FedEx has announced its collaboration with Invest India to support government’s One District One Product (ODOP) initiative. This strategic partnership aims to boost the growth of Indian small businesses by providing them with access to global markets, capacity building, and brand opportunities. The ODOP initiative, aligned with the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India’s vision for balanced regional development, aims to promote a unique product from each district across India. “FedEx was founded on the belief that a connected world is a better world. Through our collaboration with Invest India, we aim to address challenges faced by local producers, providing tailored solutions to simplify global logistics. Together, we are boosting exports and driving sustainable economic growth,” Kami Viswanathan, President, FedEx, MEISA region said.

  Noida International Airport (NIA) has announced its membership to the United Nations Global Impact (UNGC). The membership demonstrates NIA’s commitment to aligning its operations and strategies with the principles of the Global Impact, focussing on human rights, labour standards, environmental protection, and ant-corruption practices. “Joining the United Nations Global Compact is a natural extension of our commitment to building a world-class airport that operates with sustainability at its core. We are proud to be part of a global movement that calls for responsible business action, and we will continue to integrate sustainable practices across every aspect of our development,” Christoph Schnellmann, CEO, Noida International Airport said.

With an aim to foster meaningful connections and explore avenues for collaboration in sectors essential to both regions, Port of Antwerp-Bruges, with a delegation led by Vice President Luc Arnouts, is organizing a high impact roadshow to India in collaboration with Flanders Investment & Trade. The road show is set to kick-off in India from November 18 to 22 in three major cities featuring New Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Mumbai. Through this initiative, the firm aims to deepen the relationship with India, one of its vital trading partners. The initiative will provide opportunities for engaging with key industry leaders, site visits to major Indian conglomerates, and thought-provoking panel discussions and roundtables. Tailored B2B meetings and networking events, coordinated with local chambers of commerce. The roadshow itinerary includes meetings with Indian energy giants. The aim is to strengthen these relationships and become a critical gateway for India’s green energy exports to Europe.  

Bird Academy has announced the successful completion of the (Competency-Based Training and Assessment) CBTA provider center certification from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The academy’s DGR (Dangerous Goods Regulations) training program now aligns with IATA’s standards, making it compliant with IATA’s CBTA framework. After securing the certification, Bird Academy is now accredited to conduct specialized training programs for handling dangerous goods in compliance with IATA’s CBTA guidelines. “By obtaining this certification, Bird Academy solidifies its standing as a premier institution for CBTA-aligned training. This approach provides our trainees with confidence, effectiveness, and compliance, crucial in the high-stakes arena of dangerous goods handling,” said [Bird Academy Spokesperson].

Parvinder Singh, Managing Director, Hans Infomatic says, “The high cost of tech implementation, especially for smaller players, can hinder widespread adoption. Resistance to change and concerns over data security further add to these challenges. We address these challenges by offering scalable, cost-efficient solutions that are easy to implement. We also invest in training programs to equip teams with the skills needed to operate advanced technologies like AI, IoT, and data analytics. Additionally, our user-friendly interfaces minimize the learning curve, while our focus on data security ensures trust.”  

Afzal Malbarwala, Managing Director, Galaxy Freight says, “The initial investment required for advanced technologies, such as automation and AI systems, can be significant, making it difficult for smaller companies to adopt these innovations. Even organisational inertia can lead to resistance from employees and management who may be uncomfortable with new processes or technologies. Compliance with regulations and standards can also slow down the adoption of new technologies, particularly in sectors like air cargo, which is heavily regulated. Addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort from the industry stakeholders, including training programs, financial support, and collaborative initiatives.”  

Kamesh Peri, CEO of Çelebi Delhi, Cargo Terminal Management says, “The cost of tech implementation is a significant barrier. Technologies like automation, AI-driven systems, and advanced tracking solutions often require substantial upfront investment, which can be a financial strain, especially for smaller players in the industry. Additionally, maintaining and upgrading these technologies incurs ongoing costs that some companies may find prohibitive.”

Mohan Limaye, Airport CCS Practice Head, Kale Logistics Solutions says, “The cost of implementing new technologies is a barrier, especially for smaller players in the logistics sector. Also, there’s need for continuous upskilling to fully leverage advanced technologies like AI, blockchain, and IoT. Additionally, resistance to change and legacy systems can slow the adoption of innovative digital solutions. However, with the right training and investment, these challenges can be overcome, paving the way for a more efficient and sustainable industry.

Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) has reported an 11.86 per cent YoY rise in container traffic for the month of October. The container traffic for the month stood at 6,14,651 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units, whereas the port handled 5,49,487 TEUs of containers in the corresponding period of 2023. In October 2024, the port saw a 2.26 per cent YoY increase in the container handling capacity. The total cargo handled in the month reached 7.62 million tonnes.  

For its continuous high-quality handling across the network, dnata has received its first Cargo iQ certification. The ground handling firm integrated the Cargo iQ principles into its management framework, targeting three quarters of shipments globally. dnata’s digitalisation initiative onecargo, has ensured ground handling data to be collected from all global stations within a single system. “dnata’s commitment to its quality journey reflected in both the certification roadmap meetings with the Cargi iQ team, as well as its determination in driving the project for harmonizing their ground handling data globally,” Marie Seco-Koppen, Executive Director, Cargo iQ said. “dnata supports the Cargo iQ framework and will continue to invest in technology and innovation, enabling real time capacity to support its users, and delivering on its promises,” Guillaume Crozier, Senior Vice President – UAE Cargo & Global Cargo Strategy, dnata said.