Emirates has launched Emirates Courier Express, an end-to-end delivery solution that is set to redefine the express delivery experience. To ensure Emirates Courier Express addressed industry-wide challenges, Emirates worked with various global customers to pilot and finesse the product, with the goal to make it as fast, reliable and flexible as possible, before launching to market. Over the last year, Emirates Courier Express transported several thousands of packages from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, South Africa and the UK. The average delivery time is less than 48 hours. Now, Emirates Courier Express is open for business, for businesses. Badr Abbas, Divisional Senior Vice President, Emirates SkyCargo said, “Emirates Courier Express is an evolution in how we move goods across the globe, at speed and at scale. Building on our world-class and well-established infrastructure, and reimagining traditional logistics processes where necessary, this innovative solution does not just meet the Emirates Gold Standard of reliability and excellence but sets a new benchmark for what’s possible. This is only the beginning of our vision to continuously innovate and lead the charge in the express delivery sector.”

  Ocean Network Express (ONE) launched new Indian Ocean Express service (IOX) connecting India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan with the North Europe region offering customers expanded service coverage, said official reports. The transshipment service via Colombo would cater to the shipping needs of customers from East India and Bangladesh, added official release. “The inaugural voyage from Nhava Sheva to North Europe will commence with Hyundai Oakland/V133W, Hyundai Oakland/V133E (ETA London Gateway.

SkyCell has partnered with ACL Airshop, provider of unit load device (ULD) leasing and management, to enhance air cargo logistics for customers. This five-year strategic partnership will integrate SkyCell’s cutting-edge IoT technology across ACL Airshop’s extensive ULD fleet, enhancing real-time tracking, operational efficiency, and asset utilisation. By minimising misplaced ULDs and y fleet allocation, ACL Airshop will be able to streamline operations, reduce excess inventory, and improve overall efficiency for its customers. Backed by 13+ years of expertise in pharma air freight monitoring and the largest IoT network spanning 250+ airports, SkyCell provides ACL Airshop with end-to-end fleet visibility—indoors and outdoors. This ensures greater tracking accuracy, improved asset utilization, and higher operational reliability, enabling ACL and its customers to make data-driven decisions for seamless logistics and cost-effective ULD fleet management.

  Kaushalya Logistics Limited has closed FY24 on a strong note with the commencement of operations at its new depot in Arrah, Bihar, under the CCFA model for ACC (Adani Group). The company has started started operations at its new depot in Arrah, Bihar, under CCFA model for ACC (Adani Group), this marks the company’s 14th depot under the CCFA model, reinforcing its commitment to expanding its footprint across India. Under this model, the company aims to handle up to 3 lakh MT of cement per month. In recent months, the company has significantly expanded its network by adding 20 depots. In FY25, the company successfully commenced operations at 30 new depots/rake points, bringing the total count of depots and rake points to 102. With an ambitious growth trajectory, the company aims to reach 225 depots by FY26, further strengthening its position as one of the key players in cement supply chain management.

  IAG Cargo is hoping to benefit from the addition of new flights to Asia, North America and South America as part of the airline group’s summer schedule. The cargo division of the IAG Group said a major highlight of the summer schedule – running from April to October – was the return of daily flights to Kuala Lumpur from Heathrow, which are due to start on 1 April utilising Boeing 787-9 capacity. Capacity across North America will “grow significantly”, including the return of flights to Denver from Dublin as well as additional services on routes such as Chicago, Vancouver and Washington from Heathrow. In Latin America, services to Rio de Janeiro from Madrid will increase from four to six flights per week, ”supporting growing demand in the region”.

According to IATA, “Air cargo registered its first year-on-year decline in February since March 2023 as a result of ‘extraordinary’ growth a year ago. The latest supply and demand statistics from IATA show that air cargo demand decreased by 0.1% in cargo tonne km (CTK) terms in February. However, the cargo load factor actually improved by 0.1 percentage points compared with a year ago to 45% due to a 0.4% decline in capacity supply. IATA said that the demand decline was the result of a spike in air cargo volumes in February last year caused by a number of factors.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) funded Strengthening Multimodal and Integrated Logistics Ecosystem (SMILE) Program (SMILE) has plans to boost logistics efficiency. Aligning with the Atmanirbhar Bharat(Self-Reliant India) initiative by strengthening domestic manufacturing, improving logistics efficiency, the program enabled better integration into global trade network. It has the objectives of improving India’s logistics infrastructure, reducing logistics costs, and increasing efficiency. It supports the implementation of the National Logistics Policy and PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan by strengthening multimodal logistics, standardizing warehousing, and promoting digitalization in trade logistics.

DHL Group and Cryoport, Inc announced that DHL has acquired 100 per cent of CRYOPDP, a leading specialty courier focused on clinical trials, biopharma, and cell and gene therapies. In this context, the companies also announced a strategic partnership to strengthen their supply chain service offerings for the global life sciences and healthcare sector. DHL Group already has an established Life Sciences and Healthcare business, contributing over EUR 5 billion in global revenue in 2024. Building on this foundation, the acquisition of CRYOPDP marks a significant step in DHL’s commitment to enhancing its capabilities in specialized pharma logistics and expanding the breadth of its offering in the rapidly growing life science and healthcare sector. CRYOPDP specializes in providing white-glove courier services essential to the sectors it serves. With operations in 15 countries, CRYOPDP handles over 600,000 shipments per year, servicing customers and patients in over 135 countries worldwide.

Keku Bomi Gazder, CEO and MD, Aviapro Logistic said, “The air cargo industry has been adapting to challenges, but several key factors still affect its profitability. Limited cargo space of aircraft creates fierce competition, particularly during peak seasons. Navigating new trade tariffs, customs requirements, and security protocols is time-consuming and heavy on the pockets. Delays are caused by various factors, including weather, ineffective logistics, and unforeseen technical glitches, which may leave customers dissatisfied. Rising fuel prices and skilled labor costs add expenses, putting pressure on freight forwarders’ profit margins. Antiquated, paper-based procedures reduce productivity and increase the risk of errors. The disruptions in India’s air cargo industry caused by ongoing global conflict created barriers to the smooth shipment of cargo and goods. The industry has shown resilience and continues to adapt and evolve to sustain itself despite the hurdles. We must focus on strategic improvements across key operational areas. We expect significant gains through dedicated cargo flights, advanced forecasting, capacity management, and streamlined logistics. Leveraging digital platforms and data analytics for booking, tracking, and paperwork will reduce the processing time involved in aerodynamic operations. Adopting sustainable, energy-efficient technology and strategic route planning will help optimise costs. Lastly, in the long term, it is important to focus on enhancing MRO capabilities by developing state-of-the-art aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul facilities, positioning India as a global hub for aviation servicing.”

According to WorldACD Market Data, “Air cargo demand out of Asia Pacific continues to rebuild after Lunar New Year (LNY), with tonnages from Asia Pacific markets to the US clocking up their sixth successive week-on-week (WoW) increase since the holiday period. Figures from WorldACD Market Data show that spot prices also rose, with China to US prices at their second-highest level this year.” Tonnages from Asia Pacific markets to the US increased overall by a further 3% in week 12, their sixth successive WoW increase since LNY, driven by increases from South Korea, up 13%; Vietnam, up 6%; Hong Kong, up 5%; and China, up 2%. Meanwhile, spot prices from Asia Pacific to the US rose 5% WoW, to $5.16 per kilo. China to US prices recorded a second consecutive week of double-digit percentage increases – 12% WoW – taking them to $4.53 per kilo. This was their second-highest level this year, second only to their level in week one.