Category Archives: Aviation

SkyCell has launched the new 1500X container, the next generation in its hybrid container portfolio for high value pharmaceutical product transportation. The 1500X enables pharma shipments for products that need to be kept at +2°C to +8°C or +15°C to +25°C and has a tested market-leading independent runtime of 270 hours at 20°C. The container also comes fully equipped with SkyCell’s proprietary SECURE SaaS platform for in-transit monitoring. The 1500X container’s extended 270-hour runtime ensures that the transportation of temperature-sensitive goods remains unaffected even in the event of unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays, re-routing, and delays at customs.

Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) is working with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to establish a Joint Innovation Center (JIC) that will drive the development and adoption of digital solutions in aviation. The JIC will also enable start-ups to accelerate innovation in aviation, smart infrastructure, utilities, and mobility by providing comprehensive program offerings and a technical platform that helps customers innovate quickly utilising AWS technology. This is the first JIC by AWS established outside of China and its first JIC dedicated to advancing the aviation industry. The JIC is expected to open at BLR Airport in 2022 and will focus on driving digital innovation for the airport, enhancing passenger experience, and creating positive impact for the community where the airport operates.

Nexxiot announced the launch of the new Nexxiot Cargo Monitor, a revolutionary sensor device which delivers unbeatable connectivity and data performance in a compact, easy-to-use design. It promises to revolutionise global cargo shipping by delivering unprecedented real-time visibility of the location, status, and condition of shipments anywhere in the world. The Nexxiot Cargo Monitor can be used to monitor the transportation of high-value and sensitive products, including perishables, pharmaceuticals, textiles, conditions-sensitive industrial products, electronics and more. Nexxiot’s proprietary, purpose-built software provides a seamless user experience to identify cargo-damaging shocks, excessive humidity, condensation, temperature, cargo provenance, and security issues. The sensor can also connect to Wireless Maritime Services (WMS) which provides connectivity on ocean vessels at sea via cellular and IoT networks.

Gaussin and Qatar Airways Cargo have announced the successful testing and commissioning of the AMDT FULL ELEC automotive multi-directional transporter for air cargo pallets, with production under way for delivery in Q2 2022. This multi-directional transporter for airport cargo operations has been developed by Gaussin in close collaboration with Qatar Aviation Services Cargo (the cargo ground handling subsidiary of Qatar Airways Group). It is zero-emissions, 100 percent electric and compatible with all types of unit load devices (ULDs). Capable of operating both inside and outside of the cargo terminal within minimal space, the AMDT will reduce the normal footprint required for manoeuvring, resulting in additional storage space and ensuring effective readiness of all cargo to be loaded onto the aircraft.

FedEx Express has partnered with air cargo logistics company Elroy Air to test the latter’s autonomous drone cargo system within its middle-mile logistics operations. Elroy Air’s Chaparral is an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aerial cargo system that can autonomously pick up 136-227kg of cargo and deliver it by air up to 480km. The Chaparral is capable of longer-range flights without the need for additional infrastructure such as airports and charging stations. This trial will involve FedEx Express moving shipments between sortation locations.

Gulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Texel Air to explore various cooperation opportunities including charter agreements, engineering and maintenance activities. A signing ceremony was held last month at Gulf Air headquarters, the MoU was signed by Captain Waleed AlAlawi, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Gulf Air and Mr. John Chisholm, Chairman of Chisholm Enterprises which is the parent company for Texel Air.

With the resumption of international flights to and from India, the Bangalore International Airport (BLR Airport) has been witnessing 25 daily international departures, a significant increase from the earlier 10 per day. The airport has reinstated more than 90 per cent of routes compared to pre-COVID-19. With the gradual increase in international operations, BLR Airport’s route network is expected to be further enhanced with the resumption of routes and additional flights to cater to the demand.

Last year, in March, LATAM officially received the second of ten 767 Boeing Converted to Freighter (BCF) cargo planes contemplated in its cargo fleet growth plan, announced in 2021. With this, it has increased its offer for this type of transport by nearly 10 percent, reduced the average age of its aircraft, and will finish Q1 with 13 B767 cargo planes. By 2023, the company plans to have a cargo fleet composed of up to 21 freighters and practically duplicate its offer.

Keku Bomi Gazder, CEO of AAI Cargo Logistics & Allied Services Co. Ltd., has almost three decades of experience in the Middle East and India in the aviation sector, holding key roles in firms such as Air France-KLM Cargo, Martinair Cargo, and Saudi Arabian Airlines, among others. He has been with AAI Cargo Logistics and Allied Services Company Limited since June 2017, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Airports Authority of India, which is part of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India. He oversees cargo and logistics operations at over 90 AAI airports, identifying business opportunities across the company’s many verticals for future growth and developing business strategies to stay ahead of the competition in the cargo market. AAI Cargo Logistics and Allied Services Company Limited has begun managing the In-line Hold Baggage Screening System at AAI-managed airports. He works closely with the Ministry of Civil Aviation on a variety of initiatives. Gazder is a part of the following initiatives and committees: the Ministry of Civil Aviation’s Krishi Udaan initiative; the Ministry of Civil Aviation’s Defence Convergence Committee; the Governing Council of the Logistics Skill Council (LSC), established under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship; the Ministry of Civil Aviation’s Investment Clearance Cell; the Air Cargo Forum of India (ACFI); and the Confederation of Indian Industries’ National Committee on Civil Aviation.

Shailender Anand, Managing Director (India) & Director (Dubai) of Pronk Multiservice India Pvt. Ltd., began his career in sales after graduating with honours from Punjab University, Chandigarh. Anand’s career in the forwarding sector began with Airfreight Ltd, and he then relocated to Dubai to work in the same industry. After 10 amazing years in Dubai, visiting about 60 countries and learning about the global industry, he chose to return to India to pursue better future opportunities. After nearly two decades in the forwarding industry, Anand joined Logistics & Supply Chain in 2011 to work in value-added services, specifically industrial packaging. In 2011, he joined Pronk as a partner and launched Pronk in India. Anand’s adventure at Pronk has spanned over 11 years, and it continues in the industrial packaging and solutions market. Pronk India was approached by Bharat Electronics Ltd., Bengaluru, to develop a solution and boxes to pack 30,000 ventilators for COVID-19 patients in 2020. When India was trying to deal with the pandemic, the Pronk India team, led by Shailender Anand, was working full-time at all of Pronk’s plants across the country, with special clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs to operate from all of their locations in India.