InterGlobe Enterprises, and Archer Aviation Inc, electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, have entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the goal of partnering to launch and operate an all-electric air taxi service in India, subject to appropriate regulatory approvals and clearances. Rahul Bhatia, Group Managing Director of InterGlobe, and Nikhil Goel, Chief Commercial Officer of Archer, signed an MOU to form a proposed partnership through which the parties aim to provide a revolutionary transportation solution for the country, improving urban mobility with safe, sustainable, and low-noise electric air taxi service that is cost-competitive with ground transportation. The parties intend to work with select in-country business partners to operate Archer’s aircraft, finance and build vertiport infrastructure, and train pilots and other personnel needed for these operations. The partnership also plans to finance the purchase of up to 200 of Archer’s Midnight aircraft for the India operations.

Allcargo Supply Chain Pvt Limited (ASPL), the contract logistics business arm of Allcargo Group, has set up a state-of-the-art Grade A chemical warehousing facility at its mega multi-user chemical warehousing complex at Uran in Navi Mumbai. Spread over 1.6 Lakh sq. ft., the hi-tech chemical warehousing facility stores hazardous chemicals adhering to all the required safety features and statutory compliances of international standards and offers a customised warehousing and distribution solutions. ASPL’s mega multi-user chemical warehousing complex is spread over an area of over 5.50 lakh sq ft. The facility comprises of four blocks and all the blocks are operational. Strategically situated at Uran, the facility is located just 15 km from the port and 25 km from the Mumbai-Pune expressway. The warehousing facility is equipped with, cold storage options for maintaining temperatures below 25 degree Celsius, separate trench line connected to containment pit, in-rack sprinkler water and foam-based, Battery operator Forklift, reach truck with 12 m height and electoral HOPT (e-HOPT), roof and sides covered with polynum sheets to reduce temperature inside the warehouse by 3-4 degree Celsius. The facility is also equipped with modern infrastructure and advanced WMS, which optimise the process of moving and storing goods and adheres to all the required compliances.

The Air Cargo Agents Association of India is all set to organise its 47th annual convention in Kuala Lumpur from November 23-26. ACAAI has released agenda comprising interesting topics focused on the theme – AI the Game Changer -Embracing the Intelligent Future, and great line up of speakers who are industry stalwarts. Key topics for panel discussions include, “Tradition to Transformation- AI in Air Cargo, Cargo in the Cloud- AI reforming air freight, emerging technologies and its impact on LSPs, Navigating the future- AI powered transformation in Logistics, AI for safety, security and transparency of cargo and lot more. Stay tuned for more updates.

Global multimodal provider of air, ocean and ground services Omni Logistics has merged with Forward Air, a provider of transportation services across the US, Canada and Mexico. The definitive agreement will create a combined company that generated approximately $3.7bn of adjusted revenue for the twelve months ended June 30. The combination of Forward and Omni creates a scaled, premier, high-value, less-than-truckload (“LTL”) enterprise focused on providing customers with multimodal solutions for complex, high-service, and high-value freight needs,” said Omni Logistics. The deal will provide Forward with access to more than 7,000 customers, an increased domestic footprint, and a portfolio of essential logistics services, multimodal operations, and supply chain services.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for September 2023 global air cargo markets, showing continuing demand recovery. Global demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTKs*), increased by 1.9% compared to September 2022 levels (+6% for international operations). Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTKs), was up 12.1% compared to September 2022 (+0% for international operations). Growth was largely related to international belly capacity which rose 31.5% year-on-year as airlines scaled up operations to meet peak-northern summer travel season demand.

