According to the latest data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), July air cargo demand was marginally (0.8 per cent) below the previous year’s levels. Although demand is basically flat compared to 2022, this is an improvement on recent months’ performance that is particularly significant given declines in global trade volumes and rising concerns over China’s economy, the update added. Global demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTKs), was a significant improvement over the previous month’s performance (-3.4 per cent). “The global air cargo industry registered 20.7 billion CTKs in July, extending its steady improvement since February. Year-on-year (YoY) industry CTKs narrowed the gap while remaining 3.3 percent lower than their pre-pandemic level in 2019. The improved annual growth rate in global CTKs is also a result of growth stemming from a lower 2022 baseline.” Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTKs), was up 11.2 percent compared to July 2022 (eight percent for international operations). “The strong uptick in ACTKs reflects the growth in belly capacity (29.3 percent year-on-year) due to the summer season.”

The British International Freight Association (BIFA) is building upon its cooperation with Pledge, a carbon emissions measurement and offsetting platform for freight forwarders, by allowing visitors to the trade association’s website direct access to Pledge’s Freight Emissions Calculator. BIFA announced its cooperation with Pledge in January this year and this has seen the latter provide BIFA with some important resources that will support members in their journey to more environmentally sustainable operations. Members can try Pledge’s Freight Emissions Calculator via the BIFA website for a capped number of uses, or sign up to a 14-day free trial of the full platform to explore how it can help meet emissions regulations, set emissions targets, and determine reduction strategies. To get started, users enter the origin, destination, shipment weight, and mode of transport of a shipment, which then generates a Global Logistics Emissions Council (GLEC) accredited and ISO:14083-aligned emissions calculation.

Carico Systems was honoured with ‘Emerging Technology Service Provider’ award at recently concluded India Cargo Awards 2023 in New Delhi. Piyush Srivastava, IES, Senior Economic Advisor graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Known as the “Oscars of the Cargo Industry,” the India Cargo Awards 2023 hosted by Cargo Talk (DDP Group Publication) serves as an all-India platform created with a vision to recognise excellence in the Cargo-Freight-Logistics Industry across various domains, including Rail, Road, Air, Sea, Allied Services, Warehousing, Technology, 3rd Party Logistics, and more. Our world-class awards ceremonies are known for their formal Black-Tie affair, filled with glitz and glamour, attended by the most influential personalities in the Cargo Industry.

Air Logistics Group was felicitated with Best International Cargo GSA award at recently concluded India Cargo Awards 2023 in New Delhi. Piyush Srivastava, IES, Senior Economic Advisor graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Known as the “Oscars of the Cargo Industry,” the India Cargo Awards 2023 hosted by Cargo Talk (DDP Group Publication) serves as an all-India platform created with a vision to recognise excellence in the Cargo-Freight-Logistics Industry across various domains, including Rail, Road, Air, Sea, Allied Services, Warehousing, Technology, 3rd Party Logistics, and more. Our world-class awards ceremonies are known for their formal Black-Tie affair, filled with glitz and glamour, attended by the most influential personalities in the Cargo Industry.

Welspun One is set to redefine urban last-mile delivery with the introduction of its Grade-A, in-city warehousing anchored mixed-use development in Thane (MMR). This marks the first deployment of Welspun One Logistics Parks Fund 2, a category II AIF vehicle which has secured commitments of INR 1500 Cr. out of a target raise of INR 2000 Cr. to date. The in-city facility is expected to bridge the gap between escalating demand from the booming e-commerce, quick commerce and rapid-delivery-services sectors and the availability of good quality logistics infrastructure located in close proximity to existing and upcoming residential and commercial hubs. Not only is there a dearth of existing options, but existing options are also typically unorganized, make-shift, inefficient and often non-compliant. There is a significant demand for purpose-built facilities which enable high throughput, efficient operations, and are also in compliance with building code and safety norms. As per research estimates, the in-city warehousing demand pan-India is expected to exceed 90 million square feet over the next 4-5 years.

As the mango season has drawn to a close, Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (KIAB/BLR Airport) has recorded a remarkable surge in mango exports setting a new benchmark when compared to the previous year. Demonstrating a consistent upward trend in exports, BLR Airport has achieved an impressive 124% growth in mango exports for this season compared to the previous year, establishing a three-year tonnage record. In 2023, BLR Airport processed an export of 6,84,648 kgs of mangoes, showcasing a significant rise from the 3,05,521 kgs exported in the previous year. Furthermore, this season’s exports saw an impressive 86% increase in the number of pieces, with approximately 17 lakh pieces of mangoes being exported. BLR Airport’s expansive export network spans more than 60 international destinations. Particularly noteworthy is the thriving export of mangoes to the United States this year, where prominent metropolitan regions such as Dallas Fort Worth, Washington D.C., and San Francisco have played a pivotal role in fostering this growth. Satyaki Raghunath, Chief Strategy and Development Officer at Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL) remarked, “BLR Airport has emerged as a driving force in facilitating perishable exports from India. With substantial volume shares across Indian airports, we take pride in our role in enhancing the global reach of South India’s mangoes. Our unwavering commitment to streamlined cool-port export operations underscores BLR Airport’s significance as a premier gateway connecting the world to the rich produce of our region.” As BLR Airport continues to strengthen its cargo operations, it remains dedicated to its vital role as a bridge between Indian producers and global markets. This commitment significantly contributes to the growth of India’s agricultural and export sectors, fostering economic resilience and expanding the …

