The transport arm of Chinese e-commerce platform JD.com, JD Logistics is targeting demand to and from Thailand with the launch of a new all-cargo charter flight between Shenzhen and Bangkok.
The service was launched on May 28 and although the logistics company did not mention the carrier operating the service or aircraft being used, online images appear to suggest the service is being operated by a Longhao Airlines B737-800 freighter.
“Open to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in both countries, the freight-dedicated route will facilitate delivery of goods from mainland China to customers in Thailand and vice versa within 48 hours,” the company said.
“Running between Shenzhen Bao’an Airport and Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport three times a week with same-day return, this end-to-end fully self-operated and full-link transportation route will not only greatly increase the speed of cross-border freight, but also provide vigorous support for the development of cross-border business through both Thai and Chinese e-commerce channels, including JD.com and JD’s joint venture in Thailand, JD Central (JDC),” it added.
From China, JD Logistics said it expected goods such as daily necessities, small household appliances, consumer electronics and other e-commerce goods to be transported.
In the opposite direction, volumes will comprise fresh produce, supplemented by industrial products such as auto parts.
In the past year, China has further opened its market to foreign goods by implementing policies with an aim to facilitate robust cross-border trade, the company added.
The Federation of Freight Forwarders’ Associations in India (FFFAI) held its 6th EC Meeting for the term 2021-23 on May 27 and 28 in Bengaluru. The meeting was attended by the Office Bearers and 28 Member Association representative of FFFAI from across the country, there were many issues discussed and updates provided concerning customs, CBLR, EDI, Service Tax/GST, logistics, air cargo, sea cargo, skill development,importance of social media which FFFAI has expanded recently, technology developments, etc. The special focus of the 6th EC meeting was the updates on forthcoming 24th Biennial Convention of FFFAI to be held from August 12 to 14, 2022 in Chennai with the theme LOGISTICS RESHAPE, EMBRACE AND SURGE IN THE DIGITAL ERA. At this EC meeting, FFFAI also implemented Digital Learning platform for members and next generation for e-learning. It has been decided that FFFAI would initiate FIATA eFBL here in India to benefit the trade, which empowers customs brokers, freight forwarders and logistics service providers. In addition, updates on the recently held FIATA HQ Meet was also provided by the concerned members of FFFAI. FFFAI members present at this EC meeting stressed upon enhancing productivity on ICEGATE for trade facilitation and Ease of Doing Business. The FFFAI members also urged for creating a dedicated portal for LSP integration. As regard to skill development initiatives, IIFF’s (training arm of FFFAI) past and forthcoming training programmes (both online and classroom/physical) for the entire logistics industry were presented at the EC meeting. In addition, FFFAI’s various initiatives on capacity building through technology/IT also discussed withadequate importance. Recent activities of FFFAI Women’s Wing including organising interactive meetings with Government of India officials and industry experts were highlighted at this meeting which drew huge appreciation from the members. The members committed to expand the activities of the Women’s Wing in all the 28 member association locations to empower/encourage the women logistics practitioners. At this EC meeting FFFAI has signed an MoU with the National Institute of Industrial Engineering (NITIE) with an objective of skilling the aspiring candidates looking for opportunities in the logistics sector. Notably, a special session was organised at this 6th EC Meeting where N Sivasailam, former Special Secretary (Logistics), Ministry of Commerce, Government of India was present to address the FFFAI members and highlight the recent initiatives of the government in strengthening the logistics infrastructure, thereby leading in increase of international trade through multimodal connectivity and faster cargo clearance. He projected the ambitious growth potential of the logistics industry in India with a strong collaboration between government and industry people. Also speaking on the occasion was Bani Bhattacharya, IRS, who interacted with members of FFFAI on various initiatives of CBIC for the trade facilitation without human intervention. FFFAI Chairman Shankar Shinde thanked all the 28 associations for their support and appreciated the contribution of CBIC/DG systems trade facilitation measures. FFFAI Member Associations are: 1. Ahmedabad Custom Brokers' Association2. Aurangabad Customs House Agents