For the freighters to survive and thrive, the Government must re-look its policy of duty on aircraft leasing. As this is a big deterrent for this industry at the moment. There is also a need for more players who can invest in cargo only aircrafts,” says Yashpal Sharma, President, ACFI. With the arrival of new freighter operators like Pradhan air and Quikjet there is expectation of the Indian market to have long term sustainable capacity which will be positive news for Indian shippers. But there is a sizable addition of capacity in the Indian skies by the Indian and foreign airlines, he adds.

Prologis and Blackstone announced a definitive agreement for Prologis to acquire nearly 14 million square feet of industrial properties from opportunistic real estate funds affiliated with Blackstone for $3.1 billion, funded by cash. The acquisition price represents an approximately 4% cap rate in the first year and a 5.75% cap rate when adjusting to today’s market rents, says release. “We’re pleased to be working with Blackstone on this deal. These high-quality properties are complementary to our portfolio and fit perfectly into our long-term strategic plan for growth,” said Dan Letter, President, Prologis. “The acquisition demonstrates our unique ability to add significant scale to our portfolio – expanding customer relationships and increasing opportunities for our growing essentials platform.”

The Indian air cargo industry is adopting AI and sustainability to reduce operational and production costs, and boost demand, says Chandra Kant Govil, Managing Director, Activair Airfreight and Vice President, ACAAI. I feel AI revolution is sweeping the air cargo industry. We recently heard of a new hydrogen-powered electric blended-wing body cargo aircraft that could bring zero-emission technology to the air cargo industry. Adopting this technology in air cargo can tremendously help the aviation industry achieve its net zero emissions target by 2050. Many startups have emerged that are closing the gap between AI-powered technologies and faster air cargo handling across India. AI can help in better planning and resource utilisation and save time and effort. AI’s entry into our industry was long due and is expected to alter our modus operandi forever. We are trying to adopt as many techniques as possible to reduce our carbon footprint. I think incentivizing the production of green aviation fuel, which currently costs up to four times the traditional fuel, is a worthy endeavour by global industry leaders. We recently heard of a new hydrogen-powered electric blended-wing body cargo aircraft that could bring zero-emission technology to the air cargo industry. Adopting this technology in air cargo can tremendously help the aviation industry achieve its net zero emissions target by 2050.”

Astral Aviation has signed its first formal partnership agreement with disaster response nonprofit Airlink. “In the agreement, Astral Aviation promises to transport 50 tonnes of humanitarian aid over the next year. Airlink will utilise the cargo space to support the movement of humanitarian aid across Astral Aviation’s network, already leveraging this partnership in order to support a shipment of medicines and medical supplies to South Sudan, stated an oficial release. “The supplies were donated by Airlink’s NGO partner, Partners for World Health, to an additional member of Airlink’s network, IMA World Health, and will be distributed in flood-affected regions in the Greater Upper Nile region as well as in health facilities along South Sudan’s border with Uganda,” the release added. Sanjeev Gadhia, CEO, Astral Aviation says, “As Astral Aviation, we see the partnership with Airlink as an important opportunity to support some of the humanitarian efforts in the Sub-Saharan region so as to help alleviate the suffering on some of the war-ravaged and disaster stricken population.”

Etihad Cargo has launched Pharma Champions, a development programme to further build its pharmaceutical business and support teams to enhance local expertise, benefiting the carrier’s customers and partners with improved service levels. The programme comprises online and onsite training, a visit to Etihad Cargo’s dedicated pharmaceutical hub and the development of a dedicated PharmaLife action plan, giving participants the tools to identify new business opportunities and ensure Etihad Cargo’s PharmaLife product is delivered in full compliance with international standards. “Etihad Cargo has developed and launched Pharma Champions to enhance the carrier’s capabilities in transporting high-value, temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals across its global network,” said Tim Isik, vice president commercial at Etihad Cargo. “In addition to giving participants — Etihad Cargo’s Pharma Champions — a more in-depth understanding of PharmaLife’s key features, the programme facilitates the development of a tailored PharmaLife action plan that will enable the champions to provide customer service excellence, enhanced customer response times and expertise within their regions. “These Pharma Champions are an integral part of Etihad Cargo’s cool chain strategy and operations for the coming years and will act as focal contact points in the carrier’s key PharmaLife markets.

