Category Archives: Aviation

Singapore Airlines has placed its cargo capacity on online booking and payment platform WebCargo to expand its booking options and reach more customers. The partnership connects Singapore Airlines to thousands of freight forwarders that use WebCargo’s real-time air cargo pricing and booking options. Meanwhile, WebCargo’s users gain additional access to Asia Pacific destinations, such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam. Coverage on the platform is slated to increase over the course of the year. WebCargo’s deal with Singapore Airlines is a major step forward in its plan to extend its reach in the Asia-Pacific region. Digital bookings for shipments from Asia origins on Freightos-owned WebCargo more than doubled between the fourth quarter of 2022 and the fourth quarter of 2023. Marvin Tan, senior vice president cargo, Singapore Airlines, said: “Singapore Airlines’ partnership with WebCargo expands our reach to new markets, and provides our customers with a seamless user experience when they search, book, and track their shipments in real time. This enables us to better serve our customers by responding even more swiftly to their evolving needs.” Manel Galindo, chief revenue officer of Freightos, added: “We’re thrilled to work with Singapore Airlines. Their commitment to digital innovation aligns perfectly with WebCargo’s mission to provide seamless and efficient booking solutions for the air cargo industry and allows us to double down on the recent surge in bookings from Asia.

Focusing on the issues pertaining to DGR training for Pharma and dangerous good transportation, the Managing Committee of The Air Cargo Agents Association of India (ACAAI) held a meet in Chennai on 3 and 4 May. “Institutions across India have not been getting the necessary approvals from the authorities to conduct DGR training which is causing lot of issues in the export of pharmaceutical items and dangerous goods. The logistics service providers need to be aware of the policies and guidelines to carry out dangerous goods transportation lack of which might lead to serious accidents,” shares CK Govil, President, ACAAI. Possible venues for the upcoming ACAAI convention were also discussed. The team at Southern Region needs to be complemented and thanked for organising the same successfully.

The Federation of Freight Forwarders Association of India (FFFAI), in collaboration with 21CC, has launched an innovative e-learning platform that is set to redefine the learning landscape and promote skilling in logistics. This groundbreaking platform is designed to empower an individual to learn at his own pace, in his own space. “We owe this monumental achievement to the relentless efforts and unwavering support of our esteemed team. A massive shout-out to Sanjay Tiwari , Past Chairman Shankar Shinde , Chairman Dushyant Mulani , Hon. Secretary sudip dey , Sudhir Agarwal, OB in charge of IIFF, Hon Secretary IIFF Nirav Thakker (Ph.D) and the secretariat for their instrumental role in launching this platform. This E-learning platform is more than just a tool; it’s a testament to our commitment to innovation and change, Today we learn for a better Tomorrow,” said their official LinkedIn Post.

Network Airline Management (NAM) has extended its long-term partnership with Air Atlanta Icelandic (AAI) by adding two further B747-400F production freighter aircraft to its fleet. The two new aircraft will join NAM’s fleet entering service in the latter part of Q3, into the start of Q4 of 2024, respectively, according to the press release from NAM. Jonathan Clark, CEO, Network Aviation Group, says: “Operating a fleet of B747 nose door aircraft with their higher payload and nose door loading capability fits perfectly with NAM’s flexible business model, providing the ideal platform to carry heavy outsize cargo for NAM’s scheduled flight program and worldwide charter availability.” Andy Leslie, Group Chairman, Network Aviation Group adds: “The additional aircraft confirms our commitment to work hand in hand with AAI in anticipation of our future transition to B777F aircraft.” Baldvin M. Hermannsson, CEO, Air Atlanta Icelandic adds: “We are happy to further cement our long-standing relationship with Network Airline Management. The performance and professionalism of Network throughout the years makes us confident that the operation will be successful in the years to come.” The NAM freighter fleet will exclusively operate four B747F nose door aircraft, with the retirement of the last remaining B747-400BDSF converted freighter later this year, the release added.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for March 2024 global air cargo markets showing continuing strong annual growth in demand. Total demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTKs*), rose by 10.3% compared to March 2023 levels (11.4% for international operations). This is the fourth consecutive month of double-digit year-on-year growth. Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTKs), increased by 7.3% compared to March 2023 (10.5% for international operations). “Air cargo demand grew by 10.3% over the previous March. This contributed to a strong first quarter performance which slightly exceeded even the exceptionally strong 2021 first quarter performance during the COVID crisis. With global cross-border trade and industrial production continuing to show a moderate upward trend, 2024 is shaping up to be a solid year for air cargo,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. Several factors in the operating environment should be noted: Global cross-border trade and industrial production increased by 1.2% and 1.6% respectively in February. In March, the manufacturing output Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) climbed to 51.9, indicating expansion. The new export orders PMI also rose to 49.5, remaining slightly below the 50 threshold that would indicate growth expectations. Inflation saw a mixed picture in March. In the EU and Japan, inflation rates fell to 2.6% and 2.7% respectively, while rising in the US to 3.5%. In contrast, China experienced a slight deflation of -0.01%. This latest figure marks a return to deflation after February’s brief period of inflation.

