Category Archives: Aviation

According to Aneel Gambhir, CFO, Blue Dart, “While the onset of the pandemic affected the logistics sector, the sector has stood the test of time by supporting the movement of essentials and non-essentials when the nation was under lockdown. We expect the government’s full support to revive the sector and in order to do so, the logistics cost should be reduced from the present 14 per cent of GDP to less than 10 per cent since high logistics cost is impacting the competitiveness of domestic goods in the international market. Investing in better road infrastructure will fasten the movement of goods, help in reducing the costs and improve turnaround time for vehicles. Improvement of air infrastructure and connectivity will help the logistics industry to boost this sector. Electric vehicles have the potential to aid in last-mile delivery while also adding to environmental protection. The Government should incentivize the use of electrical vehicles and focus on strengthening the infrastructure for enabling easy manufacturing and usage of EVs and EV-related elements. Similarly, Government could consider rolling back additional taxes levied on Petrol and diesel prices. The additional taxes levied during the pandemic are hurting the cost of transportation. It is also leading to high inflation.”

UPS (NYSE: UPS), has entered into a definitive agreement to sell UPS Freight (UPSF) to TFI International Inc. (NYSE and TSX: TFII) for $800 million, subject to working capital and other adjustments. “We’re excited about the future and the opportunities this creates for both UPS and UPS Freight as part of TFI International Inc.,” said Carol Tomé, Chief Executive Officer, UPS. “The agreement allows UPS to be even more laser-focused on the core parts of our business that drive the greatest value for our customers.” The decision to sell UPS Freight was reached following a thorough evaluation of the UPS portfolio, and aligns with the company’s ‘better not bigger’ strategic positioning. UPS and TFI International will also enter into an agreement for UPS Freight to continue to utilize UPS’ domestic package network to fulfill shipments, for a period of five years. The transaction, which is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals, is expected to close during the second quarter of 2021. UPS expects to recognize a non-cash, pre-tax impairment charge of approximately $500 million on its statement of consolidated income for the year ended December 31, 2020. Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC is serving as financial advisor, and King & Spalding LLP is serving as legal advisor to UPS.

Jettainer has developed and launched ‘plug & fly’, a new basic version of its full-service ULD solution to help airlines optimise their ULD fleet by 15 per cent while making sure that the ULDs are available anywhere, at any time at transparent fixed prices. With plug & fly, small and mid-sized airlines will now be able to unlock the benefits of outsourced ULD management in a way that is quick and easy. “Big carriers are not the only ones who get to enjoy optimised ULD fleets and the smart global management services provided by Jettainer’s industry experts. Many other airlines with fleets of up to 2,000 ULDs can now reap the rewards too. To arrive at this destination, we had to take a separate, more streamlined approach that we are now rolling out with plug & fly,” said, Thomas Sonntag, Managing Director. Jettainer offers all kinds of ways to customise partnerships with airlines; from ULD management to maintenance and repair, from deploying controllers directly at the customer’s premises to many other additional services. Yet, these tailored full-service solutions do not meet the needs of each and every airline. Leveraging a wealth of possible ULD services, Jettainer has therefore developed a basic product with a fixed pricing model that is guided by the number of ULDs. These assets remain the customer’s property. By optimising the ULD fleet quantity, Jettainer generates direct and immediate cost savings for the customer. These savings come in addition to reduced costs for airlines’ own IT and coordination efforts, which are typically incurred with in house solutions. Jettainer uses an integrated IT solution harnessing artificial intelligence, ensuring real time visibility of ULDs and inventories. Jettainer’s customers also …

