Category Archives: Aviation

  Addverb introduced three cutting edge products at the ongoing LogiMAT India in Mumbai to improve warehousing efficiency. It includes India’s first-ever largest assistive dog robot – Trakr 2.0, a high-order carousel automation system – HOCA, and an intuitive user interface – Brisk, all designed to revolutionise warehouse operations with increased efficiency, safety, and adaptability across various industries through innovative features. Commenting on the launch, Sangeet Kumar, Co-founder & CEO, Addverb, said, “ The debut of Trakr 2.0, HOCA, and Brisk at LogiMAT India 2025 represents a significant milestone in our journey of innovation. After the overwhelming response to Trakr last year, we were inspired to develop Trakr 2.0—an even more powerful version with enhanced vision and gesture-based controls. Alongside this, our two new innovative solutions HOCA and Brisk are engineered to address the evolving needs of modern warehousing, offering unparalleled efficiency, precision, and adaptability. At Addverb, we are proud to drive innovation that not only sets new standards of performance but also redefines the concept of space and workplace efficiency.” • Trakr 2.0, an advanced quadruped robot, is a versatile robot assistant capable of carrying payloads of up to 20 kg. With features such as battery endurance of 90 minutes, stereo cameras for enhanced vision, and gesture-based commands, the quadruped robot offers a sophisticated yet user-friendly solution for material handling tasks. • HOCA, the state-of-the-art High-Speed Order Consolidation and Automation System, provides advanced batch picking capabilities, maximising space utilization and operational flexibility. The HOCA system includes a versatile carousel with dimensions ranging from 5,900 mm to 46,700 mm, multiple carrier size options, and impressive payload capacities of up to 900 kg. Its modular design allows it to be easily integrated into a …

Boeing has reportedly secured an order for two 777 production freighters in January. The aircraft manufacturer’s Airplane Gross Orders report for January 2025 shows ’unidentified customer(s)’ purchased two 777Fs last month.  Boeing recorded a total of 35 777F orders last year. 2024’s tally of 35 777F orders is a turnaround from 2023 when 777F orders amounted to 10. In fact, last year orders levelled up with the pandemic boom years for air cargo. There were 35 777F orders in 2022, while in 2021 there were 42. In 2020 there were 13 and in 2019 there were 17. Data shows that 13 777Fs were delivered last year. The 777F is perceived as a solid choice for operators in the face of the environmental constraints facing older freighters, as well as the increasingly limited choices available, plus delays to market of the newbuild Airbus A350 and Boeing 777-8 freighters.

  DHL Global Forwarding, the ocean and air freight division of DHL Group, has published a white paper on the topic “China Plus X: The New Global Supply Chain”. The document highlights the growing importance of multi-shoring strategies that go beyond the classic “China Plus 1” philosophy and focuses on diversifying production and supplier locations in several countries. The aim is to enable companies to safeguard their supply chains against global disruptions and to strengthen their operational flexibility. In recent years, geopolitical tensions, trade barriers and events such as the COVID-19 pandemic have highlighted how fragile supply chains can be. The white paper discusses various countries in South East Asia, Southern and Eastern Europe as well as Middle East and South America as strategic alternatives to China, as they offer both infrastructural investment and increasingly trade-friendly regulatory environments. “The future of global supply chains lies in a flexible, sustainable and diversified structure designed for resilience. DHL Global Forwarding supports companies with a unique global network and local expertise to successfully shape this transformation. With our extensive portfolio of logistics and transportation solutions, we provide customers with the tools they need to realize their Plus X strategy and to focus on long-term stability”, states Niki Frank, CEO DHL Global Forwarding Asia Pacific.

Group Concorde announced its latest partnership with Air Caraïbes and French bee starting February 2025. This agreement grants Group Concorde exclusive GSSA rights in 20 countries in Asia Pacific & Middle East, further solidifying its presence in key international markets. As part of this strategic collaboration, Group Concorde will represent Air Caraïbes and French bee in cargo sales and marketing, ensuring seamless logistics and enhanced connectivity for customers. With an extensive network and strong expertise in the aviation industry, Group Concorde is well-positioned to drive growth and expand market reach for both airlines. “We are honoured to be entrusted by Air Caraïbes and French bee as their GSSA partner in 20 countries,” said Prithviraj Singh Chug, CEO of Group Concorde. “This partnership reflects our commitment to delivering top-tier cargo solutions and strengthening global air freight operations. We look forward to contributing to the success of both airlines in these key markets.” This collaboration will enable shippers and freight forwarders in 20 countries and beyond to benefit from enhanced cargo services, increased capacity, and optimized logistical solutions. With this new milestone, Group Concorde continues to reinforce its reputation as a trusted GSSA partner, providing innovative and efficient solutions tailored to airline partners worldwide.

