Category Archives: Aviation

Etihad Cargo has launched SmartTrack, a game-changing premium service that gives customers real-time access to shipment location and condition data, raising the bar for transparency in global air freight. Unveiled at Air Cargo Europe 2025 in Munich, SmartTrack positions Etihad Cargo as the first carrier globally to implement this type of advanced smart tracking solution. Developed in partnership with Tag-N-Trac, SmartTrack leverages cutting-edge smart label technology to deliver comprehensive end-to-end shipment monitoring. The label is equipped with cellular, GPS, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, capturing real-time data on exact location, temperature and humidity, shock, tilt and light exposure. This makes SmartTrack the ideal solution for mission-critical and condition-sensitive cargo, including pharmaceuticals, electronics and high-value goods. SmartTrack is designed with a focus on both efficiency and sustainability. The smart label, which can remain active for up to 30 days, features minimal packaging and eliminates the need for return logistics.

Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General, while speaking at the ongoing IATA AGM in New Delhi said, “On the air cargo side, the focus is ONE Record. For too long, aircraft have flown faster than the documentation that accompanies shipments—held back by fragmented systems, outdated processes, and limited data visibility. The current system won’t meet anyone’s expectations as customs requirements evolve and e-commerce volumes surge. The ONE Record global data-sharing standard will be the single accurate and real time source of truth for the entire value chain that built it together. The global rollout starts in January 2026, but to gain the full benefits we’ll be counting on two things: The industry stakeholders who built ONE Record to use it, and Governments to accept ONE Record data in their facilitation processes In a time of growing trade complexity, industry alignment and regulatory support is more critical than ever. Better compliance, cost savings and faster processing are substantial incentives for everyone to make ONE Record work. ”

Air India recorded 15 per cent increase in exports of mangoes this season. Buoyed by increased cargo capacity, in April the airline shipped 1,000 tonnes of mangoes and the volume in May is higher than the previous month, an airline spokesperson said in reports. The UK, the US, UAE, Canada, France, Germany and the Netherlands are the main export destinations. The top varieties exported include Alphonso, Safeda (Banganpalli) and Dussehri, added reports. The official spokesperson said, “In comparison to April 2024, we carried nearly 15 per cent more volume in April 2025. The volume of mangoes transported thus far in May is even higher than the last month, as we moved ahead into the mango season, though with the rains arriving early this year in many parts of the country, the volumes may reduce in the month of June.” Perishables account for around 22 per cent of Air India’s international cargo revenue.    

IndiGo has signed MoU with Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL) as part of the airline’s sustained commitment to enhancing its operational capabilities at the Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR Airport). Under the agreement, BIAL will allocate around 31 acres of land to IndiGo for development of maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) infrastructure to support the airline’s expanding fleet. Thestate–of–the–art facility will be equipped to handle both narrow-body and wide-body aircraft, further strengthening IndiGo’s maintenance capabilities and operational presence at the Bengaluru Airport. Pieter Elbers, Chief Executive Officer, IndiGo said: “Developing broad IndiGo MRO capabilities marks as significant and very strategic step for IndiGo. Partnering with BIAL underlines our shared commitment to drive long-term growth of the aviation ecosystem in Bengaluru and cement its status as, amongst the best and world-class international hubs in India. Together with BIAL, we are further shaping the future of Indian aviation by focusing on innovation, growth and global connectivity that will define India’s leadership in the skies. We see this collaboration as a pivotal step towards building a significant global presence for IndiGo, as well as for India.” Hari Marar, MD & CEO, Bangalore International Airport (BIAL) said: “We are delighted that India’s largest airline, IndiGo, has chosen Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR Airport), to set up its latest MRO facility and enhance its operations. We have had a very successful, long-term relationship with IndiGo, and this collaboration further strengthens our association with the airline. This is a strong validation of the growth potential of BLR Airport and the City of Bengaluru as a premier aviation hub. The partnership reinforces our commitment to developing world-class aviation infrastructure and enhancing BLR Airport’s role as India’s premier …

Sunil Kohli, MD, Rahat Cargo said, “The protection of cargo has been a crucial factor right from its exiting the shipper’s warehouse until it’s handed over to the airlines. The consequences of not sufficiently protecting cargo can be devastating, ranging from financial loss and damaged reputation to long-term, intricate legal disputes. And considering the fact that presently the thieves are highly tech-savvy and constantly developing modern ways and strategies to steal cargo from shippers, it’s essential that the vehicles must be equipped with high quality seals with unique serial numbers, barcodes and GPS for easy tracking followed by strict security protocols and procedures for handling, loading and unloading cargo to minimize the tempering or theft. The custodian of the airport are also expected to install CCTV at the strategic locations apart from keeping strict vigil on the movement and activities by its personnel concerned. The monitoring cell should also be imparted with the related training for proper implementation of security measures.”

