Category Archives: Aviation

C K Govil, CMD, ActivAir Airfreight and President, ACAAI says, “In today’s fast-paced global trade environment, delays in customs clearance can significantly disrupt supply chains, leading to increased costs, missed deadlines, and customer dissatisfaction. As air cargo continues to play a pivotal role in delivering time-sensitive goods, the need for streamlined customs processes has become more urgent. 1. Reducing Delays and Downtime Fast customs clearance minimizes hold-ups at borders, which can otherwise result in cargo sitting idle for hours or even days. Time-sensitive shipments, such as pharmaceuticals, perishables, and just-in-time manufacturing components, suffer the most from these delays. A more efficient clearance process ensures that goods reach their destinations promptly, maintaining the integrity of the supply chain. 2. Boosting Operational Efficiency    When customs processes are swift and predictable, it allows air cargo operators to better optimize their logistics and inventory management. This directly translates to reduced storage costs, fewer logistical bottlenecks, and enhanced turnaround times for flights and shipments. 3. Leveraging Technology    Modern technologies such as AI, data analytics, and blockchain can accelerate customs clearance by automating documentation, streamlining compliance checks, and reducing human error. Implementing these solutions could enhance both speed and transparency in customs operations, significantly improving throughput for air cargo. 4. Compliance and Simplification    Regulatory compliance is a necessity, but simplifying and harmonizing customs procedures across countries can foster smoother operations. Collaborative initiatives between governments, international trade bodies, and the air cargo industry can pave the way for more efficient clearance processes. 5. Enhancing Global Competitiveness :    Countries with efficient customs clearance systems tend to attract more business and investment.  Faster clearance boosts the overall competitiveness of national logistics infrastructure, making it easier for …

  Sunil Kohli, Managing Director, Rahat Cargo says, “The import and export of goods at a station have been a vital part in achieving an enhanced economic objective. And one of the crucial bottlenecks has been the customs, an area that is ripe for technological innovation. Historically, customs clearance has been characterized as requiring plenty of documentation and lots of manual processing which needs to be done away with. In this regard, EDI, digitization & automation processes can be considered as important tools towards correction. Further, inadequate staff compliment and skills also affect the clearance pace at which the services are rendered thus retarding the process. Apart from such shortcomings, physical inspections and controls which could be seen as anti-trade facilitation leading to wastages of time and inefficacies thereby delaying the clearance functions. A far more accelerated customs clearance can thus be obtained by taking the above factors into consideration.”

Parvinder Singh, MD, Hans Infomatic says, “Fast customs clearance is crucial for operational efficiency in logistics. Delays lead to increased costs, dissatisfied customers, and lost business. At Hans Infomatic, we believe technology-driven solutions can streamline processes, reduce paperwork, and enhance transparency, enabling swift clearance and improved supply chain management. No paper should be used, as processing data is significantly faster than paper, and eliminates the need for physical documentation. By leveraging automation and data analytics, government can modernize customs clearance processes, minimizing delays and maximizing trade facilitation.”  

  Nitin Master, Vice President, Kale Logistics Solutions says, “Faster customs clearance is crucial for improving trade efficiency in India. Streamlined processes reduce delays, long transit times, and congestion, while also curbing illicit trade at border posts. These bottlenecks hinder customs operations, compliance, and overall trade competitiveness. Enhancing customs efficiency will greatly support trade facilitation, contributing to India’s continued progress in global commerce. Digitisation is the key to improve customs clearance efficiency.”

  Sushant Nigam, Executive Director, ACAAI shares, “Regular intake of the inventory items requires quicker outgo to achieve operational efficiency optimally. Only the integrated efforts by Customs, other Regulatory bodies, Custodians, Agents, Exporters / Importers can result in faster clearance of EXIM goods. Such collaborated efforts would not only reduce the dwell time to the desired global level but also improve India’s ranking in the LPI of World Bank.”