Rajen Bhatia, Director, Tulsidas Khimji, India, Chairman, Western Region, The Air Cargo Agents Association of India (ACAAI) said, “The government’s focus on upgrading infrastructure and warehousing for air cargo, especially for perishables and agricultural products, will significantly boost air cargo growth. Improved cold chain facilities and faster airport processing will enhance efficiency, reduce turnaround times, and ensure product quality. Specialised infrastructure for high-value goods will open up global markets, while better logistics support e-commerce growth. Investments in modern warehousing and technology will reduce logistics costs and improve inventory management. This initiative will streamline operations, increase capacity, and attract more private sector participation, ultimately fostering a more efficient and dynamic air cargo sector.”

Vipin Vohra, Chairman, Continental Carriers said, “The government’s strong push for infrastructure upgradation and warehousing development, particularly for air cargo, high-value perishables, and agriproducts, is a game-changer. The latest Union Budget’s emphasis on infrastructure development, regulatory improvements, and enhanced connectivity reflects a strategic vision to transform India into a global aviation leader. These advancements will drive economic growth, improve supply chain efficiencies, and position India as a key global aviation hub by 2030, boosting exports and competitiveness.”

Sunil Kohli, MD, Rahat Cargo said, “The Budget has proposed several steps to promote agri and perishable products under ‘Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana’ in partnership with states covering 100 districts to increase productivity, adopt crop diversification, augment post-harvest storage, improve irrigation facilities, and facilitate availability of long-term and short-term credit. The Budget has outlined measures to Comprehensive Programme for Vegetables & Fruits, National Mission on High Yielding Seeds. The government will facilitate upgradation of infrastructure and warehousing for air cargo including high value perishable horticulture produce. The Finance Minister mentioned that support will be provided to develop domestic manufacturing capacities for our economy’s integration with global supply chains. She also announced that government will support the domestic industries for leveraging the opportunities related to export fraternity. Every effort will also be made by the government to upgrade the infrastructural facilities at the airports to promote exports.

Reshma Zaheer, CEO, TT Logistics & Cargo and President, ACFI Women’s wing said, “The Indian government’s focus in the Union Budget 2025 on upgrading air cargo infrastructure, particularly for perishables and agricultural products, is a welcome step. It acknowledges air cargo’s crucial role in economic development and trade competitiveness. Increased capital allocation for modernizing warehousing, streamlining customs, and improving cargo screening will enhance efficiency, reduce clearance times, and support the movement of goods. These efforts will foster sector growth and help achieve the ambitious target of handling 10 million tonnes of air cargo by 2030.

Arun Kumar, President, AMTOI said, “The Indian government’s focus on upgrading air cargo infrastructure and warehousing, especially for high-value perishables and agri-products, will significantly boost air cargo growth. Enhanced cold chain facilities, modernised cargo terminals, and streamlined customs processes will reduce transit time, minimise wastage, and improve global market access for Indian exports. Initiatives like Krishi Udan and improved multimodal connectivity will further drive volumes, making India a competitive hub for agri and perishable exports, strengthening overall air cargo demand in the coming months.”

Kamal Jain, Director, Cargomen Logistics said, “Air cargo is the fastest mode of transportation and is primarily used in scenarios where goods are urgently required, have a short shelf life, or require rapid economic value realisation. This makes it the ideal choice for perishable goods, be it high value pharma perishable or fruits and vegetables, where timely delivery is crucial to maintain quality and prevent spoilage. Government investment in air cargo infrastructure plays a significant role in boosting cargo movement and throughput. By developing better infrastructure for the storage and movement of perishable cargo, we can facilitate trade of such goods. This, in turn, leads to a rise in air cargo movement and contributes to the overall growth of the air cargo sector. Without adequate infrastructure, trade in perishable products remains limited. Therefore, strategic investments in air cargo facilities are essential to support and expand the trade of perishable commodities like fruits and vegetables, ultimately driving the development and growth of the air cargo industry.