The global air cargo fleet is forecast to rise to 3,900 freighters by 2043, an approximate 66% increase from 2,340 cargo aircraft in 2023. This addition of 2,845 freighters over the next 20 years includes 1,005 production freighters and 1,840 passenger to freighter (P2F) conversion aircraft, according to Boeing’s 2024 World Air Cargo Forecast (WACF). Deliveries will include 1,250 standard-body, 785 medium widebody and 810 large widebody freighters. “Freighter deliveries will total 2,845, with roughly two-thirds being converted passenger airplanes. Of those conversions, nearly 70% will be standard body freighters,” said Boeing. The aircraft manufacturer said that nearly half of production and conversion deliveries will replace older freighters, noting that many older aircraft remain in operation due to recent market needs. Boeing also predicts that the large widebody freighter fleet will nearly double, driven by demand in high-growth Asian markets.

Jeena & Company marked the first step towards a fully sustainable logistics future through a ground breaking initiative aimed at accurately tracking and significantly reducing carbon emissions across its operations. In partnership with Sangti Solutions, an industry-leading sustainability partner, the company aims to empower customers and partners in making meaningful progress on their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals. Jeena is committing to implement comprehensive carbon tracking for all shipments handled for its customers. This new approach towards logistics will provide full visibility of CO2 emissions at the shipment level, allowing customers to monitor their emissions in real-time through the Jeena Customer Portal (JCP). This portal will feature a customer tracker, enabling customers to access detailed emissions data specific to their shipments and take informed steps towards sustainability. “At Jeena, we recognise the critical role sustainability plays in shaping the future of the logistics industry and our community in general,” said Ayesha Katgara, Jeena & Company. “We aim to be a significant contributor to our customers’ sustainability journeys by providing all the necessary tools and data they need to understand and reduce their carbon emissions. Taking this responsibility seriously is vital for creating a lasting legacy and ensuring that we are prepared for the future. This initiative is a crucial part of our mission to drive positive change in the industry and bring about a larger impact to the environment, making our organisation ready for future generations. Always prioritising our customers’ trust, we have partnered with Sangti to ensure the accuracy and credibility of the results we deliver.”

Softlink Global today announced a strategic partnership of its state-of-the-art Transportation Management System (TMS) Logi-Sys with CargoAi, a leading provider of air cargo booking and data solutions. This powerful integration will empower logistics businesses with enhanced visibility, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness across their supply chains. Seamless Integration for Streamlined Operations Logi-Sys and CargoAi will connect through a secure Application Programming Interface (API), facilitating the seamless exchange of data and real-time updates between the two platforms. Key functionalities of the integration include: ●Real-time Quote & Booking with Advanced Options: Leveraging CargoAi’s extensive network of 100+ carriers, Logi-Sys users can generate quotes and book shipments instantly within the existing ecosystem. Options for pre-booking and rate comparison from suitable options of Fastest (speed), Cost-Efficient (cost), or Greenest (environmental impact) are provided ●Carbon Emission Calculation and Offsetting: With the European Union’s strict stance on carbon offsets, among other regulatory bodies, the need for carbon emission calculation and subsequent offsetting is at an all-time high. CargoAi’s integration capabilities means Logi-Sys users can now calculate carbon emissions based on the IATA Carbon Emission algorithm and explore carbon offset options, meeting sustainability goals ●Real-time Rates and Contract Management: The access to real-time rates and contract rates from some 165+ carriers (and growing) directly within Logi-Sys is another powerful capability. Forwarders can upload and compare bespoke contract rates with ease, even for non-live integrated carriers ●Live Schedules and Tracking: Businesses gain real-time access to live flight schedules from 700+ carriers and shipment tracking updates from 200+ airlines (and growing) ●Simplified eAWB Submission: The integration ensures adherence to compliances and avoidance of carrier surcharges via eAWBs submission for both Freighter Waybills (FWBs) and House Air Waybills (FHLs) to 120+ carriers …

  KLM Royal Dutch Airlines announced direct flight services between Hyderabad and Amsterdam starting 2nd September 2025. This new service will make Hyderabad airline’s fourth gateway in India, joining Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai in providing direct flights to Amsterdam and connections beyond, especially for Pharma. KLM will operate three weekly direct flights between Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport and Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. Hyderabad is known as the “Pharma Capital of India” with more than 800 pharmaceutical companies based in the city and its surrounding areas. This city as is often referred to as “Cyberabad” as it has emerged as one of India’s leading technology and business hubs attracting both global companies and start-ups. Hyderabad offers immense business potential. KLM’s new direct route between Hyderabad and Amsterdam aligns perfectly with the city’s demand for international connectivity specially to Europe and The Americas, catering multiple segments of travellers. This route will be serviced with the Boeing 777-200ER. This aircraft offers 35 seats in World Business Class, 24 seats in Premium Comfort Class and 229 seats in Economy Class. The flights are open for sale, allowing travellers to plan & book their travel in advance. Flight Schedule: • KL874 departs from Hyderabad, Rajiv Gandhi International Airport at 2:20 local time and arrives at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport the same day at 08:40. • KL873 departs from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport at 11:40 and arrives at Hyderabad, Rajiv Gandhi International Airport at 00:30 local time. Claude Sarre, Country Manager for Air France-KLM in the Indian Sub-Continent, stated, “The Hyderabad-Amsterdam route marks a significant step by KLM towards offering passengers greater connectivity, aligning with the Air France-KLM Group’s vision of expanding its footprint in India. As Hyderabad continues to grow as a major business and technology hub, …

