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K+N declines to comment on Apex Logistics reports

Kuehne+Nagel (K+N) executives have declined to comment on reports that the company is weighing up options for its Apex Logistics business. Speaking during yesterday's second-quarter results investor call, K+N chief financial officer Markus Blanka-Graff said he had seen the reports but added that "there is nothing that we could comment or confirm or make any statements around that other than Apex is a part of Kuehne+Nagel organisation and a very highly valued growth machine for us". He added that Apex Logistics was a "strategic investment" and a "massive growth opportunity". Chief executive Stefan Paul added that K+N utilised Apex's expertise in terms of charter operations out of Hong Kong and that the company was an enabler of significant growth, in particular for the technology sector. Earlier this week, newswire Bloomberg carried a report suggesting that K+N has been discussing with advisors the potential sale of a 20% stake in Apex Logistics or listing the company on the Hong Kong stock exchange. It has reached out to sovereign wealth funds and infrastructure funds, but a final decision has yet to be reached, people familiar with the matter told Bloomberg. K+N purchased the remaining 24.9% of Apex Logistics last year from the Partners Group in a deal that valued the Singapore-headquartered firm at an enterprise value of more than $4bn. At the time of the deal, Apex had 48 sites worldwide that served over 20,000 customers in more than 70 countries. Apex serves customers across a range of industries including semiconductors, electric vehicles, consumer electronics, retail & fashion, perishables, and chemicals. It moved more than 420,000 tons of airfreight in 2024, representing around 20% of K+N's total airfreight volumes. The company is particularly active on the transpacific trade lane, which has this year been growing rapidly due to rising demand for the transport of semiconductor, AI and data centre-related shipments. In May, IATA figures show that volumes from Asia to North America, which is the world's largest trade lane, increased by 23.5% year on year. Apex operates more than 4,000 charter flights annually and has an ongoing partnership with Atlas Air Worldwide.

Sun PhuQuoc Airways to use SmartKargo platform

Sun PhuQuoc Airways has signed an strategic partnership agreement with SmartKargo to use its cloud-native air cargo management platform as the passenger airline develops its cargo operations. The Vietnam-based carrier signed the agreement with US headquartered SmartKargo on 21 July and the platform will equip the airline with end-to-end cargo capabilities, delivered through a single, unified cloud architecture. The airline will use the platform to support its efforts to establish a fully digitalised cargo operation that can expand in tandem with its expanding route network. Cargo transportation is expected to become an increasingly significant component of the airline's commercial strategy as it expands, boosting network efficiency, growth and long-term operational competitiveness. The airline's introduction of Airbus A330 widebody aircraft from September 2026 will significantly increase belly cargo capacity across its international routes, making the deployment of a robust, scalable cargo management platform a strategic priority at this stage of growth, said SmartKargo. At the same time, Vietnam's air cargo sector is growing, underpinned by the country's robust export economy, rapid e-commerce adoption, and its emergence as a strategic manufacturing and logistics hub in Southeast Asia. Truong Ngo Quoc, chief information officer, Sun Phu Quoc Airways, said: "We are building Sun Phu Quoc Airways' cargo business with a clear mandate: to be technology-led, commercially agile, and ready to scale. "After a rigorous evaluation, SmartKargo stood out as the partner that could not only meet our requirements today but grow with us as our network and ambitions expand. "Their platform gives us the digital infrastructure to compete on a regional and global stage, and we look forward to bringing a new standard of cargo excellence to Vietnam's aviation market." Olivier Houri, chief revenue officer, SmartKargo, said: "Southeast Asia represents one of the most dynamic and high-potential air cargo markets in the world, and Vietnam sits at the very heart of that opportunity. "We are proud to partner with Sun Phu Quoc Airways as they chart an ambitious course for their cargo business. This agreement is a testament to our shared belief that technology is the most powerful lever for building a cargo operation that is both commercially competitive and operationally excellent. We are committed to being the platform that powers their success."

Alaska to grow 737 freighters to nine

Alaska Air Cargo will grow its 737 freighter fleet from five to nine aircraft with the signing of long-term lease agreements to add four 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF) aircraft next year for North American operations. The four 737-800BCFs are expected to enter service in the first half of 2027 and will be dedicated to the states of Alaska and Hawaii, said Alaska Airlines,. According to data from Planespotters, Alaska Airlines already has three 737-700 passenger to freighter (P2F) aircraft and two 737-800P2Fs that are operated by its cargo arm, Alaska Air Cargo. The airline said that the additional freighters will help strengthen the network across the states of Alaska and Hawaii, as well as connections to the rest of the US. Added capacity in Hawaii is also expected to support the e-commerce and logistics industries. Ian Morgan, vice president of cargo at Alaska Airlines, said: "Alaska Air Cargo has two very important goals: supporting our communities and customers and connecting them to the world. "Expanding our cargo fleet with dedicated aircraft helps us accomplish both goals, opening up new international shipping opportunities for seafood and other commodities, while making sure we can reliably ship time-sensitive goods that our communities need, such as medicine, household supplies and groceries." Seattle-based Alaska Air Group, parent to Alaska Airlines, acquired Hawaiian Airlines in September 2024, a purchase that expanded its operation to include transpacific flights and that bolstered Alaska Air's fleet with its first widebody jets. As part of the Alaska Accelerate strategic plan, cargo is anticipated to deliver $150m of new annual profit as the cargo operations of Alaska and Hawaiian are integrated and the business advances international expansion out of Seattle.