Business Buzz
¦ The Air Transport Association of America reported that passenger revenue, based on a sample group of carriers, rose 4.5 percent in February versus the same month in 2009, marking the second consecutive month of revenue growth. Approximately 2.9 percent fewer passengers traveled on U.S. airlines in February, in large part due to inclement weather, while the average price to fly one mile rose 5 percent. Growth was particularly strong across all regions in international markets, where passenger revenues rose 7.9 percent. U.S. airlines saw cargo traffic, as measured in cargo revenue ton miles, rise 14 percent year-over-year (2 percent domestically and 27 percent internationally) in January 2009, driven by increased international trade.
¦ International consulting firm Oliver Wyman, with support from the International Air Transport Association, announced the findings of its 2010 Global Air Cargo CEO Survey at the IATA World Cargo Symposium in Vancouver. This year’s survey of more than 30 CEOs of top global air cargo players found that, while the global economy may be showing signs of stabilization, the recovery in the air cargo market is still fragile. Survey highlights include: Air cargo firms are cautious about projected improvements in 2010, but almost all foresee a return to 2007 peak levels within 1-3 years; the majority of growth is expected to come from China and North Asia, followed by the rest of Asia-Pacific. Accordingly, air cargo providers plan to focus sales attention in these regions; despite the projected recovery, customer buying preferences and patterns have experienced a permanent shift. Customers will continue to be highly price-sensitive and will keenly evaluate alternative transport modes to meet their shipping needs for segments with slower supply chain requirements.
¦ Swissport International announced it has been named “Best Ground Handling Company 2010” by the Institute of Transport Management. The independent London-based logistics center bestowed the prestigious award on Swissport following an extensive survey of more than 230 airport and aviation companies.
¦ Bob McMichael, former vice president of sales and marketing for international GSE manufacturer AERO Specialties, has launched a new branding and marketing firm for small to mid-sized aviation companies.Focusing specifically on the FBO market, and business aviation in general, Flightbrand provides a comprehensive range of marketing services, from complete branding strategies involving in-depth research, development and ad campaigns, to corporate collateral production (brochures, catalogs, trade show material), to Web sites and other Internet-based marketing products.
¦ Malabar International announced that it has developed and produced the initial order for a 320-ton Rapid Deployment Tripod Jack Set. Consisting of four 80-ton jacks, the portable aircraft jack set was developed to meet the need for emergency maintenance on commercial aircraft at airports without full-service facilities. When an aircraft requires major repairs at a remote airport, the Rapid Deployment Set can be delivered on a wide-body PAX or freighter aircraft to facilitate quick repairs.
¦ ASIG announced that four of its aviation fuel services operations, based in the United Kingdom, are recipients of Shell Aviation’s top Health, Safety, Security & Environmental Award, Goal Zero. ASIG provides aviation fuel services on behalf of Shell Aviation to their airline customers at these airports. Under the award scheme, ASIG’s aircraft refueling operation at Birmingham International Airport (BHX) achieved Bronze status. Refueling operations at Manchester Airport (MAN) and London Stansted Airport (STN) both received Silver. At London Luton Airport (LTN), ASIG achieved Gold status for both its refueling and fuel facility management and operations units. The Goal Zero award scheme recognizes proactive management and practices as well as being a top performer. Criteria include compliance, training and achievement of zero spills, accidents and injuries.
¦ Toyota Material Handling, U.S.A., Inc. (TMHU) unveiled its new line of 8-Series 4-wheel AC electric lift trucks, available in 4,000 to 6,500 pound load capacities — including a new 5,500 pound model. The new 4-wheel models will be manufactured exclusively at the company’s facility in Columbus, Ind., Toyota Industrial Equipment Mfg., Inc. (TIEM) starting this May with orders currently being accepted.
¦ Swissport announced that it has become the first ground handling agent to renew the Cargo 2000 Certificate of Approval. The audit focuses on the delivery of quality to the customer, regular and timely interaction with customers, as well as the delivery of training and maintenance of records. The new certification will last until March 2013.
¦ The International Air Transport Association halved its loss forecast for 2010 to $2.8 billion (compared to the $5.6 billion loss forecast in December 2009). The improvement is largely driven by a much stronger recovery in demand seen by year-end gains that continued into the first months of 2010. Relatively flat capacity translated into some yield improvement and stronger revenues. IATA also lowered its 2009 loss estimate to $9.4 billion from the previously forecast US$11.0 billion loss. Improvements are driven by economic recovery in the emerging markets of Asia-Pacific and Latin America whose carriers posted international passenger demand gains of 6.5 percent and 11.0 percent, respectively, in January. North America and Europe are lagging with international passenger demand gains of 2.1 percent and 3.1 percent, respectively, for the same month.
¦ Brady Worldwide Inc. has announced the launch of its new B-345 High Temperature PermaSleeve wire marker, a new heat-shrink sleeve that excels in high temperature and low-vacuum outgassing applications. Brady expanded its PermaSleeve product line to best equip the aerospace, defense and mass transit industries. Brady’s B-345 High Temperature Wire Marking Sleeves are designed to meet the challenging industry specifications.
