Category Archives: Aviation

Kuehne+Nagel (K+N) has linked its systems with cargo.one to expand the number of airlines its team can access digitally. The partnership sees K+N integrate cargo.one’s Offer & Book API Suite into its own systems to gain access to the space offered by the airlines and general sales agents that place their capacity on the booking portal.

MatchLog has announced its collaboration with Maersk for its India operations. This partnership aims to revolutionise equipment optimisation across India, a market with a throughput of 20 million TEUs annually. The collaboration addresses critical challenges in the logistics ecosystem by enhancing container turnaround, improving asset yields for shipping lines, and reducing India’s overall logistics cost index. For the transport ecosystem, this initiative ensures better asset utilisation by facilitating two-way laden movements. Container optimisation is a niche yet vital space requiring robust process management. MatchLog’s innovative solution includes automated StreetTurn yards in key industrial clusters, enabling container surveying, minor repairs, and cleaning to ensure export readiness. Its digital platform provides real-time visibility and automated container matching, streamlining operations for efficiency. Maersk’s commitment to operational excellence and reduction in cost of logistics led to the decision to partner with MatchLog. MatchLog’s advanced solutions align seamlessly with Maersk’s objectives, offering a scalable model for equipment optimisation in India. Speaking about this, Dhruv Taneja, Founder and Global CEO of MatchLog Solutions, said, “This collaboration with Maersk is a significant milestone, not just for MatchLog but for the entire logistics ecosystem in India. By leveraging our innovative technology and process automation, we are contributing to a more efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable supply chain.” The partnership underscores the growing importance of container equipment optimization in driving logistical efficiencies and reducing costs, reaffirming India’s position as a critical player in the global shipping and logistics sector.

India’s export potential and capability as a key exporter has the support of both the government and the industry, they are keen to invest in building robust infrastructure to meet the increasing demand for air freight,” said Keku Bomi Gazder, CEO and MD, Aviapro Logistic.  He added, “The government and private airport operators are investing in expanding and upgrading air cargo terminals at the major connecting airports, with state-of-the-art cargo handling facilities, real-time tracking and temperature-controlled areas for effective shipment. Moreover, India is focusing on the development of cargo villages near airports to ensure seamless logistics, warehousing and last-mile deliveries. To ensure efficient connectivity across all transportation channels, multimodal logistics parks are being set up to save time and reduce operational costs. Cargo operations are also becoming more transparent with the adoption of modern technologies like AI, IoT, and e-freight systems.”

India’s Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has announced a set of reforms to improve air cargo movement, by removing the fee for transhipment permits. says official reports. The move aims to make cargo movement easy, faster and cheap, especially time-sensitive and high-value products through India’s airports. The CBIC has also introduced a new process for the temporary import of Unit Load Devices (ULDs), adds reports. It is being witnessed as a step toward aligning Indian customs practices with global logistics standards.  Finally, exporters and logistics agents can now file applications for cargo movement permits online through ICEGATE (the Indian Customs portal), following a digitisation update.

IATA released data for March 2025 global air cargo markets indicating total demand, measured in cargo tonnes-kilometers (CTK), increased by 4.4 per cent compared to March 2024 levels (+5.5% for international operations), a historic peak for March. Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTK), expanded by 4.3% compared to March 2024 (+6.1% for international operations). “March cargo volumes were strong. It is possible that this is partly a front-loading of demand as some businesses tried to beat the well-telegraphed 2 April tariff announcement by the Trump Administration. The uncertainty over how much of the 2 April proposals will be implemented may eventually weigh on trade. In the meantime, the lower fuel costs—which are also a result of the same uncertainty—are a short-term positive factor for air cargo. And, within the temporary pause on implementation we hope that political leaders will be able to shift trade tensions to reliable agreements that can restore confidence in global supply chains,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. Several factors in the operating environment should be noted: March volumes typically rise after a lull in February, and this single-digit increase is in line with pre-COVID growth trends. Jet fuel prices dropped 17.3% year-on-year, marking nine straight months of year-on-year declines. The sharp rise in US tariffs and new trade rules, especially the 2 May ban on duty-free imports from China and Hong Kong, may have prompted companies and buyers to make purchases in advance to avoid significant import fees. World industrial output grew 3.2% year-on-year, and trade volumes expanded 2.9%. Many key Consumer Price Inflation (CPI) indices fell: US inflation was 2.4%, down 0.4 points from February, EU CPI was 2.5% and Japan’s rate fell …

  Jivisha Joshi, Deputy Secretary, DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce and Industry shared her views on upcoming FIATA event in New Delhi, she said, “The FIATA Regional Asia Pacific meet in New Delhi will benefit industry leaders through Enhanced networking opportunities with key stakeholders across the region, Access to valuable industry insights and strategic discussions on emerging trends (logistics, sustainability practices, multimodal transportation), Promotion of regional collaboration to strengthen Asia-Pacific logistics networks, Focused dialogue on addressing local challenges and identifying actionable solutions.” She added, “Air Cargo in India will experience rapid growth, driven by sectors such as e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural exports, Projected to reach 10 million metric tonnes by 2030, Supported by government initiatives emphasizing infrastructure development and enhanced regional connectivity (Krishi Udan Scheme, UDAN Scheme (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik), Development of Air Freight Stations and Cargo Terminals,etc. This event will highlight the importance of air cargo in India’s logistics sector and provide a platform for industry leaders to discuss growth opportunities and challenges.”

Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) was asked to withdraw its discriminatory impact on cargo operations. “IATA is disappointed that MIAL has informed airlines of the unilateral cessation of freighters, and a permanent withdrawal of historic slots beginning next season,” John Middleton, Head, Worldwide Airport Slots, said in IATA’s official statement. He added this is not what one would expect of a major Indian airport in India and will cause long-lasting damage to its reputation and credibility. “IATA hopes Adani Airports is not using this situation to pressure airlines to move their operations to upcoming Navi Mumbai Airport. We fear this is an example of airport “capacity gaming,” which will harm aviation across India and beyond. We urge the central and state governments to ensure capacity reductions unilaterally mandated by the operator are disallowed as this would disrupt passenger and cargo operations at MIAL,” he added. Continuing, he said MIAL has failed to adhere to MoCA’s Guidelines for Slot Allocation, including its direction to preserve historic rights for future seasons. There are international norms to deal with temporary capacity reductions at airports, which calls for advance notice rather than the unilateral action. Developed by the Worldwide Airport Slot Board, they were agreed by the Airports Council International, IATA, and the Worldwide Airport Coordinators Group, Middleton said. So far there have been no details on how MIAL will manage the capacity reduction.

Ahmedabad Custom Brokers’ Association (ACBA) and Kaushalya – The Skill University (KSU) have signed an MoU to promote skill development in logistics sector. This collaboration aims to develop logistics-specific courses, foster youth entrepreneurship, and strengthen industry-academia linkages. Also, this partnership will enhance skill development in logistics and promote youth entrepreneurship. The MoU was signed in the presence of  Balvantsinh Rajput, Minister of Industries, MSME, Labour & Employment and Kunvarjibhai Halpati, Minister of Tribal Development, Rural Development and Prof. (Dr.) S. P. Singh, DG Kaushalya – The Skill University. The MoU was signed by Rekha Nair, Registrar, KSU and Parag Baraiya President, ACBA. ACBA representatives Dr. Darshan Mashroo and Avdhesh Saraswat. A proud step forward for skill development and the logistics sector.

Turgut Erkeskin, President, FIATA International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations in an exclusive interview shared, “The disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing geopolitical tensions, and trade volatility have created a complex environment for all stakeholders, including freight forwarders, airlines, and airports. Challenges include ongoing strain on supply chains, with fluctuations in demand and regulatory changes causing unpredictability. For example, the shortage of semiconductor chips has disrupted the supply of electronic goods, and customs procedures in key markets like the EU have become more complex post-Brexit. Fuel costs are also a growing concern, with significant rises in the price of aviation fuel in the past year. Labour shortages in key areas such as cargo handling and customs processing continue to disrupt operations, and some airports have struggled with congested terminals and delays, particularly during peak times. Trade flows have become more volatile further adding uncertainty. However, there are significant opportunities ahead. The rise of e-commerce has increased demand for time-sensitive, high-value shipments. In the UK alone, online shopping saw a record 20 per cent growth during the pandemic, increasing reliance on air cargo for fast deliveries. Additionally, emerging technologies in automation, such as self-driving vehicles for ground handling and Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered cargo tracking systems, can reduce operational costs and improve efficiency. The growing focus on sustainability also presents an opportunity, with companies like Lufthansa and KLM investing in sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) to reduce carbon emissions, providing the chance for industry-wide improvements.” FIATA, jointly with ACAAI is all set to host its Regional Asia Pacific Meeting in New Delhi in May from 21-24.  

Reacting to the news of freighter operations getting shifted to the Navi Mumbai Airport, Kamal Jain, Director, Cargomen Logistics said, “With CSMIA suspending freighter operations from August 16, 2025, Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is preparing to handle the cargo shift. While processes are digital, cargo movement remains physical, requiring careful planning and adaptation. Initial hiccups are expected due to the new setup, unfamiliar teams, and evolving processes. Freight forwarders are concerned about additional costs, including staff commuting expenses. The freight forwarding and logistics industry remains cautiously optimistic but is preparing for early disruptions, higher logistics costs, and operational challenges. Despite short-term difficulties, the air cargo community believes NMIA will strengthen Mumbai’s future as a major cargo hub.”