DTDC Express launched its latest last-mile innovation – Drone-based Deliveries. Through a strategic partnership with Skye Air Mobility, the company has taken an integral step in embracing new-age tech solutions to enable efficient and sustainable last-mile delivery for its customers. The first drone delivery happened from Bilaspur to Gurgaon sector 92 covering a distance of 7.5 km in just 3-4 mins instead of a usual road route of ~15 minutes. This marks a step forward in its commitment to adopting cutting-edge technology and setting new industry standards with the changing times. Building upon its vast physical network of 16,000+ channel partners covering nearly 96% of the Indian population, DTDC aims to further optimize the management of approximately 155 million parcels annually. This new development promises agile and hassle-free deliveries while contributing to eco-friendly logistics by reducing carbon emissions and traffic congestion. Following the successful launch in Gurgaon, DTDC plans to expand its drone delivery service to other key locations across India. The next phase of this initiative will focus on identifying strategic regions where drone deliveries can offer the most significant impact. Abhishek Chakraborty, Chief Executive Officer of DTDC Express Ltd. said, “As we commence the 35th year of DTDC’s journey, our strategic partnership with Skye Air marks a significant milestone in setting new benchmarks for last-mile delivery. The partnership aims to address the evolving logistics landscape, driven by digitalization and changing consumer behaviours, presenting us with an opportunity to redefine last-mile logistics in this country. Ankit Kumar, Founder & CEO of Skye Air, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership with DTDC and the potential of their cutting-edge drone technology to revolutionize urban logistics. He said “We are thrilled to …

  Glyn Hughes, Director General, TIACA says, “IATA is a trade association that establishes industry standards and practices whereas the DGCA is a national regulatory body whose primary role is to establish a safe and secure national civil aviation industry.  The IATA accreditation program was established to provide a common platform for airlines to appoint their agents, hence why there was strict criteria.  However, the program must recognize approved national training organizations and therefore should accept certificates from DGCA approved training bodies.  I understand there was an issue earlier this year where the DGCA didn’t recertify some training bodies in accordance with new Competency based training requirements established by ICAO.”

  Cyrus Katgara, Partner, Jeena & Company shares, “Personally, I have done my DGR course with Air India and I found it very professional. It was not a cakewalk, but had to work hard to qualify DGR examination. If there is anything lacking in our DGR programs, IATA is most welcome to make amendment of suggestions. The industry must move hand-in-hand, working positively towards professionalism.”

Afzal Malbarwala, Managing Director, Galaxy Freight shares, “There is a need for skilled manpower in the dangerous goods logistics business be it handling, or transportation among others. Also, Indian DG training institutes should hire skilled and experienced personnel who are qualified and know what they must do well. The institutes must provide practical training not mere bookish knowledge. I feel, Indian agents must get IATA certified, I know it is a costly process, but it is important to ensure safety of not only the goods but also the persons involved in the business. IATA’s way of teaching and curriculum (common for institutes worldwide) is completely different. Indian institutes must adopt that.  IATA approved training schools have staff trained and approved by IATA and only they are authorised to train. Certificates are issued by IATA CANADA for successful candidate will get DG training programme 7.1 accepted worldwide which is not given by DGCA approved schools. IATA and ICAO work closely to provide the best standards of services. True, Indian DG training institutes are DGCA-approved, but there are certain important norms formulated by the IATA, which Indian training institutes and agents must know and strictly follow. DGCA must introduce one rule book for all, covering international and national mandates for DG business. In India, half of the DG handlers are not even aware of the international regulations involved; the airlines too must follow these norms. Another important point is, in foreign countries there is a rule that only those who are dealing in dangerous goods require IATA certification, while others do not. But in India, this is also not applicable.”

Satish Lakkaraju, CEO, Nexgen Logistics, Garudavega says, “There have been various changes in the Dangerous Goods Regulations and training of the employees in the recent past and the air cargo industry has been struggling for a clarification from the various authorities on the same.  DGCA, the nodal body for the same must specify the requirements and ensure the institutions adhere to the same and then the candidates are trained accordingly. The IATA has also not been clear and not accepting the current certificates is major issue for the industry and this has to be addressed through discussions on priority.”

