The A350F freighter (MSN 700), the first of two test aircraft, has completed its first flight.

The aircraft, fitted with special flight test instrumentation, flew for 4 hours and 10 minutes reaching an altitude of 25,000 feet. The aircraft was flown by a dedicated Airbus Flight Test crew.

"This maiden flight is a major milestone for the A350F and for our customers worldwide. As the latest development of our highly successful A350 platform, the A350F is a true game-changer for the air cargo market, combining unmatched operational flexibility, fuel efficiency, and range," stated Lars Wagner, CEO Commercial Aircraft at Airbus. “I am immensely proud of the extraordinary dedication and hard work of all the teams who have made this achievement possible.”

The second A350F prototype (MSN 701) is now at an advanced stage of final assembly and will enter the paint shop in the next few weeks.

During this inaugural flight, the crew carried out tests focused on verifying the basic airworthiness, fundamental flying qualities, and ensuring basic systems perform as predicted. This marks the start of an over 9 months flight test campaign.

Designed to be the world's most advanced cargo aircraft, the A350F meets the evolving demands of the global air freight market. Thanks to a range capability of up to 8,700 kilometres and a payload of up to 111 tonnes, it will allow operators to deploy it on international long-haul routes. Made of over 70% advanced materials, the A350F is resulting in a 46 tonnes lighter maximum take-off weight (MTOW) compared to competitor aircraft.

Powered by the latest Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, the aircraft will bring a reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions of up to 40% compared to competitor aircraft with a similar payload-range capability. It is the first new freighter to fully meet the latest ICAO's CO₂ emission standards. At the end of August 2026, the A350F had already recorded 115 orders from 14 disclosed customers and it had captured up to 59% market share in the large freighter category.

Kuehne+Nagel and Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL), a global leader in new energy technologies, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a strategic collaboration in battery logistics, transport electrification and emissions reduction initiatives.

The partnership will initially focus on practical initiatives including the electrification of CATL transport flows in Europe and a battery-swapping pilot (provided by Qiji) for heavy-duty trucks, which is set to launch in China this year. Additional areas of collaboration include battery recycling and aftersales support, as well as energy storage and charging solutions for logistics sites. Together, these activities support both companies’ Scope 3 emissions reduction ambitions across their logistics and transportation value chains.

“As global leaders in our respective industries, CATL and Kuehne+Nagel share a commitment to accelerating the energy transition and achieving a net-zero emissions future," said Akin Li, Executive President of CATL Overseas Business. "Our elevated partnership will not only contribute to both parties’ sustainability targets, but also help advance a greener future.”

“Battery-electric vehicles are essential to decarbonising road freight,” said Søren Schmidt, Executive Vice President Road Logistics at Kuehne+Nagel. “Accelerating the transition requires solutions that are both high-performing and operationally viable. By combining CATL's battery expertise with our logistics capabilities, we can advance initiatives that help reduce our own emissions and those of our customers.”

The partnership comes at a time of rapidly growing demand for electric vehicles and energy storage solutions. In 2024, demand for electric truck batteries increased by more than 75%, while battery manufacturing capacity continues to expand through a growing network of gigafactories worldwide.

From planning to production: Aerios, Wiremind Cargo, Rotate, and CargoAi, are driving the air cargo industry’s growing adoption of CargoTech’s digital ecosystem as it also expands into cargo operations for the first time, with the upcoming launch of a new compliance and sanctions tool in Rotate’s tech stack.

Geopolitics have resulted in a highly volatile 2026 for air cargo so far – schedules and networks constantly change, carriers pull capacity from certain markets at short notice and then ramp it back up just as quickly, and regulations and revenue environments shift too. Long-term strategy planning is essential but it must be coupled with short and medium term agility, which has resulted in an upsurge quest for decision support tools, transparency and advanced data analytics capabilities. Many of CargoTech’s existing products help to bring greater clarity and decision support and its members are on hand to guide companies through their digital transformation to fully benefit from the latest air cargo technology. “The problem isn't usually a lack of data when it comes to planning,” says Cédric Millet, President of CargoTech, “It's how fast a commercial team can act once the picture changes.” 

”And as that picture now also influenced by changing regulations and commercial factors, CargoTech is preparing to launch a compliance and sanctions tool within Rotate’s tech stack. It has been re-developed and enhanced with the cargo intelligence and experience,” Millet continues. “This is particularly exciting for us at CargoTech, since it signifies the continuation (after Skypallet by Wiremind and Cargo Quality by CargoAi) of our expansion into air cargo operations within an otherwise well-covered air cargo supply chain.”

