Institutional investments in Indian real estate touched USD1.1 billion during Q1 2022, doubling from the same period last year. The opening up of the economy post the third wave of Covid -19 infections, and an improvement in investors’ sentiment has led to surging investments, compared to the prior quarter. The investment activity during the quarter was driven by some large-sized deals in the office sector and foreign investors, that accounted for about 70 percent of the inflows during the quarter.

Parekh Integrated Services announced its growth plan for the upcoming decade at its 40th anniversary. This includes expanding the company’s portfolio and reach, while also adopting technology and automation across the supply chain network to increase efficiency. Implementing environment friendly and sustainable solutions into warehousing and logistics is another focus point of the company. Vikram Parekh, Chairman at Parekh Integrated Services said, “We are delighted to have completed 40 years in an industry as dynamic and competitive as logistics industry. We are also grateful for the trust and support offered to us by our clients.”

J M Baxi Group has signed an agreement to acquire Allcargo Logistics’ Project Forwarding and Logistics Business. It has also provided a binding offer to Lift and Shift India Private Limited (Lift and Shift), to acquire its heavy and over-dimension cargo logistics business. Lift and Shift has accepted the binding offer, which is subjected to the execution of a definitive agreement for the business transfer between the parties. Both transactions are subject to completion, which is expected in the coming weeks. On completion, both businesses will merge into J M Baxi Heavy Pvt. Ltd.

FM Logistic has expanded its warehousing footprint to service large fulfilment requirements in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region by taking the handover of its 3.7 lakhs sq. ft. facility at Welspun One Logistics Parks’ (WOLP) flagship park in Bhiwandi. The project was delivered as per agreed timelines despite pandemic related lockdowns and disruptions. With this handover, FM Logistic will have access to a Grade A warehousing facility built according to global standards. The project is MIDC-approved and is 100 per cent compliant with statutory building, safety, and fire norms.

Frankfurt Cargo Services (FCS) has implemented Dakosy’s FAIR@Link digital ramp control system to reduce truck waiting times for cargo collections and deliveries. The slot booking tool allows FCS, an affiliate of Worldwide Flight Services (WFS), to optimise the allocation of truck ramps by allowing freight forwarders delivering and collecting cargoes for FCS’ airline customers to digitally reserve ramps for loading and unloading, speeding up the handling process. “This standardised approach allows FCS to use its facility infrastructure more efficiently, counteracts peak times, and increases the ability for all parties to plan and utilise their resources efficiently,” said an official statement.

Shipping giant AP Moller Maersk has launched its new air cargo business as it looks to meet customer demand for supply chain security. The company said that its new Maersk Air Cargo business will be operational in the second half of the year and will utilise Denmark’s Billund Airport as its main hub and offer daily flights. The new airfreight company is the result of the existing in-house aircraft operator, Star Air, transferring its activities into Maersk Air Cargo.

Tata Group is preparing itself to take on established giants such as Amazon and Flipkart in the Ecommerce space. Tata Sons has invested Rs 5,882 crore in its ecommerce company Tata Digital. This is the most the Tatas have invested in ecommerce in any single fiscal year. The additional funding takes overall investment into Tata Digital in 2021-22 to Rs 11,872 crore, reported The Economic Times, citing regulatory filings of Tata Group.

With the Centre aiming for rapid ramp-up of India’s infrastructure and logistics sector, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW) has identified nine high-impact infra projects worth Rs 1,913 crore as part of the Pradhan Mantri GatiShakti-National Master Plan (NMP). The high-impact projects will be closely monitored through 2022-23 (FY23). “In totality, we have identified 101 projects estimated to cost around Rs 62,627 crore under GatiShakti. We aim to complete these by 2024, while the target for the nine high-impact projects is by the end of this fiscal year,” said a senior official.

Swissport joins Pharma.Aero as new full time member. Jeremy Mitchell, Director of Pharma.Aero said, “We are delighted to welcome this major air cargo ground handler embracing collaboration and innovation. We look forward to working closely together with Swissport in creating more content and achieving excellence in end-to-end air transportation of pharmaceuticals. Pharma.Aero is continuing to enlarge by onboarding this important global player.” Dirk Goovaerts, Global Cargo Chair, Swissport said, “Joining Pharma.Aero provides a great platform to collaborate with experts and companies from several industries involved in the pharma supply chain.”

The war in Ukraine, sanctions on Russia and stepped-up COVID lockdowns in China caused the air cargo market to contract in March and macroeconomic clouds could further dampen a sector that has performed well during a chaotic pandemic. The impact is being felt in freight rates, which are quickly climbing as capacity disappears faster than demand. Clive Data Services reported that shipment volumes declined 6.5 percent last month compared to the pre-COVID level in 2019 and were 4.5 percent lower than a year ago. Meanwhile, available cargo space on aircraft shrank four percent year-over-year and is now 14 percent less than before the pandemic.