Category Archives: Aviation

Alpana Chaturvedi, CEO, MyLogistics Gurukul says, “One of the main challenges of hiring trained professionals is the lack of awareness about the myriad opportunities in logistics industry. Or even an understanding of the modern-day logistics industry- which is becoming specialised and can offer a rewarding career opportunity in its various verticals. Logistics is still not an aspirational career choice. At MyLogistics Gurukul, we offer these workshops in colleges towards creating this awareness. Institutes/ Universities offering courses in Supply Chain and Logistics need to upgrade their training curriculum or collaborate with the industry. There is an effort towards bridging this gap already, but still more work needs to be done towards this. Starting salaries are lower in the logistics industry as compared to other industries like IT, BPOs, and other Corporates. While slowly more and more women are willing to join the industry but still there is a lack of women willing to join the logistics industry as once again there is a lack of awareness.

Softlink Global has taken a significant step forward with the inauguration of its new bigger office in Delhi. The relocation is part of a larger wave of growth for Softlink Global, which has recently expanded its Chennai office to enhance service efficiency, promote closer collaboration with clients, and to support the vibrant logistics ecosystem. Amit Maheshwari, Founder and CEO, Softlink Global, inaugurated the new office on 10th January, 2025 in a warm and celebratory atmosphere alongside the Delhi team. The event marked a significant milestone in Softlink’s journey since its initial steps into Delhi in 2004. He shared his vision at the inauguration ceremony. “Our journey in Delhi began with a small office and ambitious dreams. Today, this larger office is a reflection of our growth and commitment to providing world-class logistics solutions to our clients in North India. It’s all about growing closer to our customers, understanding their needs, and working with them to navigate the digital-first logistics future.” He further emphasised, “Our focus extends beyond physical growth. Through continuous product innovation and skill development initiatives like Softlink Academy, under which programs like LogiEXPERT–meant for teams of our customers – are live, we remain committed to empowering our clients to achieve greater success.”

Dipen Lalsodagar, Deputy Director Cargo Sales, Global Aviation said, “As the exports is on a decline; schemes like incentivising specific commodities for a specific tenure, setting up value based export targets with additional drawback scheme, more focus on export of perishables & pharma will help boost exports. Also, commodities like Garments, pharma, electronics (Microchips & Mobile phones) will drive growth in the coming years with an increased production.”

Sunil Kohli, MD, Rahat Cargo said, “Indian exports have lately witnessed a slump because of several compelling factors. A majority of Indian exporters cite high interest rates as a major hurdle. Despite government efforts to address freight concerns,  borrowing costs and collateral requirements remain issues, especially for smaller exporters, affecting their competitiveness. It’s also observed that consumer demand has weakened, private investment has been sluggish for years and reportedly the government spending- an essential driver in recent years has been pulled back. Further, many exporters have diverted to the domestic market as profitability in exports has taken a hit with a sharp rise in international freight (both ship and air). Had it not been for these trade disruptions led by logistical challenges such as higher cost of raw material, lack of shipping space, inflated air/sea freights by the carriers and declining commodity prices by the overseas buyers, merchandise exports would have recorded growth.”

Vipin Vohra, Chairman, Continental Carriers said, “To enhance exports, India must diversify markets, targeting emerging economies and non-traditional regions. Strengthening manufacturing under Make in India and improving quality standards are key. Expanding and renegotiating Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) can open new opportunities. Promoting supply chain digitization and reducing logistics costs through infrastructure upgrades will improve efficiency. Incentives for value-added products, support for MSMEs, and global branding initiatives will help India gain a competitive edge in global markets. Future export drivers include electronics, electric vehicles, green energy components, and pharmaceuticals like biologics. IT services, AI-driven technologies, agro-processed products, and sustainable textiles also show strong potential. With global focus on renewable energy, sectors like solar panels and specialty chemicals will gain prominence. Innovation, value addition, and sustainable practices will ensure India’s competitive edge in these areas.”

M Afzal Malbarwala, MD, Galaxy Freight said, “We face global challenges like the Red Sea crisis, the Russia-Ukraine War, and trade tensions involving the US and countries like China and Mexico. To address these, India must explore new markets and expand its products and services. India should close the gap between high-value sectors, like electronics, and traditional sectors, like textiles and jewellery, by adjusting tariffs that hinder growth. This will boost the competitiveness of Indian products. Also, simplifying customs, improving business conditions, and encouraging innovation are crucial for increasing exports. The main drivers of merchandise export growth include electronic goods (especially telecom products), drugs and pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, iron ore, cotton yarn/fabs/made-ups, handloom products, and ceramic products and glassware. India is also making impressive strides in exporting petroleum products and automotive fuel.”

WebCargo, in collaboration with Qatar Airways Cargo, has launched ‘WebCargo Pay in India,’ complementing WebCargo’s existing air cargo booking solution. With WebCargo Pay, traditional barriers like bank guarantees are removed, making one-stop air cargo pricing, booking and payment seamless and efficient. WebCargo Pay will now ensure that forwarders can access Qatar Airways Cargo’s capacity and competitive rates, helping businesses of all sizes thrive in a rapidly growing market. Simplified payments, No Bank guarantee requirement and zero waiting time are some of the key features which India-based forwarders can access via WebCargo Pay. “Being the first international cargo carrier to offer WebCargo Pay in India represents a significant step in giving freight forwarders the tools they need to compete and grow in a competitive market. This partnership simplifies payment and booking, ensuring that forwarders can instantly access Qatar Airways Cargo’s global network without the traditional hurdles of bank guarantees,” Mark Drusch, Chief Officer Cargo, Qatar Airways Cargo, said.

Indian logistics industry has witnessed massive development in the last few years, but there’s need to improve multimodal transport and connectivity. Geopolitical tensions have also impacted Indian supply chains, said Arun Kumar, President, Association of Multimodal Transport Operators of India (AMTOI) at its fourth quarterly meeting in New Delhi focusing on Geopolitics and Multimodal Transportation. He added, “Under PM’s ambitious initiatives like Gati Shakti and National Logistics Policy, remarkable physical and digital infrastructure developments have been done for seamless cargo movement. AMTOI plans to take the industry forward in line with government and industry players plans and by collaborating and knowledge-sharing with each other.” The event began with lamp lighting by dignitaries followed by panel discussions and vote of thanks.

DHL Express has signed MoU with the Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) to ship India-crafted jewellery via courier mode, leveraging DHL’s time-definite international (TDI) delivery service. As the first international logistics provider to sign an MoU with GJEPC, DHL will support local jewellery and gem makers to broaden their footprint and increase revenue. The GJEPC is an apex body of the gem and jewellery industry under the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India. “India’s gems and jewellery industry is a vibrant export segment. Our product offering for exporting fine jewellery shipments addresses critical pain points for local exporters through our trusted, seamless, and cost-effective shipping solution. Through this partnership, we are simplifying international shipping and providing jewellery makers with the tools they need to thrive in global markets,” said R. S. Subramanian, SVP South Asia, DHL Express.  The MoU intends to simplify the customs clearance process for jewellery shipments, reducing transit times, paperwork, and costs compared to traditional cargo shipping methods.    

Apeksha Gupta, Head of Skilling, VCJ Foundation says, “Enhancing cargo security through IoT and advanced technologies is essential for improving logistics efficiency. Real-time monitoring and proactive management can reduce theft and damage. India faces challenges like underdeveloped security norms and logistics infrastructure, necessitating modernization and comprehensive laws for optimal cargo security.”