Procurement weekly January 28, 2012

Global - Airbus has discovered that the cracks found on the wings of its A380s are a result of manufacturing processes and materials used.

Global – Panalpina announced the launch of six new direct Less than Container Load (LCL) services through its in-house carrier Paintainer Express Line to meet increased customer demand.

Hong Kong - Damco has made key appointments of senior executives to lead the company's ongoing efforts to drive strategic growth in North Asia starting in January.

Indonesia – Indonesian commercial airline Pacific Royale will be starting operations this coming March, winning approval to fly 81 routes.

Malaysia – Malaysian-based budget airline AirAsia has reportedly taken “corrective action” to resolve its online airfare lawsuit with The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).

India – Swedish homeware retailer Ikea is not willing to set up shop in India, expressing misgivings on local sourcing from small and medium-sized enterprises.

Global – BP and Panalpina have signed a strategic services master agreement for the exploration and production sector (E&P) to design a best-in-class oil and gas freight forwarding supply chain.

Australia – Malaysian budget carrier AirAsia is facing a lawsuit with The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission(ACCC) for its misleading airfare prices.

Hong Kong – FedEx Express has expanded its air cargo facility at the Hong Kong airport to increase its capacity and boosts its regional services.

Australia – The New South Wales (NSW) government will be decentralising decision-making in the procurement of goods and services to grant more power to small-to-medium businesses.

India - Fiat and Suzuki have signed an agreement to supply 100,000 diesel engines to Maruti Suzuki India to help the country manufacture more engines.

Global – Aircraft manufacturer Airbus has increased its prices of its A320neo aircraft by 6.1% to meet rising demands for its new planes, with effect from 1 January 2012.

Global – Eastman Kodak has filed for bankruptcy protection after years of struggling to keep up with competitors in the industry.

With the recent revelation of Apple's supply chain audit, Ishan Palit shares the important lessons Apple teaches about supply chain integrity to the industry.

Vietnam – Vietnam Airlines will be taking over the Vietnam government’s stake in Jetstar Pacific to allow the budget airline to cut costs.

Singapore - Global IT firm SAP and the Economic Development Board have established a new research centre in Singapore to address challenges such as transportation, logistics, urban management, and sustainability in the region.

Malaysia - DRB-Hicom, one of Malaysia's major automotive manufacturing, assembly and distribution companies, has agreed to buy Proton Holdings for RM1.29 billion (S$528 million).

Global – China Petrochemical Corporation (Sinopec Group) and Saudi Aramco have signed a joint venture agreement for the ongoing development of Yanbu Aramco Sinopec Refining Company (YASREF) Limited.

Global – Etihad Airways and Etihad Crystal Cargo have enjoyed a spectacular growth in 2011, carrying a record number of passengers and cargo.

China – China has launched its first iron ore trading platform to strengthen its pricing power as the world’s biggest iron ore consumer.