Implementation of a new cargo management system (CMS) late in 2016 helped stabilise Finnair Cargo in January and 2017 has started well.
Head of global sales, Fredrik Wildtgrube (pictured below) says the CMS has driven customer confidence in the right direction. “In addition we have executed our roadmap relentlessly with a clear customer mindset that has further fuelled our overall performance,” he adds.
Finnair has seen a good level of demand in various segments, which it says may indicate overall demand is increasing for destinations provided while also service requirement is becoming more important.
Wildtgrube says: “We are doing a lot of work in regard to customer experience and want to respond to our customer expectations.
“We are growing our fleet with new Airbus A350 aircraft and also preparing for our new terminal implementation. All of which are increasing the interest towards Finnair Cargo.”
Finnair has been putting a lot of effort into special cargo such as pharma and Wildtgrube believes its service is resonating well with customers and he expects demand to grow.
“The markets’ demand consistency is volatile whereby we need to work harder to discover elements of flexibility that allows everyone to be sustainable, while the whole supply chain keeps its promise,” he adds.
All sectors are on the up, but the carrier’s Asia origins are doing well, but it has seen improvements with origins that previously have been difficult and this year it has increased activity.
Finnair Cargo’s new COOL Nordic Cargo Hub terminal project is on track and the plan is that it will be fully operational in September this year.
Managing director, Janne Tarvainen (pictured below) says: “The terminal and required infrastructure is more or less already in place and our main tasks prior to the opening have to do with system tests and training of the personnel.”
Tarvainen says the terminal is one of its “fundamental building blocks” needed to fulfill targets of a “very ambitious” airfreight growth roadmap.
He adds: “With the COOL terminal and its cutting edge technology and processes combined with sophisticated and modern IT infrastructure we are able to improve speed, quality and transparency of air cargo in a consistent manner.
“This means that we’ll have improved tools to make the most of the geographical location of Helsinki Airport offering the fastest connection between Europe and Asia.”
He adds: “We have a holistic development roadmap in place beyond opening of the COOL terminal.
“Several projects listed and decided have to do with customer experience and how we are able to strengthen our customers’ business.
“Many initiatives also have a tight connection to new technologies and digitalisation connected with efficient processes.”
