Category Archives: Aviation

FedEx Express has launched the FedEx Import Tool (FiT), a cutting-edge solution designed to address the increasing complexities and volumes of imports in India. This timely launch is noteworthy as India has experienced a significant 12.2 percent increase in merchandise imports, reaching USD 60.11 billion in February 2024 from USD 54.4 billion in January of the previous year. There is a need for smarter, more efficient solutions to manage the complexities of the import sector. FiT, with its integration of advanced technology and user-focused design, is set to transform the import process, enhancing efficiency, compliance, and the overall end-to-end shipment journey. Developed in India, FiT stands as a testament to the local innovation aimed at addressing global challenges. It will be released in other FedEx markets globally in a phased manner. Key features of this comprehensive, single-window platform include: • A unified self-service platform to streamline the shipping process by centralizing document management and shipment tracking. • A dashboard for greater visibility into every stage of the import shipments. • Proactive notifications to expedite the clearance process and minimize delays. • A secure portal for the easy upload of KYC and customs clearance related documents, ensuring compliance and efficiency. • A direct payment feature for paying customs duties and taxes online. • Round-the-clock monitoring allows shippers and importers to track their shipments up to 90 days after pickup. “Innovation that surpasses customer expectations is at the heart of everything we do. Understanding customer pain points has guided the development of FiT, ensuring we use the latest technology and automation to address their specific needs. FiT is poised to simplify and accelerate the import processes, providing businesses with enhanced efficiency, transparency, …

Etihad Cargo has enhanced its Abu Dhabi tarmac transportation fleet with the addition of high-tech cool dollies. The introduction of cool dollies for the transportation of pharmaceutical and perishable shipments will enable the carrier to fully complete its temperature-controlled cool chain capabilities at its Abu Dhabi hub. In partnership with Etihad Airport Services Cargo, Etihad Cargo has added dedicated cool dollies for pharmaceutical and perishable products to provide maximum safety to the carrier’s partners and customers at every stage of the handling process. The specialised containers will offer a closed, temperature-controlled system to ensure the reliable and seamless transportation of high-value and temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical cargo between the carrier’s aircraft and state-of-the-art cool chain warehouse. Thomas Schürmann, Head of Cargo Operations & Delivery at Etihad Cargo, said: “Etihad Cargo is committed to the safe, reliable and robust transportation of temperature-sensitive cargo via its IATA CEIV Pharma-certified PharmaLife and IATA CEIV Fresh-certified products. Part of this commitment is ensuring cargo is transported between the aircraft and cool chain facilities as fast as possible and mitigating the risks associated with outdoor and environmental conditions during the cargo’s journey. Etihad Cargo and Etihad Airport Services Cargo have partnered to introduce dedicated cool dollies at the carrier’s Abu Dhabi Airport hub to minimise the time that temperature-sensitive cargo is exposed to external factors, such as high temperatures. These specialised containers not only control the temperature but also enable Etihad Cargo to access the data records, providing Etihad Cargo increased visibility of this Critical Control Point to reduce, eliminate and prevent hazards.” Naresh Ranganathan, Acting Vice President Cargo at Etihad Airport Services Cargo, said: “We recognise the importance of a secured cool chain, and the demand …

Hans Infomatic has announced its partnership with Continental Carriers Group, serving as the technology solution provider for India’s first RA-3 accredited greenfield Air Freight Station (AFS) recently launched in New Delhi. “This milestone marks a proud moment for Hans as we continue our legacy of over 30 years in delivering cutting-edge technology solutions for the logistics and supply chain industry”, says Parvinder Singh, Managing Director, Hans Infomatic. At the heart of this partnership lies “WiseCargo,” our flagship software solution designed to streamline air cargo operations with its innovative features and intelligent technologies. With WiseCargo, Continental Carriers’ AFS will experience enhanced efficiency, profitability, and operational excellence. Overall, WiseCargo aims to revolutionize air cargo management with its comprehensive suite of features, transparent pricing, on-time delivery, real-time tracking, and 24/7 online support. We would also like to mention here that at many airports across India, WiseCargo is widely accepted as their preferred partner for their Cargo Custodian’s IT solutions. Hans has been one of the flag bearers when it comes to automation in the supply chain domain. With a vast and varied portfolio of products, Hans has truly revolutionised supply chain automation across all verticals. “As Hans Infomatic continues to deliver cloud-based logistics and supply chain management solutions, we are committed to driving efficiency, reliability, and customer satisfaction across the air freight industry”, concludes Parvinder Singh.

“Changing trade policies can have significant ramifications on global supply chains, influencing sourcing strategies, production locations, and distribution networks,” says Keku Bomi Gazder, MD and CEO, Aviapro Logistic. He adds, “Tariffs, trade agreements, and geopolitical tensions can disrupt established supply chains, leading to increased costs, delays, and uncertainties for businesses worldwide. As a company operating within this complex landscape, we closely monitor trade policy developments and adapt our strategies accordingly. We prioritize agility and resilience in our supply chain operations to mitigate risks associated with policy changes. Additionally, we maintain open communication channels with our suppliers and partners to swiftly address any emerging challenges. From the government, we expect transparent and consistent trade policies that foster a conducive environment for international trade. Clear regulations, minimal bureaucratic hurdles, and a commitment to free and fair trade are essential for businesses to thrive in the global marketplace. Furthermore, we encourage policymakers to engage in constructive dialogues with industry stakeholders to understand their concerns and develop policies that support sustainable economic growth. Additionally, investments in infrastructure, technology, and skill development are crucial to enhance the competitiveness of Indian businesses on the global stage. By fostering an enabling environment for trade and innovation, the government can contribute to the resilience and prosperity of the Indian economy amidst evolving global dynamics.”

