Latest news with #freightforwarders
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
SolitAir expands Middle East reach with scheduled cargo flights between Dubai and Kuwait
Appoints Al Hayat International as GSA partner in the country Dubai, UAE: SolitAir, the UAE's dedicated cargo airline operating express daily scheduled airport-to-airport services across the Global South, has announced the launch of its new scheduled service from Dubai World Central (DWC) to Kuwait International Airport (KWI). The new route marks a strategic expansion into the Kuwaiti market, further strengthening SolitAir's position as a key logistics enabler for freight forwarders, integrator airlines, and e-commerce platforms across the Middle East and beyond. The airline currently transports a wide variety of cargo to and from Kuwait, including perishables, electronics, courier shipments, general cargo and dangerous goods highlighting SolitAir's capability to handle complex and sensitive shipments with efficiency and care. SolitAir will operate the route connecting Kuwait with DWC marking another milestone in the cargo airline's mission to connect high-yield trade routes across the Global South, offering reliable and efficient logistics solutions across the Middle East (including Iraq and Turkey), as well as Africa, the Indian Subcontinent and Central Asia. To support this expansion, SolitAir has appointed Al Hayat International for Air Shipping as its General Sales Agent (GSA) in Kuwait. The partner brings strong local expertise, customer-centric service teams and a proven track record in air freight operations. Talal Al Jeri, CEO of Al Jeri Holdings and Owner of Al Hayat International for Air Shipping, the GSA for SolitAir in Kuwait, said: 'We are delighted to partner with SolitAir. Their commitment to speed, reliability and specialized cargo solutions aligns perfectly with the needs of the Kuwaiti market. This partnership will create new opportunities for Kuwaiti businesses to transport goods quickly and efficiently.' Hamdi Osman, Founder & CEO of SolitAir, said: 'The launch of our scheduled service to Kuwait comes at a pivotal time, as the ambitious Air Cargo City project at Kuwait International Airport receives the green light to move forward. This initiative is poised to establish Kuwait as a leading logistics hub in the Middle East and North Africa. With cutting-edge facilities and a strategic focus on sustainable growth, this project aligns perfectly with SolitAir's mission to provide reliable and efficient cargo solutions. With our expanded fleet and the appointment of a strong GSA partner in Al Hayat International, we are committed to supporting Kuwaiti businesses in seizing new opportunities and driving regional trade forward.' With the addition of Kuwait, SolitAir continues to expand its scheduled and chartered network, which already includes 26 destinations across the Global South, from the GCC to Africa, Asia and beyond. Recently, SolitAir received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), reinforcing its position as a trusted partner in the region's logistics sector. SolitAir currently operates a fleet of five Boeing 737-800 BCF freighters. The cargo airline plans to add three to five more aircraft by the end of 2025, with the aim of expanding to 20 aircraft by 2027. This fleet expansion supports the airline's growth from its state-of-the-art, 220,000-square-foot logistics facility at DWC. The cargo airline's fleet is designed to handle a variety of specialized cargo, including temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals, e-commerce shipments and hazardous materials, ensuring that each shipment reaches its destination securely and on time. About SolitAir Dubai World Central (DWC)-headquartered SolitAir is the UAE's dedicated cargo airline operating express daily scheduled services between Dubai and high-yield key trade routes across the Global South, catering to the bespoke transportation needs of freight forwarders, integrator airlines, SMEs, and e-commerce businesses. Thanks to its agile, customer-centric, and technologically advanced B2B, middle mile business model, SolitAir ensures the swift, efficient, and reliable airport-to-airport movement of goods and products. As a complementary partner to the global supply chain ecosystem, SolitAir bridges critical connections and delivers tailored speed-to-market solutions. SolitAir operates a growing fleet of modern narrow-bodied Boeing 737-800 aircraft connecting Dubai World Central (Al Maktoum International Airport) to high yield Global South markets across the Middle East, Africa, the Sub-Continent and Central Asia while adhering to stringent global, regional and local regulations. With a commitment to reliability, speed, flexibility and efficiency, SolitAir ensures seamless deliveries of Dangerous Goods, Pharmaceuticals, Perishables (including Meat, chicken and fish, and Frozen Goods), Valuable Goods, Vulnerable Goods, Oversized Freight and e-commerce. SolitAir was founded by Hamdi Osman in 2024 who currently serves as CEO. Hamdi is the former Senior Vice President of FedEX Express Europe, Middle East, Indian Subcontinent and Africa. For further information, please contact: Nabil Moufarrej Chief Marketing Officer, SolitAir E: nmoufarrej@ Lejo Johnny Leidar MENA Email:
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Fluent Cargo launches Global Disruption Feed
