News from the world of transport and logistics – 17 April 2025
Italy-France freight trains resume – New CSO at TX Logistik – Amazon allocates $15 billion for logistics in the US – SF Airlines reaches 90 cargo aircraft – Ethiopia and AfDB to build Africa’s largest airport – Adani brings Australian terminal back under Apsez
Rail freight traffic between Italy and France resumes
Rail freight services between Italy and France have resumed with the reopening of the Frejus railway tunnel. Mercitalia Intermodal has reactivated its weekly operations linking Novara, Turin and Paris, ensuring six round trips: three services between Turin Orbassano and Paris Noisy, and three between Novara Boschetto (via Turin) and Paris Noisy.
Dirk Steffes appointed new CSO at TX Logistik
German rail operator TX Logistik, a subsidiary of the FS Group, has announced the appointment of Dirk Steffes as its new chief sales officer. A recognised figure in the rail and logistics industry, Steffes is described as a strategic thinker, customer-oriented and equipped with a strong vision. “We are pleased to have brought on board a well-connected logistics and rail transport expert who knows our company in depth,” said CEO Ugo Dibennardo.
Amazon plans $15 billion logistics expansion in the US
Amazon is preparing a $15 billion expansion plan to develop approximately 80 new logistics centres in both urban and rural areas across the United States. The project includes the construction of delivery hubs and automated distribution centres. The company has invited potential financial partners to submit proposals, offering lease terms of between 15 and 25 years. The initiative signals a revival following the slowdown in post-pandemic construction and comes at a time when the industrial real estate market is cooling, with vacancy rates rising according to Jones Lang LaSalle.
SF Airlines expands cargo fleet to 90 aircraft
SF Airlines, the Chinese cargo carrier under the SF Express group, has expanded its fleet to 90 aircraft with the arrival of a Boeing 767-300 BCF at its Shenzhen hub. The aircraft, converted for freight operations, is the 90th to enter service since the company began operations in 2009 with just one plane. According to Planespotters, the current fleet includes 17 Boeing 737s, 4 Boeing 747s, 39 Boeing 757s and 20 Boeing 767s. More than 30% of the fleet now consists of wide-body aircraft. SF Airlines currently serves over 110 cities worldwide and transported nearly 1.2 million tonnes of cargo in 2024.
Ethiopia and AfDB to build Africa’s largest airport
Ethiopian Airlines Group and the African Development Bank (AfDB) will work together to construct a new $7.8 billion airport set to become the largest on the African continent. The airport will be built in Bishoftu, near the capital Addis Ababa, and will boost annual passenger capacity from 17 million to over 60 million by 2040. The letter of intent has already been signed, according to Ethiopia’s Ministry of Finance. The AfDB has so far invested $1.2 billion in the country.
Adani returns Australian terminal to Apsez for $2.4 billion
Indian businessman Gautam Adani will transfer the North Queensland Export Terminal back under the ownership of the publicly listed Adani Ports & Special Economic Zone through a deal valued at approximately $2.4 billion. The acquisition will be executed via the issuance of preference shares to an entity controlled by the Adani family. Originally purchased in 2011 and transferred to the family in 2013 for $2 billion, the terminal is now returning to Apsez’s direct control. The move is part of the group’s global expansion strategy focused on growing trade routes linked to India. This marks the fourth international port asset for the group, following acquisitions in Haifa, Colombo and Dar es Salaam.