As CargoTech’s products undergo continuous improvement to ensure tailored solutions, so does its customer portfolio. Alongside the many airlines, forwarders, GSSA, GHAs and airports that have already implemented its software, CargoTech members are also seeing increased interest from charter operators, lessors, MRO and other stakeholders.

The pace of development is increasing. So, too, is the interest and understanding of the benefits of AI, which feature in CargoTech’s portfolio. Millet explains: “Agentic AI has now moved from paper ideation to live trials. Our more progressive customers are going into live trials where AI training and fine-tuning churn out better accuracy. Their next step involves change management and clarity on how human staff will co-exist with AI Agents, plus what new KPIs are required to track performances.” 

Some of the AI capabilities within CargoTech’s products help to automate and digitize repetitive, time-consuming processes. Agentic layers are added to optimisation and machine-learning features, to build on well-established systems supporting customers' pricing, capacity and flight building decisions. They assist customers in centralising, standardising and automating processes that would otherwise vary by station and by individual and they enable more efficient and accurate communication between all involved parties.

“The entire CargoTech ecosystem is built on AI capabilities, with the aim of bringing clarity, efficiency and accuracy into everyday processes,” Cédric Millet, President of CargoTech, concludes. “Just one example of how digital enhancement and collaboration within CargoTech, has resulted in significant time-savings for its customers, is the Aerios Carrier Application, designed to improve ad hoc charter quoting. Aerios allows teams to receive an RFQ, build a quote using operational and commercial inputs from different departments and data sources, check loadability through Wiremind’s SkyPallet, assess current market rates through CargoAI and understand competitive capacity through Rotate. From there, the same workflow continues through contracting, service provider allocation, operational setup and invoicing. A clear, long-term gain is the data digitally captured throughout that process. However, the immediate benefit is an average quote time of less than 1 minute – down from tens of minutes!”

Movianto, a leading European healthcare logistics provider and part of Yusen Logistics, today announced the opening of its new pharmaceutical logistics hub in Wiesloch, Germany.  

Believed to be one of Europe’s largest pharmaceutical cold storage facilities, the new site enhances end-to-end healthcare supply chains across Europe, linking large-scale cold storage capacity with specialized healthcare last-mile delivery capabilities.

The new site adds 10,000 pallet positions at 2°C to 8°C. The facility also includes 2,400 pallet positions dedicated to deep-freeze storage at -20°C and -26°C and will offer ultra-low temperature capabilities of up to -80°C to support the increasingly complex requirements of vaccines, biologics and other temperature-sensitive healthcare products.

Located in VGP Park Wiesloch-Walldorf, near the intersection of the A5 and A6 motorways, the site comprises approximately 30,000 square meters of warehousing space and 1,500 square meters of office space. The warehouse officially opened in September 2026 and is expected to become fully operational in November 2026.

“Healthcare supply chains are becoming increasingly complex, with growing demand for temperature-controlled storage, specialist handling and reliable distribution,” said Bruno Jacques, Deputy Managing Director of Yusen Logistics (Europe) and CEO of Yusen Logistics Healthcare. “The opening of Wiesloch marks a major milestone in our strategy to build one of Europe’s most integrated healthcare logistics networks. This investment expands our capabilities, enhances supply chain resilience and helps ensure patients have access to critical healthcare products wherever they are needed.”

Like many Movianto sites across Europe, Wiesloch benefits from access to Euro-transpharma's dedicated healthcare distribution network, providing seamless access to specialized last-mile delivery services across nine European countries.

This integrated network combines pharmaceutical warehousing, temperature-controlled transport and specialized healthcare delivery services, enabling end-to-end supply chain solutions from storage to final delivery. Eurotranspharma's active dual-temperature fleet is capable of transporting products within both +15°C to +25°C and +2°C to +8°C temperature ranges simultaneously, supporting the growing needs of pharmaceutical and healthcare manufacturers throughout Europe.

“What makes Yusen Logistics Healthcare unique is our ability to provide seam-less end-to-end healthcare logistics solutions through dedicated specialist networks,” added Bruno Jacques. “The direct connection between Wiesloch and Eurotranspharma brings together large-scale pharmaceutical warehousing and specialized healthcare distribution, creating a reliable, compliant and efficient supply chain platform for customers across Europe.”

