Oman Freight Forwarding Services
Air & Sea Freight Between Oman and the UK

Mammoth delivers second 777-200LRMF to Jetran for DHL

Mammoth Freighters has delivered its second Boeing 777-200LRMF converted freighter to Jetran for operation by DHL Air UK. The Fort Worth, Texas-based freighter conversion company confirmed in a LinkedIn post on 2 November that it had handed over the aircraft to fellow Texas-based lessor, Jetran, which subsequently delivered the aircraft to DHL Air UK. This aircraft has been registered in the UK as G-DHME. "Mammoth Freighters has delivered its second 777-200LRMF to Jetran, LLC. Both aircraft have started revenue service with DHL Air UK," said the conversion company. Jetran's first Mammoth-converted 777-200LRMF was delivered in August and showcased at the UK's Farnborough Airshow in July. More than two dozen Mammoth 777-200LRMF freighters have been ordered by Jetran in total, 13 of which will be placed into revenue service within the DHL global network. According to DHL, four of the 13 converted aircraft it is leasing are planned to enter service this year. Modification work has included the installation of a large main-deck cargo door and advanced cargo handling systems. However, the original airframes and engines were retained. Mammoth Freighters received Supplemental Type Certification (STC) from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for its 777-200LRMF in April. The certification paved the way for Mammoth to begin aircraft deliveries to launch customer Qatar Airways Cargo, which has an agreement for five of the aircraft with Texas-based lessor, Jetran.

Transpacific airfreight rates take off in October

Airfreight rates on the transpacific trade lane increased rapidly during October as the air cargo industry headed towards its traditional fourth-quarter peak season. Figures from data provider TAC Index show that average airfreight rates - a combination of spot and contract - on services from Hong Kong started October at $7.16 per kg but ended the month at $8.17 per kg. Compared with last year, rates on the trade ended the month 38.7% up on last year's levels. Meanwhile, for the month as a whole, airfreight rates from Hong Kong to North America averaged $7.64 per kg, up 34% on the year-ago level and ahead of the $7.02 per kg recorded in September. The increase as the month progressed pointed towards a busy peak season on the transpacific, a trade which was already booming due to strong demand for AI/data centre-related shipments. Figures from IATA show that in September, Asia-North America volumes were up 17% year on year. Rates will also have been affected by sky high jet fuel prices as a result of the conflict in the Middle East. Jet fuel is said to make up around one third of an airline's costs and IATA/Platts data shows that in the week ending 23 October jet fuel prices were up 118.5% compared with last year. Prices have risen in recent weeks, with TAC suggesting the Ukraine war has also been driving up prices. "Rates have been at elevated levels most of the year ever since conflict in the Middle East between the US, Israel and Iran erupted in late February," TAC said in its weekly round-up. "With Ukrainian strikes on Russia also hitting global production of oil products, the 'crack spread' has also widened." Rates from Hong Kong to Europe have also been climbing in line with peak season demand. In October, the average monthly rate stood at $5.31 per kg, which is 15.7% up on a year ago and an increase on the $4.80 per kg registered in September. Demand growth on the Asia-Europe trade has weakened in recent months as a result of the European Union's €3 charge for packages with a value of less than €150 to tackle the rapid rise of e-commerce volumes heading into the bloc. A further €2 handling charge is set to be added on 1 November. According to IATA, Asia-Europe volumes grew by 6% year on year in September. Looking ahead, TAC is expecting further rate increases as the peak season continues. "With demand yet to reach the top of peak season highs and jet fuel supplies so tight, sources suggest that pressure for rates to rise further is still very much increasing," TAC explained.

Scan Global Logistics targets the top 20 with deal to acquire OIA Global

Scan Global Logistics has signed an agreement to acquire OIA Global in a deal that it said would be the largest investment in its history and place it among the top 20 freight forwarders in the world. The proposed acquisition is expected to strengthen Scan Global Logistics' presence in the US and other key markets, and broaden its supply chain capabilities available to customers beyond traditional freight forwarding, making it easier to manage increasingly complex supply chains. Founded in 1988, OIA Global is based in Portland, Oregon and provides end-to-end supply chain and logistics solutions, while it employs more than 1,200 people across more than 60 offices in over 30 countries. The company's capabilities span freight forwarding, customs brokerage, contract logistics, project logistics, 4PL, packaging design and materials management. Allan Melgaard, global chief executive of Scan Global Logistics, commented: "The acquisition of OIA Global marks a significant milestone for Scan Global Logistics. "As our largest investment to date, it will place us among the world's top 20 freight forwarders, strengthen our position in key markets, and expand our capabilities across the supply chain. "Together with OIA Global's talented people and experienced leadership team, we will create a stronger, more resilient platform for future growth." Jeffery Barrie, chief executive of OIA Global, added: "What stood out to us about Scan Global Logistics was not only the scale of the organisation, but also the way it does business. "Both companies are built on strong customer relationships, entrepreneurial thinking, and empowered local teams. These shared values provide a strong foundation for the future and make SGL the right partner for OIA Global." The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals, and the companies will operate independently until the deal is closed. This is expected in the first quarter of 2027. Scan Global Logistics has been expanding rapidly in recent years through acquisitions and new office openings. Last year, the company added new offices in India, Egypt, Turkey and Tanzania. Acquisitions in recent years have included ITN Logistics Group, Foppiani Shipping & Logistics and Brazil-based BLU Logistics. As a result of the acquisitions, the company became one of the world's top 25 airfreight forwarders in 2024 and maintained its position last year. In order to become one of the top 20 airfreight forwarders, the company's annual airfreight tonnage would probably need to exceed at least 280,000 tonnes, which is what 20th-placed CH Robinson handled last year. OIA has also been expanding this year and in April announced the acquisition of US-headquartered international freight forwarding and customs brokerage firm, Cargo Services, Inc.