Grégory Goba-Blé, Head of UPS, India and Director of MOVIN Express shares, “We are expecting see more SMB clusters emerge from tier 2 & 3 cities. They will need robust digital connectivity and infrastructure to connect them to global supply chains. We’re looking at all opportunities to drive higher productivity and we will continue to lean into our customer-first, people-led, innovation-driven strategy. It’s about the combined power of our offerings to make logistics simple, accessible, and harmonized for customers. We recently opened a specialised healthcare-focused cross-docking facility in Hyderabad. It’s pharma grade with freight forwarding capabilities and is equipped with advanced temperature control capabilities to improve efficiency.”

Akash Agrawal, Vice President – Freight Forwarding – Middle East, North Africa and Subcontinent, DP World says, “With India implementing FTAs with nations like Japan, Korea, Singapore, and CEPA with the UAE, trade strategies are driving economic growth. As trade thrives, efficient freight forwarding becomes essential for success. DP World with its global network helps businesses navigate complex supply chains, enhancing operational efficiency and enabling rapid scaling. Our approach supports both emerging businesses and established corporates, ensuring they thrive in a competitive global market. Looking ahead, we remain committed to progress, creating value, and leading the way in the evolving supply chain landscape.”

Satyaki Raghunath, COO, Bangalore International Airport (BIAL) says, “In 2025 we will be launching major infrastructure projects, including a dedicated domestic cargo terminal and a comprehensive logistics park. These initiatives will increase capacity, streamline operations, and support quicker cargo movements at BLR Airport. Our Airport Cargo Community System, CargobyBLR, will continue to drive digital integration, enhancing supply chain visibility and reducing cargo processing times by 20%. These projects aim to bolster airport’s role in regional and national logistics, creating a more resilient and connected cargo ecosystem. With sustainability and technology as core drivers, we’re committed to welcoming 2025 with enhanced infrastructure, connectivity, efficiency, and a greener approach to air cargo in the region.”  

PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industries (PHDCCI), along with Radeecal communications & IFW Heidelberg Expo GmbH & GATE, Germany is all set to organise the 3rd Edition of International Expo & Summit – IndiAirport Expo 2024 from November 26-28, 2024 in New Delhi. Based on the success of the previous 2 editions, IndiAirport Expo 2024 –an International Exhibition & Conclave is focusing on airports and all its ancillary products & services, MRO industry & aviation technology, infrastructure, advancement, facilities, services & ground handling equipment and other relevant industries.  

The Air Cargo Agents Association of India’s (ACAAI) forthcoming 48th Annual Convention, set to be held in Baku, Azerbaijan from December 5-8, 2024, will cover several insightful topics such as development of airport infrastructure, tech and innovation, sustainable cargo operations, impact of geopolitical tensions on global supply chains and cyber security. The event will witness participation of global air cargo experts and logistics industry players.

  Federal Express Corporation has introduced a strategic expansion that enhances South India’s access to critical imports from the Asia-Pacific region and boosts exports to Europe and the USA. This new flight service optimizes logistics and supply chains, strengthening South India’s role in global trade, reinforcing FedEx’s commitment to meeting customer demand, and unlocking India’s potential within the global supply chain. “India is one of the most exciting economic growth stories in the world today, and as such represents a critical growth market for FedEx.” said Richard W. Smith, Chief Operating Officer, International, and Chief Executive Officer, Airline, FedEx, “I’m excited about the opportunities here in this dynamic and fast-changing region, and am proud to strengthen our commitment to India by connecting local businesses to the world.”

  Kuehne+Nagel (K+N) has introduced a new forwarding service targeting the transport of goods related to cloud computing as demand from the industry continues to rise. The new service will utilise the forwarder’s air logistics network and provide white glove road transport solutions, with staff trained to deliver sensitive and oversized servers to data centres. The solution offers real-time visibility of essential shipment information, digital tools reduce risks and identify optimal shipping routes suited to operational needs and GPS capabilities to track and monitor shipment movements with data reports to verify temperature, light exposure, and chain of custody at all touchpoints.

Emirates SkyCargo has joined the Move to -15°C coalition that aims to reduce supply chain emissions by cutting the temperature perishables are transported. Frozen foods are usually transported at -18 degrees Celsius but the coalition believes that a three-degree change in temperature could make a ‘significant environmental impact with no compromise on food quality and safety, said release. The coalition is exploring the real-world implementation of this research through data sharing, suggested operational revisions, collaborating with members and stakeholders, as well as engaging with policymakers and regulators to educate and advocate. Perishables represent Emirates SkyCargo’s largest business unit by tonnage, with 900 to 1,000 tonnes of fresh food travelling around the world on Emirates’ flights every day.

Qatar Airways Cargo announced the launch of a new strategic partnership with MASkargo to enhance global cargo connectivity and operational efficiency. The collaboration, which officially began on 1 October 2024, has already seen the successful movement of approximately 2,400 tonnes of cargo, including over 600 tonnes of perishables and 130 tonnes of pharmaceuticals. Qatar Airways Cargo Boeing 777 flights now fly from Doha to Kuala Lumpur twice a week, increasing weekly cargo capacity by over 200 tonnes. The strategic partnership will further solidify connectivity and efficiency to Sydney and Melbourne with MASkargo Airbus A330 freighters carrying more than 75 tonnes of weekly cargo capacity to these cities, with a swift connection time of just 8 hours in Kuala Lumpur. The strategic hubs at Hamad International Airport (DOH) and Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) will play a pivotal role, providing seamless connections and state-of-the-art handling facilities. The agreement benefits both parties, allowing MASkargo to access key points in Europe, GCC, Levant and Africa, while Qatar Airways Cargo gains increased capacity access to Australia, New Zealand, South East Asia and North East Asia. It also supports the local market in Kuala Lumpur by enabling the export of products to more global markets.

Sushant Nigam, Executive Director, ACAAI says, “EXIM cargo clearance processes of customs, custom brokers, airlines and custodians are already integrated to a great extent but scaling up the ladder of improvement is a continuous process. The ground level intricacies are to be kept under the professional lens to keep identifying the bottlenecks and keep giving the solution agreeable to all the stakeholders to achieve the preset milestones of EoDB.”