Partnerships/Acquisitions/Contracts
¦ Airport Terminal Services Canadian Company (ATS) announced that it commenced full ground handling services on behalf of EVA Airways at Toronto L.B. Pearson International Airport (YYZ). EVA Air is introducing its inaugural passenger service to Toronto using B777-300ER aircraft serving its vast network through service from YYZ to its main hub of Taipei, Taiwan (TPE).
¦ ASIG® announced that it has commenced aircraft refueling services for American Eagle and American Connection at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), one of the world’s the busiest airports. ASIG, which has both fueling and ground handling operations at ORD, will be servicing over 300 flights daily for the carriers.
¦ NIIT Technologies announced it has partnered with Singapore Airport Terminal Services (SATS) to globally implement and market COSYS IS — the cargo handling solution to other ground handlers and airlines. COSYS IS is specifically designed to provide tailor-made e-freight compliant solutions to cargo handling agents and carriers. NIIT Technologies and SATS collectively have vast experience in implementing and maintaining COSYS IS at several airports.
¦ Airport Terminal Services announced that it commenced full ground handling services on behalf of Air Canada at John Wayne Airport - Santa Ana, Orange County in California (SNA). Air Canada is introducing its inaugural service to Orange County using A319 aircraft serving its vast network through non-stop daily flights to SNA from Toronto (YYZ).
¦ Swissport International and Singapore Airlines announced the launch of the carrier’s new Airbus A380 service to and from Zurich Airport. All the new processes and procedures established at Zurich to handle the world’s biggest passenger jet functioned flawlessly, to the delight of the passengers on the first inbound and outbound flights and all the airport partners involved. With the start of the new 2010 summer schedules, Singapore Airlines now operates a daily Airbus A380 flight between Singapore and Zurich. The new Zurich service is the carrier’s third to Europe with the A380, joining London Heathrow and Paris Charles de Gaulle.
¦ Swissport Cargo Services North America has concluded or renewed a number of cargo handling agreements commencing in the first half of 2010. The new accords are an impressive sign of business recovery and growth. The unit has recently concluded major new cargo handling agreements with British Airways at Los Angeles and Boston, Air Canada at Denver, Aer Lingus at Washington-Dulles and Air New Zealand and LAN Cargo at San Francisco. The unit also renewed its existing accord with Continental Airlines at Toronto Airport.
¦ Airport Terminal Services announced that on May 4, 2010 it will commence ramp handling services on behalf of US Airways at Lambert – St. Louis International Airport (STL). At more than 100 weekly departures from STL, US Airways operates a mix of mainline and US Airways Express flights with a substantial presence at STL.
¦ Swissport International announced that it is intensifying its collaboration with British Airways. On April 1, Swissport took over all cargo handling duties for British Airways at Frankfurt Airport. The new three-year agreement to provide cargo handling for British Airways at Frankfurt Airport is a particular landmark for Swissport. Frankfurt is one of the world’s biggest cargo hubs, and the new agreement is likely to cover an annual volume of over 50,000 tons. The agreement with British Airways extends to all cargo activities at the airport, and also to airfreight handling for the associated trucking operations.
¦ Airport Terminal Services (ATS) announced that on April 29, 2010 it will commence full ground handling services on behalf of Air Canada at John Wayne Airport - Santa Ana, Orange County in California (SNA). Air Canada is introducing its inaugural service to Orange County using A319 aircraft serving its vast network through non-stop daily flights to SNA from Toronto (YYZ).
People in the News
¦ Palmer Johnson Power Systems announced that Andy Stehl recently joined that team as the outside sales representative for Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and eastern Wisconsin. Stehl transited into the position effective April 1, 2010. Stehl was hired as a service technician at Palmer Johnson’s Chicago location in 2003. Prior to joining Palmer Johnson, Stehl spent six years in the U.S. Army as a diesel technician. In addition to his technical duties, Stehl also served as a section chief team leader and was responsible for the training and supervision of other service members.
¦ The National Air Transportation Association this week announced the hiring of Dennis van de Laar as its new manager, regulatory affairs. As NATA’s manager, regulatory affairs, van de Laar will be responsible for regulatory items affecting aircraft maintenance as well as assisting in issues involving airport and FBO operations and environmental compliance. Van de Laar will also serve as the NATA staff liaison to the Aircraft Maintenance and Systems Technology Committee.
¦ Malabar International announced that it appointed Vic Urzi as director, international sales on March 29, 2010. He will report to Malabar Vice President Lorin Card. Urzi will be responsible for managing and growing international sales for Malabar, working through the company’s international representation network to improve coverage of the international markets.
¦ Bosserman Aviation named Jose R. Boscolo as the new director of international sales. His primary responsibility is the development of successful sales strategies that penetrate existing clients and also develop new customers for Latin America (and Canada) at the beginning and then worldwide.
¦ Swissport International has appointed Andreas Keller as its new vice president and head of its aviation security business segment. He assumed his new duties March 15. Keller succeeded Stefan Roschi, who is leaving Swissport to take on a new professional challenge. Andreas Keller was general manager of Checkport Switzerland, a Swissport subsidiary which employs some 180 personnel at its stations in Zurich, Basel and Geneva.
