Balagopal Balachandran, National Head – Air Freight, FEI Cargo said, “India’s logistics sector is witnessing rapid transformation as infrastructure, policy, and sustainability initiatives converge. The inauguration of Navi Mumbai International Airport this week marks a major milestone — expected to handle over 1 million tonnes of cargo annually once fully operational, easing pressure on Mumbai Airport and creating new opportunities for exporters from western India. On the surface side, the Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFC) continue to expand, improving rail transit times by up to 30–40 per cent, while the PM Gati Shakti program accelerates multimodal connectivity between ports, airports, and industrial zones. Meanwhile, India’s first battery swap station for electric trucks at Delhi’s cargo terminal highlights growing momentum toward greener and more cost-efficient last mile transport. Despite these gains, global disruptions including Red Sea diversions and fluctuating ocean freight rates are reshaping trade flows. Indian exporters are increasingly balancing sea and air routes, using digital freight platforms to enhance visibility and manage cost volatility. With infrastructure upgrades, technology adoption, and sustainability at the forefront, India is steadily evolving into South Asia’s logistics powerhouse, poised to support $2 trillion in export ambitions under the government’s 2047 vision.”

Jeena & Company won the Outstanding Contribution to Cargo & Logistics Industry Award at the recently held India Cargo Awards 2025. The recognition celebrates the company’s legacy, continuous innovation, and commitment to advancing India’s cargo and logistics sector through excellence, customer focus, and industry leadership.

i3PL India inked an agreement with German MNC specialty chemical manufacturers to construct a state-of-the-art, chemically compliant warehouse in Jagadiya, Gujarat, and manage 3PL operations for the next five years. “Winning the contract after meeting global chemical storage and safety standards reinforces i3PL India’s growth strategy and signals a strong future for its expansion into chemical warehousing across India,” Raju, Chief Operations Officer, i3PL India.  

TVS Industrial & Logistics Parks (TVS ILP) has invested ₹250 crore to develop a Grade-A industrial and logistics park on 17 acres of land in Visakhapatnam. Located 21 km from Vizag airport, 28 km from Vizag Railway Station, and 32 km from Vizag Port, the park has direct access to the Chennai–Kolkata Highway. The land was allocated through the Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation Ltd. (APIIC), which facilitated acquisition and expedited approvals. The park is being developed in multiple phases, with 4 lakh sqft of ready-to-move space already available. Key features include 12-metre height, LED lighting, and solar-powered streetlights with daylight sensors, advanced fire-fighting systems, wide internal roads for smooth truck movement, high floor load capacity, dual flushing systems, and low-flow water fixtures, among others.

Global air cargo volumes increased by 4 per cent in Q3 2025 compared with the same period last year, even as average global rates dipped 3 per cent year-on-year, as per IATA. Cumulatively, year-to-date tonnages are up 4 per cent year-on-year, while overall air cargo rates for this year remain broadly in line with the first nine months of 2024, reflecting consistent demand amid evolving market conditions. Chargeable weight in three months ending September continued the year’s pattern of steady quarterly growth, following increases of over 4 per cent in Q2 and over 3 per cent in Q1.

Softlink Academy has partnered with SIES School of Business Studies to launch a Post-Graduate Diploma in Logistics, said Amit Maheshwari, Founder and CEO, Softlink Global. A unique aspect of the programme is the integration of Logi-Sys, Softlink Global’s flagship logistics software, into the curriculum. He said, “Through our partnership with SIES, we aim to equip students with practical skills and industry-relevant knowledge. By incorporating Logi-Sys into the curriculum, we are giving them the tools and confidence to succeed in the modern logistics landscape.” This ensures that students gain direct exposure to industry-grade technology and develop the competencies required to succeed in modern supply chain and logistics operations. This collaboration between Softlink Academy and SIES, reflects a commitment to strengthen logistics education, advance industry-academia partnerships, and shape the next generation of supply chain professionals.

Octoloop, powered by CargoFlash InfoTech, has completed one year of partnership with Qatar Airways Cargo, transforming the way air cargo bookings are managed. Mark Drusch, Chief Officer Cargo at Qatar Airways, reflects on the collaboration, “Octoloop has introduced unparalleled efficiency, transparency, and simplicity to the cargo booking process, making it remarkably easier for airlines and cargo agents alike.” This milestone demonstrates that digital transformation is not just shaping the present—it is defining the future of air cargo. We thank Qatar Airways Cargo for their trust and look forward to setting new benchmarks in air cargo digital sales together.

Fletcher Samuel, AGM & Senior Lead, Cargo Business, BIAL was honoured with the DDP Face of the Future Award at the recently concluded India Cargo Awards 2025 in New Delhi. Samuel plays a key role in driving strategic initiatives and innovation in air cargo operations. With a focus on improving efficiency and building collaborative partnerships, he has led multiple key projects that have enhanced cargo movement and infrastructure at Bangalore airport. He also serves as the Chairman, ACFI, BLR Chapter, and contributes to industry-wide dialogue and development. Fletcher has rich experience of working across logistics hubs, such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Mumbai, Delhi, and Hyderabad, which gave him a global perspective on cargo ops and airport logistics.

Ahead of 49th ACAAI Annual Convention this November, Vikram Kumar, VP, Air Cargo Agents Association of India (ACAAI) said, “By harnessing digital technologies, and data-driven insights etc, stakeholders can overcome physical and policy barriers, enhance transparency, and build resilience.” He said, “The theme calls on the industry to turn constraints into opportunities — altering trade by rethinking processes, strengthening partnerships, and driving sustainable, technology-enabled growth.” The 49th ACAAI Convention’s theme, ‘Connected yet Constrained: Transforming Trade Amidst Rising Barriers’, is thought-provoking. It captures the paradox confronting global trade today, while digitalisation, automation, and real-time data have made the world more connected than ever. It highlights the need for the air cargo industry to view connectivity not merely as a tool for efficiency but as a catalyst for transformation.

Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport (Indore) is set to enhance its air cargo operations by launching dedicated cargo flights in collaboration with local trade and industrial bodies. The proposal was discussed during the recent Airport Advisory Committee meeting, chaired by MP Shankar Lalwani. Airport Director Vipin Kant Seth said the initiative aims to boost regional exports and strengthen domestic freight connectivity across central India., senior officials, and representatives from various industry associations reviewed ongoing infrastructure projects and future development plans. He noted the introduction of dedicated cargo services would enable faster, more efficient movement of goods to key domestic and international markets.