The much-awaited, FIATA Region Asia-Pacific (RAP) Meeting being held in New Delhi from 21 to 24 May 2025 will focus on sustainability and green logistics, air cargo industry becoming transshipment and global cargo hub, multimodal logistics, digitalisation and industrial collaboration. Jointly organised by the FIATA and The Air Cargo Agents Association of India, (ACAAI), the event serves as a premier gathering for logistics professionals, freight forwarders, and trade associations across the region. This event offers a platform to discuss supply chain innovation, industry challenges, and future opportunities. Key highlights include insightful discussions and networking opportunities with top industry professionals from across the globe.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has launched the FACE Ambassadors Program, a new initiative that will form part of the wider Future Air Cargo Executives (FACE) Program, aimed at promoting air cargo career opportunities to a broader and younger audience worldwide. According to the transport association, FACE Ambassadors will play a key role in extending the reach of the initiative by: • Leading regional and local outreach initiatives, including community engagement and educational partnerships, with the aim of increasing awareness of air cargo career opportunities • Serving as industry advocates by sharing their professional journeys and insights, with the goal of inspiring and mentoring the next generation of air cargo professionals

Achilles has announced the acquisition of InfoControl, a specialist artificial intelligence (AI). The acquisition deepens a successful long-term collaboration and marks a significant step forward in Achilles’ commitment to the responsible use of technology and data to deliver trusted, intelligent solutions for supply chain management and compliance. The move will strengthen Achilles’ AI capabilities, enhance contractor management offerings, and unlock new opportunities in data extraction, analysis, and reporting for customers worldwide. InfoControl brings advanced AI expertise in reading, interpreting, and extracting narrative data from complex documentation to deliver highly efficient and accurate supply chain data capture and non-financial reporting. The company’s Contractor Access Evaluation (CAE) tools are used across a range of industries in Latin America, complementing and extending Achilles’ Controlar solution. As a leader in supply chain risk management, Achilles is committed to the ethical development and deployment of AI to enhance transparency, mitigate risks, and protect businesses’ reputations globally. With this latest acquisition, Achilles will continue to align its use of AI with its core values, the evolving expectations of stakeholders, and all relevant regulatory frameworks—ensuring its technology serves the purpose of building safer, more sustainable supply chains.

With the launch of India’s largest Greenfield Domestic Cargo Terminal (DCT), Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR Airport) has developed Airport Truck Management Facility (ATMF) in collaboration with Shell Mobility to meet rising cargo demand and capacity. Already operational, this facility is ensuring seamless cargo movement, reducing congestion, and enhancing efficiency, further strengthening BLR Airport’s position as India’s premier cargo hub. The ATMF ensures smooth operations by streamlining truck flow, enabling real-time processing, and providing driver amenities that enhance turnaround times and operational efficiency. Handling approximately 1,600 trucks daily, BLR Cargo has effectively addressed key inefficiencies such as congestion, delays, and limited driver facilities. With over 250 parking bays, the ATMF optimises operations through digital processing, automated approvals, and seamless cargo movement. Technology-Driven Efficiency By leveraging advanced digital solutions, the ATMF has transformed truck movement at BLR Airport: • Automated, common pre-check ins, paperless entry and digitalised pick-ups and exit processes accelerate truck clearance • Handheld devices for check-ins have slashed truck turnaround time from four hours to just one hour, with 78% of trucks waiting less than 20 minutes before entering cargo terminals • 24/7 CCTV monitoring enhances security and operational oversight • App-based approval mechanisms enable faster, digitised truck clearances, optimising logistics efficiency Satyaki Raghunath, Chief Operating Officer, Bangalore International Airport Limited said, “Given the significant increase in cargo here at BLR Airport, it was time to invest in solutions that can ensure seamless and timely movement of trucks, as well as the well-being of truck drivers by providing essential amenities. That’s where BLR Cargo together with ShellMobility India conceived India’s first on-airport truck management facility with a fully automated paperless truck entry and exit process at the Airport …

