From 2025, Virgin Atlantic Cargo will have 42.1M kg of space available on routes to and from India increasing capacity by +336.4% vs 2019. The addition of the recently launched Bengaluru flights will boost 2025 space available by +38.7% compared to 2023 capacity, with 20 tonnes available on each flight. This presents new opportunities for companies looking to export and import goods such as fresh produce, pharmaceuticals, and textiles between prime markets in the UK, the US, and India.

To promote Nashik’s agricultural business, air cargo services have commenced from Ojhar Airport, says reports. The inaugural shipment, comprised 100 kg of roses bound for Delhi. “The initiation of air cargo operations fulfills a longstanding request from Nashik’s populace, especially those involved in industrial and agricultural endeavors. Local businesses are anticipated to reap substantial advantages from this development, as it offers a dependable and streamlined method for transporting goods,” reports add. According to reports, IndiGo Airlines is spearheading the initiative, operating around six flights to various destinations including Delhi, Indore, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Nagpur, and Goa. In addition to these passenger flights, special cargo flights are regularly departing from Ojhar Airport.

The Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry Federation (AP Chambers) has announced plans to set up international air cargo and cold storage facilities, following the announcement of Air India of launching a direct flight between Vijayawada and Mumbai, says reports. AP Chambers president Potluri Bhaskara Rao said in reports that the AP Chambers has been relentlessly giving suggestions to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the Vijayawada airport authorities for the development of the airport and for the improvement in flight connectivity between Vijayawada and other major destinations.

“In India, airlines are strategically leveraging the belly capacity of passenger aircraft to augment air cargo efficiency, says Abhishek Goyal, Executive Director, Aeroprime Group adding, “addressing the booming demand for air freight amidst fluctuating global supply chain dynamics. The belly space of passenger aircraft refers to the unused space in the hold beneath the passenger compartment, which can be used to transport cargo. This space is particularly valuable for transporting goods on routes already served by regular passenger flights, offering a cost-effective solution without the need for dedicated cargo flights.” He continues. “Indian carriers are increasingly exploring the full potential of this space by accommodating a wide range of cargo, from perishables and pharmaceuticals to e-commerce packages and general cargo. This is facilitated by the ability of modern aircraft, such as the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350, which offer substantial belly cargo capacity alongside passenger loads. The utilization of belly space is enhanced by sophisticated logistics planning and cargo handling systems that allow airlines to maximize load factors, optimize fuel efficiency, and reduce the carbon footprint per unit of cargo.”

DHL has unveiled plans to build a distribution centre for air freight at Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport, says release. The facility will be built over a plot covering 21.424 square metres, which is owned by maintenance company Jat Tehnika. The 10.176 square metre terminal within the airport complex will feature an administrative building, fulfilment centre for distribution, handling, and processing of goods, as well as a car park for 120 vehicles. Construction is expected to commence later this year

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), inaugurated state-of-the-art hydrant facilities at the newly established Manohar International Airport in north Goa. Sukhmal Jain, Director (Marketing) BPCL, inaugurated the facilities in the presence of Kanwarbir Singh Kalra (Deputy CEO, GMR Goa International Airport Ltd (GGIAL).and other senior leadership from BPCL and GGIAL. The introduction of the advanced hydrant facility is a strategic move by BPCL to cater to the rapidly growing refueling demands of the new greenfield airport. Manohar International Airport is a crucial addition to Goa’s aviation landscape, supplementing the existing Naval airport in Dabolim, which has faced constraints due to limited operational hours for civil aircraft. With the start of operations at Manohar International Airport, the combined traffic at both airports has increased. Shri Sukhmal Jain, Director (Marketing), BPCL, said “The inauguration of these state-of-the-art hydrant facilities at Manohar International Airport marks a significant step in BPCL’s journey to enhance aviation infrastructure in India. This strategic expansion is aimed at meeting the growing refueling demands and ensuring seamless operations. BPCL remains committed to pioneering advancements that support the robust growth of the aviation sector, reinforcing our dedication to efficiency, safety, and customer satisfaction.” Spanning across 6 acres of land, the hydrant fuel farm boasts a storage capacity of 8,270 KL. The hydrant system comprises an intricate network of underground pipelines connecting seamlessly to the airport’s 13 aircraft parking bays. The entire operation is meticulously managed through a fully automated console, ensuring efficiency and safety in fuel distribution. In addition to the inauguration at MOPA, Aviation Fuelling Stations were virtually unveiled at nine other airports, bringing the total count of BPCL-operated facilities to an impressive 75 airports nationwide. This expansion comes at …

