Category Archives: Aviation

Fletcher Samuel, Senior Manager – Cargo Business, Bangalore International Airport (BIAL) highlights, “The Indian air cargo industry is going through an exciting phase. With the government taking a keen interest in the sector and India’s Young Logisticians geared up to innovate and propel change, 2024 looks promising. At BLR Airport, we are further working towards consolidating our position and the brand image of BLR Cargo in the industry. Our aim is to emerge as the ‘New Gateway To India’ and BLR Cargo plans to develop a comprehensive logistics hub that will take us closer to our goal. This logistics hub will offer robust infrastructure that will cater to the burgeoning demand in the Air Cargo sector, that’s expected to witness a surge of 6 million MT by 2030. With Government of India’s National Logistics Policy aiming for a 10 Million MT growth by 2030, we at BLR Cargo are preparing and getting ready to deliver world-class experiences for all our customers and stakeholders, contributing to the dynamic growth of Air Cargo in the country.

Xerrxes Master, President, Association of Multimodal Transport Operators of India (AMTOI) says, “In 2024, the logistics industry is poised for transformative shifts driven by sustainable practices, widespread technology adoption, and accelerated digitization. The integration of eco-friendly initiatives will redefine supply chains, emphasizing sustainability. In 2024 the shipping industry will grapple with reduced demand and more supply, potentially leading to fierce competition and reduced profits and possible mergers and acquisitions. Although container schedule reliability is improving, persistent challenges will remain. Rates will remain low for the first 9 months of 2024 with the potential for growth and return with a true big shipping season in quarter four. However ongoing global disruptions such as the Israel –Palestine and Russia-Ukraine conflicts could create fluctuations in oil prices and in market rates as the year progresses.

Ramesh Mamidala, Head- Cargo, Air India, shares, “I expect the industry will go more than above average this year in proportion to the GDP of the country. I am also expecting that the concerned regulators help the industry with the growth of transshipment volumes by easing the much sought after and long-awaited regulatory changes and automation of current paper-based approval process. I also look forward to manufacturing for export friendly policies to further bolster the growth of export volumes in the country. Looking forward to further policy changes related to single bond for use of bonded trucking by airlines and revisit of GST policy for airfreight, in line with global practices.”

C K Govil, President, The Air Cargo Agents Association of India (ACAAI) shares his outlook for 2024, “After a lukewarm 2023, we are quite hopeful for 2024, expecting a growth of around 4.5% for the global air cargo industry. We saw global air cargo capacity surpass the pre-covid levels in April 2023. 2024 will give us an opportunity to be a part of India’s success story of becoming one of the global superpowers, driven by a young population, an increased demand for exceptional logistics services, and technological advancement in supply chain management with a prime focus on sustainability and efficiency in the transportation industry. Besides, I feel factors like climate change and artificial intelligence will drive many of our everyday decisions. Now, the industry needs to grab the opportunity and be part of the India’s success in becoming number two globally with the young team of population and with increased demand for logistics services potential advancement in technology for supply chain management, a focus on sustainability and efficiency in the transportation industry.”

Pranav Agarwal, Head of Supply Chain Solutions & IT at Rhenus Logistics, shares his outlook for 2024, “At Rhenus, the growth strategy for 2024 is intertwined with customer-centricity and technological innovation. Our focus has always been to provide our customers with integrated logistics services there by creating an ecosystem for suppliers, vendors, and partners. Leveraging our system integration capabilities and strong business processes, we can provide our customers with predictive analytics, real time visibility across supply chain events, purchase and indent order management systems, real time track and trace and so on. The outlook is to harness digital platforms to streamline operations and improve client interaction, ensuring seamless, transparent communication. We will also embrace cloud technologies for scalability and agility. The outlook includes fostering strategic partnerships and exploring new market segments. These steps aim to solidify Rhenus Logistics as a leader in innovative, customer-focused logistics solutions in the rapidly growing Indian market.”

SkyDrive Inc., a leading Japanese eVTOL aircraft manufacturer based in Japan has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Technology Innovation Hub on Autonomous Navigation (TiHAN) Foundation, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (“TiHAN”) to collaborate on unmanned drone technology to expand the drone market in India. With the mission of “taking the lead in the once-in-a-century mobility revolution,” SkyDrive is developing accessible eVTOL aircraft for daily passenger transportation and heavy-lift drones for cargo transportation. Indian Institutes of Technology Hyderabad (“IITH”) has been consistently ranked in the top 10 institutes in India for Engineering according to the National Institutional Ranking Framework (*2) issued by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, and top-notch engineers conduct research on cutting-edge technologies. SkyDrive will be collaborating with TiHAN, India’s first autonomous navigation testbed facility at IITH for developing and carrying out activities related to heavy-lift drones. Explaining TiHAN-IITH efforts in Autonomous Navigation, Professor P. Rajalakshmi, Project Director, said, “TiHAN IIT Hyderabad is excited to announce a strategic partnership with SkyDrive Inc. to collectively develop and execute activities about heavy lifting drone technology. This partnership marks a significant step forward in the advancement of drone capabilities, focusing on the design, development, and deployment of innovative heavy-lifting drone solutions.” India faces various challenges in its land-based logistics system and the development of drones as a new means of logistics holds significant meaning. With a shared goal of creating a market for logistics drones in India, the two parties will be sharing expertise and exploring the market opportunities. This collaboration was possible with the support of Suzuki Innovation Centre (SIC), a collaborative initiative between Suzuki Motor Corporation Japan (SMC) and IIT Hyderabad with a mission to build …

