In an impressive feat of organisation, GMR Air Cargo & Logistics-Goa (MOPA Airport) has sent its first tonne of mangoes to Muscat, Oman. Led by Purushottam Singh Thakur, Business Head, GMR, ACL and his team, this flight marks a significant step in the company’s global logistics commitment. Present at the event were Suresh Pillai Airport Manager, Oman Air Goa, Haridas, Assistant Commissioner, Goa Customs, Shrikanth Bhandarkar, Chief Commercial Officer, GOX, Prashanth CS, Assistant General Manager, Commercial, GOX, and Chandrakanth Rachakonda, Commercial Manager, GOX.

Lessor Vaayu Group has delivered the world’s second A320 passenger to freighter (P2F) aircraft to Cairo-based Sky Vision Airlines. This is the second aircraft that UAE-headquartered Vaayu has leased after its first A320P2F was leased to New Delhi-based Pradhaan Air Express, a sub-lessee of Vaayu. Vaayu Group chairman and president Emad AlMonayea said: “Vaayu’s vision is to become a significant player in the air cargo space in the years to come. Our second aircraft is quite strategic considering the opportunities Middle East & North Africa presents.” Sky Vision Airlines chief executive Amr Abd EL Zaher said: “We are happy to take delivery of MSN 2724 with V2500 engines to start our cargo operations. “We are pleased with the fact that Vaayu has joined us since they bring with them a great record in the aviation sector. Their invaluable expertise and their single-minded plans to increase cargo capacity bodes well for us.” The aircraft was converted by EFW, a joint venture (JV) between Singapore-based ST Engineering and France-headquartered Airbus, and leased to Vaayu by Juniper Aviation Investments, ST Engineering’s freighter aircraft leasing JV. “We are extremely encouraged by the demand for the A320P2F, which is a clear testimony of the versatility, benefits and value that the freighter platform brings to the market,” said senior vice president and head of aircraft and freighter leasing of ST Engineering Tan Boon Keng. Vaayu plans to expand its footprint in the air cargo space with the addition of another A320P2F this year, which will enhance capacity and improve its network.

Continental Carriers officially inaugurated India’s first Air Freight Station in New Delhi. “The idea of this Air Freight Station was conceived by my father late Shri T N Vohra at the time when the concept of cargo handling/processing at an off-airport location was unknown to the logistics industry in India,” shared Vipin Vohra, Chairman, Continental Carriers. “Although a successful model in other countries, we, in India, only dreamt about having an off-Airport Cargo Terminal where the export cargo could be handled/processed before it gets transported to the Air Cargo Terminal at the Airport in ‘ready for carriage’ condition for delivery to the respective Airlines.” He adds, The vision of a Continental Carriers Pvt Ltd, for launching India’s first RA-3 accredited green field Air Freight Station is to provide efficient, reliable, and cost-effective Air Freight services to its customers worldwide. The company’s aim is to be a leader in the Air Freight industry, with a reputation for excellence in customer service and operational performance. Continental Carriers Pvt Ltd aims to provide customized solutions to meet the unique needs of each customer, whether they are small businesses or large corporations. Our aim through AFS is to revolutionize air cargo handling in India, ultimately leading to decreased logistics costs for companies. We strongly believe this initiative will significantly transform the logistics industry, and we call upon the logistics community to join us in making it a success.”