“Multimodal transport opportunities through the INSTC, in which FFFAI is deeply engaged, needs to be explored,” said Dushyant Mulani, Chairman, FFFAI, while welcoming the dignitaries and participants from Russia, CIS countries and India during the recently concluded India-And-World’ Business Forum in Mumbai, jointly organised by The International Coordinating Council on Trans-Eurasian Transportation (CCTT) and the Federation of Freight Forwarding Associations of India (FFFAI). He urged that, “This is a good opportunity for members in logistics to participate and deliberate to have their concerns addressed and FFFAI is committed to support trade in facilitating and safeguarding trade with safety, security recommending measures to Government of India with simplification processes. The conference would help in deliberation and prepare white paper for representations. FFFAI continues its endeavors to promote International trade in cooperation with trade associations and is happy to receive the international delegation to exchange and share insight and happy to partner with CCTT for future initiatives.” Mr. Shankar Shinde, IP Chairman, FFFAI and Vice Chairman CCTT elaborated the significance of ‘India-And-World’ Business Forum in promoting the North South and East West corridors. He highlighted FFFAI’s initiatives to promote INSTC route in association with the Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Inland Waterways, Government of India. Mr. Shinde also discussed the key findings of the Dry Run Studies done by FFFAI on INSTC route, its advantages as well as issues that need to be addressed for seamless and viable operations. He also underlined the importance of Chabahar Port in Iran which has been developed by the Government of India. A study also has been done by FFFAI on the strategic importance of this port and …

WIZ Freight is pleased to announce the appointment of Jaspreet Singh as the new Chief Commercial Officer, India. Jaspreet brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of driving growth and excellence in the logistics sector. In this role, Jaspreet will be responsible for overseeing the company’s commercial strategy and development, enhancing customer relations, and driving innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of the market. His strategic vision will focus on expanding WIZ’s reach and capabilities across various industries, ensuring that clients receive the most efficient and effective logistics services available. Jaspreet’s extensive experience, unique set of skills and perspectives, background in supply chain management, and deep understanding of global markets make him an invaluable addition to the executive team. Jaspreet comes with a wide range of rich and extensive experience in Management, Supply Chain Operations and Customer Relationship. In his previous assignments, he has worked in several key leadership positions, Head of Sales for South Asia at Bollore Logistics; General Manager-Sales and Marketing at Panalpina Worldwide, Head of Routes, Europe and Head of Project Logistics with Kuehne + Nagel, and Sales Development at Maersk Logistics. His approach combines innovative technology with a customer-centric mindset, perfectly aligning with the WIZ’s mission to deliver comprehensive and adaptable logistics solutions.

FedEx is proud to announce its continued association with The Akshaya Patra Foundation, an implementing partner of the PM POSHAN program dedicated to providing nutritious meals to school children in India. Through this collaboration, FedEx reaffirms its commitment to social responsibility and sustainable development, aiming to make a positive impact on communities and the environment. FedEx donated seven electric vehicles to The Akshaya Patra Foundation in Panvel, Delhi, and Narsingi. The conversion of fuel-based vehicles to electric vehicles will enhance the efficiency of meal distribution processes, allowing the foundation to allocate more resources towards its core mission of feeding and empowering children at the same time, reducing its carbon footprint. Additionally, FedEx supported mid-day meals for 5,50,000 children. Together, FedEx and The Akshaya Patra Foundation introduced electric vehicles (EVs) for distribution of mid-day meals, and assistance for administrative purposes, particularly advocacy efforts related to the Mid-Day Meal program. In 2022, FedEx teamed-up with The Akshaya Patra Foundation to support various sustainable projects, including the installation of solar panels in Panvel, the distribution of electric bikes in Bellary, and the provision of 137,602 mid-day meals to school children, across Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. Mr. Suvendu Choudhury, Vice President India Operations and Customer Experience, Middle East, Indian Subcontinent, and Africa, expressed, “At FedEx, our commitment to sustainability extends beyond our own operations. We aim to inspire businesses and communities worldwide to adopt sustainable practices, thereby creating a ripple effect. Our collaboration with the Akshaya Patra Foundation drives these broader sustainability efforts by integrating solutions such as EVs and solar panels into their daily operations, benefitting the environment and transforming the lives of millions of children.”

Magellanic Cloud announced that it has bagged its first major logistic drone order from an Indian Robotics firm for an aggregate value of Rs 43 crore. This order marks the company’s entry into the logistics sector that had a high potential with multiple players in India and abroad. The order entails delivery of 45 CargoMax series drone kits – along with RTF Quadrotor Airframe, Flight Controllers, RC Controllers, EO Payload and Transport Case – that will be manufactured in its state-ofthe-art facility in Bangalore.