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.”

Focusing on the solutions to enhance cost- competitiveness, supply chain efficiency and agility, LOGIX India 2024 opened in Mumbai on 26 March. The three-day show being organised by the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) displayed solutions for improving cost-effectiveness and operational efficiencies for logistics, investment opportunities in infrastructure, warehousing, technology integration and IT enablement.

WebCargo by Freightos announced a collaboration with Delta Cargo, enhancing its offering to freight forwarders on Freightos’ WebCargo and 7LFreight platforms via expanded access to real-time digital pricing and booking options. Delta Cargo is a leading air cargo belly carrier based in the United States, and their general cargo products and tariff fares have been available for eBooking on WebCargo since 2020, says a release from Freightos. “Building on recent technology-driven enhancements that saw Delta Cargo bookings on the platform grow by close to 3X year-over-year, the airline is now expanding the availability of its U.S. export and U.S. domestic fares and capacity on the platform.” 7LFreight and WebCargo customers now have access to real-time quotes and capacity for Delta Air Lines’ extensive global network out of the United States, reaching more than 250 destinations worldwide, the release added. “This collaboration also expands the products and services available for booking on the platforms including Delta Cargo’s DASH Heavy for the U.S. domestic market as well as their general freight and express heavy products for U.S. export shipments.” Zvi Schreiber, CEO, Freightos says: “The combination of global and domestic air cargo, particularly in the United States, is a game-changer for more efficient global trade. 7LFreight by Freightos already offers digital booking of domestic U.S. LTL trucking, and today we’re excited to offer instant transparent booking of air cargo from the U.S. across Delta Air Lines’ global network. This is another step in improving global freight for forwarders of all sizes, reducing cost, delays and uncertainty.” Sebastian Kunze, Director, Pricing and Revenue Management, Delta Cargo adds: “Our partnership with Freightos leverages their significant digital reach to accelerate Delta Cargo’s vision for providing …

DB Schenker has introduced a standardised onboard courier (OBC) service for customers in need of urgent courier service solutions for small and high-value shipments. The logistics company has set up an OBC service team that operates from three different continents to guarantee a 24/7 availability for OBC requests. The new express service includes real-time tracking, insurance coverage, and customs clearance, if required. “Customers receive a quote within minutes at any time. A courier person is dispatched at short notice to personally accompany the cargo item(s) as a passenger on a commercial flight to minimize the risk of loss or damage and to ensure the shortest transit time,” explained DB Schenker. The OBC service is available for all types of shipments except dangerous goods. The company said demand is especially high from customers in the automotive, electronics, high-end fashion and healthcare industries. Thorsten Meincke, global board member for air & ocean freight at DB Schenker, said: “Whether urgent automotive parts need to be shipped from Germany to China to prevent a line stoppage, or a medical device from Canada is instantly needed in a hospital in South Africa – we are now able to take care of any unforeseeable and very short-term requirements of our customers. Through the new white glove service, we address new market opportunities for us as a global logistics solution provider.” Stefan Pargfrieder, vice president global air freight strategy & development at DB Schenker, added: “Sometimes the high value of an item is not related to its purchase price but rather to the costs adding up for every minute the item is not available. While we have already taken care of individual OBC customer requests in the …

Automaxis with its flagship product, FDP Connect™, is poised to streamline, automate, and digitize transactions related to Freight, Documents & Payments. This cutting-edge platform tackles longstanding challenges in international trade, fundamentally reshaping how businesses navigate the intricacies of global commerce. Cross-border trade often encounters inefficiencies and bottlenecks, hindering seamless transactions. Automaxis emerges as a beacon of efficiency and reliability, leveraging blockchain technology and artificial intelligence to bridge the gap between stakeholders operating in silos. By fostering interoperability and seamless collaboration within the supply chain, Automaxis sets the stage for enhanced efficiency and reduced paperwork in international trade. As India gears to become the third-largest global economy, cross-border trade presents significant opportunities. The government’s initiatives under the Digital India initiative and Ease of Doing Business are further paving the way for smoother international trade. Automaxis, with its holistic approach, offers a comprehensive suite of tools to guide users through every stage of the international trade process. Notably, the recent commitment by the Digital Container Shipping Association (DCSA) to transition to 100% electronic Bills of Lading by 2030 underscores the urgency for digital transformation in the industry. A notable achievement for Automaxis is its integration with TradeTrust, MLETR compliant framework by IMDA Singapore. This partnership facilitates the digitization of crucial trade documents, including Bills of Lading, marking a significant milestone towards truly digital trade facilitation. The recent live paperless transaction between India and Singapore, piloted using the TradeTrust platform, underscores the efficacy and relevance of Automaxis’s solution in today’s digital economy. Automaxis is transforming the handling of Bills of Lading by digitizing this critical document. Traditionally paper-based and couriered, the original Bill of Lading holds immense value as a negotiable instrument representing …

