Mangaluru International Airport (MIA) facilitated the inbound handling of arecanut (Areca catechu), a tropical crop, at its integrated cargo terminal (ICT) in January. The red variety of arecanut, weighing 1,519 kg in 60 bags, was ferried as belly air cargo from Agartala in Tripura to Mangaluru. The shipment is the highest quantity of the crop that the integrated cargo terminal has handled since it started domestic cargo operation on May 1, 2023. It also marks the highest single-day inbound cargo that the ICT has handled since May 1, 2023. In the past, the ICT had handled inbound parcels of arecanut, although in smaller quantity, according to a press release from the airport. The arecanut was procured by a Shivamogga-based supari trader from Tripura. The representatives of the trader transported the crop by road to Shivamogga. Airlifting of arecanut was also a first for the trader who otherwise regularly sources this crop by road from various parts of India, including Agartala.

Bhubaneswar’s Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) recently launched international air cargo operations. Jindal Stainless despatched a 28-kg consignment of hot-rolled stainless steel plate samples to Sweden, becoming the first company to use the airport’s direct air cargo operations for international destinations. The airport is currently handling around 1,000 tonnes a year, the cargo services are expected to bolster the export potential of the state, benefiting a wide range of manufacturers. “Our first consignment has gone to Sweden. According to the Odisha government’s department for micro, small and medium enterprises, the new air cargo facilities at Bhubaneswar airport will be connected to the entire globe. We will be leveraging the services as per our customer requirements,” said official statement. With the launch of international air cargo operations at BPIA, the frequency of his company’s daily shipments from Bhubaneswar will increase significantly.

JSW Infra aims to spend ₹6,000-7,000 crore over 3-4 years to increase its annual cargo handling capacity by over 40 per cent to 250 million tonnes. The bulk of investment will be on two greenfield port projects in Karnataka and Odisha as well as the expansion of a cargo terminal the company recently took over. The primary focus of this investment will be on two greenfield port projects in Karnataka and Odisha, along with the expansion of a recently acquired cargo terminal. Construction for both greenfield projects is scheduled to commence within the current calendar year. JSW Infra secured the development rights for the Keni greenfield port in Karnataka last year, and the concession agreement with the Karnataka Maritime Board has already been signed. Additionally, JSW Infra is venturing into Jatadhar in Odisha for another greenfield port project. The company plans to start building the port after the concession agreement is signed, which is expected within the next month or four weeks. This project is projected to take 3-4 years with a planned capacity of 30 million tonnes in phase 1, incurring a capital expenditure of around Rs 30 billion.

Fast Logistics, an eminent player in the logistics domain, proudly unveils the inauguration of its state-of-the-art office in Baroda, Gujarat. This strategic leap not only underscores the region’s exceptional logistical ecosystem but also resonates with the company’s unwavering dedication to delivering services that are both efficient and seamlessly tailored to the needs of its discerning clientele. We’re not riding the current wave of development; boldly pioneering new waves in the evolving landscape of progress. Our establishment in Baroda signifies a proactive strategy, capitalizing on the city’s pivotal role as a key logistics hub in Western India. Baroda, with its strategic location, and outstanding transportation infrastructure, distinguishes itself as a flourishing epicentre for industries, fostering a heightened demand for streamlined and efficient logistics solutions. This is further complemented by the city’s well-established warehousing facilities and governmental support, creating an environment conducive to streamlined logistics operations. “Our strategic presence in Baroda highlights our commitment to innovation and excellence in logistics. We actively contribute to shaping the future of logistics in Baroda and beyond, emphasizing our dedication to delivering cutting-edge solutions and meeting the growing demand for efficient logistics in this thriving region,” expressed the team at Fast Logistics. The inauguration of the Baroda office stands as a tangible commitment by Fast Logistics to excellence, innovation, and its overarching vision to be a global leader in logistics solutions. This move not only reaffirms our dedication but also signifies our eagerness to contribute to the economic growth of Baroda while consistently delivering unparalleled service to our esteemed clients.

Global air cargo tonnages continued to build in the final full week of January, ahead of Lunar New Year (LNY) on February 10, taking volumes for the last two weeks and for January as a whole well above their levels this time last year, according to the latest figures from WorldACD Market Data. “Preliminary figures for January as a whole show a 14 percent increase compared with January 2023, based on the more than 440,000 weekly transactions covered by WorldACD’s data, although the figures are skewed by LNY falling on January 22 last year with the week following LNY typically seeing a significant drop in tonnages ex-Asia Pacific. Nevertheless, there has been an underlying trend of higher year-on-year tonnages for several months, boosted by strong e-commerce traffic demand, ex-Asia Pacific since the final quarter (Q4) of last year and some limited conversion of sea freight to air and sea-air cargo in recent weeks due to the disruptions to container shipping in the Red Sea.”

