Magellanic Cloud announced that it has bagged its first major logistic drone order from an Indian Robotics firm for an aggregate value of Rs 43 crore. This order marks the company’s entry into the logistics sector that had a high potential with multiple players in India and abroad. The order entails delivery of 45 CargoMax series drone kits – along with RTF Quadrotor Airframe, Flight Controllers, RC Controllers, EO Payload and Transport Case – that will be manufactured in its state-ofthe-art facility in Bangalore.

Bootes, India’s first net-zero construction company, and CargoPeople, an Indian multimodal logistics company, are collaborating to launch net-zero cold storage to address critical food waste challenges. The vision is that no child should go hungry, and the mission includes tackling the ever-growing energy demand in India with renewable energy, according to the press release from Bootes. Deepak Rai, Founder and MD, Bootes says: “There will be an unmatched rise in temperature in the coming decade. The energy consumption in the next decade will be higher than ever, and approximately 60 percent of crops might get wasted in India. Cold storage is expensive in India; a farmer cannot afford expensive cold storage systems, which is why net-zero cold storage is the need of the hour. Our cold storage model is aligned with the government’s net zero 2070 goals, and we hope that it will positively impact the children and the farmers of India.” Manuj Adlakha, Founder and CEO, CargoPeople adds: “India’s cold chain sector faces unique challenges including frequent power outages, exorbitant operational costs, and fragmented infrastructure. These hurdles hinder efficiency and contribute to substantial food losses. However, the potential for growth is undeniable with the Indian cold chain market projected to reach Rs 3,79,870 crore by 2028, driven by rising demand and evolving consumer preferences. This collaboration has brought together our mutual expertise, resources, and commitment to making a positive impact.” Bootes Cold Chain has partnered with Urban Systems urbs AB (URBS) to leverage their expertise in sustainable technologies and finance, which will be required in the Indian cold storage sector. Bootes Cold Chain sees this as a multi-billion-dollar opportunity to attract green financing for building new cold storage facilities. …

IAG Cargo, the cargo division of International Airlines Group (IAG), has invested €1.5 million into the expansion of its temperature-controlled perishables facility in Madrid. This forms part of a total €12 million invested in the business’ Spanish hub over the last six years, says an official release. “As the first point of entry into the EU for perishables, IAG Cargo boasts an extensive network of connections from Latin America, with Madrid serving as a vital centre for distribution of produce across the region. The investment will increase the total capacity of the facility by 45 percent and will house 1,340 square metres of dedicated temperature-controlled space for perishable goods, offering customers the largest cooling chambers at Madrid airport. These chambers bring improved reliability and efficiency to IAG Cargo’s cold chain operations in Europe and are monitored 24/7 to ensure temperature sensitive goods are held in the correct conditions.”

Aircraft lessor ACIA Aero Leasing (ACIA) announced the delivery of the first of two ATR 72-500 Bulk Freighters to Thailand’s newest airline, Pattaya Airways. The carrier took delivery of the aircraft (MSN745) earlier in April 2024, with the second (MSN742) scheduled to deliver this May. “We are very pleased to be entering a new market by placing our first aircraft in Thailand and providing the Pattaya Group with its first aircraft. Pattaya Airways have a robust business plan to capitalize on growing domestic and regional cargo demand in Thailand and South East Asia complementing their existing logistics businesses and infrastructure,” stated Mick Mooney, ACIA’s chief executive officer. “We continue to see strong demand for the ATR 72 freighter and are looking forward to placing further freighter aircraft in this region in the near future.” “The Pattaya Group has a strong established footprint across many sectors of aviation in Thailand and we have decided to further grow our business through the start of our own airline operation, Pattaya Airways. The ATR is the perfect fit to serve the growing requirement for domestic and regional cargo and we very much appreciate the support we have received from ACIA Aero Leasing as we establish our new airline operation,” said Tosaporn Asunee, Pattaya Airways’ chairman. Pattaya Airways is in the final phase of securing its AOC in Thailand and is planning to start operations in Q4 2024. The all-cargo airline will operate a range of domestic flights in Thailand with additional services into neighbouring South East Asia

Rockingdeals Circular Economy (RDCEL) has finalised a significant agreement to establish a new warehouse in Guwahati, marking its entry into Northeast India. Covering an area of 10,000 square feet, the warehouse is poised to meet the escalating demand for affordable and authentic products in the region. This latest addition elevates the company’s total warehouse capacity to 60,000 square feet, enhancing its operational prowess and ensuring streamlined service delivery to customers nationwide. Scheduled to commence operations in the first week of June 2024, the warehouse represents a strategic expansion for RDCEL. Presently, RDCEL operates three warehouses in Faridabad. The establishment of the Guwahati facility will introduce the company’s sustainable retail concept to consumers in Northeast India, offering access to genuine products while championing environmental consciousness. This initiative empowers customers to make eco-friendly choices, thereby contributing to a more sustainable future. RDCEL, a subsidiary of the Rockingdeals Group headquartered in Delhi NCR, is dedicated to driving sustainable change by aligning with global sustainable goals such as responsible consumption and production, and building sustainable communities.

