Category Archives: Aviation

In a strategic move towards fostering sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint, Blue Dart has expanded its electric vehicle (EV) fleet, now boasting over 480 e-vehicles (2,3 &4 wheelers combined). The integration of EVs into Blue Dart’s fleet is poised to yield substantial environmental benefits, with an estimated reduction of 15.05 tonnes of CO2 emissions per month. Blue Dart’s proactive participation as a signatory to the ‘Climate Neutral Now’ (CNN) pledge by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) further underscores its commitment to global climate action. The company’s Sustainability Roadmap emphasizes initiatives such as planting over 111,000 trees annually—a measure projected to offset more than 13,320 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually once these trees reach maturity. Of the initiative Balfour Manuel, Managing Director, Blue Dart, said “Blue Dart is driving sustainable logistics in India, paving the path towards a greener future. By integrating electric vehicles into our fleet, we are poised to significantly reduce our carbon footprint and contribute meaningfully to environmental conservation. Our transition to a green fleet demonstrates Blue Dart’s commitment to carbon neutrality and sustainable growth.” Blue Dart remains dedicated to delivering innovative solutions in its pursuit of innovation while upholding its environmental responsibilities. The company’s adoption of electric vehicles marks a pivotal milestone in its journey towards long-term sustainability objectives, reinforcing its position as an industry leader committed to shaping a cleaner, greener tomorrow.

Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) and BLR marked the triumph of its first year of operations at Bengaluru airport (BLR) on 24 May 2024, with a celebration involving all stakeholders including airline partners, the local air cargo trade community, and representatives from local regulatory authorities. Over the past year, WFS BLR has made remarkable achievements, built strong relationships, and grown beyond expectations. WFS BLR is a JV partner with BIAL at Bengaluru and is part of the SATS’ network of more than 215 stations in 27 countries, offering customers global network connectivity and the support of dedicated teams with extensive experience in the aviation sector. To mark this milestone, the two air cargo terminals at BLR were beautifully illuminated in WFS colours and a special all-hands celebration for team members was arranged with a cake cutting ceremony, followed by a special anniversary feast. The day concluded with musical entertainment and a cocktail dinner for partners and guests. WFS BLR has now firmly established its presence at BLR, and the celebration was a gesture of gratitude to all team members and stakeholders who have been part of the journey so far.

Reliance Industries will soon begin construction of India’s first Multimodal Logistics Park at Mappedu near Chennai. Located 52 km from the Chennai Port, 80 km from Ennore Port and 87 km from Kattupalli Port, the MMLP will be a focal point of logistics in the southern region. It is estimated to cater to around 7.17 million tonnes (mt) of cargo over 45 years, the construction will begin in June says multiple reports. The project was said to have been conceptualised 12 years ago, when in 2022, the company won the bid from Adani Group for the Rs 1,424 crore project on 184.27 acres of land in Tiruvallur district. According to reports, the project aims to facilitate efficient, cost-effective and value-added logistics services such as cargo aggregation and disaggregation, distribution, intermodal transfer, sorting, packing, and repacking. However, it did not take off due to the poor response from the private sector on issues like connectivity.

Ecom Express and Skye Air, specializing in drone technology, announced a strategic partnership aimed at disrupting last-mile delivery solutions. This collaboration represents a significant step forward in the logistics industry, combining Ecom Express’ network and automation expertise with Skye Air’s cutting-edge drone delivery technology. Driven by a shared commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, both companies are embarking on a mission to enhance delivery speed, improve efficiency, and reduce carbon emissions. Studies suggest that transitioning to drone-based deliveries could reduce carbon emissions by 93% as compared to parcel deliveries by road, substantially contributing to environmental sustainability. Through this partnership, they seek to address the interconnected challenges of traffic congestion and environmental sustainability. Vishwachetan Nadamani, COO, Ecom Express, said, “By leveraging Skye Air’s expertise in drone technology, we are excited to explore new opportunities to enhance our delivery services. This collaboration will not only amplify our efforts in reducing delivery times for e-commerce parcels but also enable sustainability efforts beyond electrification of last-mile vehicles.” This partnership will commence with drone delivery trials in select locations in Gurugram, with plans to cover additional pin codes in sparse locations and tougher terrains across India in subsequent stages.

Etihad Cargo is planning to increase its belly network with the integration of additional aircraft, the new-generation Airbus 350 freighter in the second half of 2026, shares Stanislas Brun, Vice President Cargo, Etihad Cargo. Etihad Cargo’s current fleet comprises four Airbus A380s with a maximum capacity of 15,000 kilogrammes each, five Airbus A350s with a maximum capacity of 24,000 kilogrammes each, 22 Airbus A320s, 9 Boeing 777s with a maximum capacity of 24,000 kilogrammes each, and 43 Boeing 787s with a maximum capacity of 22,000 kilogrammes each. “We also operate five of the latest generation of Boeing 777 freighters, each with a capacity of 102,800 kilogrammes, which we use to add capacity to our network to fill up the aircraft, achieving a throughput load factor on the belly of above 90%. 60% of the cargo Etihad Cargo flies is through the belly of aircraft, with belly capacity allowing us to generate multiple frequencies per destination, giving our customers trust in our product and on-time performance,” he adds.

