UK Air Cargo Club raises funds for the Alzheimer's Society

The United Kingdom Air Cargo Club (UKACC) has donated £18,000 to the Alzheimer's Society charity - proceeds raised at its industry social events over the last calendar year. The money was raised at UKACC industry lunches, a quiz night, golf day, and the Club's annual Gala ball and Christmas Lunch events, attended by some 300 guests from across the UK air cargo community. UKACC's membership consists of cargo professionals from airlines, freight forwarders, cargo handlers, courier and express companies, equipment suppliers, and others. David Stroud, former policy & compliance adviser at the British International Freight Association (BIFA), and past chair of UKACC during the last fundraising year, presented the Club's significant donation to Soya Cutts, regional fundraiser for Alzheimer's Society. "When choosing a charity to support during my year as UKACC Chair, I picked one close to my heart as my mother is living with dementia," said Stroud. "Throughout our year of fundraising, I met so many other industry friends and colleagues who had a family member or friend that been impacted by this terrible disease. "Working with Alzheimer's Society opened my eyes to the difference they make, not just to those living with dementia, but the families, friends and support groups involved, so it was a great honour to make such a sizeable donation to support their outstanding work. "I especially want to send a special thank you to our members from across the UK cargo community, who so generously support our events and donate prizes to boost our fundraising."

Embraer looks to African air connectivity potential

Embraer secures EASA approval for E190 freighter Copyright: Alberto Whyte. Source: Embraer Brazil-headquartered aircraft manufacturer Embraer has produced a report that assesses the "untapped potential to enhance intra-African air connectivity". The reports points to the critical role that the aviation sector can make to driving economic growth and development across the African continent. According to IATA figures, the study notes, Africa accounts for only 2.1% of global passenger and cargo traffic, yet is home to 18% of the world's population. This disparity is in part explained by the continent's limited intra-regional air connectivity, the Embraer report suggests, which is "a significant bottleneck in Africa's economic and aviation development". The report calls for more direct flights, more frequencies, efficient hubs, improved technology and stronger partnerships/alliances, plus a focus on 'right-sized' aircraft. Stephan Hannemann, senior vice president sales & marketing, head of region Middle East and Africa at Embraer Commercial Aviation, said: "This report, and the data behind it, highlights the significant potential for new routes and improved hub connectivity across Africa."

The ISO-Gruppe signs up as BARIG business partner

Peter Hildenbrand, director business development at the ISO-Gruppe, and Michael Hoppe, BARIG chairman and executive director Nuremberg, Germany-based IT service provider the ISO-Gruppe has become a 'Technology & Innovation' business partner of BARIG (Board of Airline Representatives in Germany), the German airline association. The various companies within the ISO-Gruppe develop future-oriented IT solutions for airfreight, airports, air traffic and other verticals. It offers airlines modern booking and distribution solutions as well as various digital services that facilitate smooth processing and efficiency. Peter Hildenbrand, director business development at the ISO-Gruppe, said: "We have an experienced team that not only knows its craft in IT, but which is also very familiar with aviation, airfreight, and the related requirements. "As BARIG's business partner, we can help shape the necessary transformation in many areas of the aviation industry and contribute our expertise to this process." Michael Hoppe, BARIG chairman and executive director, added: "On several occasions, the ISO-Gruppe has already demonstrated great expertise in our industry. "We are therefore looking forward to the exchange with a company that relies on future technologies, such as blockchain, and creates new opportunities for its customers. "Furthermore, airfreight is also an important sector. Here, the company is driving forward standardisation and automation with digital solutions, such as the implementation of the IATA standard ONE Record," Hoppe observed. Emphasis on cargo Early this year, BARIG added a second chairman to its cargo committee as it looked to expand its focus on freight. The move saw Jorge Carretero, sales director Central Europe at LATAM Cargo, and Thilo Schäfer, director cargo at Condor, take on the position of co-chairmen.