Category Archives: Aviation

Softlink Academy, the skill development arm of Softlink Global, has signed MoU with Sitara Shipping to strengthen talent development and internship opportunities in logistics and shipping. The agreement focuses on deploying industry-ready professionals trained in digital logistics, bridging the gap between education and employment. Through this collaboration, Softlink Academy will provide hands-on, practical training in logistics technology, while Sitara Shipping will facilitate real-world exposure and career opportunities across its business operations and network. The initiative ensures that MSMEs and large enterprises gain access to skilled professionals who can drive digital adoption and efficiency in logistics and shipping. Amit Maheshwari, Founder & CEO of Softlink Global, said, “At Softlink, we have always believed that the future of logistics rests on the strength of its people. This MoU is a step forward in ensuring that the next generation of professionals are equipped with the right digital skills to succeed. By linking skill development to industry demand, we are not only creating employable talent but also supporting businesses to thrive in a fast-evolving ecosystem.”

The Managing Committee of ACAAI met on 26th August 2025 in Mumbai, where the key agenda for the upcoming 49th ACAAI Annual Convention, to be held from 6th to 9th November 2025 in Bali, Indonesia was discussed. It was also decided to approach the members to make the convention a success by participating in large numbers.

  CargoAi announced the CargoCoPilot Agent — Unified AI for air cargo, a conversational AI that works across WhatsApp, email, airline websites and their own CargoMART platform to streamline everyday workflows for airlines, GSAs and freight forwarders. The Agent handles common customer requests end‑to‑end — from AWB‑based tracking and rate & capacity search to automated booking and instant answers — cutting manual back-and-forth and speeding up responses industry‑wide. The CargoCoPilot Agent is the next evolution of CargoAi’s AI portfolio, building on years of investment and proven products such as the CargoCoPilot AI Outlook Plugin, CargoCoPilot via API and AI‑Powered Rates inside CargoMART. This launch represents a step‑change in capability: a single, secure AI interface that understands any language and meets customers wherever they work. “AI must feel natural, trustworthy and useful from day one. With CargoCoPilot Agent, a forwarder can simply ask ‘Show me rates to JFK’ or “Where is my shipment?” — and the Agent does the rest,” said Matt Petot, CEO at CargoAi. “CargoAi is not experimenting with AI — we are deploying it live, at scale and with measurable business value. With these new developments we are targeting to automate not less than 50% of emails interactions received by our industry, making room for higher valued tasks.”

Cargo Flash Infotech has partnered with EgyptAir Cargo to implement the advanced ‘nGen’ Integrated Cargo Management System (ICMS). This partnership represents a significant milestone in EgyptAir Cargo’s digital transformation journey, aimed at modernising cargo operations and enhancing service delivery across its international network. Developed by Cargo Flash, the nGen ICMS is a comprehensive, cloud-based solution designed to replace legacy systems with a unified digital platform. It automates end-to-end cargo processes — including booking, documentation, warehousing and final delivery — while providing real-time visibility, operational accuracy and seamless integration across the cargo value chain. Jasraj S Chug, Co-founder and Director, Cargo Flash Infotech said, “Our collaboration with EgyptAir Cargo is a strategic alignment of vision and capabilities, focused on driving digital excellence in the air cargo industry. The implementation of our nGen ICMS will enable EgyptAir Cargo to optimise operations, enhance transparency and scale efficiently in a competitive global landscape. The successful implementation of nGen ICMS was led by Neha Kumari, Vice President SaaS Products, Cargo Flash.

Keku Bomi Gazder, MD and CEO, Aviapro Logistic Services said, “E-commerce, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and agriculture are major sectors driving growth in domestic and international cargo transport. The rise of online shopping demands faster, more efficient logistics. Manufacturing exports, especially in electronics and automotive parts, boost freight volumes. Pharmaceuticals contribute significantly to air cargo due to strict timelines and temperature controls. Additionally, agricultural exports benefit from expanding cold chain infrastructure. Government initiatives like dedicated freight corridors and port modernisation enhance overall logistics efficiency. International trade recovery and global supply chain diversification also support cargo growth, making these sectors central to the evolving landscape of freight transportation.”

