LAWA picks partners for LAX Cargo Modernization Program

Picture credit: Los Angeles World Airports

Picture credit: Los Angeles World Airports

Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) has selected LAX Community Partners as the developer for the LAX Cargo Modernization Program.

Los Angeles International Airport is the 5th largest cargo airport in the US by tonnage, handling more than 2.7 million tons last year.

It has 3 cargo areas with 27 buildings totalling 2.6 million square feet and 3.5 million square feet of ramp area.

The airport says the facilities range from 20 to 80 years old and have reached their end of their useful life and are not compatible with current industry standards.

LAX Community Partners, a partnership between Realterm and JLC Infrastructure, a joint venture between Magic Johnson and Loop Capital has experience with airports, with Realterm being one of the largest developers of on-airport cargo facilities in North America.

JLC Infrastructure, founded by Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Jim Reynolds, has invested in other airport projects including New York LaGuardia Central Terminal B and the John F. Kennedy International Airport New Terminal One P3.

Marlon Smith, Managing Director of JLC Infrastructure, says, “As a member of LACP and an equity investor in the project, we are honoured to be involved in a project that will improve cargo operations at LAX while also aligning well with JLC’s sustainability and clean energy goals. This project is particularly special to our co-founder, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, as it betters LAX and benefits the Los Angeles community. It has the potential to create significant jobs for the local community and provide diverse, local and small enterprises with tremendous opportunities to participate.”

David Rose, Managing Director – Airport Infrastructure at Realterm, adds, “Realterm prioritises flexibility, sustainability, technology and community in all aspects of its projects. Our partnership with JLC successfully blends international best practices with superior local engagement and, through our partnership with LAWA, we look forward to serving as a positive economic engine for the local surrounding communities.”

Quantum-South helps Amerijet optimise aircraft loading

Amerijet plane loading in a lineup resized Amerijet International and logistics technology company Quantum-South have completed a proof of concept project to optimise aircraft loading.

The project studied loading to improve load factors and revenue per flight by examining data from more than 400 flights.

Using its solution, Quantum-South found that payloads could be increased by up to 30% and volumes by 76% when loaded differently with Quantum-South replacing the previous load plan of PAG and PQA containers with an optimised plan using containers including AKEs, TYPE A1, TYPE A FRONT and TYPE A AFT units.

Quantum-South’s solution features an Aircraft Load Optimization module maximise weight, volume, priority and revenue mix with a focus on optimising the centre of gravity.

The Air Cargo Bin Packing module selects shipments to optimise the booked priority with container assignment and precise instructions on how to build the container such as the location and order of placement for each piece in the shipment.

The solution was seamlessly integrated with Amerijet’s cargo management system, powered by the SmartKargo backend application to further enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of cargo operations.

Dr Rafael Sotelo, Co-Founder and President of Quantum-South, says, “The project’s success at Miami International Airport demonstrates the significant potential of our cutting-edge solution in optimizing cargo load factors. We are excited to continue working with Amerijet International and uncover more optimisation opportunities to further enhance their operations.”

Eric Wilson, Chief Commercial Officer of Amerijet International, adds, “Optimising flight load plans and augmenting process efficiency helps us provide the best capacity offering to our customers while maximising the load of every flight. Quantum-South’s solution has the potential to bring significant benefits to our operations, increase revenues and reduce emissions, and we look forward to further collaboration to uncover more optimisation opportunities.”

United Airlines invests in Electric Power Systems

United_Airlines_EPS_Module resized United Airlines has invested in Electric Power Systems (EPS), a company producing battery technology for uses in the air and on the ground.

EPS’s compatible module technology can be adapted to support a variety of batteries with United looking at using the technology in its ground equipment and electric aircraft.

United says EPS’s battery modules could be used to charge electric ground equipment, electric aircraft when they come into service, electrified auxiliary power unit start products and electrified cold-chain storage product for cargo containers.

EPS aims to provide a battery ecosystem for aviation from packs on aircraft to charging stations on the ground, which is designed to keep costs low and provide rapid charges without degrading battery life.

United is also exploring ways to move its pilot training academy, Aviate, away from internal combustion-powered training aircraft to electric ones, with EPS’s powertrain potentially serving as the core propulsion system for a family of future electric aircraft concepts.

Michael Leskinen, President of United Airlines Ventures, said: “What makes EPS’s technology different and exciting is the scope of operational possibilities where we have the option to deploy it today and, in the future, to help electrify and decarbonise our operations.”

