Category Archives: Aviation

Vipin Vohra, Chairman, Continental Carriers shares, “In the realm of Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) cargo handling and transportation, a crucial issue has emerged, casting shadows over the smooth flow of DG goods. Since the implementation of a new format, circulated by IATA, effective from January 1, 2023, institutes and instructors have been awaiting approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to conduct the IATA DGR course. However, the absence of this approval has led to a stalemate, preventing officials of IATA approved freight forwarders/agents from renewing their certificates. Compounding the problem is the imposition of an age limit cap of 70 years for DGR instructors, exacerbating the shortage of qualified personnel in the market. The consequence of this bottleneck is the non-compliance of DGR cargo handling processes for both export and import cargo, potentially disrupting the movement of DG goods through the country. Although the DGCA has assured that approvals will likely be granted by the end of May, the delay has raised concerns among trade associations and bodies. It is imperative for the DGCA and Ministry of Civil Aviation to swiftly resolve this issue to prevent any adverse impact on the international cargo movement originating from India. The industry remains hopeful that the movement of DGR cargo will not be unduly hampered, as any disruptions would undoubtedly reverberate throughout the broader landscape of international cargo transportation.”

Çelebi Delhi Cargo Terminal announces the successful handling of an Airbus H125 helicopter shipment. Weighing a total of 6539 kilograms, this special cargo arrived in Delhi from France via Doha on Qatar Airways. The Çelebi Delhi Cargo team demonstrated exceptional expertise and efficiency in managing this unique shipment, showcasing its commitment to excellence in handling diverse and challenging cargo movements. With meticulous planning and execution, we ensured the safe and timely delivery of the Airbus H125 helicopter, further solidifying our reputation as a trusted partner in the aviation logistics sector. Çelebi Delhi Cargo Terminal continues to demonstrate its capability to handle diverse cargo types, reinforcing its position as a preferred partner for cargo logistics solutions. Çelebi remains steadfast in its commitment to excellence and look forward to continuing the success in handling such special movements in the future.

“Increasing transportation costs and rising fuel prices are affecting overall revenue and profits and Innovation is the only solution to tackle it,” says Gurdeep Singh, Founder & Chairman, Jujhar Group. He adds, “Logistics expenses in India account for approximately 13-14% of its GDP, surpassing the global average of about 8%. Innovation is crucial in this situation. Logistics companies are implementing route optimisation software to strategically plan trips to reduce mileage and fuel consumption. Additionally, establishing strategic partnerships with fuel providers can lead to securing discounted prices. He adds, “Another major obstacle is the need for more drivers. The sector is experiencing an increasing shortage of drivers compared to the need for their services. To tackle this issue, companies are enhancing the appeal of the profession through competitive salaries, better working environments, and the implementation of driver training initiatives. Furthermore, automation is becoming more prevalent, with autonomous trucks on the way, which could help reduce some of the burden on workers.”

From the warehousing perspective, Marcus Fornell, Director – Warehousing Solutions/ Contract Logistics at Rhenus Logistics India shares, “Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) of each product / material is thoroughly studied and reviewed before it comes in the Rhenus warehouse for storage in order to understand all storage & handling requirements of chemical products. The team handling these chemicals is fully trained for handling and storage of chemicals. Hazard identification and risk assessment is done regularly for taking appropriate control measures during storage and handling of chemicals. Emergency Response Plan and Incident Reporting Systems are in place to manage any possible mishaps associated with chemicals storage including fire detection and firefighting arrangements.” He adds, “Rhenus India has 31 fully complaint and certified warehouses strategically located across India with 2.4 million Sq. Ft. of warehousing space. All our warehouses follow an international standard of EHS. Our warehouses have a state-of-the-art infrastructure including: • PEB stable building structure to withstand earthquake; situated far away from residential areas. • Adequate illumination & ventilation as per national norms/NBC. • Firefighting and Fire Detection Systems (fire hydrant/sprinkler, beam detection systems connected to fire alarm) as per norms. • Emergency Exits connected to fire alarm with at least 2 Hours fire resistance. • Arrangements for containment of large quantity of Chemical spill (containment pit) as per storage requirement. • Standard Electrical fixtures installed with adequate safety devices like MCB/RCCB/ELCB and sufficient earthing’s provided for all electrical equipment including lightening arrestors. • Dock levellers provided for each dock for loading/unloading activity. • Modern Material handling equipment’s for material movement which are operated by trained competent operators. • High density racking systems for material storage designed as per storage …

Pradeep Panicker, CEO-GMR Hyderabad International Airport (GHIAL) asserts, “Ensuring the security of dangerous goods across the supply chain demands unwavering vigilance. Employing tamper-proof packaging and secure transportation, alongside bolstering physical security at cargo terminals, are foundational measures to ensure security. However, real-time tracking and establishing a clear chain of custody, coupled with meticulous documentation of handoffs from origin to destination, are imperative. Trained and certified personnel must handle dangerous goods, equipped to respond to any contingencies. Thorough background checks on employees with access to such goods mitigate insider threats, while fostering a culture of 100% incident reporting promotes swift identification and resolution of vulnerabilities. Promoting a safety culture within the organization and conducting regular emergency mock exercises further secures the ecosystem, ensuring readiness to address any emergencies effectively. GMR Hyderabad Air Cargo has been successfully handling Dangerous Goods at our Air Cargo Terminal, without any incidents. We have implemented several initiatives and measures to ensure the safe handling of these goods. Our staff are trained to IATA standards for handling dangerous goods, including CAT 6, 7 and 8 qualifications. Goods are thoroughly checked upon acceptance. Security screeners undergo CAT-12 training. Screened goods are stored in designated areas following IATA guidelines and equipped with spill kits. Emergency contact numbers are prominently displayed. Cargo build-up occurs at a dedicated workstation, supervised during transportation. Regular HAZMAT drills are conducted as well.”

