American Airlines Cargo has begun nonstop service between Chicago's O'Hare International Airport and Dusseldorf, Germany.

Almost half those attending IATA's World Cargo Symposium in Doha had been in the airfreight industry for more than 20 years, prompting lengthy debate about where the next generation of employees is going to come from.

Federal contractors are going to be hearing the words "supply chain" a lot over the next 18 months. Having a certifiably secure supply chain will eliminate a potential mark against your selection as a source, just as having the appropriate contract vehicles eliminates friction.

The latest communication from the Global Air Cargo Advisory Group (GACAG), a body which packs in all the heavy hitters involved in the supply chain, from forwarding agents to airlines, makes very plain the views of the air cargo industry regarding the recently stalled Doha Round of trade negotiations held under the auspices of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and specifically designed to lower trade barriers and simplify processes, particularly to allow two way market access to developing countries.

Four of the busiest airports in the country will get tightened cargo security this year to enhance screening of dangerous items, a move that raises concerns from business people who say the extra measure will make the current "slow" service even less efficient.