The Air Cargo Agents Association of India (ACAAI) recently hosted its western region meeting to discuss key developments in the air cargo industry. Hardeep Batra, Commissioner of Customs – Export Air Cargo Complex, Mumbai was invited as the Chief Guest.  The event was attended by the key industry stakeholders including, Rajen Bhatia, President, Western Region, ACAAI, Shailesh Sharma, Honorary Secretary and Farokh Hansotia, Honorary Treasurer.

With just a week to go, LogiTHON 2025 has already secured over 1,000 participants across 350+ teams from 200+ colleges, making it one of the largest AI-driven logistics hackathons in India. This 24-hour innovation challenge, organised by IIT Bombay, Softlink Global and AllMasters, is set to take place on March 8-9 and will push participants to develop cutting-edge solutions for real-world logistics and supply chain challenges. As logistics undergoes a tech-driven transformation, LogiTHON 2025 offers a unique platform for engineers, AI developers, and innovators to tackle real-world industry challenges. More than just a competition, it’s a career accelerator, providing young engineers with the opportunity to fast-track their careers in one of the largest industries in the world. “LogiTHON develop is a launchpad for the brightest young minds to develop groundbreaking solutions and receive mentorship from industry veterans. Softlink Global, with an aim to nurture individuals as well as source the best talent in the logistics industry, has and will continue providing employment opportunities to notable talent in LogiTHON,” noted Amit Maheshwari, Founder & CEO at Softlink Global. The top-performing teams will compete for a grand prize of ₹200,000 and an exclusive opportunity to fast-track their careers with Softlink Global. Finalists will gain direct access to Softlink Global’s interview round, with a coveted annual package of ₹800,000 awaiting the best candidates. Participants will work on mission-critical logistics challenges, including: Compliance Automation for Cross-Border Shipments – Designing AI-powered solutions to streamline regulatory processes and minimize shipment delays Multi-Modal Route Optimization – Developing intelligent cargo routing systems to enhance efficiency and reduce costs With AI, automation, and digital transformation at the core, participants will gain hands-on experience in solving industry-relevant problems, preparing them …

Transport Corporation of India (TCI) and quick commerce platform Zepto, has expanded its southern base by leasing around 1 lakh sq. ft. logistics park of TVS ILP in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. This is a repeat partnership between TVS ILP and TCI, as TCI had earlier leased around 75,000 sq. ft for Volvo Eicher, a leading automobile company at the same facility. After experiencing unmatched customised infrastructural solutions provided for Volvo Eicher by TVS ILP, TCI decided to partner with TVS ILP again for Zepto. TCI has enabled Zepto to achieve swift and efficient deliveries across the nation. TCI’s latest expansion with TVS ILP in Coimbatore highlights a strong partnership that will enable the rapid growth of quick commerce in Tier 2 and 3. Coimbatore has emerged as a major hub for logistics and e-commerce companies due to its proximity to key transport routes, growing consumer base, and industrial expansion. The newly leased facility in Coimbatore developed by TVS ILP is a built-to-suit, Grade-A industrial park designed to meet TCI and Zepto’s operational needs and enhance their supply chain efficiency with state-of-the-art infrastructure and sustainability-focused features. The TVS ILP industrial park is equipped with optimized navigable pathways for smooth logistics operations and ample parking for seamless goods movement, and the latest fire safety systems. Moreover, the facility has been customized based on the client’s specific requirements like additional docks, power enhancements, and apron work to optimize logistics efficiency. These upgrades were completed in a month to enable quick handover to TCI facilitating Zepto’s storage and distribution activities. The industrial park is situated 29 km from the city center, 30 km from both the airport and railway station, and just 18 km …

Amit Maheshwari, Founder & CEO, Softlink Global said, “Adopting advanced technologies in logistics often faces hurdles like substantial initial costs and resistance to change. However, the long-term gains—such as enhanced efficiency, streamlined operations and improved accuracy—far outweigh these challenges. Organisations can overcome cost barriers through phased implementations, focusing on critical areas first. Resistance to change can be mitigated with clear communication, robust training programs and emphasising the tangible benefits for employees and customers alike. By addressing these issues, the industry can embrace innovation, boosting overall competitiveness.”

