In a strategic move towards fostering sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint, Blue Dart has expanded its electric vehicle (EV) fleet, now boasting over 480 e-vehicles (2,3 &4 wheelers combined). The integration of EVs into Blue Dart’s fleet is poised to yield substantial environmental benefits, with an estimated reduction of 15.05 tonnes of CO2 emissions per month. Blue Dart’s proactive participation as a signatory to the ‘Climate Neutral Now’ (CNN) pledge by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) further underscores its commitment to global climate action. The company’s Sustainability Roadmap emphasizes initiatives such as planting over 111,000 trees annually—a measure projected to offset more than 13,320 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually once these trees reach maturity. Of the initiative Balfour Manuel, Managing Director, Blue Dart, said “Blue Dart is driving sustainable logistics in India, paving the path towards a greener future. By integrating electric vehicles into our fleet, we are poised to significantly reduce our carbon footprint and contribute meaningfully to environmental conservation. Our transition to a green fleet demonstrates Blue Dart’s commitment to carbon neutrality and sustainable growth.” Blue Dart remains dedicated to delivering innovative solutions in its pursuit of innovation while upholding its environmental responsibilities. The company’s adoption of electric vehicles marks a pivotal milestone in its journey towards long-term sustainability objectives, reinforcing its position as an industry leader committed to shaping a cleaner, greener tomorrow.

SITA launches SmartSea through an initial agreement with Columbia Shipmanagement (CSM), the world-class ship manager and maritime service provider. SmartSea is the industry’s first company with the power to reshape the maritime sector by facilitating access to the same advanced technology that has already transformed the air transport industry. At the same time, CSM becomes the first SmartSea client to exponentially upscale its operations through this cutting-edge technology. With this strategic step, SITA is embedding its transformative footprint into the maritime industry, breaking boundaries and simplifying processes for more efficient and profitable operations across the entire value chain. With 75 years of experience, SITA serves 95% of international destinations in the air travel industry, and over 2,500 airlines, airports, ground handlers and governments all working closely with the company. More than 70 governments and all G20 nations trust SITA solutions, and 85% of international air passengers globally benefit from SITA digital border solutions. SITA’s undeniable role in transforming the air industry and shaping it into what it is now is the strongest proof of the value SITA can provide to the maritime sector. SITA’s expansion into maritime is clear evidence of its ambition and capacity to boost digital innovation in a sector that, facing similar challenges, can be greatly enhanced by solutions for the air transport industry, estimated to be 10-15 years ahead in terms of technology adoption. Both the maritime and aviation sectors operate in a complex and highly regulated ecosystem globally, are capital intensive, and heavily reliant on data and communication while also facing very similar sustainability requirements. Moreover, ports and ship terminals experience the same challenges and opportunities; vessels require turnaround and maintenance, the same as aircraft, …

Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) and BLR marked the triumph of its first year of operations at Bengaluru airport (BLR) on 24 May 2024, with a celebration involving all stakeholders including airline partners, the local air cargo trade community, and representatives from local regulatory authorities. Over the past year, WFS BLR has made remarkable achievements, built strong relationships, and grown beyond expectations. WFS BLR is a JV partner with BIAL at Bengaluru and is part of the SATS’ network of more than 215 stations in 27 countries, offering customers global network connectivity and the support of dedicated teams with extensive experience in the aviation sector. To mark this milestone, the two air cargo terminals at BLR were beautifully illuminated in WFS colours and a special all-hands celebration for team members was arranged with a cake cutting ceremony, followed by a special anniversary feast. The day concluded with musical entertainment and a cocktail dinner for partners and guests. WFS BLR has now firmly established its presence at BLR, and the celebration was a gesture of gratitude to all team members and stakeholders who have been part of the journey so far.

DP World has launched a new Air Tracking feature to its SeaRates platform, in its latest innovative solution to provide cargo owners with unparalleled real-time visibility of across the entire supply chain. Designed to meet the ever-evolving demands of the logistics industry, the Air Tracking feature seamlessly integrates with the online SeaRates platform offering users a comprehensive solution to monitor their shipments across land, sea and now air. From factory floor to the customer’s door, SeaRates is committed to streamlining global logistics and enhancing customer satisfaction. The Air Tracking feature is a natural extension of SeaRates’ existing suite of tools, which includes freight tracking, Logistics Community Systems (LCS), and ship scheduling. This holistic approach ensures that customers have access to all the necessary tools to optimize their supply chain operations efficiently. Mike Bhaskaran, DP World’s Group Chief Operating Officer, Digital Technology, said: “Our customers’ evolving needs are always at the forefront of how we think about the industry. With the increasing reliance on air freight solutions to overcome disruptions and challenges in global logistics, SeaRates’ Air Tracking feature is a testament to our commitment to providing end-to-end solutions that fit the dynamics of the market.” Enrico Rinolfi, Founder & CEO, CADERIZE highlighted the benefits of the feature, “This addition to the SeaRates platform completes our tracking requirements across land, sea and air. We’re impressed with SeaRates constantly innovating and taking onboard the requirements of freight forwarders, helping us to grow our business and provide additional services to our own customers.” Syed Aminul Kabir, CEO & MD, May International Trade Services Limited said, “We are extremely happy with the quintessential progress DP World is making and quite sure that the organization …

JSW Infrastructure and A.P. Moller Capital, have signed a non-binding MOU to explore and evaluate the possibility of collaborating and cooperating with each other to inter alia pursue value accretive organic and inorganic opportunities in the port and related infrastructure sector. The endeavour is to work together to form a platform in the form of an incorporated joint-venture (referred to as “Platform”) and employ the joint expertise and resources inter alia to acquire, develop, finance, and operate a portfolio of assets in the ports and logistics infrastructure related sectors in India. The intent is for each party to invest significantly in the Platform subject to mutually agreeing terms in the future. [The Platform will be held 51% by the Company and 49% by APMC. Any opportunity identified and agreed by the Parties, (“Project”) will be subject to a feasibility study to ascertain and establish the commercial and operational viability of each Project].

