Category Archives: Aviation

Gati has partnered with Tech Mahindra to develop Gati Enterprise Management System (GEMS) 2.0 to offer an enhanced customer experience and a modern tech-driven interface while increasing efficiency and lowering costs. The software application leverages Tech Mahindra’s expertise and focuses on cloud-native applications, reiterating the organisation’s commitment and investment towards next-generation digital transformation and Cloud initiatives. The partnership is focused on replacing Gati’s legacy application with a digital, scalable, and more agile cloud-based application for operational excellence and the highest level of customer experience. Vivek Agarwal, President, APJI (Enterprise), Corporate Development, Tech Mahindra, said, “The strategic deployment of new-age, data-driven technologies is at the core of revolutionizing operational efficiency and customer engagement in the logistics and supply chain industry. Our partnership with Gati in designing and developing GEMS 2.0 will help the organization boost productivity, unlock new business opportunities, scale performance and lead the tech-led transformation narrative in the express logistics segment.”

Qatar Airways Cargo announced the launch of its product SecureLift under its VISION 2027 and Next Generation strategy. SecureLift marks a significant milestone for Qatar Airways Cargo, as it allocates dedicated resources to cater to the specialised needs of valuable and vulnerable shipments, while maintaining an enhanced standard of security and vigilance. Products having high declared value like precious metals, stones, gold bullions, banknotes, jewellery or watches would fall under the Valuable category while commodities that carry a risk of pilferage like high value electronics and newly launched products would fall under the Vulnerable category. Key features include high loading priority, close monitoring of shipments, inclusion of approved data loggers and shipment escorts, in addition to secure handling, transportation and storage of the product. Valuable shipments would also be moved in specialised containers and boxes for protection of the product, and kept in the strong-room with restricted access providing added security. The temperature inside the strong-room is maintained between 20°C – 25°C. The expert SecureLift team is well trained and plays a pivotal role by adhering to strict security protocols at every stage of the journey.

Focusing on the need for highly advanced cold chain infra and facilities, Satish Lakkaraju, Global Head – Air Freight and Pharma at WIZ Radar Ventures says, “The surge in online grocery, processed foods, and pharmaceuticals sales has opened up ample opportunities for developers and third-party logistics players to develop multi-purpose cold chain facilities in India. The need for an efficient cold chain is now more than ever.” Talking about the theme of their upcoming Cold Chain Unbroken (CCUB) 2023 event in Bangalore titled, “Building a Resilient Cold Chain Ecosystem” says, the event will focus on the importance of maintaining an unbroken cold chain for the safe and efficient transportation of temperature-sensitive products. India’s cold chain sector is expected to grow at a CAGR of 14% during 2021-2023, driven by growth in online grocery, pharmaceutical sales, and the massive Covid-19 vaccination drive that was going on in the country. We have also first hand witnessed the issues that the people on ground are facing. What better way than to address and discuss them with the decision makers and stakeholders right from the government to packaging and trucking segments.”

Sushant Nigam, Executive Director, Air Cargo Agents Association of India (ACAAI) talks about the upcoming 47th Convention’s theme and says, “This year’s theme is focused on Artificial Intelligence supporting the game of supply chain, more constructively and precisely. The chain of logistics sector is very complex and inter-dependent on various factors as well as various players involved in the entire chain. Delay on part of one or more processes of one or more players would affect the timelines/schedules of other players as well as the logistics cost. Keeping pace or anticipating through human intervention has its own limitations, hence Artificial Intelligence like concept is need of the day.”

rioritizing Air Cargo in Foreign Trade Agreements (FTAs) can have a significant impact on international trade, says Vipin Vohra, Chairman, Continental Carriers. “Air cargo is known for its speed and efficiency in transporting cargo across borders. Prioritizing air cargo in FTAs can lead to quicker delivery times, reducing lead times for businesses and consumers. Air cargo is particularly useful for transporting perishable goods (like fresh produce and pharmaceuticals) and high-value goods (like electronics and luxury items) that require swift transportation to maintain their quality and value. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of supply chain resilience. Air cargo was critical for transporting medical supplies and vaccines during the pandemic. Prioritizing air cargo in FTAs can help ensure a resilient supply chain for essential goods. Airports and airlines cover a wide range of destinations, allowing businesses to access global markets easily. This can be especially beneficial for countries with limited land connections or geographical constraints.”

