Wrapping up a tough year.
Benchmarking our performance during the hardest year the airline industry ever experienced with “the big boys” would show us on the bright side. However – all concerned in leisure cargo, in the sales organization as well as in the operational global network are aware that we were not able to do really well.

But as the chronicler wrote in summer “… gimme hope Joana …” – yes and there is light at the end of the tunnel.

We have welcomed an outstanding Spanish carrier under our umbrella this year, Air Europa, and we were able to win the confidence of the number one budget airline of the Middle East – NASair in Saudi Arabia. Overall our performance was excellent – and if the market would only have been a little better we would really look good. Well – there is a new year for leisure cargo.

Management called in an informal get together on the last so to say “hard working” day of the year, December 18th. Thanks God it´s Friday – TGIF. Just to nibble some Brazilian finger food, have a juice or Prosecco and talk to each other about business but also holiday plans, the kids, the spouses and personal targets as well as projects for next year, the classic mix of subjects during an end of the year gathering.

Managing Director, Ralf-Rainer Auslaender expressed the thanks of the Management for an excellent job done under truly severe conditions and also encouraged the lean team to accelerate into 2010 to make it a successful year. And as mentioned before – the outlook is quite bright with the extended network, the outstanding image of Air Europa, Condor and NASair – and their routes.

leisure cargo is a unique company in the global airfreight market. Yes – we are in niches and – thanks god - we have no 100 tons freighters. That´s exactly the card we continue to play – a niche, reliable carriers and an extremely motivated as well as expert team selling, serving and handling this belly-product. It needs more effort to score high for us than for others probably – but it is also much more rewarding.

On January 01, 2010 we celebrate the 10th anniversary of leisure cargo and we are able and motivated to make that year a successful one – the power is there – we all got to do our best to make it work in all areas of our activities and around the world.

Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year !

Guenter F. Mosler/Karin Rohnstock

Around 30 people attended the get together – in shifts because the telephones were not cut off. A nice gesture with an outstanding result – and Karin as you can see had control of the logistics throughout this lunch break
… a few of the airberlin aircraft were so busy lately that they could not make it into the paint shop for the new livery. Here in our Duesseldorf headquarters we can witness the fast and high frequency of the operation.	It is the “gemütliche” time of the year in Germany; Christmas markets all over with sweets and nuts, apples and oranges. But also offering typical Christmas décor for the tree at home – to make the holidays another unforgettable ones.

Aside from higher air cargo volumes – what our industry needs most these days are improved interhuman relations. In a global community handing over export and import consignments – often worth astronomic amounts – from one continent to the other requires trust, confidence and precise communication. And  “service” can only be as good as the understanding of the actors along the line of the business  and between each other.

Getting together has always been the best tool to make a network work; but in times of meagre budgets – who will pick up the bill?

Here´s a good example how it works - just consolidating, bundling forces like it is done by Munich Airport since years.

The airport´s cargo marketing team is taking the lead. It gathers some of the more cargo conscious airlines operating in and out of MUC, marks three regions in the catchment area of the airport – and off goes the promotion-express. “The MUC Cargo Roadshow” is on tour. There are numerous forwarders, branches of the big logistics providers but also local heroes in and around Munich itself, Stuttgart and Nuremberg. leisure cargo MUC, Tobias Vennedey and his team, are taking part since four years already and the contribution is well spent. 270 guests in MUC, 170 in NUE and 160 in Stuttgart - how could one carrier alone ever realize so many personal contacts by its own? And mind you – in a friendly atmosphere, distributing some goodies among these long time clients – but there´s always an opportunity to talk shop for a moment as well. Not by E-Mail – eyeball to eyeball this time.

Let´s have a look at Stuttgart this time. Numerous global players, Mercedes, Porsche, Bosch – and, and, and –a huge number of high precision very export orientated middle size manufacturers, trading of all kinds; yes – Baden-Württemberg is kind of Germany´s darling regarding export – aid air cargo.