Gujarat government has inked an agreement with the Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) to explore possibilities of development of a dedicated air cargo complex and multi-modal logistics park in the state at VirochanNagar near Sanand, Gujarat,” Adani Ports and SEZ said in a regulatory filing. APSEZ informs that the aforesaid evaluation is subject to various regulatory and legal permissions/ approval and clearances including land acquisition. “We will announce any such development as and when any concrete decision is reached in such matters after evaluation,” the filing noted. Shares of APSEZ were trading 0.46 per cent higher at Rs 525.85 apiece on BSE. According to the state government, the project will be completed in a phased manner in three years as the work will commence within six months after obtaining required clearances and permissions. Spread across 1,450 acres, the park near Sanand will attract investments worth Rs50,000 crore

dnata has opened a new, state-of-the art cargo complex, dnata City North, at Manchester Airport (MAN). Representing an investment of over GBP 30 million, the 150,000 sq ft² facility allows the company to significantly expand and consolidate its Manchester operations. Particularly well-situated for ease of airfield access, dnata’s purpose-built on-airport facility includes 125,000 sq ft² warehouse space and is capable of processing in excess of 150,000 tons of cargo annually. It is equipped with the latest technologies and complies with the highest industry standards ensuring efficient and safe handling of all types of cargo, including pharmaceuticals, perishables, dangerous goods, aircraft engines and vehicles. Alex Doisneau, Managing Director of dnata UK, said, “We are thrilled to announce the opening of another world-class cargo facility in a strategic location in the UK. Our new, purpose-built facility in Manchester complements our existing multiple UK operations including the dnata City complex at London Heathrow, enabling customers to enhance their operations in the region. “Our continued investment and expansion in the UK underlines our commitment to our customers and the local cargo industry at a critical time, providing operational excellence at key gateways across the country.” Gareth Jackson, MAG Group Property Director, said, “The new facility will further enhance the role we play in ensuring freight is seamlessly transported into and out of the North region markets from all parts of the world. Not only will the centre help the North’s trade credentials, it will boost employment opportunities for communities in Greater Manchester too. We look forward to working closely with dnata as it continues to grow from Manchester Airport.”

Bolloré Logistics Switzerland has handled the door-to-door shipment of 50 tonnes of temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical products from Europe to Iraq for a leading biotech company. The operation started on January 16 at the customer’s warehouse in Germany. The goods were carefully packed in passive cool boxes equipped with cooling elements to maintain the temperature of +2°C to +8°C. For additional protection were the pallets covered with special thermal blankets. The pre-transport to Cologne airport was executed by temperature-controlled full truck loads and the air freight to Bagdad airport by full charter A330F. The precious shipment was upon arrival at destination on the tarmac directly loaded into pre-conditioned temperature-controlled trucks for delivery to the consignee. Based on detailed preparation and in-depth process set-up with the various stake holders was the complex customs clearance finalized within a record time to make it possible that the entire operation of the end-to-end delivery was accomplished within 24 hours. The optimal transport conditions ensured the perfect preservation and integrity of the pharmaceutical products.

Crystal Logistic Cool Chain (Crystal) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Pluss Advanced Technologies (PLUSS) for the supply of indigenously developed precise temperature control boxes required of maintaining the effectiveness of the vaccine during transport. According to the MoU, PLUSS will supply its patented product – Celsure®, developed using its proprietary Phase Change Material technology, for transportation of the Covid-19 vaccines from the manufacturer to different parts of the country. Crystal specialises in refrigerated warehousing (cold storages), refrigerated transportation on a pan-India network. “Transportation of the vaccine while maintaining the precise temperature control is as important as the vaccine itself. This partnership is a very significant step towards ensuring the COVID-19 vaccine reaches its destinations in a way that maintains its efficacy,” said Samit Jain, MD, PLUSS. While, transporting pharmaceutical products, biological products or vaccines in particular, the need to maintain precise temperature ranges is very important and the efficacy of vaccine can be impacted if the temperature goes above or below the specified range. PLUSS, an India based material solutions company has designed and manufactured a precise temperature-control delivery solution that is required for vaccine delivery to the last mile. “Crystal Group has always been championing warehousing services and we see a major role for Crystal Logistic Cool Chain to play in transportation and storage of the COVID-19 vaccine. With PLUSS’ temperature control boxes we will ensure last mile delivery, to even the remotest parts of India,” said Akash Agarwal, CEO, Crystal Logistic Cool Chain.

