Air Cargo Transport

Air Cargo Transportation

Running Head: AIR CARGO TRANSPORTATION: POLET CARGO AIRLINES Your Name Course Title Instructors Name Name of Institution Date Submitted

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Air Cargo Transportation: Polet Cargo Airlines Introduction The air transport industry is the area of commerce where freight, mail and passengers are carried or moved from one place to another by use of aircrafts. The air transport firms operate programmed airlines and non programmed services as well. This they do over local, national and regional routes. Aircrafts used range from single engine to multi engine planes. Origin of the Industry In 1910, the first passenger service was started, dirigibles operated in Germany cities. In 1914, the first scheduled passenger services begun in the US. Several experiments to fly airmails were carried out in Europe, India and the US just before the First World War. By mid 1920s, regular airmail planes were in operation. The 1925 enactment of the Air Mail act saw a lot of advancements in the industry and soon private planes and airlines were in operation. Air commerce act helped in the building of airport radio navigation (Allaz 2005). Passenger service had begun as early as 1920s but was not successful. Air mail planes developed much faster and very larger monoplanes were in operation and could manage to carry at least 15 passengers; example is the ford Trimotor. The Air Cargo Alongside the airmail services, commodities were also being shipped by air. This was basically not the objective of many firms but it came as a necessity as goods had to be transported from one place to another. The American automobile Private airlines manufactured by Ford Henry were the pioneers of the cargo industry and they transported a considerable amount of freight by the late 1920s. About two of the US companies by

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then operated all-cargo schedules in the Great Lakes region by then, Globe PR Group (2008). In 1930s, the air cargo business increased as larger airliners were introduced in the industry, but air cargo still lagged far much behind. However, for particular groups of compacted, lightweight and high value items, air transport prevailed as being the most successful. Typical air cargo in the period before the Second World War included cut flowers, high fashion apparel, jewelry, pharmaceuticals, movies reels and machinery spare parts. In certain cases, live animals were also transported (Allaz 2005). After the Second World War, larger and more efficient airliners were developed and as such, the cargo operations increased and more all-cargo firms were established. The freight in the post war era was likely to include everything that was able to fit in the fuselage of the aircrafts. In the years 1948 and 1949, during the Berlin shift, the military planes at that time did not only carry food but also transported tons of coal and other materials for construction. With the increasing frequency, all types of livestock were transported ranging from zoo animals to thoroughbred horses and exotic horses. Perishable goods were also transported including frozen foods (Allaz 2005). Heavy machines and parts of automobile machines also came to form the air cargo and later on even complete automobiles were carried. To reduce cases of pilferage and enhance handling, smaller consignments were generally packed in bigger containers. The overnight delivery of goods was started in 1970s in America and spread very fast to the rest of the world, Globe PR Group (2008). Competition had reached very considerable heights with each company wanting to outsmart the other, Polet Cargo Airlines (2009).

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As a matter of comparison between the rail, water and truck transport, air cargo expenses are still very high. Air cargo takes a very small percentage of the volumes of goods delivered between cities in the entire transport sector. However still many firms benefit from the shipments by cutting down inventor coasts, handling charges and warehouse requirements (Allaz 2005). Polet Cargo Airlines Polet Cargo airlines are operated under the Polet airlines which also operate passenger fleets. They include 5 x Antonov for goods and 6 x Saab 2000 aircraft for passenger around Russia. Poet airline is based in Russia, Voronezh to be specific. The firm operates cargo flight worldwide, transporting cargo from Voronezh and Sokol Chertovistskoye Airport is its main base. History of Polet Polet airlines were established in 1988 and started its operations immediately after it was launched. In the year 2002, Polet started providing its services to the aero-medical, farming and aerial photography markets. Anatoly S Karpov is the sole owner of the firm and also the chief executive officer and the director. The firm has a workforce of 251 employees and owns about 26% of Voronezhavia. (Allaz 2005) Company Profile The company’s mission is to continue being the perpetual element in the worldwide air Cargo industry. The air transport firm, Polet has been in operation since 1988, about 21 years experience dealing in cargo charters and it is currently the top company in cargo transport. The company also begun its passenger operations in 2003 and it has employed its experience in to enhance competition by venturing into aviation.

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The company has over the past five years opened and dealt in operations in turbo-props and business jets (Polet Cargo Airlines (2009). Services offered by Polet airlines delivery and carry cargo from the following areas and destinations; St. Petersburg, Ufa, Kustanai, Lipetsk, Minsk, Moscow, Kiev Zhulyany, Baku, Munich, Antalya, Voronezh, Sochi and Ulyanovsk. These flights include international and domestic scheduled airlines (Allaz 2005). Polet airlines operate the following fleet of aircrafts; one Boeing – 767 – 2Q8, two Yaovlev Yak – 42, three Antonov An – 30 and eight Antonov An – 124 – 100, two Antonov An - 2, two Antonov – 24, three Antonov An – 30, three Ilyushin Il- 96 and six Saab 2000. Polet’s Success Story Having been in business for the last twenty years, Polet cargo airlines has developed a great deal from an airplane rental partnership to a very larege major aviation firm in the world. The firm owns and Polet the unique An – 124 – 100 airplane. These have been very difficult but remarkable years. The firm managed to create well equipped and fairly manageable business airlines. Their feasibility study results and prediction proved to be true when they achieved these realities. Presently Polet has occupied a well deserved position as an operator that specializes in extra-large and weighty cargo transport, Globe PR Group (2008). The firm has a good reputation which has been drawing unswerving partners very close and also loyal clients. The company’s steady success has by and large been attributed to the efficiency, reliability and high quality services offered. The manager of production indicated that over the years that the business has been in operation, there has

