Category Archives: Aviation

Apeksha Gupta, Head of Skilling at VCJ Foundation says, “To tackle peak hour challenges and airport congestion, we should leverage advanced technology like AI-driven traffic management systems and real-time passenger flow analytics. Implementing smart queuing solutions and enhancing communication through mobile apps can streamline processes. Additionally, promoting staggered flight schedules and flexible check-in options can distribute demand more evenly, improving the overall passenger experience and operational efficiency at airports.”

Sunil Kohli, MD, Rahat Cargo says, “The congestion mainly at the airports of metro cities begins from the cargo offloading at the limited truck-doc areas due to departure schedules of flights of several carriers coinciding with each other followed by a delayed process of weighment by the custodian. An absence of regulated parking & offloading processes at the platforms results in bunching of huge cargo at any given time. The subsequent congestion occurs for the screening process wherein large quantum of cargo queues up for their turns incurring considerable delays. Thus, all the related agencies have to provide the requisite facilities commensurate with the growth of cargo tonnage facilitating hassle free timely handling of processes. The related agencies must install additional provisions and redesign their systems and processes, wherever needed to be in readiness for any peak demand scenario. They must also consider using technology, coordination, and best practices to optimize the use of resources and minimize delays and congestions.”

Vipin Vohra, Chairman, Continental Carriers said, “Efficiently managing peak-hour challenges and congestion at airports requires a multi-faceted approach. Implementing advanced digital tools like AI-powered slot management and real-time tracking can enhance operational flow. Collaborative planning, optimizing terminal layouts, and promoting off-peak cargo processing are critical. Additionally, considering the handling of cargo at off-airport locations, such as Air Freight Stations (AFS), can serve as an effective alternative to manage peak-hour challenges and ensure seamless operations.”

Dinesh Krishnan, Member MC & Chairman, ACAAI Southern Region says, “The peak hours challenges have always been there at the air cargo terminals across the country. Despite many efforts, the flow of cargo post lunch until 9 pm is not smooth & congestion on weekends plague the industry efficiency. Heavy incentive, ‘Happy hours’ (pre-lunch hrs. carting), allows only less than 24 hours uplift on confirmed booking and carting in to shed, additional deployment of assets (manpower and equipment) for peak hours, duty fee and usage of load predicative technology to anticipate in advance the weekly trend to mitigate the problem to some extent. CTO’S needs to find solutions and deploy adequate assets to ensure the terminals are able to process air cargo quickly and efficiently, 24/7 as mandated by contracts.

At the ongoing India International Cargo Show (IICS) in Mumbai, Sanjiv Edward, President, Air Cargo Forum India (ACFI) says, “Air freight services have long been the cornerstone of global trade, offering fast and reliable transportation across continents. As global chains become more complex and e-commerce continues to expand, the need for expedited shipping and air freight also has become relevant. Key industries such as pharmaceuticals, electronics, high-value goods, heavily rely on air freight, especially for time-sensitive shipments. Today, the logistics market is about 9.8 trillion globally and including 3PL, 4PL, warehousing, freight, everything combined. But currently due to the way the world is going, and the progression of the market is positive, we are looking at about 16, close to 18 trillion by 2032. This presents opportunity for all. Air freight is the backbone of high-value and time-sensitive shipments. Today, it’s about a 300-million-dollar market growing at a CAGR of about 6.2% and it will be closer to about 500 million, 85 million precisely by 2031. And our ambition is to be part of that growth which this industry is going through. Looking at the Indian context, the Indian aviation industry is one of the fastest growing in the world, we know that. We have the government in fact committed to about 920 billion in airport infrastructure. We will be building about 400 plus airports by 2025 and then adding another 200 in two decades.”

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has launched an ‘Air Cargo Device Assessment Programme’ with the aim of validating air cargo tracking devices, data loggers and sensor-equipped devices for compliance with industry safety standards. IATA explained the assessment programme aims to support more effective delivery of time and temperature sensitive shipments, reduce waste and preserve the integrity of shipments. The trade body said that for device manufacturers, the assessment programme streamlines the validation process by eliminating repetitive documentation requirements, facilitates easier access to airline contacts for device authorisation and enhances visibility in the global market. Airlines are expected to benefit from safer operations with fewer undeclared devices, simplified internal approval processes, and a consolidated repository of approved devices. Shippers and forwarders gain centralised access to approved device information, enabling better planning for routing and carrier selection. The device assessment programme validates compliance with IATA’s Recommended Practice 1693, which provides critical safety guidance for electromagnetic compatibility and battery safety. Validation data will be accessible via ONE Source, which provides a single access point to stakeholders searching for approved tracking devices.

