The Promise of Digital Solutions

Navigating the Learning Curve: Common Challenges

1. Resistance to Change

2. Integration and Compatibility Issues

3. Inadequate Training

4. Data Migration

5. Poor User Experience (UX)

Strategies for a Successful Adoption

1. Involve Your Team Early

2. Prioritize Process Optimization, Not Just Automation

3. Implement a Phased Rollout

4. Invest in Comprehensive, Role-Specific Training

5. Communicate the “Why”

Ready to start your digital transformation journey? 

Midsize jets represent the most widely used segment of private jets. They are the ideal choice for those who want flight autonomy, comfort, and versatility without having to deal with the operating costs of large jets. Their popularity stems from their ability to combine high performance with spacious cabins, perfect for both business and private travel.

Advantages of midsize jets over other categories of aircraft

Frequent business or leisure travelers to Europe will find midsize jets the perfect solution: nonstop direct flights, onboard comfort comparable to that of a business class airliner, but with the flexibility, privacy, and speed that only private jets can provide.

For these reasons, midsize jets are confirmed as the most widely used and beloved category for passengers who want to combine practicality, luxury, and range in a single flight experience.

1) Autonomy and range.

The average range of a midsize jet is between 3,000 and 4,500 km, enough to connect most European cities nonstop. Routes such as London-Athens, Rome-Stockholm o Madrid-Warsaw fall well within their operational range. Unlike light jets, which often require stops for refueling, midsize jets allow them to optimize time and make travel smoother.

2) Passenger capacity and interior space

The cabin of midsize jets can accommodate 6 to 9 passengers, with configurations designed to ensure comfort even during 4- to 5-hour legs. The interior height allows in several models to move almost standing up, a feature that marks the difference with smaller categories of private jets.

3) Comfort and amenities on board

• Leather reclining seats, often convertible into beds.

• Side tables for meetings or private lunches.

• Equipped kitchens for gourmet catering.

• Spacious luggage: cargo capacity suitable for large suitcases or sports equipment.

• Wi-Fi connection and state-of-the-art entertainment systems. The level of cabin soundproofing is generally superior, ensuring a more relaxing and productive journey.

4) Operational versatility

Midsize jets can also land at secondary airports , as well as large international hubs.

The most popular models of Midsize Jet by private jet renters

There are several models on the market that have won over passengers and operators for performance and reliability. Among the most popular are:

• Cessna Citation XLS+. One of the world’s best-selling jets. It combines range of about 3,500 km with a quiet and refined cabin. It is the preferred choice for business travel in Europe.

• Embraer Praetor 500. Among the most innovative midsize jet models, it offers a range of nearly 6,000 km, rightfully entering the super midsize category. Luxurious interiors, state-of-the-art cockpits, and excellent takeoff performance from short runways.

• Hawker 900XP. A classic in the category. With a capacity of 8 passengers and a spacious cabin, it is famous for its solidity and reliability.

• Learjet 60XR. An icon of speed and performance. It offers fuel efficiency and a sleek cabin, suitable for those seeking speed in travel without sacrificing comfort.

• Gulfstream G150. Prized for its super-quiet cabin and on-board comfort, with a range that makes it perfect for medium to long trips.

Greater comfort and more amenities aboard Midsize Jets

Traveling on a midsize jet means access to a higher level of comfort than smaller private jet categories. Larger cabins allow for ease of movement, while interior fittings are designed to ensure privacy, relaxation and productivity during flight.

Among the main advantages:

• Reclining leather seats, often convertible into beds.

• Side tables for meetings or private lunches.

• Large luggage spaces, capable of accommodating large suitcases or special equipment.

• Wi-Fi connection and advanced entertainment systems.

Unlike light jets, midsize jets also offer more customization options:

• Dedicated catering with tailored menus, hot dishes, selected wines and champagnes, ideal for longer routes that require full on-board service.

• Flexible interior configurations to transform the cabin into a meeting room or a more intimate and relaxing environment.

