The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced global traffic results for May showing a general downward trend in line with deteriorating global economic conditions.

Oman Air is planning to ramp up it airfreight service. The CEO of the sultanate's flagship carrier is planning to turn Muscat into a major cargo transport hub.

Boeing's latest fleet forecast predicts a doubling of the world's fleet of aircraft in the next 20 years, generating demand for 34,000 new planes, at a cost of $4.5tr. At the same time, officials said the demand for freighters will remain sluggish over the next two decades and revised downward their previous forecast. Even so, freighters will nearly double to 3,200 by 2031.

Kuehne + Nagel has agreed to take over the business of Perishables International Transportation Inc. of Vancouver, Canada, another step in implementing the Swiss company's strategy to expand its activities in the field of perishables logistics globally.

It's common practice for companies to view cold-chain management systems for pharmaceutical and bio-technology products as point solutions, whether related to packaging, training or carrier services, says Gary M. Hutchinson, president of Modality Solutions. Integration of all those elements, however, results in a "much more holistic system," he says. "You maintain product quality all the way from manufacturer to point of use. Until you integrate it into one system, you're not tackling it properly."

Singapore Airlines Cargo and China Cargo Airlines have inked a deal to begin operating joint freighters services between Singapore Changi Airport and Shanghai Pudong International Airport on June 26.

South American carriers LAN Airlines and TAM have banded together, forming the LATAM Airlines Group, reportedly the largest airline group in South America. The combined LAN Cargo, which has three smaller affiliate carriers, and TAM Cargo will now be able to offer routings to 169 cities around the world.

The International Air Cargo Association has applauded the recent agreements forged by authorities around the world to mutually recognize other countries' airfreight screening regimes. But more nations should follow the lead of these trailblazing countries, TIACA says.

Temperature-controlled technology for airfreight logistics can be a valuable means of achieving sustainability. Douglas Wettergren, regional sales manager with Envirotainer, explains how.

Total U.S. business logistics costs in 2011 rose to $1.28tr, a 6.6-percent increase from the previous year, accounting for 8.5 percent of the country's gross domestic product, according to the 23rd Annual State of Logistics Report, presented by the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals and Penske Logistics.