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never been any case of broken contract. The Polet’s ambition to become the world’s number one service provider in cargo transport has never been a secret. The firm works openly and very hard. It’s in fact officially registered by the International Civil aviation Organization, which means it has obtained the licensure to fly all over the world, Polet Cargo Airlines (2009). There is always stiff competition in the air cargo transport market and it’s anticipated to grow even tougher. Nonetheless, achievements to current position and the firms commitment and determination has embodied in expansion of the business and is acknowledged by all key international agencies and that why the firm is proud, Globe PR Group (2008). Since its initiation, Polet has portrayed its zeal to excel in outsize air cargo which has seen it develop from a private firm to a renowned international air cargo firm. The firm is acknowledged as one success stories in the cargo industry. From the beginning, Polet demonstrated ambition characteristic. At the outset the firm obtained only one An30 airplane, which was used to carry freight and personnel to northern gas deposits, the employees were working on a shift basis (Allaz 2005). As the orders increased from commercial customers and the army, Polet gained experience and acquire more planes. By the mid 1990s, the firm begun to rejuvenate its fleets; It acquired two new A124 – 100s and opened new goals for the business development. As a consequence Polet become more engaged in transport of extra-large and super heavy cargo. Outsize cargo has continued to improve more than the general air freight market Regardless of the fact that it’s still viewed as something of a niche in the cargo industry. The airlines that serve

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this particular sector continue to boost their business with the continuing increase of coverage and perfection of services, Globe PR Group (2008). In April 1998, a revolution was also achieved by Polet when it installed the new purpose built rail structure that would ease loading and transport of outsize and unique one pieces cargoes weighing up to 100 tons. This significantly expanded the company’s opportunities in the international market implying that Polet Cargo airlines were in a better position to offer unmatched flexibility, time proficient consignment and ultimate delivery of sole or numerous huge cargo pieces, Globe PR Group (2008). Development into a key player on the huge and heavy cargo transport market and carrying out market research, lead to the discovery of an enormous potential and demand for consistent and specialized huge cargo delivery service in Canada and the US. To follow these tracks the firm applied officially for the licensure to do its operations with its Antonovs in US. The US approved this application and business immediately begun. Furthermore the company’s expertise was approved by the Canadian civil aviation authorities, Globe PR Group (2008) Another critical factor that distinguishes Polet from its competitors is the fact that it ventures in diversity. The firm is involved in space technology. So far Polet is the only firm that operates An-1254-100 which was licensed by space agency from Russian. This transports satellites and satellite rockets. The acquisition of four planes An-124-100 was a very big event in 2000 in preparation for the launch. Basically it’s wise to think that when a firm has a fleet of An-124-100, for contract, then it is likely to draw close big charter clients. The entire consignment or even individual properties can be carried weighing up to 50 tons, Globe PR Group (2008).

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The firm is dedicated to continued innovation on large air cargo transport. The firm is leading in its operation and has recently launched six platform loading equipment contrary to what its competitors use (the three platform loading equipment system). In a very short notice, this equipment can be hauled into a plane in order to go and care for any type, size or weight of heavy and huge cargo to whichever location (Allaz 2005). In certain cases, there is usually dire need of loading extremely heavy consignment. Polet cargo has developed fully qualified load masters, one of the reasons it’s a head of its competitors. These personnel will be sent to the client’s place where individual drawing can be created so as to make sure that loading demands are fulfilled. If such instances, Polet has always guaranteed the safety of all the parties involved and even their commercial concerns. The firm assures that the equipment they has and the large planes, it’s possible for them to haul twelve 20 feet or six 40 feet area cargo aboard an air plane with very little special effort, Air Freight Asia Update (2009). Customers Polet air cargo has been very active over the past years. The firm has developed good reputation across the world and has in return attracted very loyal customers. The customers which Polet has worked with include the biggest companies on the planet. The clientele comprises of several companies or organizations that are a representation of all types of industries. The company’s base includes over 1000 customers throughout the world. These customers include; Matsushita Co,Volkswagen AG,Volkswagen AG Toyota, Fliteline, Wartsila Corporation, Lufthansa, Astrium ,Rolls-Royce European, Space Agency, Roskosmos and Schenker among others

