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2007

December 12th, 2007

The 5 th. worldwide Sales Conference in Duesseldorf

Around 80 leisure cargo staff members and GSAs from America, Asia, Europe and Germany got together at the Duesseldorf Mercure Hotel near the airport again to review 2007 and to set the pace for 2008. Ralf-Rainer Auslaender ran down a presentation on the ups and downs, the departure of Air Madrid, the acquisition of parent airline LTU by Air-Berlin during the year and the shift to additional long haul destinations and frequencies. The consolidation process inside the Air-Berlin family is reflected in the first joint winter-schedule for leisure cargo clearly marking the hub functions of key-cities throughout the extended network in Germany, Europe, Asia and The Americas. Despite the effect of the falling US-currency on about 50 % of leisure cargo sales around the world and the loss of lucrative long haul routes - revenues for the year are estimated to be slightly above the € 57,8 million of 2006. Another important factor affecting the sales achievement is the overall yield deterioration. leisure cargo is expecting to have carried 56.000 tons of airfreight by the end of the year on the plus 300 aircraft of its 18 mandate carriers – a close to 20 % increase over 2006. The organization moves around 180 tons a day and there is room for improvement as the overall belly capacity has reached the 1000 tons mark. The managing director of leisure cargo reviewed the different markets and carriers in the group. He pointed out the success of the hub-operations resulting in Europe - in a same or next day delivery for example. This leads to the consideration of a future product differentiation; in fact many connections are true express-routes. That might be an opportunity to increase overall yields in parts of the global market.

The coming year – 2008 - will bring a number of changes offering remarkable growth in volume as well as new sources of potential revenues revenues. 10 weekly frequencies to China linking with “Hainan Airways” in a close cargo cooperation for example. The carrier is Chinas fourth largest and most profitable airline serving some 500 different routes in China and the region. During January 2008 domestic services in India will be added to the network with “SpiceJet” – the sub-continents largest budget airline – joining the leisure cargo group of carriers. Another add on is presently under negotiation in Asia; “AirAsia Ex”, the newly founded long haul outlet of Air Asia might hopefully - be interested in a total cargo management partner like leisure cargo. This would round up the group´s world – so to say - as the carrier is serving Australia. Abda Aviation – the leisure cargo GSA in Asia, Canada and part of the USA – represented in Duesseldorf by members of top management, Zainal Abidin and Rajan Pillay, were awarded for their success in expanding the network during the course of the conference.

On the other end of the system – in The Americas – Erik Fraenkel in Costa Rica,

Ronnie Robbins in Miami and Eric Ginebra in Mexico as well as the American ABDA-Team have also created additional sales opportunities. “Created” because there were no cargo movements on certain routes before they set up trucking-connections and airfreight feeder services in order to better utilize leisure long haul belly capacity both ways. Some of the creations are again unique like in former years and result in win-win operations for leisure cargo customers as well as for friendly partner airlines.

A thorough presentation delivered by Kai Wicke specialized on liability and insurance matters found room on the else tight agenda. Also revenue accounting was discussed in depth with the expert on the matter - Sabine Walraven. And finally Management Assistant, Karin Rohnstock presented the new line of promotion articles available. A short rundown on public relations and leisure cargo media advertising completed the marketing- and sales part of the meeting.

The Santa Claus Party that followed in the traditional Duesseldorf brewery “Zum Schluessel” – “The Key” that is - offered the unique opportunity for all to talk shop. The informal bilaterals allowed a discussion over a beer or glass of wine with the young lady from Munich, the export guy from Frankfurt or the sales rep in Hamburg as almost the entire staff – including administration, accounting and operations joined the dinner get together. And of course the traditional awards were presented and handed out to those with the little extra effort or sales success by Operations Director Christian Weidener.

Great family spirit, hundreds of photographs crisscrossing the www now and memories of excellent food as well as beverages are kept. There are a few rumours - like that it took some of the troops until early morning to find their way home.