Association3. Association of Custom House Agents Thiruvanthapuram4. Bangalore Custom House Agents Association5. Brihnamumbai Custom Brokers Association6. Calcutta Customs House Agents Association7. Chennai Customs House Agents Association8. Cochin Customs Brokers' Association9. Coimbatore Customs House and Steamer Agents Association10. Custom Brokers Association Hyderabad11. Delhi Customs Brokers Association12. Goa Custom Brokers Association13.Indore Customs House Agents Association14. The Kakinada Customs Brokers Association15. Kandla Custom Brokers Association16. Kanpur Customs Brokers Association17. Ludhiana Customs House Agents Association18. Mangalore Customs House Agents Association19. Mundra Customs Brokers Association20. Nagpur Customs House Agents Association21. Nashik Customs House Agents Association22. Nadia Custom Brokers Association23. Pipavav Custom Brokers Association24. Pune Customs House Agents Association25. Rajasthan Customs House Agents Association26.Tuticorin Custom Brokers Association27.Visakhapatnam Cusotms Brokers' Association28.West Bengal Custom House Agents Society FFFAI welcomes Women in Logistics/Youth in Logistics to participate on FFFAI forums and also invites membership application form logistics service providers in industry as this is a big national and international forum to network.
Ecom Express Limited, India’s sole pure-play B2C e-commerce logistics provider as of the Financial Year 2024, has introduced a new brand identity, underscoring its commitment to customer-centricity. This rebranding reflects a focus on addressing specific customer needs, prioritising customer-facing metrics, and integrating innovative technology across its nationwide express logistics network. The goal is to enhance speed, agility, and network reach, ensuring a customer-focused approach. The rebranding includes a dynamic logo and a refreshed visual identity, symbolising Ecom Express’s pursuit of excellence. The new logo features a forward-moving arrow within a square, representing the company’s dedication to delivery. The letter "E" in the logo stands for Expression, Innovation, and Progress, while the bold magenta colour signifies bravery, self-expression, and strength. This vibrant magenta reintroduction reflects Ecom Express's renewed commitment to customers, partners, and team members, as the company aims to simplify and democratise logistics for all. Ajay Chitkara, CEO and MD of Ecom Express, elaborated on the transformation, stating, “Our refreshed brand identity reaffirms our customer-first approach as we continue to integrate technology and innovation to provide reliable, high-speed services with the widest network reach. This transformation also underscores our commitment to our employees and delivery partners, who are essential to our business.” The new logo embodies Ecom Express’s dedication to its core values, focusing on customer welfare and fostering a diverse, inclusive environment. This rebranding signifies a promise to redefine logistics through advanced technology, making life easier for all types of customers.
Delmos Aviation has transported the second lot of 300 units of oxygen concentrators from Russia to New Delhi for the Rajasthan state government. The consignment was airborne on an Aeroflot A333 aircraft (SU 232) and reached at 10:10 AM in New Delhi. The shipments were shipped by road and sent back to Swasthya Bhawan, Jaipur, Rajasthan Medical Services Corporation (RMSCL). RMSCL obtained oxygen concentrators from Russian companies together with Delmos Aviation. Delmos Aviation is procuring, transporting and supplying COVID-relied materials to the Rajasthan Medical Services Corporation with the mandate signed with the Rajasthan Government. There will shortly be two consignments with the remaining 800 oxygen concentrators. "We are ready to assist governments in the provision and delivery of any type of essential medical supplies, oxygen concentration and equipment as quickly as possible," said Dr Naveen Rao, Director, Delmos Aviation. "At this juncture, time-based deliveries are paramount. We can handle the airlift and deliver the shipment to the last point." In four lots, 100, 300, 450 and 400 units, a total of 1250 oxygen concentrations are ordered and continue to reach New Delhi in batches of shipments. On 14 and 16 May 2021, the remaining lots will arrive. Oxygen concentrators of Single flowmeter (0.5-10LPM Adjustable) and double flowmeter (0-5LPM Adjustable) are included in the delivery. The models are JAY-10A & LFY-I-5A. "The government of Rajasthan is working hard in this raging second wave of the pandemic to provide basic medical equipment to head Minister Ashok Gehlot and Minister of Health, Raghu Sharma. The government plans to import 1250 oxygen concentrators from Moscow, Russia, in partnership with Delmos Aviation, as part of its efforts to enhance medical oxygen in the state," said a spokesperson.
