NOTICIAS MES DE AGOSTO DE 2002 (NEWS)

 

30/08/02 Delta Air Lines Signs Agreement with Continental Airlines and Northwest Airlines

Delta Air Lines announced that it has entered into a proposed marketing agreement with Continental Airlines and Northwest Airlines that will provide customers with a wider array of destinations while maintaining competition among the three carriers.

The marketing agreement includes:

· Codesharing - All three airlines will codeshare on each other's route networks.

· Frequent Flyer Reciprocity - Customers will be able to accrue and redeem awards in any of the three airlines' frequent flyer programs regardless of which program they belong to or on which airline they fly.

· Airport Lounge Reciprocity - Customers will be able to participate in each airline's airport lounge program.

· Convenient Schedule Connections - While the three airlines will continue to schedule their respective flights independently, each will evaluate their schedules to optimize convenient schedule connections between the carriers.

· Coordination of Airport Facilities - Customers will gain the opportunity for seamless ticketing, check-in and baggage handling.

Subject to necessary reviews and approvals from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), the Delta and Northwest pilot groups and international alliance partners, the marketing agreements will be implemented first in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean, and later on routes in Europe, Asia and Latin America.

Leo F. Mullin, Delta chairman and chief executive officer, said the proposal will enable Delta, Continental and Northwest to compete on a more equal footing with United Airlines and US Airways which announced a similar agreement earlier this summer.

"Enormous financial pressures threaten this industry. In recent weeks, some carriers have announced major restructuring, employee cutbacks, even bankruptcy. This proposed agreement represents an important part of our plan to strengthen our competitive position in today's extraordinarily difficult operating environment."

The agreement is not a merger. The carriers will operate independently and compete vigorously, including in the areas of pricing, scheduling, capacity decisions and revenue management. Delta, Continental and Northwest will work with the DOT in an effort to have the review completed by Nov. 1, 2002, and other approvals and negotiations completed by Dec. 5, 2002. If approvals are received in this timely manner, the airlines could begin implementing the agreements as soon as Spring 2003.

Delta Air Lines, the world's second largest carrier in terms of passengers carried, offers 5,898 flights each day to 429 destinations in 76 countries on Delta, Delta Express, Delta Shuttle, Delta Connection and Delta's worldwide partners. Delta is a founding member of SkyTeam, a global airline alliance that provides customers with extensive worldwide destinations, flights and services.

28/08/02 APL Logistics expands its Supply-Chain business in Chile - Announces Wholly Owned Chilean Operation

APL Logistics (APLL), the global supply-chain management provider based in Oakland, California, announced it has established a wholly owned operation in Chile in response to a rapid increase in customer demand. It is the company's third expansion in Latin America this year.

"The Chilean economy is growing at a healthy annual rate," said Luis Perez, APLL's vice president for Latin America, based in Miami. "The growth of our logistics business in Chile has been double-digit percentage points over the past 12 months, reflecting a strong demand by global, regional and local manufacturers and retailers for efficient distribution capabilities," added Perez. "Converting what was a joint venture to a wholly owned company will strengthen our ability to respond quickly and flexibly to the market and to capitalize on new business opportunities."

"APLL's continuing investment in its Chilean operation reflects a long-term commitment to serving this market," said Perez. He noted that APLL has recently expanded in both Guatemala and Honduras, and now has offices or operations in 16 Latin American and Caribbean countries (27 cities). It operates more than 100,000 square meters (more than one million square feet) of distribution and office space in the region.

In Chile alone, the company operates some 30,000 square meters (more than 300,000 square feet) of warehouse space that is controlled by APLL's proprietary Total Logistics System, a state-of-the-art inventory management system.

A sister company, global container transportation provider APL, also serves Chile, linking exporters and importers with points throughout Asia, North and South America, and other regions of the world.

According to Sergio Castro, APLL's general manager in Santiago, the Chilean logistics operation provides such services as warehousing, inventory management, and other value-added services, including consolidation and freight management. He added that the company is also expanding its cross-border business, supporting clients that manufacture in Chile and wish to export to neighboring markets, such as Venezuela or Peru.

