Page 19 - LUA November December 2024 Issue for website

commitment to sustainable practices and customers, faced with potential delays,
operational excellence. Is Kuehne+Nagel opted for alternative routes. Depending
on their locations, some of these detours
? As the Managing Director for looking involved navigating the Cape of Good
Hope, thereby extending the lead time.
Kuehne + Nagel’s GCC region, what
are your primary objectives for the into mergers and However, many of our customers were in
company, and how do you envision acquisitions? We are the position of not being able to increase the
driving growth and innovation in this always on the lookout lead time and were looking for alternative
dynamic market? options. Our Sea-Air solution gained
The GCC region includes some of the for the right partners, popularity because it eliminated delays and
fastest-growing economies. Saudi Arabia, especially for the niche was economically attractive to the customers.
UAE and Qatar top the list, but we also see On the other hand, air logistics
growth in other countries in the region. markets and services continues to be the top choice for
As a managing director of a region that can support shipping perishables, high-tech, and
with such growth and resilience, I like high-value products. Its secure and timely
to apply cautious optimism. We are in our global network delivery capabilities provide a sense of
a comfortable position, but the logistics and offerings to our security to our customers, ensuring their
industry is dynamic and unpredictable, products reach their destinations in
and our teams must be ready to support customers. optimal condition.
our customers in an ever-changing The booming e-commerce industry
logistics landscape. actively adds to the air freight volumes.
As the economies diversify from the customers are the driving force behind Customers are now used to ultra-fast
oil sector, we see the rise of alternative our achievements. delivery, which can be achieved only
industries, in line with global trends. We have the right talents to support with air logistics; in fact, this industry
E-commerce, healthcare, aerospace, and our customers and build relationships is gaining speed as we speak, with more
other sectors are thriving in the GCC, and based on trust. We will continue to attract emerging markets and countries with
we are investing in meeting the demands young logistics professionals wanting to better access to online banking and online
of the markets. In Dubai, Kuehne+Nagel accelerate their careers in the industry and shopping and a young population that
is set to open a state-of-the-art fulfilment contribute to the growth of the region. wants products “now.”
and delivery centre with a bonded logistics We work very closely with the airlines.
corridors connecting to Jebel Ali Port and ? Kuehne + Nagel's net earnings saw a We build long-lasting relationships
the new Al Maktoum International Airport 48% decline in 2023, but the second based on trust and reliability, which are
[$35 billion expansion of Dubai's Al quarter of 2024 showed a boost in fundamental to successful operations.
Maktoum International Airport (DWC) in demand for air logistics, particularly We have dedicated global teams that
Dubai South, a major new project separate with supply chain disruptions in the Red specialise in specific industries or
from DXB in Dubai city] for the efficient Sea. How do you plan to build on this products and have a deep understanding
distribution across the GCC region. We are recovery and further strengthen K+N’s of requirements, an organisation highly
also looking to expand our geographical position in air logistics? appreciated by our customers who know
footprint, bolster our fleet and contract Despite the significant impact of Red they can rely on our capabilities.
logistics capabilities. Sea disruptions on the supply chain, our All those elements and ingredients
Undoubtedly, the cornerstone of our operations have demonstrated resilience. form a coherent vision and strategy that
success is our team. Their dedication, This was not just a local issue in the place Kuehne+Nagel in a leading position
expertise, and commitment to our Middle East but a global one. Many in the logistics industry.

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