The facility has been purpose-built to support pharmaceutical and healthcare supply chains. The entire warehouse is temperature controlled and divided into multiple temperature zones, including ambient (15°C to 25°C), refrigerated (2°C to 8°C), deep-freeze (-20°C and -26°C) and future ultra-low temperature (-80°C) capabilities. 

Movianto also plans to introduce Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) operations within the refrigerated area, creating additional value-added capabilities for pharmaceutical customers requiring specialized handling and manufacturing support under strictly controlled temperature conditions. 

According to Ingo Schlieper, Managing Director of Movianto’s DACH operations, the Wiesloch site represents a major investment in future healthcare logistics capacity. The facility is expected to employ up to 180 people and has been de-signed to support an inclusive working environment, including full accessibility throughout the site.

The new facility has been designed to meet the highest standards of security, quality and sustainability. Movianto is pursuing TAPA-A certification, the highest level of facility security under the Transported Asset Protection Association framework, demonstrating its commitment to protecting high-value and sensitive healthcare products. 

The site has also achieved DGNB Gold certification and is pursuing DGNB Platinum certification, the highest rating awarded by the German Sustainable Building Council. Sustainability features include a heat pump system, LED lighting, rainwater management infrastructure and a high-capacity rooftop photovoltaic installation. The solar power system is expected to generate approximately 3,100 megawatt-hours of electricity annually, exceeding the facility’s projected energy consumption and contributing to a reduced carbon footprint.

FedEx Corporation (NYSE: FDX) transported two giant pandas, six-year-old male Ping Ping and five-year-old female Fu Shuang, from Chengdu, China to Atlanta, Ga.

Working with Zoo Atlanta, the pandas traveled aboard a FedEx Boeing 777-F, known as the “FedEx Panda Express.”

For decades, FedEx has worked with the Chinese government and zoos worldwide to provide safe, specialized transportation for giant pandas. FedEx is proud to donate the full transportation cost of this move as part of its ongoing corporate social responsibility and environmental conservation efforts. The company is committed to keeping supply chains moving and connecting communities around the world by enabling global trade.

Throughout their non-stop flight from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Ping Ping and Fu Shuang traveled in custom-built travel crates under the care of Zoo Atlanta animal specialists. The pandas were the sole cargo aboard the aircraft, accompanied only by fresh bamboo, water, and an assortment of their favorite treats.

“We have had the privilege of transporting giant pandas for more than two decades, and every time the FedEx Panda Express is called into service, our entire team feels the significance of the mission,” said Richard W. Smith, chief operating officer, International, and chief executive officer, Airline, FedEx. “Safely delivering Ping Ping and Fu Shuang to their new home in Atlanta underscores our long-standing commitment to global conservation and our network’s ability to securely transport high-priority, precious cargo.”

Before their trip, the bears spent time getting accustomed to their enclosures to ensure a safe and comfortable journey. Following their arrival at Zoo Atlanta, Ping Ping and Fu Shuang have begun their quarantine ahead of their public debut later this year.

FedEx also provided trucking and logistical support in Atlanta to safely transport the pandas from the airport to Zoo Atlanta. Including this move, FedEx has had the privilege of transporting 23 pandas to and from China since 2000.

Port of Antwerp-Bruges is starting the renewal of quays 231 and 239 and the reconfiguration of the intermediate inlet dock in the Hansa Dock in mid-September 2026.

The project provides additional concession land and renewed quay walls ready for future port activities.

The inlet dock between quays 231 and 239 will be sealed with a new quay wall and subsequently backfilled, unlocking additional concession land within the Hansa Dock. Concurrently, existing quay walls at quays 231 and 239 are being rehabilitated and fitted with new facing walls.

Following a negotiated procedure with prior call for competition, Van der Straaten - Sagro has been appointed as the contractor. The contract is being executed under an ECI (Early Contractor Involvement) model.

Under this collaborative model, the contractor is involved early in the process. Port of Antwerp-Bruges, the design team, and the contractor collaborated during the preparation phase on the further elaboration of the preliminary design. Special attention was paid to constructability, risks, schedule, and cost.

For Port of Antwerp-Bruges, this is the first project where this ECI approach is being applied. The ECI phase has now been completed. The project is now transitioning from the joint design and preparatory phase to on-site execution.

Thanks to early contractor involvement, technical and practical site execution knowledge could be integrated into the design prior to the start of works. Key areas of focus could consequently be resolved in advance.

