Category Archives: Aviation

  Neetu Chadha, Associate- Director, Air Exports, WIZ says, “Cargo security is an important aspect throughout the entire supply chain to prevent theft, damage, and pilferages in various stages, from warehousing to terminals and air transport. Effective security measures can protect goods and maintain operational integrity. The entire industry must adhere to the guidelines set by IATA and TSA. Compliance not only avoids legal repercussions but also ensures that safety standards are met, protecting employees and the public. Effective cargo security measures help identify and mitigate risks early in the process. By taking security measures and adhering to guidelines from regulatory bodies, companies can protect their assets and foster a culture of safety and reliability within the industry. Security breaches can tarnish a company’s reputation, leading to loss of business and customer trust. Technology such as GPS tracking can enhance cargo security.”

Dipen Lalsodagar, Deputy Director, Cargo Sales, Global Aviation Services says, “Aviation industry is the most vulnerable to security threats. Aircraft flying at high altitudes are unable to take any immediate measures in any kind of emergency, hence, all kind of security measures are mandatory on ground. At the terminal, cargo x-ray detects suspicious items detrimental to aircraft and passengers. During transportation, security supervision prevents thefts and damage to cargo & help airlines and consignee save billions in claims and goods rejection. Regulatory body guidelines are as per international standards they make the aviation industry safe from any kind of threats, hence, it is mandatory to follow them meticulously during entire supply chain.”

Nihar Parida, Air Cargo Consultant says, “While cargo security is crucial and guidelines exist in India, implementation remains inconsistent due to factors like inadequate infrastructure, outdated technology, and weak regulatory enforcement. Additionally, limited awareness and investment in security protocols contribute to gaps, leaving the supply chain vulnerable to risks. Strengthening these areas is essential for comprehensive compliance and protection.”

Sunil Kohli, Managing Director, Rahat Cargo says, “The protection of cargo has been a crucial factor right from its exiting the shipper’s warehouse until it’s handed over to the airlines. The consequences of not sufficiently protecting cargo can be devastating, ranging from financial loss and damaged reputation to long-term, intricate legal disputes. And considering the fact that presently the thieves are highly tech-savvy and constantly developing modern ways and strategies to steal cargo from shippers, it’s essential that the vehicles must be equipped with high quality seals with unique serial numbers, barcodes and GPS for easy tracking followed by strict security protocols and procedures for handling, loading and unloading cargo to minimize the tempering or theft. The custodian of the airport are also expected to install CCTV at the strategic locations apart from keeping strict vigil on the movement and activities by its personnel concerned. The monitoring cell should also be imparted with the related training for proper implementation of security measures.”

C K Govil, President, ACAAI shares, “Cargo security is vital throughout the entire supply chain, ensuring the safety of goods from warehouses to terminals and airlines. Proper security measures prevent theft, damage, and unauthorized access, protecting both the cargo and the overall logistics process. It is essential for the industry to follow the guidelines set by regulatory bodies like IATA, ICAO, and national authorities to ensure compliance, reduce risks, and maintain the integrity of global trade operations. This not only safeguards goods but also builds trust and efficiency in the supply chain.

M Afzal Malbarwala, Managing Director, Galaxy Freight says, “Cargo security is most crucial in the supply chain business such as protecting goods from theft, damage, and tampering. The areas of focus are warehousing, terminals, and airlines. Warehousing includes access control, surveillance along inventory management. Terminals include screening, scanning, and providing secured storage. Airlines include screening, tracking, and complying with cargo handling.  The various regulatory authority bodies of the country on security are ⁠the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), ⁠International Air Transport Association (IATA), ⁠International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), ⁠and industry must follow the guidelines. If they are not complied, there are various consequences such as financial losses, reputation damage, regulatory penalties, national security risks, and so on. Industry stakeholders must adhere to guidelines, implementing robust security measures to safeguard cargo and ensure a secure supply chain.

