Category Archives: Aviation

“With a diverse geography and large population it is crucial that the available belly capacity is used effectively to enhance trade within and to and from India,” says Glyn Hughes, Director General, TIACA. “This is certainly the situation today with cargo benefitting from and supporting extensive passenger operations. However belly capacity alone will not provide the full capacity needed to achieve India’s economic growth targets. So freighter networks are crucial for connecting to global high volume cargo hubs as well as to provide much needed cargo capacity on developing passenger routes. Narrow body passenger aircraft such as the B737 or A321 may offer between 1 and 4 tonnes of cargo capacity on the lower deck, depending on aircraft version, flight route, passenger load factor and the nature of cargo. With 1 to 1.5 t being the norm. Mid-sized passenger aircraft such as the B757 may offer between 2 and 8 tonnes of cargo capacity on the lower deck, depending on aircraft version, flight route, passenger load factor and the nature of cargo. Wide bodied passenger aircraft such as the A330, A350, B777, B787 also vary depending on passenger load factors, wind direction, route, flight duration and type of cargo carried. But a A330 could be between 10 and 12 tonnes, an A350 could be around 17 tonnes but up to 25 tonnes in the -1000 variant, a B787 could be around 14 tonnes and a B777 between 20 and 25 tonnes depending on variant.“

Ethiopian Cargo & Logistics Services is growing its network with two new freighter destinations in India. Hyderabad and Ahmedabad will be added to Ethiopian Cargo’s freighter network from May 11, said Ethiopian Cargo & Logistics Services in a LinkedIn post on May 10. “Starting May 11, 2024, we will offer twice-weekly air cargo service to and from Hyderabad and Ahmedabad, our fifth and sixth destinations in India, next to New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bangalore,” said the airline. The last network expansion Ethiopian Cargo & Logistics Services reported was last year, when in November it began operating flights to Gatwick from its home hub, Addis Ababa. Gatwick was the third UK destination for Ethiopian, joining Heathrow and Manchester. In February last year, it had also begun freighter flights connecting Xiamen with São Paulo and Santiago via Addis Ababa, plus freighter flights between Shenzhen and Liège. Other investments last year include a new commitment to work towards achieving IATA’s Center of Excellence for Independent Validators (CEIV) Live Animals certification. Last summer, Ethiopian Cargo also placed its capacity on digital air cargo booking platform cargo.one.

Global air freight prices edged a little higher again, according to the latest data from TAC Index. The overall Baltic Air Freight Index calculated by TAC was up 2.1 percent for the week to May 6, leaving it now close to flat at -2.2 percent over the last 12 months. “The ongoing strength of the market follows recent predictions of an uptick in global trade from the OECD, IMF and World Trade Organization – and some sources anticipating tight capacity for peak season later this year,” says the update. Rates on the big lanes out of China mostly maintained the positive momentum of recent weeks and months. The index of outbound routes from Hong Kong was up 0.6 percent WoW to leave it ahead by 11.2 percent YoY. Outbound Shanghai was up 1.6 percent WoW to put it ahead by 29.9 percent YoY. Other major lanes out of Asia were mixed after recent big gains with rates from both Vietnam and India higher again to the U.S. but lower on routes to Europe, the update added.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) aims to accelerate the introduction of enhanced ground support equipment (GSE) technologies into daily operations with a new programme. Presented at IATA’s Ground Handling Conference (IGHC) this week, the IATA Enhanced GSE Recognition Program recognises Ground Handling Service Providers (GHSPs) that are modernising their vehicle fleets. The programme encourages the installation of anti-collision systems on new and existing ground support equipment (GSE), to prevent expensive potential damage to aircraft on the ramp. The first ground handlers to obtain this recognition at various stations are HACTL and Menzies Aviation. GHSPs participating in the programme will have the opportunity for their fleets to be assessed. Those achieving a ratio of Enhanced GSE to non-Enhanced GSE that exceeds a predetermined threshold will receive a recognition stamp valid for two years. Participation in the programme will be voluntary and free of charge, as part of IATA’s commitment to achieving industry-wide safety improvements without imposing financial burdens on GHSPs.

