The setting up of freight-specific Special Economic Zones (SEZs) near airports are essential to boost exports, says Jayesh Tanna, CEO, ECU Worldwide, adding that it can foster an environment for cargo-centric airline expansions and for simplifying customs procedures with faster clearances and digital documentation. He also adds, “One of the main hurdles to the fast growth of India’s air cargo industry is the lack of smooth integration between freighters and passenger services. Another major issue is that most airports have poor connection with other forms of transportation. Despite the fact that India has over 70 airports with cargo capabilities, many of them are still underutilised because there is a lack of multimodal integration, which is essential for effective last-mile delivery.  Moreover, absence of dedicated warehouses at most Indian airports for perishable goods and pharmaceutical products, coupled with regulatory bottlenecks in their export, remains a significant barrier to the rapid growth of the country’s air cargo sector.”

To enable global oil industry operations, stay uninterrupted, Antonov Airlines and Air Partner have transported time-critical shipment – a valve for an oil refinery from Roma Fiumicino Airport (FCO) to the Middle East following an urgent request. Weighing over 20 tonnes and measuring over three metres in height, transporting the oversized equipment required specialist planning. Antonov Airlines’ AN-124-100 was used to carry the item. An external cargo ramp, manufactured by Antonov in-house engineers, and crane for loading were also required due to the size of the valve. Additionally, the valve had to be accommodated via an extra metal frame and super strong shackles for lashing. Due to the time-sensitive nature of the shipment, Air Partner and Antonov were required to work intensively, alongside Gruber Logistics Italy and Alha Group, to ensure it was delivered on time to the client.

Challenge Group has announced its new affiliate membership with the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations, FIATA. The Group’s admittance into FIATA will enable it to be part of larger industry discussions surrounding evolving regulations, capacity constraints, and supply chain disruption issues that have been of increasing concern as of late. As an international freight operator, its collaboration with other members in the network is a strategic move and a natural next step for the Group. Chief commercial officer of Challenge Group, Or Zak, said of the new membership. “By providing reliable, integrated, and bespoke logistics solutions, we enable global trade efficiently and effectively. As an affiliate member of FIATA, we are excited to contribute our expertise and insights from a freighter operator and handling agent perspective. We believe this collaboration will create stronger synergies between different supply chain stakeholders, ultimately benefiting the entire industry.”

The Air Cargo Agents Association of India (ACAAI) is participating at the FIATA HQ Meeting 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland being held from March 17-20, bringing together key leaders from the global freight forwarding and logistics industry, to discuss key industry issues and developments. ACAAI President C.K. Govil is actively promoting FIATA RAP 2025, joined by esteemed industry representatives namely, Dao Trong Khoa Paul – President, VLA, Samir Shah – Vice President, ACAAI, Keshav Tanna – Past President, ACAAI, Amit Kamat – Chairman Elect, FFFAI, Yukki Nugrahawan Hanafi – Indonesian Logistics Federation Association and Tej Contractor, FFFAI.

Canadian freighter operators, Cargojet has carried out its first charter flight to Mumbai. “We marked our inaugural air cargo charter flight to Mumbai (BOM) Airport, strengthening our global network and expanding our reach into South Asia. This mission was a testament to our commitment to delivering seamless, reliable, and time-sensitive solutions to customers worldwide. From specialised handling to efficient cargo movement, we are leading new standards in global logistics,” said official LinkedIn Post.

Trackon plans to further strengthen its franchise network across South India to enhance last-mile delivery and accelerate business growth. Trackon plans to onboard 1,500 new franchises, primarily aimed at enhancing its presence in the rapidly growing logistics market of South India. With a strong focus on Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala “Our expansion in South India is a strategic move to meet the increasing demand for reliable, cost effective and efficient logistics services in the region. By empowering local entrepreneurs with business opportunities and equipping them with advanced technology and logistical support, we are not only expanding our network but also contributing to regional economic growth,” said Rajesh Kapase, CEO, Trackon.

Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) and Blue Dart signed MoU to provide urban logistics service. Under this collaboration, Blue Dart will transport cargo via metro trains during non-peak hours, utilising available capacity to ensure faster and more reliable movement of time-sensitive shipments.  According to a statement from DMRC, the initiative, the first of its kind in the entire South Asia Pacific region, reinforces both DMRC and Blue Dart’s commitment to environmental stewardship and fostering more sustainable logistics solutions. It further highlighted that the step will reduce dependency on road transport, thereby easing congestion and curbing vehicular emissions. At the same time, DMRC will optimise its resources while reinforcing its commitment to environmentally friendly transport solutions, it stated. “Under this initiative, DMRC is leveraging its stations and tracks to establish a sustainable urban freight network across Delhi-NCR,” DMRC stated in the statement. It also aims to boost operational efficiency, shorten delivery timelines, and support urban freight systems with lower carbon emissions by repurposing metro premises into logistics hubs, it stated. With this pioneering model, DMRC and Blue Dart will redefine urban logistics by integrating sustainability with innovation, ensuring a greener and more efficient future for cargo movement in metropolitan areas, it added.

KSH Integrated Logistics announced the expansion of its multi-client warehouse in Chakan, Pune, adding 150,000 sq. ft. to its existing operations. With this expansion, the company’s total MCF footprint in the region exceeds 500,000 sq. ft., further strengthening its presence in one of India’s key industrial and automotive hubs. The new facility marks KSH’ third multi-client warehouse in Chakan, in addition to its dedicated and in-plant operations to enhance supply chain efficiencies. This expansion is part of the company’s broader growth strategy, which in 2024 alone has seen the addition of 1,00,000 sq. ft. across Bangalore, Jaipur, and Chennai, further reinforcing its nationwide logistics capabilities. The expanded multi client facility will offer a comprehensive range of warehousing and transportation services, integrating advanced Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and Transport Management Systems (TMS) with customers’ ERP platforms. The warehouse is equipped with heavy-duty racking, ground storage, and value-added services such as pre-packing, kitting, MRP stickering, and laser marking to streamline logistics operations.

DTDC Express announces its expansion to Sri Lanka with the launch of its first store in Colombo, partnering with Parcel Lanka, as DTDC’s authorised franchisee in Sri Lanka. This opening represents a significant milestone in DTDC’s growth strategy for the South Asian market, following its established presence in India, Australia, the UAE, Canada, the US, Malaysia, and the UK. The new store will offer an extensive portfolio of services designed for its diverse audience, including domestic and international courier solutions, MSMEs & e-commerce logistics, and bulk shipping. As an established player in the Southeast Asian markets, DTDC will be launching its state-of-the-art logistics infrastructure along with technology-driven delivery solutions at the new hub in Colombo. In the future, the company will also explore advanced technology features, such as AI-powered tracking systems, automated parcel sorting, and self-service kiosks, to enhance the customer experience and streamline operations. Sri Lanka has emerged as a crucial global logistics hub, strategically connecting major trade routes in South Asia. The demand for efficient and cost-effective logistics solutions is rapidly increasing, fuelled by the growth of online shopping, the expansion of MSME exports, and the dynamic landscape of international trade. This presents a unique opportunity for businesses to capitalize on Sri Lanka’s advantageous position.

To digitally transform the trade and logistics sectors, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and Maqta Technologies Group, part of AD Ports Group, have partnered with Etihad Cargo to introduce new features to the Advanced Trade and Logistics Platform (ATLP). Developed and operated by Maqta Technologies Group, ATLP was inaugurated in May 2020 by His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council. The platform aims to unify trade and logistics services across Abu Dhabi, including air, land, sea, and industrial free zones.