Global Crossing Airlines (GlobalX) has taken delivery of its second Airbus A321 passenger to freighter (P2F) conversion. The aircraft will support GlobalX’s growing cargo business and will operate out of Miami into Latin America and the Caribbean. Miami-based GlobalX said the aircraft was converted under ST Engineering’s Precision Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) and is leased from Greenwich Highland Aviation. The airline said it placed the freighter on the GlobalX operating certificate as of June 16. “We are very pleased to start operating our second A321 freighter. Our first freighter has been operating 6 days per week with a 99.5% dispatch reliability, and our customers are seeing first-hand the economics and operating performance of the A321 freighter, which make it the best in class narrowbody cargo aircraft,” said Ed Wegel, chair and chief executive of GlobalX. “We expect to make an announcement soon for two additional A321 freighters scheduled to be delivered this year in Q3, along with two more freighters scheduled for delivery in Q4.” GlobalX’s received its first A321P2F in December last year after conversion by ST Engineering. In May 2021, GlobalX signed a letter of intent (LOI) to lease five A321P2F aircraft with ST Engineering’s Aviation Asset Management unit. These aircraft are being converted and leased to GlobalX progressively.

CMA CGM Air Cargo selects Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance (AFI KLM E&M) to provide engine and component support for the two Boeing 777 freighters recently added to its all-cargo fleet. “The two new aircraft were delivered to the transporter on May 31 and 7 June 7, 2022 respectively, and will be used to fly international routes out of CMA CGM Air Cargo’s base at Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport. As a recognised specialist in A330 maintenance, AFI KLM E&M will also maintain the components of CMA CGM Air Cargo’s A330F fleet,” stated an official release. Capitalising on its airline-MRO experience in maintaining one of the world’s largest 777 fleet on behalf of its parent companies Air France and KLM, AFI KLM E&M will provide comprehensive component support for both aircraft as part of a long-term flight-hour contract that includes repairs and access to its spare parts pool set up at CDG, the release added.

APM Terminals Pipavav has secured a new weekly service, CIX (China India Express) connecting India to the Far East Asia, South-East Asia, Latin America, Oceania Countries and US West Coast. The weekly service is launched jointly by WAN HAI Hapag Lloyd and EVERGREEN Lines. The first vessel M.V.WAN HAI 360 V-001E of the service called at the port Pipavav. The new service connects port Pipavav to – Nhava Sheva – Port Kelang – Singapore – Kaohsiung – HONG KONG- SHEKOU. The service will transport a range of commodities like clay, ceramic tiles, handicrafts, crated stone, marble, agri commodities, dehydrated foods, potatoes, onions, rice, brass items, white goods, seafood, among others. The Service is one of the fastest services to and from Asia to West Coast India with a transit time of 9 days from Pipavav to Port Klang, 17 days to Kaohsiung and 20 days from Sekou / Hong Kong. Commenting on commencement of the new service, Girish Aggarwal, MD, APM Terminals Pipavav said, “”We are delighted to receive the first vessel of the CIX service at our port. The well-established and highly quality service provides weekly connectivity to the trade and opportunity to our customers in north-west of India to trade with the global markets. The new service reinforces our commitment to customers by enhancing the port’s connectivity to the global markets thereby supporting the growth of the region.”

The contract logistics arm of Jeena & Company has raised its warehousing capacity with the inauguration of its largest and strategically significant new warehouse in Bhiwandi, Mumbai. This facility has an area of over 1.10 Lac square feet, has a clear centre height of 50 feet and a 30 feet shoulder height. Making this stand-out is it’s infrastructure design with G+7 and G+6 heavy duty pallet racking system and the G+7 multi-tier shelving system. The warehouse is equipped with all types of necessary amenities such as forklifts, stackers, and hand pallet trolleys. The flexible design of the warehouse will allow optimized storage space and empower sellers to boost their business. This warehouse is easily accessible from major bus stops, railway stations, Nhava Sheva port and the airport. Businesses in Pharma, FMCG, apparel, e-commerce, personal care sectors will be benefitted from Jeena’s new facility. Sam Katgara, Partner, Jeena & Company said, “We are pleased to introduce our latest warehouse. This is another concrete step towards our commitment to providing high end-storage facility for all 3PL and warehousing needs supported by technology. With our investment and focus on technology, we are all set to offer world-class services at competitive pricing. The highlight of this warehouse is the ability to customize on-site storage capabilities as per the requirements of our clients and their business necessities.”

Boeing and Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC) have recently signed a contract for one 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF). The conversion slot for the 737-800BCF is for a 2026 induction. NAC is increasing its footprint in the 737-800 market and this is NACs first converted freighter order with Boeing, as per a recent company release. As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures, and services commercial airplanes, defense products, and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability, and community impact. Boeing’s diverse team is committed to innovating for the future, leading with sustainability, and cultivating a culture based on the company’s core values of safety, quality, and integrity