Site for the Stuttgart-stop of the MUC Cargo promotional tour this time was “The Buddha Lounge” - a popular disco with an outside pool- and beach area during summer. Tobias Vennedey welcomes the initiative because the leisure cargo reservation and customer service staff has a unique opportunity to meet and mingle with their peers from all the agents around. It is also the leisure- and party atmosphere that helps to make the event extremely instrumental in daily contact with each other. The program again was well selected; a quiz combined with a humorous touch involving two pilots, exotic dances between the delicious dishes, refreshing drinks and a beautiful setting of the location. Agents, truckers, ground handlers – all had fun, got some new personal contacts and one or the other airline-ticket. Nothing reminded the crowd of the present crisis in the business – togetherness made it possible again – “consolidation”.

The huge building in front is the Munich cargo terminal also housing most of the airlines, Agents, GSAs and other directly related actors. Munich ranks 2nd in the German airport statistic of a total of 16. The many airlines and dense schedules; also intercontinental, attract cargo from Austria and the Czech Republic as well, from Switzerland and the entire state of Bavaria as well as Baden-Württemberg.

leisure cargo Dubai – scores.

Recently founded leisure cargo Dubai inks first total cargo management contract with nasair – the Saudi Arabian budget carrier with the youngest fleet in the Middle East.

As of the beginning of October nasair is opening the bellies on all of its flights and aircraft for cargo. As always – the job covers all airfreight related activities starting with sales and customer service, reservation in the Champ-system, ground handling and accounting. The financial or administrative part includes irregularities, claims and complaints.

Both parties are convinced to have found the ideal partner; for leisure cargo, however, these are new horizons geographically of course. But nasair has an excellent standing in the passenger market throughout the entire region and our airfreight  sales force is quickly going to turn this efficiency and goodwill into growing cargo business. We are talking about 13 airports in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and a remarkable network covering 11 destinations in the region. Just recently the chairman of nasair parent company  National Air Services, Sulaiman Al-Hamdan, launched the Jeddah-Sanaá connection. The airline´s mission is to become “the bridge between brothers in the Arab World”.

Next month – after a soft regional takeoff - the entire
global leisure cargo network will start to push and pull out of and into the newly discovered region; 350 nasair-flights a week should help.

Nasair as a commercial airline is under the umbrella of the Saudia holding “National Air Services” and is operating a fleet of 7 Airbus A 320 and six Embraer 190/95.

It is a promising market – a fast growing airline with an interesting network already – and plans to go also long haul with A 330s.

Actually leisure cargo does not have to add anything to these challenging facts but to welcome the new partner in the family saying: “ hayakkum”.
Guenter F. Mosler

NAS Air contracting Total Cargo Management from leisure cargo

Recently founded leisure cargo Dubai is spearheading the entrance into the Middle East market with the total cargo management contract for Saudi Arabian low budget carrier NAS AIR. NAS Air has been one of the first airlines in this market segment in the Arabian region in 2006 and is operating the youngest fleet in Middle East.
NAS Air is presently performing 350 weekly flights to and from 13 cities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and 11 regional destinations, i.e. Beirut, Alexandria, Amman, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Damascus, Latakia, Kuwait, Sharm El Sheikh and Sana´a. The fleet of the expanding dynamic airline consists of seven Airbus A 320 and six Embraer 190/195; further orders have been placed including Airbus A 330 for long haul operations.
Soon the NAS AIR network is being connected to that of the leisure cargo group worldwide with access to all Europe, Asia, Africa  and the Americas.
Guenter F. Mosler

This picture was taken during the recent contract signing in Riyadh. There are – from left: Mohammed Nidzam, Business Development Manager – (NAS), Juan C. Arbelaez – Director Marketing Distribution for Commercial Airlines (NAS), Christian Weidener, Director Worldwide Operations, leisure cargo, Walter Prenzler, CEO Commercial Airlines National Air Services (NAS) and Zainal Abidin – Regional Director leisure cargo Asia and Managing Director leisure cargo Dubai.

