As part of its sustainability initiative to achieve net zero emissions by 2040, Allcargo Gati Limited is set to roll out more than 1700 rebranded Alternative Fuel Vehicles (AFVs) across India. The vehicle boasts of cutting-edge design, which will ensure enhanced fuel efficiency paving the way for company’s sustainable logistics operations, particularly for last-mile delivery services. “The launch of our rebranded fleet underscores our commitment to sustainability and operational excellence. By integrating cutting-edge technology and improved efficiency, the AFVs are designed to reduce our carbon footprints and ensure cost-effectiveness”, Uday Sharma, Chief Commercial Officer, Allcargo Gati Limited, said.

Air France KLM Martinair Cargo (AFKLMP) and trucking firm Bos Logistics are utilising an electric truck for the delivery of cargo. The duel-branded Volvo FH Electric truck will deliver consolidated freight from AFKLMP’s Schiphol facility to various airfreight agents. The companies had already switched to a biofuel for deliveries, which the partners reckon reduce net emissions by 90%. The two partners in a release said they would make further investments in reducing their impact on the environment in the future. As well as investing in improving its environmental performance on the ground, the airline group has also been investing in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

According to a report by JLL and Miebach Consulting titled, ‘Future of logistics, the demand for warehouse space is projected to reach approximately 1.2 billion sq. ft. by 2027 across Grade A, B & C warehouses across all Indian cities. This growth is not just about quantity, but quality as well. The report highlights a significant shift towards Grade A warehousing, with stock expected to grow to an impressive 400 million sq-ft by 2027 from 290 million sq-ft in 2023. E-commerce, Third-Party Logistics (3PL), and omni-channel retail are emerging as the primary drivers of this warehousing boom, particularly for high-quality Grade A spaces. However, the landscape of growth is changing. While major cities have traditionally dominated the warehousing sector, Tier II and III cities are now emerging as the next frontier. The report reveals a striking 41% increase in warehouse space absorption in Tier II plus markets from 2022 to 2023.

As part of the expansion of its warehousing infrastructure, Bobba Logistics is set to operationalize phase II with the establishment of 3,00,000 sq. ft of advanced warehousing, logistical and cargo-handling facilities. The project is being established near Devanahalli, Bengaluru. The total cost for the building of this infrastructure is projected to be around INR 100 crores. In 2023, the logistics giant established its 75,000 sq. ft phase I project at Sonnappanahalli, involving an investment of INR 30 crores. With this massive investment in warehousing infrastructure, Bobba Logistics aims to streamline the supply chain and serve a wide customer base.

In his insightful speech at the 2nd National Warehousing & Supply Chain Summit, Dr. Surendra Ahirwar, Joint Secretary, DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Govt. of India, said – “PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan and National Logistics Policy, combined, have brought the logistics and the infrastructure development planning to the fore. All the state governments have also come together to make planning more effective and of great quality which will also affect in a positive manner for the implementation process. So, you won’t be hearing, probably in the present and the near future, the delays in the project implementation. And this can be largely attributed to the the PM Gati Shakti transformative approach, using data, using information, using only objective means to take planning related decisions about logistics and warehousing infrastructure.”

Aeroflot has further strengthened its presence in India with recent expansion in Goa. To capitalise on trade between India and Russia, Aeroflot has launched new cargo flights to Goa, Mopa Airport.  Starting October 1, 2024, the airline is operating six weekly flights on the Moscow-Goa-Moscow and Yekaterinburg-Goa-Yekaterinburg routes. This expansion will add 45 tons of weekly cargo capacity, streamlining the movement of goods and improving supply chain efficiency. Naveen Rao, Director of Delmos Aviation, Aeroflot’s cargo representative in India, said, “We are thrilled to contribute to the strengthening of trade ties between India and Russia. Our thrice-weekly flights connecting Moscow and Goa, as well as thrice-weekly flights Yekaterinburg and Goa, underscore our commitment to meeting the growing demand for cargo services in the region.” Aeroflot’s new flights to Goa will benefit businesses in both India and Russia, providing increased tourism, trade opportunities and improved logistics.   The airline, based at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport, has been operating daily A-333/B-777 passenger flights from Delhi since 1960.

