Satyaki Raghunath, COO, Bangalore International Airport (BIAL) says, “In 2025 we will be launching major infrastructure projects, including a dedicated domestic cargo terminal and a comprehensive logistics park. These initiatives will increase capacity, streamline operations, and support quicker cargo movements at BLR Airport. Our Airport Cargo Community System, CargobyBLR, will continue to drive digital integration, enhancing supply chain visibility and reducing cargo processing times by 20%. These projects aim to bolster airport’s role in regional and national logistics, creating a more resilient and connected cargo ecosystem. With sustainability and technology as core drivers, we’re committed to welcoming 2025 with enhanced infrastructure, connectivity, efficiency, and a greener approach to air cargo in the region.”  

PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industries (PHDCCI), along with Radeecal communications & IFW Heidelberg Expo GmbH & GATE, Germany is all set to organise the 3rd Edition of International Expo & Summit – IndiAirport Expo 2024 from November 26-28, 2024 in New Delhi. Based on the success of the previous 2 editions, IndiAirport Expo 2024 –an International Exhibition & Conclave is focusing on airports and all its ancillary products & services, MRO industry & aviation technology, infrastructure, advancement, facilities, services & ground handling equipment and other relevant industries.  

The Air Cargo Agents Association of India’s (ACAAI) forthcoming 48th Annual Convention, set to be held in Baku, Azerbaijan from December 5-8, 2024, will cover several insightful topics such as development of airport infrastructure, tech and innovation, sustainable cargo operations, impact of geopolitical tensions on global supply chains and cyber security. The event will witness participation of global air cargo experts and logistics industry players.

  Federal Express Corporation has introduced a strategic expansion that enhances South India’s access to critical imports from the Asia-Pacific region and boosts exports to Europe and the USA. This new flight service optimizes logistics and supply chains, strengthening South India’s role in global trade, reinforcing FedEx’s commitment to meeting customer demand, and unlocking India’s potential within the global supply chain. “India is one of the most exciting economic growth stories in the world today, and as such represents a critical growth market for FedEx.” said Richard W. Smith, Chief Operating Officer, International, and Chief Executive Officer, Airline, FedEx, “I’m excited about the opportunities here in this dynamic and fast-changing region, and am proud to strengthen our commitment to India by connecting local businesses to the world.”

  Kuehne+Nagel (K+N) has introduced a new forwarding service targeting the transport of goods related to cloud computing as demand from the industry continues to rise. The new service will utilise the forwarder’s air logistics network and provide white glove road transport solutions, with staff trained to deliver sensitive and oversized servers to data centres. The solution offers real-time visibility of essential shipment information, digital tools reduce risks and identify optimal shipping routes suited to operational needs and GPS capabilities to track and monitor shipment movements with data reports to verify temperature, light exposure, and chain of custody at all touchpoints.

Emirates SkyCargo has joined the Move to -15°C coalition that aims to reduce supply chain emissions by cutting the temperature perishables are transported. Frozen foods are usually transported at -18 degrees Celsius but the coalition believes that a three-degree change in temperature could make a ‘significant environmental impact with no compromise on food quality and safety, said release. The coalition is exploring the real-world implementation of this research through data sharing, suggested operational revisions, collaborating with members and stakeholders, as well as engaging with policymakers and regulators to educate and advocate. Perishables represent Emirates SkyCargo’s largest business unit by tonnage, with 900 to 1,000 tonnes of fresh food travelling around the world on Emirates’ flights every day.

Qatar Airways Cargo announced the launch of a new strategic partnership with MASkargo to enhance global cargo connectivity and operational efficiency. The collaboration, which officially began on 1 October 2024, has already seen the successful movement of approximately 2,400 tonnes of cargo, including over 600 tonnes of perishables and 130 tonnes of pharmaceuticals. Qatar Airways Cargo Boeing 777 flights now fly from Doha to Kuala Lumpur twice a week, increasing weekly cargo capacity by over 200 tonnes. The strategic partnership will further solidify connectivity and efficiency to Sydney and Melbourne with MASkargo Airbus A330 freighters carrying more than 75 tonnes of weekly cargo capacity to these cities, with a swift connection time of just 8 hours in Kuala Lumpur. The strategic hubs at Hamad International Airport (DOH) and Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) will play a pivotal role, providing seamless connections and state-of-the-art handling facilities. The agreement benefits both parties, allowing MASkargo to access key points in Europe, GCC, Levant and Africa, while Qatar Airways Cargo gains increased capacity access to Australia, New Zealand, South East Asia and North East Asia. It also supports the local market in Kuala Lumpur by enabling the export of products to more global markets.

Sushant Nigam, Executive Director, ACAAI says, “EXIM cargo clearance processes of customs, custom brokers, airlines and custodians are already integrated to a great extent but scaling up the ladder of improvement is a continuous process. The ground level intricacies are to be kept under the professional lens to keep identifying the bottlenecks and keep giving the solution agreeable to all the stakeholders to achieve the preset milestones of EoDB.”

The global air cargo fleet is forecast to rise to 3,900 freighters by 2043, an approximate 66% increase from 2,340 cargo aircraft in 2023. This addition of 2,845 freighters over the next 20 years includes 1,005 production freighters and 1,840 passenger to freighter (P2F) conversion aircraft, according to Boeing’s 2024 World Air Cargo Forecast (WACF). Deliveries will include 1,250 standard-body, 785 medium widebody and 810 large widebody freighters. “Freighter deliveries will total 2,845, with roughly two-thirds being converted passenger airplanes. Of those conversions, nearly 70% will be standard body freighters,” said Boeing. The aircraft manufacturer said that nearly half of production and conversion deliveries will replace older freighters, noting that many older aircraft remain in operation due to recent market needs. Boeing also predicts that the large widebody freighter fleet will nearly double, driven by demand in high-growth Asian markets.

Jeena & Company marked the first step towards a fully sustainable logistics future through a ground breaking initiative aimed at accurately tracking and significantly reducing carbon emissions across its operations. In partnership with Sangti Solutions, an industry-leading sustainability partner, the company aims to empower customers and partners in making meaningful progress on their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals. Jeena is committing to implement comprehensive carbon tracking for all shipments handled for its customers. This new approach towards logistics will provide full visibility of CO2 emissions at the shipment level, allowing customers to monitor their emissions in real-time through the Jeena Customer Portal (JCP). This portal will feature a customer tracker, enabling customers to access detailed emissions data specific to their shipments and take informed steps towards sustainability. “At Jeena, we recognise the critical role sustainability plays in shaping the future of the logistics industry and our community in general,” said Ayesha Katgara, Jeena & Company. “We aim to be a significant contributor to our customers’ sustainability journeys by providing all the necessary tools and data they need to understand and reduce their carbon emissions. Taking this responsibility seriously is vital for creating a lasting legacy and ensuring that we are prepared for the future. This initiative is a crucial part of our mission to drive positive change in the industry and bring about a larger impact to the environment, making our organisation ready for future generations. Always prioritising our customers’ trust, we have partnered with Sangti to ensure the accuracy and credibility of the results we deliver.”