Prepare for a game-changing event as The Air Cargo Agents Association of India (ACAAI) unveils the theme: ‘Artificial Intelligence (AI) – The Game Changer- Embracing the Intelligent Future,’ for its 47th Annual Convention in Kuala Lumpur from November 23-26. AI is reshaping the logistics industry, and industry leaders embrace cutting-edge technologies for greater efficiency, accuracy, and innovation. Join us from November 23rd to 26th, 2023, in Kuala Lumpur as we explore the future of logistics. CK Govil, VP, ACAAI says, “Efficient air cargo operations, optimised logistics and an improved customer experience are what AI can bring to our industry. It has the power to ease bottlenecks at airports, make data transparent and well organised, and optimise storage in warehouses and planning for flights. AI can facilitate information collection, processing, and flow, thus reducing disruptions in the supply chain. Besides tracking shipments in real time, AI can predict delays based on previous data. This can help the industry players save time and money and prevent interruptions in air cargo deliveries. We have seen AI-enabled chatbots strengthening customer support in many industries. It will bring about a similar change in the way we manage customer queries and make air cargo booking and reservations simpler.”

Air India SATS Airport Services was felicitated with ‘Best Cargo Ground Handler’ award at recently concluded India Cargo Awards 2023 in New Delhi. Piyush Srivastava, IES, Senior Economic Advisor graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Known as the “Oscars of the Cargo Industry,” the India Cargo Awards 2023 hosted by Cargo Talk (DDP Group Publication) serves as an all-India platform created with a vision to recognise excellence in the Cargo-Freight-Logistics Industry across various domains, including Rail, Road, Air, Sea, Allied Services, Warehousing, Technology, 3rd Party Logistics, and more. Our world-class awards ceremonies are known for their formal Black-Tie affair, filled with glitz and glamour, attended by the most influential personalities in the Cargo Industry.

Demand remains low with minimal growth while global capacity has increased by 12% year on year, said DHL Global Forwarding in its Air Freight – State of the Industry report for August. While only a ‘conservative’ increase in volume demand is expected in the 2023 late-year peak season, most airlines have capacity at hand. Rising demand for passenger travel has boosted the number of flights and has increased bellyhold capacity by around 19%, year on year, the report added. DHL sees scheduled carrier capacity as likely to be up 9% in the third quarter of 2023 compared with the second quarter, and by 18% compared with the first quarter. Capacity remains sufficient on most trade lanes. However, retirements of freighters on the transpacific routes are bringing capacity “one step closer towards right-sizing”. Meanwhile, high global inventories, inflation and lower purchasing power are both keeping demand in check, it said.

EMBALL’ISO India Packaging was felicitated with ‘Most Sustainable Solution with Reverse Logistics’ award at recently concluded India Cargo Awards 2023 in New Delhi. Piyush Srivastava, IES, Senior Economic Advisor graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Known as the “Oscars of the Cargo Industry,” the India Cargo Awards 2023 hosted by Cargo Talk (DDP Group Publication) serves as an all-India platform created with a vision to recognise excellence in the Cargo-Freight-Logistics Industry across various domains, including Rail, Road, Air, Sea, Allied Services, Warehousing, Technology, 3rd Party Logistics, and more. Our world-class awards ceremonies are known for their formal Black-Tie affair, filled with glitz and glamour, attended by the most influential personalities in the Cargo Industry.

UPS announces the launch of a new technology centre in Chennai. The centre will be focused on innovations that make it easier for customers to do business. Earlier this year, the company announced a strategic investment of $15-20 million in India that will complement technology teams in the U.S. and Europe. According to the reports, these centres will enable us to offer an unparalleled logistics experience for our customers, through advanced technologies including AI, automation and robotics.