Category Archives: Aviation

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.

“Multimodal transport opportunities through the INSTC, in which FFFAI is deeply engaged, needs to be explored,” said Dushyant Mulani, Chairman, FFFAI, while welcoming the dignitaries and participants from Russia, CIS countries and India during the recently concluded India-And-World’ Business Forum in Mumbai, jointly organised by The International Coordinating Council on Trans-Eurasian Transportation (CCTT) and the Federation of Freight Forwarding Associations of India (FFFAI). He urged that, “This is a good opportunity for members in logistics to participate and deliberate to have their concerns addressed and FFFAI is committed to support trade in facilitating and safeguarding trade with safety, security recommending measures to Government of India with simplification processes. The conference would help in deliberation and prepare white paper for representations. FFFAI continues its endeavors to promote International trade in cooperation with trade associations and is happy to receive the international delegation to exchange and share insight and happy to partner with CCTT for future initiatives.” Mr. Shankar Shinde, IP Chairman, FFFAI and Vice Chairman CCTT elaborated the significance of ‘India-And-World’ Business Forum in promoting the North South and East West corridors. He highlighted FFFAI’s initiatives to promote INSTC route in association with the Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Inland Waterways, Government of India. Mr. Shinde also discussed the key findings of the Dry Run Studies done by FFFAI on INSTC route, its advantages as well as issues that need to be addressed for seamless and viable operations. He also underlined the importance of Chabahar Port in Iran which has been developed by the Government of India. A study also has been done by FFFAI on the strategic importance of this port and …

WIZ Freight is pleased to announce the appointment of Jaspreet Singh as the new Chief Commercial Officer, India. Jaspreet brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of driving growth and excellence in the logistics sector. In this role, Jaspreet will be responsible for overseeing the company’s commercial strategy and development, enhancing customer relations, and driving innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of the market. His strategic vision will focus on expanding WIZ’s reach and capabilities across various industries, ensuring that clients receive the most efficient and effective logistics services available. Jaspreet’s extensive experience, unique set of skills and perspectives, background in supply chain management, and deep understanding of global markets make him an invaluable addition to the executive team. Jaspreet comes with a wide range of rich and extensive experience in Management, Supply Chain Operations and Customer Relationship. In his previous assignments, he has worked in several key leadership positions, Head of Sales for South Asia at Bollore Logistics; General Manager-Sales and Marketing at Panalpina Worldwide, Head of Routes, Europe and Head of Project Logistics with Kuehne + Nagel, and Sales Development at Maersk Logistics. His approach combines innovative technology with a customer-centric mindset, perfectly aligning with the WIZ’s mission to deliver comprehensive and adaptable logistics solutions.

Magellanic Cloud announced that it has bagged its first major logistic drone order from an Indian Robotics firm for an aggregate value of Rs 43 crore. This order marks the company’s entry into the logistics sector that had a high potential with multiple players in India and abroad. The order entails delivery of 45 CargoMax series drone kits – along with RTF Quadrotor Airframe, Flight Controllers, RC Controllers, EO Payload and Transport Case – that will be manufactured in its state-ofthe-art facility in Bangalore.

IAG Cargo, the cargo division of International Airlines Group (IAG), has invested €1.5 million into the expansion of its temperature-controlled perishables facility in Madrid. This forms part of a total €12 million invested in the business’ Spanish hub over the last six years, says an official release. “As the first point of entry into the EU for perishables, IAG Cargo boasts an extensive network of connections from Latin America, with Madrid serving as a vital centre for distribution of produce across the region. The investment will increase the total capacity of the facility by 45 percent and will house 1,340 square metres of dedicated temperature-controlled space for perishable goods, offering customers the largest cooling chambers at Madrid airport. These chambers bring improved reliability and efficiency to IAG Cargo’s cold chain operations in Europe and are monitored 24/7 to ensure temperature sensitive goods are held in the correct conditions.”

Aircraft lessor ACIA Aero Leasing (ACIA) announced the delivery of the first of two ATR 72-500 Bulk Freighters to Thailand’s newest airline, Pattaya Airways. The carrier took delivery of the aircraft (MSN745) earlier in April 2024, with the second (MSN742) scheduled to deliver this May. “We are very pleased to be entering a new market by placing our first aircraft in Thailand and providing the Pattaya Group with its first aircraft. Pattaya Airways have a robust business plan to capitalize on growing domestic and regional cargo demand in Thailand and South East Asia complementing their existing logistics businesses and infrastructure,” stated Mick Mooney, ACIA’s chief executive officer. “We continue to see strong demand for the ATR 72 freighter and are looking forward to placing further freighter aircraft in this region in the near future.” “The Pattaya Group has a strong established footprint across many sectors of aviation in Thailand and we have decided to further grow our business through the start of our own airline operation, Pattaya Airways. The ATR is the perfect fit to serve the growing requirement for domestic and regional cargo and we very much appreciate the support we have received from ACIA Aero Leasing as we establish our new airline operation,” said Tosaporn Asunee, Pattaya Airways’ chairman. Pattaya Airways is in the final phase of securing its AOC in Thailand and is planning to start operations in Q4 2024. The all-cargo airline will operate a range of domestic flights in Thailand with additional services into neighbouring South East Asia