Xerrxes Master, Managing Director, Masters Group of Companies said, “The India–UK Free Trade Agreement offers transformative benefits for India’s EXIM‑trade and cargo sectors. With 99 per cent of Indian exports to the UK becoming duty‑free—including textiles, footwear, gems, marine products, engineering goods and pharma—export volumes are poised to soar. Streamlined customs protocols and harmonised standards will expedite cargo flow at major ports like Nhava Sheva, Chennai and Mundra, while air‑cargo volumes for perishables and electronics will rise. Logistics providers and freight forwarders will see increased demand for containerized, refrigerated, and digital trade services. Overall, the FTA is set to catalyse supply‑chain efficiency and strengthen India’s position in global trade.”

Prediman Koul, CEO, Jeena & Company said, “The China+1 strategy is significantly boosting India’s role in the global supply chain. As global companies look to diversify beyond China, India is emerging as a strong alternative because we have government-backed schemes like Make in India and Production-Linked Incentives (PLI) that encourage domestic production and invite international investment. Our skilled labour is set to meet the demands and is accessible as compared to other countries. This makes India appealing to sectors that need specialised professionals. India has strengthened trade ties and is working towards improving access to global markets. Enhanced port facilities, industrial corridors and Special Economic Zones (SEZs) have made exporting from India easier and more efficient. We believe this shift is not just a trend but a long-term opportunity for India to become a key supply chain hub, and we are ready to take part as a trusted partner in this journey.

Air Canada Cargo announced the introduction of its redesigned e-booking platform, providing an optimised booking experience for customers and new tools to self-manage shipments. “We are excited to reveal our updated e-booking experience, which provides a more user-friendly interface and a smoother experience for our customers booking their cargo online. With the ability to get real-time feedback and validation, easily create batch bookings, e-AWB, submit release letters and more, this new platform will transform the customer experience and is part of Air Canada Cargo’s ongoing digitalisation,” said Matthieu Casey, Managing Director – Commercial, at Air Canada Cargo. The features of the new e-booking experience include a redesigned, user-friendly interface for a smoother experience, re-imagined account dashboard to keep track of your shipments at-a-glance, dynamic booking flows and calculation fields for greater efficiency, real-time feedback and validation to reduce errors, auto-confirmation for general cargo shipments of 50 kg (0.3 m3) and less,  the ability to submit feedback and questions directly from the dashboard, fast and easy rebooking by saving bookings as templates, multi-booking to create batch bookings in minutes, receive tracking notifications to your email, tools to manage your bookings: create e-AWB, edit bookings, add shipper and consignee info, send release letters, and more.

According to the latest weekly figures and analysis from WorldACD Market Data, air cargo rates held firm in the second full week of July, despite a second consecutive week-on-week (WoW) small drop in overall global flown tonnages, with volumes from Asia Pacific origins to the US recording further declines. Global average spot rates edged up slightly (over 1 per cent) in week 28 (7 to 13 July) to US$2.65 per kilo, thanks largely to over 6 per cent WoW rebound in both pricing and tonnages from North America origins following US Independence Day on 4 July. That followed a fall in tonnages of decline of 11 per cent from North America origins the previous week. Like in week 28 last year, the post 4 July recovery for origin North America has not yet fully materialised. Those worldwide average spot rates, and many of the price and demand patterns during week 28, were very similar to the equivalent week this time last year – including global average full-market rates of $2.46 per kilo, based on a mix of spot and contract rates. However, the US dollar is around -6% weaker now than it was a year ago against other major world currencies, such as the euro. In euros, average worldwide rates are down by around -6%, year on year (YoY).

KSH Distriparks announced a strategic collaboration with Evergreen Line, to make 40’ High Cube (HQ) containers available at ICD Talegaon, enabling both import drop-offs and export pick-ups, effective immediately. This alliance brings together KSH’s deep-rooted expertise in first- and last-mile logistics across India’s inland markets with Evergreen’s global shipping network. Moreover, the partnership aims to offer exporters a seamless, single-window solution for international cargo movement. Approximately 45-50 High Cube containers will be available at all times, with an initial throughput target of 200 containers per month. Future phases will also see the availability of 40FT and 20FT dry containers, further expanding the equipment options for exporters in the region. This initiative offers significant financial and logistical benefits to customers by reducing the need to reposition empty containers between Nhava Sheva and Pune. Exporters can now access empty yards locally at ICD Talegaon, resulting in savings on fuel, time, and costs. It also supports sustainability goals by lowering carbon emissions associated with long-haul container movement. KSH Distriparks already maintains similar arrangements with other leading carriers, and Evergreen’s addition further strengthens its growing portfolio of services for both imports and exports. “Pune has emerged as a critical hub for manufacturing and exports, and efficient container logistics is essential to support the region’s growth trajectory. Our partnership with Evergreen Line is a step forward in unlocking this potential by creating a seamless logistics experience for exporters. At KSH Distriparks, we are committed to building robust inland infrastructure that not only addresses immediate operational challenges but also contributes to the larger vision of a globally competitive, sustainable, and multimodal logistics ecosystem in India” said Malcolm Dsouza, CEO, KSH Distriparks.