CEVA Logistics has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Abu Dhabi Ports to work with the Hope Consortium. The Consortium is the umbrella organization of a UAE-based public-private partnership set up to address the logistical challenge of the worldwide distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. Spearheaded by the Abu Dhabi Department of Health, the Hope Consortium comprises some of the Emirate’s leading supply chain solution players and consists of Etihad Cargo, Abu Dhabi Ports, Rafed (the healthcare purchasing arm of ADQ – the Abu Dhabi Developmental holding company) and temperature-controlled ULD firm, Skycell alongside a group of specially selected international freight forwarders including CEVA Logistics. With the ability to work with small, medium and large sized multinational companies, CEVA Logistics offers a broad range of Contract Logistics and Freight Management services to support both the shipment and distribution of vaccines. Says Guillaume Col, Chief Operating Officer CEVA Logistics, “The ongoing nature of the global pandemic means the delivery of vaccines around the world is the number one priority for the logistics industry. Our healthcare and pharma specialized teams have extensive experience in delivering vaccines and pharmaceutical products. Backed by a network of temperature-controlled warehouses and vehicles we are proud to support the Hope Consortium in achieving its goal”. The consortium has been put in place to handle the expected surge in vaccine volumes as production quantities grow. Its aim is to provide a complete supply chain solution anywhere in the world which includes transportation, demand planning, sourcing and digital technology infrastructure. It believes it will be able to distribute billions of doses by the end of the year and will focus on vaccines from all types of manufacturers.

Reacting to the ongoing lack of freight capacity on passenger flights, DB Schenker has extended its global flight network. For the first time in the company history, own-controlled flights connect America, Europe and Asia directly. The first of two routings touching three continents took off from Munich Airport this week. The new offer comes in addition to the major commercial block space agreements DB Schenker holds with preferred airline partners. Every week, the 43 flights can transport as much cargo as 135 wide-body passenger aircraft would hold. Thorsten Meincke, Member of the Management Board for Air and Ocean Freight at DB Schenker, says, “As air passenger travel is still far from recovery, we have decided to create new and reliable cargo options for our customers. I am especially excited about our new routes via Munich Airport. Our existing and strong flight network will become even more global.” As of this week, the first new route runs from Chicago (RFD) via Munich to Tokyo (NRT) and Seoul (ICN) before flying back to Germany and from there again to the US. It is operated by National Airlines and offers a combined weekly transport capacity of 400 tons. The second connection will be launched end of February and alternates from Munich to Chennai (MAA) and Chicago (RFD), with a combined weekly capacity of 300 tonnes. Both routes will run for one year to provide stability in a challenging environment. Jost Lammers, CEO and Chairman of the Management Board at Munich Airport, says, “We are very pleased that DB Schenker, one of the most important and largest logistics service providers in the world, has chosen Munich Airport as the hub for its intercontinental cargo …

In-line with its commitment to provide support to the nation in the current scenario, IndiGo transported a total 5,785 kg of shipments from SII and Bharat Bio-tech – vaccine vials equating to 21.60 lacs doses – between January 12, 2021 and January 19, 2021. The shipments were moved from Hyderabad, Mumbai, Pune to 16 locations across the country including, Vijayawada, Guwahati, Patna, Odisha, Raipur, Bhopal, Thiruvananthapuram, Indore, Imphal, Agartala, Chandigarh and Udaipur via 21 IndiGo flights. Ronojoy Dutta, Chief Executive Officer, IndiGo said, “We are honoured to have the opportunity to contribute to the vaccination drive, by transporting the shipments across 16 locations within the country. We will continue to partake in moving the vaccines from one part of the country to another. We look forward to supporting the nation in its hour of need”.