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On the 21st of September, the State Council of the People’s Republic of China issued the Notice [GuoFa (2020) No. 10] on “Issuing the General Plan for the Beijing, Hunan and Anhui Pilot Free Trade Zones and the Regional Expansion Plan of the Zhejiang Pilot Free Trade Zone”, announcing the increase of the existing Pilot Free Trade Zones to include three new zones in Beijing, Anhui, and Hunan and to further expand the Zhejiang Pilot Free Trade Zone.
The recent expansion of the project will bring the total number of Pilot FTZs in China to 21; these FTZs are important pilot projects which assist the development of market reformation in the rest of China. Each of the pilot zones has been attributed specific tasks and has received special market considerations to reflect so.
The Beijing Pilot FTZ will be focused on science-tech innovation, international commerce, and high-tech industries, covering up to 119 km2, and will contribute, together with the existing Hebei Pilot FTZ and Tianjin Pilot FTZ, to promote the development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region.
The Hunan Pilot FTZ will include several areas in Changsha, Yueyang, and Chenzhou, to promote and develop the Central China region and the corridor between the Yangtze River Economic Belt and the Greater Bay area in Southern China. The Pilot FTZ aims to become an advanced manufacturing center.
The Anhui Pilot FTZ, the third new FTZ announced in 2020, would include three areas in Hefei, Wuhu, and Bengbu, focusing on the high-tech industries and promoting the further development of the Belt and Road Initiative.
The establishment of the FTZs in Hunan and Anhui is seen as a move to enable less-developed provinces to become more appealing to high-quality manufacturing, attract investment and boost efficiency, drawing investment in from their bordering provinces of Guangdong and Jiangsu.
The Notice also announces the expansion of the already existing Zhejiang Pilot Free Trade Zone by adding 119 km2 covering three areas in Ningbo, Hangzhou, and Jinyi and aiming to develop an international trading hub for commodities and agricultural products and to become a vital innovation center.
JAS covers the major provinces and cities in China, our team is always here to help our customers in identifying potential business opportunities and help them to face any challenges in supply chain with the best-fit solutions.
ATLANTA, February 20, 2025 – JAS, a global leader in logistics and supply chain solutions, has successfully completed its acquisition of International Airfreight Associates B.V. ("IAA"), a specialized provider of Air, Ocean and Road Freight services headquartered in the Netherlands. This milestone follows the signing of the Share Purchase Agreement (SPA) announced in December 2024 and marks the official integration of IAA into the JAS network.
"The acquisition of IAA strengthens the JAS global logistics portfolio and access to key markets, particularly in the time-critical perishable goods sector," said Marco Rebuffi, CEO and President of JAS. "We are proud to welcome IAA's talented highly experienced team to JAS and are looking forward to delivering excellent service to our customers together."
Jur de Graaf, Managing Director of International Airfreight Associates, added, "Joining JAS allows us to expand our services globally and continue delivering high-quality logistics solutions for our customers. We are confident that our partnership will create new opportunities for our employees, partners and clients.”
IAA is one of the top 3 IATA forwarders at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport with Warehouses and Operations in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. IAA specializes in managing time-sensitive perishable fresh goods and livestock shipments as well as multimodal general cargo.
The acquisition strengthens JAS global service portfolio by enhancing the footprint in the European logistics market and beyond. Together, JAS and IAA teams will drive customer value through expanded service offerings, operational excellence, and an even broader global network.
About JAS
JAS, a global leader in logistics and supply chain solutions, was founded in Milan, Italy, in 1978. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, and supported by 7,000+ team members in more than 100 countries, JAS focuses on creating solutions that are innovative, sustainable, and tailored to customer needs. As a privately owned company, JAS is committed to creating opportunities for communities, customers, and colleagues to thrive.
About International Airfreight Associates B.V.
International Airfreight Associates B.V. ("IAA") is a specialized provider of Air, Ocean and Road Freight services headquartered in the Netherlands. With nearly 100 employees and strategic locations and operations including Amsterdam, Aalsmeer, Rotterdam, and Frankfurt, the company specializes in moving fresh perishable goods, livestock and multimodal supply chain solutions for a diverse range of clients.
On January 24, 2025, industry leaders gathered at the Renaissance Warsaw Airport Hotel to celebrate a year of collaboration with Lufthansa Cargo.
The evening brought together key partners to reflect on past achievements, discuss future opportunities, and recognize outstanding performance across the logistics sector.
JAS Poland had a standout night, earning three awards for exceptional performance in 2024:
The event featured an inspiring speech by Ashwin Bhat, CEO of Lufthansa Cargo AG, and a panel discussion on the evolving landscape of e-commerce. The awards gala was a testament to the strong partnerships and shared success within the industry.
A heartfelt thank you to Lufthansa Cargo for their continued trust and collaboration. Here’s to another year of reaching new heights!
The European Union's Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) mandate is set to reshape the aviation industry, requiring airlines to incorporate a minimum of 2% SAF in their fuel mix starting in 2025. This regulation represents a major step toward reducing carbon emissions, but it also brings substantial cost challenges for carriers operating across Europe.
Impact on Freight Costs and Sustainability Surcharges
The implementation of the SAF mandate is driving up operational costs for airlines, directly influencing freight rates. To offset these additional expenses, airlines are introducing mandatory sustainability surcharges on shipments departing from or transiting through European airports. While this presents immediate financial challenges, it also serves as a catalyst for innovation and investment in alternative fuels, paving the way for a more sustainable aviation sector.
Balancing Cost and Sustainability
As airlines adapt to these regulatory changes, they must navigate the delicate balance between cost management and environmental responsibility. The evolution of SAF production, along with advancements in supply chain logistics, will play a critical role in determining how efficiently the industry can meet these mandates. Collaboration between fuel suppliers, airlines, and logistics partners will be essential to ensuring a smooth transition.
Stay Informed with JAS
To help our customers understand the implications of this new regulation, we invite you to download HERE the JAS One-Pager on the ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation. This resource provides a clear and user-friendly overview of the changes and their impact on airfreight logistics. Additionally, you can visit the ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation website for further details (ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation website )
At JAS, we are committed to clear and transparent communication regarding regulatory changes affecting global supply chains. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact your nearest JAS representative for more information and tailored support.
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