Radharaman Panicker, MD, Dangerous Goods Management India says, “The training school offering DG course for air transport needs to be approved by Director General of Civil Aviation, Government of India according to the civil aviation requirement (CAR) on training issued by the competent authority. Further it is mandatory for everyone involved in the transportation of air cargo to be trained in accordance with the said CAR, which also includes the freight forwarder. This is as per Rule 12 of the Aircraft (Carriage of Dangerous Goods) Rules 2003. The certificate issued by the approved training schools are required to affix the words “DGCA approved” on the certificate. Certificate issued by us also contains such a requirement. This is being followed in India for last 12-13 years now. Most of the institutes in India were first required to be approved by DGCA, then only the IATA accreditation if any would come into play. So, it is ridiculous for IATA to ask for additional certificate from the training school. Otherwise, what is the meaning of certificate being issued by approved training school. If IATA indeed has doubt about the authenticity of the school, they should address the matter to the DGCA and asked to be submitted a list of approved training school for their record or they could simply go and check the website of DGCA. It appears to me that they are questioning the authority of the Government of India to approve training institutions in India or even the programme itself.”

Sushant Nigam, Executive Director, ACAAI shares, “The International Air Transport Association (IATA) now desires to get a letter from the DG Training Centre along with DG Training qualification certificate mentioning about its approval by the competent authority of India, DGCA. Such duplication is avoidable as both documents would contain same contents to be issued by same Training Centre. If IATA wants to ascertain its accreditation, they may visit DGCA website.”

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has been rejecting the DG certificate issued by DGCA approved Indian DG Training schools that are presented by Indian cargo agents for their IATA accreditation. It appears that along with the certificate, they also want a certificate from the training school.  It is affecting the trade notably. Addressing the concern, Radharaman Panicker, MD, Dangerous Goods Management India in an exclusive chat says, “The training school offering DG course for air transport needs to be approved by Director General of Civil Aviation, Government of India according to the civil aviation requirement (CAR) on training issued by the competent authority. Further it is mandatory for every one involved in the transportation of air cargo to be trained in accordance with the said CAR, which also includes the freight forwarder. This is as per Rule 12 of the Aircraft (Carriage of Dangerous Goods) Rules 2003. The certificate issued by the approved training schools are required to affix the words “DGCA approved” on the certificate. Certificate issued by us also contains such a requirement. This is being followed in India for last 12-13 years now. Most of the institutes in India were first required to be approved by DGCA, then only the IATA accreditation if any would come into play. So it is ridiculous for IATA to ask for additional certificate from the training school. Otherwise what is the meaning of certificate being issued by approved training school. If IATA indeed has doubt about the authenticity of the school, they should address the matter to the DGCA and asked to be submitted a list of approved training school for their record or they could simply go and check …

Abhishek Goyal, Executive Director, Aeroprime Group shares his feedback on the budget, “We are highly encouraged by the 2024 budget’s focus on enhancing domestic tourism through improved infrastructure and connectivity. These reforms are poised to revitalize the cargo and logistics sector. This initiative aligns perfectly with our commitment to driving growth and innovation in the aviation and logistics industries. We look forward to the positive ripple effects this will have on the economy and our industry.”  

DP World has received the prestigious AEO-LO (Authorised Economic Operator for Logistic & Terminal Operators) certification. The certification, under the aegis of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards, is awarded to companies whose operations strengthen global supply chain security and facilitate movement of legitimate goods. In today’s volatile environment of global trade, this certification will underline and enhance DP World’s credentials as a reliable and secure logistics provider with deep expertise in ensuring efficient cross-border trade. The AEO-LO certification will streamline clearance procedures for DP World at all customs stations across India for a period of five-years. Rajesh Pandey, Chief Commissioner of Customs, Mumbai Zone-II, Jawaharlal Nehru Custom House (JNCH) handed over the certification to DP World, represented by Akash Agrawal, Vice-President, Freight Forwarding, India subcontinent. By adhering to AEO-LO’s stringent standards, DP World ensures secure multi-channel and multi-region movement of cargo for its customers and benefit from the ease of facilitation which is available in countries with whom India has signed the Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) like South Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong Customs. The certification also provides DP World with access to Direct Port Delivery (DPD) for import containers and Direct Port Entry (DPE) for export containers, thus reducing turnaround time and enabling faster movement of goods through customs stations in the country. The AEO-LO certification is particularly beneficial for businesses involved in export-import activities, including freight forwarding and operations in Free Trade Warehousing Zones (FTWZs). The benefits of AEO certification include faster processing and clearance of cargo, deferred payment of duty, direct port delivery/entry, and benefits under Mutual Recognition arrangements (MRA).