In conversation with Norman Richard, Director, Air Service Development at Edmonton International Airport, we discovered some interesting new options to help BC producers get their products to Asian markets more efficiently.
Read on for more insights on the recent developments and how to take advantage of these new options for your business.
Edmonton International Airport
From Left to Right: Air Bridge Cargo 747-400ERF | Air China Cargo 777-200F | Cargojet 757-200F | Cargojet 767-300F February 2016, Edmonton International Airport
What new air cargo developments are occurring at Edmonton International Airport (EIA)?
EIA is positioning itself to meet the needs of western Canadian shippers (all sectors). We are investing in our infrastructure to stay slightly ahead of demand to ensure the airport is always in a "ready state" for shipping requirements.
Two significant milestones were achieved in 2015:
- AF/KLM Cargo commenced year-round non-stop operations in May to/from Amsterdam, a major EU and global gateway airport.
- Air China Cargo commenced year round freighter operations three times a week to/from Edmonton, Dallas and, Shanghai a major Chinese and Asian gateway airport. On March 2, Air China Cargo added a stop as part of the service in Tianjin (Beijing) for added capacity into Asian markets.
These important new air services provide premium air cargo shipping options to Asia and the EU through EIA, supported by excellent road infrastructure throughout western Canada to and from the airport.
What industry sectors do you see as key to your air cargo services? Has this changed in the last six months?
Perishables remain and will continue to be a primary sector. Air Cargo is about reliable, efficient, temperature-controlled supply chains. We have and will continue to invest in our infrastructure and operational capabilities to ensure EIA is well recognized as an airport that consistently delivers a high level of service.
Our strategy is aligned to meet the needs of the producers for their supply chain requirements. Most recently, we have two new options to meet these needs. Braden Burry Expediting expanded to a new on-airport 40,000-square-foot warehouse, including temperature control facilities. Rosenau Transport Ltd. is currently in construction of a new 211,000-square-foot warehouse also including temperature-controlled facilities, opening in July 2016. Rosenau will operate their western Canadian hub from this facility, which will provide access to and from EIA throughout western Canada within 24 hours of the cargo leaving the nose of the aircraft.
New Building at the Edmonton Airport
Rosenau’s 211,000-square-foot building with completion scheduled in summer 2016.
While the oil & gas sector needs for air cargo have slowed, western Canada’s Agri-food requirements are becoming more important to our air cargo carriers.
Considering the impressive list of air cargo investments completed and ongoing at EIA, is there anything our industry can do to support this growth?
Yes. Consider Air China Cargo as an option for your China shipments. As an example in the case of BC Cherries, the high volume and short shipping period has often forced shippers and freight forwarders to use air cargo charters to move the product on time, as the regular cargo capacity was overwhelmed. However, charters are one of the most expensive ways to move air cargo and they do not support the carriers who have invested in scheduled operations.
The new Air China Cargo freighter operation at Edmonton International Airport, three times per week non-stop service to Tianjin (Beijing) and Shanghai provides added capacity at competitive pricing levels to exporters. Ask for this option from your freight forwarder for your time sensitive shipments.
Understood, and how would exporters obtain additional information on the service and pricing levels?
Contact your freight forwarder and ask to compare Air China Cargo at EIA to the competition.
Your freight forwarder can contact Exp-Air Cargo for information and to book Air China Cargo at: expaircargo.com
Email Chantal Bernard: cbernard@expaircargo.com.
To keep in touch on EIA developments, register for the EIA Cargo Newsletter at flyeia.com/cargo.