APL Logistics Chile, S.A. - employs approximately 270 logistics experts and support staff. It is located at Avenida Laguna Sur 9660-A, in Santiago's Pudahuel district.Tel: (562) 422-9883 - Fax: (562) 422-9823

About APL Logistics APL Logistics is the supply-chain management arm of Singapore-based NOL Group, which is engaged in logistics and global transportation. APL Logistics is a sister company of APL, the global container transportation provider. APL Logistics has more than 4500 employees and operates in approximately 55 countries around the world.

23/08/02 The Cabinet Council of Panama voted to approve a two-phase increase in Panama Canal tolls. The first phase, an average increase of approximately 8 percent, will be implemented on October 1, 2002; the second phase, consisting of an average increase of 4.5 percent, will take effect in July 2003.

The Cabinet Council characterized the new pricing structure, which was proposed by the ACP, as an innovative move toward a customized toll system that is based on vessel type and tonnage and will allow for a permanent modernization program for the Canal. In a further effort to address the specific needs of individual Canal customers, the Council approved a locomotive charge of $200.00 per wire.

Following today’s Cabinet Council vote, Canal Administrator Alberto Alemán Zubieta stated, “We considered the comments and recommendations submitted to the ACP by our customers during the public response period and the July 19th public hearing.

In response to their suggestions, we will now implement that increase in two phases. Under the two-phase plan, the ACP will bear a $25 million reduction in expected revenue.”

Alemán emphasized, “We believe this creative approach will help build a strong foundation for future Canal improvements, as well as ensure fast, safe, efficient and economical transit for all Canal customers.”

When calculating the average increase for customers, the ACP based the amount on the combined transits in 2001. Based on the new tolls pricing structure, if larger ships use the Canal, then the average toll increase is actually lower than the total average increase.

ACP Responds to Concerns Raised During the July 19th Public Hearing

Among the major issues raised by customers, shipping associations and Panamanian citizens, during the July 19th public hearing held in Panama City was concern about the timing of the toll increase. Respondents cited the global recession, the size of the proposed increase, and the inability of customers to transfer the cost to their clients on short notice as reasons to appeal the proposal.

During the hearings, Panamanians expressed concern about the Panamanian water resources utilized in the operation of the Canal, citing that its value should be integrated into and reflected as a part of the cost of transit for all ships. Currently, about 52 million gallons of water must be used for each transit regardless of a vessel’s size or tonnage.

“Through the solution approved by the Cabinet Council today, the ACP has creatively addressed the issues raised by customers while, at the same time, ensuring permanent modernization of the Canal and guaranteeing safe, efficient transit for all of our customers,” Administrator Alemán concluded.

The Panama Canal Authority is the autonomous agency of the Government of Panama in charge of managing, operating, and maintaining the Panama Canal. The operation of the Panama Canal Authority is based on its organic law and the regulations approved by its Board of Directors.

 

22/08/02 Kent Line International Limited, one of Canada's most diversified shipping companies is expanding its services in South America

With Services to the North Atlantic, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, South and Central America; Kent Line, specialized in break-bulk cargoes transport, provide reliable and cost-effective services in these shipping lanes - on a regular basis.

For over 65 years, Kent Line has a reputation for its well-trained officers and seamen, who are supported by an experienced and innovative management team. The company has been certified ISO 9002/ISM

Kent Line's fleet moves in a timely and cost-efficient manner whether moving general cargo, or containers.

The company is based at Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada - Tel.: (506) 632-1660 - Fax: (506) 634-4200

The company showed a rapid expansion in the region, and offered three sailings from South America in July:

- m.v. "Kent Voyageur", loaded at Itajai - Brazil for Savannah (U.S. East Coast), Camden and Trois Rivieres

- m.v. "Cec Atlantic" loaded at Campana (Argentina) on July 17 and Itajai (Brazil) bound for San Juan, Port au Prince and Savannah.

