The CII Institute of Logistics has launched the ‘Logistics for All’ initiative to bring together key stakeholders in the logistics sector, generate employment, and enhance India’s role in global supply chains, said reports. With the rapid growth of e-commerce, manufacturing, and Global Capability Centres (GCCs), India’s logistics sector is expected to create 1.5 to 1.7 crore jobs by 2030. The initiative will focus on bridging the skills gap and adopting new technologies to support this expansion.Currently, jobs in this sector are growing at a rate of 6% to 7% annually, according to the CII Institute of Logistics. “This initiative targets students and professionals from all fields, helping them upskill for future logistics jobs powered by technology,” a CII spokesperson stated.

Air India has signed up Menzies Aviation to provide cargo handling services at four locations. The deal will see Menzies provide cargo warehouse services at Kuwait International Airport (KWI), Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Sydney Airport (SYD) and Melbourne Airport (MEL). Teams at the four locations are likely to handle approximately 9,000 tonnes of cargo in the first 12 months of the new agreement, said reports. The tie-up is part of a wider deal that includes a mixture of passenger, ramp, de-icing and cleaning services at London Heathrow (LHR), Copenhagen Airport (CPH), Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), Kuwait International Airport (KWI) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Last year, the Gurugram-based airline handled 250,000 tonnes of cargo and in 2023 added 100 aircraft to an existing order for 470 new aircraft.

Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (KIAB/BLR Airport), operated by Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), has partnered with Menzies Aviation to redefine domestic cargo operations with the launch of India’s largest Greenfield Domestic Cargo Terminal (DCT) in terms of designed capacity. This 245,000 square feet state-of-the-art facility signifies a major milestone in BLR Airport’s cargo handling capabilities, offering enhanced infrastructure and streamlined processes to meet the growing demands of the domestic market. It will play a key role in connecting industries, strengthening supply chains, and driving innovation toward a more sustainable future for domestic cargo and regional trade, positioning BLR Airport as a leader in cargo handling. Bigger, Better and Advanced Spanning over 7 acres, the DCT features a peak handling capacity of approximately 360,000 metric tons, with a potential to expand to 400,000 metric tons. With around 42truck docks, more than 400 specially designed cargo bins, conveyors aligned with X-ray machines, approximately 30 ULD build-up and breakdown stations, along with real-time data capture using 40 handheld terminals and self–service kiosks for agents, the facility will ensure seamless cargo movement while reducing turnaround times. Equipped with cutting-edge technology and digital solutions, the terminal introduces upgrades like real-time shipment tracking, data analytics tools, and enhanced communication systems integrated with barcodes and QR codes. This integration enables seamless data exchange with airline systems, improves process timelines, and reduces human touchpoints, ensuring faster and safer cargo handling. The emphasis on digitalisation will streamline operations, enhance visibility across the supply chain, and elevate the overall cargo handling experience for airlines, cargo agents, and end users. Special Cargo at DCT BLR Airport has established a strong reputation as a leading hub for perishables. The airport is already …

Kamesh Peri, CEO, Celebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management India said, “The industry’s traditional image as less glamorous compared to sectors like technology and finance deters potential candidates, especially younger professionals. The skills gap is further exacerbated by the rapid technological advancements in logistics, which require new, tech-savvy skills that current job seekers often lack. High employee turnover and the rising cost of labor also add to the recruitment challenges, making it difficult for companies to retain talent. To address these issues, there is a pressing need for targeted training programs, improved employer branding, and strategic HR practices that align with the evolving demands of the logistics sector. In the Indian logistics market, the challenges in hiring trained professionals are multi-faceted. Firstly, there is a significant shortage of qualified candidates, with the sector struggling to fill roles due to a scarcity of skilled talent. This gap is compounded by a highly competitive job market where specialised knowledge in supply chain management, technology integration, and regulatory compliance is in high demand. Additionally,      

Jalpa H Vithalani, Director, Global Aviation Services said, “Adopting new technologies in air cargo faces multiple constraints, including high implementation costs, integration challenges with legacy systems and regulatory complexities. Additionally, industry-wide awareness is needed to highlight the long-term cost savings, efficiency gains and security enhancements that digital transformation offers. Investments in training and standardised digital infrastructure will drive widespread adoption. However, the air cargo industry is moving towards integrating digital platforms and blockchain to enhance transparency and security. Blockchain enables real-time, tamper-proof tracking of shipments, reducing fraud and ensuring data integrity. Digital platforms streamline documentation, automate processes and enhance efficiency through AI and IoT-driven analytics, reducing delays and operational bottlenecks.”

Vandana Singh, Director, Global Corporate Key Account Management, Saudia Cargo said, “The airfreight industry faces several challenges, including high implementation costs, fragmented infrastructure and a lack of standardised platforms. However, as emerging technologies demonstrate not only their investment potential but also long-term benefits—such as increased profitability, enhanced operational efficiency and improved customer satisfaction—they are gaining widespread acceptance. Additionally, educating industry stakeholders before and after integration will be crucial for seamless adoption and sustained success.”