Sanjiv Edward, CEO – Cargo, GMR Group highlights, “At Delhi International Airport, we conduct regular training and exercises to keep cargo personnel up to date regarding the latest measures on handling dangerous goods. DIAL follows all necessary safeguards rigorously which are important while handling such cargo including imparting dangerous goods training which is certified and valid at time of handling such goods. We ensure necessary infrastructure and processes all along the way to transport such goods – PPE for all staff handling dangerous goods, secluded area earmarked for handling, specialized transport vehicle, emergency response readiness and infrastructure thereof, environment friendly/green process of discharging any residue or remains of such product while handling of such goods. At Delhi Airport, we reiterate safety and regulations by displaying dangerous goods educative signage at prominent places at terminal and use technology, such as AI, to simulate handling and processing including past data & records of any accidents / prevention with help of data science. Delhi airport has allocated sufficient space to handle DG with specialized & certified manpower. We have invested in necessary infrastructure such as isolated locations, emergency response, chemical/smoke detectors and other timely detection infrastructure. Further, we ensure periodic certification from respective regulators to handle dangerous goods. Additionally, terminal operators at Delhi have global certification for warehouse operations such as ISOs, GDP among others. DIAL indulges in intermittent audits – Internal & external, which are conducted to ensure readiness for any eventuality, including drills/programs by government agencies which specializes in handling crisis situations. We continue to invest in people and processes for safe and secure handling of dangerous goods from our airports.”

C K Govil, President, The Air Cargo Agents Association of India (ACAAI) says, “Overall, while there are significant advancements in the handling and transportation of dangerous goods in India, ongoing efforts are needed to address the challenges related to infrastructure, compliance, and training. Enhanced regulatory frameworks, technological integration, and industry collaboration will be key drivers in ensuring the safe and efficient transport of hazardous materials in the Indian market. Handling and transporting dangerous goods in India require concrete efforts from the govt as well as the private players. I feel the adoption of technology in monitoring and managing the transportation of dangerous goods is increasing. GPS tracking, real-time monitoring, and digital documentation are becoming more common, enhancing safety and compliance. There is a continuous need for comprehensive training programs for all stakeholders involved in the logistics chain. Proper handling, emergency response, and safety protocols must be well understood and practiced. Many companies in India are adopting best practices and investing in training and infrastructure to ensure the safe handling and transportation of dangerous goods. Industry associations play a crucial role in disseminating information and best practices. Continuous updates to regulations and stricter enforcement are expected to improve safety standards. There is a growing focus on minimizing the environmental impact of transporting dangerous goods. Sustainable practices and the development of green logistics solutions will likely become more prominent.”

“India’s cargo industry holds immense potential and plays a crucial role in driving the country’s economic growth. Currently, we are witnessing robust growth driven by various factors such as the rise of e-commerce, the expansion of the pharmaceutical sector, increasing demand for perishable goods, and the growing need for express cargo services,” says Satyaki Raghunath, COO, BIAL. He adds, “The future will also be fueled by rising consumer demand, government initiatives promoting ease of doing business, and the implementation of advanced technologies for efficient logistics management. At BLR Cargo, our comprehensive range of cargo solutions is designed to meet the diverse needs of our customers. From state-of-the-art facilities and advanced cargo handling systems to customised services and efficient supply chain solutions, we strive to provide seamless and reliable cargo operations. Furthermore, India’s position as a global hub for pharmaceutical manufacturing and exports opens up immense possibilities for the cargo industry. We have also observed a steady rise in the export of perishable goods, including food products and flowers. Embracing digitalization, automation, last-mile delivery solutions, and sustainable practices are essential to staying competitive and meet evolving customer expectations. BLR Cargo has an estimated growth potential of 8.5-10% annually, aiming to reach 1.7-1.9 million metric tonnes (MTPA) by 2038.”

According to the latest reports by Xeneta, with disruptions to ocean freight services in the Red Sea contributing to the growth in air cargo spot rates this year and the reliability of ocean freight container schedule remaining low, average ocean container spot rates from Northeast Asia to the US West Coast in the first week of May were more than double the level 12 months earlier. According to Xeneta, In March, ocean freight container schedule reliability for services from Asia to the US West Coast was just 49 per cent. Into the US East Coast, it was even worse at 38 per cent. As any improvements in ocean freight container service reliability will be slight at best in the coming months and rates remain elevated, it is not surprising some shippers have turned to air freight to protect their supply chains, the Norway-based ocean and air freight rate benchmarking and market analytics platform said on its website. There has also been significant movement in the cost difference between ocean container and air cargo services. For example, in the first week of May, the average air cargo spot rate on the Trans-Pacific trade was just under nine times more expensive than ocean container spot rates. Back at the start of December before escalation of conflict in the Red Sea, air cargo was around 22 times more expensive. After a temporary dip in March post-Lunar New Year, the eastbound corridor from Northeast Asia to the United States has seen spot rates rebound by more than 30 per cent year on year.

” Capacity constraints, fluctuating fuel prices, regulatory complexities, and geopolitical uncertainties are crucial areas of concern for the air cargo sector,” says Prithviraj Chug, CEO Group Concorde. “The lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, such as supply chain disruptions and labour shortages, continue to impact operations and add to the industry’s challenges,” he adds. Additionally, he shares that rising competition from alternative modes of transportation and evolving customer expectations pose further challenges for industry players. Despite these obstacles, we view them as opportunities for innovation and collaboration. With strategic planning and proactive measures, we’re committed to overcoming these challenges and delivering value to our stakeholders.”