In the news this month
China services suspended by more airlines as coronavirus totals rise
More and more airlines are suspending flights in reaction to the coronavirus outbreak with the carriers saying cargo volumes and demand are almost non-existent, except for medical supplies and face masks. The official number of infections in China alone has already passed 40,000.
While demand is falling across China the global industry is still expecting capacity shortages in the wake of coronavirus, once factories reopen from February 10, with impacts on factories, workers, truckers, Customs and offices.
2019 ‘worst year for air cargo since the GFC’ – IATA
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) says 2019 was one of the worst years for global air freight, at least since the global financial crisis in 2009 (when air freight markets contracted by 9.7 per cent). It also warns for a very challenging 2020, with respect to the eventual impact of the coronavirus on the global economy.
Air Tanzania commissions Swissport
Air Tanzania has commissioned Swissport to handle its hub operations at Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro airports.
The new agreement includes ground services, air cargo handling and aviation security.
Child abuse material on the rise
Australia and New Zealand have warned of increasing international trade in child-like sex dolls, many of them imported as air freight consignments. The Australian Border Force (ABF) recently intercepted one such doll at an air cargo depot.
Trans-Tasman freighter boost
FedEx and TNT have moved to strengthen their trans-Tasman lane service, introducing a 5-weekly B737F service between Auckland and Sydney.
Stevenson back in control at NZ Customs
Christine Stevenson has returned to her permanent role as chief executive and comptroller of NZ Customs. This follows a period of secondment as acting chief executive of the NZ Department of Corrections.