Category Archives: Aviation

  The much-awaited, FIATA Region Asia-Pacific (RAP) Meeting being held in New Delhi from 21 to 24 May 2025 will focus on sustainability and green logistics, air cargo industry becoming transshipment and global cargo hub, multimodal logistics, digitalisation and industrial collaboration. Jointly organised by the FIATA and The Air Cargo Agents Association of India, (ACAAI), the event serves as a premier gathering for logistics professionals, freight forwarders, and trade associations across the region. This event offers a platform to discuss supply chain innovation, industry challenges, and future opportunities. Key highlights include insightful discussions and networking opportunities with top industry professionals from across the globe.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has launched the FACE Ambassadors Program, a new initiative that will form part of the wider Future Air Cargo Executives (FACE) Program, aimed at promoting air cargo career opportunities to a broader and younger audience worldwide. According to the transport association, FACE Ambassadors will play a key role in extending the reach of the initiative by: • Leading regional and local outreach initiatives, including community engagement and educational partnerships, with the aim of increasing awareness of air cargo career opportunities • Serving as industry advocates by sharing their professional journeys and insights, with the goal of inspiring and mentoring the next generation of air cargo professionals

With the launch of India’s largest Greenfield Domestic Cargo Terminal (DCT), Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR Airport) has developed Airport Truck Management Facility (ATMF) in collaboration with Shell Mobility to meet rising cargo demand and capacity. Already operational, this facility is ensuring seamless cargo movement, reducing congestion, and enhancing efficiency, further strengthening BLR Airport’s position as India’s premier cargo hub. The ATMF ensures smooth operations by streamlining truck flow, enabling real-time processing, and providing driver amenities that enhance turnaround times and operational efficiency. Handling approximately 1,600 trucks daily, BLR Cargo has effectively addressed key inefficiencies such as congestion, delays, and limited driver facilities. With over 250 parking bays, the ATMF optimises operations through digital processing, automated approvals, and seamless cargo movement. Technology-Driven Efficiency By leveraging advanced digital solutions, the ATMF has transformed truck movement at BLR Airport: • Automated, common pre-check ins, paperless entry and digitalised pick-ups and exit processes accelerate truck clearance • Handheld devices for check-ins have slashed truck turnaround time from four hours to just one hour, with 78% of trucks waiting less than 20 minutes before entering cargo terminals • 24/7 CCTV monitoring enhances security and operational oversight • App-based approval mechanisms enable faster, digitised truck clearances, optimising logistics efficiency Satyaki Raghunath, Chief Operating Officer, Bangalore International Airport Limited said, “Given the significant increase in cargo here at BLR Airport, it was time to invest in solutions that can ensure seamless and timely movement of trucks, as well as the well-being of truck drivers by providing essential amenities. That’s where BLR Cargo together with ShellMobility India conceived India’s first on-airport truck management facility with a fully automated paperless truck entry and exit process at the Airport …

Tej Contractor, Director, Mayur C Contractor Logistics said, “In my opinion, the discontinuation of the Bangladesh cargo transshipment facility is a welcome move. With apparel exporters flagging congestion at airports and ports, prioritising Indian cargo ensures quicker turnaround and delivery for our exporters. This shift clearly benefits Indian trade, and I appreciate the proactive steps taken by department. It’s encouraging to see national interest being placed at the forefront to support our supply chain efficiency.”

Reacting on the latest news of India stopping transshipment facility for Bangladesh export cargo, Afzal Malbarwala, Managing Director, Galaxy Freight said, “Because of the heavy movement of cargo from Bangladesh to Delhi and Bangalore, the airlines charge high rates, which affects the Indian exporters, who, with the rate in India, are finding it difficult to move their goods. This change will rationalise freight rates, reduce transportation costs for Indian exporters, and ease airport congestion. Indian forwarders will now get more space for their exports. This is a government order, and Indian forwarders are happy to support their customers.”

Debajyoti Bagchi, VP Business Development, TT Group said, “Discontinuation of Bangladesh transit traffic through Indian LCS, presents a multifaceted impact beyond the evident geopolitical considerations. From an economic and operational perspective, this embargo at the LPAI Petrapole is expected to disrupt established vehicle demand planning cycles, particularly for routes connecting Petrapole to DEL, CCU, and BLR. The support personnel at the LPAI warehouse may experience a loss of supplemental income due to reduced operational throughput. Similarly, Customs House Agents (CHAs) may face a significant decline in workload related to the processing of BoTs, potentially affecting their earnings and employment stability. Conversely, Indian exporters who have previously raised concerns regarding congested terminal warehouses may benefit from increased availability of space for consolidation of export cargo. Airport security personnel, particularly screeners operating under the BCAS guidelines for shipments from third-world countries, may also experience reduced pressure. Additionally, this embargo could provide a competitive edge to Indian exporters, especially in the apparel sector, by mitigating external competition and potentially enhancing India’s export performance in key categories.”

Xerrxes Master, MD, Master Groups said, “India’s decision to halt the transshipment facility for Bangladeshi exports via its land borders and Delhi Air Cargo Complex aims to alleviate congestion and protect domestic exporters’ competitiveness. The Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) highlighted that the influx of 20–30 Bangladeshi trucks daily into Delhi caused delays, increased air freight rates and strained logistics, especially amid the Red Sea crisis.  While this move may strain bilateral trade relations and affect Bangladesh’s export routes, it underscores India’s need to prioritize its economic interests and logistics efficiency.”  

Kamal Jain, Director, Cargomen Logistics affirmed, “India’s decision to stop the transshipment of Bangladesh’s export cargo, officially citing port and airport congestion, also carries economic and geopolitical significance. With U.S. tariffs impacting Bangladesh’s garment exports, India aims to bolster its own exporters by freeing up cargo capacity. The move is also seen in the context of Bangladesh’s growing alignment with China, prompting India to assert strategic control over regional trade routes. Like all nations, India is prioritizing its economic interests—ensuring smoother cargo flow while reinforcing its trade and diplomatic influence.”

Chaitaly Mehta, Director, EKF Global said, “Industry estimates suggest about 18 per cent of Bangladesh’s garment air cargo was being flown through Indian airports. Bangladesh exports roughly 3,400 tonnes of garments by air per week, with 600 tonnes flown through Indian airports with Inditex being one of the biggest importers. The congestion and chaos that had been created at the leading airports resulted in regular Indian exporters shipments being delayed, missing flights, delayed clearances, storage charges, increased air freight rates and no or little space on the aircraft. Bangladeshi goods were being given priority over Indian goods causing losses to Indian Exporters. To me, this move will help regularise the rates and let Indian exporters meet their deadlines and have their goods reach their buyers on time. Kuddos to GOI for listening to the Trade and taking steps to protect Indian exporters and India made goods.”

Rajen Bhatia, Director, Tulsidas Khimji said, “India’s move to stop the transshipment facility for Bangladesh’s export cargo will help ease port and airport congestion by reducing the volume of third-country shipments passing through Indian logistics hubs. This will free up space and resources, allowing for faster processing of domestic and direct international cargo. As a result, cargo flow will become smoother, turnaround times will improve, and overall operational efficiency in handling, storage and transportation will be significantly enhanced.”