Guenter F. Mosler

The traditional family photograph this time was taken in the elegant lobby of the meeting venue, the “Hotel Mercure” not far from the airport in Northern Duesseldorf. “Ladies to the front” was the call of the day and although it was dark and raining cats and dogs outside the shoot produced this suitable picture .
Close to 100 – as the locals had joined for the party – listened to an encouraging after dinner speech, managing director Ralf-Rainer Auslaender held. Rewarding and encouraging at the same time since - despite of dramatic changes and an overall poor business climate the 2007 results are not bad at all - and with all the good news to come - 2008 looks like a promising and challenging year.
Outstanding performance and an excellent diplomatic touch inside Asia during the year made the ABDA-management true winners. Operations Director Christian Weidener presents the respective award plaque to Zainal Abidin and Rajan Pillay – followed by standing ovation from the entire leisure cargo family.

2007-10-31

The Munich Cargo Road-Show – a  Token of Togetherness

In the air cargo transportation chain we are closely working together in order to satisfy our customers - shippers or consignees- who have chosen this high value mode. In view of the fact that most of our contacts between the actors along the chain have widely become automated - and inter-human relations are rare.

Munich Airport Cargo Marketing has spotted this deficiency some years ago already. Andreas Bergmann and Markus Heinelt have created the Munich Cargo Roadshow a few years ago; a tour of parties around the catchment area of the airport. During one week - after the Oktoberfest is over - the airport invites agents and customers to parties in Nuremberg, Stuttgart, Zurich and Munich. A few handpicked airlines contribute to the event one way or the other so that it always ends up being a moment to remember in the respective local air cargo community. Some prices are drawn after a quiz; life music encourages for a little dance and a few beers with local food specialities is of course part of the program. The carriers have the opportunity to hand out some advertising material to the party crowd of up to 150 guests like in Munich. An outstanding initiative in else silent E-Mail times and an event always well received around the family.

leisure cargo has been participating and contributing for the last couple of years - Karin Rohnstock did the overall planning again but also Dagmar Willeke and Ralf Riksen flew in to share one of the evenings with the Munich staff and guests.

The famous Rathaus and the two towers of the Frauenkirche in the back mark the center of the highly frequented city - as people say - the secret capital of Germany.
Munich is full of fun and music and it only takes a few tunes to get the crowds moving. An outstanding location to party.
Hosting four parties in different locations - without losing one single shipment is always a task to be admired. But of course there is no chance to get the entire crew on one picture together. So here are greeting from the Munich Cargo Road Show 2007 - from the left: Herbert "Herbie" Theil, Rici Stubenrauch, Stephan Wolf and the boss - Tobias Vennedey.

August 28th, 2007

Sportscar to Madeira

… the smoothest hands in aircargo …

"You just let it go like it is. Professionally and carefully tied to the pallet - completely visible and everybody is allowed to touch - " muses leisure cargo worldwide Director Operations, Christian Weidener. This kind of commodity is in every man's heart and accordingly the lift from Duesseldorf to Madeira was an example of excellence. Since leisure cargo has run a special advertising campaign, encouraging customers to take or send their car - Jeep or precious toy - where it is needed at reasonable transportation costs, the demand is growing. Especially in rather closed circles where jewels like this Ferrari are a common thing word of mouth helps to gradually win new customers with an excellent job done. Of course is the carriage of cars subject to the size of aircraft on a specific route-segment - and customs rules in many countries - but where it is feasible these precious machines are as welcome as high end motorcycles. Should you want to take a car with you to increase your mobility during your vacation or to enjoy it being a resident somewhere where leisure cargo flies to - ask our sales- and customer staff for details - and enjoy.

Even if cargo boxes were marked with "Fragile" or "Glass" and had a special "handle with care"-label on them - they would not receive the special attention an elegant sports car does. Just human - or - ?
Nothing wrong with a red Italian at a golf course somewhere up in the mountains on Madeira. Some people however believe, that if two persons are using the car that there is definitely no room for a tournament-bag on board. Did somebody try - ?

August 14th, 2007

leisure cargo DUS – seven Airports – one Lady

Dagmar Willeke or “Daggi” as she is commonly referred to by her friends runs a tight ship in a wide spread district incorporating Hamburg, Berlin, Cologne, Bremen, Hannover and Muenster-Osnabrueck with a lean team. Around 500 agents locations have to be taken care of – and she means it. The girls and guys in the two sales- and customer service offices in Duesseldorf and Hamburg handle imports from the entire leisure cargo network – mostly perishables – and ship a large variety of typical German export commodities. These are machine parts, chemical and pharmaceutical products, electrical appliances and semi conductors as well as automotive parts and accessories. But on the side there are a number of special highly service sensitive merchandises like for example a large variety of top shelf gourmet articles, ship spares, foils for the cigarette industry and ocean shipments turned into air last minute.