Nathan Millecam, CEO of EPS, added: “United’s investment will enable us to scale our operations and expedite the development of our cutting-edge powertrain solutions. By working together, our aim is to revolutionise air travel and build a more sustainable future for the industry.”

Sage Parts opens global headquarters in Greenville

Sage Parts opens global headquarters in Greenville resized Sage Parts has opened its new global headquarters and distribution operations in Greenville, South Carolina.

The Greenville County facility accommodates distribution operations and houses its new global headquarters including the leadership team, purchasing, finance, customer service, HR, product management and other support departments.

The 103,049 square foot leased building is Sage Parts’ first facility in South Carolina and the $1.7 million investment will create 73 new jobs.

Christopher Pratt, President and CEO of Sage Parts, said: “Sage Parts is very excited to open this new state-of-the-art facility to service our global customer base. After an exhaustive national search, we landed in Greenville County, S.C., for its business-friendly environment, expanding and talented workforce, and high quality of life for our employees.”

OshKosh to acquire JBT AeroTech for $800m

2023_05_30_AeroTech_news_popup Oshkosh Corporation has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the AeroTech business from JBT Corporation for $800m.

The acquisition is expected to be finalised in the 3rd quarter of 2023 and completes the strategic decision announced last year by JBT’s CEO, Brian Deck to separate JBT’s FoodTech and AeroTech business.

In the announcement letter to customers, David Burdakin, President of JBT AeroTech, wrote: “Under Oshkosh, our future looks even brighter than ever. There are a lot of synergies between our two companies. Like JBT, Oshkosh is investing heavily in technology for electrification, automation, and telematics. Both companies are committed to providing industry leading customer service throughout the world.”

John Pfeifer, President and Chief Executive Officer of Oshkosh Corporation said: “This transaction supports our ‘Innovate. Serve. Advance.’ business strategy as we enter the attractive air transportation support space with a market-leading portfolio of purpose-built products and comprehensive service offerings. AeroTech meets all the criteria of our M&A priorities, and we believe it will enhance the financial profile of our vocational segment, further strengthening this growing segment and enabling it to move beyond our goal of $3 billion-plus annual revenue with double-digit margins. We look forward to working with the AeroTech team to integrate the business and unlock value for our customers and shareholders.”

In a press statement released by Oshkosh it explained when adjusted for the present value of expected tax benefits of approximately $80 million, the purchase price is $720m. This represents approximately 9x earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) based on the expected 2023 second half run-rate or approximately 7.2x EBITDA including expected run-rate synergies.

Menzies Aviation expands network to Panama

Menzies Aviation starts operations in Panama resized Menzies Aviation has extended its Latin American network into Panama with the acquisition of Aircraft Services and Consulting.

The acquisition extends Menzies’ network to Tocumen International Airport and Scarlett Martinez International Airport with additional operating licences secured for David Airport and Panama Pacifico Airport.

Tocumen is the largest airport in Central America, handling over 15 million passengers annually and serving as the home base for COPA Airlines and more than 20 major regional and international carriers.

Aircraft Services and Consulting will be rebranded and trade as Menzies Aviation (Panama) and will continue to serve customers including Iberia, Air Canada and Air Transat.

John Redmond, EVP Americas at Menzies Aviation, said: “We are excited to add our 7th country in Latin America and our 46th and 47th airports respectively in this important and growing market. This acquisition bolsters Menzies Aviation’s position as the leading player in the global aviation services industry and further demonstrates our commitment to being a trusted service partner across this region. We look forward to the exciting opportunities that lie ahead as Menzies strengthens its presence in Panama and continues to provide unparalleled support to the aviation community in the region.”

AeroMexico selects Swissport to handle flights at Rome Fiumicino

220720-Swissport-274 AeroMexico has selected Swissport to handle its flights at Rome Fiumicino airport when services start on 26 March.
The Mexican airline will operate 4 flights a week between Mexico City and Rome from 26 March using a Boeing 787, increasing to 7 a week from mid-June.
Swissport will provide passenger and security services, lounge hospitality and ramp handling under the contract, which runs until March 2026.
Marina Bottelli, Managing Director for Italy at Swissport, said: “We are honoured and excited to partner with the Mexican national airline. AeroMexico can rely on Swissport’s recognised experience as a reliable partner for a vast range of aviation services between the landing and the take-off of their flights. Our launch in Italy just nine months ago, when we also took over the complete hub handling of ITA Airways at their home base, was a great success, and we are pleased that our customer portfolio continues to grow and now includes 50 renowned airlines.”
Swissport started operating in Italy in July last year, starting at Rome Fiumicino then at Milan Linate.
Since July, Swissport has served more than 4.8 million passengers and handled almost 42,000 departures for 50 airlines in Rome.

