Category Archives: Aviation

Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) and Brihanmumbai Custom Brokers Association (BCBA) have collaborated on boosting skilling and jointly launched training programmes for the youth of Palghar district with the intention that they will be trained, skilled and ready to work in the upcoming Vadhavan Port, and with the customs brokers, freight forwarders and other stakeholders.The inaugural session was conducted on Wednesday. The training program will be of  around 4 weeks where the prospective students will be taught and after evaluation offered a jobs in respective fields. A curriculum has been thoughtfully created by the BCBA Skills and Development Committee for them. The teaching will be theoretical as well as practical. The endeavour is that end of the training, the students will be evaluated and then given internships in various customs brokers companies and then when Vadhavan Port is ready, there is ready pool of skilled professionals available to be employed immediately. BCBA has created a curriculum which whilst being easy to understand for the students will be easy to grasp and then implement. Government of India has announced development of Vadhavan port in Maharashtra. The Vadhavan Port is being developed by Vadhavan Port Project Limited (VPPL), a joint venture between Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) and the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB). JNPA holds 74% and MMB holds 26% of the shares in VPPL. This port in the coming years will not only create more businesses but also generate a lot of employment and change the region for the better. More growth, education, skilled workforce and prosperity. The port is expected to elevate India into the top 10 container ports globally by 2034, according to Union Shipping and Ports Minister Sarbananda …

Blue Dart Express announced the expansion of its network with same day deliveries in Guwahati. This strategic move was driven by Blue Dart’s vision to empower Northeast India, a zone that plays a pivotal role in the country’s economic growth, to provide them with a window to scalebusiness in the region. Known for its vast consumption base and emerging business hubs, Guwahati serves as a key centre for industries such as Tea, Handicrafts, Pharmaceuticals, and more. Through this strategic move, Blue Dart will offer a robust next-day service to the city and a 48-hour delivery timeline to neighbouring states, catering to the region’s rapidly growing consumption ecosystem. This enhanced connectivity will help boost local businesses while also ensuring that companies in Northeast India can seamlessly reach customers across the country within 24 to 48 hours. This service also offers late cut-off times and early delivery options, maximizing flexibility for customers. With minimized delivery times and optimized transit schedules, businesses handling high-value or perishable goods will benefit from enhanced reliability, reduced damages, and quicker access to markets. Blue Dart’s dedicated network, supported by specialized infrastructure, a robust fleet of ground vehicles, and expanding aircraft operations with two Boeing 737-800 freighters ensures optimized operational efficiency. These freighters operate with a capacity of 21 tons per flight, facilitating efficient movement of goods across key markets and ensuring faster turnarounds. By bridging critical markets and facilitating smoother trade routes, Blue Dart will empower local enterprises, MSMEs, and large businesses to access wider markets across the country, while also laying the foundation for stronger global linkages through Blue Dart’s extensive network. Balfour Manuel, Managing Director, Blue Dart Express, stated, “Blue Dart’s entry into Northeast India …

  At the ongoing IATA World Cargo Symposium, being held in Dubai, Brendan Sullivan, Global Head of Cargo, IATA emphasised the vital role of air cargo in maintaining global supply chain resilience and called on governments and industry to remain focused on delivering the fundamental expectations of customers—safety and security, digitalisation and sustainability.“Whether supporting global trade, enabling e-commerce, or delivering vital humanitarian aid, the value of air cargo has never been clearer. To meet customer expectations and navigate an increasingly complex environment, the air cargo industry must continuously strengthen safety and security, fast-track digitalisation, and deliver on its sustainability commitments,” said Brendan Sullivan, IATA’s Global Head of Cargo at the opening of the 18th World Cargo Symposium (WCS) in Dubai, UAE. Safety: Zero Tolerance for Rogue Shippers Safety is the top priority for air transport and in the case of air cargo the specific focus is on the safe transport of lithium batteries. IATA calls ongovernment to step up efforts to stop rogue shippers and support ICAO’s work to strengthen Annex 18 of the Chicago Convention—the global framework for the safe transport of dangerous goods by air. “Shipments of lithium batteries are growing in volume. With that come increased risks associated with undeclared or mis-declared goods. The industry has invested in training, certification, and technology. Governments must match that commitment with robust oversight and enforcement,” said Sullivan. Security: The Need for Coordinated, Risk-Based Measures IATA reinforced calls to governments for a coordinated, risk-based approach to air cargo security following recent incidents involving incendiary devices concealed in shipments. While some states implemented new measures, the lack of alignment led to inconsistent outcomes. This situation reinforces the importance of harmonized responses based …

  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.”