According to the current schedule, the works will run until the end of January 2028. During execution, accessibility of surrounding concession areas remains a key focus. The works are being carried out in phases to keep disruption to port activities to a minimum.

The global economy and society in general are being altered by AI, digitalization, shifting trade patterns, sustainability, security and workforce challenges, as many things converge.

The question for air cargo leaders is no longer what is changing—but whether we are moving fast enough to respond.

At the close of 2025, e-commerce accounted for approximately 20% of air cargo volumes worldwide, AI investments were ramping up with air cargo, a major beneficiary of transportation with high tech data centers and upgraded energy infrastructure in high demand.

Geopolitical tensions and uncertainty of tariffs meant consumers were still a little hesitant but overall air cargo continued to demonstrate growth.

We then reached the end of Feb 2026 and tensions in the middle east erupted and a full-scale conflict was off in full force.  With the strait of Hormuz closed, an energy stranglehold started, as around 20% of global oil demand is satisfied by oil passing through the Strait, 80% of which is destined for Asia.

The maritime industry dropped anchor, as major shipping lanes closed.   But the global economy kept moving, so they turned to air.  But with costs rising, and capacity becoming more difficult to procure, the time for collaboration was clearly upon us.  

Calling upon the lessons learned during the covid crisis, supply chain partners opened up and helped forge new pathways to connect cargo to their destination.  And as the international trading landscape continues to evolve, new partnerships established on common grounds of quality customer centric solutions, become even more valuable.

Air cargo lives in a complex world and requires unique leadership skills to be able to respond effectively.

The TIACA ACF 2026 conference program will feature many industry leaders from across the globe who are chartering new paths through these challenging times.

Sessions will tackle leaderships views, industry economic perspectives, the voice of the shipper, the need for dynamic partnerships, embracing AI with practical solutions, regulatory insights, and so many more topics from thought leaders and industry shapers.

Join us at the TIACA ACF 2026, Miami Oct 26-29.

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the UAE Wrestling Federation to become the Federation’s Official Airline and Strategic Partner, strengthening its commitment to supporting sport, athletes and communities across the Emirates.

Signed on the sidelines of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) at Dubai World Trade Centre, the partnership brings together two UAE organisations with a shared ambition to support excellence, opportunity and inclusion through sport. Under the agreement, Etihad will support the Federation’s activities and athlete development, while creating new opportunities to engage fans and communities through competitions, digital platforms and grassroots initiatives. The airline will also hold naming rights for the UAE Wrestling Federation’s primary training centre, further strengthening its support for the Federation and its athletes. The collaboration will place particular emphasis on the continued development of women in wrestling, with Etihad providing strategic support for initiatives designed to increase female participation and create pathways for the next generation of women athletes.

The MoU was signed on behalf of the UAE Wrestling Federation by Sheikh Hamdan bin Saeed bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Secretary-General of the Federation, and on behalf of Etihad by Mr Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer.

Sheikh Hamdan Bin Saeed Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Secretary General of the UAE Wrestling Federation said: "This Memorandum of Understanding represents an important step in the UAE Wrestling Federation's journey towards building strategic partnerships with leading national organisations that support our plans to develop wrestling in the UAE. Through our collaboration with Etihad, we look forward to expanding areas of cooperation and creating new opportunities that support our athletes and national teams, as well as their participation in various championships and events."

He added: "We believe that meaningful partnerships play a vital role in supporting the Federation's journey and achieving its aspirations for the next phase. This collaboration will help create further opportunities for athletes and contribute to the continued growth of wrestling in the UAE."

Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer of Etihad Airways, said: “At Etihad we take people beyond borders, connecting dreams, ambitions and possibilities with the world. Through our partnership with the UAE Wrestling Federation, we are proud to help take the journeys of UAE athletes further, from the training ground to the global stage. This collaboration reflects our commitment to supporting the UAE’s sporting ambitions and the athletes who represent our nation on the international stage. Their determination, resilience and pursuit of excellence embody the same spirit of going further, and we look forward to sharing their stories with audiences around the world.”

For Etihad, the collaboration forms part of its wider commitment to supporting sport in the UAE and reflects the airline’s role in connecting people, communities and opportunities both within the UAE and around the world.

The partnership also reflects both parties' commitment to strengthening cooperation between national organisations and contributing to the advancement of the sports sector, in line with the UAE's position as a leading destination for sports and international events.