• Extended comfort, with state-of-the-art soundproofing systems that make travel more pleasant and restful.

• Extra services on the ground through dedicated FBOs, such as reserved lounges, fast track, and private transfers.

Because of all these features, private flights aboard a midsize jet is not just a fast and efficient move, but a true tailor-made experience that can adapt to the needs of each passenger.

Rent a Midsize Jet with PrivateJetFinder

If you want to travel with maximum comfort and privacy, midsize jets are the ideal solution to reach any destination in Europe and beyond, without compromising on range and luxury.

With PrivateJetFinder you have a team of experts who will always be able to advise you:

• Private jets to your needs,

• the best and most convenient airports,

• The additional services to personalize the trip,

• all operational details to ensure the best success.

Trust those who know the world of private aviation inside out: fly worry-free and turn every move into an exclusive experience.

Book your midsize jet now at PrivateJetFinder.com and discover a new way to travel.

• Useful link: Also read our article On the differences between Midsize Jet and Super Midsize Jet

DHL eCommerce, the e-commerce logistics specialist of DHL Group, today announces the opening of a new facility in the Midlands. The new depot, in Minworth, Birmingham will increase handling capacity by 50% and service over 80 core routes with a further 30 during peak season.

The newly refurbished 9,700m2 site, developed by Mileway, is strategically located within the heart of the UK’s logistics “golden triangle”. By placing the facility in this location, DHL eCommerce will be able to service more customers across the Midlands region.

Operating solely on electricity, the depot has 13 electric vehicle charging points to minimise delivery emissions. The facility also features an integrated rainwater harvesting system to reduce its water consumption and has achieved an EPC A rating.

Stuart Hill, CEO of DHL eCommerce UK, says: “We are thrilled to announce the opening of this new depot in Birmingham. As demand continues to grow across the UK, having a strategic location in the Midlands that connects us to even more customers is crucial. The location coupled with the sustainability credentials of the new site means we will serve more customers, more efficiently and more sustainably.”

The new site forms part of DHL eCommerce’s €560m investment in the UK announced in 2022 and follows the opening of its new 25,000 m2 parcel hub in Coventry earlier this year.

As an industrial decision-maker, you probably hear about peers who have automated processes in warehouses and achieved remarkable results. If you’re considering doing the same, start by becoming familiar with the leading warehouse automation companies and the likely benefits of installing their technologies.

Learn About Vendors and Offerings

Specialty service providers optimize your investments through innovative items, services and software. Reputable options also support the chances of meaningful outcomes and successful implementations.

Start researching entities and browse their websites while considering which challenges you hope to solve with automated solutions. Finalizing an estimated budget before scheduling sales calls with shortlisted vendors can also create better outcomes by setting expectations about your planned uses and available resources.

Know What to Expect From Automating Warehouse Processes

Talking to other professionals who have recently automated their facilities helps you learn about the top advantages, common challenges, unexpected outcomes and workers’ responses to processes. What are some of the top automation benefits?

1. Workforce Optimization

Many warehouses face labor shortages caused by employee retirement, high turnover and the time required to train new workers. Automation solves numerous difficulties, allowing companies to accomplish more with smaller teams. Strategically chosen technologies also reduce injury and accident rates, tackling common absence reasons and minimizing the time spent on tedious tasks that reduce employee engagement and satisfaction.

2. High Accuracy

In one example, IKEA uses over 250 drones across 73 distribution centers. These automated vehicles count inventory and record missing items or those in the wrong places. Each warehouse contains an average of 5,000 to 8,000 stock-keeping units that the drones track. They even operate in the dark, saving electricity and allowing tasks to occur outside business hours.

3. Growth Potential

One third-party logistics business integrated an automation solution into its product-picking processes to meet rising customer demands. Executives expect the improvement will boost output rates by over 40% while equipping crews to enhance their results. Similarly, automated storage and retrieval systems feature compact designs that let users store larger quantities of products without expanding property footprints.

