The India to Europe air cargo market has experienced a surge in volumes since the beginning of this year. This has been largely due to demand in apparel exports from India and Sri Lanka coinciding with disruptions to ocean freight services in the Red Sea region, which saw shippers switch transportation mode to air for some of their cargo, according to the latest update from Xeneta. “These increased general air cargo volumes drove overall air cargo demand in the week ending February 25, 2024 to sit 40 percent higher than the 2019 weekly average. While volumes have dipped slightly since then, in the week ending March 24, they remained 24 percent above the 2019 weekly average.” With cargo capacity remaining relatively stable, the dynamic load factor from India to Europe climbed to 87 percent in the week ending March 24, which is its highest level since April 2022, the update added. “This increasing load factor has also distorted the usual relationship between weight breaks. Traditionally, larger cargo volumes (more weight) are charged at a cheaper per kg price than smaller volumes (less weight). However, in the week ending March 24, the general cargo spot rate for +1,000 kg reached $3.50 per kg, above the spot rate for +500 kg which stood at $3.46 per kg. “The last time Xeneta observed this market condition was during the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic when the air cargo market encountered a capacity squeeze.”

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) has handled 420 MMT (+24% Y-o-Y) cargo in FY24 (including international ports), with domestic ports contributing Over 408 MMT cargo. It has also handled its highest ever monthly cargo volumes (incl. international ports) of over 38 MMT in March 2024. Ten of our ports and terminals handled record cargo volumes: Mundra 180 MMT, Tuna 10 MMT, Hazira 26 MMT, Mormugao 5 MMT, Karaikal 12 MMT, Ennore 13 MMT, Kattupalli 12 MMT, Krishnapatnam 59 MMT, Gangavaram 37 MMT and Dhamra 43 MMT. During FY24, more than one-fourth of all India cargo volumes was routed through APSEZ ports. This significant contribution by APSEZ underscores its active role in driving India’s growth trajectory. It also shows that India’s largest port operator comfortably surpassed its cargo volume guidance of 370 MMT – 390 MMT provided at the start of the financial year. Mr. Karan Adani, Managing Director, APSEZ, said, “While it took 14 years for the company to achieve the first 100 MMT of annual cargo throughput, the second and third 100 MMT throughputs were achieved in 5 years and 3 years. The latest 100 MMT mark has been achieved in less than two years. This is a testament to our ongoing commitment and efforts towards enhancing operational efficiencies and maintaining our position as a top port operator in the industry.” APSEZ achieved this phenomenal growth by putting customers at the forefront of all its decisions. Its approach of strategic partnerships with customers has ensured long-term associations with key stakeholders. Supported by investment in world-class infrastructure that has delivered a high level of operating efficiency and a business model focused on providing an end-to-end solution through …

Bobba Logistics has introduced highly efficient Distribution Hub Services to enhance dry and cold storage. Strategically located off NH7 and well within city limits, one can get complete location advantage with the Distribution Hub Services. The Bobba Logistics Distribution Hub will be responsible for: 1. Resourceful Warehousing: with sufficient space for storage, including both dry and cold storage, this solution is designed to benefit clients in Cost cutting Operating expenses (Opex) day-to-day expenses incurred by a business to maintain its ongoing operations. 2. Spike management: Our Distribution hub is equipped to handle sudden or unexpected increases in demand for products or services, without any disruptions. 3. Supply Chain Visibility: end-to-end visibility in supply chain to optimize logistics and respond to changes economically, and scalability. Highlights: • Operational front: Advanced technology and automation to help optimize the entire supply chain, from storage, quality checks and order picking to delivery and cross docking • Inventory Management: Distribution hub provides better control and visibility over stock levels. This benefits in reducing excess inventory and minimizing stockouts. • Inventory updates: Facilitating Real-time Tracking, IOT, barcoding / RIFD for stock inventory, aids in monitoring your stock status, shipment locations. • Order Fulfillment: strategically located to serve markets trend efficiently. Our optimal proximity enables quicker order fulfilment, and reduces lead times, meeting customer demands and improving overall service levels. • Financial Flexibility: At Bobba Logistics we have a Pay-As You-Store concept that aligns pricing with the storage used. This helps to get rid of the fixed costs of outmoded distribution hubs. • At our Distribution Hub we provide solutions for Data Driven Decision for Spike movement in unpredictable Market trends, along with a contingency plan for …

Air cargo demand in Asia grew in February “as a result of business and e-commerce activity” said the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA). Preliminary February 2024 traffic figures released by the AAPA show international air cargo demand, as measured in freight tonne kilometres (FTK), increased by 10.2% year on year in February. “With inflation levels moderating, rising demand spurred renewed vigour in the global manufacturing sector, supporting further growth in air cargo markets,” said the AAPA. Offered freight capacity expanded by a robust 20.8%, primarily from growth in bellyhold space. Consequently, the average international freight load factor fell by 5.5 percentage points to 57.3% for the month. Speaking about the first two months of the year, AAPA director general Subhas Menon said that the period “saw a 16% increase in international air cargo demand, progressing the recovery recorded since the last quarter of 2023”. He added: “Healthy growth in e-commerce transactions fuelled a rise in demand for speedier air transport. Additionally, there were also indications of a modal shift from sea to air due to the Red Sea crisis.” Menon had a positive outlook for the air cargo industry in the next few months. “The upturn in global economic activity and rise in business confidence levels augurs well for air cargo markets in the coming months.” AAPA figures for 2023 showed international air cargo demand declined by 2.8% year on year.