Vandana Singh, Chairwoman, FAII said, “The rise in industrial activity, led by sectors like steel, cement and automotive has contributed significantly to bulk and containerised cargo volumes. The ‘Make in India’ initiative and PLI schemes have further boosted freight demand across corridors. With a push towards doubling farmers’ income, agricultural exports — especially perishables — are growing. This is driving investment in cold chain infrastructure and refrigerated logistics for both domestic distribution and overseas shipping. The boom in e-commerce is shaping the demand for air cargo, first-mile and last-mile logistics and high-speed parcel movement, particularly in Tier II and Tier III cities. India’s role as a global pharma hub has led to a significant increase in export cargo, necessitating temperature-controlled logistics and faster customs clearances through dedicated air cargo terminals. As a traditional export strength, the textile sector continues to drive outbound cargo to global fashion markets, particularly in Europe and the US.  Domestic cargo volumes are also growing due to increased movement of coal, petroleum and other minerals through coastal shipping and rail networks. Together, these sectors are not only accelerating the demand for multimodal infrastructure but are also encouraging private participation and innovation in India’s logistics landscape. As connectivity improves under Gati Shakti, the cargo sector is set to become a key pillar of India’s economic growth and global trade competitiveness.”  

Balagopal Balachandran, National Head- Air Freight, FEI Cargo said, “India’s cargo transport landscape both domestic and international is witnessing accelerated growth. Internationally, sectors such as E and industrial manufacturing are leading the surge. On the domestic front, demand for time-sensitive logistics is being fuelled by e-commerce, FMCG, pharma etc. Gati Shakti’s integrated multimodal connectivity is playing a vital role in supporting this sectoral growth, ensuring seamless, efficient and cost-effective cargo movement across the country. India’s cargo growth is the result of a well-aligned ecosystem: visionary infrastructure (PM Gati Shakti), digital transparency (ULIP), and vibrant sectors scaling across borders. India is fast establishing itself as a global logistics powerhouse.”  

Amit Maheshwari, Founder and CEO, Softlink Global said, “Sectors like pharmaceuticals, e-commerce, auto components and electronics are propelling domestic cargo growth. Internationally, exports in engineering goods, chemicals and agri-products are expanding global cargo routes. The government’s push for FTAs, trade facilitation and digital infrastructure is enabling Indian freight forwarders to integrate more efficiently into global supply chains. Platforms like Logi-Sys, designed for the complexities of multimodal freight, are helping logistics providers manage this surge with better visibility, automation and compliance—making them future-ready in a fast-evolving cargo landscape.”

DP World has launched a new programme to cut freight emissions by incentivising trucks to transition to low-carbon fuels. The low-carbon truck programme (LCTP) will be trialled until 2027 at DP World’s London Gateway and Southampton logistics hubs. More than 4,000 truck visits take place at the two UK Ports and DP World is aiming to switch 500 vehicles to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO). The alternative fuel has a carbon intensity 85% lower than diesel. DP World is ensuring that the HVO is offered at the same cost as diesel to help with uptake. The logistics company is working with fuel providers Certas Energy and New Era Fuels to create the HVO supply. The programme will target loaded trucks that visit DP World UK ports more than 90 times over a three-month period. Vehicles that meet these parameters will qualify for up to 5,000 litres of HVO per vehicle per port.

Vizhinjam port has handled 1 million TEUs (20-foot Equivalent Units) of cargo within just nine months of commencing commercial operations. According to the concession agreement, the projected handling capacity for the first year was three lakh containers. Vizhinjam has already surpassed this target, with current figures reaching 1.012 million TEUs, more than three times the original estimate. “Vizhinjam International Seaport has achieved a world-class milestone, providing all of us with a reason to celebrate Onam with pride,” said V N Vasavan, Ports Minister. “Vizhinjam has astonished the global maritime industry. To our knowledge, very few ports worldwide have exceeded their established capacity in the first year of operation.”