Global air cargo demand increased three per cent in December compared to December 2022, according to the latest Air Freight State of the industry report by DHL Global Forwarding. Despite a slight increase in output price inflation observed in November 2023, it remained among the lowest levels seen in the past three years, contributing to an environment of relative stability. “PMI index increased to 50.4 in November from October’s 50.0, indicating a slight revival in production growth. Global demand remains low, leading to a decline in demand-driven price pressures towards their long-term average,” the report added. The report emphasises an upswing of 10 percent in air cargo capacity compared to December 2022. The growth is attributed to a 17 percent increase in passenger belly cargo capacity. However, certain regions experienced capacity constraints during Q423 due to higher seasonal demand, resulting in industry backlogs.

Global average air cargo rates are now 50 percent above their pre-Covid levels following the significant rebound in the last few months in demand and pricing, especially ex-China, according to the latest figures from WorldACD Market Data. Preliminary figures for week 50 (December 11-17) indicate that global tonnages and average worldwide rates have been stable compared with the previous week after recovering more quickly than last year from the seasonal post-Thanksgiving dip last month based on the more than 400,000 weekly transactions covered by WorldACD’s data. “Comparing weeks 49 and 50 this year with the preceding two weeks (2Wo2W), overall tonnages increased one percent and overall global average rates continued to rise, by two percent, with capacity up one percent. The figures indicate that demand and pricing are levelling off, as they usually do in the second half of December, after rallying in the last three months. Although the main driver for the recent increases has been a surge in tonnages and rates ex-Asia Pacific, especially China, volumes ex-Asia Pacific have now flattened although there have still been some modest rises in average rates ex-Asia Pacific, especially to North America (up four percent), on a 2Wo2W basis.” Tonnages to and from North America, and in some cases prices, have continued to recover in the last few weeks after dropping significantly for much of this year, especially outbound, the update added. “Notable tonnage increases in the last two weeks from North America include to Asia Pacific (13 percent), Europe (12 percent) and Central & South America (11 percent).”

DHL Express and Japan Airlines (JAL) have signed a long-term contract to utilise JAL’S Boeing 767-300 freighters. The companies that they aim to use the new partnership to leverage “growing customer demand in the expanding international express and e-commerce shipping market in the East Asia region”. JAL’s partnership with DHL will support previously announced plans to connect Japan, Seoul, Shanghai, and Taipei using Boeing 767-300ER freighters. Earlier this month, JAL said it would launch freighter operations on February 19. It has already taken delivery of one 767-300ER freighter converted from its passenger fleet, and is due to add a further two 767-300 freighter conversions. The airline first announced it would return to the freighter market after an absence of 13 years in May. In response to the growth of cross-border express shipments, DHL has strengthened its infrastructure network, including the recent inauguration of its expanded Central Asia Hub, its largest hub facility in Asia Pacific. The companies said DHL will further strengthen its intra-East Asia network using the routes which JAL will inaugurate in February.

Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR Airport) has been honoured with prestigious accolades at the UNESCO’s 2023 Prix Versailles. The airport’s Terminal 2 (T2) has secured recognition as one of the ‘World’s Most Beautiful Airports’ and has been awarded the coveted ‘World Special Prize for an Interior 2023.’ The World Judges Panel for the Prix Versailles 2023, chaired by Elie Saab (renowned fashion designer), revealed the latest architectural projects to win a World Title. BLR Airport is the only Indian airport to receive this esteemed recognition, highlighting the airport’s commitment to exceptional design and architecture on a global scale. This remarkable achievement positions BLR Airport amongst the top airports globally. The Prix Versailles, established in 2015, focuses on “intelligent sustainability” as a cultural driver, acknowledging innovation, creativity, reflection of local heritage, ecological efficiency, and values of social interaction. T2, also known as the “Terminal in a Garden,” was inaugurated on November 11, 2022. Encompassing 255,661 square meters, the terminal is built upon four foundational pillars: technological leadership, a terminal in a garden, environmental and ecological stewardship, and a celebration of Karnataka’s rich heritage and culture. Embraced in engineered bamboo, the terminal’s interiors offer a contemporary yet classic ambiance. The terminal also features a spacious indoor garden with rammed-earth walls and waterfalls, as well as hanging planted bells, adding to the terminal’s unique aesthetic. Hari Marar, MD & CEO of Bangalore International Airport Ltd, said, “The nomination of Terminal 2 for the 2023 Prix Versailles Award is a moment of immense pride, and we are pleased to see the terminal receiving the recognition it deserves. T2, with its unique blend of art and technology, serves as a distinctive gateway, leaving a lasting …