Category Archives: Aviation

Dipen Lalsodagar, Deputy Director, Cargo Sales Global Aviation Services shares, “During monsoon, water logging at warehouses is a major problem, due to heavy rains. We need infrastructure upgradation like quick water drainage system. Airports should implement a minimum standard for cargo packing material for better handling and to avoid cargo claims. Customs should allow Built Up Units (BUPs) to avoid multiple handling during supply chain.”

Kamal Jain, Director, Cargomen Logistics shares, “Technology is the key to all. When we handle large volumes of cargo or large infrastructure, to maintain that we need to have a technology. The recent accident at the Delhi airport could have been avoided if we have a preventive maintenance with the help of AI, ML or the prevailing technologies. Same applies to the cargo warehouses. If we are equipped with better surveillance equipment, better reporting analytical software, we can have a better decision-making power. As a forwarder, when we handle cargo in a volatile market, with the predictive analysis, with the help of data analytics, we can predict the market of the future and can suggest the shipper to act accordingly. Disruptions in the cargo industry are always going to be there, as a service provider, we should always gear up with the alternate solution to the shipper and the consignee with the best possible solution.”

Nomita Kothari, CEO, New Globe Logistik LLP shares, “As logisticians, we must always be well-prepared in advance and be ready to deal with any unforeseen circumstances, and also make sure it doesn’t affect business and relationship with customers.  We need to train and up-skill our workforce to take proactive measures especially during Monsoons to prevent delay and damage. It is imperative that cargo movement is not affected for which we need to act efficiently using risk mitigation options. There should be an honest and clear communication with the customers on shipment status. Communication plays a very important role – not only with customers, but also with the airlines, custodians, truckers etc. Understanding the issues, taking preventive measures and innovative ways to timely resolve the issues is imperative.”

“It is our dream to see Madhya Pradesh becoming cargo hub in the coming years,” said Mohan Yadav, Chief Minister, Madhya Pradesh, who was invited as a Chief Guest at ACFI Annual Conclave held in New Delhi. He added, “We have seven airports at present and we have plans to increase the number. We have started work on our ambitious project – ‘Future-Ready MP’ under which we are working on improving multimodal connectivity, developing National Highways, linking MP with Delhi-Mumbai freight corridors, we have inter-state air services started already and we have single window system too. We want the industry to come to Madhya Pradesh and consider it as a manufacturing and cargo hub as there’s lot of potential.” ACFI conclave titled, Unlocking Potential: Paving way for a developed India witnessed participation of industry experts from all across the country and even internationally. Guest of Honour included: Dr Surendra Ahirwar, Joint Secretary, DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and Piyush Srivastava, Senior Economic Adviser, MoCA.

In FY 2023-24, Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (KIAB/BLR Airport) continues to serve as the No. 1 Airport in India for exporting perishables for the fourth consecutive year. During this fiscal year, BLR Airport recorded a total perishable cargo tonnage of 63,188 metric tons (MT), marking an impressive 18% growth compared to the previous fiscal year. This achievement highlights BLR Airport’s significant contribution to India’s perishable exports, handling 28% of the country’s total perishable cargo. BLR Airport also processed 44% of the south India’s total perishable cargo and 28% of the national share for FY 2023-24. While BLR Airport excels in exporting a variety of perishable goods throughout the year, it secured the number one position for poultry product exports in FY 2023-24, shipping an impressive 47,041 metric tons. Additionally, the airport exported 2,050 metric tons of flowers. Overall, poultry, fresh vegetables, fresh fruits, and flowers emerged as the leading perishable cargo categories. Satyaki Raghunath, Chief Operating Officer at Bangalore International Airport Limited, added, “We are immensely proud of our consistent and continued growth and leadership in perishable exports in FY 2023-24. This milestone reflects our commitment to excellence in an unbroken cold chain and the trust placed in us by our partners and customers. We have accounted for 44% of the total perishable cargo export share in the South India region, transforming BLR Airport into the premier gateway to South and Central India. Our focus remains on enhancing infrastructure and services to support the growing demand for perishable goods and further solidify our position as a key player in global trade.” As an important gateway, BLR Airport significantly enhances connectivity, linking Indian producers with key international markets. The airport’s extensive network …