ECS Group announces a strategic worldwide partnership with CMA CGM AIR CARGO, a division of CMA CGM Group, a global player in sea, land, air, and logistics solutions. Starting April 1, 2024, ECS Group will be appointed as CMA CGM AIR CARGO GSSA, commercializing air freight capacities on flights operated by CMA CGM AIR CARGO. By joining forces, ECS Group and CMA CGM AIR CARGO aim to redefine industry standards in operational efficiency, service quality, and technological innovation. Together, they will pioneer innovative solutions and deliver a premier customer experience while enhancing operational efficiency. With 9 flights per week between Paris and China/HKG, on B777 aircraft, ECS Group is committed to providing customers with transparent and efficient access to leading air transport solutions, optimizing CMA CGM AIR CARGO’s commercial performance and strengthening its presence in the air freight market. Flexibility and innovation are key drivers of success in this dynamic industry. Through their Augmented GSSA model, ECS will offer CMA CGM tailor-made cooperation models, ensuring adaptability to market fluctuations and local requirements. These customized solutions will be meticulously crafted to meet the specific needs and challenges of CMA CGM, providing a seamless and efficient partnership experience that drives mutual growth and success. Adrien Thominet, Executive Chairman of ECS Group, expresses enthusiasm for this new partnership: “Collaborating with CMA CGM AIR CARGO represents a unique opportunity to combine ECS Group’s expertise in GSSA with CMA CGM AIR CARGO assets. Together, we are determined to pave the way in air freight transport, offering innovative solutions and operational excellence to our clients worldwide.” In conclusion, ECS Group and CMA CGM AIR CARGO embark on an exciting new chapter in air freight transport, pushing …

Jeena & Company announced the merger of the 67-year-old JBS Group based in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. This strategic move aims to provide comprehensive logistic services, encompassing both international and domestic sectors. JBS Group, founded in 1957 by Mr. J B Shah, stands as an ISO-certified, AEO group with diverse entities specializing in Customs Clearance, Multimodal Transport Operations, and IATA cargo handling. JBS Group holds its own Customs Broking License, IATA accreditation, and nearly 30 years of experience in FMC registered Bill of Lading. This addition brings an extra 95 pin codes to the existing 300+ PAN-India pincodes. Post-merging, J B Shah Logistics will assume the name JBS JEENA Logistics, combining the esteemed legacies of the 67-year-old JBS Group and the 124-year-old Jeena Group. With this development, JBS JEENA Logistics anticipates a 100% projected growth, leveraging the combined expertise and resources of both legacy entities. As a part of the merger, Jeena & Company will acquire the customers, team, and assets of the JBS Group and expand its Custom Clearance footprint in Gujarat. With JB Shah Logistics’ impactful presence in Gujarat, Jeena aims to leverage its freight forwarding business. Speaking on this, Sam Katgara, Partner, Jeena & Co. said, “As a brand, we are moving in the direction that we envisaged and it is giving us positive results. With the merging of the JBS Group, we inked a partnership that brings together two esteemed, legacy organizations with a rich history and complementary capabilities, positioning us as a leading provider of end-to-end logistics solutions in the region. Together as JBS Jeena Logistics, we feel greatly confident to create value for our customers and stakeholders through our combined force.” JBS JEENA Logistics is poised …

Air India and Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) have entered into an agreement intended to develop Bengaluru as a premier aviation hub for southern India. As part of this initiative, Air India has also signed MOU with the Government of Karnataka to establish MRO facilities at BLR airport. The initiative also aims to boost air travel connectivity to and from India over the next few years. The agreement marks a significant milestone in the Indian aviation industry. Air India (along with other Tata Group airlines – AIX and Vistara) and BIAL will collaborate to enhance international connectivity, operational efficiency, and passenger experience over the next five years. This includes strengthening the group’s presence at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (KIAB or BLR airport) through an enhanced network and establishing a dedicated domestic lounge for premium and frequent travellers of Tata Group airlines Air India and Vistara. This underscores Air India’s commitment to strengthening its presence in Bengaluru and over time, expand its global footprint to meet the growing demand for direct long-haul routes originating from Southern India. This partnership will stimulate the MRO ecosystem and is projected to generate over 1,200 new job opportunities for highly skilled individuals in the state. Campbell Wilson, Managing Director and CEO of Air India, said, “Airline-airport synergy is key to elevated customer experience and efficient operations, while Bengaluru is highly attractive as an origin and destination market as well as a connecting hub. We are therefore delighted to be strengthening our relationship with BIAL with a view to developing a greater presence at the airport, expanding air connectivity as well as building a major MRO center. This partnership agreement is a significant milestone in the …

