FedEx Express Corporation released two cross-border e-commerce handbooks to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating internationally better engage with consumers in China and Japan, the biggest markets in the Asia Pacific region, with robust cross-border e-commerce activity, providing extensive business opportunities for SMEs. However, foreign merchants need to understand the unique digital landscape, consumer appetites, and logistics needs of each market to build a sustainable business model. “Finding new customers in international markets is a smart approach for SMEs wanting to drive consumer and revenue growth. Digital channels lower the barriers for market entry, but the best business strategies are underpinned by smart, local market insights. That’s critical in sectors like e-commerce which move incredibly quickly,” said Kawal Preet, president Asia Pacific, FedEx. “China and Japan are strategically important markets in the APAC region. We’ve built our local knowledge based on our decades-long operations, which is a critical component of the e-commerce experience. We’re also integrated in platforms and processes to provide a seamless experience for both merchants and consumers. That gives us a unique viewpoint on the latest local know-how to help e-tailers operate more effectively.”

Spirit AeroSystems has entered into a definitive merger agreement under which The Boeing Company will acquire Spirit for $37.25 per share in Boeing common stock at $37.25 per share, this represents an equity value of approximately $4.7 billion and an enterprise value of approximately $8.3 billion including Spirit’s last reported net debt. The price of $37.25 per share represents a 30% premium to Spirit’s closing stock price of $28.60 on February 29, 2024, the last day before both Spirit and Boeing issued press releases confirming they were in discussions regarding a potential transaction. “After carefully evaluating Boeing’s offer to combine, we are confident this transaction is in the best interest of Spirit and its shareholders, and will benefit Spirit’s other stakeholders,” said Patrick M. Shanahan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Spirit. “Bringing Spirit and Boeing together will enable greater integration of both companies’ manufacturing and engineering capabilities, including safety and quality systems.” Spirit also announced today that it entered into a binding term sheet with Airbus SE. Under the term sheet, the parties will continue to negotiate in good faith to enter into definitive agreements for Airbus to acquire certain Spirit assets that serve Airbus programs, concurrently with the closing of Spirit’s acquisition by Boeing.

The Delhi Airport Terminal 1 roof collapse incident, which killed one person and left many injured took place on Friday morning, due to heavy rainfall in the city. The incident once again raised questions regarding the quality of infrastructure at airports for passenger and cargo operations. Many passenger flights were cancelled, ultimately affecting the cargo movement. Cargo is loaded into the belly hold of passenger aircraft. DIAL Airport told CargoTalk that the disruption did not affect cargo operations at the terminal, while an official from Delhi Cargo Service Centre said cargo movements were restricted as the flight operations were suspended. Celebi also shared similar sentiments with CargoTalk. At the same time, a few freight forwarders and airlines, however, stated that cargo operations were not affected at all.

“Industries across various sectors such as electronics, apparel, automobiles, capital goods, and semiconductor manufacturing are increasingly considering India as a favourable investment option,” says Pradeep Panicker, CEO, GMR Hyderabad International Airport. He adds, “This is primarily due to India’s strong domestic market, which has become a preferred choice for companies looking for alternatives to China for their manufacturing and supply chain operations. As a result, India’s export potential is expected to surge to $835 billion by 2030, a significant increase from the $431 billion recorded in 2023.As per AAI report, domestic air cargo has already reached pre-Covid level with total India’s Domestic Air Cargo stands at 1.3 Mn MT in FY23-24. Air freight is experiencing a resurgence yet encountering obstacles. Despite an increase in volumes compared to the previous year, driven by e-commerce, favourable government initiatives, increased connectivity and changes in trade routes, challenges such as the conflict in Ukraine and persistent problems like labour shortages are constraining capacity. As a result, prices remain elevated. Further, disruptions in sea freight are causing some cargo to shift to air transport, adding pressure to the already strained system. While the India story seems robust there are some concerns due to the possible slowdown of global economies including China.”

The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) and Joint Authorities for Rulemaking on Unmanned Systems (JARUS) signed an MoU during the first TIACA Event Central Asia. The primary objective of the MoU is to strengthen cooperation between TIACA and JARUS with the mission of promoting the contribution of unmanned aviation, specifically air cargo, to global economic and social development. Key points of this agreement: To work collaboratively to enhance a safe global unmanned air cargo transport system. To work towards educating and developing projects with governments and private entities to achieve an efficient industry in terms of costs and operations. To promote the specific needs of air cargo for the unmanned air cargo sector. To promote safety in the supply chain addressing where appropriate, global and national regulations as well as industry procedures, policies and practices. To promote sustainable solutions that enhances the role of unmanned air cargo operations in support of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. TIACA and JARUS will exchange information and knowledge on topics of mutual interest. “As unmanned air cargo transport becomes more prevalent within our industry it is vital that we collaborate with organizations such as JARUS to ensure a safe, profitable and united air cargo industry. This agreement not only supports TIACA’s sustainability program but it also supports our vision for the industry. We look forward to working with JARUS to ensure that the unmanned air cargo transport sector of the industry can deliver its full potential.” said Steven Polmans, TIACA Chair “JARUS is committed to developing recommendations for a harmonized and industry-friendly regulatory framework in collaboration with ICAO and other international organizations. This MoU with TIACA is crucial for integrating the needs …