Reliance Industries will soon begin construction of India’s first Multimodal Logistics Park at Mappedu near Chennai. Located 52 km from the Chennai Port, 80 km from Ennore Port and 87 km from Kattupalli Port, the MMLP will be a focal point of logistics in the southern region. It is estimated to cater to around 7.17 million tonnes (mt) of cargo over 45 years, the construction will begin in June says multiple reports. The project was said to have been conceptualised 12 years ago, when in 2022, the company won the bid from Adani Group for the Rs 1,424 crore project on 184.27 acres of land in Tiruvallur district. According to reports, the project aims to facilitate efficient, cost-effective and value-added logistics services such as cargo aggregation and disaggregation, distribution, intermodal transfer, sorting, packing, and repacking. However, it did not take off due to the poor response from the private sector on issues like connectivity.

Ecom Express and Skye Air, specializing in drone technology, announced a strategic partnership aimed at disrupting last-mile delivery solutions. This collaboration represents a significant step forward in the logistics industry, combining Ecom Express’ network and automation expertise with Skye Air’s cutting-edge drone delivery technology. Driven by a shared commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, both companies are embarking on a mission to enhance delivery speed, improve efficiency, and reduce carbon emissions. Studies suggest that transitioning to drone-based deliveries could reduce carbon emissions by 93% as compared to parcel deliveries by road, substantially contributing to environmental sustainability. Through this partnership, they seek to address the interconnected challenges of traffic congestion and environmental sustainability. Vishwachetan Nadamani, COO, Ecom Express, said, “By leveraging Skye Air’s expertise in drone technology, we are excited to explore new opportunities to enhance our delivery services. This collaboration will not only amplify our efforts in reducing delivery times for e-commerce parcels but also enable sustainability efforts beyond electrification of last-mile vehicles.” This partnership will commence with drone delivery trials in select locations in Gurugram, with plans to cover additional pin codes in sparse locations and tougher terrains across India in subsequent stages.

Etihad Cargo is planning to increase its belly network with the integration of additional aircraft, the new-generation Airbus 350 freighter in the second half of 2026, shares Stanislas Brun, Vice President Cargo, Etihad Cargo. Etihad Cargo’s current fleet comprises four Airbus A380s with a maximum capacity of 15,000 kilogrammes each, five Airbus A350s with a maximum capacity of 24,000 kilogrammes each, 22 Airbus A320s, 9 Boeing 777s with a maximum capacity of 24,000 kilogrammes each, and 43 Boeing 787s with a maximum capacity of 22,000 kilogrammes each. “We also operate five of the latest generation of Boeing 777 freighters, each with a capacity of 102,800 kilogrammes, which we use to add capacity to our network to fill up the aircraft, achieving a throughput load factor on the belly of above 90%. 60% of the cargo Etihad Cargo flies is through the belly of aircraft, with belly capacity allowing us to generate multiple frequencies per destination, giving our customers trust in our product and on-time performance,” he adds.

BlueBox Systems, an innovative provider of logistics visibility solutions, announced the launch of BlueBoxCargo, an advanced tracking solution that combines the best features of BlueBoxAir and BlueBoxOcean. This comprehensive platform is designed to provide unparalleled real-time tracking capabilities for air and ocean freight, giving companies the ultimate supply chain optimization tool. BlueBoxCargo builds on the success of BlueBoxAir and BlueBoxOcean and represents a significant advance in logistics technology. This innovative solution integrates the robust functionalities of its predecessors and provides a unified platform that simplifies air and ocean freight management. “BlueBoxCargo is the next logical and, above all, long-planned development stage for us,” emphasizes BlueBox Systems’ CEO Martin Schulze. “After developing BlueBoxAir, a solution specifically for the complex air freight industry, and launching BlueBoxOcean at the beginning of this year, we are now systematically merging the two solutions.”

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) flagship Mundra Port has welcomed the largest container ship to call at an Indian port. The vessel, MSC Anna, docked on May 26 at Mundra Port. MSC Anna is a huge vessel with an overall length of 399.98 m (roughly the length of four football fields) and a staggering capacity of 19,200 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units), which makes it the largest container ship by capacity to ever visit an Indian port, APSEZ said in a statement. Its arrival draft is 16.3 m, which can be accommodated only at Adani Ports, Mundra, as no other port in India is capable of berthing a deep-draft vessel, it added. In July 2023, Adani Ports, Mundra created a record by berthing MV MSC Hamburg, one of the longest container ships in the world, with overall length of 399 m and capacity of 16,652 TEUS. Further, the statement said its container terminal CT-3 reached a significant milestone by becoming the first in India to manage 3 milion TEUS in a year. The terminal also achieved a monthly handling record of over 3,00,000 TEUS in November, the highest ever by any terminal in India. Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ), a part of the globally diversified Adani Group.