Quelle – the worlds largest mail order house in Hamburg maintains an order-shop on Mallorca where many Germans have converted to almost residents. These consignments are real “mixed bags” as one can imagine. Yoghurt, chocolate, potato chips and cosmetics – but textiles as well – and everything is top urgent of course. The catchment area of DUS plus is the by far most populated in our country and – most of the citizen dispose of a comfortable income. When on vacation they don´t want to miss their daily periodical or weekly magazine – this is taken care of as well in close cooperation with leisure cargo FRA.

The mentioned 500 agency customers are mostly branches of major forwarding companies who maintain consolidation centres at Frankfurt – and the small stations are obliged to bring in their single shipments into the bulk. That often hurts. Preferred long haul export destinations here are NYC, BKK, YYZ and MIA with transfers to Latin destinations. Revenues increased by 40 % from 2005 to 2007 on these routes. June of this year was exceptional, says Dagmar proudly - “We carried 100 % more than in June of 2006.”

Talking about her key competitor - ? Dagmar Willeke smiles: “For quite a long while Lufthansa practically left the market to the rest of us. Now all of a sudden this attitude is replaced by a friendly continuous agency sales activity – combined with a very flexible rate management.”

Early birds are covering the offices in Hamburg and Duesseldorf from 06:00 h on until 18:00 h. DUS answers all incoming E-mail inquiries, rate requests and flight information worldwide intensively using CHAMP II. This is an in-house service function agreed upon. The entire team is highly motivated and dedicated. They know their clients well – are often friends – based on a exceptional seniority also. Now talking “seniority” – Dagmar worked at Emery Airfreight in DUS. Her manager was Ralf-Rainer Auslaender and when he was called by LTU to create a cargo department in 1990 – it took only a while for Daggi to join.

She enjoys her job and it keeps her young – as we all can confirm by her looks.
Guenter F. Mosler

Dagmar Willeke, Manager Cargo Sales leisure cargo DUS and HAM – plus - !
Part of the DUS station staff on a Friday-morning. So we got a selection of the team – from left to right: Dagmar Willeke, Sabine Walraven, Mireille Temmerman, Sandra Klasen, Sabine Meyer and Siham Bohnouf.
Duesseldorf is the capital of the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia, the densest populated in the Federal Republic. It is located on the Rhine-River and has one of the most spectacular river side promenades or Corniches in Europe; ´got to come and see by yourself - !

July 30th, 2007

Flying Typers Publisher awards Ralf-Rainer Auslaender

Geoffrey Arend, founder, publisher and editor in chief of the original Air Cargo News, New York 1975 and the E-zine Flying Typers came to Germany recently to award leisure cargo Managing Director, Ralf-Rainer Auslaender as “Aircargo Executive of the Year”.

The two trade magazines pay “RRA” respect for the basic vision resulting in the creation of leisure cargo in 2000 and for the continuous success in gathering 18 airlines under the umbrella. Purely touristic-oriented airlines that is – which by nature and management structure would not make use of the available spare space on their routes. “Total Airfreight Management” is the business model that has been tried to copy – with rather moderate results.

There is no secret behind, comments Geoffrey; it is just the kind of innovative thinking and creative actions that make the difference. Actually there is really no cargo to be carried on certain routes – take an Indian Ocean Archipelago with flights to Europe. leisure cargo charters a small freighter to feed and defeed between the “ Paradise” and closest market with a continuous cargo backlog. This is only one example with others in the Caribbean and Latin America having the same effect. In awarding RRA Flying Typers and Air Cargo News also include the entire logistics behind the operation of a quick and reliable ground handling at more than 220 airports around the world closely supervised by Operations Director Christian Weidener.

In fact – this kind of award from the one and only electronic airfreight magazine with a global circulation of 23.300 recipients includes all who participate in the success of the product. “All in the Family” should be proud.