DHL Express announced the significant agreement with Komatsu Australia for their commitment to invest one million-dollar towards DHL Express’ GoGreen Plus service, which allows Komatsu to reduce (‘inset’) the carbon emissions associated with their international shipments through the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).   GoGreen Plus is one of the most effective ways companies can choose to reduce their carbon emissions for their international shipments as they have the opportunity to invest in SAF, allowing companies like Komatsu to track their progress toward their sustainability goals, backed by science-based, verified and certified reporting on their carbon reduction insets.   This partnership makes significant contribution to Komatsu’s ambitious commitment to slash their carbon footprint by 50% by 2050. The impact of the investment will be announced at the end of the year and audited by an external auditor.

Teleport, an integrated logistics solutions provider, announced today that it will be managing the exclusive commercial rights of Vietjet Air Cargo’s New Delhi – Ho Chi Minh City belly space. This is leveraging off the back of Teleport’s capability built from its existing exclusive commercial rights delivering the same end-to-end Total Cargo Management enabled by technology, for all six airlines under AirAsia since 2018. The agreement signed between both parties today marks the start of a deeper partnership between Vietjet Air Cargo and Teleport to better serve the growing air cargo demand coming in and out of Southeast Asia. In November 2023, Vietjet Air Cargo and Teleport signed a Memorandum of Understanding to mutually extend its network, combining Teleport’s largest Southeast Asia air logistics network with Vietjet’s Asia Pacific flight network.

Global air freight rates are maintaining their recent firm tone, according to the latest data from TAC Index. “The overall Baltic Air Freight Index calculated by TAC edged up a further one percent in the week to April 8, the sixth successive weekly gain leaving it lower by only -10.6 percent over the past 12 months,” the update added. Activity is often a little quiet around the Ching Ming festival (which happened on April 4) but rates out of China kept on edging up with the index of outbound routes from Hong Kong gaining another 0.7 percent WoW to leave it ahead by 7.7 percent YoY. Outbound Shanghai edged up another 1.1 percent WoW to leave it narrowly ahead by 0.7 percentYoY. “The biggest price action out of Asia again occurred from the very hot market in India with further large increases WoW on rates both to Europe and to the U.S. as well as from both Bangkok and from Vietnam to Europe.”

DHL Global Forwarding has announced the first investment of the Prada Group in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) credits, utilising DHL Global Forwarding’s GoGreen Plus service. Already in 2023, the partnership with DHL allowed Prada Group to save approximately 4,500 metric tons of CO2e, which would correspond to 7% of the Group’s total transport associated emissions. By leveraging sustainable fuels, DHL Global Forwarding is able to support customers in effectively reducing their transport emissions from airfreight. SAF allows for a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by at least 80% compared to conventional aviation fuel. The fuel itself is produced from waste sources, such as used cooking oil and food waste. DHL follows hereby an insetting approach, utilising sustainable fuels to reduce emissions directly at the source. Air carriers use sustainable biofuels on behalf of DHL, leading to reductions in emissions. These emission reductions are transferred to DHL, who then allocates them to the shippers in the form of certificates. “In today’s world, it is crucial to establish a clear roadmap for decarbonization that involves carriers, SAF manufacturers, regulators, and customers. We are proud that Prada Group has chosen to leverage the expertise of DHL Global Forwarding to form a partnership that we believe will drive the much-needed change forward,” said Mario Zini, managing director of DHL Global Forwarding Italy.

“The regulatory guidelines for Packaging, Labelling, Documentation, Emergency Response Process Guidelines have been defined elaborately are followed thoroughly. However, the lack of awareness of shippers regards to regulations of shipping dangerous goods during offloading / X-RAY scanning, which results in a disruption of flow of cargo processing, in the otherwise seamless acceptance of cargo,” shares Sanjiv Edward, CEO Cargo and Logistics, GMR Airports. “Additionally, deficiency of skillset amongst those involved in transportation of dangerous goods to Airport cargo Terminal can detrimental to Air Freight. Any error in handling of such goods at any stage, possess imminent and considerable hazard to both airport personnel and cargo if not handled cautiously.”

Kale Logistics Solutions (Kale) announced its collaboration with Budapest Airport (BUD), Hungary, to revolutionise cargo operations through the implementation of its cutting-edge Airport Cargo Community System (ACS). The partnership between Kale Info Solutions B.V (Kale Info), the fully owned subsidiary of Kale, and BUD marks a significant milestone in streamlining cargo operations at one of Europe’s busiest airports. Presently, various cargo handlers and integrators use separate IT systems for data collection, reporting and transmission: to the airport and the relevant authorities. This includes parallel or double data communications, opportunities currently open to digitalise airfreight operation and business processes. Kale’s innovative ACS system provides stakeholders with enhanced visibility and transparency, enabling the real-time tracking and monitoring of cargo movements, incorporating automated regulatory compliance checks, which further streamlines operations, ensuring adherence to industry standards. Commenting on this development, József Kossuth, Cargo Director for BUD said: “Budapest Airport aims to become the main cargo hub in the Central and Eastern European region. “We are on the right track, as the dedicated development of the BUD Cargo City in recent years has provided world-class infrastructure, which, combined with excellent connectivity and a tight-knit cargo community, is attracting more and more partners. “We are now the fastest growing airport in the region in terms of cargo volume, as we handled a record 201,306 tons in 2023 with +48.5% increase compared to 2019. “The introduction of the new Airport Cargo Community System adds an important innovative feature to BUD’s profile, further strengthening the hub function of the airport. He further added: “The ACS will serve as a centralised platform, facilitating seamless communication and data exchange among all stakeholders involved in the cargo handling process.” “We are …