One of the primary challenges GSSA faces is managing fluctuating capacity and demand—especially during peak seasons or unexpected disruptions while maintaining operational efficiency and service quality,”Abhishek Goyal, CEO and Executive Director, Aeroprime Group. He adds, “Regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions adds another layer of complexity, with varying customs, security, and documentation requirements in each market. The pace of digital transformation is also reshaping the landscape. GSAs are expected to adopt new technologies swiftly, from cargo tracking tools to automated booking systems — all while training teams to deliver consistently across markets. Within our organisation, we recognize that success in this environment depends on local market expertise, robust infrastructure, and strong stakeholder relationships. Our ability to stay agile and adapt quickly is what allows us to deliver dependable results in both cargo and travel verticals.”

Pune Airport has officially commenced international cargo imports in June with the arrival of three consignments. These included electronic components for automobiles and fertiliser-related chemicals, shipped from London’s Heathrow Airport via Delhi through transshipment. All three shipments were transported by Air India. The third consignment—personal artefacts—was flown in directly from Bangkok, marking the airport’s entry into global cargo operations, said reports.  Between April 2024 and May 2025, a total cargo (domestic and international) of 78,688 metric tonne (MT) was moved from the airport. Of this, just 169.2 MT was international cargo exports. To date, Pune airport has only recorded international cargo exports. These typically consist of auto parts and perishables like fruits and vegetables. Earlier Pune Airport was facing turbulence due to delays in clearances from BCAS.

Armstrong Industrial Corporation (Armstrong Asia) has integrated Zebra Technologies solutions to enhance warehousing operations in Malaysia and Thailand. To enhance its ERP system and replace manual processes related to labor tracking and inventory management, Armstrong Asia is using Zebra’s ET40 enterprise tablets, MC33 mobile computers, ZT411 tablets, MC33 mobile computers, ZT411 industrial printers and Zebra OneCare support. “Zebra Technologies has better equipped our team members to optimize production tracking and warehouse operations,” said Eugene Ong, Executive Director, Armstrong Asia. “These solutions enable real-time data collection, improve asset visibility, and enhance connected frontline productivity.”

Delhivery has set up its Lucknow Gateway Hub. The facility, spread across 1 lakh sq.ft will accelerate the region’s economic growth and create thousands of direct and indirect work opportunities. It will also empower thousands of businesses in the region, enabling them with access to nationwide markets through improved logistics and order fulfilment capabilities. “Our operations in Lucknow and nearby areas are central to our business. This expansion helps local businesses by allowing them to ship goods across the country more quickly. Beyond commerce, this development will boost related industries such as packaging, transport, and local delivery services, generating employment in the area. Nearing the festive period, this setup will improve how customers experience our services, making them prompt and accurate,”said Dingtang Tikhak, Senior Vice President, Regional Hub Operations, Delhivery.

IndoSpace has announced the launch of ‘IndoSpace Chakan V’, its industrial park in Maharashtra, India. Spanning 188 acres and backed by an investment of USD 120 million, this development is the eighth Industrial and Logistics Park of IndoSpace in the region. IndoSpace currently has an existing footprint of 525 acres in Pune region.   Located within MIDC Chakan and strategically positioned along key national and state highways, including the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, Pune-Nashik Highway, Pune-Ahmednagar-Aurangabad Highway, and the Bengaluru-Mumbai Industrial Corridor, the park will offer connectivity to industrial hubs across western India. Rail infrastructure further strengthens site accessibility, making it a viable option for manufacturers and logistics operators looking for proximity to consumption centres and ports. Pune’s industrial and logistics market, including the Chakan–Talegaon corridor, achieved 6.7 million sq. Ft absorption in 2024. IndoSpace Chakan V will support ongoing demand from industries such as automotive, engineering, electronics, and third-party logistics “Chakan has cemented its role as a high-demand manufacturing hub, driven by its strong connectivity and industrial ecosystem,” said Anshuman Singh, Managing Director & CEO, IndoSpace. “With IndoSpace Chakan V, we are strengthening our ability to support the evolving requirements of India’s industrial growth and logistics transformation. This park reinforces our long-term commitment to enabling India’s next phase of infrastructure-led economic expansion.” IndoSpace Chakan V in Pune is designed with state-of-the-art smart infrastructure and sustainability-driven solutions. The park will offer flexible built-to-suit (BTS) options, catering to the evolving needs of diverse industries. It incorporates low-carbon materials, energy-efficient LED lighting, and advanced digital smart park technology with RFID sensors. The park also offers emission-free electric bikes for intra-park mobility, an auto-repair centre, childcare facilities, and dedicated sports zones.