The second edition of Arabian Cargo Awards 2024 concluded with industry captains clinching titles for their contribution. His Excellency Humaid Mohamed Ben Salem, Secretary General, Federation of UAE Chambers of Commerce & Industry, was the Chief Guest, while His Excellency Ahmed Algaizi, Assistant Secretary General, Federation of UAE Chambers of Commerce & Industry presided over. SanJeet, Mentor, Arabian Cargo Awards spoke about keeping the momentum going in the industry. Arabian Cargo Awards were organised to honour and recognise the hard work of air cargo and logistics industry stakeholders in the Middle East. Held on October 24, at Sofitel Dubai Downtown, the event was a huge success. The awards night honoured and appreciated the hard work of the ‘unsung heroes’ of the Middle East’s Air Cargo and Logistics industry. The event which is set to become the industry’s most prestigious accolade, brought together leading names and key players in the region’s cargo and logistics sector for an evening of celebration and recognition. It served as platform created with a vision to recognise excellence in the Cargo-Freight-Logistics Industry across various domains, including Road, Air, Allied Services, Warehousing and Technology.

Adani Gangavaram Port sets a new record of timber log handling on consecutive days of handling 4,392 metric tons and 4,206 metric tons of timber logs for the vessel MV Mangusta. The port surpassed its previous record of 2,900 metric tons in a single day by 52% on growth. The port has been able to surpass its previous records as management has made strategic investments in infrastructure for efficient cargo handling and railway facilities. The port expects to set further operational records in FY24 and deliver Industry Best Services to its customers. Adani Gangavaram Port’s operational expertise and the capability of its advanced infrastructure, which enables high productivity and prioritizes safety. The port team’s dedication and efficiency underscore the facility’s ongoing commitment to optimizing performance and supporting the growing demands of the shipping and logistics industry. Adani Gangavaram Port said, “We are extremely delighted on this achievement. We at Adani Gangavaram Port always strive to provide the best service to our customers. We offer substantial economic benefits to Indian importers combined with highly efficient port operations and evacuation systems with faster turnaround time & delivery. We are extremely happy to see the trade derive benefits from the modern deep-water infrastructure at the port.”

Softlink Global announced a strategic partnership with Escrow Africa, a Kenyan-based fintech and business solutions company. This collaboration will empower businesses in Kenya and the wider region to optimize their logistics operations and gain a competitive edge. Through this partnership, Escrow Africa becomes the official representative for Softlink Global in Kenya. They will be responsible for marketing, selling, and supporting the entire Softlink product line, including the acclaimed Logi-Sys TMS application. This comprehensive solution equips businesses with a powerful suite of features to manage their transportation needs effectively. Kunal Maheswari, CGO of Softlink Global says, “We’re excited to announce our strategic partnership with Escrow Africa. By joining forces, we’re able to strategically expand the interest and the growth rate of Africa. Together, we’re committed to help and grow our African community.” Joy Kariuki, CEO of Escrow Africa also adds, “By joining forces with Softlink Global, we’re accelerating our growth and expanding our reach into new markets. This partnership is a testament to our shared commitment to innovation and excellence in the booming Africa.”

    Ahead of the 48th anuual convention in Baku, Azerbaijan, scheduled from 5-8 December, ACAAI President CK Govil shares, that the members are actively working on various significant issues to enhance the operational efficiency, competitiveness, and regulatory environment of the industry. He says, “One of the longstanding concerns of ACAAI members is the high handling and operational costs at major airports in India. Members are pushing for more transparency in the pricing mechanisms of Ground Handling Agents (GHAs) and are advocating for lower handling charges to make Indian airports more competitive. High fuel costs, especially for air cargo, have a significant impact on pricing. ACAAI members are seeking support from authorities for better regulation or reduction in these surcharges, which are often passed on to cargo agents and customers.”

Not even zero growth in November and December can disrupt the global air cargo market from landing a year of unexpected double-digit demand growth in 2024. Healthy volumes of +11% in October and spot rates up +19% year-on-year reflected the growing maturity and balance among buyers and sellers of air cargo capacity, according to the latest market data by Xeneta. A year of constant, unexpected disruptions outside of the industry’s control – which began with a growth forecast as per October 2023 of +1-2% for the full 2024 – is now firmly on course to end on a high in terms of demand. Such conditions traditionally result in winners and losers, but lessons learned and applied by shippers, freight forwarders, and airlines “shows the industry at its best,” says Niall van de Wouw, Xeneta’s Chief Airfreight Officer. “The frequency and diversity of ‘storms’ coming the way of the air cargo industry in 2024 mean this year could have been quite messy, but the industry has found a way to navigate these challenges,” he said. “This shows the prep work has paid off as well as the flexibility shown in the industry. We see more emphasis on maintaining relationships than squeezing every last dime of revenue.” While October’s global air cargo spot rate continued to stay elevated – averaging USD 2.68 per kg and just a few cents below 2023’s peak season high – the growth momentum slowed down from +25% in September, due mostly to a high comparison base in October 2023. In terms of the month-on-month trend, October’s spot rate was relatively flat compared to September. The elevated year-on-year growth spot rate was supported by continued double-digit growth (+11%) …

Kaushalya Logistics (KLL) has signed an agreement with Maersk Line under which KLL will manage Maersk Line’s surface transportation requirements throughout India, said release “This collaboration offers KLL the opportunity to leverage Maersk’s extensive network, enhancing its transportation solutions and operational efficiency for clients across various sectors. Through this collaboration, KLL is committed to delivering high-quality surface transportation aligned with Maersk’s global standards,” it added. Partnering with Maersk positions KLL for increased revenue and strengthens ITS position in the Full Truck Load segment.