Nomita Kothari, CEO, New Globe Logistik says, “We are very active in adapting & implementing cutting-edge technology to our cargo business. We have introduced advanced data analytics platforms for comprehensive track and trace, end to end transparency, forecasting & offer automation solutions via EDI. These new technology innovations have resulted in faster and more cost-effective deliveries. Our emphasis on cloud-based solutions has facilitated seamless communication and collaboration across the supply chain, enhancing efficiency and transparency. Moreover, our commitment to continuous improvement drives ongoing research and development of innovative solutions, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of technological innovation in the air cargo industry. Advanced tracking systems offer real-time visibility into shipments, optimizing route planning and minimizing delays. Automation and data analytics tools facilitate smoother operations, from booking to delivery, enhancing customer experience and satisfaction. Moreover, predictive analytics help forecast demand and optimize inventory management, enabling better resource allocation and cost savings.”

Kritika Seth, Head Business Development and Marketing, Allied Aviation shares, “Technology has significantly streamlined air cargo operations in recent years, enhancing efficiency and reliability. We at Allied also leverage real-time data from reliable sources. This allows us to gain instant insights into global air freight trends and market dynamics, enabling us to promptly identify gaps, support our partner airlines, and enhance overall performance. Furthermore, our subsidiary, Speedbox provides white-label digital solutions to logistics companies globally. This platform pioneers a range of tools and features, empowering logistics firms to digitize, optimize operations, and expand their market presence, showcasing our commitment to technological progress in the air cargo and logistics sectors.”

Indrani Chatterjee, Group Chief Human Resources Officer, Allcargo Group says, “Logistics has always been a service-driven industry. Given the dynamic nature of the industry, it is extremely encouraging to see that more and more logistics companies are emphasizing the role of inclusivity in driving innovation, service competency as well as industry and economic growth. Logistics companies are no longer employing women only in soft-skill driven roles. Women representation is gradually growing in skill and expertise-focused roles, both in entry-level operations-centric profiles and leadership positions. In line with this year’s theme of International Women’s Day – Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress, we need to further broaden our perspective towards training and deploying more women professionals, as a robust women participation in the logistics workforce will further strengthen the industry service delivery capabilities. We should continue working towards building a convenient workplace environment along with offering comprehensive training and mentorships to women professionals to firm up workforce diversity.”

Flyjac Logistics has announced the grand opening of its largest Multi-Purpose Logistics Centre in Taloja, Mumbai, on March 7, 2024! This state-of-the-art facility is set to revolutionize the logistics experience.

Global sea freight rates are expected to stabilise after significant increases since last November, according to Turgut Erkeskin, President of the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA). The challenges in maritime shipping impact air freight as well, leading to higher prices compared to pre-COVID levels, he told Emirates News Agency (WAM) on the sidelines of the FIATA-RAME (Region Africa Middle East) held in Dubai. Erkeskin anticipates an increase in sea freight capacity and volume, potentially stabilising prices. While some routes remain unaffected, others, particularly in Africa and Europe, have seen significant rate hikes. He said that economic growth forecasts suggest a 2.4 percent increase in 2024, influencing logistics and freight operations globally. Foreign direct investment is shifting towards regions like the Middle East and Africa, impacting logistics activities, according to Erkeskin. The conference is essential in addressing current global supply chain challenges by bringing industry stakeholders together to improve supply chain efficiency and resilience. Dubai’s role as a major global trade hub adds significance to the event. Erkeskin emphasised the importance of alternative solutions to enhance global supply chain resilience and efficiency. These solutions include creating new trade routes, and alternative transit corridors, and leveraging digital transformation to boost the effectiveness of transportation and logistics processes.

Kerry Logistics Network announced the acquisition of a majority stake in Business By Air SAS (‘BBA’), a leading French international freight forwarding company, to strengthen KLN’s position in the EMEA region and international freight forwarding (‘IFF’) capabilities across the globe. An upstream supply chain specialist in air freight services for diverse industrial clients in verticals including automotive, aerospace and pharmaceutical, as well as an established player in the African market, BBA has been acting as KLN’s agent in France since 2016. In addition to multimodal freight forwarding, customs clearance and nationwide trucking, BBA also offers a complete suite of supply chain solutions covering express, on board couriers, project cargo, as well as logistics for fine arts, perishables and personal effects. Vic Cheung, Group Managing Director of Kerry Logistics Network, said, “We are pleased to welcome BBA to KLN’s global network. The acquisition is a natural progression in our strategic pursuit of enhancing our IFF service offerings in the EMEA region. With France’s position as one of the world’s top exporting countries, the addition of BBA will significantly strengthen our foothold in the country. We are looking forward to the synergies created between KLN’s ocean freight capabilities and BBA’s air freight expertise, and the extension of our service into the niche verticals of fine arts and perishables, which will further boost our global coverage and competency to offer comprehensive and flexible solutions to customers.”