- m.v. "Kent Mariner" loaded at Itajai - Brazil for Camden and Quebec

The m.v. "Cec Atlantic", which called Argentina port of Campana, is a Multipurpose vessel, Tweendecker, able to transport Containers and Heavy Lifts, with a DWT of 11,900 Tons - Year Built:2000 - Max. length: 134,15 m.

16/08/02 Lufthansa achieved a significantly higher punctuality rate than any of its main European competitors, making the airline the most punctual hub carrier in Europe

In the first five months of this year Lufthansa achieved a significantly higher punctuality rate than any of its main European competitors, making the airline the most punctual hub carrier in Europe.

Announcing this positive result in Frankfurt, Dr. Christoph Klingenberg, Executive Vice President and General Representative Group Infrastructure of Deutsche Lufthansa AG, said, "Since 1999 we have seen an excellent improvement in our departure punctuality rate. It has gone up from less than 70 per cent in 1999 to over 85 per cent this year.

Lufthansa has thus clearly moved up to the top of the league in Europe," he explained. At Frankfurt, its main hub, Lufthansa achieved a punctuality rate of 85 per cent, much higher than its major European rivals in London, Amsterdam or Paris. According to international standards, a flight is classed as punctual if it takes off within 15 minutes of its scheduled departure time.

Delays are influenced by two main factors: traffic management by air traffic controllers and ground handling processes, which for the most part lie within the responsibility of the airlines and the airports. Lufthansa's "Operational Excellence" programme examines the airline's own processes and constantly refines them. In Klingenberg's view, the improvement in punctuality rates is due largely to optimised ground operations. "Lufthansa is the first airline ever to record the exact timing of all its ground handling processes and make them more transparent.

Thanks to a new system known as "Allegro", introduced in April, we can pinpoint the potential causes of delays on the ground. This opens up excellent opportunities to work on improvements," Klingenberg explained.

"Allegro" stands for "ascending to a higher level of excellence in ground operations". The programme registers every single process on the ground, down to the last second, from the moment the first passenger disembarks on arrival, to refuelling, cleaning and loading in-flight catering and baggage right through to the moment the last passenger boards the plane before departure.

If delays occur - for example, when all the passengers have left the aircraft but the cleaning of the aircraft does not begin immediately - those responsible are notified at once so that they can take the necessary action without delay. The new time-recording system ensures that punctuality will also be rewarded financially in future as "Allegro" will serve as a basis for the performance-related payment of suppliers.

This system is unique worldwide and will give Lufthansa a lasting competitive edge. A further contribution to improved punctuality was made by German air traffic control, which has reduced ATC-related delays in German airspace over the past twelve months.

15/08/02 New partner for WOW: Japan Airlines Cargo joins Lufthansa Cargo, SAS Cargo and Singapore Airlines Cargo in air cargo alliance

Japan Airlines Cargo will join the WOW airfreight alliance on July 5 2002. The announcement was made in Tokyo by Juntaro Shimizu, Senior Vice President, Cargo & Mail of Japan Airlines, Dr. Andreas Otto, Member of the Executive Board at Lufthansa Cargo AG, Peter Gronlund, President & CEO of the SAS Cargo Group and Hwang Teng Aun, President of Singapore Airlines Cargo.

Japan Airlines Cargos decision means the WOW alliance has gained one of the major players in the air cargo business. The WOW alliance now boasts a combined fleet of 43 dedicated freighters, many of them widebodied jets. Between them, Lufthansa Cargo, Singapore Airlines Cargo, SAS Cargo and now JAL Cargo offer an unparalleled network of destinations, linking the worlds major trading centres.

"We believe that by this strategic step we are able to enhance the global approach of JAL Cargo. By adding to WOWs harmonized product portfolio and worldwide air cargo network we will keep the pace of our customers demands and the trends of globalization", stated Juntaro Shimizu, Japan Airlines Cargo.

Lufthansa Executive Board Chairman Jürgen Weber welcomes the expansion of the WOW freight alliance: "With the integration of JAL Cargo, Lufthansa Cargo and WOW are gaining one of the strongest freight carriers in the Asian market as a partner. This will further reinforce the Lufthansas position in this market and optimally expand the global network represented by this airfreight alliance."