Sunil Kohli, MD, Rahat Cargo said, “To achieve optimal efficiencies and productive outcomes on the desired levels, it’s imperative that the logistics industry must opt for latest technical and digital tools available such as Paperless processing, Internet of Things(IoT), Artificial Intelligence(AI), Machine Learning(ML), Drones and Robotics technologies etc which would require the industry to invest heavily on training and development programme to their skilled workforce. To further ensure highly productive results out of such technologies, it’s essential that the logistics industry should be equipped with adequate infrastructure which covers smooth roads & state-of-the-art airports to overcome the critical challenges namely capacity shortages, delays in transportation and congestion etc. Since the industry expresses its reluctance towards change due to fiscal implications, the government therefore is expected to step in to provide all possible monetary subsidies apart from infrastructural support to the stakeholders.”

Vipin Vohra, Chairman, Continental Carriers said, “Adopting new technologies in logistics faces hurdles like high implementation costs and resistance to change. However, the long-term efficiency gains far outweigh the initial investment. Industry players must focus on phased implementation, workforce training, and fostering a digital-first mindset. Collaboration with tech providers and government incentives can further ease adoption, ensuring enhanced operational efficiency, cost savings, and seamless cargo movement in a competitive landscape.”

Apollo Hospitals and TECHEAGLE have joined hands to launch India’s first-ever 10-minute Diagnostic Drone Delivery (D3) service. The D3 service aims speed up the transportation of medical samples from collection centres to diagnostic labs. TECHEAGLE’s advanced drone solutions will now be able to transport the biopsy samples in 10 minutes. Vikram Singh Meena, Founder & CEO, TECHEAGLE, said, “Every minute counts in healthcare. While food and e-commerce deliveries happen in minutes, critical medical samples still take hours. That delay can be the difference between life and death. With TECHEAGLE’s AI-powered drones, Apollo Hospitals ensures that liquid biopsy samples—essential for early cancer detection—reach labs in just 10 minutes. The healthcare industry deserves the same speed and efficiency as consumer logistics, and we’re making that a reality

  Kale Logistics Solutions (Kale) has partnered with El Dorado International Airport in Bogota,  in South America, to maximise its cargo operations through the transition to a digital air cargo community system. El Dorado International Airport (BOG) in Bogota, Colombia, facilitates nearly 0.76 million metric tons of cargo movement in Latin America and is one of the 20 most connected airports in the world: offering non-stop international flights to the Americas, Caribbean, and the Middle East. “We are excited to pioneer this digital infrastructure at our airport, we believe the ACS will deliver the efficiency, sustainability, resiliency and visibility benefits to the cargo community, as we aim to build our systems with cutting-edge technology,” said Mr. Fabio Marques da Silva, Chief Operating Officer, at El Dorado International Airport. Kale has been working with the cargo community in Bogota to ensure that all stakeholders are prepared for the development and ready to benefit from the streamlined system. “We at Kale are thrilled to pioneer the development of South America’s first Airport Cargo Community System (ACS) at Bogota. Latin America presents a vast, untapped opportunity for comprehensive digital transformation in logistics. Starting this journey in Bogota, a city that bridges diverse worlds, is truly exhilarating,” said Amar More, President of Kale Info Solutions.”

The CII Institute of Logistics has launched the ‘Logistics for All’ initiative to bring together key stakeholders in the logistics sector, generate employment, and enhance India’s role in global supply chains, said reports. With the rapid growth of e-commerce, manufacturing, and Global Capability Centres (GCCs), India’s logistics sector is expected to create 1.5 to 1.7 crore jobs by 2030. The initiative will focus on bridging the skills gap and adopting new technologies to support this expansion.Currently, jobs in this sector are growing at a rate of 6% to 7% annually, according to the CII Institute of Logistics. “This initiative targets students and professionals from all fields, helping them upskill for future logistics jobs powered by technology,” a CII spokesperson stated.

Air India has signed up Menzies Aviation to provide cargo handling services at four locations. The deal will see Menzies provide cargo warehouse services at Kuwait International Airport (KWI), Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Sydney Airport (SYD) and Melbourne Airport (MEL). Teams at the four locations are likely to handle approximately 9,000 tonnes of cargo in the first 12 months of the new agreement, said reports. The tie-up is part of a wider deal that includes a mixture of passenger, ramp, de-icing and cleaning services at London Heathrow (LHR), Copenhagen Airport (CPH), Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), Kuwait International Airport (KWI) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Last year, the Gurugram-based airline handled 250,000 tonnes of cargo and in 2023 added 100 aircraft to an existing order for 470 new aircraft.