Sharing the key expectations from 2024, Indian logistics trade experts, who gathered at the Association of Multimodal Transport Operators of India’s (AMTOI) 25th silver jubilee celebrations said, “Efficient and seamless multimodal operations is the future. Industry must invest in multimodal logistics. The industry requires coordinated approach, seamless operations and there’s need to upskill and invest more in training workforce in logistics, ensuring cargo safety, welcoming more youngsters and collaborating with each other, adopting technology and being aware of regulations and policies to enhance efficiency, and seamless logistics operations.” The event also focused on multimodal logistics and future growth prospects.

In a push to the state’s industrial ecosystem, the Uttar Pradesh government is looking to launch logistics, warehousing, and industrial parks projects worth Rs 40,000 crore in the coming weeks. While logistics and warehousing projects entail investments of Rs 25,000 crore, private industrial park projects are estimated at Rs 15,000 crore. These projects are expected to fuel the prospects of UP’s ambitious mission to become India’s first trillion-dollar economy. The infra projects are part of the bouquet of over Rs 1 trillion worth of different categories of projects to be launched by UP State Industrial Development Authority (UPSIDA) at the upcoming groundbreaking ceremony in Lucknow.

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) held a meeting with the World Bank Team to focus on big data initiatives poised to drive improvements in the country’s logistics efficiency and consequently bolster its standing in the esteemed World Bank Logistics Performance Index (LPI). chaired by Special Secretary (Logistics) Sumita Dawra, the gathering showcased a spectrum of ongoing initiatives and forthcoming reforms designed to elevate India’s logistics efficiency. DPIIT seized the opportunity to spotlight best practices and transformative initiatives deployed by key ministries and departments contributing to the ongoing enhancement of India’s logistics efficiency. Implementation of the Land Port Management System (LPMS) to digitise operations at Integrated Check Posts (ICPs), read the press release. Introducing smart gates for automated entry and exit at Land Port Petrapole will lead to a substantial reduction in export release time. Unveiling plans for 100 per cent electrification of railway tracks, a marked acceleration in track construction speed, and increased capacity for locomotives and wagons. A robust capital expenditure (CAPEX) of USD 31.2 billion in 2024 is slated for the improvement of freight transport speed and volume. Launch of NLP Marine, a National maritime single-window platform offering end-to-end logistics solutions for seamless document exchange among exporters, importers, and service providers, read the press release. Integration of Indian Customs Electronic Data Interchange Gateway (ICEGATE) (Customs Automated Portal) for various APIs and digitization efforts in application filing, processing, and digitally signed delivery of Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) certification. Blueprint for 35 multi-modal logistics parks (MMLPs), 108 port connectivity projects, and 608 way-side amenities sites. Introduction of FASTag for electronic toll collection. Implementation of the e-Air Waybill (e-AWB) and e-Cargo Security Declaration as digital measures. …

Cathay Cargo has placed an initial firm order for six next-generation Airbus A350F freighters, and has secured the right to acquire 20 more aircraft. “This order for state-of-the-art aircraft to be delivered commencing from 2027 will help further strengthen Hong Kong’s status as the world’s number one air cargo hub, providing even greater cargo connectivity between Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland and the rest of the world,” says an official release. “As we move into 2024, our rebuild journey is gaining momentum,” says Ronald Lam, Chief Executive Officer, Cathay Group. “This order marks another major component in our investment for the future. It reflects Cathay’s confidence in the Hong Kong hub as we look ahead to the opportunities provided by the three-runway system. “These highly fuel-efficient, next-generation freighters will provide important additional cargo capacity, expand our global network and contribute to our sustainability leadership goals.” The freighters will link Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland with long-haul destinations in North and South America as well as Europe. The purchase agreement brings the Cathay Group’s new aircraft deliveries to 77, the release added. “There’s a new standard in the cargo space and we are gratified that such a savvy global air-cargo operator as Cathay has joined the growing number of reference players in the air-freight industry selecting the A350F,” says Christian Scherer, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International, Airbus. Cathay Cargo has a freighter fleet of 20 Boeing 747 freighters including 14 B747-8Fs and six B747-400ERFs. In addition to freighter capacity, Cathay Cargo provides belly capacity through the Cathay Group’s extensive passenger network, providing cargo services to around 80 destinations worldwide. Airbus, so far, has 39 firm orders for the …

Kochi-based logistics company Driver Logistics announced a Rs 525 crore investment plan over the next five years, 30 per cent of which (over Rs 150 crores) will be invested in Karnataka. The Karnataka project includes a 32,000 square feet multi-client warehouse and partial truckload facility (PTL) at Makali in Bengaluru along with seven smaller hubs spread across the state in the next 6 months. Karnataka, which contributes over 35 per cent of the company’s overall business (its largest market) will also see an additional 1 million sq feet of third-party logistics (3PL) – grade A warehouse – from the company, taking its overall presence to 1.5 million square feet in the next five years, company’s chief executive officer Aqil Ashique told DH. This will be a part of the 5 million sq ft expansion that the company is eyeing across the country in the next five years. Currently, it has over four lakh sq ft of grade A warehouse space in the state.

