GLG News by Airline Catering Experts

John CoatesPresident and Chief Executive OfficerThe Fennimore Group

Mexico Border Crossings Demand Knowledge & Resources: Do You Really Need a 3PL?

October 15, 2007

Analysis of:Logistics providers increase focus on Mexico | www.purchasing.com

Operating cross border shipments is not as complicated or troublesome as some would suggest. What's needed is knowledge of US and Mexico Customs laws, a commitment to compliance, and understanding the distance specialized truckers like/want to travel. The question is: are you up for it or do your infrastructure constraints dictate handing it off?

John CoatesPresident and Chief Executive OfficerThe Fennimore Group

Ship Order Secrecy Shifts Forecasting from Capacity to Performance

October 8, 2007

Analysis of:Ship order secrecy could tip supply and demand balance, says analyst | www.compairdata.com

Facing increased barriers to accessing new vessel building data, perhaps the maritime industry has awakened to the reality of their own achilles heal: why deliberately contribute to the ease of collecting data on global TEU operating capacity? Historically, new capacity implied reduced operating costs for the carrier, which strengthened the shippers' argument for flat or falling rates during contract negotiations. With more of the new capacities revealed closer to maiden voyage, advance planning in rate negotiations will have a bit smaller universe of factors to consider, something that could begin a potential shift away from traditional negotiation strategies on both sides of the table.

John CoatesPresident and Chief Executive OfficerThe Fennimore Group

GM Tackles Strategy in Wake of Souring Commodities

October 8, 2007

Analysis of:GM looks to substitute materials to reduce costs: Purchasing VP calls price increases "scary" and outlines upcoming plans | www.purchasing.com

To say that GM sees the next horizon of cost savings within commodity substitution only paints a narrow view of the larger issue facing GM, Ford and Chrysler. North American automobile marketplace success dictates the need for innovative products with styling and performance demanded by its customers. Forward reaching innovation of established and new components / composites, engineered for safety and reliability, are just one step needed for these 3 to survive, and is good for the global industry at large.

John CoatesPresident and Chief Executive OfficerThe Fennimore Group

Innovation vs. Rationalization: What Keeps Automotive Companies Rolling

October 4, 2007

Analysis of:Mazda develops catalyst to slash precious metal use | uk.reuters.com

Japan's Mazda Motor Corp announcement of reducing the use of palladium and platinum by 70-90% in their new single-nanotechnology automobile catalyst is proof that with rising prices comes innovation, that embracing change is good for the company and good for the consumer, and that Mazda may, in fact, have a better idea, something that has Ford and the rest of the automotive industry thinking. 

John CoatesPresident and Chief Executive OfficerThe Fennimore Group

What's NOT to expect within the 2007 Heavy Duty Truck Market

May 29, 2007

Analysis of:More Layoffs at N.C. Freightliner Plant | biz.yahoo.com

The impact of clean air initiatives has landed in the laps of its participants. The old adage of "no pain, no gain" is an unfortunate reminder that any change intended for a greater good will generate short term consequences. In this case, 2006 Class 8 purchases reflected more of advance buys normally aggregated over several years versus scheduled replacements, resulting in record sales for less environmentally friendly engines with purportedly better fuel mileage than the cleaner burning 2007 models mandated by federal law. The results: look to '07 Class 8 new truck sales to number in the 160,000 unit range compared to last years nearly 290,000 units. This doesn't bode well for production numbers for DC's Freightliner; Paccar's Kenworth, Peterbilt, and Western Star; Navistar's International; or Volvo's Mack and Renault badges. But to offset this real "pain" is the promise of improved fuel economy, lighter truck cab and frame designs, and the prospect of breathing a bit easier.

Chris LinPresidentQilin, Inc

More Chinese Visas Will Produce More Chinese Flights for U.S. Carriers

February 15, 2007

Analysis of:U.S. Seeks More China Flights | www.thestreet.com

Absent any concession from the U.S. negotiators, China is unlikely to expand the number of U.S. carrier flights to China any faster than the currently agreed additional daily flight for each of the next three years.

While the market between the U.S. and China remains weighted towards American citizens both for business as well as leisure travel, modest liberalization of visa policy by the U.S. would not only fill most of the empty seats on Chinese airlines which already fly to the U.S. but would also generate enough additional demand to justify not one but two daily flights beginning next year for at least three years.

Chris LinPresidentQilin, Inc

Loss of Simplicity May Undermine Results

February 12, 2007

Analysis of:World's first low-cost airline alliance | www.smh.com.au

JetBlue's alliance with Aer Lingus certainly broadens the reach of both carriers, but will also place pressure on their low cost business models.

Similar combinations are certain to follow and will place additional pressure on the same yields for economy class travellers that many network carriers had hoped to utilize to cover their higher costs of operation.

These alliances are not expected to significantly divert business travellers from network carriers due to the pervasive influence of frequent flyer programs and corporate travel cobtracts.

Michael BoydPresidentBoyd Group International, Inc.

The Slowing of The Low-Cost Airline Sector Intensifies

April 28, 2006

Analysis of:jetBlue Reports Loss | www.latimes.com

The first quarter results from jetBlue and the carrier's announced response are more indications that the skies are not unlimited for low-cost carriers. In fact, the planned fleet growth at the largest low-cost airlines (Southwest, AirTran, jetBlue) are not likely to be sustainable in an envirionment where jet fuel remains over $2 per gallon.            

Michael BoydPresidentBoyd Group International, Inc.

Airbus: Flying Into A Corner?

April 24, 2006

Analysis of:Redesign might delay A-350 to 2012 | www.floridatoday.com

Strategically, Airbus has bet on the 600-passenger A-380 as the wave of the future in airline capacity demand. In the meantime, Boeing bet on new-technology airliners in the 200 - 250 seat category (787), with new economics, as the future. Airbus attempted to blunt the inroads of the 787 with a hybrid redesign of the A-330, while they concentrated on the A-380. The strategy is now backfiring for Airbus.

Michael BoydPresidentBoyd Group International, Inc.

More Evidence It's Legacy Carriers That Have The Future

April 21, 2006

Analysis of:American's Loss Narrows | biz.yahoo.com

American's $92 million loss in the first quarter is essentailly a huge achievement, one that AA's press releases have down played. Against $5.3 billion in revenue, and a $300+ million increase in year over year fuel expense, the indications are that the carrier is fundamentally headed in the right direction. The fact is that the key indicator is the $115 million operating profit shows that the carrier has turned around. This is likely going to be indicated in coming 1Q results from other legacy carriers.

Page : 12Next1 to 10 of 11