Category Archives: Aviation

Stéphane Graber, Director General, FIATA said, “FIATA promotes sustainability both through advocacy and practical tools. We are engaged in key multilateral discussions to ensure freight forwarders are recognised in climate dialogues, and we are advancing work on emissions tracking, green corridor development, the digitalisation of logistics processes, and the optimisation of multimodal transport. In parallel, we provide our members with training and guidance on implementing greener best practices, from carbon footprint measurement to modal shift strategies. Our goal is to empower Members to contribute meaningfully to global climate goals without compromising their operational viability.”

CK Govil, President, ACAAI said, “One of the greatest strengths of the FIATA RAP Meeting is its power to connect minds from across the globe. I hope attendees leave with not just insights, but meaningful relationships—built on shared goals and a collective vision for the future of air cargo. This event provides a platform for open dialogue between industry leaders, regulators, technology providers, and freight forwarders. Whether it’s forming new business alliances, exploring joint ventures, or simply learning from each other’s experiences, the opportunities for collaboration are immense. More importantly, I hope attendees see India as a willing and capable partner in global logistics—a country that is open, innovative, and ready to co-create solutions that can drive the next wave of transformation in the air cargo industry. Networking at this event isn’t just about exchanging business cards—it’s about planting the seeds of future partnerships that can shape the direction of global trade.”  

Gautham R, Senior Manager, Global Air Freight and Head – Air Freight, India said, “India ranked as the UK’s 11th largest trading partner in the four quarters of 2024, contributing 2.4 per cent to the UK’s total trade. The top five traded products between the two nations included Oil, Clothing, Telecom & Sound Equipment, Pharmaceuticals and Iron & Steel (Ministry of Commerce). The recently introduced Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the UK is poised to significantly benefit India’s MSME sector. With over 63 million enterprises employing well over 250 million people, Indian MSMEs contribute over 40% to the country’s total exports. The FTA opens up new market opportunities for these enterprises, enabling them to expand globally—particularly in the UK. To maximize this potential, MSME stakeholders must ensure that the pricing of Indian products—especially in competitive categories like Textiles—is sharp when compared to other exporting countries such as Bangladesh. Additionally, the FMCG sector in India stands to gain from reduced import tariffs on UK-origin products such as whiskey, gin, lamb, soft drinks, chocolates, and cookies, which will boost product diversity and market growth. It is important to support MSMEs by connecting them with the right buyers, enabling access to new markets, and driving business growth. This strategic collaboration is set to create long-term win-win outcomes for all stakeholders involved which what WIZ plans.”

Vipin Vohra, Chairman, Continental Carriers said, “The India-UK FTA with lower tariffs is set to catalyse trade by enhancing market access, reducing costs and improving competitiveness for Indian exporters. Key sectors like textiles, gems and engineering goods will benefit from a level playing field in the UK market. For industry stakeholders, it opens up opportunities for joint ventures, technology collaboration, and streamlined supply chains. Lower input costs and increased investor confidence will further drive manufacturing and exports. Overall, the FTA lays the foundation for stronger economic cooperation, encouraging innovation, expansion, and long-term growth across both nations.”

Kamal Jain, Director, Cargomen Logistics said, “The India-UK Free Trade Agreement, by lowering tariffs, aims to boost bilateral trade, reduce costs and enhance market access. Sectors like textiles, automotive and agri-products may gain competitiveness, while UK firms can tap into India’s large consumer base. It encourages MSMEs, startups and supply chain partnerships. However, challenges exist—Indian MSMEs and dairy sectors could face stiff competition and exporters may struggle with UK standards. Revenue loss from lower duties and uneven sectoral gains are concerns. Sensitive industries may be impacted by liberalized imports. A balanced implementation with safeguards is key to ensuring sustainable, inclusive growth for both economies.”

Arun Kumar, President, AMTOI stated, “The India–UK FTA is a major boost for Indian logistics, unlocking opportunities across sectors. With tariffs eliminated or reduced on 99 per cent of Indian exports, demand for efficient, scalable logistics services, especially in textiles, marine products, and gems, will surge. Logistics hubs like Ludhiana, already poised for growth, will see increased activity. The reduced tariffs on UK imports like automobiles and Scotch whisky will also drive inbound logistics. Moreover, streamlined customs and rules of origin enforcement will demand more sophisticated compliance and traceability solutions. Overall, the FTA is set to accelerate multimodal logistics, improve turnaround times, and promote greater investments in warehousing and last-mile connectivity.