International Sales Conference 2009

Bad Neuenahr is one of the famous spa-locations in the mountains not far from Duesseldorf – west of the Rhine River. Formula 1 course “Nuerburgring” is located very close. The Steigenberger Hotel – on top of the healthy dwells – was well selected by leisure cargo management and the global meeting was prepared and organized by Karin Rohnstock. A summer-conference  for a change.
The tight agenda did allow a special insight into the start of Air Europa in and out of Spain. And it was Frankfurt´s turn to tell how it works with Condor after six months.
Cyprus, Dubai, Mauritius and Moscow presented their markets and went into detail to mark local features to the benefit of the audience of about 75. Latin America with its new opportunities was highlighted and Christian Weidener with Agnes Allnoch discussed “operations” in depth in a question/answer session. Dagmar Willeke and Alexandra Keufen informed about their “indoor sales” – efforts supporting all stations and reps in the network.
Ralf-Rainer Auslaender did of course point out that things could look far better with a healthy market. He released some confidential facts in regard to the sale of Leisure Cargo GmbH. And he urged all to consolidate the forces inside the companies around the world in these miserable environment and to sharpen image and service quality for more favourable times to come. No “lamento” in Bad Neuenahr. Positive – aggressive approach instead: “This is a family of experts – with an outstanding product that can stand any comparison in its league around the world. We are here to tighten our network. We leave knowing each other much better and we apply our expertise in the steering of each single shipment to the benefit and satisfaction of our customers.”

No Christmas shopping this time before or after, but very valuable bilateral discussions, some joint calls at key customers and of course a beautiful environment for the after duty party. Schloss Vettelhofen is something special – as are the local red and white wines expertly served here – and the buffet.

Guenter F. Mosler

“… gimme hope Joanna …”

created as an earworm-dancehall reggae by Eddy Grant years ago comes back into one´s mind having been in Munich in May. 47.500 visitors, 32 % from abroad. 1.760 companies from 55 countries presenting their product line – over 200 of them dedicated to airfreight and some outstanding speakers in the panel discussions during the “Air Cargo Europe”. True, that none of the lectors attached a time tag to her or his outlook. But it sounded like the present crisis should be overcome soon. We are all aware of the fact that our mode of transportation is always an indicator; airfreight is not needed if global trade is slow. Air cargo consequently should also be in a kind of pole position once demand grows if trading picks up speed again. Some not yet so popular markets like Turkey, Brazil, Croatia for example are virtually hungry for fast and smart logistics already.

leisure cargo was well represented during the four days of the “transport logistic 2009”. The spacious and attractive stand allowed to have an individual talk, a small presentation or a confidential discussion. The location was excellent; close to a few of the eye catchers like Lufthansa, Emirates and Bahrein Airport. We were close to the entrance from the park between the fair halls as well. There were more visitors attended than ever before – and entertainment was decent but excellent. It is impossible to try to memorize how many of the shorter or longer conversations were resulting in a follow up; fact is that the fair was a good one for our network – definitely - “giving hope”.

One picture often expresses more than a thousand words – so please enjoy my Munich 2009 - kaleidoscope.

Guenter F. Mosler

Taken from one of the famous towers of  Frauenkirche we look south over Munich central square, Marienplatz - and the Rathaus. Visibility allowing one can see the skyline of the Alps from here.

More than 47.500 visitors “stormed” the fair. Mind you – a ticket cost EUR 24,00 and for sure not many dedicated fair-browsers or gift-collectors came to this one – but all professionals having to do with logistics, with transportation of goods one way or the other around the world.

A very well selected location for the leisure cargo stand. Light, space, information – and competent people to answer questions and to follow up when needed. Compliments to all concerned especially Karin Rohnstock for her planning and the efficient Munich team for the pleasant atmosphere it created.

