Ahead of the expected annual peak season in air transport, DB Schenker has chosen cargo.one to digitally connect with dozens more airlines from across the globe. The collaboration enhances the global logistics service provider’s portfolio of live capacity access from nine originally to over 50 airlines in total. From now on, DB Schenker can better identify suitable capacities and fitting rates for ad-hoc shipments of its customers. Thorsten Meincke, Global Board Member for Air & Ocean Freight, DB Schenker: “We continue to digitalize transportation by establishing solutions that are highly demanded on the market. By boosting our access to available airline capacities, we save time for our customers and make processes faster, smoother, and more efficient for them. cargo.one is the perfect fit for this endeavor as they bring profound expertise in managing the massive amount of real-time data to the game.” Christa Koenen, Global Board Member for Information Technology and Digitalization (CIO/CDO), DB Schenker: “Every day we strive to lead the digitalization of the freight forwarding industry. With more than 150 years of business expertise, we aim to choose the ideal external providers to build up new options based on innovation and technology. Efficiency gains accomplished through IT help to make the entire logistics industry more resource efficient. The more carriers DB Schenker connects to digitally, and thus automates and optimizes processes, the better the final choice for our customers will be. The concept is comparable with automated last-minute deals from airlines or travel agents.”

The quick recovery of July’s global IT outage produced no significant ongoing disruption to resurgent air cargo demand, with rates rising for a sixth consecutive month, according to the latest market analysis by Xeneta.   Global average air cargo spot rates reached USD 2.66 per kg in July, +20% higher year-on-year. This was again driven by strong global cargo demand growth. July volumes rose +13% year-on-year, thanks to buoyant e-commerce demand from Asia as well as the comparatively low demand base in the corresponding month in 2023. In contrast, global air cargo supply grew at a much slower pace of +2% year-on-year this July. Demand growth alongside only a modest increase in capacity supply produced an expected boost to the global dynamic load factor. It exceeded last year’s level by five percentage points, reaching 59% in July. Dynamic load factor is Xeneta’s measurement of capacity utilisation based on volume and weight of cargo flown alongside available capacity.

  Blue Dart has expanded its direct reach to over 300 pin codes to commemorate India’s 78th Independence Day, themed ‘Viksit Bharat’. This expansion represents a significant increase in the company’s direct coverage capabilities. By leveraging Blue Dart’s connectivity to these additional pin codes, businesses can enhance their supply efficiency through faster, safer, and more cost-effective movements. Customers will benefit from improved transit times, reliability, and access to a broader network. On this development, Balfour Manuel, Managing Director, Blue Dart, said, “By expanding our direct reach to more pin codes, we enhance accessibility and empower SMEs and MSMEs to connect and expand their business to both domestic and international markets. This aligns with the spirit of India’s 78th Independence Day theme and highlights our commitment to growth, operational excellence, and a customer-centric approach as our key market differentiator.” Blue Dart offers an extensive service network of secure and reliable express delivery services, covering over 56,000 locations nationwide. This expanded direct reach reinforces Blue Dart’s commitment to customer satisfaction by connecting to more geographies directly and facilitating business growth. The company’s robust infrastructure includes a fleet of 8 Boeing aircraft, over 33,000 on-ground vehicles including 480+ E-vehicles, and 2,253 facilities nationwide, guaranteeing swift and secure deliveries. Blue Dart, as part of the DHL Group’s DHL eCommerce Solutions division, leverages the world’s largest express and ground network to extend its reach to over 220 countries and territories globally. Blue Dart’s comprehensive service offerings empower SMEs and MSMEs by providing the essential logistics support needed to expand their services and direct reach even the most remote areas. By enhancing the operational capabilities of small and medium-sized enterprises, Blue Dart enables them to thrive …

Mahindra Logistics in collaboration with Sangti Solutions an AI powered sustainability startup announced a technology collaboration offering EmissionAnalytics to innovate and optimise end-to-end supply chain operations. Focusing on Scope 3 climate pollution, the partnership will provide Carbon emission KPIs for sectors such as auto, telecom, e–commerce, manufacturing, and white goods across full truck load, part truck load, warehousing, and cross border solutions. Accelerating the company’s commitment to Net Zero, this collaboration aligns with Mahindra Logistics Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) commitments, supporting the broader goal of greensupply chains. The company continually empowers its customers and partners to decarbonise their supply chains, adopt greener operational models, and mitigate carbon output through advanced tools. Mahindra Logistics green logistics ecosystem is a suite of solutions designed to help the company achieve its goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2040. It includes carbon –neutral warehousing solutions, sustainable transportation practices, an EV fleet for last mile delivery, plantation initiatives, energy efficiency improvements, and advancements in alternate fuels such as LNG and hydrogen.