Freight forwarder Geodis is targeting a 42% reduction in its own greenhouse gas emissions and a 30% reduction in subcontracted transport emissions. The company said that it would reduce its carbon emissions through the application of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), in compliance with the goal of the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to 1.5° C. Geodis plans to continue the transition towards alternative vehicles and modes using carbon-free or bio-sourced energies and installing suitable infrastructures for refuelling and charging. Alongside the transition of its own fleet, the forwarder will utilise airlines and shipping firms that offer sustainable marine fuel and sustainable aviation fuel. This will support its customers in optimising their flows and implementing appropriate modal shifts, Geodis said. It will also look to drive efficiency through the utilisation of the latest generation of aircraft, ships and vehicles as well as optimised loading and itineraries.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) announced total cargo handled in 2023 coupled with a 12% year-on-year growth in the total number of cargo ATMs demonstrates a solid pattern of growth, cementing CSMIA as a key enabler to the global supply chain. This accomplishment reflects the airport’s ongoing commitment to handling increasing volumes with efficiency and versatility. Pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, automobiles, e-commerce, and perishables comprise of major types of goods handled by CSMIA’s cargo facility. Among the vast range of products transported on the international fronts, the top three categories encompass automobiles, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural cargo. Whereas the domestic front saw top cargo categories as consol cargo, pharmaceuticals, e-commerce, and post office (PO) mail. These categories reflect the airport’s proficiency in handling a diverse range of goods. Notably, CSMIA experienced a 12% year-on-year growth in the total number of ATMs concerning air cargo operations. The e-commerce boom significantly influenced cargo operations at CSMIA. The festive season of 2023 registered 87% YOY growth of e-commerce shipments. The demand for perishable items has also witnessed a significant uptick. Export Mangoes achieved a record-breaking volume of 4,700 metric tons, demonstrating a remarkable year-over-year growth of 318%. Additionally, overall agricultural products have experienced a notable year-over-year growth of 44%. In a groundbreaking feat, CSMIA also successfully managed its inaugural consignment of frozen ready-to-serve food products, such as Idli and Vada, through specialized va-Q-tec containers to Amsterdam. The international cargo volumes handled by CSMIA showcased a composition with 55% representing exports and 45% representing imports. Globally, London, Frankfurt, Dubai, Chicago, and Amsterdam emerged as the top 5 International destinations receiving cargo from CSMIA, while on the domestic front, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, and Ahmedabad held …

Tamil Nadu government has signed MoU with Hapag-Lloyd, German container shipping company which will make a substantial investment of INR 2,500 crore towards the development of container terminals and logistics parks in Thoothukudi and other regions within the state. The signed agreement is anticipated to generate employment opportunities for 1,000 individuals, as per the official release. Recognizing the pivotal role of efficient freight transport in the widespread industrial development of Tamil Nadu, the government is undertaking initiatives to enhance infrastructure, including the establishment of container ports and logistics parks at the state’s four major ports.

Cathay Cargo Terminal (CCT) has become the “first” Hong Kong cargo terminal operator to provide end-to-end digitalised import collection. Forwarders at CCT now have access to Electronic Shipment Release Forms (eSRF) which were created to offer a faster and more efficient service. The eSRF functionality speeds up the entire import collection process, providing improved efficiency and enabling freight forwarders to plan their work schedule with more flexibility,” said Cathay Pacific “Additionally, eSRFs are more secure than paper/manual identification verification, provide more visibility for customers and eliminate paper Shipment Release Forms (SRF), reducing archiving storage for freight agents and contributing to a more sustainable future.” Previously, freight forwarders could only obtain SRFs by undergoing authentication with paper-based identification documents and queuing for truck dock and cargo clearances. Under the new process, an eSRF can be issued through electronic authentication. Airlines can issue the eSRF to freight forwarders or consignees for pre-registration, automatic truck dock allocation, and online queuing for cargo clearance. With the inspection confirmation being recorded electronically, a cargo release confirmation will be shown on the mobile device.

IATA has updated its industry manuals for cargo and ground-handling operations, with more than 300 updates made. Some of the major changes in terms of cargo include those made to regulations related to live animals, perishable cargo, temperature-controlled cargo, operational risk assesment, and ground handling training and procedures. The annual update is undertaken by various industry working groups such as the Dangerous Goods Board (DGB) and the Live Animals and Perishables Board (LAPB). “Each working group is comprised of IATA and other respective industry experts who work with local governments and industry stakeholders, ensuring that each manual contains the most updated information on the latest regulations, trends, and best practices,” IATA said. The airline association’s senior vice president of commercial products and services Frederic Leger said: “Operating to global standards is a must in aviation. Devising these standards together with member airlines and other key value chain stakeholders has been the hallmark of IATA’s activities since its founding. “A great example of this is the Live Animal Regulations which sees its 50th edition published in 2024. Taking into consideration the various trends – especially sustainability and digitalisation – more than 300 changes are reflected in the 2024 IATA manuals, a testament to the fact that this work is essential to maintain a reliable and safe aviation ecosystem for both customers and employees.”