SAS Cargo partners with cargo.one to expand its digital freight procurement offering and meet the evolving needs of supply chain professionals seeking better automation, logistics coordination and procurement transparency. The partnership gives freight forwarders the ability to quote, book and track SAS Cargo air freight shipments in real time, bringing a new level of speed and control to logistics operations. The integration begins in April 2025 and connects forwarders with SAS Cargo’s air freight capacity via cargo.one’s platform. This covers general cargo and temperature-controlled shipments up to 10,000kg and includes major trade lanes across Asia, EMEA and North America. Popular destinations such as London, New York, Frankfurt, Atlanta and Tokyo are all included.

Air Astana is continuing to rely on Jettainer’s expertise in Unit Load Device (ULD) management. This longstanding partnership between the global leader in ULD management services and Kazakhstan’s national airline, headquartered in Almaty, that began in 2007, has been renewed again on a long-term basis. Air Astana’s ULD needs will change in the coming years due to its planned fleet modernization with the introduction of Boeing 787 aircraft. Jettainer will continue to partner closely with the airline as it takes this step and supports it with customized solutions. Air Astana is focusing on growth. The Kazakh airline plans to increase its fleet from 60 to 80 aircraft, including Boeing 787 Dreamliners, by the end of 2028. The planned fleet change will result in a growing and diversified ULD fleet. Jettainer will provide comprehensive support and expertise during the transition. By working with Jettainer, Air Astana will not only benefit from a dedicated ULD fleet but also from efficient ULD management. This will ensure smooth operations and contribute to seamless tracking and monitoring of ULD movements, leaving Air Astana to focus fully on its core business. Berik Abdrakhmanov, Director Ground Services at Air Astana, commented, “We have been working very well and closely with Jettainer for more than 18 years. We are confident that Jettainer’s team of experts will continue to help us achieve our growth plans with the innovative and customized ULD services we need to make them happen.”

Driver, a Kochi-based logistics service provider, has launched its Same-Day Delivery service across Kerala, significantly enhancing the state’s logistics capabilities. Effective immediately, businesses can dispatch goods from anywhere in Kerala to any location in Kerala within the same day, thereby reducing wait times and improving customer satisfaction. Rashad M., Executive Director of Operations & Business Development at Driver, stated that the introduction of Same-Day Delivery services in Kerala is a result of the expertise they have built in Multi-User Facility Warehouses and Partial Truckload (PTL) services. This combination positions Driver to assist clients in achieving faster growth through quicker order deliveries and improved turnaround times.​ Driver’s PTL network offers rapid and efficient deliveries throughout Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. Leveraging dedicated PTL centers across Kerala, the company ensures swift pickups and drop-offs. The Kochi mother warehouse facilitates deliveries across Kerala within 24 to 48 hours, while last-mile dark stores enable same-day deliveries throughout the state.​ The company employs advanced technology to provide real-time tracking and electronic Proof of Delivery (E-POD), ensuring transparency and accountability for every shipment. API integrations and robust IT capabilities offer end-to-end visibility, minimizing uncertainties and enhancing communication.​ Driver is committed to expanding its PTL network to connect more cities, aiming to reduce delivery times and broaden service coverage. The company invites manufacturers, distributors, and retailers across various sectors—including FMCG and e-commerce—to leverage its same-day delivery services. By integrating advanced scheduling, last-mile connectivity, and seamless tracking, Driver aims to support industries in scaling operations and enhancing customer experiences.​

  The National Symposium which took place on 27 March 2025, focusing on the role of air cargo in modern logistics and global trade. The two day programme was inaugurated by Neeraj Kumar, Director (International Regulations and Legal Affairs), DGCA. He provided valuable insights into air cargo logistics operations in India. The session was presided over by Dr. Malini V. Shankar, IAS (Retd.), Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, IMU, along with the esteemed presence of RAdm (Dr) P J Rangachari (Retd.), Director, IMU Chennai Campus. The panel discussion focused on air cargo, a vital sector in global trade. This session featured industry experts who shared valuable insights into the air cargo industry’s challenges, trends, and innovations. It offered students a unique opportunity to interact with seasoned professionals, gain knowledge about global logistics, and understand the evolving dynamics of air transportation providing an enriching experience for anyone interested in logistics, business, or transportation. The keynote address was delivered by Tulsi Mirchandaney, Managing Director (Retd.), Blue Dart Aviation Ltd., Chennai, who discussed the growth of the air cargo sector, its impact on global supply chains, and the role of technology in driving efficiency and sustainability. Panel Discussion focused on Optimising Global Supply Chains – The Integral Role of Air Cargo in Modern Logistics.    These luminaries from the industry covered gamut of topics, such as innovations in air cargo logistics and strategies for improving supply chain efficiency, infrastructure development and investment in air cargo handling facilities, application of AI and data analytics in air cargo operations, the precautions to be taken while transporting hazardous materials, the integrative role of air cargo transportation in the global supply chain management, etc.