The ceremony of handing over the award plaque took place at the Frankfurt Airport Hotel on July 10 th 2007.
Guenter F. Mosler

Geoffrey D. Arend, right, handing over the decorative symbol to Ralf-Rainer Auslaender.

July 9th, 2007

AirAsia and leisure cargo sign Total Air Cargo Management-contract in KUL

After a relatively soft start of the cooperation between AirAsia and leisure cargo in May already, The respective contract has been signed in June 2007.
The ceremony took place in style – venue was the Grand Ball Room of the new Kuala Lumpur Hilton. Among the numerous guests witnessing the event were regional cargo agents and the media including TV, Radio stations and editors of periodicals as well as trade publications. The public attention was enormeous. Friends and customers of AirAsia evidently appreciate that the successful “start-up” airline  is trusting its entire cargo management to the market leader in this particular niche-business – in order to generate additional revenues from the carriage of airfreight on all of its routes.
leisure cargo, Duesseldorf/Germany based specialist in handling the entire cargo business of presently 18 airlines is adding the 30 plus Asian destinations to its worldwide network. AirAsia in turn is now able to serve the airfreight needs to some 225 airports  by 290 aircraft. The link between the two route-maps is Thailand; leisure cargo flight are flying to Bangkok and Phuket at high weekly frequencies. In Asia and other parts of the world leisure cargo is represented by ABDA Aviation SDN. BHD, Kuala Lumpur/Malaysia.

Top management representatives of the two companies signed the promising contract and predict mutual benefits. leisure cargo was founded in January of 2000 and has ever since achieved positive business results.
Guenter F. Mosler

One highlight of the contract signing ceremony in Kuala Lumpur last month was of course this group photograph to be taken of the actors of the two companies and spiritual fathers of the change that AirAsia performed in its cargo biz. We present from left to right - framed by two pretty AirAsia hostesses: Zulkeefli Mohammad Idris (AirAsia Charter, Cargo Department), A. Nagarajan Pillay (ABDA, President International Business Unit), Christian Weidener leisure cargo Director Operations), Kamarudin Meranun (AirAsia Group Deputy CEO), Ralf-Rainer Auslaender (leisure cargo Managing Director), Abdul Nasser Abu Kassim (Air Asia Regional Director Ancilliary Income) and Zainal Abidin Bin Abdul Kapur (ABDA, Regional Director).

June 23th, 2007

11th. “transport logistic” in Munich June 12-15. 2007

Not a fraction of a doubt is left that this bi-annual event has grown to now be the world summit of logistics and transportation of merchandise by land, water and air. The statistics this year outnumber any figures before regarding size of the sites, number and nationalities of exhibitors and – the masses of mainly expert visitors being involved in the movements of goods one way or the other. The www.messe-muenchen.de mentiones 1.850 exhibitors, 47.000 visitors from 113 countries  in its retrospective.“What were the highlighs –  ? “ might look like a smart question – but isn´t. One could try anyhow and reply that “economy and ecology driven parallel by the fast running globalization” - were the key elements.
One can imagine the giant stands needed to demonstrate the new features of a locomotive or long trucks, river barges and ships as well as ports and other mass transport tools. Well – we at leisure cargo had a stand rent in the multi-user block offered by Munich Airport – but this time we doubled size in comparision with that rent in former years. The entire hall 4 A of the fair was dedicated to airfreight and also hosted the forum site where experts from all over the worlds spoke about the latest news of the trade. These sessions were the key element of the “European Air Cargo” conference. We were lucky to catch an excellently located corner of the consolidated “M”- exhibition-block. Nice booths around, excellently designed – and impressive displays around - like Emirates, Etihad, several other foreign airlines and top GSAs like ATC and the Air Logistics group. Our neighbours on the other flank – quite an important detail in making the fair a success regarding contacts and recognition – were Fraport, Frankfurt-Hahn Airport, the entire Lufthansa Cargo group – including moderately exposed
 “cargo counts”.
Leisure cargo was located at one of the crossroads of Hall A-4 with a smartly shaped half open stand designed in light blue and white clouds and decorated with our customer airlines´logos as well as some written blocks highlighting what we do. The stand caught a lot of attention; also because there were always competent management- and staff members to give informations and hand out a flyer somehow reflecting the stand in its content and design. Managing Director Ralf-Rainer Auslaender was there very often and held chats with interested partners. So did Operations Director Christian Weidener – naturally hard to be overlooked by his tallness. leisure cargo Director Latin America, Eric Fraenkel had his firm position on our stand and was mighty busy throughout the four days improving the Latin network. Agnes Allnoch, assistant to Christian Weidener in DUS had her Fair-Debut – and her Spanish came very handy more than one time. Our Munich Manager Tobias Vennedey – the host so to say met a lot of people also – and he as well as Nici Stubenrauch and Herbie Theil were eminently instrumental  being around – also for “frequently asked local questions”. Frankfurt Sales Manager Ralf Riksen spent two days evaluating our position regarding  image, productline, rates etc. and was  simply overwhelmed by the event like everybody else. Our management secretary Karin Rohnstock who had prepared the 2007 transport logistic was of course present for the buildup and during the first day – art-wise assisted by designer Volker Droege who was delighted with his work.
It is not possible to say how many visitors, friends, customers and – competitors came by to say hello, have a short shop-talk, a quick coffee or a beer inside the “M – Gasthaus”. We will however try to summarize and screen our contacts for marketing and future planning purposes.
What we all were able to take with us was the strong impression, that manufacturers and trade around the world have evidently and finally understood the importance of “logistics” as integral part of business and – the fact that the use of well planned transportation by air offers a competitive edge for almost any commodity or service. The mood in Munich was absolutely positive and we look forward that we are able to realize this fact and to achieve even better results than so far during the seven years we are out there in the mostly cut-throat airfreight market.
Guenter F. Mosler

