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‘FIATA has been instrumental in cargo growth’

Keshav Tanna, Founder Director, at Links Forwarders said, “FIATA has been instrumental in developing some very important  transport documents like the FIATA Forwarders Certificate of Receipt(FCR); the FIATA Bill of Lading (FBL); the FIATA Certificate of Transport (FCT): the FIATA warehouse receipt (FWR) and so on; all these assist the Forwarders to transact globally in a standardised manner ensuring efficiency by adopting best practises. A very important aspect of FIATA’s activities for the benefit of its’ members is the FIATA Logistics Institutes that imparts training through FIATA Diploma courses in freight forwarding, thereby preparing the next gen to professionally conduct their business in the field of logistics. Amongst FIATA’s important global events the most spectacular one is the annual FIATA Congress which witnesses the Globe unite at one single event mixing business, pleasure, culture and show case the diversity this truly global organisation called FIATA. FIATA Regional Meetings are designed to essentially have large participation from the Region – in this case the Region Asia Pacific. We shall witness members from various Asia Pacific Countries participate and address regional challenge and exploring solutions thereof; also there would be huge opportunities for networking in terms of B2B meetings and also sharing industry insights. We also expect active participation from various authorities like CBIC; Airport Operators; dignitaries from Civil Aviation and our colleagues from the Airlines. The buzz word being “interaction.”

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Attics Logistics orders 100 delivery drones to transform logistics

Sitics Logistics has placed an order for 100 autonomous BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) delivery drones from TECHEAGLE Innovations. The deal is among the largest commercial drone logistics agreements globally and underscores a shared vision to build a faster, more sustainable, and tech-enabled delivery ecosystem across the country.  The collaboration is designed to address inefficiencies in traditional last-mile and mid-mile logistics. TECHEAGLE’s in-house developed drones will support Sitics’ operations across e-commerce, intercity B2B, and direct-to-consumer deliveries. The initial rollout will begin in Delhi-NCR, Mumbai-Pune, and Bengaluru, with plans to scale to over ten cities in the coming months. With this deployment, the two companies are working to build a hybrid logistics network that combines aerial and ground-based systems to deliver increased efficiency and environmental sustainability.

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MatchLog, Maersk unite to boost logistics ops in India

MatchLog has announced its collaboration with Maersk for its India operations. This partnership aims to revolutionise equipment optimisation across India, a market with a throughput of 20 million TEUs annually. The collaboration addresses critical challenges in the logistics ecosystem by enhancing container turnaround, improving asset yields for shipping lines, and reducing India’s overall logistics cost index. For the transport ecosystem, this initiative ensures better asset utilisation by facilitating two-way laden movements. Container optimisation is a niche yet vital space requiring robust process management. MatchLog’s innovative solution includes automated StreetTurn yards in key industrial clusters, enabling container surveying, minor repairs, and cleaning to ensure export readiness. Its digital platform provides real-time visibility and automated container matching, streamlining operations for efficiency. Maersk’s commitment to operational excellence and reduction in cost of logistics led to the decision to partner with MatchLog. MatchLog’s advanced solutions align seamlessly with Maersk’s objectives, offering a scalable model for equipment optimisation in India. Speaking about this, Dhruv Taneja, Founder and Global CEO of MatchLog Solutions, said, “This collaboration with Maersk is a significant milestone, not just for MatchLog but for the entire logistics ecosystem in India. By leveraging our innovative technology and process automation, we are contributing to a more efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable supply chain.” The partnership underscores the growing importance of container equipment optimization in driving logistical efficiencies and reducing costs, reaffirming India’s position as a critical player in the global shipping and logistics sector.

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‘Govt keen to invest in building robust infra to meet cargo demand hike’

India’s export potential and capability as a key exporter has the support of both the government and the industry, they are keen to invest in building robust infrastructure to meet the increasing demand for air freight,” said Keku Bomi Gazder, CEO and MD, Aviapro Logistic.  He added, “The government and private airport operators are investing in expanding and upgrading air cargo terminals at the major connecting airports, with state-of-the-art cargo handling facilities, real-time tracking and temperature-controlled areas for effective shipment. Moreover, India is focusing on the development of cargo villages near airports to ensure seamless logistics, warehousing and last-mile deliveries. To ensure efficient connectivity across all transportation channels, multimodal logistics parks are being set up to save time and reduce operational costs. Cargo operations are also becoming more transparent with the adoption of modern technologies like AI, IoT, and e-freight systems.”

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CBIC plans to cut fee for transshipment permits, enhance exports

India’s Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has announced a set of reforms to improve air cargo movement, by removing the fee for transhipment permits. says official reports. The move aims to make cargo movement easy, faster and cheap, especially time-sensitive and high-value products through India’s airports. The CBIC has also introduced a new process for the temporary import of Unit Load Devices (ULDs), adds reports. It is being witnessed as a step toward aligning Indian customs practices with global logistics standards.  Finally, exporters and logistics agents can now file applications for cargo movement permits online through ICEGATE (the Indian Customs portal), following a digitisation update.