Turkish Airlines Cargo is planning to expand its freighter capacity with the addition of Boeing 777 freighters for global operations, says reports. The carrier announced the order of four Boeing 777 Freighters to be added to its existing fleet of 8 aircraft. Turkish Airlines chief cargo officer Ali Türk said in a statement, “This new investment in expanding our cargo fleet underscores our commitment to meeting the growing global demand for airfreight services. The addition of these Boeing 777 Freighters will not only enhance our operational capabilities, but also serve as another step in our strategic vision to reach the top of air cargo sector worldwide while maintaining our leading position with our unparalleled service and efficiency for our customers across the globe.”

“As India grows, and produces more goods, I feel there is going to be a terrific market to take Indian goods outside of India and bring goods into India. Of course, we need to look at the regulatory issues there,” says Ajay Singh, CEO, SpiceJet. “With the increase in the demand for quick transport of goods with overnight deliveries of consumer items, etc., I think that there is going to be a significant market. At SpiceJet, we have separated the cargo into a new company. And we are intending to expand that, fund it separately, expand that space separately. And that’s part of the current restructuring that we are following. By next year and we will have much more to say to cargo,” he adds.    

      Air India has selected IBS Software to digitally transform its expanding air cargo operations. Air India has chosen IBS Software’s iCargo solution to support its growth plan and commitment to the airline’s ongoing digital transformation. IBS Software’s fully integrated iCargo solution will enable Air India to digitise end-to-end cargo management, allowing seamless integration of various cargo operations, from sales to billing within a single, integrated platform. This will empower Air India to streamline processes and enhance decision-making capabilities. This partnership comes at a time when Air India has embarked on a significant digital transformation of its core businesses across passenger services, fleet, and cargo operations. Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial and Transformation Officer at Air India, said: “Air India is on a transformation journey to not only reaffirm its position as a global leader in aviation, but to also establish foundations for future growth. Air cargo is one of the key drivers of our roadmap for future growth, and technology will be at the core of it.” Somit Goyal, Chief Executive Officer at IBS Software, shared similar sentiments, stating: “As one of the most iconic airlines in the world, partnering with Air India is a proud moment for IBS Software. The Indian aviation market is on a major upswing, and we are excited to be partnered with a company that is dedicated to driving this growth. We are proud that our market- leading digital platform for the air cargo industry will support the ambitious transformation goals of Air India’s cargo offering and take it from strength to strength.” The first end-to-end implementation of iCargo is slated for delivery within nine months from the project’s start, promising immediate business …

  DP World welcomed the inaugural voyage of a new weekly mainline service, connecting South East Asia, India and Middle East at DP World Mundra. Marked by successful berthing of MV. ESL vessel, the service strengthens connectivity between key ports in Southeast Asia, India, and the Middle East, reaffirming DP World’s commitment to enhancing global trade. Additionally, DP World Mundra achieved its highest-ever throughput record by handling 128,652 TEUs at its terminal in June, which serves as a testament to its operational efficiency and capacity. The service will be operated by Emirates Shipping Line, CMA CGM, China United Lines, KMTC, Regional Container Lines and Global Feeders. With a weekly capacity of 3800 TEUs, the service offers a robust connectivity between Laem Chabang, Singapore, Port Klang, Nhava Sheva, Jebel Ali, Dammam, Cai Mep, Jakarta, and Mundra, facilitating efficient trade flows for industries including agriculture, industrial goods, and engineering products. Commenting on the launch of the weekly EVGI service,Ravinder Johal, COO, Ports & Terminals, Operations and Commercial, DP World, Subcontinent, Middle East and North Africa, said, “At DP World we are continuously optimizing supply chain efficiencies and fostering access todirect trade routes. This service connects Indian businesses to key markets in Southeast Asia and the Middle East, while also enabling traders and businesses in those regions to explore new opportunities in India. Backed by our multimodal prowess that connect Mundra to the north and central hinterlands of India, we are confident that the service will boost convenience for our valued customers.” DP World Mundra features a 632-meter quay and deep draft to accommodate large vessels. With a capacity of 1.4 million TEUs over 37 hectares, the terminal is a key hub in India’s …