U.S. joining global push allowing cargo shipments in passenger jet cabins
U.S. air-safety regulators, looking to make it easier for airlines to ramp up transportation of cargo aimed at combating the coronavirus pandemic, are set to allow such shipments in the cabins of passenger planes, according to those familiar with the issue. It is expected that new guidance will be issued in the coming days. It is likely that this guidance will mirror earlier moves by carriers and foreign aviation authorities in Canada, Ethiopia and the Middle East.
Normal operating restrictions and aircraft structural limits mean passenger planes must put all cargo in the bellies of the aircraft. However, in consultation with the plane makers and airlines, the Federal Aviation Administration officials are ready to lift those restrictions in order to give U.S. airlines increased flexibility to meet the swiftly changing shipping demand around the world.
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Slow shipping: Amazon puts new grocery shoppers on hold
Since the beginning of the pandemic, Amazon has rolled back several of its signature services, suspended its two-day shipping promise, cancelling its Prime Pantry grocery delivery product and generally re-orientating its massive online operation around essential goods while de-prioritizing non-essential items. The company has now made another rollback when it said on Sunday that it was putting new grocery delivery customers on a waiting list in order to try and deal with the increased demand.
Amazon will focus on delivering existing orders made by customers on Amazon fresh and Whole Foods Market, the company said in a blog post. New customers will eventually be able to place orders with the company citing this is only a temporary measure. Amazon continues to add new workers and facilities to cope with the increased demand as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
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PwC report: Supply Chains will up supplier scrutiny after coronavirus
Supply chains will more closely review their suppliers’ financial health and diversification long after the impact of the coronavirus has passed, according to more than 300 CFOs surveyed by PwC between April 6th – 8th. More purposeful site selection for new product manufacturing, and pre-approving secondary sources for key materials and components are also on the to-do list for supply chains in the long term, according to a report accompanying the survey.
Of the financial leader surveyed, 39% are considering changes in their supply chains as of April 8th. “I think that reflects the fact that…as companies look to China and manufacturing coming back online, they have more confidence than they did the last time around in the near-term strength of the China supply chain” according to Amity Millhiser, PwC vice chair and chief clients officer. She also pointed out that the trend towards supply chain optimization has left many organizations heavily dependent on a few suppliers or supplying countries, which has become a source of risk as the virus moves around the world.
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Have a lovely and safe weekend.