Fluent Cargo has introduced its Global Disruption Feed in response to escalating tariff volatility and record-high US seaborne container imports. The feature includes a real-time intelligence service designed to inform companies of disruptions affecting shipping routes globally. The Global Disruption Feed is an enhancement to Fluent Cargo's online platform, which offers routing, schedules, tracking, pricing, and emissions data for cargo shipments. The new feature provides timely updates, allowing shippers and freight forwarders to make informed decisions on the best shipping routes. Fluent Cargo CEO Archival Garcia said: 'With potential new tariffs creating immediate pressure to optimise supply chains and the US-China trade relationship facing renewed uncertainty, logistics managers need real-time disruption intelligence more than ever. 'Traditional monthly planning cycles simply can't handle today's volatility, whether it's trade policy changes, severe weather, or infrastructure failures.' This launch comes at a critical time as supply chain uncertainty grows due to fluctuating tariffs and traditional planning cycles struggle to keep pace with dynamic market conditions. Furthermore, the shipping industry is facing various disruptions beyond tariffs. For instance, Sydney's ports have been suspended by a 'bomb cyclone' since 1 July, with winds reaching 125km/hr. Similarly, rail closures since 4 July have disrupted connections to Hamburg's main container facilities. "Companies that can adapt their routing strategies immediately will maintain competitive advantage while others struggle with disruption. Our platform transforms how businesses respond to the unexpected, from severe climate events to port closures,' added Garcia. Fluent Cargo's Global Disruption Feed not only notifies users of disruptions but also offers severity ratings and detailed location information. This enables logistics professionals to transition from reactive crisis management to a proactive strategy to optimise their supply chain operations. The Global Disruption Feed is now available to Fluent Cargo users across the world. Furthermore, Fluent Cargo's recent partnership with market intelligence firm Xeneta in April aims to enhance freight routing and pricing decisions. As Xeneta's first partner in Australia and New Zealand, Fluent Cargo will facilitate broader access to valuable market data for companies in the region. "Fluent Cargo launches Global Disruption Feed" was originally created and published by Ship Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
CNA
05-08-2025
- Business
- CNA
SATS opens new air cargo hub at Changi Airport as testbed for T5 operations
SINGAPORE: SATS has launched a new air cargo handling facility at Changi Airport, which will serve as a testbed for new systems and processes that may be deployed at the future Terminal 5 and Changi East Industrial Zone. The Bulk Unitisation Programme (BUP) Handling Centre, officially opened on Tuesday (Aug 5), is the world's first facility dedicated to such cargo. BUPs are ready-to-ship cargo packages assembled by freight forwarders or shippers and delivered to SATS to be loaded onto flights. They typically contain multiple items – such as e-commerce packages, boxed items or loose parcels – secured and moved as a single unit. Goods typically moved in BUPs include electronics and consumer goods, said Mr Kuah Boon Kiam, senior vice-president for cargo services at SATS. "BUP as a concept is not accepted by all countries due to differing customs requirements," said Mr Kuah during a media preview. "But in Singapore, we have a custom regulation that allows for this, and because of it, this, as far as we know, is the first facility of this sort." STREAMLINED OPERATIONS The new centre consolidates SATS' cargo operations, previously spread across two sites, into a single location covering about half the size of a football field at SATS Cargo's Airfreight Terminal. Operations moved to the new facility in April, with 20 employees working across three shifts around the clock. Previously, BUPs had to be moved twice by forklift – first to a weighing scale, then to the truck dock for administrative clearance. The new facility integrates the weighing station and processing booth side by side, reducing processing time from between 10 and 15 minutes to between five and eight minutes. The number of weighing scales has also increased from one per site to six in total, reducing the minimum processing time. This means that companies can now send in their packages closer to the flight time, from two-and-a-half hours down to two. "To a freight forwarder, this is quite a big deal, because they always want to send it in as close to the timing as possible, so that they can maximise the build-up in their warehouse and put in more cargo," said Mr Kuah. CREATING CAPACITY Currently, about 35 per cent of cargo handled by SATS comprises BUPs. The firm aims to raise this to at least 50 per cent within 12 to 18 months. SATS now processes over 300 BUP units daily but has capacity for 600, said Mr Kuah. "We don't want to design a facility that is full from the very first day of operation," he added. The decision to build the facility was made in 2022, as air travel recovered post-pandemic. Without it, SATS would be operating at capacity, said Mr Kuah. "The growth in air freight has made our warehouses a little bit congested on certain days, particularly during the peak periods," he said. "We have to create capacity so that we can grow; otherwise, we will not be able to accept new cargo." The BUP Handing Centre will serve as a testbed for future cargo operations at Terminal 5, which is expected to open in the mid-2030s, and Changi East Industrial Zone. "If it works very well, then we will replicate it for the new facility," said Mr Kuah. "If there are certain improvements that need to be done, then we have time to do it before we move to the new facility in 2036." Speaking to reporters at the launch, SATS president and CEO Kerry Mok said the company must prepare for the expected rise in global cargo volumes. "For T5, because it's still in the design stage, we still haven't figured out what is actually the investment required," he said, adding that it is "still some time away". However, with the global cargo volume projected to grow 3 to 4 per cent, Singapore must be ready to handle a similar increase ahead of Terminal 5's opening if it wants to secure a share of that growth, said Mr Mok.