Our stand at the 11th. transport logistic in Munich. Busy in any respect. Well taken care of inside by leisure cargo management people – and outside frequented by numerous visitors. Several of our GSAs who visited the fair came by and thanks to the excellent location that was chosen – there was always some chat going on.
 
“Meet the Press” – was it quite often for Ralf-Rainer Auslaender during the fair. Exchange of information – but also questions about the company, certain markets and the new owners. Ralf – sleeves up – is caught discussing details with Bernd Kranke – editor of “Logistik inside” – a leading German trade publication in this snapshot.

The entertainment offered by many of the exhibitors to please customers and potential ones was varying from Bavarian Landler to smart hip-hop. Good food, original drinks, local specialities and massage-chairs – you name it. This all girls band was a delight. And combined with the Caipirinha next door it was a good reason and excuse – to stay a little longer.

May, 2007

" . FRA - right in the middle - surrounded by the big boys . "

But our crew of six is far away from an inferiority complex. To the contrary; it is probably so that our staff is known and contacted by more people in the 200 plus airfreight agencies in the region. We are not after the huge size shipments on the global consolitation-routes that are dealt with at management level only. leisure cargo goes after the small - high yield consignements on behalf of the 18 belly carriers with a very dense network throughout Europe, the Mediterranean and many attractive markets worldwide. Like the international parade of hats on our group-picture our people here put the respective hat on when negotiating on behalf of one of our airlines.
We care, we do call a small agent back as promised. Our staff has a high seniority and all are experts in aircargo, in geography and they know how to solve a specific problem - how to make a customer - often being a friend happy.

This personal approach might be the main difference allowing us to not only survive among these all cargo carriers around - but to be very successful year after year.
We have moved a respectable amount of tons on all routes of our network with imports from all over the world being as prominent as our outbound loads. It was a healthy increase over the previous year - and this under steady pressure from 150 other airlines serving Frankfurt and competing against us. We also feel the presence of our only and relatively new dedicated and direct competitor here. And it requires a lot of footwork and attention to keep up with so many agents of all sizes. FRA revenue in 2006 was also higher than in 2005. The payroll remained the same and cost-management was continuously refined. CHAMP 2 is an outstanding system.
There is no other airport in Europe offering the interconnectivity available at FRA. Due to the airportīs size and distances we must continuously improve our handling procedures in order not to bother our carriers station managers. Perishables are a key commodity coming in - but also outbound. Newspapers and magazines are extremely important and critical - we are proud to award two revenue-millionaires among our agents in this segment.Sales Manager Ralf Riksen is on the road most of the time; not only talking to agents and shippers as well as consignees here - but also abroad creating new business like in Mexico, Cuba, Spain and the Indian Ocean. If there seems to be no demand for airfreight on one specific tourist route - we find some cargo nearby and bring it to the bellies somehow. Florida, Dominican Republic, the Maldives - the success stories are many.
GFM
That is a refreshing shot in Cargo City South of Frankfurt Airport. The hats symbolize our markets of origin here in Europe and some of the main countries overseas. We see Patricia Reuter, far left, Ralf Riksen, Alexander Schmitt, Sarah Scheibe, Michael Barthel and Ruediger Johl on the right. The giant glove could say: "Surest Hands in the Business," and most agents would back that up.