It’s been widely reported that Air Europa, second largest carrier in Spain, signed a contract with leisure Cargo GmbH, Düsseldorf for provision of Total Cargo Management (TCM) services.
But earlier this week on June 1, change came into effect and now leisure is responsible for worldwide sales and marketing of Air Europa’s belly cargo capacities.
Leisure also now handles direct management of worldwide cargo handling contracts, road feeder services, cargo revenue accounting, interline relations, claims processing and settlement as well as supply of management information data for the fast growing carrier based in Spain that has recently spread its wings into new world markets including year round seven days a week frights from Madrid to New York City (JFK) that were also launched June 1.

Air Europa in case you are keeping track (is not Air Europe, another carrier handled by leisure and often mistaken for Air Europa) started operations in 1986 and is part of mainly tourist orientated Globalia Group, headquartered in Palma de Mallorca.
Air Europa’s fleet includes 32 B737-800, 3 B767-300ER and 6 A330-200 that serve Europe Spain, Balearics and Canary Islands and also London, Rome, Milano, Venice, Paris, Prague and Budapest.
 African destinations include Tunis, Marrakesh and Dakar.

Long range services are being operated daily and multiple operations to Buenos Aires, Caracas, Havana, Cancun, Punta Cana, Santa Domingo and as mentioned at the top—New York’s JFK from MAD dailies launched this week.
Among the 17 airlines which group their cargo activities under the leisure Cargo banner, Air Europa will add muscle to both European operations and also as the carrier expands leisure’s reach of destinations to South and Central America.
Ralf-Rainer Auslaender, Managing Director of leisure Cargo told ACNFT:
“We estimate cargo production for Air Europa to greatly enhance our overall throughput.
“The smooth integration of Air Europa’s cargo routes is backed by IT reservation eChamp that allows cargo to move smoothly via the ever growing network of air carriers served by leisure Cargo.
 “Air Europa and leisure Cargo is a win-win situation.
 “Whereas the airline benefits from higher utilization of its belly space subsequently resulting in increased cargo revenues while leisure Cargo substantially enhances its worldwide network and customer portfolio,” Ralf Auslaender said.
As to the sale of leisure Cargo Mr. Auslaender noted that while true, his life as an air cargo executive is preferred:
 “The last several months I have also been a negotiator for what we all believe will be a favorable outcome with AB still a member of our airline cargo TCM program, but no longer the owner.
"The negotiations are very advanced with just a few items left to be ironed out so the selling process is likely to be completed quite soon," Herr Auslaender said.
Air Berlin last year decided to sell their air freight unit leisure Cargo due to their future concentration on the core biz - transporting passengers.

Ideal World . . . Although it doesn’t fly cargo aircraft, it must seem that way as Leisure Cargo’s Christian Weidener Director of Operations (left) and Ralf Auslaender Managing Director last month in Munich at Air Cargo Europe further moved from visionaries of an idea with the addition of Air Europa into further success for their end to end soup to nuts air cargo services for a growing family of mostly tour-based carriers. Now with Air Berlin concluding sale of leisure Cargo to a group including Ralf Auslaender who created leisure for LTU in 1990 , expect movement at this dynamic company to even greater heights as described in today’s exclusive Up Close & Personal video

Air Europa awards Total Cargo Management contract to Leisure Cargo

Air Europa, second largest carrier in Spain, recently has signed a contract with Leisure Cargo GmbH, Dusseldorf for provision of Total Cargo Management services.

Effective 01 June 2009 Leisure Cargo will be responsible for worldwide sales and marketing of Air Europa’s belly cargo capacities. The contract also includes direct management of worldwide cargo handling contracts, road feeder services, cargo revenue accounting, interline relations, claims processing and settlement as well as supply of management information data.

