Blue Dart has announced the launch of its latest innovation Blue Dart Affiliate Programme (BDAP) for its technology partners and ecosystem enablers. This innovative program is designed to foster collaboration with top technological enablers in the industry, offering seamless integration of Blue Dart’s advanced logistics solutions while creating new revenue opportunities for affiliates. A dedicated support team will ensure smooth collaboration, allowing affiliates to focus on building their solutions while Blue Dart handles all logistics needs. “At Blue Dart, innovation is at the core of everything we do. The launch of our Affiliate Program strengthens our commitment to collaborating with technology providers and offering world-class express logistics solutions. This program represents a unique opportunity for technology partners to expand their service offerings, increase revenue, and deliver best-in-class logistics capabilities to their customers,” Dipanjan Banerjee, Chief Commercial Officer, Blue Dart said.

Macrotech Developers (Lodha Group) has taken possession of 45-acre land parcel at Sohna, Gurugram for a massive amount of ₹110 Cr. The real estate developers are set to develop an industrial and logistics park at the acquired land, marking its strong presence in the Delhi-NCR region. Recently, the Lodha Group had also acquired 100 per cent stake in JLIPPL (Janus Logistics and Industrial Parks), costing around ₹48 Cr. “This is in pursuance of our planned strategy for calibrated growth in our annuity income through ‘Digital Infrastructure’, which is industrial and logistics under the LILP (Lodha Industrial and Logistics Park) brand,” Macrotech Developers said.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for October 2024 global air cargo markets.  The demand growth measured in CTKs (cargo tonne-kilometers) grew by 9.8 per cent in October 2024, in comparison to the corresponding period of 2023. This is the 15th month of consecutive growth for the global air cargo sector. The ACTKs (available cargo tonne-kilometers) levels rose by 5.9 per cent YoY during the same period. “Air cargo markets continued their strong performance in October, with demand rising 9.8% year-on-year and capacity up 5.9%. Global air cargo yields (including surcharges) continue to rise, up 10.6% on 2023 and 49% on 2019 levels. While 2024 is shaping up to be a banner year for air cargo, we must look to 2025 with some caution. The incoming Trump Administration’s announced intention to impose significant tariffs on its top trading partners—Canada, China and Mexico—has the potential to upend global supply chains and undermine consumer confidence. The air cargo industry’s proven adaptability to rapidly evolving geopolitical and economic situations is likely to be tested as the Trump agenda unfolds,” Willie Walsh, Director General, IATA, said.  

IndoSpace has sold its warehousing assets located in Pune, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, spreading across an area of 2.5 million square feet, to Alta Capitals. The total cost of the acquired warehousing space reached a massive $100 million. The financial advisor of IndoSpace for this deal was Avendus Capital. In an official statement, Prateek Jhawar, Managing Director, Avendus Capital said – “Alta Capital’s acquisition reflects the sustained interest of global investors in India’s industrial warehousing and logistics sector, further underscoring Avendus’ market leadership in this space. We ran a tight process which attracted participation not only from a clutch of global strategic and financial investors but also from select family offices and wealth management firms.”

APSEZ (Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone) has announced handling of 36 million metric tonnes (MMT) of cargo in November 2024. The major contribution in the cargo volumes is from containers, which saw a 21 per cent growth from the corresponding period in 2023. The Adani Ports have handled a total of 293.7 MMT of cargo on a year-to-date (YTD) basis, with a YoY growth of 7 per cent. The growth is mainly driven by containers (+19 per cent), and liquid & gases (+7 per cent). On the other hand, APSEZ also announced that its logistics rail volume on the YTD basis has surged 10 per cent YoY.

Afzal Malbarwala, Managing Director, Galaxy Freight says, “Prioritising air cargo in Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) have a significantly positive impact on cross-border trade. By giving air cargo priority, countries facilitate faster and more efficient transportation of goods, which is especially crucial for time-sensitive and high-value cargo. This approach also boosts economic growth by increasing trade volumes, reducing transit times, and enhancing supply chain reliability. Moreover, prioritising air cargo in FTAs will attract investments, promote economic development, and create employment opportunities in the logistics and transportation sectors. To make the most of this opportunity, governments and industry stakeholders should work together to develop and implement efficient air cargo procedures, invest in modern air cargo infrastructure, and promote trade facilitation measures. Some of the key benefits of prioritising air cargo in FTAs include Faster Transportation wherein Air cargo enables rapid transportation of goods, reducing transit times and increasing supply chain efficiency. Another benefit of FTA is Increase in Trade Volumes. By facilitating faster and more reliable transportation, air cargo can increase trade volumes and promote economic growth. Also, FTA Improves Supply Chain Reliability in the logistic sector.  Air cargo provides a reliable and secure mode of transportation, reducing the risk of cargo damage or loss. Further, FTA creates employment and promotes Economic Development. By prioritizing air cargo in FTAs can attract investments, promote economic development, and create jobs in the logistics and transportation sectors. In conclusion, prioritising air cargo in FTAs is a strategic move that can drive economic growth, increase trade volumes, and promote supply chain efficiency.”

To deliver more innovative, sustainable and ethical logistics solutions, Geodis has unveiled a strategic plan ‘Ambition 2027’. The key objectives of the strategic ‘Ambition 2027’ plan include – supporting the users in their global logistics projects with diversified, tailored, value-added solutions, faster growth in the group’s financial performance and operational quality, and emphasis on social and environmental commitments as a central pillar in Geodis’ growth strategy. “In an increasingly uncertain and unpredictable world, GEODIS is constantly adapting and evolving to provide its customers with logistics solutions in which all modes of transport play a part, and which fully meet their expectations. The Ambition 2027 strategic plan strengthens our focus on operational, financial, social and environmental performance while staying true to the Group’s signature, ‘a better way to deliver,” Marie-Christine Lombard, CEO, GEODIS, said.  

Macrotech Developers (popularly known as Lodha) has completed a share purchase agreement (SPA) to take possession of 100 per cent stake in Janus Logistics and Industrial Parks (JLIPPL). The acquisition of JLIPPL costed ₹47.84 Cr, which makes it a wholly owned subsidiary of Lodha. “The acquisition is in pursuance of our planned strategy for calibrated growth in our annuity income through Digital Infrastructure viz. Industrial and Logistics under the LILP (Lodha Industrial and Logistics Park) brand,” an official statement from Lodha Group stated.  

Vipin Vohra, Chairman – Continental Carriers says – “Air cargo plays a crucial role in global trade by ensuring the rapid and reliable movement of high-value and time-sensitive goods. Also, air cargo provisions in Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) can significantly enhance cross-border trade. By reducing tariffs and simplifying customs procedures, FTAs can streamline air freight operations, accelerating the flow of critical goods such as pharmaceuticals, perishables, and electronics. Emphasizing air cargo in FTAs also promotes investment in infrastructure like cargo terminals including off Airport locations (Air Freight Stations) improving efficiency and reducing logistics costs.”

In its world air cargo forecast, Boeing has forecasted that India’s air cargo market is set to grow four times over the next two decades, with a strong contribution from e-commerce volumes. It is also estimated that the freight flows between South Asia and Europe will grow two times over the next two decades whereas the flows between South Asia and East Asia is likely to surge four times during the same period. “Although still relatively small in volume compared to established e-commerce markets like China, the US, or the EU, Indian e-commerce volumes are growing faster than almost anywhere else, at more than 25 per cent per year,” an official statement from Boeing stated.