4. Beneficial Collaboration

Specialized warehouse robots excel at repetitive tasks, letting humans use their creativity and problem-solving skills more often. Amazon uses a proprietary robotic system called Sequoia to optimize facility layouts and keep products closer to the customers who buy them. It accelerates inventory identification and storage as much as 75% with mobile robotics. Machines bring items directly to containers or employees preparing shoppers’ orders.

5. Flexibility and Responsiveness

In this episode of our podcast, Logistics Business Conversations, host Peter MacLeod talks with Smitha Rafael, Chief Product & Delivery Officer at SnapFulfill, about why many 3PLs and retailers are abandoning outdated warehouse management systems (WMS) in favor of modern, cloud-based solutions.

Legacy systems often lack the scalability, flexibility, and integration needed in today’s rapidly evolving supply chain. Smitha shares how modern WMS platforms:

• Enable rapid scalability for multi-site and global operations.
• Integrate seamlessly with ERP, TMS, and warehouse automation.
• Empower users with self-service dashboards and rule-based workflows.
• Boost efficiency by reducing manual labor, improving ROI, and speeding customer onboarding.
• Support sustainability by eliminating paper processes and optimizing packaging.
• Prepare businesses for the future with AI-driven insights and easy tech adoption.

Smitha also stresses the importance of selecting a flexible WMS partner and managing organizational change effectively to unlock the full potential of these solutions.

When tax meets trade stronger supply chains can be built, writes Chris Hall (pictured below), Senior Tax Officer – Global Tax & Compliance at Vertex.

The global supply chain has long been defined by its complexity. Every time an item is purchased and delivered to a customer, there are a wide variety of processes, relationships and strategic decisions that must align to ensure it arrives on time.

However, evolving global dynamics and shifting trade policies have pushed supply chain resilience to the top of the agenda, making this already complex process even more challenging. To adapt, supply chain teams will need to explore other ways to simplify operations and collaborate with broader parts of the organisation – and one often underutilised area is the tax team.

Why Tax Teams Are Critical

With unique access to data, deep knowledge of indirect tax regulations, and familiarity with enterprise systems, tax professionals are well-positioned to support supply chain strategies, particularly in a time of rapid legal and regulatory change.

Indirect tax departments sit in the middle of regulatory compliance, enterprise technology, and global trade, so they often have access to a wealth of operational data that supply chain teams may not have. They also often have a deeper understanding of the business processes than other departments because they must defend the Company from audits, which involves deep dives on transaction data. This means they can become collaborators in building adaptive and forward-looking supply chain strategies.

For example, by analysing VAT data, an indirect tax department can identify discrepancies in supplier performance, highlight inefficiencies in cross-border logistics, or spot patterns that suggest regulatory exposure. When shared with supply chain teams, these insights can drive improvements, supporting more informed procurement decisions.

Getting Ahead of the Disruption

As changes continually disrupt supply chains, logistic professionals must ensure they have strategies in place to stay ahead. Tax teams can play a central role in building these plans by helping establish early warning systems that detect risks before they escalate.
There are three foundational elements to making that happen:

1. Creating an enterprise-wide data repository

An effective risk strategy built on a centralised data storage system, or “data lake”, offers key benefits to supply chain professionals by consolidating financial, operational, tax, and qualitative data in one place. This enables early detection of disruptions, facilitates anomaly identification, supports more informed cross-functional decisions, and ensures consistent supplier risk scoring. With integrated data, teams can model scenarios, streamline reporting, and improve visibility, ultimately enhancing supply chain resilience.

2. Using AI to enable actionable alarms

AI excels at finding patterns that humans miss, especially across seemingly disconnected systems. To make these tools truly effective, businesses must calibrate AI models to avoid false positives and focus on highly specific, business-relevant scenarios. One example might be flagging suppliers at high risk of running short on a key component due to regulatory delays or tax changes.

3. Revisiting the risk management playbook

Too often, risk frameworks focus on classification without detailing the steps to respond. In contrast, a robust early warning system outlines clear next steps, who is responsible, what action to take, and how to follow up. These “next best actions” ensure that alarms lead to decisions, not just alerts.

