Category Archives: Aviation

Jalpa H Vithalani, Director, Global Aviation Services says, “Open sky policy will boost air cargo supply chain. With open skies – India will become a transit hub and increase cargo connectivity through our airports. Boosting airport infrastructure, seamless customs processes, good domestic connectivity & efficient seamless cargo handling services, will put Indian airports amongst the most advanced on the global map & it will also help achieve the target of 10Million tons exponentially.

M Afzal Malbarwala, Managing Director, Galaxy Freight says, “The Open Sky policy is crucial for boosting cargo efficiency and global competitiveness. It allows for unrestricted air cargo operations, increasing flexibility and reducing costs. This leads to enhanced trade facilitation, faster delivery times, and increased market access. By embracing Open Skies, countries can unlock their air cargo potential, driving economic growth and competitiveness in the global market.

  Patel Integrated Logistics plans to go pan-India with ‘FreightPILL’ mobile app. This app is already gaining momentum across metros and cities for its seamless digital logistics experience. FreightPILL is an Enterprise Information System software developed by the company to enhance their logistics services and overcome challenges associated with manual operations The FreightPILL app enables companies to manage end-to-end logistics processes, including shipment booking, generating air waybills and delivery receipts, and real-time shipment tracking. The app centralizes data from all branches into a unified database, ensuring that users have access to accurate, up-to-date information anytime, anywhere. Patel Integrated Logistics Limited is the first ever company to launch integrated app to streamline logistics operations for business pan India in the sector of air cargo consolidation. Commenting on the app’s impact, Mr. Mahesh Fogla, Executive Director at Patel Integrated Logistics Limited, said, “The FreightPILL Mobile App represents a significant step in our commitment to enhance customer experience, sustainability and digital innovation. We are already present pan India so extending app services across the country aligns with our strategy to provide real time updates and simplify supply chain management, setting new standard of efficiency.”  

“We have seen the logistics sector innovate and evolve in a big way especially with the advancement and wide usage of advanced new-age technologies,” says Tej Contractor, Director, Mayur C Contractor Logistics, MCC Container Lines and Transcargo India, who was recently honoured with the prestigious DDP Game Changer award at the recently concluded India Cargo Awards 2024 in Mumbai. He added, “Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the need for hundred per cent digitalization to streamline operations and to fill the gap that exist in the logistics space.  We have been receiving tremendous response from tech professionals want to enter the logistics business. I believe technology and innovation will drive the growth in the sector. Industry has started using Blockchain technology and Artificial Intelligence to streamline cargo operations and improve operational efficiency.”

MASkargo plans to expand its freighter fleet in Asia with 737-800 Freighters. The proposed routes include Kuala Lumpur and Noi Bai, Hanoi; Yangon, Myanmar; Kuching, Malaysia; Chennai, India; Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; and Phnom Penh, Cambodia. MASkargo’s freighter network currently spans Asia, Australia, and Europe, with current freighter services to Kuching, Kota Kinabalu, Labuan, Penang, Bangkok, Chennai, Mumbai, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Manila, Hanoi and Sydney, plus Amsterdam via Doha. The belly capacity network also enables the business to reach 65 destinations worldwide. MASkargo operates its own freighter fleet comprising three production Airbus 330-200 freighters, each with a capacity of 61 tonnes. Meanwhile, according to data from Planespotters, its current in-service passenger fleet comprises eight Airbus A330-200s, 12 Airbus A330-300s, 6 Airbus A350-900s, 37 737-800s, and four Boeing 737 MAX 8s. This recent decision to build 737-800 operations is part of MASkargo’s strategic expansion plan.

CHAMP Cargosystems has shared that a growing number of Asia Pacific airlines have signed up to use its technology supporting air cargo compliance with customs and security measures. The IT company said that there is a demand for software solutions that simplify regulatory compliance in line with government bodies requesting more granular air cargo pre-loading and pre-arrival detail. Existing CHAMP customers Biman Bangladesh, Korean Air, Sichuan Airlines and Vietnam Airlines have this year signed multi-year contracts for Traxon Global Security (TGS), a platform designed to help carriers manage their Pre-Loading Advance Cargo Information (PLACI) filing. TGS is designed to enable customers to be fully compliant with pre-loading security screenings including the European Union’s ICS2, the United States ACAS, the UK’s PreDICT, the UAE’s NAIC and Canada’s PACT, which is expected to become mandatory in the fourth quarter of 2024. Additionally, Biman Bangladesh, Vietnam Airlines, China Southern, and China Cargo Airlines have signed multi-year contracts for reporting tool, Traxon Global Customs. By using the tool, airlines are equipped with a streamlined information exchange featuring 60+ country customs authorities, regardless of format, communications protocols or processing rules. CHAMP’s technology enables companies to automate PLACI filing and remain to reduce the possibility of customs penalties or errors associated with misfiling.