My Freighter has taken delivery of its third newly converted Boeing 767-300 passenger to freighter (P2F) aircraft from US lessor Air Transport Services Group (ATSG). ATSG’s subsidiary, Airborne Global Leasing, carried out the delivery in alignment with ATSG’s Lease+Plus strategy. “Our expanding relationship with My Freighter exemplifies the tangible value of our Lease+Plus strategy,” said Paul Chase, chief commercial officer of ATSG. “The Boeing 767-300 continues to be the freighter of choice among e-commerce integrators and express carriers as it provides the operational flexibility and efficiency to build those networks.” My Freighter has provided charter air cargo services in Uzbekistan and Central Asia since 2019. On its website, My Freighter said it provides cargo air charter services using a fleet of Boeing 767-300 and Boeing 747-200 freighters. In additi0n to the airline’s three 767-300P2Fs, it also has one 747-200F. The airline’s specialist air cargo verticals include dangerous goods, perishables and brokerage and certification. It also offers passenger flights. Cargo flights are operated under ‘My Freighter Cargo Airlines’, whilst passenger flights are operated under ‘Centrum Air’. This delivery marks ATSG’s fourth newly converted 767-300 dry-lease delivery this year. ATSG said it continues to focus on global market opportunities in Central and Southeast Asia to enhance its global leasing network.

The Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI) hosted second edition of International Conference on Shipping and Logistics in Hyderabad to focus on the cutting-edge trends and innovations shaping the shipping and logistics landscape. Focus was laid on facilitating trade through infra development, managing supply chains in a disrupted geo-political environment, sustainable practices and future of logistics. The event also highlighted the role of MSMEs and its contribution in overall economic growth. The conference invited a thriving network of entrepreneurs, industry experts, and professionals from across the country to discuss upon issues and new ideas. Meela Jayadev, President, FTCCI delivered the welcome speech, Kamal Jain, Chair, Shipping and Logistics Committee FTCCI delivered a theme address. Sanjay Swarup IRTC, Chairman and MD CONCOR, Pradeep Panicker, CEO, GHIAL, Mercy EPAO, Joint Secretary (SME), GoI were invited as Guest of Honours. Keynote address was given by Chief Gyest Vishnu Vardhan Reddy, Spl Secretary, VC &MD, TSIIC, Govt of Telangana. Experts participated in various insightful panel discussions.

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) has entered into a definitive agreement to purchase the 56% stake of the SP Group and 39% of Orissa Stevedores Limited (OSL) in Gopalpur Port Limited (GPL). The acquisition is made at an enterprise value of INR 3,080 crore#, and the transaction is subject to statutory approvals and fulfilment of other conditions precedents. Gopalpur port is located on the east coast of India and has the capacity to handle 20 MMTPA. The Government of Odisha awarded a 30-year concession to GPL in 2006, with the provision of two extensions of 10 years each. As a deep draft, multi-cargo port, Gopalpur handles a diverse mix of dry bulk cargo, including iron ore, coal, limestone, ilmenite, and alumina. The port plays an important role in supporting the growth of mineral-based industries in its hinterland, like iron & steel, alumina and others. The concessionaire has full flexibility to design and expand the port as per the market demand. GPL has received more than 500 acres of land on lease for development, with an option to receive additional land on lease to meet future capacity expansions. The port is well connected with its hinterland through the national Highway NH16 and a dedicated railway line connects the port with the Chennai-Howrah main line. # In addition to the enterprise value stated above there is a contingent consideration of INR 270 crores estimated to be payable after 5.5 years, subject to fulfilment of certain conditions as agreed with the sellers. Karan Adani, Managing Director of APSEZ, said, “The acquisition of Gopalpur Port will allow us to deliver more integrated and enhanced solutions to our customers. Its location will …

Challenge Group is set to utilize the added capacity of its second converted B767 freighter to establish a scheduled route between Mumbai (BOM) and Liège (LGG), operating twice weekly. The new scheduled flight creates a direct link between strong economic geographies with operations serving the whole of Europe and the US. Offering a payload of 52 tons per uplift, the freighter will mainly carry pharmaceuticals and electronics, but also the large and complex main deck cargo shipments that are Challenge Group’s expertise. “Given that India is striving to become the factory of the world, and the production of key verticals has significantly increased during the past few years, our strategic decision to now launch a regular and direct India-Europe service goes some way towards satisfying the intense customer demand on this route,” says Or Zak, Chief Commercial Officer of Challenge Group. “In fact, after the inaugural flight, we are already adding a second weekly frequency from April onwards.” “The launch of our Mumbai freighter service is the result of extensive market preparation conducted over the past year. This initiative commenced with consistent charter operations across various airports such as DEL, HYD, and BLR. Subsequently, we conducted a targeted roadshow in BOM and DEL last June, engaging with key stakeholders in the logistics industry to present our assets, capabilities, expertise, our supply chain approach and the value proposition of our end-to-end solution. This endeavour provided more insights into their business requirements. Our participation in the recent Air Cargo India event in February further solidified our presence and network within the sector, paving the way for the successful introduction of our Mumbai freighter service.,” Or Zak explains. Challenge Group’s Indian cargo capacity …