newstodate.aero
Apr 19, 2010 (newstodate): The currently empty skies over most of Europe may soon be filled again, but in the aftermath the experience may lead to a re-thinking of the global transport infrastructure.
-Times are of course very demanding right now as we try to find alternatives for our customers to get their shipments on the move, says Peter M Larsen, DSV VP Air & Sea - who is also stuck in India for lack of flights back to Europe.
-Alternative solutions include road, rail and ocean transportation, in addition to air transport where that is still possible - and any combination between them. Inevitably this will increase total transportation costs as any ocean, road, rail and air link as well as terminal handling between them will incur new expenses. But we try to come up with proposals, and then we discuss it with the customers to let them decide on now to proceed.
-But the decision is certainly not easy: is it wise to turn your goods from sea to ocean freight today, running the risk that the flight ban is lifted the day after shipments are loaded on a ship that will then be at sea for, say, a week. Or would it be wiser to wait for a few days to see how the situation develops - and run the risk of seeing your competitor halfway towards the target while you are still on the ground? Only in hindsight will it be possible to ascertain who made the right, and who made the wrong decision..
-Anyhow, the experience from these days may lead us all to take a closer look on the traditional infrastructure and the decisions underlying the existing patterns. At least it would be wise to consider if new alternatives may be defined, including more gateways between Europe, USA and the Far East in addition to the current leading cargo airports in Europe. There may be much untapped potential in the Middle East and other regions that could be brought into play in the future, says Mr Larsen.
-Times are of course very demanding right now as we try to find alternatives for our customers to get their shipments on the move, says Peter M Larsen, DSV VP Air & Sea - who is also stuck in India for lack of flights back to Europe.
-Alternative solutions include road, rail and ocean transportation, in addition to air transport where that is still possible - and any combination between them. Inevitably this will increase total transportation costs as any ocean, road, rail and air link as well as terminal handling between them will incur new expenses. But we try to come up with proposals, and then we discuss it with the customers to let them decide on now to proceed.
-But the decision is certainly not easy: is it wise to turn your goods from sea to ocean freight today, running the risk that the flight ban is lifted the day after shipments are loaded on a ship that will then be at sea for, say, a week. Or would it be wiser to wait for a few days to see how the situation develops - and run the risk of seeing your competitor halfway towards the target while you are still on the ground? Only in hindsight will it be possible to ascertain who made the right, and who made the wrong decision..
-Anyhow, the experience from these days may lead us all to take a closer look on the traditional infrastructure and the decisions underlying the existing patterns. At least it would be wise to consider if new alternatives may be defined, including more gateways between Europe, USA and the Far East in addition to the current leading cargo airports in Europe. There may be much untapped potential in the Middle East and other regions that could be brought into play in the future, says Mr Larsen.