Mærsk-Ferrero supply chain partnership - hard questions remain unanswered

Premium has had the pleasure of covering the Mærsk saga in Vado Ligure since late 2025. Previously published here: - 'The personal cost of Mærsk's Vado venture' (15 Sept 2025) - 'AP Møller-Mærsk in Vado Ligure - a sailor's yarn' (2 February) Lost lawsuit As part of that package, and the lawsuit that Mærsk lost recently (more details here) in Genoa, several names of shippers doing business with the Danish behemoth have emerged. End-to-end at both (corporate) ends, Mærsk and Ferrero brag about their standards, and compliance requires ...

National Airlines' first 777F begins operations

National Airlines' first Boeing 777-200 freighter has undertaken its first charter flight as the carrier prepares to introduce another three of the type to operations. Florida-based National Airlines, part of National Air Cargo, took delivery of the 777-200F, registered N791CA, in April. The aircraft is one of four ordered in July 2024 to help National Airlines modernise its fleet, increase cargo capacity and fly long haul routes. National Airlines said in a LinkedIn post on 4 June: "Our first Boeing 777-200 Freighter (N791CA) has successfully operated its inaugural commercial charter cargo mission from JFK, marking the beginning of a new era in our global cargo operations. "The 777F brings exceptional long-range capability, fuel-efficient performance, and a payload capacity exceeding 105 tons, enabling faster and more reliable cargo solutions across international markets. "National Airlines' on-demand charter services stand ready to deliver critical, oversized, and time-sensitive shipments anywhere in the world." Last month, the carrier also took delivery of its second 777-200F, registered N792CA. According to the fleet tracking website, Planespotters, National Airlines currently also has nine Boeing 747-400 freighter aircraft, six of which are converted. Although the airline doesn't appear to have made any moves to decrease the number of 747Fs in its fleet, Air Cargo News' sister magazine, FlightGlobal reported at the time the 777-2000Fs were ordered that Christopher Alf, chairman of National Air Cargo, had indicated that Boeing's 777-8F was an ideal future replacement for the 747-400Fs.

Work on Brussels Airport's latest cargo facility gets underway

Brussels Airport has officially started work on a new cargo facility that will house Yusen Logistics and Air Promotions Agencies (APA). The second-line logistics facility is being built on a 14,000 sq m site in the eastern part of the airport's cargo zone and is due to be completed in 2027. The site became available following the demolition of an obsolete building The airport said that the new facility will enable long-standing partners Yusen Logistics and APA to further develop their operations at the Belgian hub. "Both companies have been active in the cargo zone for many years and operate respectively in the pharmaceutical and general cargo sectors," the airport said in an update. "As they seek additional capacity to grow their activities, Brussels Airport is supporting them in this new phase of development by providing them with facilities that are better aligned with current industry requirements, particularly in terms of operational efficiency and sustainability." Brussels Airport added that the facility would achieve the BREEAM environmental certificate and would integrate several sustainable features, including a wood beam construction, solar panels, heat pumps, rain gardens, a rainwater storage tank, charging stations, and bicycle parking facilities. The development is part of wider efforts at the airport to invest in its cargo infrastructure to reinforce its role as a European logistics hub. "For several years, this ambition has been reflected in continuous investments in modern, flexible, and sustainable infrastructure," the airport said. "This new project is a concrete example of that approach. It will enable companies already operating on the site to benefit from spaces that are better suited to their operational needs and growth ambitions. "By redeveloping an existing site, Brussels Airport is also improving the use of available space while creating a more efficient and sustainable environment for its partners."