Mahindra Logistics Limited launched services on ONDC Network and commences its operations. Mahindra Logistics will provide same-day & next-day intra-city pick-up and delivery services to all sellers on ONDC. The company will extend this to a full range of services including inter-city express parcel, full truck load and mobility services. Sellers on the ONDC network will have access to Mahindra Logistics’ entire range of services enabling intra-city and inter-city delivery in up to 19,000 pin codes. Efficient logistics is a key enabler for members on the ONDC network. Mahindra Logistics’ services provide a full stack of technology, providing D2C brands and sellers with rapid integration and fulfilment services. As part of this initiative, Mahindra Logistics is also committed to collaborating with other members of the ONDC Network in providing solutions to empower local businesses. Commenting on this integration, Mr. Rampraveen Swaminathan, MD & Chief Executive Officer, Mahindra Logistics Ltd., said, “ONDC is a path breaking attempt program to empower and democratize local commerce. Efficient logistics is a key enabler to harnessing the full potential of ONDC and we are pleased to join the network. We share ONDC’s vision of accelerating commerce and are pleased to partner with them on a range of services. We provide customers a range of hyper-local and inter-city transport and mobility solutions and technology integration with their end customers. Our aim to accelerate commerce by delivering innovative logistics solutions on the platform will ultimately benefit both, businesses and consumers.”

Turkish Airlines has plans to expand its freighter fleet over the coming five to 10 year period. At the ongoing Tiaca Executive Summit hosted by Brussels Airport, Turkish Airlines chief cargo officer Turhan Özen said the carrier had ambitious plans for its passenger fleet and in line with this is also planning to expand its freighter fleet. The carrier is hoping to expand its current overall fleet from around 429 currently to more than 800 in 10 years’ time. On freighters, Özen said that over the next “five years plus” the freighter fleet would expand from its current 24 aircraft to 40 aircraft. Turkish Airlines has been working on an order for 400 narrowbodies and 200 widebodies in order to meet these ambitions. The airline had initially hoped to finalise that deal this summer, but completion has been complicated by challenges securing delivery slots at Airbus and Boeing and current engine supply issues, reports FlightGlobal.

JLL India, leading industrial and warehousing research firm has partnered with Pantaloons, a flagship brand of Aditya Birla to set up a new warehousing unit in Bengaluru’s Narasapura Logistics Park, developed by IndoSpace. This facility, spread over 100,000 sq ft, is located just 54 km from the city centre and offers world-class amenities and several sustainable solutions. With its convenient location and state-of-the-art infrastructure, it is ideal for expanding business operations and thriving in the region.

TVS Industrial and Logistics Parks (TVS ILP) announced a strategic partnership with Lingotto, an investment management company. This partnership has been set in motion through a secondary stake sale by existing investor, British International Investor, the UK’s development finance institution (DFI). This secondary transaction has taken place at an Enterprise Value of ₹2,800 crores, emphasizing the potential and size of TVS ILP. Lingotto shall onboard with a 21% shareholding in TVS ILP. TVS ILP has been the first corporate developer leading the path in Grade A warehousing since its inception in 2005 with facilities Pan-India. Recognized for its unwavering commitment to excellence, TVS ILP is renowned for delivering best in-class warehousing and logistics solutions across India. The company’s ultimate aim is to be the trusted leader in integrated logistics parks, offering comprehensive services tailored to clients’ diverse needs. TVS ILP stands out for its exceptional project execution, ensuring prompt delivery and fostering enduring partnership with customers. The company has a diverse clientele encompassing industry leaders in sectors such as FMCG, FMCD, CDE, 3PL’s, Ecommerce and many more.

GMR Hyderabad Air Cargo (GHAC), announced the launch of an import courier terminal to facilitate faster processing and import clearance of courier import cargo. Spread across 300 sqm, the 24×7 import handling facility is located at GHAC terminal premises. The facility is well equipped with world-class security screening and state- of-the- art cargo handling systems. It has dedicated officials and custom officers to ensure a seamless process, custom clearance, and quicker turnaround of courier import consignments. Speaking on this achievement Mr Pradeep Panicker, CEO, GHIAL said, “We drive our business with an unwavering commitment to growth and excellence. This new facility is a testament to our belief in providing world-class logistic solutions to our customers. It will not only accelerate and improve our services but will drive our cargo business forward with a competitive edge in the industry and enhance air cargo services globally.” GMR Hyderabad Air Cargo (GHAC) currently handles over 120 MT per month of export courier. With the addition of the new facility, it is expected to handle a larger volume of cargo, reaching 150 MT per month of import courier. This will help the shipment of key commodities such as documents, readymade garments, samples, household goods, and engineering goods that can be imported in large volumes across the region.