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After working with unit load device (ULD) management firm Unilode Aviation Solutions and supply china data management company OnAsset Intelligence, Hong-Kong-based carrier Cathay Pacific said it has completed a field test of a ULD track-and-trace system that supplies data to customers in real time.

Powered by Bluetooth low-energy (BLE) beacons, the ULD system was tested over several weeks at the Cathay Pacific Cargo Terminal at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG). During the tests, Cathay said the wireless BLE devices functioned well in the multi-story, concrete environs of the cargo facility.

“It’s important to explore technologies that work towards the air freight industry’s aim of offering both customers and operators transparency and data accuracy throughout the entire supply chain,” said Frosti Lau, Cathay’s general manager of cargo service delivery.

Unilode CEO Benoît Dumont said the field trial with Cathay Pacific was a successful demonstration of the company’s approach to digitalization, adding that “Unilode is committed to explore other digital initiatives for Cathay Pacific within 2018.”

Cathay Pacific provided few details about the next step, but said the airline is preparing to move forward with a “proof of concept” of the BLE technology using actual cargo shipments.

This week, DHL has invested US$2.2 million in a 16,200-square-foot facility near Charleston International Airport (CHS), which will “shorten delivery times to and from the airport,” and nearly triple the capacity, compared to its previous facility.

South Carolina has attracted “some of the largest U.S. automotive manufacturing hubs,” DHL said, referring to makers like Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Volvo, who operate manufacturing facilities in the region.

The pickup and delivery center has a sorting capacity of 2,000 pieces an hour, which matches DHL’s projected growth in the region through 2025.

Chet Paul, general manager of the Southeast for DHL Express U.S., said the decision for the expansion was in response to the “explosion in international e-commerce among businesses of all sizes.”

Today, DHL Express released news of its purchase of 14 Boeing 777Fs at the Farnborough International Air Show, calling the purchase the beginning of “a gradual replacement of our older intercontinental fleet,” and said the investment is a “direct answer” to growing demand for global express capacity.

The carrier said that the purchase will be a move to reduce its leasing arrangements with outside carriers and said the acquisition will “improve the cost position of the DHL Express division going forward” and strengthen its intercontinental network.

Each 777F offers a payload of up to 109 tonnes. The express carrier operates a fleet of over 260 aircraft over a network of 220 countries.

Panalpina Adelantex, the Belgian branch of the logistics giant’s perishables network, has received its certification from Certisys to handle organic produce.

The Swiss forwarder already holds certifications from the organization for its Brussels, Liège, Luxembourg and London operations. Its Amsterdam and Kelsterbach operations are certified by SKAL and IFS Food Standard, respectively.

Panalpina says the “majority” of its perishable products imported by Panalpina Adelantex enter via Brussels Airport, where it operates a 1,600-square-meter cold-chain warehouse on the tarmac, before being distributed throughout Europe. Another quarter of the overall volume arrive via nearby Liège and Ostend airports, the company said.

“The certification is another guarantee to our customers worldwide that their fresh produce is safely steered through the Panalpina perishables network on the way to its final destination, all while maintaining the integrity of the bio products during the documentation and handling process,” said Robert Verbaenen, operational key account manager at Panalpina Adelantex.

Lufthansa Cargo has introduced “myAirCargo” to target private customers looking to send bulky items via international airfreight. “Whether it’s an urgent move, an exotic antique or a larger-than-usual sports accessory,” the airline announced, Lufthansa can now send these goods by air.

For myAirCargo customers, Lufthansa’s logistics subsidiary will organize complete transport of goods from door to door, while also handling customs formalities en route. The new product frees up deep-pocketed customers, such as tourists, to indulge in ambitious impulse buys.

“We are occupying an innovative niche in the market between postal services and forwarders,” said Peter Gerber, CEO of Lufthansa Cargo. “Book air cargo quickly and easily online, at first hand – only we can do that.”

However, the World Wildlife Fund warned buyers to beware. Before forking over their Malaysian ringgits, Mozambican metical, or Vietnamese dong, customers should ensure that their purchases don’t violate international laws on endangered species and plants. “Most countries, including the United States, protect their native animals and plants under national laws and through CITES – a treaty signed by more than 170 nations to support sustainable trade in wildlife and plants while protecting endangered species,” the organization said. “Just because you find an item for sale does not mean it is legal to bring it home. By making informed choices, you can avoid having your souvenir confiscated or paying a fine.”