According to the latest figures from the Baltic Exchange Airfreight Index (BAI) calculated by TAC Index, airfreight rates on the transpacific market were largely flat in September but are expected to pick up as the peak season approaches and as US port strikes are now underway. The report shows rates from Hong Kong to North America in September edged up by $0.02 compared with August to $5.98 per kg. Meanwhile, from Hong Kong to Europe prices in September were up $0.23 cents compared with August to $4.66 per kg. The flat rates come as prices around August and September tend to be fairly steady as the industry prepares for the busier fourth-quarter peak season. This year there have also been reports of a slower than expected air cargo market during the month. Data provider WorldACD also noted a cooling of the air cargo market in September as figures were affected by the one-day mid-Autumn festival in many east Asian countries.

According to Tamilnadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO), the nodal agency for developing the two greenfield airports in Hosur and Parandur, located in the industrial hubs of Krishnagiri and Kancheepuram districts respectively will soon have cargo villages.  TIDCO is planning for the facility to meet the requirements of industries in both the regions. Sandeep Nanduri, MD, TIDCO, said the facility at Parandur would have a capacity to handle one million metric tonnes of cargo. It will have a full-fledged cargo facility, and a cargo village is also being planned, he added. Noting that a proper cargo infrastructure was lacking in the existing airport in Chennai for various legacy issues, he said the cargo village would have a direct connectivity to the upcoming Multi-Modal Logistics Park (MMLP) at Mappedu in the neighbouring Tiruvallur district, said reports.

Menzies Aviation will open a new facility as part of the Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI) Cargo Precinct in late 2026. The handler has taken a 20-year lease on a 22,500 sq m facility with an Elevating Transfer Vehicle (ETV) system capable of handling over 150 maindeck ULD’s. The facility also has direct airside access, multiple freighter bays adjacent to it, and autonomous vehicles and robotic solutions. “With WSI set to offer 24/7 aircraft and landside operations, the airport will provide more flexibility and substantially increased peak-time capabilities for critical supply chains,” Menzies said in a press release. “In fact, from day one, WSI’s Cargo Precinct will boost Sydney’s air cargo capacity by around 33%.” The company said the facility would allow it to specialise in handling pharmaceutical and cool chain products, e-commerce and heavy cargo. Beau Paine, global head of cargo, Menzies Aviation, said, “We’re looking forward to 2026, when this state-of-the-art cargo facility will open as part of the new Western Sydney International Airport. This operation will enable us to deliver first-class, interconnected cargo services at both of Sydney’s international airports, expanding our service offering to our airline and freighter customers. We’re excited to increase our footprint in Australia and support the country’s thriving air cargo sector.”

Jindal Stainless has announced a strategic collaboration with CJ Darcl Logistics to develop lightweight and sustainable stainless-steel containers designed for transporting a variety of goods, including polymers, batteries and rubber. The company supplied 2.2 metric tonnes of JT stainless steel for each container, replacing the traditional carbon steel used in the sidewalls, end walls and roof. In addition, the underframes of containers are also made up of customised stainless steel tubes, said reports. These transitions have resulted in a weight reduction of approximately 500 kilograms per container, leading to increased cargo capacity, improved fuel efficiency, and reduced operational costs. Additionally, the containers benefit from enhanced safety and prolonged life owing to the superior impact and fire resistance of JT grade stainless steel.

Challenge Group has announced the expansion of its operations in India with the introduction of two weekly cargo flights to Delhi, starting October 3, 2024. This brings the Group’s total to five weekly flights into India, including three into Mumbai. The new service will operate on Wednesdays and Sundays using Challenge Group’s growing fleet of Boeing 767F aircraft, with a capacity of approximately 52 tons each. “Delhi is a vital hub for global trade, and our new routes reflect our commitment to supporting India’s growth as a key player in the world economy,” said Or Zak, Chief Commercial Officer at Challenge Group. “These flights will boost connectivity for essential industries and provide much-needed capacity for temperature controlled, time-sensitive, hi-tech shipments, along with other complex verticals.”

The Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations in India (FFFAI) organised its 61st Annual General Meet (AGM) in New Delhi. Dushyant Mulani, Chairman, executive members, govt officials and industry stakeholders, focused on various issues prevailing in this industry such as innovation, technological enhancements, demand coming from Grade A Warehouses especially for electronics, automobiles, the need for air cargo hubs, 3PLs, operational excellence, multimodal connectivity, collaboration etc. Piyush Srivastava, Senior Economic Advisor, MoCA also graced the occasion and highlighted that infrastructure at metro and regional airports need improvement. Cargo industry stakeholders must collaborate in order to succeed.