The logistics industry is set to witness a major leap forward with the announcement of LogistiX Innovate’24, a groundbreaking hackathon event designed to drive innovation and technological advancement in the sector which is scheduled to take place in MCC MRF Innovation Park, Chennai on 20th Sep ‘24, LogistiX Innovate 24 promises to be a transformative event for students, professionals, and industry experts alike. Event Overview: LogistiX Innovate 24 is more than just a hackathon; it is a platform for creativity and innovation in logistics. This event brings together top talent from across the country to address key challenges and explore new solutions in logistics and supply chain management. Participants will engage in a series of intense, collaborative sessions to develop cutting-edge solutions that could reshape the future of the industry. Key Highlights: • Diverse Challenges: The hackathon will feature a range of problem statements focusing on critical areas such as air cargo logistics, warehousing, and road transport. These challenges have been designed to address real-world issues and drive meaningful improvements in logistics operations. • Collaboration and Networking: Participants will have the opportunity to collaborate with industry leaders, gain insights from experts, and network with peers. This interaction will foster an environment of learning and innovation. • Prizes and Recognition: Outstanding solutions will be recognized with awards and prizes, providing participants with valuable exposure and opportunities for further development. Objectives of LogistiX Innovate 24: 1. Fostering Innovation: The event aims to encourage creative problem-solving and innovative thinking in logistics, driving advancements in technology and processes. 2. Bridging the Gap: By bringing together students and industry professionals, LogistiX Innovate 24 seeks to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical application, enhancing the skills and readiness of …

Chicago Rockford International (RFD) is targeting further growth in the pharma trade from India after recently welcoming its first shipment of the type from the country. The first shipment was undertaken by India-based pharma specialist forwarder Penta Freight India on behalf of a pharma company based in the country, said reports. The shipment was flown from Mumbai to Frankfurt and then transferred through Maersk’s hub at the airport before being flown to RFD on a Maersk Air Cargo/Magma Boeing 747-400F scheduled freighter flight. The airport said upon landing, the cargo was taken directly from the aircraft into an Xperts Group Reefer Truck by Menzies Aviation before being transported to the Chicago area for breakdown. The Good Distribution Practice (GDP) and Good Storage Practice (GSP) pharma import process at RFD avoids airside air cargo building handling, RFD added.

Accordng to latest updates by Xeneta, air cargo spot rates were sky high in August as demand and capacity imbalances continued, flanked by additional e-commerce and Red Sea shipping disruption-related demand. Average spot rates showed their largest year-on-year growth of 24%, according to the latest monthly analysis by Xeneta. Global average air cargo spot rates were recorded at $2.68 per kg in August. Meanwhile, global cargo supply grew at its slowest ratio in 2024 to date, at 2% year on year, while global cargo demand continued its double-digit growth, rising 11%.  In terms of dynamic load factor – Xeneta’s measurement of capacity utilisation based on volume and weight of cargo flown alongside available capacity – the supply/demand imbalance led to the global load factor increasing four percentage points year on year to 58% in August. Additionally, there were ocean-to-air shift due to Red Sea disruptions and e-commerce continued to show strong growth ahead of the fourth-quarter peak season.

Active Freight Logistics successfully handled an odd-dimension cargo, 6 x 40′ Flat Rack Containers from Shanghai to Chennai. “Active Freight Logistics efficiently managed the freight forwarding process for this complex project cargo, ensuring a seamless journey up to Chennai, India,” said its official Linkedin Post.  

UPS is all set to acquire Germany-based healthcare logistics firm Frigo-Trans for an undisclosed amount to boost its healthcare cold-chain facilities in Europe, said company statement. Frigo-Trans network includes temperature-controlled warehousing and freight forwarding capabilities, as well as a pan-European cold chain transportation solution, the statement added. Under the deal, UPS will also buy Frigo-Trans’ sister company BPL. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2025, the package delivery firm said.