Mahindra World City Jaipur (MWC Jaipur), a joint venture between Mahindra Lifespace Developers Ltd (MLDL) and Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation (RIICO) announced it concluded 26 new lease agreements between April 2021 and June 2022. The new signings included both new customers and expansion of facilities by existing clients, together leasing about 137 acres of land. In the same period, MWC Jaipur and its constituent units' aggregated investments crossed Rs 721 crores, and cumulative exports by MWC Jaipur exceeded Rs 15,930 crores, of which Rs 3,321 crores were in the last 15 months. Over these fifteen months, a total of 69 companies have completed their facility buildout at MWC Jaipur and become operational. The new entrants to MWC Jaipur represent a variety of sectors, like Logistics and Warehousing, IT & ITeS, Engineering, Furniture Manufacturing, Solar Energy, Gems and Jewelry manufacturing. The newly added roster of clients at MWC Jaipur includes Wipro Hydraulics, Shakti Hormann, Renew Photovoltaics, Kerakoll India, Normet, Gulmohar Lane Lifestyle, Manor & Mews, J Atelier Pink City, Kamal Coach Works, Maxop Engineering, amongst others. Rajaram Pai, Chief Business Officer – Industrial, Mahindra Lifespaces said, “MWC Jaipur today is home to prestigious domestic and international manufacturing companies from across the world, who have established a manufacturing base in India for the first time. Enabling business acceleration for customers has always been our focus. We continue to deliver the highest urbanisation standards by leveraging innovation, thoughtful design, and a deep commitment to sustainability. MWC Jaipur contributes towards generating incremental employment and income for the state while creating world-class infrastructure which would serve the nation for many years to come. We are glad to be the enablers of Make-in-India and Make-for-India.” Becoming a preferred destination of choice for over 121 global and domestic companies, MWC Jaipur is enabling business growth for customers by crafting a conducive environment, with robust infrastructure and facilities that propagate ease of doing business. Mahindra World City Jaipur is the first project in Asia to receive Climate Positive Development Stage 2 Certification from the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group (C40), a global network of large cities taking action to address climate change. With a focus on climate-positive development, MWC Jaipur is continuing its efforts on integrating sustainability within the city. Green, integrated developments is continuously being upgraded to mitigate the impact of business operations on the environment. As of March 31, 2022, a total of 59,955 trees have been planted in government-approved forest areas and rural areas under the Mahindra Group’s flagship program – Hariyali. Around 11,100 trees have been planted within the industrial park.
A significant milestone has been achieved in the Indo-Bangla railway project with the inauguration of the inaugural freight train connecting Bangladesh's Gangasagar to Tripura's Nischintanpur. This momentous event marks a significant step forward in strengthening the rail connectivity between the two neighboring countries. The new railway connection is set to enhance trade and commerce between India and Bangladesh, providing a more efficient and cost-effective mode of transportation for goods. It will not only boost bilateral trade but also promote economic development in the region by opening up new opportunities for businesses and industries. The Indo-Bangla railway project is part of a broader effort to improve connectivity and foster closer ties between the two nations. It is expected to play a vital role in facilitating the movement of goods and passengers, ultimately contributing to the economic growth and prosperity of both countries.
