Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) has signed a multi-year contract with Emirates SkyCargo to provide cargo handling services at Miami International Airport (MIA) for global operations. The three-year contract, which also includes ramp and mail services, is effective 14 July. WFS will handle Emirates’ freighter operations at MIA. The Dubai-based airline operates Boeing 777 and 747 freighter aircraft to service the Miami route from its cargo handling facility at Building 702. The partnership extends Emirates SkyCargo’s existing relationship with WFS across North America, where the cargo handling service provider already supports the carrier’s operations at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW).

Vijay Kumar, CEO, Express Industry Council of India (EICI), said, “The latest BCAS guideline is a much-needed and welcome reform and will ease the transshipment movement and bring in efficiencies. This is a big boost for the express logistics and e-commerce sector, where speed and reliability matter most. The move will help develop secure, efficient express global hubs with increased express freighter movement at Indian airports. This will also create employment opportunities, aid economy and will also benefit the entire logistics ecosystem. It aligns India with global cargo standards and strengthens our position as a key logistics hub in the region. We fully support this forward-looking initiative and look forward to working closely with all stakeholders to bring it to life.”

Reema Jogani, Chairperson- Women’s Wing, AITWA shares, “The India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) promises a major boost for Indian exports and global trade presence. By reducing tariffs on key sectors like textiles, pharma and gems, it makes Indian products more competitive in the UK. It also opens new opportunities for services such as IT and healthcare. Simplified trade processes and better customs cooperation will ease cross-border movement, especially benefiting MSMEs. The FTA is expected to attract UK investments into India’s infrastructure and green sectors. Overall, it helps India diversify trade partnerships, support local industries, and strengthen its export-led growth, aligning with the broader vision of “Make in India.”

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has relaxed the mandatory requirement of re-screening of transit cargo giving a boost to transshipment of goods via Indian hubs. Currently all goods that are transshipped via airports in India need to be x-rayed (security screened) during transit. The rule also applies to domestic cargo if there is a change in aircraft at the transit airport. This adds to the cost and ground time making Indian airlines and airports less competitive in comparison to their competitors in the region.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and inspected the new terminal building of Tuticorin Airport for cargo and pax operations. Prime Minister Modi also laid the foundation stone, inaugurated and dedicated multiple development projects worth over ₹4,900 crore to the nation during a public event in Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu.

Vipin Vohra, Chairman, Continental Carriers said, “The India-UK Free Trade Agreement is poised to significantly benefit Indian EXIM trade and the cargo industry. By boosting exports in key sectors like textiles, pharmaceuticals and engineering goods, it will increase cargo volumes and open new avenues for logistics service providers. The expected surge in trade will drive investments in critical infrastructure, including air freight stations, multimodal hubs, cold chain facilities and modernised cargo terminals. Moreover, the FTA is likely to accelerate the adoption of technology and digital solutions across the logistics ecosystem, enhancing overall efficiency, reducing costs and strengthening India’s global trade competitiveness.

Amit Maheshwari, Founder and CEO, Softlink Global asserted, “The India-UK FTA is a game-changer for Indian trade. Zero-duty access on textiles, auto components and finished pharma lets champions like Tata Motors, Arvind, Welspun and Sun Pharma price exports more aggressively in the UK. Meanwhile, sharply lower tariffs on Scotch whisky and premium British autos will boost west-bound loads into India, improving capacity utilisation and yields for forwarders. We’ll see a clear rise in multimodal volumes and speedier clearances at both ends.”  

CK Govil, President, The Air Cargo Agents Association of India (ACAAI) said, “The India-UK FTA is poised to significantly boost the Indian EXIM trade and cargo industry by reducing tariffs, enhancing market access and streamlining customs procedures. It will open new opportunities for Indian exporters, particularly in textiles, pharmaceuticals and engineering goods, while encouraging UK investment in Indian logistics and infrastructure. The agreement also promises mutual recognition of standards, which will reduce delays and compliance costs. Overall, it strengthens bilateral supply chains and positions India as a reliable trade partner in the post-Brexit global order—bringing a positive ripple effect for air and ocean cargo movements.”

Xerrxes Master, Managing Director, Masters Group of Companies said, “The India–UK Free Trade Agreement offers transformative benefits for India’s EXIM‑trade and cargo sectors. With 99 per cent of Indian exports to the UK becoming duty‑free—including textiles, footwear, gems, marine products, engineering goods and pharma—export volumes are poised to soar. Streamlined customs protocols and harmonised standards will expedite cargo flow at major ports like Nhava Sheva, Chennai and Mundra, while air‑cargo volumes for perishables and electronics will rise. Logistics providers and freight forwarders will see increased demand for containerized, refrigerated, and digital trade services. Overall, the FTA is set to catalyse supply‑chain efficiency and strengthen India’s position in global trade.”

Prediman Koul, CEO, Jeena & Company said, “The China+1 strategy is significantly boosting India’s role in the global supply chain. As global companies look to diversify beyond China, India is emerging as a strong alternative because we have government-backed schemes like Make in India and Production-Linked Incentives (PLI) that encourage domestic production and invite international investment. Our skilled labour is set to meet the demands and is accessible as compared to other countries. This makes India appealing to sectors that need specialised professionals. India has strengthened trade ties and is working towards improving access to global markets. Enhanced port facilities, industrial corridors and Special Economic Zones (SEZs) have made exporting from India easier and more efficient. We believe this shift is not just a trend but a long-term opportunity for India to become a key supply chain hub, and we are ready to take part as a trusted partner in this journey.