Tax professionals are well equipped to help define these processes and integrate them into broader risk governance structures.

Tax as a partner

As global disruptions continue to reshape businesses, supply chain teams should look at tax teams as partners. Together they are no longer confined to compliance and reporting, tax teams have the tools, data, and perspective to be true partners in supply chain resilience.

By embedding tax professionals into supply chain strategy, companies can tap into powerful insights that reduce cost, manage risk, and improve responsiveness. Ultimately, strengthening supply chains through tax collaboration isn’t a nice-to-have, it’s a necessity. The future belongs to companies that can adapt fast, respond smartly, and make resilience part of their strategy.

When does it make sense to integrate transport management systems (TMS) with AI? What’s the right business case? David Priestman met with Alex Redmann, Sales Director of Soloplan, at Multimodal Birmingham, to find the answer.

“Interpret the right data, for example from the proof-of-delivery,” advises Redmann. “AI can verify documents, check if the P.O.D. is correct and its quality using optical character recognition (Document Intelligence function). This saves time and the checked data automatically goes into the right place in CarLo. (Soloplan’s TMS) When we speak to prospective customers they often say how long it takes to get P.O.D. discovery, so we need to discuss their current operations to show a new workflow and ROI.”

AI is just one of many tools, Redmann tells me. The new ‘Planning Radar’ in CarLo highlights proactive efficiency improvements, whether that be reduced empty distances, optimised vehicle utilisation or less planning effort. The functionality supports dispatchers in planning transport orders faster and more intelligently. The planning radar analyses all open transport orders in real time and displays the best possible combinations directly in the system. Results can be filtered by number and radius. The system automatically recognises previous and upcoming trips as well as return loads.

Intelligent Vehicle Search

Soloplan (which stands for Software Logistics Planning) takes an individualised configuration approach by customizing solutions. “We only have 1 TMS,” Redmann states, “but without changing source code we can change all the jobs in the system.” The company has 1700 worldwide customers, predominantly hauliers with fleets of 50-500 trucks, doing FTL and LTL, palletised, tank or bulk freight transport. There are 33000 CarLo users, supported by 260 Soloplan staff across seven offices in Germany, Spain, France, Poland and South Africa.

Its competition is not just other TMS providers, but spreadsheet usage by smaller hauliers. ”We look at how digitized a customer is and how many manual processes they have,” says Redmann, “to find the right resource for each job – such as route planning. Individual benefit outweighs data functionality.” Customers buy CarLo (Cargo Logistics) via a one-time license fee, rather than SaaS. This means a higher upfront cost, but lower total cost of ownership.

The new customer search in ‘Planning Radar’ automatically suggests clients for whom appropriate return loads have regularly been carried out in the past. If no match is found, freight exchanges such as TIMOCOM or Trans.eu can be connected to directly. Here as well, the return load search takes place automatically and with only one click. Some hauliers prefer to use their own network, some need external transport resources. The TMS integrates with telematics partners like Samsara and has additional features for WMS, fleet management, cross docking and driver communications.

After planning a trip, the Planning Radar, with its intelligent search functionality and chatbot, assists in finding the most suitable vehicle. Factors such as the proximity to the loading location, the costs per vehicle (weight, fuel consumption, wear and tear) or the properties of the semi-trailer (dumper, tank, tarpaulin, excess width) play a role. The transport company can specify the cost components per vehicle itself. Vehicles used in the past for similar combinations can be another criterion. This way, AI helps identify hidden optimisation potential which otherwise may have remained unrecognised.

The planning radar graphically displays suggestions on the map. The AI feed creates a window next to the map and checks all open transport orders in CarLo. Subsequently, all transport orders for which suggestions have been found are displayed there. Even less experienced dispatchers can plan better and more easily, while avoiding planning errors and staff do not have to deal with the data alone.

