The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for September 2023 global air cargo markets, showing continuing demand recovery. Global demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTKs*), increased by 1.9% compared to September 2022 levels (+6% for international operations). Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTKs), was up 12.1% compared to September 2022 (+0% for international operations). Growth was largely related to international belly capacity which rose 31.5% year-on-year as airlines scaled up operations to meet peak-northern summer travel season demand.

Mahindra Logistics Limited launched services on ONDC Network and commences its operations. Mahindra Logistics will provide same-day & next-day intra-city pick-up and delivery services to all sellers on ONDC. The company will extend this to a full range of services including inter-city express parcel, full truck load and mobility services. Sellers on the ONDC network will have access to Mahindra Logistics’ entire range of services enabling intra-city and inter-city delivery in up to 19,000 pin codes. Efficient logistics is a key enabler for members on the ONDC network. Mahindra Logistics’ services provide a full stack of technology, providing D2C brands and sellers with rapid integration and fulfilment services. As part of this initiative, Mahindra Logistics is also committed to collaborating with other members of the ONDC Network in providing solutions to empower local businesses. Commenting on this integration, Mr. Rampraveen Swaminathan, MD & Chief Executive Officer, Mahindra Logistics Ltd., said, “ONDC is a path breaking attempt program to empower and democratize local commerce. Efficient logistics is a key enabler to harnessing the full potential of ONDC and we are pleased to join the network. We share ONDC’s vision of accelerating commerce and are pleased to partner with them on a range of services. We provide customers a range of hyper-local and inter-city transport and mobility solutions and technology integration with their end customers. Our aim to accelerate commerce by delivering innovative logistics solutions on the platform will ultimately benefit both, businesses and consumers.”

Turkish Airlines has plans to expand its freighter fleet over the coming five to 10 year period. At the ongoing Tiaca Executive Summit hosted by Brussels Airport, Turkish Airlines chief cargo officer Turhan Özen said the carrier had ambitious plans for its passenger fleet and in line with this is also planning to expand its freighter fleet. The carrier is hoping to expand its current overall fleet from around 429 currently to more than 800 in 10 years’ time. On freighters, Özen said that over the next “five years plus” the freighter fleet would expand from its current 24 aircraft to 40 aircraft. Turkish Airlines has been working on an order for 400 narrowbodies and 200 widebodies in order to meet these ambitions. The airline had initially hoped to finalise that deal this summer, but completion has been complicated by challenges securing delivery slots at Airbus and Boeing and current engine supply issues, reports FlightGlobal.

JLL India, leading industrial and warehousing research firm has partnered with Pantaloons, a flagship brand of Aditya Birla to set up a new warehousing unit in Bengaluru’s Narasapura Logistics Park, developed by IndoSpace. This facility, spread over 100,000 sq ft, is located just 54 km from the city centre and offers world-class amenities and several sustainable solutions. With its convenient location and state-of-the-art infrastructure, it is ideal for expanding business operations and thriving in the region.

TVS Industrial and Logistics Parks (TVS ILP) announced a strategic partnership with Lingotto, an investment management company. This partnership has been set in motion through a secondary stake sale by existing investor, British International Investor, the UK’s development finance institution (DFI). This secondary transaction has taken place at an Enterprise Value of ₹2,800 crores, emphasizing the potential and size of TVS ILP. Lingotto shall onboard with a 21% shareholding in TVS ILP. TVS ILP has been the first corporate developer leading the path in Grade A warehousing since its inception in 2005 with facilities Pan-India. Recognized for its unwavering commitment to excellence, TVS ILP is renowned for delivering best in-class warehousing and logistics solutions across India. The company’s ultimate aim is to be the trusted leader in integrated logistics parks, offering comprehensive services tailored to clients’ diverse needs. TVS ILP stands out for its exceptional project execution, ensuring prompt delivery and fostering enduring partnership with customers. The company has a diverse clientele encompassing industry leaders in sectors such as FMCG, FMCD, CDE, 3PL’s, Ecommerce and many more.