Xerrxes Master, Managing Director, Masters Group said, “The India-UK FTA, with its commitment to lower tariffs, is expected to significantly enhance bilateral trade and economic cooperation. By reducing import duties on a wide range of goods, the FTA will make Indian exports like textiles, pharmaceuticals, automotive parts and food products more competitive in the UK market. Conversely, Indian consumers and industries will benefit from access to high-quality British goods and services at lower costs. Industry stakeholders—including manufacturers, exporters, logistics providers, and investors—will benefit from increased trade volumes, reduced operational costs, and streamlined regulatory processes. The agreement is also likely to foster greater collaboration in sectors such as technology, clean energy, financial services, and education. Overall, the FTA marks a strategic shift toward deeper economic integration, supply chain resilience, and mutual growth, positioning both nations as key partners in a rapidly evolving global trade landscape.”  

Sunil Kohli, MD, Rahat Cargo said, “As per the UK government the new trade agreement is projected to boost annual bilateral trade between India and the UK by £25.5 billion which comprises 26 chapters and is expected to take around 15 months for full implementation. Consequent upon finalisation of the FTA, an approximately 99 percent of Indian exports will enjoy zero-duty access to the UK market, enhancing export competitiveness. Further, the import duties on 90 percent of tariff lines will be reduced, with 85 percent of these becoming completely tariff-free over the next 10 years, offering notable savings for Indian consumers and businesses. The agreement is expected to boost exports from India’s labor-intensive sectors, including textiles, marine products, leather, footwear, sports goods, toys, gems and jewelry, engineering goods, auto parts, engines, and organic chemicals, creating new business and employment opportunities. And above all. the Indian professionals working temporarily in the UK will benefit from a three-year exemption from social security contributions, reducing the financial burden for both employees and employers. In conclusion, the deal projects a win win situation to both the countries.”

Balagopal Balachandran, National Head – Air Freight, FEI Cargo said, “The UK-India FTA represents a significant step forward in economic collaboration between the two nations. This is not just a trade agreement, it is a pathway to mutual growth, prosperity and a stronger partnership between two vibrant economies.  On the Indian side, the agreement opens massive export opportunities by eliminating tariffs on 99% of its tariff lines. Sectors such as textiles, marine products, leather, engineering goods auto parts, sports goods, jewelery, organic Chemicals stand to gain immensely. The incremental increase in imports would not significantly affect the domestic market.  The reduced tariff access will not only enhance access to the UK market but also aligns with the government’s focus on job creation through FTA in labour intensive sectors. The agreement carries multi-dimensional benefits for key stakeholders across the supply chain, including exporters, importers, freight forwarders and airlines. Freight forwarders can expect increased cargo volumes and demand for value-added logistics services,  integrated and differentiated solutions. Airlines are likely to see higher freight loads and potential route expansion.

Unicommerce processed over 2 Crores quick commerce order items via its flagship platform Uniware in FY25. The orders were processed via Unicommerce’s integration with various leading Q-commerce platforms. This integration enables brands using Uniware to process bulk orders from their warehouses to the mother stores of quick commerce platforms. The integration of Uniware with both brands and various quick-commerce platforms enables the brands to align orders in real time, optimise stock allocations and process these orders efficiently from their warehouse. Uniware’s single-window system allows brands to allocate shipments to pre-integrated B2B courier partners, in the process also ensuring simplified compliances like GST e-invoicing and e-way bill generation. The categories benefiting from this integration include personal care and hygiene products, nutraceuticals and supplements, toys and baby products, snacks and healthy foods, fashion and travel accessories, apparel as well as home decor items. Commenting on the growing scale of quick commerce orders, Kapil Makhija, MD & CEO of Unicommerce, said, “Quick commerce has brought products closer to consumption points, heightening customer expectations and driving retail growth. As brands continue to invest in intelligent and agile supply chains to meet this demand, Unicommerce is proud to be a key part of this dynamic technology ecosystem.