International Cargo Center Shenzhen (ICCS)
For every Chinese problem a Chinese solution
Lufthansa Technik and Cargo are engaged in three joint ventures in Shenzhen
Rudolf Tewes and Frank Bräuer – two Lufthansa managers have been charged with diverse challenges in their careers at the Group. But the establishment of Jade Cargo and the International Cargo Center Shenzhen (ICCS) was for both a very special experience.
“As a manager in a foreign cultural environment, not just managing but setting a new company on its feet is totally different from taking on responsibilities within an existing corporate organisation,“ remarks Frank Bräuer. His ICCS company employs a staff of about 150 and handles all the international freight at Shenzhen Airport. “We are already making profits even though business with Jade has not yet begun.“
Frank Bräuer
He is evidently proud of his handling centre and its yearly capacity of 150,000 tonnes. When business begins with Jade Cargo as the centre’s biggest customer in the second half of the year, he will very soon have to reckon with the expansion of his cargo terminal. “Proficiency in cargo handling is demonstrated not so much by handling import and export shipments but by fast and fault-free trans-loading of transit freight. That’s where our strength lies – all credit to our dedicated and well-trained team.” Nonetheless, unforeseen problems still occur: “You arrive at the office in the morning only to be confronted by a typical Chinese problem, it might be with the customs or some other instance of red tape. The beauty is that by evening a typical Chinese solution has been found. “With customs formalities in particular here, we’ve meantime made considerable progress – to the benefit of our customers.“ In contrast, Rudolf Tewes is faced by a somewhat different situation. He and his team of 150 staff are still deeply involved in getting an airline off the ground. When the first of the freighters in the new cargo carriers fleet goes into operation in the second half of the year, the airline’s workforce will grow to around 250 staff. “We’re still seeking qualified pilots for our Boeing 747-400s“, Tewes explains, touching on a pressing issue. Simultaneously, he is busy implementing all the processes required in an airline operation. The stringent requirements and regulations in the air traffic industry involve a heavy work load prior to a first flight. But any onlooker observing him and his dedicated team of young Chinese has no doubt that Jade Cargo will evolve into a success story.
The third in the trio of Sino-German joint ventures is Lufthansa Technik Shenzhen. Managing Director Wolfgang Breckau, supported by about 100 staff, has been in charge of building up the company since 2004. It has been in profit since 2005. The company, operating on more than 6,000 square metres of floor space, specialises in bonding and repairing airframe-related components. These include engine cowlings, landing gear flaps and such parts as flight control surfaces. Repairs are carried out under great heat and pressure in a furnace-type autoclave. To save time and costs in transporting bulky components, Lufthansa Technik has set up a purpose-built MRO workshop in Shenzhen for Asian customers. |