Jinali Gandhi, Director – Global Growth & Expansion, Gandhi Automations said, “Safety is at the heart of all our designs. Our dock levelers have anti-slip checkered platforms and built-in safety features that prevent workers and forklifts from falling off the edge. High-speed doors come with sensors that stop the door if a person or vehicle is detected. Dock shelters create a sealed environment to protect goods from weather, dust, and pests. Additionally, we follow international safety standards in design and installation to minimize the risk of accidents and product damage during loading and unloading. We design our products to grow along with our customers’ evolving needs. A number of our systems are modular in nature, allowing them to be expanded or upgraded over time. Many of our solutions also feature smart control sensors and automation options that can integrate seamlessly with warehouse management systems or existing building infrastructure. For example, our high-speed doors can be connected to sensors and access systems for hands-free operation. Whether a customer is beginning with basic automation or operating a fully smart warehouse, our solutions are built with the flexibility to adapt to future requirements.”

Malcolm Dsouza. CEO, KSH Distriparks said, “GPS helps monitor vehicle and container tracking. Drivers training for defensive driving and education on vehicle health to reduce accidents and zero fatalities. Vehicle health check up and periodic maintenance, Geo fencing through GPS for cargo and vehicle safety. The infrastructure has seen huge developments in the last few years, average container turnaround time in the ports areas have seen improvements due to the construction of new roads and flyovers. The missing link on the Mumbai Pune expressway will be a significant game changer for the heavy vehicles. Rail infrastructure is also to see a significant development between Mumbai and Pune. The proposed ring road to create better access between the national highways and stand alone MIDC’s.”

Softlink Global educates customers about LogiTrack, an extension of its LogiSys platform that brings real-time shipment tracking and booking management into one easy-to-use digital tool, in a webinar. The session saw participation from over 300 attendees, including freight forwarders, logistics professionals, and customers from across the industry. Led by Ashwin Mishra, Head – Product team and Vishal Pawar, Sr. Manager – Product, the webinar gave attendees a comprehensive look into how LogiTrack is transforming the way logistics businesses manage shipment visibility, documentation, and communication – all on a single unified platform. What is LogiTrack? LogiTrack is a branded customer portal within Softlink’s Logi-Sys platform, built specifically for freight forwarders. It enables forwarders to offer their customers—shippers and consignees—a secure, self-service interface for real-time shipment tracking, document management, and financial visibility. More than just a tracking tool, LogiTrack acts as an extension of the forwarder’s brand, empowering them to deliver transparency, build trust, and enhance customer relationships. It consolidates critical shipment information into a single platform, reducing communication gaps and helping forwarders stand out in a competitive logistics landscape. Key Highlights from the Webinar Real-time Tracking: Users can see live updates of shipments via a map view, including location tracking using AIS data. Easy Booking: Customers can send booking requests directly to logistics service providers (LSPs), attach documents, and receive timely updates. Invoice Access: Shippers can view, verify, and download invoices and documents directly through the platform – no more endless email chains! User-Friendly Interface: LogiTrack works seamlessly across mobile and desktop, and can even be embedded into customer websites. Approvals Made Simple: The tool includes workflows for approving shipping documents, keeping records locked and secure. White-label Ready: Businesses can brand …

According to IATA, seasonal demand, front loading of shipments to avoid tariffs and lower fuel prices helped air cargo demand rise again in April, but airlines need to remain ready for trade changes, IATA has warned. The trade association said that total demand, measured in cargo tonne km (CTK), rose by 5.8% year on year. Month-on-month, demand also rose by 2.3%. Demand rose 4.4% year on year in March due to front loading of cargo. Fashion and consumer goods are typically shipped between April and June, ahead of the summer retail cycle, supporting these numbers. Moreover, front-loading aimed at avoiding the upcoming US tariff change on 2 May, 2025, regarding lifting of the de minimis allowance, contributed as well,” said IATA in its Air Cargo Market Analysis for April. Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne km (ACTK), increased by 6.3%. The cargo load factor (CLF)—measured as CTK divided by ACTK—stood at 43.9%, a 0.2 percentage point decline compared to April 2024.

Zeeshan Mukhi, Vice President – Freight Forwarding, Subcontinent DP World said, “Significant investments are being channelled into specialised warehousing for high-growth segments like e-commerce, perishables, and pharmaceuticals, creating new opportunities for Indian exporters and strengthening domestic supply chains. While growth prospects are strong, challenges persist in multimodal connectivity and last-mile logistics. Addressing these gaps, DP World has developed an integrated ecosystem comprising 3 free trade warehousing zones, 5 million square feet of warehousing space, and a 15,000-pincode express network. As India’s one of the largest private rail freight operator with 16,000+ containers and 7 inland terminals, the company is enhancing critical connectivity between ports, airports, and hinterland markets. Private sector efforts complement government initiatives like the UDAN 5.0 scheme which is upgrading cargo infrastructure at 24+ Tier 2/3 city airports. The convergence of public and private investment is creating seamless logistics solutions that boost India’s trade competitiveness. With the air cargo sector projected to maintain its double-digit growth trajectory, these coordinated developments position India to capitalize on shifting global supply chains and meet rising demand for efficient freight solutions.”