Category Archives: Aviation

LogiMAT India 2024, the biggest exhibition focused on intralogistics solutions, Material Handling, Transportation, Supply Chain and Process Management opened in Greater Noida on Feb 28. Organised by Messe Stuttgart India, the three-day event will offer profound insights into the future of logistics innovations, and collaborations to drive the logistics and supply chain industry forward. With over 100 exhibitors and 15,000+ expected visitors, LogiMAT India 2024 presents a comprehensive overview of the latest trends, crucial face-to-face interactions, lead generation, business conversions, and the establishment of long-term partnerships, and best practices shaping the logistics and supply chain industry. From intralogistics solutions and transportation management to warehousing technology and automation, visitors can explore a wide range of exhibitors and gain valuable insights to optimize their operations and stay competitive in the market.

Accio Robotics unveiled, AccioPick Air at the ongoing LogiMAT 2024 trade show in Greater Noida. AccioPick Air is a cutting-edge Mobile Automated Storage and Retrieval System (mASRS) that robotically combines the strengths of fixed and flexible automation to redefine operational efficiency and adaptability in medium to high throughput applications. AccioPick Air offers a set of key features that redefine warehousing automation. The robot’s unique capability to latch onto storage aisles and climb vertically enhances space utilisation and retrieval speed. Its core functionality lies in the seamless, reliable, and accurate retrieval and delivery of bins to the induction station. Employing a hybrid automation approach, Accio Pick Air integrates fixed and flexible automation elements, ensuring stability and adaptability to various storage layouts. Furthermore, the decoupling of bin retrieval and transportation allows dynamic task allocation, enabling any child robot to retrieve a bin and dock with any available mother robot, effectively reducing wait times. The system simplifies operations by eliminating the need for specific tote-to-robot pairings, thereby reducing tote marrying complexity. The mother robot efficiently transports the child robot and tote, streamlining the retrieval and delivery processes. Accio Pick Air’s continuous retrieval and return process minimises idle time, ensuring consistently productive robot operations. The system further addresses the challenge of aisle congestion by allowing empty child robots to travel underneath aisles without totes, optimising space usage. Its flexibility and scalability shine through dynamic task allocation based on robot availability and location, providing an easily scalable solution for varying demands. Tuhin Sharma, Co-Founder, Accio Robotics, said, “AccioPick Air marks a veritable paradigm shift in warehousing automation, seamlessly blending innovation with efficiency. Its unique features are set to push and redefine the possibilities of operational …

Modern Logistics is all set to take delivery of a second 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF) in the first half of this year. The Brazilian integrated logistics company and cargo airline acquired its first 737-800BCF in October last year and expects the freighter to enter service in March. These two aircraft are expected to support Modern Logistics’ efforts to expand into other Latin American markets, particularly Argentina, Colombia, and Central America, as well as establishing a facility in Miami, says reports. Leased through Babcock & Brown Aircraft Management (BBAM), the 737-800BCFs have passed certification by PCA Airworthiness and have received final approval by ANAC, Brazil’s aviation regulator. Modern Logistics’ chief executive Cristiano Koga said, “We are very excited about the addition of two advanced (freighters) to our fleet. The additional capacity and efficiency of the new aircraft will assure the future success of the company by hastening entry into international markets and better responding to the needs and requirements of our clients.” The introduction of the new 737-800BCFs is part of a fleet renewal initiative by the airline to enhance operational efficiency.

Industry Veteran Sunil Arora announced the official launch of ‘1WN – One World One Network,’ poised to transform the global logistics and freight forwarding industry globally. Headquartered in Dubai, the global network is formed to connect logistics industry stakeholders from across the world on various platforms focusing on pharma, dangerous goods, express cargo, warehousing, logistics etc. 1WN will be officially launched in Dubai on 1st March 2024. Founded with a vision to transform collaboration, 1WN further plans to expand offices in India and Philippines. “This group has been formed with a clear vision to revolutionise the logistics industry by delivering seamless, efficient and environmentally responsible supply chain networking opportunities. The stakeholders can meet, greet, and connect with each other on various insightful topics. We have plans to cover the world and create an ecosystem where we all can benefit from each other,” said Arora. The press conference was addressed by Sunil Arora along with Amit Kumar, General Manager, 1WN and Anju Gupta, Head – Corporate Communications. In addition to this, they launched 1WN website too (https://lnkd.in/g2Dgc7m4).

Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics arm of Etihad Airways, has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Worldwide Flight Services (WFS), a member of the SATS Group, for cargo handling services at 12 major international airports in Europe, Scandinavia, North America, India, and Asia Pacific. The global award is for a three-year period and will see WFS handling over 150,000 tonnes of cargo annually for the Abu Dhabi-headquartered airline. In the EMEAA region, the airports covered by the agreement are Amsterdam, Bangkok, Barcelona, Bengaluru, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, London Heathrow, Madrid, and Paris CDG. In North America, it includes WFS’ existing handling operations for Etihad in New York JFK and Washington Dulles, and the new award of Boston and Chicago. Strategically located at the centre of the world’s busiest trade lanes, Etihad Cargo provides an integral link to Africa, America, Asia, Australia, Europe, and the Middle East via the airline’s hub in Abu Dhabi, connecting prime cargo markets across the globe. It offers cargo capacity on passenger and freighter aircraft as well as an extensive trucking network.

Çelebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management announced the implementation of a significant upgrade to its cargo handling processes. The company has transitioned from traditional security stickers to a barcode scanning system, enhancing accuracy, traceability, and overall efficiency while aligning with local and international aviation security directives. This practical upgrade seamlessly integrates with Çelebi’s Warehouse Management System, digitally recording all stages of the cargo consignment process. The move offers a multitude of benefits for both Celebi and its customers including: • Elevated Security Measures • Improved Resource Efficiency • Enhanced Screening Integrity, Traceability, and Accountability • Compliance with Regulatory Requirements • Agile Solution to Meet Evolving Demands • Environmentally Sustainable Option Talking about the developments, Mr. Kamesh Peri, CEO, Çelebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management said, “Our Warehouse Management System has been enhanced to integrate seamlessly with the latest barcode scanning technology, thereby enabling comprehensive real-time tracking of security process. At Çelebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management, our priority is to provide our partners with the highest levels of security and operational efficiency. The adoption of barcode scanning marks a significant milestone in our quest to achieve these objectives. By implementing this advanced solution, we are able to upgrade our security process, optimize our operations, and demonstrate our unwavering commitment to continuous improvement through technology-driven solutions.” Çelebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management thrives on providing reliable and efficient customer centric cargo services while continuously striving for technological improvements. The commitment is towards excellence and ensuring the cargo handling experience is synonymous with heightened security, accountability, and forward-thinking practices. These enhancements highlight the company’s dedication to delivering excellent cargo services while continuously improving technology and human resources to provide better and seamless solutions.

Mumbai International Airport (MIAL) proudly announced the launch of Oman Air inaugural cargo freighter operations. “This enhances our airport’s cargo capacity and opens new horizons to Europe, the Middle East, & the Far East destinations. Let’s soar higher together,” MIAL’s official Linkedin post stated.

Silk Way West Airlines signed a five-year partnership with Turkish Technic to leverage Turkish Technic’s extensive maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) expertise, and the partnership guarantees access to a wide range of spare parts and MRO solutions, essential for maintaining the high performance and safety standards of the airline’s Boeing 777F fleet, says an official release from Silk Way. Wolfgang Meier, President, Silk Way West Airlines says: “We are delighted to join forces with Turkish Technic to enhance our operational capabilities and uphold our commitment to excellence in air cargo transportation. This collaboration reflects our dedication to providing reliable and efficient services to our customers worldwide.” Mikail Akbulut, CEO, Turkish Technic adds: “We are delighted to have taken the first step towards a long-term cooperation with Silk Way West Airlines. With decades of experience in component maintenance and large inventory of components, we are proud to be a leading solution centre for Boeing 777 component pooling. We are excited to work closely with the operator to ensure the highest level of safety and reliability for their Boeing 777F fleet.” Founded in 2012 in Baku, Silk Way West Airlines operates 14 dedicated Boeing 777F, 747-8F, and 747-400F aircraft based at Heydar Aliyev International Airport. The airline’s annual cargo turnover exceeds 500,000 tonnes, and its growing route network covers over 40 destinations across Europe, the CIS, the Middle East, Central and Eastern Asia, and the Americas, the release added.

Several key Asia-Europe sea-air hubs have recorded a strong surge in tonnages in the last few weeks as shippers continue to seek alternative logistics solutions due to the disruptions to container shipping caused by the attacks on ships in the Red Sea, according to the latest update from WorldACD Market Data. “Freight sources have reported, anecdotally, that some Asia-Europe sea-air hubs such as Dubai, Colombo and Bangkok have been inundated with air cargo in recent weeks as cargo owners seek to replenish stocks in Europe that have run low because containerships that would normally transit via the Suez Canal have been forced make the longer voyage around the Cape of Good Hope.” Analysis this week by WorldACD Market Data confirms that air cargo tonnages to Europe from Dubai, Colombo and Bangkok have been at significantly elevated levels this year compared with the equivalent period last year. In the first seven weeks of 2024, all three of those sea-air hubs have seen their respective flown tonnages to Europe rise by more than 50 percent compared with the first seven weeks of 2023 with Dubai-Europe traffic up 71 percent, Colombo-Europe tonnages up 61 percent and Bangkok-Europe volumes up 58 percent. Despite some reports of elevated traffic volumes to Europe via Singapore and Doha, Singapore-Europe and Doha-Europe tonnages were up, YoY, by just 10 percent and three percent, respectively, in the first seven weeks of this year based on more than 450,000 weekly transactions covered by WorldACD’s data.

BLR Airport has shipped 29 million rose stems, weighing in at 1,222,860 kilograms this valentine’s season, representing 108 percent increase in the tonnage processed compared to the same period last year. The airport witnessed growth in both international and domestic rose shipments, with 9 million stems bound for international destinations, marking a 14 percent increase from last year, and 20 million stems shipped domestically, reflecting a 148 percent increase. “BLR airport has solidified its reputation as the No.1 for perishables in India, surpassing last year’s bouquet of 15.4 million stems,” reads the release. The top international destinations for roses from Bengaluru are Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Kuwait, Manila, and Sharjah, while top domestic cities include Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Guwahati, and Jaipur. Maintaining quality, temperature control, and ensuring faster turnaround times are critical for perishable items like roses. BLR Airport has invested in real-time tracking to empower stakeholders to proactively address temperature excursions, ensuring the integrity of sensitive products. Advanced monitoring at dedicated cold chain centres guarantees an unbroken cold chain, translating into faster handling, enhanced security, and sustainable practices. It also reads, “Looking ahead, BLR Airport with its partners WFS Bengaluru is committed to expanding its cold chain capacity to approximately 80,000 metric tonnes per annum and investing in the export of perishables. Our partnerships with two new partners, WFS and Menzies Aviation, for operating BLR Airport’s cargo terminals for 15 years is expected to further enhance cargo handling efficiencies, solidifying the Airport’s position as one of the leading players in the ever-evolving air cargo landscape.”