Nippon Express Holdings (NX Group) has announced a landmark deal to acquire Canadian-based Metro Supply Chain for approximately $1.6 billion. This strategic acquisition is a cornerstone of NX Group's plan to expand its global logistics footprint, particularly in North America. The move significantly bolsters its capabilities in

Menzies Aviation has secured a significant five-year contract to provide air cargo services for Virgin Atlantic Cargo in New Zealand. The agreement covers operations at both Auckland (AKL) and Christchurch (CHC) airports, commencing in mid-June. Under this partnership, Menzies will handle cargo for Virgin Atlantic's long-haul flights connecting

LATAM Cargo has signed an agreement with German freight forwarder Quick Cargo Service to utilize Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The partnership covers cargo transported on the Europe to South America corridor, allowing Quick Cargo Service to reduce its carbon footprint. The SAF, produced from sources like used cooking oil, cuts

Rolls-Royce has announced plans to create 1,000 new jobs, primarily at its civil aerospace site in Derby, UK. The recruitment drive is a response to the rapidly growing demand for both new jet engines and the servicing of its global fleet. This surge is fueled by the strong recovery

British Airways is facing significant operational challenges due to a major IT system failure. The technical glitch has resulted in the cancellation of numerous short-haul flights from London's Heathrow, Gatwick, and City airports. Long-haul services are also experiencing considerable delays, affecting thousands of travelers. The airline has identified

Riga Airport is actively pursuing a strategy to become the primary air cargo hub in the Baltic region. Central to this ambition is the development of the new RIX Cargo City, a modern facility designed to significantly increase freight handling capacity. The airport is leveraging its strategic geographical location to

Menzies Aviation has significantly expanded its cargo operations in the Oceania region by opening a new airside terminal at Auckland Airport (AKL). This new facility is strategically located on the airport's premises, allowing for faster and more efficient transit of goods directly between the warehouse and aircraft. The

Liege Airport has announced a positive start to the year, concluding the first quarter with significant growth in cargo volumes. The Belgian hub reported an 11% increase in tonnage for the month of March compared to the previous year. This strong monthly performance was a key factor in the airport&

Qatar Airways Cargo is significantly increasing its European network capacity by reinstating belly-hold services on passenger flights. The airline has restored services to Venice, Italy, and increased flight frequencies to key hubs including Brussels, Madrid, Barcelona, and Manchester. This expansion adds over 435 tonnes of weekly cargo capacity to and

Lufthansa Cargo is suspending its weekly B777 freighter service between Frankfurt and Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. The airline attributed the decision directly to the dramatic increase in jet fuel prices. This move highlights the intense financial pressure that fuel costs are exerting on air cargo carriers globally. The profitability of certain

Approximately 150 Ryanair passengers were stranded in Fuerteventura after their flight to Edinburgh was canceled because the inbound aircraft never arrived. The airline attributed the disruption to a 'ghost flight' caused by unforeseen security staff shortages at the Spanish airport. Ryanair claimed that security personnel took unapproved sick

Liege Airport has reported a significant 16 percent increase in cargo volumes for the first quarter of 2024, handling nearly 300,000 tonnes. The positive trend was also reflected in March, which saw an 11 percent rise with 108,000 tonnes of goods transported. This growth is attributed to the

The massive growth of e-commerce, driven by platforms like Shein and Temu, is overwhelming Europe's traditional air cargo hubs. Major airports such as Amsterdam, Frankfurt, and Liège are facing severe congestion and a shortage of available slots. This pressure is forcing logistics operators to seek alternative, less-congested gateways

The UK's largest regional airline, Loganair, is facing severe operational challenges, causing significant flight delays and cancellations on its routes to and from Shetland. The airline's chief executive has issued an apology for the disruptions, which a local politician has described as a service 'meltdown.

easyJet has officially launched its tenth UK base at London Southend Airport, a move expected to boost regional connectivity. The new base will create approximately 130 direct jobs for pilots and cabin crew. As part of the expansion, the airline has introduced six new international routes to destinations including Pisa,

For the first time in a decade, Southwest Airlines has a new busiest airport based on scheduled seat capacity. Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) has surpassed Denver International Airport (DEN), which held the top spot for ten years. For May 2024, Southwest has scheduled over 770,000 seats

Wizz Air has announced a significant financial turnaround, posting a pre-tax profit of €371.5 million (£316m) for the year ending in March. This result marks a strong recovery from the €567m loss reported in the previous year. The airline's success was driven by a surge in passenger

Cristina Oñate, VP at LATAM Cargo, discusses the current state of the air cargo market, highlighting its inherent volatility. The company is addressing this challenge by focusing on agility and digitalization to improve efficiency and customer experience. Technology, such as the "Instant Quote" tool, is crucial for providing

The global air transport of high-value horses remains resilient despite significant geopolitical challenges. Airspace closures over Russia and conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have forced operators to find longer, more complex flight paths. This has led to a substantial increase in operational costs, driven by higher fuel consumption

Lufthansa Group has reintroduced fuel surcharges across all its cargo services, a significant move impacting global freight costs. The decision reflects evolving market conditions within the air cargo sector. In separate legal news, shippers are being cautioned to meticulously review their contracts, particularly concerning liability and force majeure clauses, to

The Boeing 777-300ER remains a cornerstone of long-haul fleets for many of the world's top airlines. Despite being an older design, its combination of high capacity, range, and proven reliability makes it an indispensable asset. The aircraft is currently serving a crucial 'stop-gap' role, filling network

Spirit AeroSystems is facing significant financial uncertainty, raising concerns across the aerospace industry. The company, a critical supplier for major manufacturers like Boeing, is grappling with production pressures and challenging contract terms. According to industry analysis, the prospect of a government-led bailout is highly improbable. This leaves the supplier to

Leeham News and Analysis has opened its weekly forum, creating a platform for reader commentary on current aviation industry issues. This dedicated space allows professionals and enthusiasts to engage in civil, on-topic discussions. The forum serves as a community hub for sharing diverse perspectives and insights. It covers a wide

Logistics magnate Brad Jacobs has announced the first major acquisition for his new company, QXO. The firm intends to acquire TopBuild, a leading US distributor of insulation and building products, in an all-stock deal. The transaction is valued at approximately $17 billion, including the assumption of debt. This move marks

The UK's largest regional airline, Loganair, has been put up for sale by its owners, brothers Stephen and Peter Bond. After 25 years with the company, they are seeking a new custodian to continue its growth. The Glasgow-based airline is currently profitable, operating a fleet of over 40