Category Archives: Aviation

  To make India a world leader in cargo logistics, several key policy reforms and innovations are essential,” said Keku Bomi Gazder, CEO and MD, Aviapro Logistic Services. He added, “First, logistics costs must be reduced—from the current 13–14 per cent of GDP to global benchmarks of 8–10 per cent —through better multimodal integration and infrastructure upgrades. Continued expansion of dedicated freight corridors and multimodal logistics parks is vital. Simplifying and digitising regulatory procedures, especially customs and clearances, will improve efficiency and reduce delays. Policies should also support seamless movement across states by harmonising taxes, documentation, and toll systems. Private sector participation and public-private partnerships (PPPs) in logistics infrastructure must be encouraged through transparent frameworks. Innovation through adoption of AI, IoT, and blockchain for real-time tracking and supply chain visibility can boost competitiveness. Additionally, skill development and a national logistics workforce strategy are needed to support sectoral growth. Coordinated implementation of the National Logistics Policy with state-level alignment will be crucial to transforming India into a global logistics hub.”

  Pithampur industrial hub near Indore is planning to boost its logistics infrastructure with the Madhya Pradesh Industrial Development Corporation (MPIDC) receiving proposals for new private logistics parks. This development comes as the region continues to attract major investment in its rapidly expanding industrial and logistics sectors, said reports. According to reports, prominent investors, including Gateway Distriparks and the Dubai-based Sharaf Group, expressed keen interest in developing logistics parks in the area. Both entities specifically requested approximately 40 acres of land each in proximity to the upcoming Indore-Dhar Railway line, signalling a strategic focus on multimodal connectivity.

India is witnessing unprecedented transformation in its infrastructure and logistics sectors, which is laying a strong foundation for the country’s economic development,” said Rajnath Singh, Defence Minister. Further describing the logistics sector as a game changer for 21st century India, Raksha Mantri said that it has immense opportunities for the youth and will play a key role in building a developed India and called upon the youth to take responsibility in building a developed India. Explaining the importance of logistics, he said that the stronger the logistics services, the stronger our borders remain. When we deliver defence products manufactured in one part of the country or food supplies for soldiers to the border on time, the morale of the border guards becomes strong. Highlighting the government’s initiatives, Shri Rajnath Singh said that initiatives like creating multimodal transport hubs and implementing mission mode schemes have significantly reduced logistics costs and encouraged data-based decision-making. Addressing the event, Union Minister for Railways and Chancellor of Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted the transformational changes that have taken place in Indian Railways in the last 11 years. He informed that in the last one year alone, the rail network has expanded by 5,300 km, with tunnel construction reaching a total of 368 km.

Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) has signed a multi-year contract with Emirates SkyCargo to provide cargo handling services at Miami International Airport (MIA) for global operations. The three-year contract, which also includes ramp and mail services, is effective 14 July. WFS will handle Emirates’ freighter operations at MIA. The Dubai-based airline operates Boeing 777 and 747 freighter aircraft to service the Miami route from its cargo handling facility at Building 702. The partnership extends Emirates SkyCargo’s existing relationship with WFS across North America, where the cargo handling service provider already supports the carrier’s operations at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW).

Vijay Kumar, CEO, Express Industry Council of India (EICI), said, “The latest BCAS guideline is a much-needed and welcome reform and will ease the transshipment movement and bring in efficiencies. This is a big boost for the express logistics and e-commerce sector, where speed and reliability matter most. The move will help develop secure, efficient express global hubs with increased express freighter movement at Indian airports. This will also create employment opportunities, aid economy and will also benefit the entire logistics ecosystem. It aligns India with global cargo standards and strengthens our position as a key logistics hub in the region. We fully support this forward-looking initiative and look forward to working closely with all stakeholders to bring it to life.”

Reema Jogani, Chairperson- Women’s Wing, AITWA shares, “The India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) promises a major boost for Indian exports and global trade presence. By reducing tariffs on key sectors like textiles, pharma and gems, it makes Indian products more competitive in the UK. It also opens new opportunities for services such as IT and healthcare. Simplified trade processes and better customs cooperation will ease cross-border movement, especially benefiting MSMEs. The FTA is expected to attract UK investments into India’s infrastructure and green sectors. Overall, it helps India diversify trade partnerships, support local industries, and strengthen its export-led growth, aligning with the broader vision of “Make in India.”

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has relaxed the mandatory requirement of re-screening of transit cargo giving a boost to transshipment of goods via Indian hubs. Currently all goods that are transshipped via airports in India need to be x-rayed (security screened) during transit. The rule also applies to domestic cargo if there is a change in aircraft at the transit airport. This adds to the cost and ground time making Indian airlines and airports less competitive in comparison to their competitors in the region.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and inspected the new terminal building of Tuticorin Airport for cargo and pax operations. Prime Minister Modi also laid the foundation stone, inaugurated and dedicated multiple development projects worth over ₹4,900 crore to the nation during a public event in Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu.

Vipin Vohra, Chairman, Continental Carriers said, “The India-UK Free Trade Agreement is poised to significantly benefit Indian EXIM trade and the cargo industry. By boosting exports in key sectors like textiles, pharmaceuticals and engineering goods, it will increase cargo volumes and open new avenues for logistics service providers. The expected surge in trade will drive investments in critical infrastructure, including air freight stations, multimodal hubs, cold chain facilities and modernised cargo terminals. Moreover, the FTA is likely to accelerate the adoption of technology and digital solutions across the logistics ecosystem, enhancing overall efficiency, reducing costs and strengthening India’s global trade competitiveness.

Amit Maheshwari, Founder and CEO, Softlink Global asserted, “The India-UK FTA is a game-changer for Indian trade. Zero-duty access on textiles, auto components and finished pharma lets champions like Tata Motors, Arvind, Welspun and Sun Pharma price exports more aggressively in the UK. Meanwhile, sharply lower tariffs on Scotch whisky and premium British autos will boost west-bound loads into India, improving capacity utilisation and yields for forwarders. We’ll see a clear rise in multimodal volumes and speedier clearances at both ends.”