Category Archives: Aviation

CargoAi’s CargoWALLET Technology & Neutral Air Partner have launched NAPAY : to facilitate air cargo payments. Developed in strategic partnership with CargoAi, NAPAY is powered by CargoWALLET technology, delivering secure, fast, and seamless financial transactions across global air cargo operations. As air cargo continues to evolve through digital innovation, the need for streamlined, cost-effective payment solutions has become paramount. NAPAY addresses this challenge by enabling freight forwarders, consolidators, airlines, and GSSAs within the NAP network to process international payments with unmatched efficiency. By integrating CargoWALLET’s multi-currency, API-first payment platform, NAPAY offers new features to its members including: • Real-Time Payment Processing: Instant transactions across over 150 countries and 47 currencies, ensuring secure and timely financial flows. • Enhanced Security and Transparency: Robust encryption and traceability features to maintain full compliance with international standards. • Operational Efficiency: Streamlined financial operations that contribute to reduced overhead and improved cash flow management. “Partnering with CargoWallet to launch NAPAY marks a significant milestone for Neutral Air Partner,” said NAP’s CEO, Christos Spyrou. “Our goal is to empower our network with an advanced, reliable payment solution that not only simplifies transactions between members but also drives efficiency and transparency across the entire air cargo logistics ecosystem. NAPAY is a game-changer for our industry.” “I’m excited to start using NAPay! As an NAP network member, we frequently send and receive payments with other global members. Traditional payment options are slow and expensive, but NAPay offers real-time payments at a reasonable cost. It’s easy to use, helping us keep freight moving efficiently,” said Damien Rizzo, CFO of EZ Cargo. Olivier Veyrac, Senior Vice President of CargoAi’s CargoWALLET, added, “We are excited to collaborate with Neutral Air Partner …

In CY 2024, GMR Hyderabad International Airport (GHIAL) achieved significant growth, handling a total cargo volume of 1,80,914 metric tons. This included 1,08,520 metric tons of international cargo and 72,395 metric tons of domestic cargo. In CY 2024, HYD Cargo sustained its growth momentum, operating to over 20 international destinations through a robust network of passenger and freighter flights. Serving as a vital gateway, HYD Cargo facilitated exports to top global markets, with high-value pharmaceutical shipments comprising 72 per cent of the total exports. The United States and Europe remained the largest export regions, accounting for 51% of the total exports from HYD. It established a direct connection to the African market with Ethiopian Airlines operating two weekly freighters services between Hyderabad and Addis Ababa. In late October 2024, Lufthansa Cargo transitioned to operating its own Boeing 777F freighters from Hyderabad (HYD), enhancing its direct cargo operations in the Indian market with greater control and flexibility. Additionally, passenger flight frequency increased from five to six weekly. Also, Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines operate scheduled freighter services to their respective hubs (DOH and IST) using wide-body freighters. Qatar Airways is increasing its freighter frequency effective February 2025, on the HYD-DOH route from 2 to 3 weekly using B777F aircraft looking at the growing potential at Hyderabad. Exports from Hyderabad Airport reached destinations worldwide, including the USA, Europe, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, Australia, and China. The cargo infrastructure at Hyderabad is undergoing significant expansion to meet growing demand. The existing Cargo Terminal 1 is being upgraded and, upon completion, will feature a state-of-the-art Domestic Terminal, an International Courier/Express Terminal, and a dedicated Export Perishables Terminal, all aimed at …

The Air Cargo Agents Association of India (ACAAI) recently hosted its western region meeting to discuss key developments in the air cargo industry. Hardeep Batra, Commissioner of Customs – Export Air Cargo Complex, Mumbai was invited as the Chief Guest.  The event was attended by the key industry stakeholders including, Rajen Bhatia, President, Western Region, ACAAI, Shailesh Sharma, Honorary Secretary and Farokh Hansotia, Honorary Treasurer.

With just a week to go, LogiTHON 2025 has already secured over 1,000 participants across 350+ teams from 200+ colleges, making it one of the largest AI-driven logistics hackathons in India. This 24-hour innovation challenge, organised by IIT Bombay, Softlink Global and AllMasters, is set to take place on March 8-9 and will push participants to develop cutting-edge solutions for real-world logistics and supply chain challenges. As logistics undergoes a tech-driven transformation, LogiTHON 2025 offers a unique platform for engineers, AI developers, and innovators to tackle real-world industry challenges. More than just a competition, it’s a career accelerator, providing young engineers with the opportunity to fast-track their careers in one of the largest industries in the world. “LogiTHON develop is a launchpad for the brightest young minds to develop groundbreaking solutions and receive mentorship from industry veterans. Softlink Global, with an aim to nurture individuals as well as source the best talent in the logistics industry, has and will continue providing employment opportunities to notable talent in LogiTHON,” noted Amit Maheshwari, Founder & CEO at Softlink Global. The top-performing teams will compete for a grand prize of ₹200,000 and an exclusive opportunity to fast-track their careers with Softlink Global. Finalists will gain direct access to Softlink Global’s interview round, with a coveted annual package of ₹800,000 awaiting the best candidates. Participants will work on mission-critical logistics challenges, including: Compliance Automation for Cross-Border Shipments – Designing AI-powered solutions to streamline regulatory processes and minimize shipment delays Multi-Modal Route Optimization – Developing intelligent cargo routing systems to enhance efficiency and reduce costs With AI, automation, and digital transformation at the core, participants will gain hands-on experience in solving industry-relevant problems, preparing them …

Amit Maheshwari, Founder & CEO, Softlink Global said, “Adopting advanced technologies in logistics often faces hurdles like substantial initial costs and resistance to change. However, the long-term gains—such as enhanced efficiency, streamlined operations and improved accuracy—far outweigh these challenges. Organisations can overcome cost barriers through phased implementations, focusing on critical areas first. Resistance to change can be mitigated with clear communication, robust training programs and emphasising the tangible benefits for employees and customers alike. By addressing these issues, the industry can embrace innovation, boosting overall competitiveness.”