The Move to -15°C, a sustainability initiative dedicated to cutting carbon emissions in the frozen food supply chain, has more than doubled its membership since its launch at COP28. The frozen food temperature set point of -18°C was established as an industry standard a century ago, but with little evidence, and logistics technology has improved substantially since.Building on academic research which shows that a small three-degree change in temperature could make a significant environmental impact with no compromise on food safety, the Move to –15°C aims to reduce emissions and cut supply chain costs. Recognising that a shift in temperature set points from -18°C to -15°C requires a collaboration from the entire frozen food supply chain, the Move to -15°C recently secured support from Nomad Foods, Europe’s leading frozen food manufacturer and the company behind iconic brands, including Bird’s Eye, Findus and Iglo. In February 2024, Nomad Foods released the 12-month results of its ongoing landmark study, which revealed that storing frozen food at -15°C, instead of the industry standard -18°C, can reduce freezer energy consumption by 10 -11% without any noticeable impact on product safety, texture, taste or nutritional value. Other key players within the food industry have also shown their commitment to the Coalition, including international Danish food company, Danish Crown, and the American Frozen Food Institute, which represents many of America’s frozen food and beverage makers. Since launch, commitment from the global transport andlogistics industry has continued to grow. Indicold, provider of reliable, cost-effective cold storage and logistics solutions in India, worldwide transport and logistics provider, Blue Water Shipping, and Europe’s second largest cold logistics operator, Constellation Cold Logistics are the latest to join industry peers in …

NIDO Group announced its strategic integration with 1Pharmacy which will help the firms in optimizing operations & digitalizing the entire value chain, resulting in enhanced efficiency, reduced errors, and streamlined processes. NIDO Group’s cutting-edge automation technology and advanced ERP integration, designed to enhance order fulfillment and sorting processes, is set to boost Urmedz’s order processing by 100% while transforming its operations. By utilizing state-of-the-art automation tools, this collaboration will result in smooth order processing and increased efficiency, thereby reducing order processing time by 50% and raising sorting accuracy to 99.9%. “At NIDO Group, we are committed to driving efficiency and excellence in every facet of our clients’ operations,” stated Nirav Doshi, Founder & Managing Director at NIDO Group. “Our ERP integration with 1Pharmacy’s tech to provide automation to end clients exemplifies our dedication and commitment to driving innovation and efficiency in the pharmaceutical sector. Our collective goal is to establish new standards in optimizing supply chains, enabling Urmedz and other stakeholders to realize their growth aspiration.”

KK Agarwal, Chairman and Managing Director, CJ Darcl Logistics said, “The logistics landscape in India is being shaped by rapid expansion driven by technological advancements, supply chain transparency, and robust infrastructural frameworks. Initiatives such as PM Gati Shakti and the National Logistics Policy underscore a strategic shift towards reducing costs and enhancing efficiency. The announcement of Railway Economic Corridors during the interim budget 2024 signifies a crucial step towards connectivity and cost reduction in logistics.” He further stated, “As we celebrate National Logistics Day, we recognize the pivotal role of technological integration and sustainable practices in transforming India’s logistics landscape. This technology and environment-focused approach will further streamline operations, elevate productivity, refine handling processes, and enhance forecasting accuracy. This holistic perspective will not only aid in economic growth but also set a sustainable trajectory for the future of logistics in India. Together, we can shape a resilient logistics sector that not only meets current demands but also anticipates and adapts to future challenges.”  

Vineet Agarwal, MD of TCI says, “With over 65 years of experience in India’s logistics industry, TCI recognizes the critical role that logistics plays in connecting people, businesses, and communities. While the United States celebrates National Logistics Day, we believe it is time for India to similarly honour the invaluable contributions of the logistics sector. Employing over 22 million individuals, the logistics industry is a cornerstone of our economy. By designating a day to celebrate logistics in India, we can properly acknowledge the dedication of these professionals. This recognition was duly emphasized during the COVID pandemic as logistics became the lifeline of humanity, underscoring the significance of innovation and excellence in propelling economic growth. Through this endeavor, we aim to ensure that logistics & supply chain management remain to be a boardroom topic. At TCI, we are committed to establishing new benchmarks in logistics, ensuring seamless trade, and fostering sustainable development.”

Ketan Kulkarni, Chief Growth Officer, Allcargo Group says, “National Logistics Day acknowledges the role of the logistics sector in facilitating India’s economic development through efficient transportation of goods across the country and beyond borders. At the same time, for the industry, it’s a day to take stock of how far the industry has progressed and chart the future roadmap for growth. The policymakers have shown a continued focus on transforming the logistics industry through infrastructure and technology-led reforms. The rollout of the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, National Logistics Policy, and Unified Logistics Interface Platform are significant policy moves by the central government. As a result, India has climbed from the 44th to the 38th position out of 139 nations in 2023. The industry is now poised for the next phase of growth. To unlock the potential, the sector requires sustained policy support and increased capex in transport as well as digital infrastructure development in particular, which will pave the way for new-age technology deployment for better capacity utilisation and mobilization. As India is emerging as a global manufacturing hub and the domestic ecommerce sector is growing at a faster clip, a broad-based distribution network and end-to-end supply chain visibility are crucial to meet the growing logistics transportation demand, both in the domestic and global markets. Therefore, the logistics sector must be empowered to innovate and thrive in an increasingly complex logistics and supply chain ecosystem especially in an interconnected world. An efficient and resilient logistics industry with robust multimodal connectivity, new-age digital technology adoption, and effective sustainable practices will increase the demand for India’s logistics sector, contributing to the country’s GDP growth to reach US $6 trillion by …