Category Archives: Aviation

Fletcher Samuel, AGM & Senior Lead, Cargo Business, BIAL was honoured with the DDP Face of the Future Award at the recently concluded India Cargo Awards 2025 in New Delhi. Samuel plays a key role in driving strategic initiatives and innovation in air cargo operations. With a focus on improving efficiency and building collaborative partnerships, he has led multiple key projects that have enhanced cargo movement and infrastructure at Bangalore airport. He also serves as the Chairman, ACFI, BLR Chapter, and contributes to industry-wide dialogue and development. Fletcher has rich experience of working across logistics hubs, such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Mumbai, Delhi, and Hyderabad, which gave him a global perspective on cargo ops and airport logistics.

Ahead of 49th ACAAI Annual Convention this November, Vikram Kumar, VP, Air Cargo Agents Association of India (ACAAI) said, “By harnessing digital technologies, and data-driven insights etc, stakeholders can overcome physical and policy barriers, enhance transparency, and build resilience.” He said, “The theme calls on the industry to turn constraints into opportunities — altering trade by rethinking processes, strengthening partnerships, and driving sustainable, technology-enabled growth.” The 49th ACAAI Convention’s theme, ‘Connected yet Constrained: Transforming Trade Amidst Rising Barriers’, is thought-provoking. It captures the paradox confronting global trade today, while digitalisation, automation, and real-time data have made the world more connected than ever. It highlights the need for the air cargo industry to view connectivity not merely as a tool for efficiency but as a catalyst for transformation.

Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport (Indore) is set to enhance its air cargo operations by launching dedicated cargo flights in collaboration with local trade and industrial bodies. The proposal was discussed during the recent Airport Advisory Committee meeting, chaired by MP Shankar Lalwani. Airport Director Vipin Kant Seth said the initiative aims to boost regional exports and strengthen domestic freight connectivity across central India., senior officials, and representatives from various industry associations reviewed ongoing infrastructure projects and future development plans. He noted the introduction of dedicated cargo services would enable faster, more efficient movement of goods to key domestic and international markets.

Worldwide air cargo volumes shot up by 4 per cent in Q3 2025 compared with the same period last year, even as average global rates dipped 3 per cent year-on-year. Cumulatively, year-to-date tonnages are up 4 per cent YoY, while overall air cargo rates for 2025 remain broadly in line with the first nine months of 2024, reflecting consistent demand amid evolving market conditions. Chargeable weight in three months ending September continued the year’s pattern of steady quarterly growth, following increases of over 4 per cent in Q2 and over 3 per cent in Q1.

Reshma Zaheer, COO, TT Logistics & Cargo, was presented with DDP Game Changer Award at the recently concluded India Cargo Awards 2025 in New Delhi. With over three decades in the air cargo industry, she brings depth of experience as well as forward-looking approach to leadership. Ensconced as the COO for the past 15 years, she has expanded the company’s GSSA ops and established global capability centres that deliver long-term strategic value to partners and customers.    

Kuehne+Nagel has opened new air logistics gateway in Bengaluru underscoring its commitment to adapt quickly to shifting market conditions and evolving customer requirements, while expanding its global network. The gateway manages consolidation and deconsolidation of cargo, streamlines customs processes, and provides temperature-controlled handling to ensure reliability and efficiency. Integrated with company’s digital platforms, including the customer booking tool myKN. Bengaluru was selected for its connections to hubs, such as Frankfurt, Hong Kong, Dubai, and Chicago. Its role as a centre for technology and trade, and its increasing relevance in cross-border logistics. With access to trade lanes spanning Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and North America, the new gateway will serve high-growth sectors such as high-tech, healthcare, automotive and new mobility.

The Air Cargo Agents Association of India (ACAAI) is all set to host its 49th Annual Convention in Bali, Indonesia. “Its theme, ‘Connected yet constrained: Transforming trade amidst rising barriers,’ captures the realities of global commerce today,” said CK Govil, Immediate Past President, ACAAI. He said, “The world is digitally and economically linked than ever before, yet challenged by trade restrictions, geopolitical tensions, and shifting regulatory frameworks. These constraints compel the logistics and air cargo industry to rethink traditional models and embrace transformation through innovation, technology, and collaboration.” He added, “The theme reflects the duality of our times — where connectivity enables opportunity, but constraints demand adaptability. For India, this signifies an opportunity to position itself as a reliable global logistics hub, capitalising on its strategic strengths and policy reforms.”

Vikramjit Singh Ahluwalia, MD, Air Logistics Group India, go the DDP Trailblazer Award at the recently concluded India Cargo Awards 2025 in New Delhi. With 30 years of experience in global aviation cargo and logistics, Ahluwalia is recognised for his vision and execution. He he has been instrumental in launching and establishing operations for leading international carriers such as Bmi Cargo, Ocean Airlines, Jade Cargo International, All Nippon Airways, Garuda Indonesia, Brussels Airlines, Alitalia, American Airlines, DHL Aviation, and Sichuan Airlines across India.

Commenting on the trade disruptions between US and India, CK Govil, CMD, Activair Airfreight, said, “Tariffs continue to weigh heavily on India’s pharma exports, driving up costs and undermining competitiveness in key markets such as the US. As global trade dynamics shift and tensions between the US and India persist over pricing and market access, Indian pharma exporters face mounting uncertainty. While India continues to be leading supplier of affordable generics to the world, higher tariffs and regulatory hurdles in importing countries threaten supply chain stability and restrict patient access to essential medicines. To safeguard its leadership in global healthcare, India must engage in trade negotiations, seek tariff relief, and strengthen partnerships to ensure open, reliable, and resilient market access.”

Manohar International Airport (MIA), developed and operated by GMR Goa International Airport Ltd (GGIAL) has announced handling of its first-ever expedition non-scheduled charter movement for National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, Vasco Goa (NCPOR). This charter flight an IL76 carrying essential material such as medicines, food supplies and other general commodities to Antarctica via Cape Town (South Africa) for the ongoing research in Polar and Ocean Sciences at Antarctica expedition. This is the first time an IL-76 has taken off from MIA. IL 76 nicknamed the ‘Gajraj’ is a large, Soviet-designed, four-engine turbofan strategic airlifter known for its heavy-lift capability, it serves as a primary transport aircraft carrying cargo to remote locations. This charter movement is the third specialised cargo charter handled by GMR Goa Air Cargo at MIA within last two years. GGACL has been a choice for handling critical specialised freighters and non-scheduled cargo charter ops with its world class infra, and specialised cargo handling capabilities.