"Japan Airlines Cargo joining WOW is a natural development of our prior bilateral and also tripartite co-operation including Lufthansa Cargo. With JAL Cargo's extensive network, and exclusive know-how on the Japanese market, we can offer our customers even better solutions", says Mr. Peter Grnlund, President and CEO of SAS Cargo Group AS.

The inclusion of Japan Airlines Cargo will significantly expand the alliance network in northern Asia. With Japan Airlines Cargo as a fourth partner, the WOW alliance will establish a major presence in Japan, Asias largest economy.

Lufthansa Cargo, SAS Cargo and Singapore Airlines Cargo laid the foundations for the airline grouping, initially under the "New Global Cargo" project name, in Kronberg near Frankfurt on April 26 2000. The alliance assumed the new name of WOW on March 14 2002.

From April 1 this year, the WOW partner airlines also harmonised their general cargo products, continuing the alliances commitment to offering customers "Three Products One Promise". Any of three products can be booked to the destinations within the common network.

Japan Airlines Cargo will play an active part in the alliances ongoing development. The Japanese cargo carrier is already cooperating in the WOW project team, which is at work harmonising the individual product portfolios, networking the partner airlines IT systems, standardising handling processes and exploiting synergies in sales.

14/08/02 CROWLEY LOGISTICS forms business alliance with AMERIJET - Companies Combine Services and Routes to Provide Comprehensive Shipping Solutions

Amerijet International, Inc., the Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.-based all-cargo airline, and Crowley Logistics Inc., a Jacksonville, Fla.-based transportation logistics provider, have formed a business alliance that combines their respective products and services throughout both companies' freight transportation networks.

The alliance enables both companies to provide comprehensive shipping solutions to customers requiring any combination of direct air, land and ocean transportation throughout North America, the Caribbean and Latin America, as well as global service via both companies' interline partners.

"Our two companies have a high degree of compatibility in terms of operations," said Pamela Rollins, Amerijet's Vice President of Business Development. "We both also are market leaders in our respective service lines, with solid reputations and well-established business relationships. Our alliance will help streamline shipping logistics for our respective customers. At the same time, it allows each of our companies to expand our own transportation networks."

"We are excited with the opportunity of combining our two strong service networks to provide our customers with a fully integrated package," said John Hourihan, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Crowley Logistics.

Crowley Logistics, a third party logistics provider, offers supply chain management, freight consolidation, warehousing, transportation management, and cross-docking services throughout the United States, Central America and South America. The company's Transportation Management Center serves as the heart of its logistics framework, enabling clients to combine and tailor services as needed, and tap into the company's sophisticated materials and shipment tracking technology.

Crowley Logistics, headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla., is a subsidiary of Oakland-based Crowley Maritime Corporation and is part of its liner segment. The corporation, founded in 1892, is primarily family- and employee-owned, and is engaged in worldwide logistics, liner services, contract towing and transportation, energy support services, ship assist and escort services, vessel management and petroleum and chemical marine transport.

Amerijet International, Inc. is a full-time, scheduled all-cargo airline serving more direct destinations between North America and the Caribbean, Latin America and Mexico than any other airline serving that region. Amerijet operates a fleet of Boeing 727-200 aircraft, which offer 12 positions with capacity for 60,000 pounds (27,000 kilos). The company's trucking division provides road feeder service throughout North America, connecting to the company's flight hub at Miami International Airport. In addition to its primary service region, Amerijet provides worldwide air cargo service to more than 550 destinations through its interline partners.

06/08/02 U.S. Customs Service's Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program - Most Shipping Lines are providing very widespread support.

U.S. Customs Service started taking applications from the global transportation community for membership in the -TPAT program.

C-TPAT or Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism program is an initiative between business and government to protect global commerce from terrorism. The initiative that began past April, initially sought membership from major importers of goods into the U.S. To date, just over 230 importers have agreed to participate.

The program calls upon importing businesses to establish policies to enhance their own security practices and those of business partners involved in the supply chain. Once these policies are in effect, imports by these businesses would be given expedited processing at ports of entry.

