Category Archives: Aviation

Customs Brokers were encouraged to provide end-to-end solutions to the importers and exporters by providing the trade facilitation measures introduced by the customs department. Stress was also laid on sustainability at Brihanmumbai Custom Brokers Association’s (BCBA) 87th Founders’ Day. Surjit Bhujabal, Member Customs, CBIC New Delhi highlighted BCBA as a strong link between the members, Customs and other stakeholders. He appreciated the BCBA’s critical role in supporting in implementing CBLMS as well as imparting training and skill development. Principal Chief Commissioner of Customs, Mumbai Zone I, P.K. Agrawal also complimented the Custom Brokers who have served the trade through decades and encouraged the next Gen to continue with the same zeal. He stressed the importance of sustainability as a responsibility towards the environment and future generations. Unmesh Wagh, Deputy Chairman, JNPA, gave an impactful speech pointing out to the Customs Brokers about their increasing importance in the future. He appreciated BCBA’s active involvement in imparting training and skill development and orientation for the upcoming Vadhvan Port and valued the partnership in facilitating trade friendly environment. Rajesh Pandey, Chief Commissioner of Customs, Mum Zone II acknowledged the vital role played by BCBA in advocating Compliance and spreading awareness about the best trade practices amongst its’ members. He congratulated BCBA on this momentous day and requested the continued co-operation in actively highlighting the issues so it can be addressed to benefit all.

The leading Indian carrier, IndiGo has started scheduled freighter operations with two weekly flights on Tuesdays and Fridays at GMR Hyderabad International Airport (GHIAL) from 9 January onwards, said Linkedin Post. The flight route, DEL-HYD-BOM-SHJ-DEL-HYD, will be served by A321 Freighters, with a cargo capacity of 24 metric tons. This will further boost the exports of perishables to UAE and augment the Pharma shipments to the Middle East and beyond. GHIAL continues to stand out as a strong player in both domestic and international cargo markets, while being a leader in the Pharma shipments.

Tushar Jani, Group Chairman, Cargo Service Center shares, “In 2023 India has shown marginal growth, in the increase of air cargo throughput of 6.5 MMT, however, the growth has not been significant due to the recession in Europe and a slowdown in the United States. India’s major trade partners are the European Union and the United States. Indian imports from China have reduced by about 18%. India’s exports to Africa have reduced slightly. Overall, this has impacted the growth of air cargo throughput. The distribution between belly and freighter has now stabilized at 70% belly and 30 % freighter. The current trouble in the Red Sea will increase some air cargo volume however if the airline increases freight rate, then it will become counterproductive. The industry must work towards keeping a reasonable rate to achieve good growth and allow the supply chain to remain more productive and stable with air cargo compared to increased sea freight cost, provided air cargo remains affordable.”

Astral Aviation has appointed Euro Cargo Aviation as its GSA in Europe, US & UAE, and Take Off Aviation as its GSA in South Africa. The partnerships became effective on January 1 and will see Euro Cargo Aviation and Take Off Aviation marketing the cargo airline’s cargo capacity to potential clients, businesses, freight forwarders, and other relevant entities within the designated regions. Astral Aviation chief executive Sanjeev Gadhia said, “We look forward to our partnership with Euro Cargo Aviation who will act as an extension of our esteemed company, representing its cargo services, driving sales, ensuring operational efficiency, and maintaining customer satisfaction for its scheduled and charter network from Europe, USA & UAE, which will be directed towards Astral’s strategic hubs in Dubai and Nairobi while Take Off Aviation will promote Astral in South Africa.” Kenya-headquartered Astral Aviation has hubs in Nairobi, Dubai, Johannesburg and Liege.

The Indian government’s recent amendments to the Motor Vehicle Act, particularly focusing on hit-and-run cases, mark a significant shift in road safety and legal accountability. I aim to delve into the implications of these changes and explore a balanced approach. The amendment has significantly increased penalties for hit-and-run offenses. Drivers involved in such incidents now face up to 10 years in prison and fines up to Rs 7 lakh. While the intent is commendable—prioritizing safety and accountability—it’s crucial to examine the broader impact on the transportation sector. The transport community, especially truck and commercial vehicle drivers, have expressed serious concerns. The new law’s severity, they fear, could unfairly impact their livelihood. The industry’s response, including protests and strikes, underscores the need for a law that balances safety with fairness. A solution lies in finding middle ground. This necessitates dialogue among the government, transport unions, and industry stakeholders, ensuring that all voices are heard and considered. Laws should not only enforce safety but also respect the realities of those on the road. At Softlink Global, our commitment to safety and compliance remains unwavering. We’re adapting to these changes through enhanced driver training and leveraging technology for compliance. Moreover, we believe technology can significantly contribute to safety and efficient compliance monitoring. A more balanced approach might include tiered penalties based on the severity of incidents, emphasizing driver education, and allowing a period for the industry to adapt to new norms. Policymaking should involve a collaborative effort, reflecting inputs from diverse stakeholders.” While road safety is paramount, the well-being of those who drive our economy cannot be overlooked. The goal should be to formulate laws that are just, enforceable, and effective in achieving …

