Starlux orders five A350F Aircraft
Starlux Airlines, a Taiwanese carrier, has doubled its previous Airbus A350F order by securing an additional five units. The new fleet will be operated by Starlux Cargo on key freight routes. This aircraft boasts a capacity of up to 111 tonnes of cargo with a 40% reduction in fuel consumption. Starlux already operates an all-Airbus fleet, including the A321neo, A330neo, and A350-900 models.
Italian logistics real estate remains strong in 2024
According to Team Research by Dils, logistics real estate investments in Italy totalled €560 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, bringing the yearly total to €1.7 billion—on par with the previous year. This performance was driven by a pan-European transaction and significant deals in Piacenza and Milan, which remains Italy’s primary logistics hub. However, the sector is showing signs of slowing, with the prime yield dropping to 5.4%, marking the first decline in two years.
Toyota MHM factory reopens in Borgo Panigale
The Toyota Material Handling Manufacturing plant in Borgo Panigale (Bologna) reopened on 8 January, following an explosion on 23 October 2024. F-Ingegneria, tasked with securing and rebuilding the 46,000-square-metre site, played a pivotal role. Over 60 firms and hundreds of workers restored the facility in just 45 days. The plant employs 800 workers and produces 20,000 forklifts annually.
DB Schenker and Ford open logistics centre in Dubai South
DB Schenker has inaugurated Ford's new Parts Distribution Centre in Dubai South, spanning 42,000 square metres. The facility incorporates cutting-edge technologies such as SAP S/4HANA software and automated handling systems to optimise inventory management and picking operations. With a 20% increase in capacity, the centre also focuses on sustainability: a 400 kW solar plant, set to be operational by late 2025, will reduce energy consumption and CO₂ emissions by 35%. This project reinforces Dubai's role as a global logistics hub and supports Ford’s regional growth.
TIP refurbishes 304 trailers for P&O Ferrymasters
P&O Ferrymasters, in collaboration with TIP Group, has refurbished 304 trailers, extending their service life and reducing their environmental footprint. The project, aligned with the company's sustainability goals, has enhanced operational efficiency and resource utilisation. The refurbishment is expected to prevent approximately 1,732.8 tonnes of CO₂ emissions, underlining the environmental benefits of this initiative.
New container depots in Tanzania
The Tanzanian government has announced new inland container depots to ease congestion caused by industrial vehicles transporting goods to East Africa’s landlocked nations. Transport Minister Makame Mbarawa stated that the initiative would redirect container traffic from Tanga Port to Rwanda, Burundi, and Uganda, while promoting rail transport for more efficient cargo distribution.