CK Govil, President, ACAAI talks about the theme of the upcoming convention, ‘Wings of Innovation: Charting New Paths in Logistics’ and shares that the theme emphasises the dynamic and transformative role innovation plays in the logistics industry. The logistics sector is undergoing a digital revolution, driven by technologies like AI, IoT, blockchain, and big data These innovations help optimize supply chains, improve transparency, and boost efficiency. For example: – AI and predictive analytics enable companies to forecast demand, streamline routing, and reduce delivery times. – IoT-enabled sensors provide real-time tracking of cargo, improving visibility across the supply chain. – Blockchain technology ensures secure and transparent transactions, particularly in verifying shipment records, reducing fraud, and building trust between stakeholders. Environmental sustainability is becoming a major focus in logistics, and innovation is at the heart of this transformation. Companies are now investing in: – Alternative fuels like electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles for transportation to reduce carbon emissions. – Efficient route optimization software that minimizes fuel consumption and reduces unnecessary transport miles. – Circular logistics that focuses on waste reduction and recycling within the supply chain. The integration of autonomous vehicles and drones is poised to revolutionize last-mile delivery: – Drones are already being tested for quick, short-distance deliveries in congested urban areas and remote locations. This not only saves time but also reduces traffic and emissions. – Self-driving trucks could reduce labor costs, improve safety, and ensure round-the-clock transportation without the limitations of human drivers. The pandemic underscored the need for resilient supply chains. Innovation in logistics can help companies be better prepared for future disruptions: – Cloud-based logistics platforms facilitate real-time coordination among multiple stakeholders. – AI-driven contingency planning allows businesses …

DB Schenker is collaborating with Microsoft Cloud Logistics for the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and Sustainable Marine Fuel (SMF), highlighting their collective ambition to comprehensively reduce the environmental footprint of their transportation practices. This pivotal effort also includes building best-in-class logistics warehouses and implementing alternative energy trucks. It signifies an important step towards reducing the carbon emissions associated with their logistics operations (Scope 3) compared to transportation associated with conventional fossil-based fuels and thus supports their overarching environmental sustainability goals. Jochen Thewes, CEO of DB Schenker says, “Microsoft and DB Schenker, that’s two global leaders united to reduce emissions in transportation and logistics. Our cooperation is expected to demonstrate that significant CO2e-savings are feasible already in today’s intercontinental supply chains. The upgrade of the Netherlands warehouse to BREEAM Excellent status and the Illinois, United States SuperHub receiving the LEED Platinum Certification are prime examples of our dedication to paving the way for more sustainable and innovative logistics solutions.”

Brihanmumbai Custom Brokers Association (BCBA) convened its 39th Annual General Meeting (AGM) & Annual Function in Mumbai and elected Sanjeev Harale who has successfully served the Association for more than 20 years.  The keynote address was given by the Chief Guest, Principal Chief Commissioner of Customs, Mumbai Zone II, Jawaharlal Nehru Custom House, and Rajesh Pandey (IRS). The AGM witnessed the taking over of the charge of the Association Office by the new Office Bearers who stood unopposed by election nomination process and the newly elected Managing Committee for the term 2024 – 2026 under the leadership of the incoming President, Sanjeev Harale with his vast experience and noteworthy skills in the field. Senior Vice President / President Elect, Paresh Thakkar, Vice Presidents Vinayak Aparaj, Hiren Ruparel & Ganpat Korde, Hon. Secretary, Nirav Thakker and Hon. Treasurer, Ketan Desai took charge as the new Officer Bearers of the Brihanmumbai Custom Brokers Association.

Keku Bomi Gazder, Managing Director & CEO, Aviapro Logistic says, “10 MMT by 2030 is an aspirational target set by the government of India and I would say that we are well on the way of moving towards it. Whether we do it in 2030, 2031, before that or after that, what matters is, how do we want to get there? Do we want it only with local cargo, transshipment cargo, or with both? I think the answer lies in the third one, which is to have a mix of everything. If India is going to become a Viksit Bharat by 2047, if we want to achieve the position of Atmanirbhar Bharat, we need to consider what we can do to grow our businesses here. I am confident we will achieve the target.”