The Union Budget 2025-26, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, underscores the government's commitment to strengthening India's logistics and supply chain infrastructure. Building upon previous initiatives, the budget introduces several key measures aimed at enhancing efficiency, connectivity, and sustainability in the sector. Maritime Development Fund A significant highlight is the establishment of a ₹250 billion ($3 billion) Maritime Development Fund aimed at revitalising India's shipbuilding and repair industry. The government will contribute 49% to this fund, with the remainder sourced from ports and private entities. This initiative seeks to enhance maritime infrastructure, reduce dependence on foreign carriers, and position India as a formidable player in global shipping. Plans include promoting shipbuilding clusters and extending a 10-year import tax exemption on inputs for shipbuilding and shipbreaking activities. Additionally, credit notes for shipbreaking will be issued to encourage the scrapping of old vessels and the construction of new ones. Expansion of Air Cargo and Regional Connectivity Recognising the critical role of air cargo in facilitating trade, especially for high-value perishable goods, the budget proposes significant investments in modernising air cargo infrastructure. This includes the development of state-of-the-art warehousing facilities equipped with advanced technology to ensure efficient handling and storage. Additionally, cargo screening and customs procedures will be streamlined to improve efficiency and reduce transit times and costs for exporters and importers. To further strengthen regional connectivity, the budget introduces a modified UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme. This initiative aims to connect 120 new destinations using turboprop aircraft and helicopters, with a target of carrying 40 million passengers over the next decade. The scheme includes substantial incentives and development plans for smaller airports, helipads, and greenfield airports, particularly in hilly and northeastern regions. This expansion is expected to bolster regional trade and integrate remote areas into the national economy. Capital Expenditure and Technological Integration The government has consistently increased budgetary allocations for infrastructure to reduce logistics costs and enhance supply chain efficiencies. Capital expenditures grew by 28.4% in FY24 and are expected to grow by 17% in FY25. This sustained investment underscores the government's commitment to strengthening the logistics framework. Additionally, there is a focus on technological integration, with expectations of reforms that will further accelerate growth and efficiency in the logistics sector. Industry Reactions Industry leaders have lauded the budget's balanced approach to strengthening infrastructure, manufacturing, and consumer spending. Key measures include tax relief for the middle class, increased access to essential drugs, promotion of electric vehicle production, incentives for renewable energy, and support for the agricultural ecosystem. Experts are optimistic about the budget's potential to increase disposable incomes and drive consumer demand while emphasising the importance of continued fiscal discipline and improvements in the ease of doing business. The budget includes significant steps towards developing India's startup ecosystem, enhancing real estate accessibility, and expanding global supply chains. Rampraveen Swaminathan, Managing Director and CEO of Mahindra Logistics, emphasises that the Union Budget reinforces India's position as one of the fastest-growing major economies, strengthening the roadmap for overall growth in consumption and infrastructure. He highlights that the ‘National Manufacturing Mission’ and 'Make in India' initiatives will further accelerate domestic production, fueling 'Move in India'—a vision for seamless cargo movement across the country. Additionally, the sustained emphasis on infrastructure development, along with a three-year project pipeline under the PPP model and state-backed incentives for capital expenditure, lays a strong foundation for future growth. He further notes that the budget’s focus on logistics modernisation—including PM Gati Shakti, streamlined air cargo warehousing, and the new BharatTradeNet initiative—will enhance India's logistics ecosystem. Aligned with these developments, Mahindra Logistics remains committed to leveraging technology, driving efficiency, and strengthening supply chain resilience. "We look forward to collaboratively building a future-ready, sustainable, and tech-driven logistics landscape, aligned with India's growth ambitions," he adds. C.K. Govil, President of the Air Cargo Agents Association of India (ACAAI) & Chairman and Managing Director of Activair Airfreight India, acknowledges that the Union Budget 2025-26 presents a balanced roadmap that fuels economic expansion while maintaining fiscal prudence. He highlights that for the logistics, air cargo, and supply chain industries, the budget introduces key initiatives aimed at enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and driving modernisation. He further emphasises that these measures will strengthen the overall logistics framework, ensuring seamless operations and improved competitiveness. "The focus on infrastructure development and digital integration will play a crucial role in shaping a more efficient and resilient supply chain ecosystem," he adds.