The liner shipping industry is providing very widespread support for the U.S. Customs Service's Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program. On July 15, Customs opened the program to participation by ocean carriers. Member lines of the World Shipping Council -- representing over 89 percent of the liner shipping capacity serving America's international commerce -- have demonstrated their commitment to the program as part of the industry's effort to support the government's strategy to improve international supply chain security.

The Coast Guard, the Customs Service, and TSA are all working to improve cargo security while ensuring the continued efficient and smooth flow of America's imports and exports.

Member Companies of the World Shipping Council That Have Applied to Participate in Customs' Trade Partnership Against Terrorism

APL
China Ocean Shipping Company (COSCO)
CMA-CGM
CP Ships (incluyendo Lykes Lines, Contship Containerlines, TMM Lines, y ANZDL)
Crowley Maritime Corporation
Evergreen Marine Corporation (incluyendo Lloyd Triestino, y Hatsu Marine Ltd.)
Hamburg Sud (incluyendo Columbus Line, Crowley American Transport y Alianca)
Hanjin Shipping Company
Hapag-Lloyd Container Line
Maersk Sealand
Mediterranean Shipping Company
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines
NYK Line
P&O Nedlloyd Ltd.
Safmarine
Senator Lines
United Arab Shipping Company
Zim Israel Navigation Company

All carriers involved in C-TPAT must complete a Customs "Sea Carrier Supply Chain Security Profile Questionnaire" which asks them to present an overview of their existing security program.

The U.S. Customs Service began to accept applications from all importers and carriers ( Air Carriers - Importers - Rail Carriers - Sea Carriers ) seeking participation in the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) initiative that began on April 17, 2002.

Security Recommendations contains a list of suggestions for establishing, improving, or amending, security procedures along the entire supply chain. Each set of recommendations applies to a specific segment of the import chain such as a carrier, broker, importer, or warehouse and is meant to serve as only a guide and not as an established standard. As the C-TPAT evolves, the advice may be adjusted to further reflect input by the trade community.

Supply Chain Security Profile Questionnaire include minimal elements that a company is expected to address as a part of the C-TPAT application process. These elements include physical, personnel, and informational security programs and procedures employed by the company and an indication of existing security weaknesses. The questionnaire also requests information on the security procedures used when selecting international service providers and the steps taken to ensure that those companies employ adequate safeguards against terrorist activity.

For additional info http://www.customs.ustreas.gov/enforcem/tpat.htm or e-mail to industry.partnership@customs.treas.gov.

05/08/02 Delta's New Cargo Pricing Plan Simplifies Rates for Customers

Delta Air Logistics, the cargo division of Delta Air Lines, today introduces a new pricing program designed to simplify cargo rates for customers at every level.

"This customer-friendly pricing program is designed to help Delta serve its customers better," said Tony Charaf, senior vice president - Delta Air Logistics. "By simplifying our pricing structure, we've also made it easier for our customers to do business with us."

The new program incorporates competitive pricing from every point served by Delta in the continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and Canada. It also reduces the number of pricing zones from six to four within the continental United States.

"We've worked collaboratively with our customers, listening to them and understanding the things they say they wanted in the way we structure our pricing," said Gary Swanson, managing director - Sales and Marketing, Delta Air Logistics. "In addition, Delta personnel who interact with customers on a regular basis, as well as our teams responsible for moving customer freight, have provided input concerning our internal processes to make shipping easier for customers."

For more information on Delta's new cargo pricing program, customers may contact their Delta Air Logistics sales representative. Customers also may visit Delta's Web site at delta.com and choose Programs and Services, then Delta Air Logistics, for a complete list of Delta's comprehensive shipping solutions.

Delta Air Lines, the world's second largest carrier in terms of passengers carried and the leading U.S. airline across the Atlantic, offers 5,898 flights each day to 429 destinations in 76 countries on Delta, Delta Express, Delta Shuttle, Delta Connection and Delta's worldwide partners. Delta is a founding member of SkyTeam, a global airline alliance that provides customers with extensive worldwide destinations, flights and services. For more information, please go to delta.com.

NOTICIAS DE MESES ANTERIORES (NEWS)