Korean Air has connected its cargo booking system with DHL Global Forwarding. This is the first time for the airline to connect its booking system directly with a freight forwarder, says an official release. “The application programming interface (API) allows customers to make reservations directly from their own system, bypassing the need to access the airline’s platform. This integration enhances workflow efficiency by enabling real-time data exchange between airlines and customers, facilitating easier access to flight schedules and air cargo rates.” Jaedong Eum, Senior Vice President and Head of Cargo Business Division, Korean Air says: “In establishing direct connectivity with a prominent customer like DHL Global Forwarding, we are able to offer advanced services. Looking ahead, we are dedicated to exploring innovative channels to extend our system connections, enhancing our service offerings for an even broader clientele.” Max Sauberschwarz, Global Head of Air Freight, DHL Global Forwarding adds: “We are excited to announce our direct booking connection with our long-lasting partner Korean Air Cargo through CargoWise. This streamlines our internal processes and enhances efficiency for our customers. This is another step in our digital journey and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to delivering value in air freight for our customers.” Korean Air reported a 29 percent decline in cargo revenue at KRW 1,102 billion ($815 million) on 29 percent decline in yield to 497 KRW/km for the fourth quarter of 2023. For the full year 2023, cargo revenue was down 48 percent to KRW 4,029 billion ($3 billon) on 40 percent decline in yield to 478 KRW/km.

I believe 70-75 % of generic drugs today are exported to Europe and USA from India. Our pharma industry is doing a fantastic job and getting regular FDA nods from the US Drug administrators, affirms Tushar Jani, Group Chairman, CSC. Go to any pharmacy abroad, you will find Indian generic drugs. The important factor is this development enables us to build cross border pharma e-commerce capabilities out of India, says Tushar Jani, Group Chairman, CSC. He adds, “If we develop the capability of providing pharma e-commerce services, the world will recognize us, and that is what is needed. Domestic pharma industry would benefit greatly from this vision. We must develop our skills for product delivery to Europe and the USA in a controlled manner.”

Strategic focus and collaboration essential to harness the opportunities in the drone market, which is projected to reach $100 billion globally by 2030, said Piyush Srivastava, Senior Economic Advisor, Ministry of Civil Aviation, GoI, while addressing the gathering at Bharat Drone Manthan 2024 hosted by PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI). He also highlighted the immense potential of drone technology and India’s strategic positioning in this evolving landscape. He was invited as the Guest of Honour. Srivastava also underscored India’s favorable environment for drone innovation, citing government’s initiatives like Svamitva scheme, a pioneering land mapping project, and the government’s efforts to streamline regulations and incentivize the industry through schemes like PLI. With a clear vision to become a global drone hub, Srivastava outlined critical areas for growth, including manufacturing, design innovation, and financing, urging stakeholders to capitalize on India’s rich talent pool and collaborative spirit for transformative progress in the drone sector.

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) is planning to engage a research firm to prepare the Logistics Ease Across Different States and Union Territories for the next three years. Every year, the department releases a Logistics Ease Across Different State (LEADS) report, ranking states and Union Territories (UTs) on the basis of their logistics ecosystem and highlights the key logistics-related challenges faced by stakeholders and includes suggestive recommendations. The index is an indicator of the efficiency of logistical services necessary for promoting exports and economic growth. The DPIIT has floated a request for proposal for the appointment of consultant for ranking of states on the basis of their logistics efficiency (LEADS report for 2024, 2025, and 2026). “The DPIIT intends to engage a research organisation/consulting or market research firm/academic institution (Consultant) with experience in preparing national/international level reports based on robust data based analysis in the logistics/transport/infrastructure sector for the period of 36 months to prepare, LEADS reports for 2024, 2025, and 2026,” according to the request for proposal document. The objective of the current assignment for the consultant is to prepare the reports taking into account the methodology developed in the previous versions of LEADS. The consultant, it said, is expected to review the LEADS methodology, identify potential enhancements, and propose a plan for data collection; and conduct perception-based surveys across the logistics ecosystem in India, developing a sampling frame, survey instruments, and objective data sets.

Blue Dart announced its central presence in GIFT City, Gujarat, with the inauguration of a new facility tailored to meet evolving customer demands and align with India’s growth trajectory. Equipped with cutting-edge infrastructure and seasoned personnel, Blue Dart’s GIFT City facility introduces a 20-hour delivery service from key metropolitan cities, ensuring a next-day delivery commitment. Commenting on this expansion, Balfour Manuel, Managing Director, Blue Dart, stated, “The inauguration of Blue Dart’s GIFT City facility signifies yet another milestone in our quest to redefine the logistics landscape. We are committed to providing best-in-class services and becoming the preferred logistics partner for all our customers’ shipping needs. We aim to enhance our market presence and capitalize on customer outreach opportunities at the global level. Blue Dart’s venture into the contemporary financial ecosystem of GIFT City will enable us to support businesses and generate value for our customers.”

Group Concorde has entered into partnership with Vietnam Airlines as its cargo General Sales Agent (GSA) in India, effective April 1, 2024. Group Concorde, in collaboration with Vietnam Airlines, will promote the Cargo Capacity from two key Indian markets – Delhi and Mumbai – to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) and Hanoi, respectively. Commencing May 15, 2024, all flights departing from Delhi will feature wide-body Airbus A350 aircraft, ensuring enhanced capacity and ease of cargo transportation. Mr. Prithviraj Chug, CEO of Group Concorde, expressed his delight at the partnership, stating, “This collaboration between Group Concorde and Vietnam Airlines represents a significant step forward to enhance our current portfolio of freight forwarder clients. We are excited about the opportunities it presents for both businesses and look forward to delivering unparalleled service and connectivity to our customers.”