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for November 2024 global air cargo markets showing: Total demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTK), rose by 8.2% compared to November 2023 levels (9.5% for international operations) for a 16th consecutive month of growth. Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTK), increased by 4.6% compared to November 2023 (6.5% for international operations). "It was a good November for air cargo with 8.2% demand growth nearly doubling the 4.6% growth in cargo capacity. Fuel costs tracked at 22% below previous-year levels and tight market conditions supported yield growth at 7.8%. All things considered we are looking to close out 2024 air cargo performance on a profitable note. While this strong performance is very likely to extend into 2025, there are some downside risks that must be carefully watched. These include inflation, geopolitical uncertainties and trade tensions,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. Several factors in the operating environment should be noted: Year-on-year, industrial production rose 2.1% in October. Global goods trade grew for a seventh consecutive month, reporting a 1.6% increase. The Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) for global manufacturing output was above the 50-mark for November, indicating growth. However, the PMI for new export orders remained below the 50-mark, suggesting ongoing uncertainty and weakness in global trade. US headline inflation, based on the annual Consumer Price Index (CPI), rose by 0.1 percentage points to 2.7% in November. In the same month, the inflation rate in the EU increased by 0.2 percentage points to 2.5%. China’s consumer inflation fell to 0.2% in November, continuing concerns of an economic slowdown. November Regional Performance Asia-Pacific airlines saw 13.2% year-on-year demand growth for air cargo in November, the strongest growth among the regions. Capacity increased by 9.4% year-on-year. North American carriers saw 6.9% year-on-year demand growth for air cargo in November. Capacity increased by 2.2% year-on-year. European carriers saw 5.6% year-on-year demand growth for air cargo in November. Capacity increased 4.3% year-on-year. Middle Eastern carriers saw 3.6% year-on-year demand growth for air cargo in November. Capacity decreased by 0.6% year-on-year. Latin American carriers saw 11.6% year-on-year demand growth for air cargo in November. Capacity increased 6.4% year-on-year. African airlines saw a 0.7% year-on-year decrease in demand for air cargo in November, the slowest among regions. Capacity increased by 0.4% year-on-year. Trade Lane Growth: International routes experienced exceptional traffic levels for the 16th consecutive month with a 9.5% year-on-year increase in November. Airlines are benefiting from rising e-commerce demand in the US and Europe amid ongoing capacity limits in ocean shipping.
Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics arm of Etihad Airways, has introduced significant updates to its IATA CEIV-certified LiveAnimals product, enhancing services to extend journey times and implement specialised provisions for brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds. These changes, effective from 1st November 2024, reflect Etihad Cargo's commitment to animal welfare, aligning with international standards to provide pet owners with flexible, high-standard travel options. The maximum transportation time for cats and dogs has been extended from 17 hours to 24 hours, applicable from acceptance at origin to the scheduled time of arrival (STA) at the final destination, in line with IATA and European Union Commission international regulations. This extension ensures that pets can undertake longer journeys safely and comfortably. Etihad Cargo has also implemented a seasonal policy to permit the transport of brachycephalic cats and dogs from 1st November to 1st March. Known for respiratory sensitivities, these breeds require specialised care during air travel, and the winter period provides safer travel conditions. All brachycephalic breeds will need additional checks, documentation, and approval from Etihad Cargo's Live Animals experts to ensure they are fit to fly safely. Commenting on the enhancements, Thomas Schürmann, Head of Cargo Operations and Delivery, said: "With these enhancements, Etihad Cargo is raising the standard of pet transport by extending the LiveAnimals offering for pets requiring longer journey times and by catering specifically to brachycephalic breeds during winter months. Etihad Cargo is committed to the highest levels of animal welfare, which has driven these improvements to meet the needs of pet owners and shippers globally." Etihad Cargo offers a comprehensive portfolio of specialised products tailored to meet diverse customer needs, including its IATA CEIV-certified LiveAnimals product for live animal shipments, temperature-controlled solutions for pharmaceuticals, and secure handling for high-value cargo. With an expanding global network and innovative logistics solutions, Etihad Cargo provides safe, reliable, and efficient air freight services across key markets worldwide.