Sunil Kohli, MD, Rahat Cargo said, “To achieve optimal efficiencies and productive outcomes on the desired levels, it’s imperative that the logistics industry must opt for latest technical and digital tools available such as Paperless processing, Internet of Things(IoT), Artificial Intelligence(AI), Machine Learning(ML), Drones and Robotics technologies etc which would require the industry to invest heavily on training and development programme to their skilled workforce. To further ensure highly productive results out of such technologies, it’s essential that the logistics industry should be equipped with adequate infrastructure which covers smooth roads & state-of-the-art airports to overcome the critical challenges namely capacity shortages, delays in transportation and congestion etc. Since the industry expresses its reluctance towards change due to fiscal implications, the government therefore is expected to step in to provide all possible monetary subsidies apart from infrastructural support to the stakeholders.”

Vipin Vohra, Chairman, Continental Carriers said, “Adopting new technologies in logistics faces hurdles like high implementation costs and resistance to change. However, the long-term efficiency gains far outweigh the initial investment. Industry players must focus on phased implementation, workforce training, and fostering a digital-first mindset. Collaboration with tech providers and government incentives can further ease adoption, ensuring enhanced operational efficiency, cost savings, and seamless cargo movement in a competitive landscape.”

  Kale Logistics Solutions (Kale) has partnered with El Dorado International Airport in Bogota,  in South America, to maximise its cargo operations through the transition to a digital air cargo community system. El Dorado International Airport (BOG) in Bogota, Colombia, facilitates nearly 0.76 million metric tons of cargo movement in Latin America and is one of the 20 most connected airports in the world: offering non-stop international flights to the Americas, Caribbean, and the Middle East. “We are excited to pioneer this digital infrastructure at our airport, we believe the ACS will deliver the efficiency, sustainability, resiliency and visibility benefits to the cargo community, as we aim to build our systems with cutting-edge technology,” said Mr. Fabio Marques da Silva, Chief Operating Officer, at El Dorado International Airport. Kale has been working with the cargo community in Bogota to ensure that all stakeholders are prepared for the development and ready to benefit from the streamlined system. “We at Kale are thrilled to pioneer the development of South America’s first Airport Cargo Community System (ACS) at Bogota. Latin America presents a vast, untapped opportunity for comprehensive digital transformation in logistics. Starting this journey in Bogota, a city that bridges diverse worlds, is truly exhilarating,” said Amar More, President of Kale Info Solutions.”

Air India has signed up Menzies Aviation to provide cargo handling services at four locations. The deal will see Menzies provide cargo warehouse services at Kuwait International Airport (KWI), Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Sydney Airport (SYD) and Melbourne Airport (MEL). Teams at the four locations are likely to handle approximately 9,000 tonnes of cargo in the first 12 months of the new agreement, said reports. The tie-up is part of a wider deal that includes a mixture of passenger, ramp, de-icing and cleaning services at London Heathrow (LHR), Copenhagen Airport (CPH), Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), Kuwait International Airport (KWI) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Last year, the Gurugram-based airline handled 250,000 tonnes of cargo and in 2023 added 100 aircraft to an existing order for 470 new aircraft.

Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (KIAB/BLR Airport), operated by Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), has partnered with Menzies Aviation to redefine domestic cargo operations with the launch of India’s largest Greenfield Domestic Cargo Terminal (DCT) in terms of designed capacity. This 245,000 square feet state-of-the-art facility signifies a major milestone in BLR Airport’s cargo handling capabilities, offering enhanced infrastructure and streamlined processes to meet the growing demands of the domestic market. It will play a key role in connecting industries, strengthening supply chains, and driving innovation toward a more sustainable future for domestic cargo and regional trade, positioning BLR Airport as a leader in cargo handling. Bigger, Better and Advanced Spanning over 7 acres, the DCT features a peak handling capacity of approximately 360,000 metric tons, with a potential to expand to 400,000 metric tons. With around 42truck docks, more than 400 specially designed cargo bins, conveyors aligned with X-ray machines, approximately 30 ULD build-up and breakdown stations, along with real-time data capture using 40 handheld terminals and self–service kiosks for agents, the facility will ensure seamless cargo movement while reducing turnaround times. Equipped with cutting-edge technology and digital solutions, the terminal introduces upgrades like real-time shipment tracking, data analytics tools, and enhanced communication systems integrated with barcodes and QR codes. This integration enables seamless data exchange with airline systems, improves process timelines, and reduces human touchpoints, ensuring faster and safer cargo handling. The emphasis on digitalisation will streamline operations, enhance visibility across the supply chain, and elevate the overall cargo handling experience for airlines, cargo agents, and end users. Special Cargo at DCT BLR Airport has established a strong reputation as a leading hub for perishables. The airport is already …