The Indian Railways plans to set up an additional 200 Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals (GCTs) to boost freight revenue, decongest rail networks, and enable faster movement. This expansion follows the successful implementation of the first 100 GCTs announced in the Union Budget 2022-23. GCTs are multi-modal terminals used by corporates to handle bulk cargo that is transported via rail. They are established under a policy that allows monetization of vacant Railway land through public-private partnerships (PPP). The first 100 GCTs were to be set up over 5 years from 2022-23. Progress of Phase 1 -77 out of the initial 100 GCTs have already been commissioned at a cost of around ₹5,400 crore. These terminals are located in states like West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh. Major operators include Concor, Reliance, Adani, JSW, IOCL, and BPCL, among others. The remaining terminals are expected to be operational by the end of FY 2024-25. Buoyed by the positive response, Railways will tender for 200 more GCTs once the first 100 are completed. The additional terminals are estimated to require ₹12,000-14,000 crore in private investment. Each terminal is expected to cost an average of ₹65-70 crore, with some ranging from ₹50 crore to higher amounts. Development Models

ECS Group partnered with Rotate to gain better insights of the overall air cargo market supply and its development. Thanks to Rotate “Live Capacity data” offering real-time market “supply” insights, ECS Group enhances its in-house business intelligence system, Apollo, to provide users with the data needed to determine new interline partnerships, optimize airline customers’ networks, and react quickly to market changes dynamics in terms of pricing strategy. “When tendering for digital innovation, only the best pass the test,” says Cédric Millet, Chief Strategy and Digital Officer of ECS Group. “In Rotate, we simply found the best-in-class capacity data product on the market. Real-time data is crucial for our Market Intelligence System as it enables responsiveness to market changes. Our teams can thus take better, proactive and informed decisions in terms of pricing or interline opportunities, for example, leading to improved revenue optimization of the capacity we manage on behalf of our airline customers. And for ECS, that ultimately results in higher customer satisfaction and long-term business growth.” Two main objectives were behind ECS Group’s decision to partner with Rotate: Strategic Growth and Technological Innovation. Rotate’s capacity product enables the global GSSA to identify market opportunities and thus expand into new routes or markets, strategically growing both its market share and revenue in the air cargo industry. Leveraging innovative technology solutions such as Rotate’s Live Capacity solution secures that ECS Group remains ahead of industry trends. It also fosters digital transformation, strengthening ECS Group’s leading position in innovation and digitalization in air cargo. The aim behind these objectives is to drive operational excellence, customer value, and sustainable growth for ECS Group. The main features ECS Group is seeking to utilize, include: …

Group Concorde (GC) opened office in Australia and is set to commence operations on May 1st, 2024. Facilitated by ILG Aviation Australasia, this strategic expansion represents a milestone in GC’s dedication to catering to clients throughout the region. The new office locations will be Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth. Additionally, GC extends its presence across the Tasman to Auckland, New Zealand, further solidifying its footprint in the Oceania region. Partnerships with airlines such as Philippine Airlines and Kuwait Airways will further enhance the company’s operations and connectivity across the region. GC is entering the Australian market as an Independently operated GSSA service provider will get more traction by the airline principal partners looking for an edge in the market to boost their visibility further and enhance revenues. Hiran Samarasinha, the Regional Director leading the operations, has 40+ Years of experience and expertise in the aviation industry, especially Australia / NZ markets driving GC’s growth and success in this region. He ably supported by an experienced GSA specialist in Andy Yuen who has vast knowledge and experience in handling airlines across Australia and Hong Kong region.

According to recent reports worldwide tonnage rose 3% from 15 to 21 April. Despite the growth in volume, however, the average worldwide rates remained stable from the previous week, at US $2.50 per kg, according to WorldACD. It found that the volume uptick recorded this week was largely thanks to a surge of flower exports from Central and South America ahead of Mother’s Day events on 12 May, with 63% of exports from CSA and Africa headed for North America. Chief Officer of cargo at Qatar Airways Mark Drusch stated that there was “continued global movement of produce and flowers – it’s amazing to me how that is always big and bigger”. The decline in volumes could also partly be explained by the heavy rainfall that mainly impacted Dubai recently, where flooding led to some flight cancellations. “Dubai recorded a WoW volume drop of 18%, whereas the capital Abu Dhabi and neighbouring emirate Sharjah recorded volume increases of 20% and 103%, respectively – boosted by cargo and flights diverted from Dubai.” Despite the recent downturn however, volumes from Dubai are still up 107% on this time last year. And disruptions to ocean shipping, paired with an unprecedented ecommerce boom, has meant overall, the air cargo market has been in good shape so far this year.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) witnessed a noteworthy 6% year-on-year increase in the overall cargo volumes, in FY 2024 marking a significant stride in economic recovery post the COVID-19 pandemic. This boost was predominantly driven by a remarkable 10% surge in international cargo volumes. Notably, these volumes managed to attain an impressive 93% recovery comparing to their pre-COVID levels, indicating a robust resurgence in global trade and logistics activities. This fiscal year saw a 20% increase in the total number of Cargo Air Traffic Movements (ATMs). This achievement showcases the airport’s dedication to efficiently and flexibly managing the rapidly rising cargo volumes. CSMIA’s cargo facility manages a diverse array of goods, with pharmaceuticals, agricultural products, and automobiles being among the primary categories. On the international scale, the top three categories transported are automobiles, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural cargo. Meanwhile, domestically, the leading cargo categories include General cargo, engineering goods, and post office (PO) mail. These categories underscore the airport’s proficiency in handling a wide variety of goods. The surge in e-commerce significantly impacted cargo operations at CSMIA. The festive season of Diwali noticed a notable 87% year-on-year growth in e-commerce shipments. The demand for perishable items also experienced a noteworthy increase. Mango exports were particularly prominent during the months of April to July 2023, accompanied by the export of seasonal cut flowers and chocolates during the Valentine’s Day period. Additionally, in a groundbreaking achievement, CSMIA successfully handled its inaugural shipment of frozen ready-to-serve food products, such as Idli and Vada, using specialized va-Q-tec containers bound for Amsterdam. CSMIA’s international cargo volumes comprised 56% exports and 44% imports. London, Frankfurt, Dubai, Chicago, and Amsterdam were the top global destinations for outgoing …