  Qatar Airways Cargo has selected Octoloop by Cargo Flash as its digital cargo booking platform via its wallet services from India, starting with Delhi and Mumbai. This partnership is set to revolutionize the cargo logistics landscape, offering streamlined operations and increased efficiency for Qatar Airways Cargo by giving opportunities to incremental freight forwarders to connect with Qatar Airways Cargo and take advantage of its air freight services on the airline’s extensive network. With an emphasis on seamless digital cargo bookings, Octoloop offers an array of features tailored to meet the evolving needs of the industry, including: • Real time rates with dynamic pricing • Connecting SMEs directly with the airline • Instant capacity bookings • Revenue enhancement opportunities • Cost-effective and scalable solution Faisal Karamat, Vice President Cargo Customer Experience at Qatar Airways Cargo reflected on the strategic benefits, stating, “Adopting Octoloop aligns perfectly with our goals to maximise our reach in markets and offer superior service to our customers enrolled via the pay module. This tool will not only enhance our customer base but also support our growth ambitions in the Indian market. Digitalisation is a key pillar of our strategy and by providing our customers in India with another option to book online via Octoloop, we are enhancing our omni-channel offering too.” Jasraj Chug, Co-Founder and Director of Cargo Flash, shared his vision for the partnership, stating, “Our collaboration with Qatar Airways Cargo marks a milestone in digital logistics. Octoloop is designed to transform cargo operations by enhancing efficiency and connectivity. We are excited to see how this partnership will greatly benefit the logistics ecosystem in India.” Cargo Flash Infotech, a pioneering IT & business solution provider …

  The Maharashtra government has approved the Logistics Policy 2024,aimed at revolutionizing the state’s logistics infrastructure and generating approximately 500,000 job opportunities. The policy includes the development of over 200 logistics parks, complexes, and truck terminals equipped with advanced facilities. Infrastructure Development involves Establishment of more than 10,000 acres of dedicated logistics infrastructure. Plans to Create 25 district logistics nodes, five regional logistics hubs, five state logistics hubs, one national logistics hub, and one international logistics hubs. Plans to Promote high-tech logistics through Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain technology, robotics, automation, IoT, digitization, drones, and fintech to create tech-savvy. To be developed in the Navi Mumbai-Pune region on 2,000 acres, linked to the new international airport at Panvel, with a budget of ₹1,500 crore. National Mega Logistics Hub: Located in the Nagpur-Wardha area on 1,500 acres, connected to the Mumbai-Nagpur Expressway, with an allocation of ₹1,500 crore. State Logistics Hubs: Five hubs covering 500 acres each in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar-Jalna, Thane-Bhiwandi, Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg, Pune-Purandar, and Palghar-Wadhawan, with ₹2,500 crore allocated. Regional Logistics Hubs: Five hubs covering 300 acres each in Nanded-Degloor, Amravati-Badnera, Kolhapur-Ichalkaranji, Nashik-Sinnar, and Dhule-Shirpur, with a budget of ₹1,500 crore.

LP Logiscience, the contract logistics and warehousing arm of the esteemed Liladhar Pasoo Group, expands its warehousing capabilities to Coimbatore, with a state-of-the-art Grade A warehouse. Strategically situated near Madukkarai in Coimbatore, the proposed warehouse spans an impressive 1.3 lakh sq. ft., offering a storage capacity of over 15,000 pallet positions. Situated just 1 km from the NH544 Bypass, this meticulously crafted location is strategically designed to cater to diverse industries, providing them with reliable, streamlined, and eco-friendly storage and logistics solutions. Coimbatore is rapidly emerging as a smart city and a major industrial and manufacturing hub, particularly in the automobile sector. The city is renowned for its robust infrastructure, skilled workforce, and business-friendly environment, attracting numerous national and international companies. As part of India’s Smart Cities Mission, Coimbatore is undergoing significant urban development and technological upgrades, making it an attractive destination for industrial growth. In line with these developments, LP Logiscience’s new facility is equipped to meet the growing demands of the smart city.  JLL India is the transaction partner for the e-warehousethat will be developed by NDR Space Pvt. Varun Gada, Director of LP Logiscience, stated, “We are thrilled to expand our presence in one of the most promising Tier 2 smart cities of the country. Strategically situated near Madukkarai in Coimbatore, this Grade A warehouse, with a capacity of 15,000 pallet positions, marks a significant milestone in our growth journey. This new facility exemplifies our commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology and sustainable operations in tier 2 towns, aligning perfectly with our business goals for the year. By establishing state-of-the-art warehouses like this, we aim to enhance our ability to provide top-notch warehousing solutions and logistics support to our …