IATA is continuing to develop plans for its Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Registry to support air cargo companies and other aviation stakeholders in their decarbonisation efforts. IATA has established the Civil Aviation Decarbonization Organization (CADO) to manage its SAF Registry when it is released. CADO is incorporated as a not-for-profit organisation in Canada with its headquarters in Montreal. IATA is the founding member of CADO and its role in CADO will include ongoing technical support and operations. CADO membership is open to organisations that operate in or contribute directly to the SAF value chain, or that represent any association or group of participants in the SAF value chain; states or quasi-state organisations with a direct interest in the operations and benefit of the SAF Registry; and related interest groups indirectly benefitting from SAF deployed in the aviation system.

“We are trying to take the PM Gati Shakti initiative not only to the state levels for their logistics planning but also to the districts for their district level planning. We are also trying to build new technologies such as AI, ML and digital twins into PM Gati Shakti approach,” said Pankaj Kumar, Joint Secretary Logistics at the recently concluded FICCI Gati Shakti Logistics Summit focused on Accelerating India’s Logistics Vision for Viksit Bharat 2047. He added, “So as far as the national logistics policy is concerned, we are engaged into having a data based, evidence based, primary survey based logistic cost in India. We always talk about high logistics cost — 13%, 14%, and we want to reduce it to 9%. But I assure you all that there is no survey conducted to authenticate or verify it. Our focus is getting that survey done and we are working on it.”  

The Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Ltd (DFCCIL) inaugurated newly constructed Gati Shakti Cargo Terminal (GCT) at New Gothangam on the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC). Praveen Kumar, MD, DFCCIL inaugurated the GCT at New Gothangam, which is the fourth terminal to be operationalised under DFCCIL, following the successful commissioning of GCTs at New Rewari, New Bhaupur, and New Daud Khan. “These terminals significantly boost the freight handling capacity of the DFC network. DFCCIL played a leading role in this initiative, developing four out of the total seven GCTs commissioned under Schedule 2 (railway land) over Indian Railways (IR),” an official said. The development of GCTs is a pivotal initiative under the Gati Shakti Multi Modal Cargo Terminal Policy introduced by IR to revolutionise freight logistics infrastructure in India.

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India and the Indian Institute of Management, Mumbai signed MoU to enhance the efficiency and transparency of public sector logistics, supply chain and inventory management. The agreement was signed in the presence of CAG K Sanjay Murthy and Director of IIM Mumbai Manoj Tiwari, the release stated. “This MoU represents an initiative spearheaded by CAG of India, to actively engage with institutes of national importance, such as IIM Mumbai, excelling in various areas, to enhance the capacity building of Indian Audit and Accounts Department (IAAD) officials said. By collaborating with such prestigious institutions, the CAG aims to strengthen the auditing capabilities and improve resource management across government departments and public sector enterprises, the release said. The MoU  focuses on leveraging IIM Mumbai’s academic expertise to support the CAG in refining audit methodologies for logistics, supply chains, and inventory management.

According to the latest data from TAC Index, global air freight rates have increased despite mixed outlook for trade and markets. The global Baltic Air Freight Index (BAI00) calculated by TAC was up another +2.3 per cent YoY over the week to March 24, leaving it ahead by +3.5 per cent YoY over the past 12 months, states report. Rates out of China were higher again last week on lanes both to Europe and to North America, leaving them still close to levels of 12 months ago. The index of outbound routes from Hong Kong (BAI30) was narrowly lower by -0.1% WoW, but still ahead by +3.1% YoY, with sources suggesting that spot rates had continued to rise. Outbound Shanghai (BAI80) was up a further +6.2% WoW – leaving it up by similar +3.4% YoY.  Elsewhere from Asia trends in rates continued to be more mixed – with falls on lanes to Europe from Vietnam, Bangkok and Seoul, and falls this time too on lanes from India both to Europe and the US. By contrast, rates from Vietnam to the US continued to increase. From Europe, rates were generally falling last week, including on lanes to China and Japan as well as to the US. However, the index of outbound routes from Frankfurt (BAI20) bounced back from recent falls with a gain of +9.5% WoW, boosted by gains on most major lanes, pushing that index back into positive territory at +10.3% YoY. By contrast, outbound London Heathrow (BAI40) fell back again after a surge the previous week, a drop of -15.6% WoW pulling it down to -8.7% YoY. Out of the Americas, the index of outbound routes from Chicago (BAI50) gained +5.8% WoW, led by higher rates on lanes to South East Asia to leave it at +12.7% YoY. Overall rates of the US were generally higher on lanes …

Hyundai Motor has partnered with Sendy, a Korean cargo logistics platform operator, to build an AI-driven logistics service based on Hyundai’s ST1 commercial EV.  As per the MoU, the two companies will integrate the ST1 with Sendy’s AI-based logistics optimisation system to establish a smart and eco-friendly freight platform. Hyundai’s vehicles will be equipped with Sendy’s vehicle application designed to recommend optimal delivery routes and minimise empty return trips.  The automaker plans to provide essential vehicle data and technical support to ensure the smooth operation of the AI system.  The service is expected to launch in the second quarter in the greater Seoul area and gradually expand to major cities nationwide. Hyundai aims to operate 100 units by the end of the year. “This collaboration with Sendy is not just about launching a logistics service, but about creating a new paradigm of AI-powered smart transport,” a Hyundai official said.