GMR Hyderabad Air Cargo (GHAC), announced the launch of an import courier terminal to facilitate faster processing and import clearance of courier import cargo. Spread across 300 sqm, the 24×7 import handling facility is located at GHAC terminal premises. The facility is well equipped with world-class security screening and state- of-the- art cargo handling systems. It has dedicated officials and custom officers to ensure a seamless process, custom clearance, and quicker turnaround of courier import consignments. Speaking on this achievement Mr Pradeep Panicker, CEO, GHIAL said, “We drive our business with an unwavering commitment to growth and excellence. This new facility is a testament to our belief in providing world-class logistic solutions to our customers. It will not only accelerate and improve our services but will drive our cargo business forward with a competitive edge in the industry and enhance air cargo services globally.” GMR Hyderabad Air Cargo (GHAC) currently handles over 120 MT per month of export courier. With the addition of the new facility, it is expected to handle a larger volume of cargo, reaching 150 MT per month of import courier. This will help the shipment of key commodities such as documents, readymade garments, samples, household goods, and engineering goods that can be imported in large volumes across the region.

CABT Logistics has hired 20,000 new riders to their dedicated workforce to ensure seamless logistics for India’s bustling e-commerce landscape during festivities. According to Redseer Strategy Consultants, the 2023 festive season sale has gotten off to a strong start, with a year-on-year (YoY) growth of approximately 16%. India’s online sales during festive months in 2023 are estimated to be worth about ₹90,000 crore, 18-20% higher than last year, according to Redseer Strategy Consultants. These sales will be driven by about 140 million shoppers who are expected to be transacting online at least once during this festive month. To meet the surging demands of the festive season, CABT Logistics is employing a multifaceted strategy. As part of these efforts, the company is actively hiring gig workers and expanding its operational capacities while introducing an innovative delivery partner program. Through this program, they aim to bring onboard more than 20,000 gig workers, enhancing the company’s delivery capabilities.

Green mobility solutions provider GreenLine is planning a big-ticket expansion of its two-year-old logistics services operations, investing about ₹850 crore to add 1,000 liquefied natural gas (LNG) trucks to its fleet in this financial year. It will further invest over ₹4,000 crore in FY25 to raise LNG truck deployment by any another 5,000 units, while also exploring options for deploying electric trucks on short-haul operations. The company, part of the Essar Group, aims to decarbonize heavy trucking in India and is receiving widespread interest for its LNG-powered freight transportation from industrial players and corporates who themselves are moving ahead on their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) vision and looking at scaling up greener initiatives.

Safari Express Cargo has partnered with Cargo Flash Infotech to enhance its cargo management capabilities. Through this strategic collaboration, Safari Express Cargo Ltd. aims to avail the comprehensive Octogen’s package, a cutting-edge cargo management system designed to optimize operations and provide a seamless experience for its customers. As per the recent agreement, Cargo Flash will deliver the Octogen’s CMS broadly classified into the Reservation, Operation and alongside some significant add-ons. The Package includes Customer Management, Cargo booking & operation, Rating Management, Schedule Management, Capacity Management, Stock Management, EDI and Tracking. The recently introduced “Octogen” is a modular-based Cargo Management System catering to the entire Air Cargo domain, globally, especially the Airlines. Octogen allows the customer to choose from the list of modules that are required as per their business needs and pay only for the processes, which they pick for implementation. Through Octogen, Cargo Flash will allow Safari Express Cargo Ltd. to scale up its cargo sales & operation whilst enlarging its network furthermore. We are excited about our collaboration with Cargo Flash Infotech,” says Moses Nzomo, Account Manager Safari Express Cargo Ltd. By adopting the Octogen’s advanced tools and modules, we are committed to elevating our cargo management services to new heights. This partnership aligns with our vision of staying at the forefront of innovation and providing our customers with a seamless cargo experience.”

aircraft charter broker Air Charter Service (ACS) announced that it had made good progress on its plans to expand in Australia, having increased its team size by half this year. Moreover, ACS said, the company’s Sydney office is preparing for further growth by moving into a much larger space. Paul Crook, chief executive in ACS’s Sydney office, reported: “Last year was our best year in terms of charter numbers and our revenue was almost double that of the previous year. “This year has proved just as strong, being on course for similar results to last,” he continued. “Off the back of 2022 we have hugely expanded the team this year, to keep up with the demand in the region. This has, however, meant that we outgrew our old office. “This new office gives us the room to fulfil our growth plans for the foreseeable future and is ideally situated in King Street, in the central business district of Sydney.” Crook describes this as “an exciting time for ACS Australia, as we look to further our success and grow our teams here in Sydney and in our other office in Brisbane”.