American Airlines Cargo is announcing its summer widebody schedule with new routes and increases for the 2024 season. Out of Europe, the carrier is operating new flights from Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), from Copenhagen Airport (CPH) and Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE) to Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), and from Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) to Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD). Some of these seasonal routes started as early as April while others will extend as far as October. Though some of these trans-Atlantic routes are new, American is already a trusted name in those European markets thanks to its extensive trucking network. Some origins are known for producing significant shipment traffic, such as pharmaceuticals and fish from CPH and fragrance products from the Grasse area near NCE. In addition to new routes, several seasonal summer routes are now year-round including BCN to PHL, Lisbon Airport (LIS) to PHL and Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) to CLT are now year-round instead of seasonal. In the trans-Pacific region, American is offering new service from Haneda Airport (HND) to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), as well as an increase to daily flights from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) to DFW. Domestically, the carrier is also operating a significant widebody network. With service between its largest hub at DFW and key U.S. hubs like MIA, ORD and PHL, the carrier offers more ways for large freight to connect within the U.S this summer season. “We are excited to offer our customers more opportunities to move their goods across our global network this summer season,” says Roger Samways, Vice President of Commercial for American Airlines Cargo. “Offering new and increased …

KSH Logistics announced the expansion of its multi-client warehousing facility in Chennai, setting a new standard in warehousing excellence. The newly expanded warehouse spans 25,000 square feet and features ground storage capabilities. With strong tech support, the facility caters to various needs, including co-packing, distribution, e-commerce, and omnichannel services, meeting evolving customer demands. The facility ensures cost efficiency, warehouse space optimization, safety, capacity flexibility, and sustainability. With this expansion, KSH Logistics has extended its presence into key markets, boasting a total capacity exceeding 1 million square feet across India. Additionally, leveraging advanced Hydra and Farana, the facility ensures precise handling of specialized products like OTR (Off-the-Road) tyres, with a capacity to manage tyres with a diameter of up to 10 feet, further enhancing efficiency and productivity. Moreover, the facility operates on a cutting-edge Warehouse Management System (WMS), enabling seamless and streamlined operations from end to end. KSH will also be doing transportation of OTR tyres across India. “The new A-Grade MCF warehouse in Chennai adds yet another pivotal step forward. In the upcoming months, our focus is on aggressively expanding our MCF network into multiple cities. Through this strategic initiative, we aim to increase our total warehousing area to 2 million square feet. As a result, solidifying KSH Logistics’ position as a leader in the logistics industry”, said Mr Vinay Patil, Vice President – Business Development of KSH Logistics. KSH Logistics is set to transform warehousing in the Chennai market and is on the path of expanding its footprint across multiple cities in Chennai. Moreover, the new facility is fully compliant with fire safety regulations and is equipped with hydrants, sprinklers, and extinguishers. It meets local regulations as well as …

Focusing on the issues pertaining to DGR training for Pharma and dangerous good transportation, the Managing Committee of The Air Cargo Agents Association of India (ACAAI) held a meet in Chennai on 3 and 4 May. “Institutions across India have not been getting the necessary approvals from the authorities to conduct DGR training which is causing lot of issues in the export of pharmaceutical items and dangerous goods. The logistics service providers need to be aware of the policies and guidelines to carry out dangerous goods transportation lack of which might lead to serious accidents,” shares CK Govil, President, ACAAI. Possible venues for the upcoming ACAAI convention were also discussed. The team at Southern Region needs to be complemented and thanked for organising the same successfully.

The Federation of Freight Forwarders Association of India (FFFAI), in collaboration with 21CC, has launched an innovative e-learning platform that is set to redefine the learning landscape and promote skilling in logistics. This groundbreaking platform is designed to empower an individual to learn at his own pace, in his own space. “We owe this monumental achievement to the relentless efforts and unwavering support of our esteemed team. A massive shout-out to Sanjay Tiwari , Past Chairman Shankar Shinde , Chairman Dushyant Mulani , Hon. Secretary sudip dey , Sudhir Agarwal, OB in charge of IIFF, Hon Secretary IIFF Nirav Thakker (Ph.D) and the secretariat for their instrumental role in launching this platform. This E-learning platform is more than just a tool; it’s a testament to our commitment to innovation and change, Today we learn for a better Tomorrow,” said their official LinkedIn Post.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for March 2024 global air cargo markets showing continuing strong annual growth in demand. Total demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTKs*), rose by 10.3% compared to March 2023 levels (11.4% for international operations). This is the fourth consecutive month of double-digit year-on-year growth. Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTKs), increased by 7.3% compared to March 2023 (10.5% for international operations). “Air cargo demand grew by 10.3% over the previous March. This contributed to a strong first quarter performance which slightly exceeded even the exceptionally strong 2021 first quarter performance during the COVID crisis. With global cross-border trade and industrial production continuing to show a moderate upward trend, 2024 is shaping up to be a solid year for air cargo,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. Several factors in the operating environment should be noted: Global cross-border trade and industrial production increased by 1.2% and 1.6% respectively in February. In March, the manufacturing output Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) climbed to 51.9, indicating expansion. The new export orders PMI also rose to 49.5, remaining slightly below the 50 threshold that would indicate growth expectations. Inflation saw a mixed picture in March. In the EU and Japan, inflation rates fell to 2.6% and 2.7% respectively, while rising in the US to 3.5%. In contrast, China experienced a slight deflation of -0.01%. This latest figure marks a return to deflation after February’s brief period of inflation.