DP World announced the expansion of its Australian operations and the launch of its new rail service at Stockland’s Yennora Intermodal Terminal, one of the largest logistics facilities in the Southern Hemisphere. An official ribbon cutting ceremony was today held at the Terminal, attended by Julia Finn, Member for Granville (NSW), Parliamentary Secretary to the NSW Premier; Amna Al-Suwaidi, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Australia; Nicolaj Noes, Executive Vice President, Oceania, DP World; Tarun Gupta, Managing Director and CEO, Stockland; and Marika Calfas, CEO, NSW Ports. From today, the Yennora Intermodal Terminal will offer two direct rail services to and from Port Botany per day on a dedicated DP World-owned and operated rail line. The daily port-rail service is expected to manage an annual rail capacity of 160,000 20-foot cargo shipping containers, known as TEUs, to achieve higher efficiencies. It is also expected to reduce up to 160 truck trips per day, lowering overall emissions. This significant milestone will enable DP World to provide an integrated supply chain solution across landside operations, contract logistics and freight forwarding. DP World’s enhanced logistics capabilities will provide cost efficiencies, reduce transit times, and improve supply chain resilience.

The Logistics Sector Skill Council (LSCI) and VCJ Foundation Trust (VCJF) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on May 19, 2024, to enhance cooperation and collaboration in the Logistics field. The agreement was signed by Ravikanth Yamarthy, Chief Executive Officer of LSCI, and Pankaj Jain, Co-Founder & Chairman of VCJ Foundation Trust, at IndiaSkills 2024 held at Yashobhoomi Convention Centre in Delhi. The collaboration between LSCI and VCJF focuses on areas such as placement, affiliations, and Logistics-related courses.

“ULIP offers an unprecedented opportunity for states to enhance their logistics frameworks. I encourage all states to actively leverage ULIP and drive forward a seamless, efficient, and inclusive logistics sector across India,” said Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) in a workshop organised to promote Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP) so it continues to lead the charge in transforming India’s logistics sector. The event saw enthusiastic participation from representatives of various states including Telangana, Kerala, Haryana, Punjab, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Nagaland, and Rajasthan. Additionally, many industry associations, enterprises and start-ups joined the workshop. He also emphasized the critical role of ULIP in fostering collaboration and integration among states to create a unified logistics ecosystem.

“Enhancing airport infrastructure and optimizing integrated cargo handling processes to streamline operations and enhance service quality is the need of the hour,” says Kamesh Peri, CEO, Celebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management Pvt Ltd. He adds, “Secondly, navigating the complex regulatory landscape poses a challenge for handlers in India. Cumbersome regulatory approvals, intricate procedures and documentation requirements impede operational efficiency. Simplifying regulatory processes and fostering greater collaboration between industry stakeholders and regulatory bodies are essential to facilitate smoother operations. Lastly, intense competition within the handling sector necessitates continuous innovation to maintain competitiveness. Collaborative efforts among cargo industry players to standardize processes, share best practices, and explore innovative solutions are crucial for driving growth and sustaining competitiveness. By proactively addressing these bottlenecks through concerted efforts and strategic initiatives, we can overcome challenges and unlock the true potential of the cargo handling industry in India.”