The Ministry of Civil Aviation has announced a uniform 5% Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) rate for all aircraft and aircraft engine parts, effective from July 15th, 2024, said reports. “The introduction of a uniform 5 per cent IGST rate on MRO items is a major boost for the aviation sector. Previously, the varying GST rates of 5%,12%, 18%, and 28% on aircraft components created challenges, including an inverted duty structure and GST accumulation in MRO accounts. This new policy eliminates these disparities, simplifies the tax structure, and fosters growth in the MRO sector,” said Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjrapu Rammohan Naidu in reports.  According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), India’s aviation sector is poised to become the world’s third-largest air passenger market by 2030, surpassing China and the United States. The sector’s expanding demand is expected to increase the number of aircraft in operation to 1,100 planes by 2027 from the current fleet of 700, solidifying India’s position as one of the fastest-growing major aviation markets.

  Henkel Adhesives Technologies India (Henkel India) announced the completion of Phase III of its manufacturing facility in Kurkumbh, near Pune, Maharashtra. The Kurkumbh site, which was launched in 2020, serves the growing demand of Indian industries for high-performance solutions in adhesives, sealants, and surface treatment products. The new Loctite plant, named after Henkel’s renowned brand Loctite, was inaugurated by Mark Dorn, Executive Vice President, Henkel Adhesive Technologies, along with other Senior Management members of the company.  Henkel Adhesive Technologies entered the Indian market in 1996and is a significant growth driver for this business today. Henkel has been expanding its presence in the country through consistent strategic investments to meet the rapid growth. Today, the company has a strong footprint in India and operates five manufacturing sites, two innovation centers, a customer experience center, a packaging academy, and an application center for the footwear industry. The new Loctite plant in the Kurkumbh manufacturing site reflects Henkel’s vision to drive growth in the Indian market. The plant will serve Indian businesses, further localize the product portfolio, and thus, reduce dependence on imports. It will also help address the supply-demand gap of high-performance adhesive solutions for the manufacturing, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), and automotive components sectors. Henkel Adhesive Technologies is well-positioned to meet the demand arising in these fast–growing market sectors.   Speaking on the launch, Mark Dorn, Executive Vice Presidentat Henkel Adhesive Technologies, said, “India has emerged as a focus market for Henkel globally. The new Loctite plant highlights our vision to emerge in the country as a self-reliantglobal market player with a strong local presence. With continued investments, efficient supply chains, and customer-focused solutions, Henkel is committed to driving …

Emirates SkyCargo and Boeing have announced an order for five additional 777 freighters as the operator again picks the world’s most capable twin-engine freighter to meet growing cargo demand. The new purchase takes Emirates’ order book to 245 Boeing wide-body aircraft, including 10 777 freighters. Emirates SkyCargo’s investment in the freighter will boost main deck cargo capacity 30 per cent by 2026 and increase, Emirates’ freighter fleet to 17 aircraft, including 777 freighters, 777 converted freighters and 747 freighters. “Demand for our world-class product and services is growing amplified by Dubai’s Economic Agenda, which aims to double foreign trade and reinforce the city’s position as a global trading hub. This investment in additional Boeing 777 capacity enables us to cater to customer demand and marks a step forward on our long-term strategic growth plan,” said HRH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group. “The next phase will include a full assessment for our future freighter fleet reviewing all aircraft options to ensure we are best equipped to respond to the market’s evolving demands and reaffirming our confidence in the role of air freight and, specifically, Emirates SkyCargo, in global trade.” The freighter can fly up to 9,200 km and carry more freight—102 metric tonnes—than any other twin-engine cargo jet. This range and payload capability allows operators to offer more long-range, nonstop flights to connect distant markets such as the USA and Europe without refueling.

NIDO Group has announced a strategic partnership with Emiza to revolutionize package handling efficiency through the deployment of advanced vertical conveyor systems across Emiza’s facilities. Central to this partnership is the deployment of 5 vertical conveyors, designed to facilitate swift and seamless movement of packages from ground level to multiple floors. These innovative systems promise to expedite logistics operations, reducing processing times and enhancing overall operational efficiency for Emiza. By integrating these vertical conveyors, ‘Emiza can streamline its internal logistics processes, ensuring packages are moved quickly and efficiently between different levels within its warehouses. One of the key advantages of the vertical conveyor systems provided by NIDO Group is their ability to maximize space utilization. Unlike traditional horizontal conveyance methods that require extensive floor space, vertical conveyors occupy a smaller footprint, making them ideal for optimizing warehouse layouts. This space-saving feature is particularly beneficial for Emiza, allowing them to increase their handling capacity without the need for significant structural modifications. Additionally, NIDO Group’s vertical conveyors are tailored to meet the diverse operational needs of Emiza’s various facilities. “We are excited about our partnership with Emiza and the opportunity to enhance their logistics operations through our advanced vertical conveyor systems,” said Nirav Doshi, Founder & Managing Director at NIDO Group. “This collaboration reinforces our dedication to innovation and efficiency in logistics, supporting Emiza’s mission to deliver exceptional service to their clients.”    

