“We have significantly ramped up our manpower through the engagement of six additional manpower supply services to meet the demand on order processing and delivery during this festive season,” says Sandeep Kulkarni, Chief Operating Officer, Allcargo Gati. He adds, “We further upgraded our sorting and fulfilment centres by adding double deep racking, conveyors, and improved hand-held terminals. It has made operations more digital, increased our capacity, and helped us work more. We have started using data for route optimization, which quickens last-mile deliveries and makes them effective. These smart upgrades are going to help manage the volumes of the busy season well with maintaining quality in service.”

Cathay Cargo has formalised its sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) partnership with DB Schenker through a signing ceremony. The Cathay corporate SAF programme was established in 2022 to help tackle climate change. It enables members to purchase SAF for uplift on Cathay Pacific and Cathay Cargo flights from Hong Kong and other ports on the network. Cathay Pacific and Cathay Cargo have committed to using SAF for 10% of their jet fuel consumption by 2030. The initiative goes hand in hand with Cathay Cargo’s Fly Greener programme, which offers carbon offsetting through Gold Standard certified community and environmental projects. DB Schenker first adopted SAF for a proportion of its transport volumes in 2020 as part of its carbon-reduction programme. In July, DB Schenker became the largest contributor to Cathay Pacific’s corporate SAF programme and committed to buying 878 tonnes of SAF from the airline as part of its largest deal to date. The investment is anticipated to help reduce more than 2,600 tonnes in carbon emissions. The signing ceremony, attended by Cathay director cargo Tom Owen and DB Schenker vice president global carrier relation Susanne Stemmer, was held to mark the global forwarder’s membership of Cathay’s SAF programme.  

Cargo iQ has certified MAB Kargo after a successful audit for providing quality air freight services to and from its global published network. MAB Kargo reported 95 per cent of its shipments in June this year to Cargo iQ in its the first audit and certification for Malaysia, ever since they joined the air cargo community in 2018. Cargo iQ helps members create a robust quality management framework – part of which is a methodology to plan, control, and measure the movement of shipments in various steps along the way. After successfully implementing the first-steps in their quality roadmap, members may undergo a rigorous audit and progress to receive the title of Certified Cargo iQ member. This process aims to see members maintaining high quality through working with Cargo iQ to maintain a monitored road map along the air cargo journey. “We are extremely excited to join the distinguished list of Cargo iQ certified carriers. The certification stands as a testament of our unwavering commitment to provide seamless critical milestone tracking capabilities of our customers’ shipments throughout our cargo and airline network,” said Zulkefly Ujang, Head of Operations, MAB Kargo.  

DB Schenker has launched its supply chain monitoring tool ‘Ocean Bridge’ to provide customers with highest planning certainty down to vessel, shipment and container level in ocean freight. On an interactive map, Ocean Bridge shows accurate, AI based data around estimated time of departure, berthing and arrival of vessels plus their port rotations on the entire service loop. This complete visibility of maritime operations enables customers to manage their supply chain most efficiently. They are enabled to avoid unplanned transportation costs by proactively adapting to changes and disruptions at any time. Thorsten Meincke, Member of the Management Board Air & Ocean Freight at DB Schenker, “DB Schenker’s customers are most empowered to make informed decisions and improve operational efficiency thanks to Ocean Bridge. This AI based tool represents a significant advancement in maritime logistics technology and underscores DB Schenker’s commitment to innovation and excellence in the logistics industry for the sake of our customers.”  

  Ukraine-registered cargo carrier Supernova Airlines said it has added a Boeing 737-800SF to its fleet and is now prepared to begin charter flights outside of the European Union (EU). The airline, owned by New York-based logistics company Nova Global, has completed the process of adding the aircraft to its airline operator certificate (AOC) and has carried out its first flight using the 737-800SF.

India’s Telangana state is working on developing a dry port in its northern corridor in a public-private partnership (PPP) mode. The aim is to augment its logistics infrastructure to support industrial development and boost exports. Feasibility studies are under way to consider setting up additional dry ports to further raise exports, according to media reports from the state. Exports from the state are routed now through ports in neighbouring Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh states.

The Domestic Air Cargo Agents Association of India (DACAAI) held a meeting with Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) to discuss the Immediate measures for smooth domestic cargo handling at IGI Airport. DIAL advised their team for taking urgent short term measures as well as long term measures to facilitate smooth cargo movement.  The meeting was chaired by Sanjiv Edward, CCO & Head Cargo, GMR Group.  

  The registrations for The Air Cargo Agents Association of India (ACAAI)’s upcoming 48th Annual Convention in Baku, from 5th December to 8th December, 2024, will close soon. The last date of registration is 10th October, 2024. The industry stakeholders still have a chance to register and be part of one of the biggest air cargo conventions wherein experts will not only get chance to collaborate but also indulge in insightful discussions. C K Govil, President, ACAAI says, “The choice of the destination for the ACAAI Convention this year has been a major attraction for the members who have registered in large numbers forcing ACAAI to close the registration by 10th October 2024.”

Kintetsu World Express (KWE) Benelux is planning to open a new air cargo terminal near Schiphol Airport as it looks to expand its handling capability. The new facility will measure 18,270 sq m, with 9,175 sq m of warehousing and 735 sq m of office space. It is due to open in December of this year. “By initiating cargo handling at our own terminal, we aim to expand our air import/export business, enhance our presence in Europe, and increase the volume of cargo handled between Europe, Asia and the Americas,” the forwarder said. Currently, KWE operates two facilities on the Westpoort industrial estate – warehouse 1 (10,811㎡) and warehouse 2 (4,423㎡), which are located approximately 10km from Schiphol Airport. The logistics operations in Warehouse 2 will be merged into Building 1 and the new air cargo terminal following its opening. “The new terminal is strategically positioned in Schiphol Airport’s cargo area, close to airline cargo facilities,” KWE Benelux said. “It will begin in-house Unit Load Device (ULD) build-up and breakdown of air consolidation cargo to accommodate a wide range of goods.

The Mahindra ZEO, an innovative electric four-wheeler that aims to revolutionize last-mile mobility, has been formally introduced by Mahindra Last Mile Mobility Limited (MLMML), the top electric three-wheeler firm in India. The acronym ZEO, which stands for Zero Emission Option, highlights the environmentally friendly features of this cutting-edge car and is a perfect fit with MLMML’s objective to improve consumers’ lives and electrify urban logistics. The Mahindra ZEO offers clients considerable savings of up to ₹ 7 Lakh over seven years, starting at an appealing price of ₹ 7.52 Lakh (ex-showroom, pan-India). The high-voltage 300+ V architecture of the Mahindra ZEO ensures better energy economy, longer range, and quick charging. It is propelled by a sophisticated Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor that produces 30 kW of power and 114 Nm of torque. The powerful 21.3 kWh liquid-cooled battery powers it. The ZEO’s 60 km/h top speed allows for faster travel times and more earning potential, while its roomy 2250 mm cargo box and remarkable 765 kg payload capacity accommodate a variety of commercial requirements.