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Air cargo demand grows 4.4% in March: IATA

IATA released data for March 2025 global air cargo markets indicating total demand, measured in cargo tonnes-kilometers (CTK), increased by 4.4 per cent compared to March 2024 levels (+5.5% for international operations), a historic peak for March. Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTK), expanded by 4.3% compared to March 2024 (+6.1% for international operations). “March cargo volumes were strong. It is possible that this is partly a front-loading of demand as some businesses tried to beat the well-telegraphed 2 April tariff announcement by the Trump Administration. The uncertainty over how much of the 2 April proposals will be implemented may eventually weigh on trade. In the meantime, the lower fuel costs—which are also a result of the same uncertainty—are a short-term positive factor for air cargo. And, within the temporary pause on implementation we hope that political leaders will be able to shift trade tensions to reliable agreements that can restore confidence in global supply chains,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. Several factors in the operating environment should be noted: March volumes typically rise after a lull in February, and this single-digit increase is in line with pre-COVID growth trends. Jet fuel prices dropped 17.3% year-on-year, marking nine straight months of year-on-year declines. The sharp rise in US tariffs and new trade rules, especially the 2 May ban on duty-free imports from China and Hong Kong, may have prompted companies and buyers to make purchases in advance to avoid significant import fees. World industrial output grew 3.2% year-on-year, and trade volumes expanded 2.9%. Many key Consumer Price Inflation (CPI) indices fell: US inflation was 2.4%, down 0.4 points from February, EU CPI was 2.5% and Japan’s rate fell …

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MoU signed to launch 1st integrated F.A.S.T. logistics platform

Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited (SDHI) has signed MoU with Wheel & Time Shipping Transport Logistics to launch India’s first integrated F.A.S.T. (Fabrication, Assembly, Storage, and Transportation) commercial logistics ecosystem at its state-of-the-art shipyard in Pipavav, Gujarat. The F.A.S.T. model offers an unmatched turnkey ecosystem for executing heavy engineering projects in India by bringing together SDHI’s advanced fabrication and waterfront infrastructure and Wheel & Time’s end-to-end heavy logistics capabilities. The partnership will benefit high-value, time-sensitive projects and will target clientele dealing with material handling equipment at ports, marine infrastructure, petrochemicals, offshore EPC, oil & gas infrastructure and heavy engineering. This one-of-a-kind model is designed to help companies to shorten project execution timelines, minimize handoffs, reduce overall project risks, and offer scalable solutions connected to global shipping networks.    

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‘FIATA to promote industrial collaborations & growth’

  Jivisha Joshi, Deputy Secretary, DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce and Industry shared her views on upcoming FIATA event in New Delhi, she said, “The FIATA Regional Asia Pacific meet in New Delhi will benefit industry leaders through Enhanced networking opportunities with key stakeholders across the region, Access to valuable industry insights and strategic discussions on emerging trends (logistics, sustainability practices, multimodal transportation), Promotion of regional collaboration to strengthen Asia-Pacific logistics networks, Focused dialogue on addressing local challenges and identifying actionable solutions.” She added, “Air Cargo in India will experience rapid growth, driven by sectors such as e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural exports, Projected to reach 10 million metric tonnes by 2030, Supported by government initiatives emphasizing infrastructure development and enhanced regional connectivity (Krishi Udan Scheme, UDAN Scheme (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik), Development of Air Freight Stations and Cargo Terminals,etc. This event will highlight the importance of air cargo in India’s logistics sector and provide a platform for industry leaders to discuss growth opportunities and challenges.”

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MIAL engaging in ‘capacity gaming’, alleges IATA

Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) was asked to withdraw its discriminatory impact on cargo operations. “IATA is disappointed that MIAL has informed airlines of the unilateral cessation of freighters, and a permanent withdrawal of historic slots beginning next season,” John Middleton, Head, Worldwide Airport Slots, said in IATA’s official statement. He added this is not what one would expect of a major Indian airport in India and will cause long-lasting damage to its reputation and credibility. “IATA hopes Adani Airports is not using this situation to pressure airlines to move their operations to upcoming Navi Mumbai Airport. We fear this is an example of airport “capacity gaming,” which will harm aviation across India and beyond. We urge the central and state governments to ensure capacity reductions unilaterally mandated by the operator are disallowed as this would disrupt passenger and cargo operations at MIAL,” he added. Continuing, he said MIAL has failed to adhere to MoCA’s Guidelines for Slot Allocation, including its direction to preserve historic rights for future seasons. There are international norms to deal with temporary capacity reductions at airports, which calls for advance notice rather than the unilateral action. Developed by the Worldwide Airport Slot Board, they were agreed by the Airports Council International, IATA, and the Worldwide Airport Coordinators Group, Middleton said. So far there have been no details on how MIAL will manage the capacity reduction.

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