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Maersk Air Cargo joins BARIG as it tackles costs and bureaucracy

The international airline association BARIG (Board of Airline Representatives in Germany) has announced Maersk Air Cargo as a new member as it further expands its focus on airfreight. BARIG aims to address issues including high costs and complex processes facing air cargo operators in Germany. "The already significant role of airfreight in global trade has grown even further in recent months, and for many industrial companies in Germany, air cargo is a vital component of their supply chains," explained Michael Hoppe, BARIG chairman and executive director. "Currently, airfreight in Germany not only suffers from excessively high location costs, but is also confronted with additional obstacles in the form of unnecessarily complex processes and a high degree of bureaucracy. "We are committed to improving the framework conditions and are delighted that Maersk Air Cargo is supporting our work as a new BARIG member now." With a fleet of 19 freighters, Maersk Air Cargo serves numerous destinations within Europe, as well as in Asia and North America. The carrier's main hub is at Billund Airport in Denmark, while Cologne/Bonn Airport serves as its primary hub in Germany. "Our operational processes are designed to ensure stability, predictability, and seamlessly integrated logistics solutions for our customers," said Lars Jordahn, chief executive of Maersk Air Cargo. "In this way, we make a crucial contribution to managing time-sensitive and complex supply chains, while also strengthening secure and resilient air freight corridors. "BARIG provides us with a great platform for professional exchange within the community. This enables us to contribute to the further development of the air freight industry, to positively shape its framework conditions, and to strengthen its position to meet future challenges."

IAI and Merlin team up on AI-powered autonomy for freighters

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with US aerospace and defence technology company Merlin to progress the use of artificial intelligence (AI) powered autonomy for freighter operations. The agreement aims to advance the development, integration, and certification of AI-powered autonomy for commercial cargo aircraft. The two companies will work together on joint market exploration, engineering collaboration, regulatory preparation, and initial platform selection to lay the groundwork for a "definitive commercial agreement and a structured path toward civil certification". The collaboration with IAI is part of Condor, Merlin's new autonomous flight initiative for large, multi-crew aircraft, including freighters. As part of the launch of Condor in May, Merlin also signed an MoU with World Star Aviation. The agreement between Merlin and IAI reflects increasing momentum behind the development of certifiable autonomous capabilities for cargo aircraft and the broader aviation ecosystem, noted IAI. IAI chairman of the Board Boaz Levy said: "Throughout its history, IAI has consistently been at the forefront of aerospace innovation, developing technologies that shape the future of aviation. "Our collaboration with Merlin reflects a shared commitment to advancing next-generation capabilities that can enhance safety, efficiency, and operational flexibility across the aviation industry. "We believe autonomy will play an increasingly important role in the years ahead, and we are proud to partner with innovative companies that are helping define that future." "IAI sits at the centre of the global cargo aviation ecosystem, and its deep expertise in aircraft certification, advanced avionics, and freighter conversions makes it a critical partner as we advance the Condor programme", said Matt George, chief executive and founder of Merlin. He added that the collaborations with IAI and World Star "reflect growing industry recognition that AI-powered autonomy can enhance safety, improve operational efficiency, and help operators scale existing fleets to meet increasing demand". George further stated: "Together, we're laying the groundwork to bring certifiable autonomy to the aircraft that power global cargo networks."

CharterSync supports Venezuela earthquake relief effort

Charter portal CharterSync is the latest company to lend its expertise to Venezuela relief efforts following the two devastating earthquakes that hit the country in late June. The charter firm worked with freighter operator Atlas Air Worldwide to arrange the transport of humanitarian aid from Panama to Simón Bolívar International Airport (CCS) in Caracas using a Boeing 767 freighter to support the ongoing recovery effort on the ground. On arrival, the aircraft was met by humanitarian partners coordinating relief operations, ready to move the supplies onward to the communities that need them most. Daniel Carriett, global cargo director of CharterSync, said: "To everyone helping to deliver this aid - in the air, on the ground and behind the scenes -- thank you for making a difference when it matters most. "Being able to mobilise aircraft quickly in moments like these is exactly why we do what we do." The two earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 on the Richter Scale, hit outside the capital of Venezuela, Caracas, on the evening of 24 June, causing widespread destruction and resulting in the deaths of more than 5,000 people and leaving 650,000 people in need of aid. Other companies in the air cargo industry have also been helping with the aid effort. Earlier this week, Air Cargo News reported that Avianca and DSV had teamed up to transport 58 tons of humanitarian aid to Venezuela. The Airbus A330F humanitarian flight departed from Miami and arrived in Caracas carrying medical supplies, food, hydration kits, personal hygiene products, and other essential relief items to help address the most urgent needs of affected communities.