April 16th, 2007

Getting ready for “transport logistic” in Munich       

This summit of European transportation – regardless which mode – has established itself as a must for any actor who wants to play a vital role in the trade. The show is taking place from June 12 to June 15 on the beautiful Munich Messe in Riem, built after the airport moved to its new site in 1992.
The fair is giant. More exhibitors from more countries than ever before – and more visitors – new ones especially from countries catching up with  global needs in infrastructure and environmental care. Our environment and the greenhouse effect will play a major role at the show.
Else – there will be a multitude of new products, systems and applications; airfreight and courier-express will be in a packed “Hall 4” and believe me – that already is going to be enough for a day or even two.
leisure cargo is going to show more than just flag again. Four to five competent management members will attend the stand throughout the fail. From previous experience we learned that we needed more space for conversations on the site. So the excellently located booth is more spacious than in 2005 and tastefully decorated.
Well – and to achieve this, Karin Rohnstock, management secretary of leisure cargo in Duesseldorf  took the burden of a day’s trip to brainstorm the stand and the respective installations with the design studio and sales management.
Again our booth much bigger than in June of 2005 is forming part of the spacious Munich Airport complex. Our neighbours there are some prominent airlines, air cargo agents and one prominent GSA. The advantage of such a group arrangement is of course that he can take visitors to the spacious lounge under the huge “M” – logo and that we share food as well as drinks – and all kinds of entertainment  there – as part of the game.
So - ! leisure cargo management from head office, German branches and from America is looking forward to meet you all, talk to you, discuss subjects of common interest with you – and maybe have a Munich beer just around the corner. A warm welcome is assured.
Guenter F. Mosler

leisure cargo booth in 2005 was just not suitable to cope with the numerous visitors. And there will me more this year. So we decided to prepare accordingly.
 
Pulling heads together over a mock-up of this years stand at the Munich tl- fair at vd design in Hanau near Frankfurt: Karin Rohnstock, in front, executive secretary leisure cargo DUS, Liane Stichel, vd design, Ralf Riksen leisure cargo sales manager Frankfurt and designer Volker Droege.

March 9th, 2007

„Our Man in Havana“

… it was one of these Sir Alec Guiness masterpieces filmed in the 50ies when Fulgencio Battista had his firm grip on the island so close to the US. It is said that his grip was well greased by the New York Mafia – Meyer Lansky comes up as a name in that context – and I tell you – this was paradise. Paradise best hated by American Women Organizations because they suspected that one or the other corporate convention should rather have taken place in Wisconsin – or so. But “some liked it hot”. The only things left from then are “The Tropicana” and hundreds of  1954´ Chevy´s. Sorry I forgot the Buena Vista Social Club.

