Sunil Kohli, MD, Rahat Cargo said, “Logistical services in the air cargo sector comprise the vital components such as warehousing, transportation, packaging, supply chain solutions etc., which are essential to significantly improve the competitiveness of supply chains across the globe. Thus, a proper training in logistics management and skill development are extremely important to the present work force in the sector apart from the aspirants who are desirous to prosper their careers in the sector. It is clear that such training supported with enhanced skilled execution of functions are fundamental factors to successfully manage any company’s operations since a skilled manpower ensures optimal utilisation of the infrastructure and implementation of policy regulations. The government is also expected to extend its absolute assistance in extending the required skill training to the concerned personnel in all the possible areas, wherever feasible.”

Vipin Vohra, Chairman, Continental Carriers said, “Training the next generation in logistics and air cargo is vital to sustaining industry growth and innovation. As global trade evolves, equipping young professionals with technical expertise, digital skills, and regulatory knowledge ensures efficiency and competitiveness. Investing in skill development will create a future-ready workforce, driving operational excellence and strengthening India’s position as a global logistics leader.”

  Kale Logistics Solutions (Kale) airport cargo management system (ACS)  has automated the customs clearance operations of CKTS Company  (CKTS), ground handler at Kansai International Airport, Osaka, Japan. The first stage of deploying Kale’s GALAXY cargo management system has automated the shipment triggering and document acceptance process – with the objective to streamline processes that previously relied on manual data entry or were not harmonised, resulting in delays and work duplication. “Kale has consistently led progress in air cargo digitisation and digitalisation globally, and this launch is its strategic entry into the Japanese market,” said Atsushi Kato, Management Advisor, CKTS Company Limited. “At CKTS, we are excited to use the capabilities of Kale’s flagship GALAXY system and look forward to benefiting from its advanced functionalities for many years.”

  The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) is all set to host a Summit focused on Gati Shakti: Accelerating India’s Logistics Vision for Viksit Bharat On 24 March in New Delhi.  The summit will focus on bridging infrastructure gaps, fostering private and foreign investments, promoting multimodal solutions and enhancing export-import efficiency. The summit also aims to explore leveraging cutting-edge technologies like AI, IoT and blockchain to streamline operations, improve transparency and help reducing logistics costs. Moreover, adopting sustainable practices, including circular economy models and low-carbon initiatives, will be the key to achieving long term growth while aligning with global sustainability goals. The summit “GatiShakti – Accelerating India’s Logistics Vision for Viksit Bharat” aspires to bring together industry leaders, policymakers and innovators to celebrate progress and craft a future roadmap. By fostering dialogue and collaboration, the summit promises to shape a resilient, efficient and globally competitive logistics ecosystem that powers India’s aspirations for a prosperous tomorrow.

  Vipin Vohra, Chairman, Continental Carriers said, “Capacity constraints, regulatory inefficiencies, and infrastructure gaps continue to challenge air cargo growth. The lack of dedicated freighters, congestion at major airports, and high logistics costs impact supply chain fluidity. Inconsistent airport handling procedures lead to delays, while a shortage of skilled manpower affects operational efficiency. Additionally, the increasing tariffs levied by Cargo Terminal Operators (CTOs) add to cost burdens, reducing overall competitiveness and straining cost-effectiveness for logistics service providers.”

After successful first edition, The Warehousing Association of India (WAI) in collaboration with The Great Lakes Institute of Management, Gurgaon, hosted the 2nd Industry-Academia Interface Conference on Logistics & Warehousing. After the inaugural lamp lighting ceremony, Manu Raj Bhalla, President, WAI, and Sanjay Gupta, MD & CEO – NCML opened the panel discussions as keynote speakers. With their deep industry expertise, they focused on the evolving landscape of logistics and warehousing, highlighting key trends, challenges, and opportunities. The conference featured thought-provoking discussions on automation and AI in logistics, the future of skill development, workforce transformation and the growing role of women in the warehousing industry. Designed to foster collaboration between industry and academia, this platform connected professionals , researchers, and students, providing invaluable networking and learning opportunities.

Aeroflot Airlines, being operated in India by Delmos Aviation (GSSA) jointly with Oscar Freight, Bonded Trucking Service provider & Zeus Air Services flagged off the first historical export bonded trucking operation from Mumbai ACC to GOX – Mopa in transit to Moscow – Russia. The Export Bonded Trucking movement started from Mumbai Sahar Air Cargo Complex on 5 March 2025. “It’s a proud movement for entire cargo Industry for having this facility started. We sincerely thanks Mumbai Customs and CSMIA ( Adani Group) for their valuable support,” said Raju Mehandarkar, Vice President – Cargo India, Delmos Cargo (Delmos Aviation).

According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), total global air cargo demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTK), rose by 3.2 per cent year on year (YoY) in January this year (3.6 per cent for international operations) for the eighteenth consecutive month of growth. Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTK), increased by 6.8 per cent YoY in the month (7.3 per cent for international operations). “January marked 18 consecutive months of growth for air cargo, but the month’s 3.2 per cent YoY growth is a moderation from double-digit peaks in 2024. Similarly, yields, while still above January 2024 levels, saw a 9.9 per cent decline from December as cargo load factors also declined by an average of 1.5 percentage points,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s director general. While external factors such as trade growth, declining fuel costs and expanding e-commerce remain positive for air cargo, it is important to closely watch the evolution of market conditions at this time. In particular, the wild card is the potential for tariff-driven trade policies from the US Trump administration. Fortunately, the air cargo industry is well practiced at dealing with shifts in the operating environment,” he noted. Asia-Pacific airlines saw a 7.5-per cent YoY demand growth for air cargo in January. Capacity increased by 10.9 per cent YoY.

Royal Enfield, the mid-size motorcycle segment under 250cc-750cc, has launched a new warehouse in Bhiwandi, Thane. The decision has been taken to ensure faster availability of genuine parts, ensuring top-notch service efficiency across western and central India. The new facility is about 45-KM from the Mumbai Airport and streamlines logistics and reduces aftersales service TAT to the RE network in the region. The company in its official release says that the strategically located facility will significantly reduce transit time for Spare parts, Oil and Lubes for customers in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Goa.

“With the launch of the National Logistics Policy and the PM Gati Shakti Programme, we aim to bring down logistics costs from the existing 13-14 per cent to global standards of around 8 per cent,” said Pralhad Joshi, Food Minister, while addressing the CWC’s 69th Foundation Day. “The government aims to reduce logistics costs with the Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC) playing a crucial role in this nationwide transformation effort,” he added. “CWC, as a leading warehousing organisation, is poised to support these objectives through modern infrastructure development and efficiency enhancements,” The minister highlighted that CWC, established in 1957, has evolved into a dynamic logistics service provider with an extensive network of over 700 warehouses and an operational storage capacity of 148.29 lakh metric tonnes, an official statement said. The minister also hailed CWC’s successful asset monetisation at 18 locations, which mobilised an investment of Rs 820 crore under the government’s asset monetisation plan. He also commended the corporation’s efforts in improving operational efficiency, transparency, and accountability through digital initiatives.