UN Looks to Air Cargo Europe 2009 Munich as High Profile Platform to Increase Vendor Database

Mar 10, 2009 10:46 AM

Among other ongoing efforts to increase its database of air charter suppliers, the United Nations Procurement Division (UN/PD) will further step up outreach efforts when it participates in Air Cargo Europe 2009 from May 12-15 in Munich, Germany.

Air Cargo Europe 2009, organized by the Munich International Trade Fairs, will take place at the New Munich Trade Fair Centre. The event, a four-day exhibition together with a two day-high profile conference, also includes a Gala Dinner on May 13 that will enable exhibitors to meet with some 650 senior executives from the air cargo industry. UN/PD expects that Air Cargo Europe 2009 will provide a high profile platform from which it can encourage potential suppliers to do business with the United Nations.

Air Cargo Europe 2009 is a featured event in the 12th International Exhibition for Logistics, Telematics and Transport, which is being held from May 12-15. It is the world’s biggest trade fair for the multi-facetted industry for movement by road, rail, water and air. The fair's portfolio covers logistics and freight transport, telematics as well as in-company transport and material flow. Part of this, the fourth Air Cargo Europe to date, will provide an expert overview of new markets, trends and innovations in the international air transport and logistics industry.

“We are committed to providing the best services to the Organization in its peacekeeping endeavors," said UN/PD Director, Paul Buades. "The Air Cargo Europe 2009 Munich Conference is an opportunity for us to increase our air charter supplier database and to share information with prospective vendors on the particularities of doing business with the United Nations.”

The UN Procurement Division provides an aviation management framework that ensures safe, reliable and cost-effective air transportation services in support of peacekeeping operations. Currently, there are some 30 such UN operations around the world that depend on significant passenger and cargo airlift support. But while the business process required by the UN Aviation Programme may at times mirror those of the aviation industry, there are also a number of factors that differentiate the Organization’s operations. These include the distinctive operating environment; the UN’s political mandate; the unique demands of Member States; and the fairness as well as transparency of the Organization’s procurement process.

UN/PD is responsible for the procurement of goods and services for the UN Secretariat in New York and Offices Away from Headquarters, as well as for providing support to peacekeeping operations. Given the surge in UN peacekeeping missions in recent years, the demand for air transportation services has increased significantly.

Air Charter services contracted by the UN include but are not limited to: short-term air charters contracted on a “per flight” basis for deployment/repatriation of troop contingents and equipment; long-term air charter (more than one year) of medium or heavy utility helicopters as well as fixed wing aircrafts for passenger flights, logistical re-supply, observation and monitoring, aero-medical/causality evacuation; VIP jet services; unmanned–aerial vehicles (UAVs) and aerodrome as well as airfield services.

The UN carries out its procurement activities in a fair and transparent manner through an internationally competitive bidding process. This is done in partnership with qualified and registered vendors deemed to be the most responsive to the requirements set forth in solicitation documents and evaluated to provide the best value for money (BVM) in the best interest of the Organization. The UN maintains a database of certified air operators and brokers to help achieve operational efficiency, effective international competition and to ensure BVM in the procurement of air transportation services. Furthermore, it sets high performance standards and expects the highest level of professionalism, ethical conduct and integrity from all its vendors.

For More Information on UN Air Charter Services, contact UN/PD representatives:
Matthias Meyerhans
Chief, Logistics and Transportation Section
meyerhans@un.org

Rodion Kim
Team Leader, Movements Team
kimr@un.org

Rebecca Moudio
Assistant to the Chief
moudio@un.org

Web site: www.un.org/depts/ptd/

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