A successful global strategy in today’s rapidly changing logistics market is to carefully consider the tailored complexities and demands of a customer’s modern business operations. 

Remaining agile and flexible in service and being receptive to unexpected disruptions is a prerequisite for successful strategy execution. Defining project solutions, establishing technology-integrated processes and entering into plans to capture newer commercial business lanes can support a renewed global strategy in the changing market. 

“At National, the transformation from operating four aircraft to 13 aircraft in just five years has driven the current global strategy for the company,” Caterina Alf, Global Director of Business Development, National Air Cargo, stated. 

“A robust fleet of Boeing 747-400 freighters and A330-200/300 passenger aircraft along with an extensive list of accessible third-party fleet types ensures that customers’ needs can be fulfilled anywhere, anytime across the globe at a moment’s notice.”

Sustainable service

One of the most critical challenges in the current global logistics space is maintaining a balance between cost efficiency and service quality. “We believe at National Air Cargo, ‘we are only as good as our last shipment’, and our paramount goal is to offer the most efficient, precise and affordable transportation solutions to our customers,” Alf outlined.

“We offer a range of options, including door-to-door solutions, customs brokerage, multimodal transportation, and part/full charter flights, which allows National to remain the competitive choice for our customers.”

Customer’s urgent shipping requirements are expedited with different services. In the case of an immediate charter, then ‘air only’ is the option. Alternative not-so-urgent shipments are offered as air-ocean-road. For a multimodal movement, a pre-planned move always has multiple options which allows for unique solutions.

 In each of these modes of shipping, transparency and visibility from pick up to delivery are very important components to maintaining the highest level of service quality and customer satisfaction. 

“National has heavily invested in our own real-time track and trace systems. With further automation, the systems aim to be more efficient. We also emphasise a ‘human touch’ approach where dedicated account management teams are updating customers regularly during the shipment,” Alf continued.

“In today’s highly competitive and demanding business environment, maintaining versatility is key to maintaining sustainable operations.” 

Optimised approach

There are multiple levels of partnerships which ensure the success of each shipment delivery. A robust group of air, trucking, ocean, customs, ground handling, and maintenance partners enables National to curate the right project solution for each shipping request. 

Collaboration enhances strength – National Airlines and National Air Cargo operate in more than 450 cities in a year requiring multiple levels of sophisticated collaboration from all facets of the industry. 

Apart from organised alliances and interline agreements, numerous bilateral partnerships are devised especially in the various business operations regions offering reciprocating support to enhance the overall supply chain operations.

Flash strikes, regional disputes, changes in law, and adverse weather are a few external factors which cause disruptions to international supply chains. Aircraft on Ground (AOG) and operational disruptions are another set of challenges the airline and freight forwarding division has to take into consideration when ensuring smooth global operations. 

Immediate backup plans, readjusting schedules and activating alternative routings are initial standard responses. However, long-term strategies by National include growing its fleet, operations hubs, and maintenance stations globally to support complicated operations. 

“National offers highly customised freight forwarding, logistics and air charter services to industries across the spectrum, including defence, e-commerce, automotive, live animals, energy, pharmaceuticals, and dangerous goods,” Alf highlighted.

“Each shipment request is a project of its own. Therefore the nature of challenges and its impact varies from each shipment. From geopolitical issues to trade regulations, limited visibility of entire supply chain systems cause disruptions, yet National strives to find solutions to navigate the complicated restrictions. 

 “Embracing challenges, collaborating with all our regional operations hubs, involving subject matter experts, and following the highest level of compliance help us navigate these challenges and prepare us better for each shipment.”