Amit Maheshwari, Founder and CEO, Softlink Global said, “Traditional cargo flows were often planned weeks in advance, but today, customers expect instant fulfilment. This shift is compelling airlines, freight forwarders and technology providers to invest in smarter networks, digital booking platforms and AI-driven route planning. Express cargo is no longer just about speed — it’s about reliability, predictability and visibility. Airlines are rethinking fleet utilisation, dedicating narrow-body freighters for regional express flows and adopting real-time tracking technologies. For the industry, this means higher yields compared to general cargo, but also higher expectations on service levels. In short, time-definite logistics is becoming the growth engine that will push air cargo into a more agile, tech-enabled future.”

Keku Bomi Gazder, CEO & MD, Aviapro Logistic Services said, “As e-commerce, healthcare logistics and high-value manufacturing sectors continue to expand, the need for speed and reliability in shipments has intensified. Consumers and businesses alike now expect faster delivery timelines, often within 24 to 72 hours, fuelling a surge in express air freight services. This demand is prompting cargo airlines and logistics providers to invest in dedicated freighter fleets, advanced tracking technologies and expanded hub-and-spoke networks to enhance service efficiency and visibility. Major integrators are expanding their global air networks, while traditional carriers are increasingly converting passenger aircraft for cargo use to meet short-term spikes. Additionally, digitalisation and automation in cargo handling are being accelerated to reduce turnaround times and ensure timely deliveries. Emerging markets, particularly in Asia-Pacific and Africa, are also contributing to growth, driven by cross-border e-commerce. Overall, time-definite delivery demand is shifting air cargo from a supplementary mode to a critical component of global supply chains. This evolution is positioning the industry for sustained growth, particularly in segments requiring speed, precision and reliability, such as pharmaceuticals, electronics and high-end retail.”

In a landmark step toward bridging academics with real-world expertise, Om Logistics Supply Chain has signed MoU with GLA University on 25 August 2025. The collaboration is set to open new doors of opportunity for students aspiring to build careers in logistics and supply chain management. As part of the agreement, above 300-hour intensive program has been launched exclusively for MBA students. The course blends theoretical knowledge with hands-on exposure, equipping students with the right skills and mindset to succeed in the logistics sector. With this, Om Logistics Supply Chain becomes the first logistics company to introduce such an in-depth program dedicated to building the next generation of leaders. Together, the company and university both will focus on preparing industry-ready professionals to meet the evolving demands of the logistics ecosystem.  

  In order to boost logistics and warehousing activity in Goa, the state cabinet has approved Goa’s Logistics and Warehousing Incentives Scheme, 2025. This is to ensure seamless industrial operations, cost-efficient transportation and faster delivery of goods across regions. According to the reports, the state cabinet stated that the duration of the scheme is three years. It proposes to provide targeted fiscal incentives to eligible logistics and warehousing entities, entitling them to receive Rs 5,000 as a skill development subsidy per Goan worker, up to 1,000 workers per year.

Silk Way West Airlines has been awarded the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System (EMS) certification by the Quality Consulting Services (QCS), marking a key milestone in the airline’s journey toward greater environmental responsibility. The internationally recognised certification confirms the airline’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact through improved resource efficiency, pollution control, and climate-conscious operations. “This achievement enhances our business reputation and reflects our commitment to building strong, trust-based relationships with our customers, partners, and regulators,” said Wolfgang Meier, President of Silk Way West Airlines. The implementation of ISO 14001 strengthens Silk Way West Airlines’ ability to meet regulatory standards, drive operational efficiency, and embed a culture of sustainability across the organisation. Building on this success, the airline plans to deepen its environmental strategy by launching internal sustainability programs, providing staff training, and pursuing further certifications such as ISO 50001 for energy management, as well as participating in global reporting frameworks such as the GRI.

Allcargo Supply Chain, part of Allcargo Logistics has announced the launch of its logistics park in Panapakkam, near Chennai. Spread across 2.75 lakh sq ft of Grade A warehousing space, the facility marks a significant expansion of the company’s southern network and reinforces its strategy of infrastructure-driven growth. Strategically located at the intersection of NH 76 and SH 50, the Panapakkam Logistics Park offers smooth access to Red Hills, Chennai Port, Sri City, Sriperumbudur and Oragadam, positioning it as a vital multi-modal hub for pan-India distribution. The facility also marks a significant step in diversifying Allcargo Supply Chain’s business in the southern zone, with sector focus anchored by around 50% automobile, supported by e-commerce and consumer durables.

