Counting down...

It's that time of year again, as the countdown begins for the third Supply Chain and Transport Awards (SCATA), an event that has traditionally focused on the excellence of the Middle East's logistics sector.

This year's ceremony, which see the cream of the industry's professionals gather to honour the outstanding players over the last 12 months, will be held on 1 June, during the Material Handling Middle East show in Dubai.

If the calibre of any awards ceremony is to be measured by those who judge the prizes, then the SCATAs have to be the most preeminent in the region. Two new judges have agreed to add their considerable expertise to the already-formidable panel; joining Issa Baluch, Capt Mansoor Ghafoor, Dr Kanak Madrecha, Sebastian Thomas and Professor Cedwyn Fernandes in the decision-making process for this year will be Jafza CEO Salma Hareb and Ali Al Jallaf, vice president of Dubai Airports Cargo Unit.

With such a vast level of experience on display, the categories this year are bound to be tougher than ever. From the airfreight perspective, there are three specific awards tailored to our sector: Cargo Operator of the Year (Commercial Airline), Cargo Operator of the Year (Cargo Airline) and Air Cargo Hub of the Year. Last year's awards were won by Etihad Crystal Cargo, Maximus Air Cargo and Dubai Cargo Village, respectively, evidence of the task nominees will be facing in 2009.

Further details on the SCATAs will be released over the coming weeks and you can keep yourselves in the loop by visiting our new website www.arabiansupplychain.com. There will also be a full preview in the next edition of Air Cargo Middle East & India, which will include the nomination form.

While the last two ceremonies have been a resounding success, we are working hard to ensure that this year's expanded event really reflects the industry's efforts over the past 12 months. Will you be walking away with one of the prizes?

You will also no doubt have noticed that the magazine has a new design this month. Included in the relaunch is a readers' letters page, and this - combined with our new website - represents an effort on our part to interact as closely as possible with you as a representative of the industry. Remember that Air Cargo Middle East & India  magazine is here to serve you and act as an industry forum, during what will be a year of hard work for everyone.

If you have any comments to make on this month's issue, we would love to hear your views. Please send your comments to This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it .

Edward Atwood is the deputy editor of Air Cargo Middle East & India.

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