JAS Worldwide
6195 Barfield Rd.
Atlanta, GA 30328
Reduced global air cargo capacity, blank sailings, carrier solvency, increasing port congestion, and last-mile delivery delays are adding to an ever-growing riskier global environment that threatens supply chains.
Uncertain times often require creative measures. As shippers look to replenish inventory levels as well as budget logistics costs in such an unpredictable environment, partnering with a freight forwarder such as JAS helps to reduce such risks and cost concerns.
JAS has always worked closely with shippers to offer solutions that balance planning with responsiveness and agility. The COVID-19 pandemic highlights this need as shippers continue to benefit from the expertise of JAS during this crisis.
For several years, JAS Italy has worked with several Italian Government institutions by serving their logistics requirements. The relationship has become even closer during the pandemic as JAS took charge of a certain Italian Government institution’s import/export distribution process to obtain and distribute Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) commodities.
JAS initially arranged shipments from China, Brazil, and South Africa mainly through general cargo urgent flights. However, as demand dramatically increased, JAS recognized that the available market capacity was not meeting the needs of its customers. As a result, JAS ramped up the use of charter flights to better meet customer requirements.
Since February, JAS has moved millions of masks along with protective suits, visors, gloves, respirators, pulmonary ventilators, test tubes, and swabs.
By chartering flights, JAS was able to help other customers as well. For example, a German-based provider of medical and hygiene products turned to JAS to supply N95 masks to the governments of Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. JAS utilized multiple chartered flights from Shanghai to Frankfurt to distribute not only to the governments involved but also to pharmacies for wider distribution to non-governmental organizations and the public at large.
JAS was able to support customers in Peru, Colombia, and Mexico building southbound connections with the charter flights arriving to the USA from Asia.
The ability to rapidly charter flights between countries could not have been accomplished in such a quick and efficient manner without the expertise of the JAS World Air Freight Team (WAT) whose close relationship with a number of aircraft owners allowed JAS to find the right equipment, mostly 747-8 and 747-4 cargo planes, at the right time and in the right location for its customers.
Collaboration with JAS China was crucial as requirements for moving Personal Protection Equipment changed almost on a daily basis. Communication was a key success factor with JAS China establishing a daily communication channel to keep the whole JAS network up to date with the latest information.
JAS has now implemented full scheduled flight operations in the transatlantic corridor. Offering weekend flights from Chicago to Frankfurt and back.
JAS is also continuing special charter flights both with cargo aircraft or ghost flights from Shanghai to Chicago and from Hong Kong to Los Angeles.
ATLANTA, February 20, 2025 – JAS, a global leader in logistics and supply chain solutions, has successfully completed its acquisition 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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