Peter MacLeod meets IFS’s Bianca Nobilo to discuss how human factors such as soft skills are essential to successful deployment of industrial AI.

At the recent IFS Connect Eastern Europe event in Warsaw, where the potential of IFS’s industrial AI took centre stage to a great reception, my conversation in a quiet side-room away from all the hurly-burly with Bianca Nobilo, IFS’s Chief External Affairs Officer, offered a welcome balanced view into the human side of digital transformation. Speaking exclusively with Logistics Business, former CNN anchor Nobilo provided a compelling exploration of how soft skills, ethics, and a values-driven approach can accelerate and shape the adoption of AI across industry sectors, particularly logistics.

IFS, a provider of cloud enterprise software, has made significant strides with its AI-powered platform, IFS.ai. This technology helps organisations optimise efficiency, increase uptime, and make real-time, data-driven decisions. But Nobilo is keen to emphasise that successful implementation isn’t only about tools, but also mindset.

“One of the most important traits we see among companies ready to embrace AI is curiosity,” she said. “Curiosity means you’re less afraid of change, more willing to challenge outcomes, and open to rethinking the way things are done.”

Nobilo, who early into her tenure of her executive position set up a Think Tank within IFS to explore questions around innovation, ethics, and wellbeing, stressed that while technical knowledge is important, soft skills like self-motivation and communication are essential in today’s AI-driven workplaces. “As AI becomes more prevalent, we risk cognitive offloading, namely depending too much on it and losing our own creative or critical abilities,” she explained. “That’s why self-monitoring and thoughtful use of AI are vital. It’s about knowing when to use technology and when not to.”

Communication, particularly in an era of hybrid work and digital collaboration, also stands out. “Introducing AI and digital workers can further reduce human interaction. So strong communicators – people who can cohere teams, articulate problems and solutions, and even prompt machines effectively – will become more valuable.”

These insights align with broader IFS goals. The company’s Industrial AI offering is deeply embedded in sectors such as manufacturing, aviation, and logistics, industries where safety, uptime, and human oversight are critical. At the Warsaw event, IFS showcased success stories from companies using AI to reduce downtime, predict maintenance needs, and streamline operations. But Nobilo pointed out that technology alone isn’t enough. “There’s fear and lack of understanding, especially among SMEs. That’s an invitation for us to step up and demystify the ROI of AI.”

Industrial AI

That bridge between industry and policy was also a focus of Nobilo’s meeting with Dariusz Standerski, Secretary of State at the Polish Ministry of Digital Affairs, the day before her interview with me. “In that meeting, logistics and supply chain came up as the top area in Poland where AI can make an immediate, measurable impact. Governments want to know how to build policy around AI that benefits national infrastructure, security, and the economy.”

However, the global AI race raises complex ethical issues. Nobilo (pictured, below) flagged regulatory lag as a top concern. “The technology is moving faster than governments can legislate. We see challenges around transparency, bias, explainability, and data sovereignty. Without proper AI literacy, users can’t give true consent to its use.”

On cybersecurity, front-of-mind at the time of our meeting thanks to the troubles encountered in the UK by M&S, she was unequivocal. “It’s Janus-faced in almost every sense. AI is both the threat and the defence. Some of the best tools to monitor systems are AI-based. But as we move toward quantum computing, we’ll need equally advanced AI to safeguard critical infrastructure.”

The conversation ended with a reflection on social mobility and education. “Traditional career paths are being upended. It’s not about a specific STEM degree anymore. It’s about adaptability, about skills that allow you to thrive alongside evolving technology, not be replaced by it.”

As the logistics sector faces rapid transformation, voices like Nobilo’s are essential. Her perspective reminds us that while industrial AI may be driven by machines, its future is still very much human. That’s particularly reassuring to hear at a time when AI and automated processes seem to dominate every conversation I have.

Those who choose a private jet think, first and foremost, of on-board comfort and speed of flight. But there is a less visible aspect that decisively influences availability, timing, and the price of the charter: logistics and aircraft placement.