Amid ongoing political crisis in Nepal, Shyama Prasad Mookerjee (SMP) Port, Kolkata, has assured full support for trade to ensure smooth cargo movement to Nepal. He said, “Nepal relies heavily on Kolkata port facilities for its third-country trade, with the majority of cargo transported by rail. We are closely monitoring the situation. So far, there has been no request for special support, but we are always accommodative for any assistance or relaxation for trade if needed due to the unrest,” said Samrat Rahi, Deputy Chairman, SMP Port in reports.   Container freight stations with warehousing facilities near the India-Nepal border are expected to ensure continuity in operations, minimising any delays in unloading or discharge of Nepal-bound cargo, he added.

According to new data from Knight Frank India, India’s logistics landscape is undergoing a structural transformation with the country’s warehousing market recording a 42 per cent year-on-year (YoY) surge in leasing activity to 32.1 million sq ft in the first half of 2025. While this growth is a headline for property analysts, its real significance lies in how it strengthens the backbone of India’s supply chains — and by extension, its capacity to accelerate time-critical freight flows through the air cargo sector. The latest figures point to more than a cyclical rebound. They suggest that India’s industrial and logistics hubs are entering a phase of coordinated expansion, driven by manufacturing growth, technology-enabled Grade A facilities and the clustering of high-value industries around key airport gateways. Together, these trends are reshaping how air cargo operators can design, optimise and scale their networks. India’s logistics sector saw a 42 per cent YoY rise in H1 2025, driven by manufacturing clusters in Mumbai, Pune and Chennai, boosting high-value, time-sensitive shipments for pharmaceuticals, electronics and automotive exports. 63 per cent of new warehouse space meets Grade A standards, offering faster cargo build-up, automation readiness, compliance with international protocols and energy-efficient designs aligned with global ESG targets. Expanding third-party logistics and e-commerce operations leverage airport-adjacent warehouses, reducing first-mile transit, improving export cut-offs, and enabling co-location of bonded and cold-chain facilities for streamlined airfreight operations, the report added.  

Abhishek Goyal, CEO& ED, Aeroprime Group said, “Emerging markets present tremendous opportunities but also come with unique regulatory and operational complexities. In India, taxation, licensing and evolving aviation and air cargo policies can be challenging. Southeast Asia’s diversity means that each market comes with its own regulatory framework, requiring highly tailored approaches. Africa, while full of promise with its expanding trade lanes, continues to face challenges such as infrastructure bottlenecks, limited digital penetration and currency convertibility issues. For GSSAs, the key is to remain compliant, build strong local networks and adapt flexibly to these conditions while still delivering globally consistent service quality for their airline partners. It is equally important to build a strong pipeline that ensures smooth cargo flow, maintain market presence and visibility and establish stable operations backed by exceptional customer service.”

The Association of Multimodal Transport Operators of India (AMTOI) held its’ managing committee meeting at Kolkata hosted by Eastern Region Chapter (ERC) followed by its annual seminar on logistics. Suresh Kumar Rekhawat, Vice President & International Logistics Head at PCBL Chemicals Ltd graced the occasion as the chief Guest. He spoke at length about Amrit Kal vision and how India is on its way to become third largest economy even with USA tariffs. He appreciated the yeoman service that the freight forwarders are doing and informed the house that they must be treated as partners in growth. Subhojit Roy, Advocate and Partner Victor Moses & Co, was invited as the Guest of Honour. He said, “Laws must be well-understood and should never be assumed or taken for granted. He gave an insiders’ view on the application of various laws. Arun Kumar, President, AMTOI said, “AMTOI remains in touch with the policy makers and on matters relating to multi-modalism, it forwards its suggestion to them in timely manner. AMTOI actively assists in MTO registration and renewal and has a grievance redressal cell.” He further informed that the house as AMTOI has a say in drafting maritime related laws and they have been writing to GST council and have taken up matter relating to Sea Cargo Manifest and Transhipment Regulations (SCMTR).” Brij Lakhotia, Convenor ERC said, “Eastern Region holds a place of great strategic importance in our nation’s logistics and supply chain landscape. With its unique geographical position, rich natural resources, vibrant trade routes and access to both domestic hinterlands and international markets through ports like Kolkata, Haldia, Paradip and Vizag the East is emerging as a logistics hub of the future.” …