Drydocks World, a DP World company has signed MoU with Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), driven by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, India to enable development of Ship repair clusters, synergising their mutual strengths. This is expected to bring global best practices to the Ship repair ecosystem in the country and add significant capacities. The MOU also provides for cooperation in potential offshore fabrication opportunities engaging other entities like major ports. This strategic collaboration will explore opportunities to develop ship repair clusters along India’s coastline leveraging the expertise of both organisations. The MoU was signed in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, Shri Piyush Goyal, Honourable Minister of Commerce And Industry, Government of India, His Excellency Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DP World, and Mr Madhu S Nair, Chairman & Managing Director, Cochin Shipyard Limited at the CEO- Connect: Dubai-India Economic Ties & Opportunities event inMumbai. By fostering cooperation between Cochin Shipyard Limited and Drydocks World, the partnership will play a crucial role in modernizing India’s maritime infrastructure, expanding the ship repair industry and generating new employment opportunities.Aligned with the Government of India’s Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, the companies willjointly evaluate opportunities for: • Developing Ship Repair Clusters in Kochi (Kerala) and Vadinar (Gujarat) to create world-class maintenance and repair facilities. • Engaging with government entities such as major ports to enhance ship repair and offshore fabrication capabilities. • Expanding collaboration into related areas such as offshore fabrication, marine engineering, and strategic infrastructure projects.

DP World has commenced the construction of Bharat Mart, a global B2B and B2C marketplace in Dubai, designed to facilitate trade between Indian businesses and global markets. The company unveiled the virtual model of the project in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, Shri Piyush Goyal, Honourable Minister of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, along with H.E. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, GroupChairman and CEO, DP World. Bharat Mart is set to open by the end of 2026. With construction underway, DP World is paving the way for a transformative marketplace that will redefine global trade links between India, the Middle East, and beyond. Spanning 2.7 million square feet, with its initial phase covering 1.3 million square feet, Bharat Mart will serve as a key tradinghub for Indian MSMEs. Strategically located in Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA). The facility will feature 1,500 showrooms, and over 700,000 square feet of state-of-the-art warehousing, light industrial units, office spaces, meeting facilities with dedicated space for women led businesses from India. Just 11 km from Jebel Ali Port, 15 km from Al Maktoum International Airport and with Etihad Rail access in closeproximity, Bharat Mart offers Indian businesses seamless access to a multimodal logistics network. Through Jebel Ali’s ecosystem, the exporters will connect to 150 maritime destinations, air and links to over 300 cities worldwide, enhancing market reach and efficiency. H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, said: “Dubai’s world-class infrastructure and connectivity make …

Tej Contractor, Director, Mayur C Contractor Logistics said, “In my opinion, the discontinuation of the Bangladesh cargo transshipment facility is a welcome move. With apparel exporters flagging congestion at airports and ports, prioritising Indian cargo ensures quicker turnaround and delivery for our exporters. This shift clearly benefits Indian trade, and I appreciate the proactive steps taken by department. It’s encouraging to see national interest being placed at the forefront to support our supply chain efficiency.”

Reacting on the latest news of India stopping transshipment facility for Bangladesh export cargo, Afzal Malbarwala, Managing Director, Galaxy Freight said, “Because of the heavy movement of cargo from Bangladesh to Delhi and Bangalore, the airlines charge high rates, which affects the Indian exporters, who, with the rate in India, are finding it difficult to move their goods. This change will rationalise freight rates, reduce transportation costs for Indian exporters, and ease airport congestion. Indian forwarders will now get more space for their exports. This is a government order, and Indian forwarders are happy to support their customers.”

Debajyoti Bagchi, VP Business Development, TT Group said, “Discontinuation of Bangladesh transit traffic through Indian LCS, presents a multifaceted impact beyond the evident geopolitical considerations. From an economic and operational perspective, this embargo at the LPAI Petrapole is expected to disrupt established vehicle demand planning cycles, particularly for routes connecting Petrapole to DEL, CCU, and BLR. The support personnel at the LPAI warehouse may experience a loss of supplemental income due to reduced operational throughput. Similarly, Customs House Agents (CHAs) may face a significant decline in workload related to the processing of BoTs, potentially affecting their earnings and employment stability. Conversely, Indian exporters who have previously raised concerns regarding congested terminal warehouses may benefit from increased availability of space for consolidation of export cargo. Airport security personnel, particularly screeners operating under the BCAS guidelines for shipments from third-world countries, may also experience reduced pressure. Additionally, this embargo could provide a competitive edge to Indian exporters, especially in the apparel sector, by mitigating external competition and potentially enhancing India’s export performance in key categories.”

Xerrxes Master, MD, Master Groups said, “India’s decision to halt the transshipment facility for Bangladeshi exports via its land borders and Delhi Air Cargo Complex aims to alleviate congestion and protect domestic exporters’ competitiveness. The Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) highlighted that the influx of 20–30 Bangladeshi trucks daily into Delhi caused delays, increased air freight rates and strained logistics, especially amid the Red Sea crisis.  While this move may strain bilateral trade relations and affect Bangladesh’s export routes, it underscores India’s need to prioritize its economic interests and logistics efficiency.”