Sunil Kohli, MD, Rahat Cargo, said, “The government initiative will position airports as specialised export hubs catering to local strengths. The scheme targets perishables and high-value regional goods such as seafood, fruits and vegetables. Dedicated cargo zones, product-specific cold storage, and streamlined customs clearance are being implemented to accelerate exports, minimise spoilage, and meet international quality standards. This tailored approach is expected to reduce logistics costs, boost export competitiveness, and generate employment opportunities in hinterland economies.”

Balagopal Balachandran, National Head, Air Freight, FEI Cargo, said, “The “One Airport, One Product” initiative is a promising step toward strengthening India’s cargo landscape, particularly in tier II and III cities. By aligning each airport with a regional specialty, the move can streamline processes, build focused infra, and enhance export efficiency. It supports local industries and positions India toward becoming a stronger cargo hub. At the same time, the initiative will require careful implementation to avoid over dependence on a single product, ensure adequate infra, and maintain flexibility for diverse cargo demands. With thoughtful execution and stakeholder collaboration, the programme can deliver meaningful long-term benefits.”

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), Mumbai, was recently honoured with the ‘Best Airport for Digitisation’ award at the India Cargo Awards. Often described as the Oscars of the Indian cargo and logistics industry, the India Cargo Awards celebrate excellence across the country’s air, sea, and multimodal logistics landscape. The awards bring together airlines, airports, freight forwarders, cargo handlers, and industry innovators on one platform, recognising those who set new benchmarks in service, efficiency, technology, and customer experience.

SeaRates ERP, part of DP World’s digital logistics ecosystem, has announced a strategic collaboration with CargoAi. With the integration of CargoAi’s Track & Trace, Quote & Book and FHL/FWB APIs, SeaRates has transformed its ERP into an even more intelligent, connected and customer-oriented platform.  This partnership enables enhanced real-time data exchange, improved shipment visibility, and more efficient quoting and booking functionalities for air cargo stakeholders across DP World’s global network.  This milestone reinforces Searates’s broader vision to offer end-to-end, tech-enabled logistics solutions—driving transparency, agility, and value across every mode of transport.

Oman Air Cargo has announced five new General Sales Agent (GSA) partnerships, bringing two new offline routes to Australia and Japan. The two new offline routes will be serviced by GSA Australia Cargo and World Prime Services. The other three new GSAs, Al Madinah Travel Company, MGH Logistics, and APG, will service online routes to Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia respectively.  “The expansion of our GSA network, including the launch of new offline routes to Australia and Japan, reflects the strong momentum behind Oman Air Cargo,” said Michael Duggan, Head of Cargo, Oman Air. “These new partnerships enable us to serve our customers more effectively, extend our global reach, and build on the transformation of the airline.”  Along with the new contracts, which will last two years, Oman Air Cargo has also renewed a number of GSA contracts, lasting one year. To mark the milestone, the airline hosted 27 representatives from its GSA network at an event in Muscat, Oman.

The India Warehousing and Logistics Show (IWLS), scheduled from 20–22 November, kickstarted in Mumbai bringing together the country’s leading logistics, warehousing, material handling and supply chain professionals under one roof. As one of India’s premier industry platforms, the event showcased the latest technologies, automation solutions, and infrastructure innovations driving efficiency and resilience in logistics. With participation from logistics providers, infrastructure developers, technology companies, and policymakers, IWLS 2025 aims to foster collaboration and highlight the critical role of integrated, technology-driven supply chains in supporting India’s growth ambitions. In the coming days, the show will also feature insightful conferences, networking sessions, and product demonstrations—offering attendees a comprehensive view of the sector’s emerging trends and opportunities.

Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu said, “Air cargo sector may hold greater untapped potential. With a 47 per cent rise in volumes over the past decade, India now ranks 6th globally in total air cargo volumes, third in domestic freight, 12th in global freight. India’s cargo handling capacity has expanded to eight million MT, growing 10 per cent annually, with targets of 10 MMT by 2030 and 21 MMT by 2047.” Naidu was addressing the gathering at 11th Global Aviation Air Cargo Conclave held by PHDCCI. The national logistics enablers PM Gati Shakti, the National Logistics Policy and GST-driven market integration have accelerated this growth. Yet, India currently handles 2.9 per cent of global air cargo, underscoring massive room for expansion. One of the vital advancements, the minister noted, has been the rollout of iCargo, which grew from five airports in 2016 to 71 airports today with plans for 79 by 2030. The initiative is sharply focused on cutting processing time from eight hours to six hours and is extremely crucial for time-sensitive goods, especially perishables.”

Silk Way West Airlines has signed a pact with Airbus for the acquisition of two more A350Fs, bringing its total order for this next-generation model to four aircraft, said Wolfgang Meier, President, Silk Way West Airlines. This milestone reinforces the airline’s commitment to fleet modernisation and sustainable growth. The new order builds upon the partnership established between Silk Way West Airlines and Airbus in June 2022, when the airline became the first operator in the Central Asia and CIS region to order the A350F. “We are delighted to extend our partnership with Airbus on the A350F programme. The A350Fs will strengthen our leading position in the global air freight market as we continue to modernise our fleet and reduce our carbon footprint,” he added.

Air One International has expanded its cargo fleet with delivery of a second Boeing 777F, which will be operated by its airline affiliate, One Air. The new aircraft arrived in the UK on 19 November following its handover at Boeing’s Everett production facility in the US. From its base at East Midlands Airport, One Air will deploy the freighter on scheduled services to Hong Kong, strengthening the carrier’s long-haul cargo capabilities. This addition follows the delivery of another 777F in August, placed into operation with One Air, marking a continued investment in the group’s growing air-cargo operations.

Softlink Global was recognised as the Best Technology Service Provider for its innovative solutions transforming the air cargo ecosystem at the recently hel;d India Cargo Awards 2025. The award highlights the company’s contributions in automating cargo operations, streamlining digital documentation, and enhancing real-time visibility across terminals and airlines. By enabling seamless integration, supporting ESG initiatives, and empowering teams with smart, data-driven tools, Softlink Global has set a benchmark for technology adoption in the industry. This recognition underscores its pivotal role in shaping a more efficient, transparent, and future-ready air cargo sector.