Today. You do not Business with Cuba in any trade from your desk somewhere in the world. If you want to carry air cargo shipments to and from the island you got to be there, meet people and negotiate; negotiate quite differently than in other markets.
While all efforts to accelerate the Cuban export of these marvellous fruits like the red giant Papaya, wild mangoes and other specialities failed so far for reasons hard to understand, other commodities are booming. The demand for Cuban cigars and tobacco in general is continuously increasing around the world. The annual fair in Havana recently was topping previous experiences by any standard. “La Feria del Habano” is unique worldwide. There is no other marketplace anywhere trying to compete. And there is hardly any similar fair known worldwide dealing with just one single product and its derivates. Our Man in Havana every year in February is Sales Manager Ralf Riksen from Frankfurt.
Cuban medical science is extremely advanced and appreciated as such globally.
What all of a sudden comes up as a sensational news in the rest of the world – the energy saving light bulb -  is obligatory in Cuba since years. The government is installing high performance generators throughout the country to cut these nasty black-or brownouts being part of daily life. Parts for these generators are urgent and are air-freighted back and forth for service etc.
Another key issue in the isolated República de Cuba is public transport. Hundreds who want to go to their job in Havana for example, say 40 km away, have to be patient for one, two, three hours until one of the “Camellos” offers a couple of free seats or standing space. These are smartly improvised busses made out of two trucks with a passenger cabin in between. Hard to believe – and harder to tell. Bus-Truck and other manufacturers are good customers for airfreight, for leisure cargo. leisure cargo is presently operating ten weekly flights to and from Cuba. There - as around the world - leisure cargo sticks to its policy to cooperate with the local  freight forwarders and – although there are not many – this works fine with Hellmann, Panalpina as well as with Schenker for example since years.
As in numerous similar markets leisure cargo is after the little business available – and if there is none – the creativity’s limit is the sky.
Guenter F. Mosler

… we have an impression here of the “Feria del Habano” in the luxurious convention center in Havana’s elegant west. This is not the place for non-smokers; thousands of visitors daily – 99 % of them smoking a cigar generously offered by the exhibitors. Beautiful humidors, hand made, art in wood. Other secondary products like packing etc. and workshops on subjects from crop and fertilising to packing and conserving of freshness.
Don Maximo Lopez, left and his “Right Hand” as he calls her - having a small talk during the international fair with leisure cargo Sales Manager Ralf Riksen from Frankfurt about rates – the economy and the future of course
… and outside waits the rare experience to have a ride in a 1954 Chevy “AUTOMATIC” with bright red plastic seat covers and a radio. Marvellous.

March 2nd, 2007

Worldwide Summit for Fruit & Vegetables in Berlin

With about six percent of the entire air cargo volume transported in and out of Europe in 2006 - this commodity is ranking high. Especially, as experts forecast a growth rate during the coming years well beyond average. It is so basic; in an old German saying is all the truth: “We always want to try the cherries from neighbour’s garden”. Likewise consumers in a steadily growing number of countries either miss a certain fresh product during part of the year – or simply want to try something new.
More than 1.800 exhibitors from all over the world and around 42.000 purely insider visitors have attended the recent 15th. “Fruitlogistica” in Berlin, a breathtaking giant international fair with partly very exclusively designed stands and often outstanding eye catchers and pieces of entertainment.
The scope of the fair starts seed selection, fertilizers and treatment. It spreads across crop or harvest and the majority of exhibitors show dedicated and high tech systems to pick, sort, pack and conserve the product. Transportation – a key piece in this sequence was kind of left a little behind.
Except for Maersk Line and Hamburg Sued, leisure cargo and the two forwarders Hellmann and Kuehne & Nagel no other logistics providers appeared on the floors. Like for many other airlines “perishables” are very important for the entire leisure cargo schedule – and we do believe in networking. So it was far more again than just a visit of courtesy and curiosity; we got to make visits to get results. High level eyeball to eyeball talks could be managed with key customers.
Christian Weidener, leisure cargo Director Operations talked about “sensitive” stations with the right people. Erik Fraenkel, Regional Director based in San José/Costa Rica met most of his key customers. Ralf Riksen, Sales Manager from Frankfurt, talked about new business. All three were honorary guests at the intimate and exclusive dinner party arranged for by the Cool Chain Group; Christian Helms of Rungis hosting the table.
leisure cargo is – not at all in the perishable business only - gradually entering into the ranks of “top carriers” – not only in Western Europe but in The Americas as well, in Asia, parts of Africa and in the European Southeast. Each route that is upgraded to all year helps and every new aircraft does as well.
Guenter F. Mosler

the most beautiful stand among 1800 at the Fruitlogistica according to our photographer is this light, relaxing and outstandingly designed pavilion of Carmel from Israel.
   
Here we have top international management at work. Christian Weidener, Director Operations leisure cargo (right) and Erik Fraenkel (centre) discussing operational details with Jose Luis Moreano-Moreano of Hellmann cli, Peru.

