Month: January 2015

New Tokyo office to boost AAL’s service offering & commitment to local customers

AAL today announced the launch of a new office in Japan – the world’s 3rd largest economy. The strategic move is based on providing excellence in services and on-ground operational support directly to customers in the country, building on AAL’s significant presence in Asia and driving its continued international development as an award-winning and truly global carrier.

Based in Tokyo, AAL Japan will focus on providing quality services to key industries, particularly the EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) sectors, where Japan has a strong reputation for the export of high-end quality products. AAL Japan will provide a wide range of transportation and logistics services, drawing upon its extensive experience in the global heavy lift and project cargo markets. These include transportation solutions on sea, land and air, related agency services, financing and temporary staffing and logistics consultancy.

AAL Japan will be headed by Mr. Wolfgang Harms, in conjunction with his current roles as Chief Representative for Greater China and deputy Managing Director of AAL. He will be supported by Mrs. Yuko Kimura as Managing Director, Mr. Takashi Shimizu as General Manager and Mr. Yushi Sato – all directors within the new organisation.

“Japan saw a steady resurgence in its export market towards the end of 2014 – supported by demand from the US and China – an encouraging sign, considering the volatile global market.   To maintain their competitive edge, our local shipping customers aim to maximise their operational efficiencies, as well as health and safety and sustainability standards. At AAL, we have built a trusted reputation for providing flexible transportation solutions that meet these demands. said Wolfgang Harms.

“This development reflects the significance of Japan as a key market for AAL and, with more than half of the country’s shipments going into Asia, we have the experience and the resources to meet market expectations and build our reputation and operations in the region even further.”

Five people have been rescued in the Vitiaz Strait, Papua New Guinea, by the AAL Newcastle after a banana boat ran out of fuel 29 nautical miles from shore. Responding to an alert from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority’s (AMSA’s) Search and Rescue department (JRCC), the AAL Newcastle was able to come to the aid of the drifting banana boat and its crew of five, lifting the boat to safety and ensuring its safe passage to its destination.
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AAL will be exhibiting at the upcoming Breakbulk China in March 2015. The exhibition is being held again in Shanghai, China from 19th – 20th March 2015 at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center, Hall 3. AAL will be present at booth #802. Come along and visit us.
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Schoeller Holdings has demonstrated its ongoing support of AAL, with the relocation of Kyriacos Panayides from the Group’s headquarters in Cyprus, to Singapore, to take up the position of Managing Director. Kyriacos has been involved with AAL since its inception in 1995, holding a seat on the Board of Directors. A staunch advocate for growth and with 25 years experience within the shipping and maritime industry, Kyriacos will oversee AAL’s next stage of business development.

He commented, ‘My focus will be on the corporate side of the business; ensuring that our management systems and infrastructure are in line with our growth plans and that our profile is enhanced further with key industry and company stakeholders. We will continue to embrace the dynamic and entrepreneurial approach to business that defines us and seek-out lucrative and sustainable opportunities for our own and our customers’ businesses.’

He concluded by saying, ‘Christophe Grammare and Namir Khanbabi will continue their valuable work as Managing Directors of the Liner Services and Tramp & Projects divisions, respectively. They will focus on our operations and the quality of our customer services – making sure that AAL continues to meet both customer needs and our business objectives.’