For cargo operations, to and from the country, India needs more narrow-body freighters and increased capacity to ferry cargo from the nearby countries like Malaysia, China, Vietnam and UAE, as there’s lot of cargo coming in and going out from these nations, shares Yashpal Sharma, MD Skyways Group and President ACFI in an exclusive chat. “Therefore, narrow body freighters will probably be able to add more agility, speed, and frequencies to the Indian consumers. This will also help in improving turnaround time. E-commerce segment will grow and benefit from better frequencies of freighters. While the national and international carriers that are operating here, can look at bringing in wide-body carriers, duo to long hauls and connect Indian airports with some of the major airports across the world. But we need more capacity added within the country, we need more narrow body freighters to facilitate the movement of e-commerce,” he adds.

Manohar International Airport (MoPA) has received the green nod to become operational this week and start international cargo operations, shared Thakur Purushottam Singh, Business Head Cargo and Logistics, GMR Goa Int’l Airport. The airport will soon connect with Gatwik Airport, London, he added. “It is brought to the notice of all exporters, importers, passengers, Customs House Agents, Custodians, Banks, Trade and all concerned that the computerized processing of Shipping Bills/Bills of Entry under the Indian Customs EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) System (hereinafter referred to as “ICES 1.5”) will commence from September 05, 2023 at Air Cargo Complex (INGOX4), Manohar International Airport, Mopa, Goa. The airport has been notified for the purpose of Unloading of imported goods and loading of export goods or any class of such goods under Section 7 of the Customs Act, 1962 vide Notification No. 17/2023-Customs (N.T.) dated 27.03.2023 issued by Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs,” said the statement.

Avianca Cargo has achieved IATA Live Animals certification to add to its existing three CEIV accreditations. The carrier said that by achieving CEIV Live Animals – in addition to Fresh, Phrama and Lithium Batteries – it had become the first airline in the Americas to achieve all four of the certifications. Leonel Ortiz, transformation, and innovation director at Avianca Cargo, said: “It is a pride to be able to obtain, in a record time of three months, a fourth IATA seal under the diligence of safe and responsible transportation of live animals, thanks to infrastructure improvements at the Miami station and the availability of our network for transportation. “We will continue working with motivation and commitment to remain a benchmark of quality and the best partner for our customers.” The airline said that to achieve the certification, the protocols necessary for the transport of animals have been met by each participant in the Avianca Cargo supply chain to “ensure the safety and welfare of animals such as dogs, cats, chickens, horses, among others, during air transport”.

Air Cargo Forum India (ACFI) launched its Kerala Chapter under the chairmanship of Manoj P Joseph, Cargo In-charge, Cochin International Airport. With an experience of over two decades under his belt, he is a veteran in the airport and aviation sector. Kerala Chapter Board members will be selected by the ACFI Governing Board and Secretariat in due course of time to boost air cargo trade in the region, advocate regulatory changes with authorities, upskilling by conducting trainings, events, and workshops, and invite collaboration with fellow trade bodies to steer the sector in Kerala and at national level. The chapter’s aim is to align itself with ACFI Head Office and drive common goals of promoting the industry to bring it on par with the best global air cargo ecosystems. The four airports covered under the Kerala chapter are: Cochin International Airport, Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, Calicut International Airport, and Kannur International Airport. The occasion saw participation from over 100 delegates of air cargo and aviation industry, some ACFI Governing Board Members and senior leaders from various trade associations, including Steamer Association, Indian Chamber of Commerce, FICCI, ACAAI, AMTOI, FFFAI and CCBA. S Suhas IAS, MD, Cochin International Airport was the event’s chief guest and Yashpal Sharma, President, ACFI and Managing Director, Skyways Group presided over. Sanjiv Edward, VP, ACFI and CEO, Cargo & Logistics, GMR Group, Satish Lakkaraju, Chairman, Event Management Task Pillar, ACFI, and Global Head, Air Freight & Pharma, WIZ Freight, and Kamesh Peri, Governing Board Member, ACFI, and CEO, Celebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management, were also present. Joseph said, “As the Chairman, I must maintain close ties with every Task Force Pillar under the ACFI umbrella. This will ensure …