Global air cargo is yet to see any significant uplift from the recent disruptions to container shipping in the Red Sea, according to the latest figures from WorldACD Market Data. “There is likely to be some conversion of sea freight to air freight in the coming weeks if the disruptions continue,” the update added. Preliminary figures for the final week of 2023 indicate that tonnages in December were five percent above their level in December 2022, with the final two weeks of the year also showing a five percent increase compared with last year, in line with the year-on-year (YoY) improvement recorded across last month. “Those figures confirm what WorldACD predicted last week that the fourth quarter (Q4) was the only quarter in 2023 showing positive growth (three percent) in tonnages compared to last year, following significant but gradually diminishing YoY declines in the first three quarters (Q1: -11 percent; Q2: -8 percent; Q3: -3 percent). Whereas the first half of 2023 saw tonnages decline nine percent YoY, the second half was characterised by an improving YoY performance for each consecutive month, closing with flat H2 compared to last year. This means that global tonnages for the full year 2023 ended up five percent lower than in 2022.”

Jawaharlal Nehru Customs House (JNCH) along with BCBA organised an Open House and interactive session to discuss EXIM trade issues. The session was organised for members and stakeholders of the trade regarding imports and exports related issues on December 28, 2023. JNCH gave a presentation on upcoming TRS Time Release Study 2024. Sanjeev Harale, Senior Vice President, BCBA gave the welcome address all the dignitaries present. Akshay Patil, Deputy Commissioner of Customs, gave a comprehensive slide show presentation on the Time Release Study and explained in detail its important points in establishing the predictability in the release of export and import goods. A detailed presentation was presented by BCBA an insight on the TRS Facilitation measures to improve the process and timeline for clearance of Import and Export Cargo. During his address by Chief Comm. of Customs, Rajesh Pandey elaborated the gathering about the trade facilitation measures and initiatives taken by JNCH for facilitation of trade. Other dignitaries were commissioners of Customs, Zone II and trade and senior officers from trade bodies. Sanjeev Kumar Singh – Commissioner of Customs (NS-II), Mumbai Zone II, JN Customs, Ashwini Kumar – Commissioner (Nhava Sheva –III), Mumbai Zone-II, JN Customs, Sonal Bajaj – Commissioner of Customs, NS – V, Mumbai Zone II, JN Customs were also present at the interactive session. The session concluded with vote of thanks to the chair by Ganpat Korade, Hon. Treasurer, BCBA, He thanked the presence of Customs officials, Customs Brokers, and trade on the occasion.

Avion Express, narrow-body aircraft ACMI operator, has announced the successful integration of an Electronic Technical Log (ETL) system across its fleet. This marks a significant step forward in terms of effectiveness and sustainability for the company, making Avion Express the first airline in Lithuania to completely replace paper logbooks with a state-of-the-art electronic system. Aistis Urbonas, VP Technical of Avion Express, emphasizes that beyond being a sustainable decision, the electronic system has proven essential in several areas where the value is undeniable: contributing to safety, improving reliability reviews, and ensuring effective processes for their team. “This step aligns with our commitment to innovative decisions within the aviation industry, proving to be timely and offering clear value. At Avion Express, we believe that digitalizing is the path to the aviation future, primarily working for the safety of our passengers and the effectiveness of the airline. We constantly search for the most modern solutions in every step of our work.”

Ethiopian Cargo & Logistics Services is adding Casablanca, Morocco to its freighter services. The carrier said in a LinkedIn post on January 4 that it “has finalized preparations to launch freighter services to Casablanca, Morocco”. Ethiopian Cargo added that it will begin operations to Casablanca on January 9. The airline has not specified what aircraft will be used, or the frequency and schedule of the route. Ethiopian Cargo & Logistics Services, operates to more than 60 destinations in Africa. The company carries out the transportation of special cargo like medical products, live animals and perishable products.

Etihad Cargo witnessed growth due to rising e-commerce and electronics demand and the airline is hoping its new relationships covering the sector will help boost performance this year, said Leonard Rodrigues, acting manager director, head of revenue management & network planning, adding that much of the rise in demand from e-commerce and electronics companies was driven by increased volumes of new smartphone models. The airline was able to meet this demand with dedicated freighter charters. “Etihad Cargo reserves freighter availability for these projects so that we have the capability to fully meet demand,” he said in reports. “This combined with our express and e-commerce capabilities, our efficiency in handling this type of cargo and Abu Dhabi’s strategic geographical location makes Abu Dhabi International Airport an ideal hub location for the transit of these charters.” Rodrigues also pointed to Etihad’s recent reciprocal blockspace agreement with Chinese express carrier SF Airlines as an example of how it had partnered with firms to meet demand for e-commerce. The partnership saw Etihad add flights to SF Airlines’ Ezhou hub and therefore improve connectivity with China’s five national-level city clusters and 25 domestic destinations via the airport’s transportation infrastructure, including railway, waterway, expressway and air links.