Air Europa started operations in 1986 and is part of mainly touristic orientated Globalia Group, headquartered in Palma de Mallorca. The fleet of Air Europa presently consists of 32 B737-800, 3 B767-300ER and 6 A330-200 while servicing in Europe – besides Spain Peninsula, the Balearics and Canary Islands – London, Rome, Milano, Venice, Paris, Prague and Budapest. African destinations include Tunis, Marrakesh and Dakar. Long range services are being operated with nearly daily operations to Buenos Aires, Caracas, Havana, Cancun, Punta Cana and Santa Domingo. New York’s JFK airport will be linked to MAD effective 01 June 2006 with 7 flights weekly.

Among the 17 airlines which grouped their cargo activities under the umbrella of virtual cargo carrier Leisure Cargo, Air Europa will play a dominant role in future focusing – next to Europe – on expansion on services to South- and Central America.

Ralf-Rainer Auslaender, Managing Director of Leisure Cargo estimates cargo production for Air Europa to be in range of + 20.000 to annually. The smooth integration of Air Europa’s cargo routes is backed by IT reservation eChamp which is in service with Leisure Cargo since 1993.

Air Europa considers appointment of Leisure Cargo as a win-win situation whereas the airline benefits from higher utilization of its belly space subsequently resulting in increased cargo revenues while Leisure Cargo substantially enhances its worldwide network and customer portfolio.

Ralf-Rainer Auslaender

"Attention" - Munich calling!

The world´s best visited biannual exhibition and conference dedicated to all modes in transportation of goods and logistics, the “transport logistic 2009” is taking place at the Munich fairgrounds from 12 to 15 of May 2009. In 2007 1.582 exhibitors from 57 countries presented their product-lines and services to 47.606 visitors from 113 countries. We at leisure cargo being at home in Germany feel it to be appropriate to remind you around the world of the event.

With its separate exhibition hall “A 4” and the integrated conference forum “Air Cargo Europe” airfreight, courier- and express services have an own platform, venue and rhythm during the four days. We had stands in the 2005 as well as 2007 event and we will be there in May with a more comfortable booth offering better meeting- and conversation facilities and more floor space – as an individual leisure cargo location while before we shared a consolidated arrangement of Munich Airport.

We are designated to Hall A 4, stand 513 right at the entrance from the spacious atrium. Karin Rohnstock, Management Secretary in Duesseldorf is taking care of the details including a new vd-design-decor of the stand. We appreciate your visit to talk to our management and selected staff members – and to have some refreshment if time allows.

We are booking this event for the third time now. We know that our presence at the “transport logistic 2009” is valuable assistance for the entire sales organization. Major airlines are present, logistics providers from all continents, airports, IT-specialists, integrators as well as GSAs and consultants. We feel that especially in a rough environment like we experience it right now in the air cargo market it is adequate and necessary to “show flag” – so to say. Also as we have the feeling that the “big boys” might probably not be as big this time as they usually are. Networking and establishing personal contacts, preserving and pampering them are unchanged the inter-human base of our business.

Here we have Christian Weidener, Eric Fraenkel and Ralf-Rainer Auslaender preparing for numerous contacts and talks during the next couple of hours at the leisure cargo stand.		Karin Rohnstock is relaxing in small talk with PR-chronicler Guenter Mosler, (centre) and our Munich Branch Manager Tobias Vennedey.
Come and see this beautiful city, listen to the carillon from the Rathaus balcony at this square – the “Marienplatz” at noon and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the Bavarian capital.		Ralf-Rainer Ausländer explaining his creation; the leisure cargo business model to the editor of a prominent logistics paper at our stand. This “meet the press”-momentum resulted in a professional article later in Logistic inside.
A beer with some sausage (Weisswurst) accompanied by a little brass music are quite common for lunch. One got to obey to local customs – right ?		And after duty there has always been some well selected entertainment around hall A 4. Rest assured – it will be there this year again.

Guenter F. Mosler