C K Govil, President ACAAI says, “Challenges in cold chain transportation include maintaining consistent temperature control, minimising spoilage, and ensuring timely delivery. Technology like IoT sensors can provide real-time monitoring, ensuring temperature stability and reducing risks. Drones offer a faster, efficient solution for delivering perishable goods in remote or hard-to-reach areas, thus enhancing supply chain reliability and reducing delays, while maintaining product integrity.”

Sunil Kohli, Managing Director, Rahat Cargo says, “We are aware that an efficient and result-oriented cold chain requires an unbroken chain of refrigerated manufacturing, production, storage, packaging, tracking, transportation, proper equipment and skilled personnel handling the processes coupled with safe and secure delivery at the destination. And to adhere to such a chain of actions, we face several challenges such as deficient cold storage, insufficient transportation facilities fraught with vehicle breakdowns followed by threats of cyber-attacks, high operating costs, rising raw material prices & increased labour wages. Further, an induction of drones may deliver an enhanced visibility, tracking facilities and real-time monitoring of stored goods. Drones with bar code readers can facilitate stock checks leading to an improved inventory management efficiency. In fact, usage of drones in managing the cold chain products may deliver a revolutionary & positive transformation in managing the logistics.”

Bobba Group has announced the launch of its Bobba Projects. This initiative is going to transform space planning, project management, and supply chain consulting by integrating industry expertise with advanced technology to deliver innovative solutions that enhance operational efficiency and sustainability across industries. Bobba Projects offers a comprehensive range of services designed to optimize space utilization and streamline operations. From initial conceptual design to final execution, Bobba Projects team provides strategic planning and tailored project management solutions that ensure seamless execution and timely completion. In addition to turnkey project management, Bobba Projects delivers expert real estate consulting, offering strategic guidance on property acquisition, asset management, and market navigation. Focusing on supply chain mapping and logistics optimization, Bobba Projects employs advanced visualization techniques and data-driven insights to enhance decision-making and boost productivity. By analyzing each stage of the supply chain from procurement to final delivery, Bobba Projects helps companies streamline operations, reduce risks, and foster sustainable growth. Chandrakala Bobba, Director of Bobba Group, shared her perspective on the initiative: “The launch of Bobba Projects represents a significant advancement for our group. This initiative combines our extensive industry expertise with cutting-edge technology to address the evolving needs of businesses today. We are committed to building partnerships that drive operational excellence and sustainable growth, empowering our clients to navigate the complexities of modern logistics with confidence.” Bobba Projects is dedicated to quality control and its client-centric approach ensures that each project is executed with precision and attention to detail. By offering tailored solutions that align with the unique needs of each client, Bobba Projects aims to set new industry benchmarks and reinforce its reputation as a trusted partner in aviation, logistics and supply …

Qatar Airways Cargo announced the launch of AirPlus Solutions, offering enhanced services for various cargo products. Customers can now choose from three options; Q-Climate, Q-Plus, and Q-Prime to elevate their shipment’s journey. Mark Drusch, Chief Officer Cargo at Qatar Airways Cargo, stated, “As the world’s leading cargo carrier, we are committed to continuously innovating our product offerings. We recognize that our customers have unique requirements and often need greater flexibility. With the launch of AirPlus Solutions, we are providing tailored options that best meet our customers’ needs, while delivering our best -in s-class service.” Q-Climate: Provides temperature-control for additional product categories, ensuring a seamless cool chain and ramp protection against external weather elements and is applicable to general cargo and vulnerable cargo. Customers can select from three standard temperature ranges: COL (+2°C to +8°C), CRT (+15°C to +25°C), or ERT (+2°C to +25°C). Q-Plus: Offers prioritised capacity for time-sensitive shipments, ensuring high-priority handling on confirmed flights or the next available flight if the requested flight can no longer accept bookings. Available as an add-on for Qatar Airways Cargo’s General Cargo, SecureLift (Vulnerable Cargo), Fresh Care (perishable cargo), and Drive (automobiles) products. Q-Prime: Guarantees urgent shipments needing guaranteed uplift with prioritised processing, best or preferred connections, and a money-back guarantee if the shipment does not fly as confirmed. Q-Prime can also be used to gain capacity on full flights in urgent cases, where possible. The Control Tower monitors the shipment throughout its journey proactively solving possible disruptions. Available as an add-on for Qatar Airways Cargo’s General Cargo, SecureLift (Vulnerable and Valuable Cargo), Fresh (perishable cargo), and Drive products ( automobiles).