Category Archives: Aviation

Sunil Kohli, Managing Director, Rahat Cargo said, “The MEA asserted that the transshipment facility extended to Bangladesh had over a period of time resulted in significant congestion at our airports and ports while logistical delays and higher costs were hindering our own exports and creating backlogs. Also, the measure was the result of ‘long standing demand’ of Indian exporters for stopping transshipment of Bangladeshi cargo, meant for shipments to third countries, through Indian ports. This will further help in rationalisation of freight rates resulting in less transportation cost to the Indian exporters besides decongesting the airports. However, this directive may adversely affect the Indian exporters based in Dhaka who used to bring their goods by road to India for further export to third countries. We also have to wait and watch as the subject decision could raise questions regarding India’s commitment under WTO provisions which mandates freedom of transit for goods to and from the landlocked countries.

Jalpa H Vithalani, Director, Global Aviation Services stated, “India’s decision to halt the transshipment facility for Bangladesh’s export cargo is a strategic move to address congestion at key ports and airports. This step is expected to streamline cargo movement, reduce delays, and enhance operational efficiency for Indian logistics hubs. By prioritizing domestic cargo handling and optimizing infrastructure usage, the move will likely improve turnaround times and create a smoother flow of goods, ultimately benefiting trade stakeholders on both sides.”

Vipin Vohra, Chairman, Continental Carriers said, “The halt of transshipment facility for Bangladesh’s export cargo will significantly ease congestion at major international Indian Airports, mainly at Delhi and Kolkata.  This move will streamline export movement from India, ensuring smoother operations and faster turnaround. With reduced congestion, airlines are expected to stabilize freight charges, which had surged due to excess Bangladesh cargo. As a result, Indian exporters can benefit from more competitive freight rates, enhancing their global competitiveness and export efficiency.”

Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals (Hactl) is rolling out 5G across its terminal to allow increased automation of cargo handling and to boost global operations. The company statement stated that utilising a 5G network, which is being implemented by telecommunications firm HKT, will allow it to develop an “interconnected ecosystem” that will aid the future adoption of new technology. For example, Hactl said the 5G private network will enable Hactl’s Autonomous Electric Tractors (AET) to efficiently transport cargo with real-time coordination and dynamically adapt to traffic and safety protocols, reducing the need for human intervention. The company will also be able to deploy security robots equipped with AI-powered video analytics and 5G private network that will continuously patrol cargo areas and transmit live footage to Hactl’s Security Control Centre over a dedicated, secure 5G mobile channel for real-time surveillance and instant threat detection and response.

India has terminated the transshipment facility for Bangladesh’s export cargo, the decision was announced through a notification issued by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC). The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) officially stated that transshipment facility extended to Bangladesh had over a period of time resulted in significant congestion at airports and ports. “Logistical delays and higher costs were hindering our own exports and creating backlogs. The facility, therefore, has been withdrawn w.e.f. April 8, 2025. To clarify, these measures do not impact Bangladesh exports to Nepal or Bhutan transiting through Indian territory,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a statement.

Kanpur’s Chakeri Airport will soon offer air cargo services to four cities namely Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai and Hyderabad by the end of this month. This has been a long-standing demand of local businesses who currently rely on Lucknow Airport for air freight. This new service, expected to start by the end of the month, will significantly reduce transportation costs and time for businesses, especially those in the leather industry exporting goods internationally. The move comes after persistent demands from entrepreneurs, especially those in the leather industry, who have long awaited direct cargo facilities from Kanpur. Until now, exporters had to rely on Lucknow Airport to ship goods domestically and internationally, incurring additional transportation costs and delays. With the new facility, leather and other products can be shipped directly from Kanpur, reducing time and expenses significantly. Airport Director Sanjay Kumar, in official reports confirmed that the cargo services will begin in the last week of this month. This is expected to boost local businesses and improve logistics efficiency in the region.

US President Donald Trump’s decision to introduce a ‘major’ tariff on pharmaceutical imports from India, has left Indian pharma manufacturers and freight forwarders in state of distress and despair. As the decision would impact Indian pharma business in a big way, it will not only affect Indian pharma manufacturers but also US Consumers. It may lead to increase prices and shortage of drugs. It will also disturb global competitiveness. Reacting on it, Vipin Vohra, Chairman, Continental Carriers said, “The proposed U.S. tariffs on pharmaceutical imports could significantly impact India, the third-largest producer and key supplier of generics, especially as the U.S. accounts for over 30% of Indian pharma exports. Higher tariffs may erode cost competitiveness and disrupt supply chains, affecting both Indian manufacturers and U.S. consumers. Given that Indian generics have saved the U.S. billions in healthcare costs, such tariffs may increase drug prices and strain global healthcare affordability.” Sharing similar sentiments, Sunil Kohli, Managing Director, Rahat Cargo added, “America is India’s largest export market for pharmaceutical goods. In FY 24, of India’s $27.9 billion worth of pharma exports, 31 per cent or $8.7 billion to the US, according to the Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India. It’s further apprehended that higher US tariffs on pharma imports could severely impact both Washington and New Delhi as they will raise production costs, eroding price competitiveness for manufacturers and higher prices for customers. Further, the Indian companies, operating on thin margins in the US generics space, may struggle to absorb costs and end up passing them on to US consumers or insurers. In conclusion, such a proposed tariff would overall result in a detrimental effect to both countries.”