BlueBox Systems, an innovative provider of logistics visibility solutions, announced the launch of BlueBoxCargo, an advanced tracking solution that combines the best features of BlueBoxAir and BlueBoxOcean. This comprehensive platform is designed to provide unparalleled real-time tracking capabilities for air and ocean freight, giving companies the ultimate supply chain optimization tool. BlueBoxCargo builds on the success of BlueBoxAir and BlueBoxOcean and represents a significant advance in logistics technology. This innovative solution integrates the robust functionalities of its predecessors and provides a unified platform that simplifies air and ocean freight management. “BlueBoxCargo is the next logical and, above all, long-planned development stage for us,” emphasizes BlueBox Systems’ CEO Martin Schulze. “After developing BlueBoxAir, a solution specifically for the complex air freight industry, and launching BlueBoxOcean at the beginning of this year, we are now systematically merging the two solutions.”

Qatar Airways Cargo has once again assisted Animal Defenders International, this time by transporting six young lions from the illegal wildlife trade to the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary in Johannesburg. Known as the “Kuwait 6”, the males Muheeb, Saham, Shujaa, Saif, and females Dhubiya and Aziza were either seized or captured after being abandoned and cared for at Kuwait Zoo. Animal Defenders International (ADI) was contacted by Kuwait government officials to help the lions, so ADI offered them a home at their 455-acre sanctuary in South Africa. Mark Drusch, Chief Officer Cargo at Qatar Airways Cargo said: “We are proud to once again be supporting ADI, this time in bringing these six beautiful lions home to Africa. Our WeQare Rewild the Planet initiative is our commitment to returning wildlife and endangered species back to their natural habitat, free of charge. “It takes a lot of effort and logistics for our team to organise moving such large animals; from the logistics at the airports, loading and unloading the animals from the aircraft, to ensuring the correct cages and wellbeing of the animals are in place, but it is something we are all collectively very proud and passionate to be a part of.” Jan Creamer, President, Animals Defenders International added: “The Kuwait 6 lions have their whole lives ahead of them and will have acres of space at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary. We are thankful to Qatar Airways Cargo and their WeQare program in once again supporting us by covering the cost of the air transport back to Africa. We are also very thankful to the ADI supporters who are helping to fund their care.”

Preparing for a progressive transformation near Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR Airport), Bengaluru Airport City Limited (BACL) unveils investment plans for a two million square feet Business Park and 775 keys Hotel. In a positive stride towards sustainability and technological innovation, the biophilic-inspired Business Park by BACL promises smart workspaces within a vibrant public realm. Seamlessly blending work and play, the development aims to cater to the diverse needs of businesses and employees, offering a dynamic environment for growth and collaboration. The project’s most exceptional and breathtaking attribute lies in the Urban Forest, a lush oasis in the centre of the development. This green space will serve as a focal point, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor spaces throughout the area. The upcoming Metro station in Airport City will provide seamless connectivity to the Business Park from the northern side, ensuring convenient accessibility. Rao Munukutla, CEO of BACL – a wholly owned subsidiary of Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), spoke about the investment in the development of the business park. “This investment by BACL will propel our vision of transforming the Airport City into a bustling hub for businesses, knowledge-intensive zones, R&D centres and Global Capability Centres. With world-class infrastructure and a focus on sustainability, our goal is to create a thriving environment that nurtures growth, brings in job opportunities and makes a positive socio-economic impact on the region.” The transformative journey continues with the expansion of the hospitality and entertainment offerings within the Airport City – the Business Park will be accompanied by a Combo Hotel and a Concert Arena. Combo Hotel The Combo Hotel is poised to become one of the largest hospitality establishments in India. Comprising a total …

Nikhil Agarwal, President, CJ Darcl Logistics highlights, “Fluctuations in global trade policy is a challenge for global supply chains. The implementation of trade barriers, such as tariffs and quotas, disrupts the flow of goods, leading to delays, increased costs, and uncertainty in sourcing essential materials. Businesses must navigate this dynamic landscape by employing responses, such as diversifying supplier base or reshoring production, to mitigate these disruptions. India’s integration with export control exemplifies the complex interplay between national policies and the global trade environment. We, at CJ Darcl, believe that these policy changes can exert a broader influence on market dynamics, impacting factors such as industry competitiveness, consumer behavior, and the configuration of global value chains. To successfully navigate this evolving environment, businesses require a commitment to continuous monitoring of policy developments, proactive adaptation of strategies, driving resilience in the face of change.”

Vipin Vohra, Chairman, Continental Carriers shares, “One of the foremost challenges is infrastructure inadequacy, including outdated facilities and limited capacity at airports and terminals, leading to congestion and delays. This directly affects our ability to efficiently handle and transport goods. Despite the advancement of customs processing into fully online systems, the persistence of physical scrutiny of documents remains a notable bottleneck. The reliance on manual verification prolongs the clearance timeline, increases the risk of errors, and adds unnecessary costs for both businesses and customers. Furthermore, the lack of standardization and digitalization in processes across the industry creates inefficiencies and hampers interoperability among different stakeholders. This results in manual errors, communication gaps, and difficulties in tracking shipments, leading to customer dissatisfaction and operational challenges. Lastly, talent shortage and skill gaps in the workforce present ongoing challenges in maintaining high-quality service standards and innovation in our operations. Addressing these pain points requires collaborative efforts from industry stakeholders, and regulatory authorities to invest in infrastructure upgrades, streamline regulatory processes, and invest in talent development initiatives to drive growth and competitiveness in the Indian air cargo and logistics industry. Only through such concerted efforts can we unlock the full potential of the Indian air cargo and logistics industry, driving growth and competitiveness in the global market.”