Federal Express Corporation in India is accredited as an ‘Airline’ in the Logistics Operator category under the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Program by the Indian Customs. This recognition marks FedEx as the only express logistics service provider in India to achieve this status. In May 2023, FedEx was awarded an AEO certification for the ‘Courier, Custodian, Customs Broker and Logistics provider’ for FedEx TSCS (India) Pvt Ltd. These dual AEO certifications make FedEx the sole logistics operator with customs certification from pickup in India to delivery at major destinations, where FedEx has been accredited under their respective programs. FedEx is honored to receive this recognition from the Indian Customs, reflecting its adherence with the World Customs Organization SAFE framework of standards, reinforcing its commitment to drive innovation and enhance the future of global trade, as per official reports.

        “India has a lot of potential in air cargo sector, and it is experiencing a transformative boom,” said the Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu while addressing the gathering at the 10th Edition of PHDCCI Global Aviation & Air Cargo Summit in New Delhi. He added, “Recognising this potential, we have embarked on developing dedicated freight corridors, implementing digital processes such as airway bills, and investing in the state-of-the-art cargo terminals. Our goal has always been to make India a global cargo hub by enhancing connectivity and improving efficiency.” He further added – “the total cargo handled increased from 24.7 lakh metric tonnes in financial year 2020-21 to an anticipated 33.6 lakh metric tonnes in financial year 2023-24, these numbers speak for themselves.” Other dignitaries who attended the event included Piyush Srivastava, Senior Economic Adviser, MoCA and Surendra Ahirwar, Joint Secretary, Logistics and Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Experts from aviation and cargo industry were also present.

Galaxy Freight Hyderabad team recently facilitated a project cargo shipment from GMR Hyderabad International Airport to Al Maktoum International Airport, Dubai, UAE, said company’s official LinkedIn Post. The consignment weighing 17446 kgs, of dimensions 562 x 263 x 252 cms and 74.494 CBM was to be moved by air to its destination, after being sourced from the shipper’s factory. “As with every odd dimensional cargo, the above mentioned cargo needed to be transported within a stipulated timeline, with specialised equipment, adhering to crucial compliance requirements and government regulations and guidelines. The cargo was lifted using a special crane to be loaded on the aircraft which had to be chosen among a select range of freighters – B777F, B747F, or B747-8F. Our highly trained personnel managed to pull off the task with a proactive and agile approach, coming up with on-the-go solutions, and adapting to every challenge glaring upon them in that moment. Although this is not the first time we have showcased our project logistics prowess, we intend to take pride in our seamless and smooth operations, crediting every single milestone with equal enthusiasm and fervour. We would also like to thank all the GMR authorities for expediting the shipment and the customs clearing agent for helping us with the timely loading, considering the stakes that tend to be so high for project cargo shipments,” said a company official.

TT Group, founded by the late TT Vasu, a distinguished member of the TTK family from South India, proudly marks its 40th anniversary today. What began as a pioneering venture in air cargo logistics has evolved into a multifaceted enterprise with a presence across several key industries. Starting with TT Logistics, one of the longest-serving General Sales and Service Agent (GSSA) for IAG Cargo, TT Group has expanded its portfolio over the decades. The Group has successfully ventured into visa outsourcing services for embassies and consulates, Foreign Exchange and Money Changing (FFMC) operations, insurance broking, trucking, the hospitality sector, and adventure water sports. Today, TT Group is a well-recognized and respected brand in the fields of air cargo logistics, trucking, insurance broking, and hospitality across India. The company’s journey over the past 40 years reflects a commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. As TT Group looks to the future, it remains dedicated to maintaining its leadership position in the industries it serves while continuing to explore new opportunities for growth and expansion. For more information, please contact: Reshma Zaheer, Chief Operating Officer, TT Group, Reshma.Zaheer@ttgroupglobal.com