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The firm has experienced a growth rate of 10% since last year in the consignment of outsize items alone. The same kind of growth or even better is expected to be seen in the near future. This is because the firm has done a market research and projected the increase in trade. This is attributed to the fact that when people see how reliable the firm has been, the speed with which they deliver the services and the security involved as compared to other forms of cargo transport or even the competitors in the same air cargo, the customers will definitely be ready and eager to use the new An-124-100 airplanes (Allaz 2005). The firm has advertised these services and there is a growing awareness among the corporate clients who take into consideration these unique capabilities. Corporate Activities Apart from the typical business dealings, Polet cargo airplanes has been very keen to be involved in several humanitarian missions on behalf of the united Nations as well as other relief organizations and the state. The company feels it has a moral obligation to give back something to the society. The firm does this by several forms of action; the firm is always quick to respond by airlifting food, supplying and rescuing equipment into disaster affected area. In 2005, the firm experienced a tough situation where two different places in the world wanted their services (Allaz 2005 Polet & Cargo Airlines 2009). The farm’s workers panicked by in a short while they managed to make necessary adjustments and attended to the two cases. In the event of natural calamities like the case of tsunami, where Southeast Asia was destroyed; Polet has also taken part in many other relief efforts to feed and rescue the victims of the US hurricanes and earthquakes like the case of the Pakistani tremors. The planes are used to bring hundreds of tons of cargo including food, drugs, trucks,

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excavators and other equipment relevant to the tasks to be carried out, Air Cargo News (2009). During such operations, the Polet personnel work bearing in mind that many survivors rely on them to deliver the foodstuffs, medical equipments among other things as soon as possible. The company hence takes so much pride in this great responsibility to assist and save lives (Allaz 2005). The Polet Team Polet as a company, it has always endeavored to meet customer satisfaction. To keep up with competition and just remain in the business as the best air cargo transport service provider. For this to be achieved, the firm needed a very strong, committed and enthusiastic team which would work to the success of the firm by meeting the highest standards. Polet is also known worldwide for having achieved such as team. The firm is headquartered in Voronezh and Moscow in Russia. It has sales and marketing office that is based in Limassol Cyprus, whereas the firm operates and maintenance are based in Ulayanivsk Russia, Polet Cargo Airlines (2009). In 2002, Polet opened a new commercial office in New York just as part of its attempts to bring in special air transportation services and the exclusive capabilities of the Antonov 124 planes. The major purpose of this commercial office is to manage the markets of Canada and the US, Air Freight Asia Update (2009). The firm proudly reports that the Polet cargo airlines workers have a mutual respect relationship amongst themselves and also towards the management. This has managed to keep the firm together to function as a team. The most important aspect for consideration is the positive working environment which enabled the employees to overcome obstacles. Considering that Polet is now a multinational company running

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offices all over the world, the management team has been able to keep the workers as close as possible, Air Freight Asia Update (2009). The firm has a strong manager and that is why most of the success the firm has had had been attributed largely to the Director General Anatoly Karpov. Kerpov has steered the firm since its inception through tough economical times. He has a good background in the field of aviation since from 1973 he had been working in different departments, Air Freight Asia Update (2009). In 1997, he took over the leadership and steered the Air Launch aerospace. This was not to cut cost but created and a way of ensuring environmental friendly machines. Conclusion Polet cargo airplanes have been very successful in operating as fleet of Antonov 24 aircrafts. This has made it as major aviation firm that benefit Ted the society profitably. Since the firm has been in the air cargo market as a very active player, Polet cargo airlines have obtained valued experience in the air transport of heavy, exclusive, enormous cargo with the highest levels of standards. To assure the clients of its safety and efficiency, the firm has been evaluated by the association of International Air cargo and officially registered to fly planes all over the world. More improvements are expected to be made because the air industry looks promising to the future as its now flourishing in every aspect of it, say infrastructure of expanding the fleet. Between the year 2008 and the first quarter of 2009 the industry experienced the rise of a lot of new all cargo airline whereas existing firm are re-investing in cargo sector. At this point in time it’s a great opportunity for Polet cargo airlines to act as a forum to a very productive market that will offer a lot of business opportunities.

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References Air Cargo News (2009). Polet Airlines new IL-96 plans retrieved on 6th August 2009 from http://www.worldaircargoevents.com/news_detail.aspx?footer=1&news_id=1076 Air Freight Asia Update (2009). Polet to Start Scheduled Freighter Services. Vol 2 no. 3 MICA (P) 179 Allaz C. (2005). History of Air Cargo and Airmail from the 18th Century. Google Consultant. Globe PR Group (2008). Day of Russia in New York. Official Ceremony Globe PR Group Inc. retrieved on 6th August 2009 from http://globeprgroup.com/pr/day-ofrussia-ny-2008/ceremony.html Polet Cargo Airlines (2009). Company Profile. Polet Cargo Airlines. retrieved on 6th August 2009 from http://www.poletairlines.com/team.html and http://www.poletairlines.com/programs.html