South African Airways (SAA) Cargo has appointed Zeal Global Services as its general sales agent (GSA) in India. The recent restart of SAA’s Perth, Australia route underscores the importance of the Asian market, particularly India. “Zeal Global Services, founded in 2014, has a significant presence in key Indian cities through its passenger and cargo GSA operations. Additionally, Zeal Global operates Pradhan Air Cargo freighters between India and Dubai.” Nipun Anand, Director, Zeal Global, highlighted SAA’s record in the Asian markets. “There is over 6,000 tonnes of cargo destined for South Africa from India, with Johannesburg attracting a lion’s share of the market. The inbound market from India is dominated by pharmaceuticals, textiles and automotive parts.” Mokwena adds: “SAA Cargo has a history of successful offline partnerships in the Asian market. The Zeal Global partnership presents numerous opportunities, and both companies are eager to explore its potential, especially in the India-to-South Africa market. This win-win collaboration promises mutual benefits.”

Cadila Pharmaceuticals has announced the expansion of its pharmaceutical warehouse, a move aimed at improving operational efficiency, streamlining logistics, and supporting its expanding market presence. The expanded facility covers approximately 30,000 sq. ft. and is designed to optimise storage and distribution processes, says reports. With a capacity to store 3,888 pallets in the main warehouse and an additional 75 pallets in a temperature-controlled cold room, the facility ensures the safe storage of sensitive products, including vaccines and insulin. The warehouse features advanced Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), a fixed racking system, Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) equipment, and reach trucks. These additions aim to strengthen Cadila Pharmaceuticals’ focus on technological advancement within its logistics operations. The integration of automation and smart logistics solutions is expected to enhance operational efficiency. The WMS reduces human error by ensuring accurate inventory management. A G + 8 racking system increases material inward capacity, allowing for better space utilisation. Automated material handling, supported by VNA equipment and WMS integration, is set to accelerate operations and improve productivity. Dedicated inward and outward gates have also been established to minimise product interchange and ensure regulatory compliance. This expansion supports Cadila Pharmaceuticals’ efforts to strengthen supply chain management and ensure timely distribution of essential healthcare products. The warehouse’s temperature-controlled environment and advanced inventory systems aim to enhance supply chain reliability and contribute to business growth.

Flexport unveiled more than 20 tech and AI-powered products designed to transform global logistics. The highlight of the release is Flexport Intelligence, which allows businesses to ask questions in natural language and receive immediate insights about their supply chain performance. Flexport customers can use this AI-powered tool to build reports and create dashboards with no technical skills required, making it extremely easy for operations managers to take control of their global supply chains,” says an official release. Another major launch is the Flexport Control Tower, which allows businesses to use Flexport’s supply chain technology even for shipments where another carrier or forwarder is contracted to move the freight, the release added. “By launching these powerful new AI-driven supply chain products to thousands of companies around the world, Flexport has immediately become the largest provider of AI tools for global supply chains,” says Ryan Petersen, CEO, Flexport. “While many startups are emerging to provide AI tools for logistics, they lack the data required to train the AI models and struggle to sign up customers to use their technology. Our scale as one of the largest logistics providers in the world gives us huge advantages in both creating the technology and getting it into the hands of businesses operating in the real world.

Kale Logistics Solutions’ (Kale) Malaysia Maritime Single Window (MMSW) has been officially launched by the honourable Minister of Transport Malaysia, Anthony Loke Siew Fook in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The implementation of Kale’s MMSW has meant an immediate reduction of vessel processing from up to five days, down to within hours, due to the real-time data and transparency of service level agreements (SLA’s) it manages. “The Ship Clearance System has been a game-changer for us. Transitioning from a manual, time-consuming process to a seamless digital platform has significantly improved efficiency and reduced clearance times – we are proud to be among the first to implement it successfully,” said Captain Subramaniam, General Manager, Port Klang. The MMSW digitally enhanced operations at Malaysia’s largest port situated on the world’s second busiest shipping lane, the Malacca Strait, to which 11,000 vessels call each year. Further phases of the MMSW project are set to see more ports join the system and the system’s capabilities set to increase further. “I am proud to see how the Kale system has helped Malaysian trade, as Malaysian ports reported over 30 million TEUs last year, a 10 per cent increase on 2023,” said Vineet Malhotra, Co-Founder and Director, Kale Logistics Solutions. “The improvement already seen in Port Klang’s operation speaks volumes to the capabilities of this level of collaboration, especially as Port Klang targets 15 million TEUs in 2025.” Following implementation at Port Klang the system was initiated across other federal ports in Malaysia, creating a digital framework to make port cargo operations vastly more efficient. MMSW is part of Kale’s – Port Community System, designed to promote paperless trade through the digitalisation of port systems to increase their …