Category Archives: Aviation

The Air Cargo Agents Association of India (ACAAI) is participating at the FIATA HQ Meeting 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland being held from March 17-20, bringing together key leaders from the global freight forwarding and logistics industry, to discuss key industry issues and developments. ACAAI President C.K. Govil is actively promoting FIATA RAP 2025, joined by esteemed industry representatives namely, Dao Trong Khoa Paul – President, VLA, Samir Shah – Vice President, ACAAI, Keshav Tanna – Past President, ACAAI, Amit Kamat – Chairman Elect, FFFAI, Yukki Nugrahawan Hanafi – Indonesian Logistics Federation Association and Tej Contractor, FFFAI.

Canadian freighter operators, Cargojet has carried out its first charter flight to Mumbai. “We marked our inaugural air cargo charter flight to Mumbai (BOM) Airport, strengthening our global network and expanding our reach into South Asia. This mission was a testament to our commitment to delivering seamless, reliable, and time-sensitive solutions to customers worldwide. From specialised handling to efficient cargo movement, we are leading new standards in global logistics,” said official LinkedIn Post.

To digitally transform the trade and logistics sectors, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and Maqta Technologies Group, part of AD Ports Group, have partnered with Etihad Cargo to introduce new features to the Advanced Trade and Logistics Platform (ATLP). Developed and operated by Maqta Technologies Group, ATLP was inaugurated in May 2020 by His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council. The platform aims to unify trade and logistics services across Abu Dhabi, including air, land, sea, and industrial free zones.

Vipin Vohra, Chairman, Continental Carriers said, “Drones are set to revolutionise logistics by enabling faster, cost-effective, and eco-friendly last-mile deliveries. They can bypass traffic congestion, reduce delivery times, and reach remote or inaccessible areas with ease. In the coming years, advancements in AI, automation, and payload capacity will enhance their reliability, making them a game-changer for e-commerce, medical supplies, and urgent shipments.”

Sunil Kohli, MD, Rahat Cargo said, “Drones have a crucial role to achieve logistics efficiency considering its safety parameters. They enable real-time tracking and monitoring of shipments, ensuring timely and intact delivery. Drones help us by inspecting storage facilities and transportation fleets and to further uphold safety standards while handling regulatory compliance. They also conduct inspections in hazardous environments like mining sites, mitigating risks of accidents and fatalities. These are equipped with advanced censors and can detect environmental issues such as temperature and humidity, ensuring optimal storage conditions for goods. Drones have the potential to completely change the way that goods and services are delivered by giving the businesses ability to lower logistical costs, boost productivity, and provide customers with faster product delivery. This revolutionary innovation not only redefines operating standards but also holds out the possibility of a time when supply chains will function more responsibly than ever before and also meet the evolving demands of global commerce to address the challenging areas and deliver goods to locations that are difficult to access.”

  C K Govil, CMD, ActivAir Airfreight said, “Drones are set to revolutionise logistics and last-mile deliveries by enhancing speed, reducing costs and improving accessibility. They can bypass traffic, cut delivery times and reach remote areas efficiently. By minimising fuel consumption and labor costs, they offer a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional methods. AI-driven automation will optimize routes, ensuring seamless operations. As regulations evolve, drones will play a crucial role in faster, eco-friendly and efficient deliveries, making supply chains more resilient and responsive in the coming years.

Kamal Jain, Director, Cargomen Logistics said, “Drone logistics offers a promising solution to enhance speed, but policymakers must exercise caution to mitigate potential security challenges. This innovative technology is particularly valuable in areas where traditional transportation is difficult or impossible, such as hilly regions, riverbanks, jungles, and remote areas. The integration of drone logistics can: – Create new employment opportunities – Provide faster delivery of medical aid and essential supplies – Enhance accessibility to hard-to-reach areas – Streamline delivery of defense equipment and supplies. However, it’s crucial to address concerns surrounding security, regulation, and infrastructure to ensure the safe and effective deployment of drone logistics.”

Ankit Gupta, Founder, Skye Air Mobility said, “The PMGS is changing logistics landscape by driving multimodal linkage and fostering infra development. For the drone industry, this initiative marks a pivotal step toward integrating advanced technologies such as drones into the core logistics network. Complemented by government initiatives such as the Drone Shakti programme and the PLI schemes, a thriving ecosystem for drone startups is taking shape. At Skye Air, we are aligned with these efforts and recognise how PMGS aligns with potential of drone technology. By enabling inter-modal infra and offering policy support, this plan is poised to accelerate the adoption of drones in logistics operations. The potential for drones in India’s logistics sector is vast and transformative. These cutting-edge technologies address longstanding challenges such as traffic congestion, limited connectivity in remote areas, and the high costs associated with last-mile deliveries. At Skye Air, we’ve witnessed how drones revolutionize supply chains by significantly reducing delivery times and offering a cost-effective, highly efficient alternative to traditional logistics models. As industries like e-commerce, healthcare, and agriculture continue to expand, drones are set to become a cornerstone of the logistics ecosystem. The growing demand for quick commerce and faster deliveries, especially in urban areas, further underscores the critical role drones can play in reshaping the future of logistics.”

          Dubai-based cargo operator SolitAir Holding is looking to invest USD 25 million in the domestic market in the first year of operations, its founder and Chief Executive Officer Hamdi Osman has said. He also said that India is very critical for global trade and SolitAir places it at the top of its 50-city mission and vision that it is looking at in the long-term. The UAE’s only dedicated cargo-agnostic airline operating express daily scheduled services between Dubai and high-yield key trade routes across the Global South, started operations last year with a Boeing 737 freighter plans to connect and service 50 cities within a six-hour flight radius of the UAE through its air cargo network. “Based on cost and investment coming into India, we are talking anywhere between USD 20-25-million investment in the Indian market in the first year,” Osman told PTI. The company launched its freighter services to Bengaluru in January this year. He said that this investment could be doubled and tripled in the next 2-3 years as the company expands its network and increases the frequency of its services and that will be a big thing for the company.

The PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) organised Bharat Drone Manthan 2.0 in New Delhi focusing on Advancing the drone ecosystem towards Viksit Bharat. The experts focused on investing in drones manufacturing and technology to boost logistics efficiency, skilling and last mile deliveries. They also stressed upon creating an ecosystem in India for drones, by empowering startups, drone manufacturers and IT professionals. Piyush Srivastava, Senior Economic Advisor, MoCA and Shekhar Dutt, Member IIPA and Former Governor, Chattisgarh graced the event as guest of honours. The key focus areas included evolving futuristic drone technology and current policy landscape, impact of drones on defence sector, drones manufacturing, innovation and R&D, capacity building, etc. Industry experts also participated in drones exhibition and engaged in insightful discussions. Experts from various sectors like tourism, IT, MSMEs and logistics participated.