“True luxury is not just choosing the most elegant private jet or the most exclusive service: it is having the right aircraft, in the right place, at the right time.” – This is made possible by the industry’s key concept: aircraft positioning. Understanding that mechanism helps you better plan your trip and, in some cases, calculate costs in detail.

What does positioning of the private jet mean?

The positioning of a private jet refers to its geographical location at the time the route is requested. An aircraft is considered well positioned when it is:

• already present at the airport of departure, or
• arriving in the immediate vicinity, ready to operate the requested flight.

If, on the other hand, it is located far away, it will be necessary to perform a repositioning flight (ferry flight), a transfer necessary to bring the private jet to the departure airport. This type of operation affects the timing, cost, and availability of the entire private jet charter

In fact, aircraft almost never stay at the airport where they landed. They may return to its base of operations, be repositioned to a strategic location, wait for the return flight that may have already been booked, or be immediately deployed to a new customer. This constant movement, made up of logistical choices and empty flights, is what determines the real availability and cost of a jet to a given destination.

The empty repositioning flights (Ferry Flights)

One of the most relevant aspects of positioning are empty flights, also called ferry flights. These are routes in which the aircraft flies without passengers, only to reach the destination from which the next charter will begin. From the operator’s point of view, these empty flights represent a cost: fuel, crew, airport taxes. For the customer, they can affect the final price if the plane has to reach an airport far from the departure airport.

Precisely to reduce ferry flights, operators carefully plan fleet movements and work with brokers who try to jam consecutive routes between different customers whenever possible.

How private jet placement and empty flights affect rental costs

The price of a private flight depends not only on the route, aircraft model, or level of luxury-the positioning of the private jet plays a decisive role.

1. well-positioned jet

If the aircraft is already at or near the departure airport, the cost is calculated primarily on the requested route.

2. Distant jet (ferry flight)

If the plane has to come from far away to pick you up, the transfer flight (ferry flight) is often included in the price.

• Example: you fly from Milan to Paris, but the plane is based in Geneva: you will also have to cover the Geneva → Milan transfer.

• The greater the empty travel distance, the greater the impact on the final price.

3. Empty legs flights

Empty flights can become an opportunity for customers if sold as empty leg:

• These are already planned empty routes that the operator offers at a reduced price.

• Example: a jet flies from Rome to Nice with a customer; the return Nice → Rome would be empty. The operator offers it to another customer at a lower cost than the standard rental.

• Note: Empty legs are only available at set times and dates and do not offer the full flexibility of a standard flight.

4. Summer strategy and seasonal hubs

In high season, operators position jets near the most popular destinations (Olbia, Ibiza, Mykonos, Nice).

• This reduces ferry flights and allows more stable prices for one-way flights.

• Well-positioned jets ensure greater availability, reduced time and less additional costs, providing a more efficient and predictable solution for customers.

In summary. the luxury of flying by private jet is not only in the cabin, but also in the invisible logistics that keep planes close, ready, and convenient.

The valuable (but hidden) work of PrivateJetFinder

Behind every private flight is careful strategic management of travel, aircraft and crew availability. This is where PrivateJetFinder comes in, acting as a bridge between customers and operators, ensuring efficiency and safety without the passenger having to worry about logistical details.

The PrivateJetFinder.com platform monitors in real time:

• The actual location of each jet,

• The immediate availability of crews,

• slots at departure and arrival airports,

• The scheduling of empty flights (ferry flights and empty legs).

With this data, PrivateJetFinder can quickly locate jets that are already well positioned, optimizing time, routes and costs. The result? The client gets a solution ready to take off, with maximum flexibility and no surprises, while the complex, hidden work remains behind the scenes.

Do you want to rent a well-positioned private jet?

The positioning of private jets functions as a truly complex puzzle. Every scheduled flight, every empty leg, and every movement of the plane represents a valuable piece that must fit together perfectly . Rely on PrivateJetFinder.com: we will find for you the plane closest to the destination you have chosen and ready to take off.

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