February 7 - HLPFI staff writer David Kershaw presents a round up of Thursday's news and views from across the industry. For starters, Hamburger Hafen and Logistik (HHLA), one of Europe leading port logistics groups, released its preliminary performance f

HHLA reported revenues of EUR1,1 billion - a year-on-year decline of 8.2 percent. Earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) tumbled 11.8 percent to approximately EUR185 million. The group blamed the weaker economic environment and cost of delayed infrastructure developments for the somewhat disappointing performance.
 
HHLA will publish its final results for the 2012 year, along with a business forecast looking ahead through 2013 on 27 March.
 
The Boeing Company and Singapore based airline SilkAir have embarked upon a five-year pilot training agreement. In November 2012, SilkAir - the regional wing of Singapore Airlines - finalised an order for 23 Next-Generation B737-800s and 31 B737 MAX 8s - the largest order in the young airline's history.
 
The new pilot training programme has been tailored to aid SilkAir's staff transition to the new Boeing aircraft. Under the agreement, Boeing Flight Services will provide training to SilkAir staff at its Singapore training campus.
 
The Baltic Air Charter Association (BACA), a non-profit membership organisation for the global air charter industry, has chosen MAF, a humanitarian organisation operating more than 135 light aircraft across 30 countries in the developing world as its designated charity for 2013.
 
MAF UK, which was founded by air force personnel after the Second World War provides flights and logistical support to aid agencies, relief and development programmes operating outreach missions to remote communities in developing nations. BACA, which raises funds through lunches and other events during the year, is holding its Spring Lunch on Thursday April 25, 2013 at Merchant Taylors' Hall in the City of London.