MSMEs rely heavily on their third-party logistics providers to operate smoothly, as they often face limitations due to a lack of capital or resources,” says Uday Sharma, Chief Commercial Officer, Allcargo Gati. He adds, “The upcoming budget should create an environment where MSMEs can flourish with well-developed logistic infrastructures based on sustainable practices. We expect the budget to prioritize investments in infrastructure development, digitalization, and skill development, which will further empower MSMEs. Our commitment goes beyond providing logistics; we actively support programs that enhance operational efficiency and competitiveness for MSMEs. Through various initiatives like capacity-building workshops, digital transformation projects, and skill development programs, we strive to grow and sustain MSMEs. The logistics subsector is undergoing numerous changes to address infrastructure and technology challenges. As the lifeline of the MSME sector, the logistics and supply chain industry play a crucial role in efficiently delivering their products and enabling them to reach the market or their destination.”  

KK Agarwal, Chairman & Managing Director, CJ Darcl Logistics says,”The Indian economy is projected to grow by 7.2 percent in FY25, driven by improving rural demand and decreasing inflation. We appreciate the govt’s strong focus on the logistics sector with initiatives like PM Gati Shakti, Sagarmala, Bharatmala, and the National Logistics Policy. The previous budget’s emphasis on infrastructure improvement and regulatory streamlining, especially the announcement of railway economic corridors under the PM Gati Shakti initiative, marked a significant leap towards multi-modal connectivity and reduced logistics costs. This aligns with our industry’s expectations and will accelerate India’s GDP growth.” He continued, “Looking ahead, we expect continued support for technology-driven solutions, skill development, and strategic incentives. The anticipated union budget will enhance multimodal connectivity and improve efficiency in the logistics industry. We also foresee comprehensive policies promoting electric vehicles, alternative fuels, and sustainable practices. These measures will boost economic growth in the logistics sector, aligning with the goal of a $5-trillion economy and a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047. A robust Capex Budget is crucial to sustain and enhance this growth trajectory, positioning India as a logistics powerhouse.”    

The National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation Limited (NICDC) Logistics Data Services Limited (NLDS) and Gujarat Infrastructure Development Board (GIDB) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to digitize the logistics landscape in Gujarat. The MoU was exchanged between GIDB CEO, Banchha Nidhi Pani and NLDS chairman, Rajat Kumar Saini. The collaboration proposes to leverage Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP) to digitise the logistics and further make way for developing the Gujarat ULIP Dashboard. The dashboard will help integrate various state department platforms to provide a seamless flow of information such as real-time visibility of key logistics parametres. These broadly include vehicle utilisation, shipment tracking, transit times and infrastructure availability. The tool will prove beneficial for govt and private sector players to efficiently monitor and handle logistics operations in Gujarat. “This collaboration will bring visibility to streamline logistics operations, enhance coordination among state departments, and decision-making processes through real-time data insights,” Union govt said in a statement.

Çelebi India announced its selection as Cambodia Angkor Air’s cargo operations partner at the Celebi Delhi Cargo Terminal. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in Çelebi’s commitment to enhancing air cargo operations and expanding its global footprint. Cambodia Angkor Air, the national flag carrier of Cambodia, has chosen Çelebi Delhi Cargo Terminal as its preferred partner to streamline cargo handling operations, leveraging Çelebi’s state-of-the-art facilities and expertise in cargo logistics. This partnership underscores Çelebi’s capability to provide efficient and reliable cargo handling solutions to its esteemed partners. Kamesh Peri, CEO of Çelebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management, remarked, “We are delighted to partner with Cambodia Angkor Air for cargo operations at Çelebi Delhi Cargo Terminal. This collaboration highlights our commitment to delivering exceptional cargo handling services. With our state-of-the-art facilities and experienced team, we are well-equipped to enhance operational efficiency and ensure seamless handling of cargo shipments, driving mutual growth and success.” The Çelebi Delhi Cargo Terminal, equipped with advanced infrastructure and a dedicated team of professionals, is well-positioned to support the growing demands of air cargo operations. Through this partnership, Çelebi aims to further enhance operational efficiencies and customer satisfaction, ensuring seamless handling of Cambodia Angkor Air’s cargo shipments.

“Leading airline operators are readying for fleet expansions to enhance both pax connectivity and cargo capacity,” says Pradeep Panicker, CEO, GMR Hyderabad International Airport (GHIAL). “A significant step for advancing these goals is the upgrade of logistics infrastructure, distribution centers, and freight corridors, coupled with investments in research and development for pioneering solutions. It is crucial to adopt state-of-the-art technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Automation, and the Internet of Things to maximize operational efficiency in India’s dynamic cargo industry,” he adds.