Abstract

Maritime transport costs significantly impede international trade. This article examines why these costs are so high in some countries and quantifies the importance of two explanations: restrictive trade policies and private anticompetitive practices. It finds that both matter, but the latter have a greater impact. Trade liberalization and the breakup of private carrier agreements would lead to an average of one-third lower liner transport prices and to cost savings of up to US dollar 3 billion on goods carried to the United States alone. The policy implications are clear: there is a need not only for further liberalization of government policy but also for strengthened international disciplines on restrictive business practices. The authors propose an approach to developing such disciplines in the current round of services negotiations at the World Trade Organization (WTO). Document type: Book

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the effects (e.g. changes of power and processes) of the e-freight initiative introduced by IATA on the air freight supply chain network by focusing on two specific cases within the U.S. and Chinese market. After identifying two representative cases (cross sectional), data was gathered using semi- structured interviews, additional data provided by the participants, as well as secondary data, such as annual reports and case studies. The findings are analyzed using key words and suitable categories. A power model based on the current situation of the air freight supply chain is developed by analyzing the circumstances while implementing e-AWB/e-freight. This model can be used to add to the existing gap within the present literature framework. Further, changes regarding the supply chain network, especially processes and information flow were identified. Lastly, mainly positive (e.g. increased sustainability of the transportation process) as well as some negative effects (e.g. investments of the dual process) are mentioned in a de- tailed manner. Limitations of the study include a research population of two major actors of the air freight supply chain network, as well as a theoretical framework primarily based on literature and the fact that the study focuses on a cross sectional time period. Future research would include an analysis of all involved actors, while including IATA as the trade association, of the air freight supply chain, and especially issues related to customs procedures. Also, a longitudinal study, a more in depth analysis of the power distribution and any related changes should be of interest. 

Abstract

One of the main "drivers" in the development of aeronautical structures in composite material is the development of more integrated structures that are manufactured in a single step ("One-Shot") to optimize times. The adhesive materials in film format are one of the main variables to take into consideration to achieve the aforementioned integration. This need has promoted creativity at the level of use / parameterization of new adhesives in the form of a film.

Film adhesives are used in the integration of composite, sandwich or monolithic structures. Regarding sandwich structures, the adhesive film is used to ensure a good adhesion between the core and the prepreg, through the formation of a meniscus of adhesive material in the core cell. This function is fulfilled depending on the type of "carrier". For Monolithic structures, the adhesive film is used to ensure a good adhesion in co-bonding processes (bonding of cured laminate with fresh prepreg) and secondary bonding (bonding between 2 previously cured laminates), interleaved between materials to achieve optimum thickness, guaranteeing the best mechanical properties of the element at interlaminar level. This, without forgetting, the repair processes that are within the processes of co-bonding, with all its specificities and operational limitations, either in manufacturing or in service.

The market options, qualified by OEMs or not, are wide, having developed different support materials, or variants of the same material, with the aim of achieving the best mechanical properties of the elements where they are used.