its regional and international freight network. The Boeing 757-200PCF is Jupiter Jet’s first aircraft as it resumes operations and is expected to support cargo services across Central Asia and neighbouring markets. The aircraft offers a combination of payload capability, operating economics and range, making it suitable for express cargo and e-commerce networks, particularly across the region. The addition of the freighter strengthens Jupiter Jet’s fleet and provides the carrier with increased operational flexibility as demand for reliable air cargo capacity continues to grow. Jupiter Jet serves Kazakhstan and surrounding markets, offering freight solutions across Central Asia and beyond. “We are pleased to support Jupiter Jet’s fleet expansion with this Boeing 757 freighter,” said Craig Wright, Senior Vice President and Head of Asset Management at AerSale. “The 757 remains one of the industry’s most versatile and dependable medium-haul freighters, and this lease demonstrates AerSale’s ability to provide tailored fleet solutions that help operators meet evolving market demand,” he added. For Jupiter Jet, the aircraft is expected to provide the performance and economics required to develop its expanding cargo network. The airline has retained its air operator certificate during its period of suspended operations and is now using the Boeing 757 to rebuild its presence in the regional freight market. “We are excited to add the Boeing 757 freighter to our fleet through our partnership with AerSale,” said Erik Kozbagarov, Chief Executive Officer of Jupiter Jet. “The aircraft’s performance and economics make it an excellent fit for our expanding cargo network, allowing us to better serve our customers while positioning Jupiter Jet for continued growth,” he added. The lease also adds another Boeing 757 freighter to AerSale’s growing Central Asian cargo portfolio, following its earlier agreement with Tashkent-based Stratos Freight for a Boeing 757-200 Precision Converted Freighter. AerSale’s aircraft leasing platform supports operators worldwide with fleet solutions backed by capabilities spanning aircraft and component maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), engine solutions, used serviceable material (USM) and asset management. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
Airbus is set to take a major step in the development of its next-generation freighter, with the A350F scheduled to make its maiden flight on 29 September 2026 from Toulouse, France. The first flight marks a significant milestone for Airbus as it seeks to strengthen its position in the large widebody freighter market. The flight is scheduled for 10:20 a.m. local time in Toulouse and is expected to be broadcast live by Airbus. However, the manufacturer has stated that the event remains subject to operational requirements and weather conditions. The first flight-test aircraft, MSN700, registered F-WXLD, has been undergoing final ground preparations. On 24 September, the aircraft completed two high-speed rejected-takeoff tests at Toulouse, supporting preparations for its transition to flight testing. The A350F is a purpose-built freighter derived from the A350 family. Its configuration combines the forward fuselage of the A350-900 with the rear fuselage and wings of the larger A350-1000, creating a unique aerodynamic profile that requires dedicated flight testing. Airbus plans a certification campaign involving approximately 400 flight hours across two test aircraft. MSN700 will primarily support testing of aerodynamic performance, handling characteristics and the autopilot, while the second aircraft, MSN701, will focus on systems testing, including air-conditioning and fire and smoke evaluations. Airbus has indicated that certification and first customer deliveries remain targeted for 2027. The A350F is designed for a payload of more than 110 tonnes and is intended to address growing demand for efficient, modern large freighters. Its development also comes as the air cargo industry prepares for tighter emissions requirements affecting older-generation freighter designs. With the A350F competing in the emerging new-generation widebody freighter segment alongside Boeing’s 777-8F, its maiden flight will be closely watched by airlines, cargo operators and the wider global air freight industry. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
WestJet Cargo has appointed AVIAREPS as its General Sales Agent (GSA) in India, giving the aviation services company nationwide responsibility for cargo sales, customer engagement and market development. The appointment is aimed at strengthening WestJet Cargo’s commercial presence and relationships across the Indian air cargo market. Under the new mandate, AVIAREPS will represent WestJet Cargo, the cargo business of Canadian airline WestJet, across India. The company will work closely with freight forwarders, cargo agents and other industry stakeholders to support cargo sales, develop commercial relationships and identify new business opportunities. AVIAREPS will draw on its pan-India network and knowledge of the local aviation and cargo ecosystem to support WestJet Cargo’s market development objectives. The partnership combines the airline’s international cargo offering with AVIAREPS’ local sales capabilities and established industry relationships. Frederick Overton, Global Head of Cargo, AVIAREPS, said, “We are delighted to support WestJet Cargo as its Cargo GSA in India. Our pan-India presence, local market expertise and established relationships across the aviation and cargo ecosystem position us well to support WestJet Cargo’s commercial objectives in the country. We look forward to working closely with customers and industry partners across India and contributing to the continued development of WestJet Cargo’s business in this market.” The appointment forms part of WestJet Cargo’s wider GSA structure in India. Airline Services International (ASI) will work with Rainbow Aviation Private Limited to cover selected regional cargo markets, including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Telangana and Goa. For AVIAREPS, the mandate further expands its portfolio of airline cargo representation assignments and reinforces its role in providing sales, market development and customer engagement support to international carriers. For WestJet Cargo, the nationwide representation provides a dedicated local platform to engage with India’s freight forwarding and cargo community. The arrangement is expected to support the carrier’s sales activities while helping identify opportunities across one of the world’s key aviation and trade markets. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
