Category Archives: International

Integrated fund and development management platform Welspun One has raised a second fund worth Rs 2,275 crore, inclusive of co-investment commitments, to strengthen logistics infrastructure in the country. The funds were raised from a diverse pool of approximately 800 Limited Partners (LPs), including high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals, family offices, corporates, and domestic institutions. Combined with ‘Fund 1’, Welspun One’s investor base now comprises approximately 1,000 unique investors, a company statement said. Welspun One had raised Rs 500 crore as part of its first fund in early 2021.  “Our commitment to advancing critical logistics infrastructure is in perfect alignment with India’s strategic objective of reducing logistics costs from 14 per cent to 8 per cent, thereby enhancing the global competitiveness of our industries,” said Chairman in a statement.

Mangaluru International Airport has commenced international cargo operations from its integrated cargo terminal with flight IX 815 ferrying 2,522 kg of fruits and vegetables to Abu Dhabi. The inauguration was done in the presence of the AAHL Cargo team, the leadership team of MIA, and representatives from Customs, Airline – IndiGo and Air India Express – and Airport Security Group of CISF, said reports. The airport officials said in a statement that international cargo operations will enable exporters from coastal Karnataka and Kerala and the hinterland to export perishables items, including fresh fruits and vegetables, food, tropical fish, frozen and dry fish, etc. in the form of belly cargo. IndiGo and Air India Express, with their connectivity, will enable exporters to send cargo to Dubai, Doha, Dammam, Kuwait, Muscat, Abu Dhabi, and Bahrain.    

“It is our dream to see Madhya Pradesh becoming cargo hub in the coming years,” said Mohan Yadav, Chief Minister, Madhya Pradesh, who was invited as a Chief Guest at ACFI Annual Conclave held in New Delhi. He added, “We have seven airports at present and we have plans to increase the number. We have started work on our ambitious project – ‘Future-Ready MP’ under which we are working on improving multimodal connectivity, developing National Highways, linking MP with Delhi-Mumbai freight corridors, we have inter-state air services started already and we have single window system too. We want the industry to come to Madhya Pradesh and consider it as a manufacturing and cargo hub as there’s lot of potential.” ACFI conclave titled, Unlocking Potential: Paving way for a developed India witnessed participation of industry experts from all across the country and even internationally. Guest of Honour included: Dr Surendra Ahirwar, Joint Secretary, DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and Piyush Srivastava, Senior Economic Adviser, MoCA.

Turkish Airlines Cargo is planning to expand its freighter capacity with the addition of Boeing 777 freighters for global operations, says reports. The carrier announced the order of four Boeing 777 Freighters to be added to its existing fleet of 8 aircraft. Turkish Airlines chief cargo officer Ali Türk said in a statement, “This new investment in expanding our cargo fleet underscores our commitment to meeting the growing global demand for airfreight services. The addition of these Boeing 777 Freighters will not only enhance our operational capabilities, but also serve as another step in our strategic vision to reach the top of air cargo sector worldwide while maintaining our leading position with our unparalleled service and efficiency for our customers across the globe.”

  Multi-modal logistics platform Zipaworld announced the expansion of its warehouse facilities with the setting up of a new facility near Indira Gandhi International Airport in the National Capital. The new facility will service clients from segments such as auto and spare parts, industrial machinery, FMCG, pharmaceuticals, perishables, agricultural products, and FMCG among others, Zipaworld said. This strategic expansion not only aims to address the current limitations posed by the existing infrastructure but also positions the company for substantial future growth going forward, Zipaworld said. “Our current facility has served us well, but as we grow, our needs evolve. The new warehouse, strategically positioned and thoughtfully designed, will allow us to serve our customers more efficiently and expand our market reach,” said Ambrish Kumar, Founder and CEO of Zipaworld. Located near key airports and industrial hubs, the new warehouse facility is set to transform the logistics landscape by offering increased storage capacity, faster shipment processing times, and reduced operational costs, the company said. Spread over an area of 6,500 sq ft, the round-the-clock facility with increased storage capacity will allow Zipaworld handle increased volumes and broaden its product offerings, thereby supporting the company’s rapid growth trajectory, it stated.. With the presence of on-site sales representatives and faster processing capabilities, customer interactions and satisfaction are expected to see significant improvements, the company said. Besides provisions for night clearance to enhance overall efficiency by enabling faster processing and reducing delays, the latest warehousing facility is also equipped with advanced tracking systems, to provide customers with real-time updates on their shipments, improving transparency. By streamlining workflows and integrating seamlessly with airport operations, the new facility will cut down shipment processing times and handling expenses, …