The Air Cargo Agents Association of India’s President, C K Govil is proudly representing India as part of an elite delegation at International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), first forum in Turkey to discuss global trade and logistics. Led by esteemed officials from the Civil Aviation Ministry —Piyush Srivastava, O.P. Sharma, Ajay Kumar, and senior representatives from the Ministry of Civil Aviation — this delegation is a testament to India’s growing influence in shaping the future of global air cargo and logistics sectors. Govil’s presence reflects India’s commitment to becoming a global logistics powerhouse, and we’re proud to be part of this bold vision for the future. Govil also had the opportunity to meet Ian Saunders, Secretary General of the World Customs Organization. He extended a warm invitation to him for our upcoming FIATA RAP event next month — paving the way for deeper international engagement and partnership.” He said, “Under the Government of India’s initiative to emerge as a true global leader, I am honoured to be part of the delegation of this esteemed committee, led by Piyush Srivastava, O. P. Sharma, Ajay Kumar, and other senior officials from the Ministry, attending this significant event. With over 500 participants from nearly 80 countries, this global gathering reflects India’s growing stature on the international stage and our collective commitment to shaping the future of global trade and logistics.”  

As per Xen As per Xeneta’s latest findings, E-commerce volumes, for so long the saviour of global air cargo demand, are now facing up to the ‘seismic shock’ of the United States’ ‘Liberation Day’ global tariffs announcement, while the general cargo market is also reevaluating its future as shippers, forwarders, airlines, and consumers come to terms with the economic reality of new import taxes and a potential international trade war. US President, Donald Trump, yesterday confirmed the elimination of duty–free de minimis treatment for low-value imports from China and Hong Kong, starting 2 May 2025. All relevant postal items valued at or under USD 800 previously qualifying for the de minimis exemption will become subject to a duty rate of either 30% of their value or USD 25 per item (increasing to USD 50 per item after 1 June 2025). The announcement was one of many as President Trump imposed sweeping global import taxes on goods into the United States from 9 April 2025. Already reeling from the potential impact of the US’ actions, global air cargo demand is likely to suffer further harm from retaliatory actions by other countries. EU President, Ursula von der Leyen, called the US decision “a major blow for the world economy.” After more than a year of double-digit growth, air cargo now faces an uncertain future. “In my 30 years working in the air freight industry, I cannot remember any other unilateral trade policy decision with the potential to have such a profound impact on the market at a global level,” said Xeneta’s Chief Airfreight Officer, Niall van de Wouw. “E-commerce has been the main driver behind air cargo demand. If you suddenly and dramatically …

IKEA Supply, part of Inter IKEA Group and BLR Logistiks, have deployed the first electric heavy-duty truck to run on the public road network in India. The deployment phase started in October 2024, and the truck recently completed its 100th journey transporting IKEA products between the port of Mumbai, the distribution centre (DC) in Pune, and the IKEA store in Mumbai. “Although the purchase price of electric vehicles is higher than diesel trucks, we have achieved higher efficiency and cost reductions in the long term. This is an important step for IKEA and a strong signal to the transport sector in India,” says Claes Lindgren, Acting Category Transport Manager, IKEA Supply Chain Operations. “Through a joint effort with our partner, we have optimised the route, ensuring the truck is used more on the road and less during idling in loading and unloading processes.” The deployment has been made possible through a close collaboration between IKEA and its carrier BLR Logistiks, as well as other partners. Apart from reducing greenhouse gas emissions from transportation, it has also generated significant efficiency gains: Reduced turnaround time from 2 to 1 days 16% cost reduction per year 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, totalling 206 tons, for the specific route each year Reduced empty runs by around 160,000 km per. In most cases, EV trucks have a significantly higher purchase price compared to traditional diesel trucks. Furthermore, large investments in charging infrastructure are usually required, and it is crucial to rethink route optimisation to ensure EV trucks idle as little as possible. Previously, the 120 km three-stop route was shared by two conventional trucks: one driving between the port and the DC and the …