The L.I.T. Group continues its strategic expansion into key global markets with the establishment of L.I.T. Logistics Services India. The new subsidiary operates in Chennai, Cochin, Bangalore, Delhi and Mumbai, reflecting India’s growing significance in the global marketplace. By launching operations in India, L.I.T. addresses the increasing demand for efficient and reliable logistics solutions in land, sea, and air transportation. The headquarters in Chennai not only offers presence in one of the major ports in India, but also close connectivity to transport networks, along with proximity to key industrial hubs, making it a central pillar of the group’s growth strategy in India. Martin Thomas, a seasoned logistics expert with extensive experience and local expertise in the Indian market, has been appointed as Managing Director. “India has become one of the most important markets globally in recent years. By establishing L.I.T. India, we are making a strategic investment in the country’s growth while bringing our expertise and high-quality standards to this dynamic market,” says Simeon Breuer, Member of the Executive Board of the L.I.T. Group. With the launch of L.I.T. India, the logistics specialist from Brake has, for the first time, established a subsidiary in the world’s most populous country Comprehensive Services With tailored solutions, L.I.T. enables its customers to achieve even greater supply chain efficiency. These customers include companies from industries such as Automotive, Machinery, Pharmaceuticals, Electronics, and Textiles. The new subsidiary focuses on multimodal transport solutions, offering a broad range of services including customs clearance and documentation, warehousing and distribution, and specialized project cargo handling. By leveraging L.I.T.’s global network and in-depth understanding of the Indian market, customers benefit from customized logistics solutions at competitive prices. Key Hub: Chennai …

  The India International Cargo Show (IICS) kick-started on 11th December at Jio Convention Centre in Mumbai. The Grand Inaugural Address focusing on Empowering India’s Gateway to the World: A Vision for Next-Gen Logistics and Trade saw the presence of eminent speakers like Unmesh Sharad Wagh, IRS, Chairman, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, Mukesh Oza, Group President and CEO, Samsara Group, Ali Türk, Chief Cargo Officer, Turkish Airlines, Dushyant Mulani, Chairman  Federation of Freight Forwarders’ Associations in India (FFFAI), Shankar Shinde, Chairman, International Federation of Customs Brokers Associations (IFCBA), Sanjiv Edward, President, Air Cargo Forum India (ACFI). Industry leaders also indulged in various insightful panel discussions on topics such as strengthening global supply chains, future of ocean freight, multimodal logistics and air cargo. The three day event is also organising exhibition for air cargo leaders to meet, greet, network and collaborate.

With expanding their fleet in Germany by 40 Volvo FM Electric trucks, DB Schenker is taking the next important step towards a sustainable future in logistics. The electric 20-ton trucks with the option for trailer operation are perfectly suited for both urban and regional transports. The 40 new vehicles will be deployed nationwide from December 2024. “By deploying an additional 40 electric Volvos for last-mile delivery, DB Schenker underlines its commitment to leading the transition to sustainable drive systems and strengthens its partnership with Volvo Trucks,” says Cyrille Bonjean, Executive Vice President Land Transport at DB Schenker in Europe, adding, “We will be able to offer low-emission transport solutions to our customers across the country.” On the way to sustainable logistics, DB Schenker continuously invests in innovative, low-emission land, air, and sea freight solutions to meet the growing customer demand for low-emission supply chains and to support them in achieving their sustainability goals. The use of electric trucks like the Volvo FM Electric is an important contribution to reducing CO₂ emissions in land transport. Another advantage of the electric drive is the significantly quieter operation compared to the conventional combustion engine. These two characteristics make the Volvo FM Electric ideal for use in urban areas.

  Federation of Freight Forwarders’ Associations in India (FFFAI) celebrated its 63rd Foundation  Day on December 2, 2024 at Bengaluru. Office Bearers and Executive Members of the Federation from across the country and members of the Federation from Bengaluru attended this event in large numbers. N. Sivasailam Special Secretary Logistics (Retd.), Government of India graced the event as Guest of Honour, while P.K. Agrawal Pr. Chief Commissioner, CGST, Bengaluru Zone graced the event as Chief Guest. Advisors (Past Chairmen) of the Federation,  P S.Krishnan, R. Radhakrishnan, Shantanu Bhadkamkar, S.Ramakrishna & A.V. Vijaykumar were special invitees for the event. Dushyant Mulani, Chairman, FFFAI is his opening address welcomed the Chief Guest, Guest of Honour, Advisors andExecutive Committee Members present for the event. Stating that it was a proud moment for FFFAI, he reiterated commitment of the Federation of further strengthening its vision of facilitating the trade, protecting custom brokers and empowering the fraternity with knowledge, skill development and training. He maintained that with the strength of its 31 Member Associations and close relationship with CBIC the Federation’s endeavour would be to closely work with the Government in reaching the goal of ‘Vikshit Bharat’ by 2047. Federation felicitated, the Chief Guest and the Guest of Honour with a bouquet of flower and shawl.