February 25th, 2007

leisure cargo in Munich – Portrait of a healthy station

It is the capital of Bavaria; the state in the south of Germany prominently contributing  to the “German” image in the world. But it is also the capital  of publishing, the countries semiconductor industry and trade is concentrated in and around the metropolis and of course is Munich the world capital of fine beer. We start this series of station portraits for the leisure cargo homepage here in BMW-town and would like to invite our readers to meet the lean and young crew doing an outstanding job.
Our office is in the air cargo complex of Germanys  fastest growing airport – MUC ranks number two after Frankfurt. The district taken care of by our office here also covers Stuttgart and Nuremberg. In some cases imports for Northern Italy and Austria are handled as well. Some shipments from Mauritius are even forwarded to destinations like Hamburg and London. Perishables are often delivered to final destination simply to safe time.
But key product of course is export cargo to the entire world of the 18 leisure cargo airlines. No wonder automotive is a prominent commodity with Mercedes, Audi, Porsche and BMW in the district plus some truck- and heavy duty vehicle manufacturers. Siemens is putting electrical tools into second position together with the many companies in the mentioned silicone valley around Munich. Two criterion match here like in many others of our stations; we have no freighters, small cargo is our target – and numerous small companies appreciate our 195 destinations – many of which are “off track” for the big competitors.
We consequently obey to our philosophy to exclusively sell through the agency community – some 60 here in Munich, about 40 in Stuttgart and 20 in Nuremberg. Newspapers to holiday destinations are important, hotel equipment, MAN ship spares and numerous other relatively small shipments to as many places. This broadly spread clientele requires a lot of footwork as well as sales activity and since Tobias Vennedey – who was promoted Manager Cargo Sales Southern Germany last October - insists to personally look after as many of the agents and customers – he is on the road around three days a week. The personal contact is appreciated evidently as business shows. But it is also the similarly personalized customer service delivered by Rici and her three boys – Herberth, Stephan and Michael. There is actually no specific limited job assignment – all do what has to be done now – and right the first time.
“We do rather believe in small being beautiful” muses Tobias. “We like our job very much. We get along fine with each other and we are highly regarded and respected in the local air cargo community. A fine label!”
MUC contributes 60, Stuttgart 30 and NUE 10 % to our revenues. Outbound the sales office is  strong to the US and Canada – hoping to gradually get away from seasonal volatility as part of the overall leisure cargo policy. Imports come from the entire network as mentioned before. Cargo Gate does the entire export handling in close cooperation with this office. We supervise. Imports go into the Cargo Gate warehouse but leisure cargo does the documentation and handling supported by CHAMPII. In 2006 Munich has handled more than 2.700 tons of outbound cargo – well beyond forecast. Import was also increased by approx. 50 % to 1.200 tons. Trucking is an important tool as well. The cooperation with Rudolph Trucking is based on a mutual understanding and decisions that make sense and are considering service and economy.
After an extremely productive year in 2005 MUC has forecasted EUR 4 million plus for 2006 and all are convinced to grow in 2007. Payroll will be increased to seven by May – in view of a denser summer schedule. Philosophy simply is to give every customer a good feeling, to be present in the market based on a personal contact and always following the rule that every single shipment is important. The present seniority by the way is around ten years – agents and shippers remember that leisure cargo staff knows where San Pedro Sula lies and where Managua – and – yes – there is a flight combination available.
Guenter F. Mosler

The crew at the leisure cargo office in Munich. Young, dynamic – and ten years average on the job. “We are specialists – commodities, destinations and origins respectively – our cargo agents. We simply have an edge when it comes to the non routine-stuff !” From left behind the counter: Herberth Theil, Stephan Wolf, Rici Stubenrauch, Michael Inderst and – the boss – Tobias Vennedey.
Munich Franz Joseph-Strauss Airport is the fastest growing in Germany. It is one success story with Lufthansa shifting additional flights there from for example Frankfurt, with new carriers and numerous new destinations offered. MUC is simply “in”.
That is what visitors from all over the world love here – Gemuetlichkeit – in a beer garden, blue and white skies, the alps next door and a fabulous beer.

 


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