Panattoni, a global industrial real estate developer, has launched its inaugural project in India with its Grade A warehouse park in Delhi, NCR, with an investment of ₹110 crore in the first phase. Phase 1 of the project covers an expansive 717,000 square feet, with a potential built-up area of 360,000 square feet, said the company. This investment emphasises the company’s commitment to contributing significantly to the country’s industrial growth. Further, the construction is scheduled to commence in March 2024 and is expected to be completed by the end of the fourth quarter of FY25.

The Federation of Freight Forwarders’ Associations in India (FFFAI) celebrated its 62nd Foundation Day in a hybrid format to focus on CBIC’s recent initiatives to facilitate ease of doing business, including Faceless Assessment, Single Window Clearance, Direct Port Delivery, AEO Scheme, CBLMS Portal launch and the introduction of ECL on ICEGATE. They stressed upon the National Time Release Study (NTRS) in expediting cargo clearance. Highlighting NTRS 2023, based on a perceptional study, they unveiled insightful facts to benefit the government and industry stakeholders. They urged FFFAI’s partnership in the NTRS program and advised initiating awareness programs for NTRS participation. Also, emphasized active trade involvement in NTRS 2024, especially encouraging the participation of women and young logistics entrepreneurs.

Lufthansa Cargo has added a fourth A321 freighter to its short- and medium-haul network as part of its plan to expand capacity. The freighter, with the registration D-AEUJ, has been operating in Lufthansa Cargo’s network since November, and has already made its first flights to Istanbul, Helsinki, Stockholm, Birmingham, England, Dublin, Casablanca, Copenhagen and Madrid. The carrier added its third A321F in July. As part of its expansion strategy, Lufthansa Cargo continues to expand its A321F network. The new winter flight schedule, which came into effect on October 29, includes two new destinations: Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, Jordan (AMM) and Stockholm Arlanda Airport in Sweden (ARN). AMM is connected to the Lufthansa Cargo’s Frankfurt Airport cargo hub in Germany once a week by an A321 freighter. Frankfurt and ARN are connected three times a week. The new routing takes place on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. ARN is an important hub for the transportation of pharmaceutical and temperature-sensitive goods, said Lufthansa Cargo. “Especially the Friday flight offers customers the possibility of late deliveries at the end of the industry’s production week, connecting in Frankfurt to Lufthansa Cargo’s worldwide network the next morning, the carrier explained.

Air cargo traffic increased year on year for the third month in a row in October, but IATA has warned that optimism over the improvements should be balanced with caution. The latest figures from the airline association show that cargo tonne kms (CTK) increased by 3.8% year on year in October, while capacity was up 13.1% as bellyhold operations continued to return. As a result of capacity increasing faster than demand, the overall load factor was down four percentage points compared with last year to 45.2%. IATA said that while it was welcome news that demand was on the up, there was still much uncertainty. The association pointed out that demand was still below 2019 levels and that economic activity slowed in October, with the Purchasing Managers Index for manufacturing output remaining below the 50-point mark to indicate declining output. On the other hand, inflation in advanced economies continued to ease, global trade indicators stabilised and air cargo yields picked up in September and October after 17 months of decline. IATA director general Willie Walsh said: “Demand for air cargo was up 3.8% in October. That marks three consecutive months of year-on-year growth, placing air cargo on course to end 2023 on a much stronger footing than it began the year. “Recovering demand, slightly stronger yields and the uptick in trade are all good news. But with demand still 2.4% below pre-pandemic levels, and much uncertainty remaining over the trajectory of the global economy, optimism must be balanced with caution.

Alaska Airlines will acquire Honolulu-headquartered Hawaiian Airlines in a deal that in part aims to boost the cargo businesses of both airlines. Alaska Air Group and Hawaiian Holdings have entered into a definitive agreement for the acquisition. Both brands will remain separate. The deal is for $18.00 per share in cash and has a transaction value of approximately $1.9bn, said Alaska Airlines in a press release. The combined company aims to expand the choice of passenger and cargo service options and access throughout the Pacific region, continental US and globally. “The combination of complementary domestic, international, and cargo networks is positioned to enhance competition and expand choice for consumers on the West Coast and throughout the Hawaiian Islands,” said Alaska Airlines. The company further noted: “For Hawaii residents, the combination will expand service and convenience by tripling the number of destinations throughout North America that can be reached nonstop or one stop from the Islands, while maintaining robust Neighbor Island service and increasing air cargo capacity.”