      Air India has selected IBS Software to digitally transform its expanding air cargo operations. Air India has chosen IBS Software’s iCargo solution to support its growth plan and commitment to the airline’s ongoing digital transformation. IBS Software’s fully integrated iCargo solution will enable Air India to digitise end-to-end cargo management, allowing seamless integration of various cargo operations, from sales to billing within a single, integrated platform. This will empower Air India to streamline processes and enhance decision-making capabilities. This partnership comes at a time when Air India has embarked on a significant digital transformation of its core businesses across passenger services, fleet, and cargo operations. Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial and Transformation Officer at Air India, said: “Air India is on a transformation journey to not only reaffirm its position as a global leader in aviation, but to also establish foundations for future growth. Air cargo is one of the key drivers of our roadmap for future growth, and technology will be at the core of it.” Somit Goyal, Chief Executive Officer at IBS Software, shared similar sentiments, stating: “As one of the most iconic airlines in the world, partnering with Air India is a proud moment for IBS Software. The Indian aviation market is on a major upswing, and we are excited to be partnered with a company that is dedicated to driving this growth. We are proud that our market- leading digital platform for the air cargo industry will support the ambitious transformation goals of Air India’s cargo offering and take it from strength to strength.” The first end-to-end implementation of iCargo is slated for delivery within nine months from the project’s start, promising immediate business …

        The Chennai export cargo terminal (ACCMAA) gate was forced to shut by the CTO due to cargo overflow at the export shed, says Dinesh Krishnan, Regional Chairman, Southern Region at ACAAI adding, “leading to trucks waiting to offload export cargo spilling over to the NH,  customs clearance & handing time taking over 24 to 48 hrs, booked cargo missed flights leading to a flash strike by frustrated CHA employees. The terminal has 2 government CTO for the past few decades , AAICLAS ( the landlord / custodian ) having 80% of the terminal space and AIASL ( the tenant / earlier ground handing & custodian ) leaser for the 20% of the space , but handing over 50% of the export tonnage . The root cause of the current crises and decline of ACCMAA can be traced to inexperience of both these CTO to administer , invest and deliver quality air cargo logistics ( CTO operations ) demanded by the EXIM trade. A meeting was held again yesterday at the AIASL between the stakeholders and the CTO to review the issue , subsequently a debriefing with AAICLAS management was done too to see what can be done to improve the current situation . The crux of the matter is that , this is a landlord ( AAICALS ) and tenant ( AIASL ) dispute , each having a list of long term commercial & operation grievances each other . Chennai air cargo terminal ( ACCMAA ) once the gateway of air cargo from South has seen its market share and fortunes dwindle drastically in the past 15 years .This is despite the fact that Tamilnadu is the manufacturing …

SITA launches SmartSea through an initial agreement with Columbia Shipmanagement (CSM), the world-class ship manager and maritime service provider. SmartSea is the industry’s first company with the power to reshape the maritime sector by facilitating access to the same advanced technology that has already transformed the air transport industry. At the same time, CSM becomes the first SmartSea client to exponentially upscale its operations through this cutting-edge technology. With this strategic step, SITA is embedding its transformative footprint into the maritime industry, breaking boundaries and simplifying processes for more efficient and profitable operations across the entire value chain. With 75 years of experience, SITA serves 95% of international destinations in the air travel industry, and over 2,500 airlines, airports, ground handlers and governments all working closely with the company. More than 70 governments and all G20 nations trust SITA solutions, and 85% of international air passengers globally benefit from SITA digital border solutions. SITA’s undeniable role in transforming the air industry and shaping it into what it is now is the strongest proof of the value SITA can provide to the maritime sector. SITA’s expansion into maritime is clear evidence of its ambition and capacity to boost digital innovation in a sector that, facing similar challenges, can be greatly enhanced by solutions for the air transport industry, estimated to be 10-15 years ahead in terms of technology adoption. Both the maritime and aviation sectors operate in a complex and highly regulated ecosystem globally, are capital intensive, and heavily reliant on data and communication while also facing very similar sustainability requirements. Moreover, ports and ship terminals experience the same challenges and opportunities; vessels require turnaround and maintenance, the same as aircraft, …

Essar signed three Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with the Government of Gujarat for a total investement of Rs 55,000 crore ahead of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024. Essar is in a renewed phase of making stategic investements in the field of Energy Transition, Power and Port sectors in the state. This initiative aims to create over 10,000 job opportunities. Over the last four decades, Essar has invested more than Rs 1 lakh crore in the Energy, Metals & Mining and Infrastructure sectors in Gujarat. Gujarat has played a crucial role in Essar’s growth story. The company’s investments in core industrial projects have enhanced the state’s industrial landscape, serving as a case-study for the state’s potential as an investment destination. On the signing of the MoU, Mr. Prashant Ruia, Director at Essar Capital, commented, “Gujarat has consistently been at the forefront of Essar’s strategic investments. We are delighted to further contribute to the state’s economic progress with an additional investment of Rs 55,000 crore in the Energy & Infrastructure sectors.”