Aeroprime Group, awarded as India’s leading new-age GSSA, is thrilled to announce its appointment as the exclusive Cargo General Sales and Service Agent (GSSA) in Delhi, India for Thai Airways, effective September 1, 2024. This strategic partnership marks a significant milestone for Aeroprime Group, reinforcing its position as the market leader in the cargo sector and enhancing Thai Airways’ cargo operations in India. Thai Airways operates a diverse fleet of over 77 aircrafts, including Airbus A320, A350, A330, and Boeing B787, B777, among others. The airline services numerous destinations across Thailand, the Asia-Pacific region, and Europe. Currently, it operates three daily flights and increase to 4 flights every Saturday between Delhi and Bangkok, offering direct connectivity between India, Thailand, and beyond. Aeroprime Group, renowned for its innovative solutions and customer-centric approach, will manage and oversee Thai Airways’ cargo sales, marketing, and operations. This partnership aims to bolster exports from India, leveraging Thai Airways’ superior logistical operations and facilities to manage all types of cargo, including DG goods, perishables, and temperature-controlled pharmaceuticals etc. With access to Thai Airways’ extensive network and superior operational excellence, this partnership will further help the Indian businesses and exporters to tap the Asia Pacific market with confidence. This collaboration aims to further streamline and optimize the airline’s cargo services, ensuring efficient, reliable, and seamless logistics solutions. Commenting on the announcement,  Abhishek Goyal, Executive Director of Aeroprime Group, said, “We are honored to be appointed as the exclusive Cargo GSSA for one of the largest and most prestigious airlines in South-East Asia, Thai Airways. At Aeroprime, we are keen to grow our business and maintain our market leadership position in the air cargo sector. This partnership further solidifies our …

  Tej Contractor, Director, Mayur C. Contractor Logistics, MCC Container Lines and Transcargo India is a quintessential visionary industry leader, known for his forward-thinking approach and innovative mindset. He was felicitated with Gold Award under the category, ‘DDP Game Changer’, at the recently held India Cargo Awards 2024, the country’s topmost awards which helps create a platform to recognise and honor heroes of logistics and air cargo industry. Chief Guest Unmesh Sharad Wagh, Chairman, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) and Guest of Honour P K Rout, Deputy Director General, MoS, GoI presented the award. He has over two decades of experience in the logistics industry, his academic background includes a Bachelor of Commerce from H.R College of Commerce and Economics and an MBA from the S.P Jain Institute of Management and Research. In his professional journey, he has embraced various roles, including being a dedicated trainer with Bombay University’s Garware Institute, JBS Academy in Ahmedabad, and the Indian Institute of Freight Forwarders. My skills span across information technology, a continuous quest for learning, and a passion for networking and meeting new people.

Industry veteran H. K. Vithalani, the Founder Chairman of Global Aviation Services, was felicitated with Gold Award under the category, ‘Gallery of Legends’, at the recently held India Cargo Awards 2024, the country’s topmost awards which helps create a platform to recognise and honor heroes of logistics and air cargo industry. Chief Guest Unmesh Sharad Wagh, Chairman, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) and Guest of Honour P K Rout, Deputy DG Shipping, Ministry of Shipping, GoI presented the award. Vithalani, boasts a celebrated career spanning nearly five decades in the aviation industry. Renowned for his innovative and visionary leadership, he has established The Global Group as a beacon of excellence in the Indian air cargo sector, garnering international acclaim. In 1975, he founded The Global Group with the first Airline GSSA, establishing its first office in Bangalore, laying the groundwork for a dominant presence in Indian air cargo. Throughout his illustrious career, Vithalani has consistently set the highest standards of service, creating a community founded on ethics, goodwill, and relationships. His commitment to nurturing a robust network has ensured the company’s growth and success, demonstrating his belief in the power of people and enduring connections.