Category Archives: Aviation

Om Logistics Supply Chain was presented with the Excellence in Supply Chain Management & Logistics Award at the recent India Cargo Awards 2025, a recognition that highlights the company’s commitment to operational efficiency, innovation, and service excellence. This accolade underscores Om Logistics’ leadership in delivering reliable, technology-driven logistics solutions and its continued focus on setting new industry benchmarks in supply chain management across India.

Willie Walsh, Director-General, IATA, said, “Air cargo demand grew 4.1 per cent year-on-year in October, marking the eighth consecutive month of expansion and setting a new monthly record for volumes. While the Asia-North America trade lane extended its contraction to six months, October saw near double-digit growth within Asia, between the Middle East and Europe, and between Europe and Asia. This shifting growth pattern shows that air cargo is enabling global supply chains to adapt to the impact of USA tariffs. This positive news is significant as the industry enters the peak Q4 shipping season,” said. Several factors in the operating environment includes the global goods trade grew by 3 per cent YoY in September. Global industrial production rose 3.7 per cent year-on-year in September, the fastest since March 2025 and the strongest monthly reading since late 2022. Jet fuel prices rose 2.5 per cent in October even as crude fell, with a tightening diesel market driving the jet crack spread to nearly double last year’s level. Global manufacturing sentiment strengthened slightly in October, with the PMI rising for the third consecutive month to reach 51.45. New export orders deteriorated slightly to 48.31, remaining below the 50-point expansion threshold, reflecting ongoing caution amid tariff uncertainty.

Ramanathan Rajamani, CEO, AISATS said, “This year has been defined by a structural reset in global supply chains, and India emerged as one of the most reliable anchors in an otherwise uncertain world. Geopolitical conflicts, disruptions in the Red Sea, and tariff-driven trade realignments pushed companies to diversify sourcing and accelerate the shift toward the China plus one model. As global ocean freight routes faced delays and elevated insurance costs, high-value and time-sensitive commodities increasingly shifted toward air logistics and multimodal solutions, benefiting India’s major cargo gateways. This shift was visible across sectors such as electronics, engineering goods, pharma, perishables, and e-commerce, where India recorded steady growth in export air freight. Airports, such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, saw higher utilisation in their global cargo lanes, driven by global brands deepening their supply chain linkages with India. At the policy level, initiatives, such as PMGS, the NLP, and state-level infrastructure push created a more predictable environment for trade. For us, this translated into more demand across cargo verticals and reinforced the need to scale multimodal capacity, particularly through infra such as the AISATS BLR Logistics Park and our upcoming Integrated Cargo Terminal-phase one of our 87-acre Multimodal Cargo Hub at Noida International Airport.

DP World reinforced its commitment to advancing UAE–India economic ties as a supporting organisation in the UAE–India CEPA Council’s flagship Start‑Up Series, which showcases and nurtures small, high-potential Indian businesses. As part of its support, DP World extended a “soft‑landing” package in the UAE to DocketRun AI, an AI start‑up selected among the top five winners of the competition. DocketRun will benefit from mentorship, access to DP World’s trade ecosystem and exposure to potential partners and investors from DP World’s global supply chain and logistics networks, enabling it to explore opportunities for growth. DocketRun was recognised for its Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT) solutions, including automated operational assessments, advanced quality inspection systems, video analytics, that enhance efficiency, safety and resource utilitisation across industrial and logistics operations.

Balagopal Balachandra, National Head – Air Freight, FEI Cargo said, “Skilled people in dangerous goods handling and cold chain logistics are vital because these jobs directly impact safety, product quality, and customer trust. When staff are properly trained, shipments move with fewer errors, risks are reduced, and sensitive goods like medicines and perishables reach customers in perfect condition. To build this capability, India has stepped up several initiatives like DGCA and IATA approved training for DG handling, specialised cold chain courses through NSDC and the Logistics Sector Skill Council, and government support via MoFPI  (builds and supports the food and cold chain ecosystem) and PMKVY ( trains people with the skills needed to work in these sectors) to improve practical training. Many companies are also investing in in-house academies and apprenticeships. Together, these efforts help create a safer, more efficient, and globally competitive logistics ecosystem.”  

Kamal Jain, Director, Cargomen Logistics said, “India faces a critical skills gap in dangerous goods handling and temperature-controlled logistics. While IATA and FIATA certifications exist, uptake remains limited. Government training centers and industry bodies offer courses, but standardised, large-scale programs are insufficient. WorldSkills standards and emerging Cold Chain Task Forces address this partially. However, we need coordinated efforts: structured apprenticeships in ports and airports, mandatory certifications for handlers, industry-academia partnerships, and dedicated training institutions. Closing this gap is essential for India’s EXIM growth and global logistics competitiveness.”

Arun Kumar, Managing Director, InSynergy Supply Chain Solutions said, “The logistics industry urgently needs trained and certified manpower to handle dangerous goods and perishable cargo, both of which demand a highly professional, safety-driven approach. Improper handling can lead not only to massive financial losses but also to serious risks to life, property, and the environment. As cargo volumes rise and supply chains grow more complex, skill development, continuous training, and strict adherence to global standards are essential to ensure compliance, minimise accidents, and protect the integrity of sensitive shipments.”

C K Govil, CMD, Activair Airfreight said, “India’s expanding cargo sector demands highly skilled manpower, especially in dangerous goods handling and cold chain logistics. To address this, the Government, regulators, and industry bodies are promoting specialised training through DGCA-approved DG courses, IATA certifications, and dedicated skill centres under the Skill India and Logistics Skill Council framework. These initiatives enhance safety, compliance, and temperature-controlled efficiency, ensuring India is equipped for the next phase of logistics growth.”

M Afzal Malbarwala, MD, Galaxy Freight said, “Industry is keenly focused on the significant skill gap in cold chain and dangerous goods logistics, crucial for pharmaceutical expansion. Under the National Logistics Policy, initiatives leverage the Logistics Sector Skill Council (LSC) to drive targeted programs like Reefer Operator training. This integrated focus on certification, industry-academia partnership, and updated technical expertise is vital for reducing risk, minimising high-value wastage, and ensuring safe, globally competitive operations.”

Rajen S Bhatia, Managing Director, Tulsidas Khimji said, “India’s logistics growth relies heavily on highly skilled manpower, especially in dangerous goods handling and cold-chain operations. Government agencies and industry bodies are enhancing capabilities through IATA and DGCA aligned training, digital SOPs, and specialised programmes under PMKVY and the Logistics Skill Councils. These initiatives strengthen compliance, safety, and temperature-controlled cargo integrity crucial for pharmaceuticals and perishables while underscoring that safety is paramount importance when cargo is transported by air and preparing India for the next phase of cargo expansion.”