Citing Andhra Pradesh as one of the largest food producers,A.P. Chambers of Commerce and Industry Federation said that Vijayawada International Airport must get a customs-notified cargo centre to facilitate exports of goods to other countries. In a letter addressed to Airports Authority of India Chairman Sanjeev Kumar, members of the Chambers said the State occupies a premier position in the country’s agri-business industry and that the food processing sector has made enormous progress in the State. However, due to the absence of a customs-notified cargo centre, the exporters are having to ship these from Hyderabad airport. This will only incur more expenses and lead to wastage of time, the letter said. On an average, it is estimated that approximately 800 tonnes of cargo being shipped from Hyderabad airport daily belongs to Vijayawada and neighbouring places, they said, in an official statement to AAI.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for January 2024 global air cargo markets indicating a strong start to 2024. Total demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTKs*), increased by 18.4% compared to January 2023 levels (19.8% for international operations). This significant upturn marks the highest annual growth in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTKs) since the summer season of 2021. Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometres (ACTKs), was up 14.6% compared to January 2023 (18.2% for international operations). This was largely related to the growth in belly capacity. International belly capacity rose 25.8% year-on-year (YoY) on the strength of passenger markets. “Air cargo demand was up 18.4% year-on-year in January. This is a strong start to the year. In particular, the booming e-commerce sector is continuing to help air cargo demand to trend above growth in both trade and production since the last quarter of 2023. The counterweight to this good news is uncertainty over how China’s economic slowdown will unfold. This will be on the minds of air cargo executives meeting in Hong Kong next week for the IATA World Cargo Symposium with an agenda focused on digitalization, efficiency and sustainability,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

FIATA International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations announced its partnership with World Logistics Passport (WLP), a global initiative aimed at promoting seamless trade flow among traders, freight forwarders and key supply chain players through its logistics loyalty programme. The partnership announcement coincides with the commencement of the 2024 FIATA-RAME Field Meeting in Dubai, United Arab Emirates where the WLP is headquartered, and at which these key themes in the region and on the global logistics playing field will be discussed, says an official release from FIATA. “The collaboration between FIATA and WLP marks a significant milestone in advancing international trade facilitation. Through this partnership, with FIATA’s vast global network comprising over 40,000 freight forwarding and logistics companies across 150 countries, the two aim to support their respective members in easing trade processes. The WLP overcomes non-tariff trade barriers through the offering of financial and non-financial benefits such as fast-tracking of cargo movement, reducing administrative costs, advancing cargo information and facilitating trade across borders, all of which can benefit FIATA members.” Stéphane Graber, Director General, FIATA says: “This collaboration aligns with FIATA’s mission to promote global standards and overcome geographical barriers to ease trade. WLP and FIATA can synergistically work together on the common goal of facilitating trade through networks and collaboration. The world is getting more and more complex due to environmental and political crises, disrupting supply chains. Trade facilitation is key to ensuring the seamless movement of goods around the world. To achieve a resilient and efficient supply chain, we must bring people together, which is the common objective of FIATA and WLP. Members will benefit from best practices and practical inputs of trade facilitation resulting in better connectivity …

FarCargo launched its first transatlantic air cargo route for salmon shipments on March 5. The planned outbound route will be Billund – Faroe Islands – Newark, with a fuel stop in Keflavik (BLL-FAE-KEF-EWR), and inbound Newark – Billund (EWR-BLL). A subsidiary of salmon farming business Bakkafrost, FarCargo will use a Boeing 757-200 converted freighter, which it took delivery of at the end of last year. The aircraft has a total capacity of 34 tons and 240 cubic meters and includes a cool cabin on the maindeck for perishables and pharmaceuticals. Initially, the aircraft will carry out two rotations per week, increasing to five times per week later this year.