Construction work on the State’s first multi-modal logistics park began recently in Tiruvallur district. It is being built at a cost of ₹1,500 crore on 181 acres of land. The work is being carried out in build operate transfer (BOT) mode and the first phase, during which road connectivity would be provided, will be completed in two years. “We already have a four-lane wide road, which is the State Highway. It will get some upgrades, including a flyover, and will be connected to the Chennai Peripheral Ring Road,” said officials of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) implementing the project. Apart from road connectivity, the park will also get rail connectivity. “We have begun acquiring lands for laying the 10-km-long railway line to connect it with the Kadambathur railway station,” the officials said. The park is being built on an all-open, dry land with no structures. The rail connectivity work will take at least four years to complete. The park, which is coming up as part of the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, the objective of which is to offer smooth intermodal freight movement, will have facilities that include automated warehouses, cold storage and customs facilities, cargo terminals, and truck terminals. Various commodities, including textile, apparel, grain, electronics, consumer goods, and automobiles and automobile components may be handled at the logistics park. Over a period of 45 years, this facility is expected to cater to a cargo volume of 7.17 million tonnes.

Delhi International Airport Ltd is committed to delivering all visitors a seamless and stress-free experience. In pursuit of this objective, DEL has recently unveiled Aero Hub – a Public Amenities Complex at Cargo City. This meticulously designed facility is a game-changer, catering specifically to the needs of our esteemed cargo service partners. With a focus on providing top-notch amenities, the Aero Hub sets a new standard for convenience, ensuring that our trade and service partners have access to world-class facilities unmatched elsewhere. Here is all you need to know about the Aero Hub at Cargo City, Delhi Airport!  Visit: https://bit.ly/DEL_AeroHub

ICRA expects the revenues of the Indian road logistics industry to remain range-bound and grow at sedate pace of 3-6% in FY2025, given the limited ability of players to increase the freight rates, expected softening in Government capex during the elections (given the Model Code of Conduct requirements) and moderation in consumer demand sentiments amid high inflation and interest rates. The outlook for the sector continues to be Stable, fuelled by a sustained momentum in economic activities, enhanced traction of organised trade and continued support from varied segments like e-commerce, FMCG, retail, pharmaceuticals, and industrial goods. Mr. Suprio Banerjee, Vice President & Sector Head – Corporate Ratings, ICRA Limited, said: “ICRA’s sample set witnessed a modest revenue growth of 2.3% in 9M FY2024 on a YoY basis amidst tapering demand due to high inflation, an uneven monsoon, a high interest rate regime and relatively muted festive season. Thus, on an elevated base of FY2023, ICRA estimates a low single digit growth of 2-5% in FY2024. The growth for road logistics sector in FY2025 is expected to be in the range of 3-6% , owing to the impact on demand from high inflation, high interest rate regime and soft (though improving) consumer sentiment. The industry operating profit margin contracted to 11.2% in 9M FY2024 (down ~150 bps YoY), on account of increase in operating costs (ex-fuel) due to the high inflationary regime, and pressure on realisations, given the sticky retail diesel rates, limiting any formula-driven price rise. ICRA expects the margins to remain in the range of 10.5-12.5% in FY2024 and FY2025 over 12.4% in FY2023 amidst inflationary headwinds and despite benefits of efficiency gains due to increasing digitalisation and value-added …

“Indian govt. has taken initiatives to improve multimodal transport and connectivity in order to increase efficiency and promote economic growth,” says Sandeep Kulkarni, COO, Allcargo Gati. He adds, “Initiatives like the Bharatmala Pariyojana, Sagarmala Programme, Make in India, and Dedicated Freight Corridors have been critical in improving road, maritime, and rail infrastructure. Despite significant improvements, persistent issues continue, particularly as National Highways account for 40% of India’s road traffic despite comprising only 2% of the total road network. To address these challenges, ongoing efforts include increasing the road network initiatives through the National Highway Development Programme and the Bharatmala Pariyojana. Furthermore, the Logistics Efficiency Enhancement Programme (LEEP) intends to improve logistics efficiency by developing Multimodal Logistics Parks. While progress has been made in modernising facilities, there are still places that require further development, and challenges such as fragmented infrastructure and last-mile connection continue to prevent seamless freight flow. Overcoming these obstacles is critical for optimising supply chains and lowering costs across various transportation modes, resulting in a more efficient and robust logistical framework for India’s economic development.”