Geodis is launching a new brand campaign featuring its new tagline, ‘A better way to deliver’, underlining its commitment to a sustainable future for the logistics sector.  The four key visuals in the campaign have been designed to create a strong GEODIS identity and help the Group move closer to its core values and purpose: “Serving people by delivering their goods all around the world with innovative, sustainable and ethical logistics.” Geodis’s new tagline, “A better way to deliver”, reflects the company’s determination to continually reduce its environmental impact by offering a responsible and sustainable service to all its customers. It also highlights the Group’s desire to put people at the heart of its logistics operations, in order to offer the best delivery solutions and a personalized, respectful experience for customers and employees alike. And lastly, it symbolizes the Group’s commitment to keeping pace with the very latest trends in logistics, which need to address global economic and technological upheavals.

UPS has launched its specialized healthcare-focused cross-docking facility in Hyderabad. Designed to keep the Indian pharma customers and their needs at the core, this pharma-grade facility comes with global freight forwarding capabilities. It is equipped with advanced temperature control capabilities, ensuring that sensitive products are always stored and transported within their required temperature ranges – preserving their efficacy and safety. Providing an additional layer of security for temperature-controlled pharmaceutical shipments, it has a capacity to hold or sort 15 pallets in +15°C to +25°C, 7 Pallets in +2 to +8°C and 50 pallets under uncontrolled ambient conditions. This enables pharma companies to distribute their products more efficiently, eliminating the need for prolonged warehouse storage. The facility also serves as a safety net for critical shipments. It ensures that even in contingency situations, these vital shipments remain protected. UPS Healthcare has been helping companies make their operations more precise, productive, scalable and smart for over 20 years. We have a team of more than 10,000 healthcare logistics experts, spanning 216 facilities with a total of 17 million square feet (10 million cold chain dedicated) of cGMP and GDP-compliant healthcare distribution space servicing over 200 countries and territories. “With India at the forefront of the healthcare industry, we’re committed to simplifying logistics for our customers,” said Grégory Goba-Blé, Head of UPS India and Director of MOVIN Express. “When it comes to the future of healthcare, it’s all about innovations in biologics, specialty pharmaceuticals and personalized medicine. We’re here to back up these innovations with precision logistics that fit like a glove.” “We are excited about the launch of our new specialized healthcare-focused cross-docking facility in Hyderabad,” said Arnab Bhattacharya, Country Manager for …

According to the latest figures from the Baltic Exchange Airfreight Index (BAI) calculated by TAC Index, airfreight rates on the transpacific market were largely flat in September but are expected to pick up as the peak season approaches and as US port strikes are now underway. The report shows rates from Hong Kong to North America in September edged up by $0.02 compared with August to $5.98 per kg. Meanwhile, from Hong Kong to Europe prices in September were up $0.23 cents compared with August to $4.66 per kg. The flat rates come as prices around August and September tend to be fairly steady as the industry prepares for the busier fourth-quarter peak season. This year there have also been reports of a slower than expected air cargo market during the month. Data provider WorldACD also noted a cooling of the air cargo market in September as figures were affected by the one-day mid-Autumn festival in many east Asian countries.

According to Tamilnadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO), the nodal agency for developing the two greenfield airports in Hosur and Parandur, located in the industrial hubs of Krishnagiri and Kancheepuram districts respectively will soon have cargo villages.  TIDCO is planning for the facility to meet the requirements of industries in both the regions. Sandeep Nanduri, MD, TIDCO, said the facility at Parandur would have a capacity to handle one million metric tonnes of cargo. It will have a full-fledged cargo facility, and a cargo village is also being planned, he added. Noting that a proper cargo infrastructure was lacking in the existing airport in Chennai for various legacy issues, he said the cargo village would have a direct connectivity to the upcoming Multi-Modal Logistics Park (MMLP) at Mappedu in the neighbouring Tiruvallur district, said reports.