SAASA acquires air cargo terminal at Benito Juarez

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Servicios Aeroportuarios Andino Global S.L. (SAASA) has acquired an air cargo terminal at Benito Juarez International Airport in Mexico City in partnership with Grupo CCO.
The acquired warehouse, which will receive a significant investment to increase its storage capacity, will kick-start other operations in two other Latin American countries later this year.
“This strategic asset, together with the purchase of Globalia Handling de Mexico-now SAASA Mexico, a few months ago, sets us in an excellent position at a very dynamic airport such as Benito Juarez. This airport handles over 50 million passengers and more than 570 thousand tons of air cargo per year. Currently, we are operating in 4 Mexican airports and now we have a cargo terminal that will allow us to service an important and demanding market in the airline industry,” said Enrique Vargas, SAASA’s CEO.
In less than a year, SAASA Mexico has already been able to double its ramp operations at Benito Juarez airport.
In addition to Benito Juarez, SAASA also operates at the Felipe Angeles International Airport in Zumpango de Ocampo, the Adolfo López Mateos International Airport in Toluca and the Manuel Crescencio Rejon International Airport in Merida.

Samsic Assistance awarded licence at Montréal-Trudeau International

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Samsic Assistance has been awarded the ground handling operating licence in Montréal-Trudeau International Airport effective 1 April, 2023.

It follows its successful launch of full handling operations at Vancouver International Airport in April 2022.

Samsic will now be operating in 4 out of the 5 major airports in the country: Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver and Montreal, plus Chicago O’Hare and San Francisco International Airport in the US, confirming that North America is the key market for the international development of the French ground handler, which is offering a complete set of above and below wing services including PRM and supervision.

Stefano Sciotti, President of Samsic Assistance Canada, said that this confirms the huge investment capacity of the Samsic Group despite the pandemic. “Thanks to the solidity of the Samsic Group, employing 117,000 employees in 27 countries with an annual turnover of 3.5 billion euros, Samsic Assistance has been able to start and develop its North America operations since 2020, in full pandemic.”

He continued: “It is a great honour for us realising that after 3 years more than 500 people decided to join the Samsic family and that 14 carriers decided to partner with Samsic in the region. And this has been done entirely through internal growth.

“The core values of the family-held company, the human touch of our local management teams and the quality of the equipment have resulted into Samsic having among the highest staff retention rates in the region, despite the competitiveness of the labour market.”

The development in the region has been accompanied by huge attention to sustainability, with among the newest and greenest GSE fleets in the latest platforms that have been started up.

And the results are impressive, Sciotti said: “Samsic Assistance’s revenue in 2022 has been 3 times the revenue in 2021, and an additional increase by 100% is planned to take place in 2023. North America will be representing about 20% of Samsic Assistance revenues in 2023.”

On another note, Samsic Assistance’s strong development in 2023, where the company foresees an increase of 50% of the revenues versus 2022, has been pushed by the strong development of the shuttle buses activities in Paris CDG, where in February it started its activity of inter-terminal shuttles awarded by ADP and in March the Air France crew shuttle buses service.

“One group, one family, but a lot of diversified services that we offer to our partners,” he added.

Menzies to acquire majority stake in AJAS Limited

Menzies Aviation is extending its American network to Jamaica by acquiring a majority stake in AJAS Limited.Menzies Aviation aquires majority stake in Jamaican-based AJAS Limited
The privately owned ground and cargo handling company has operated in Jamaica for over 82 years, employs almost 600 staff and provides ramp, passenger and cargo handling services to several international airlines at Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston and Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay.
Following the acquisition, AJAS Limited will be rebranded as Menzies AJAS, bringing it in line with other companies in the Menzies Group and the current management team will stay in place.
John Redmond, Executive Vice President Americas of Menzies Aviation, said: “The Menzies AJAS combination brings together local knowledge, relationships and expertise, which will strengthen our position in this market. We look forward to working with the AJAS team to grow the business under the Menzies brand.”
Howard Mitchell, Chairman of AJAS, said: “We have a shared vision with Menzies and are aligned on the value of our employees and how we look after them, which in turn maximizes the service they provide as well as the return to our stakeholders.”
The transaction is expected to close in a matter of weeks, subject to regulatory approval, and the rebranding and integration into Menzies’ global network will begin this month.

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