Cargo

Cargo

TCI adds 1.5 Lakh sq. ft. cold chain capacity at Taj Nagar, Gurugram

Gurugram, 26th December 2025: As demand for reliable, scalable temperature-controlled logistics continues to rise across the National Capital Region, Transport Corporation of India Ltd. (TCI) – one of India’s leading integrated supply chain and multimodal logistics solution providers – has expanded its cold chain warehousing presence in Gurugram with the addition of a 1.5 lakh sq. ft. facility at Taj Nagar. With over 16 million sq. ft. of warehousing space managed nationwide, TCI continues to reinforce its integrated logistics network to support high-growth industries and compliance-driven supply chain requirements. This facility will be operated by TCI Cold Chain Solutions Ltd., a JV Company Between TCI & Mitsui & Co., Japan. The Taj Nagar facility is designed to cater to high-throughput requirements across sectors such as quick Commerce, QSR, pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, dairy, meat and poultry, beauty and life sciences and specialty chemicals. Strategically located between the KMP Expressway and the Dwarka Expressway, the warehouse benefits from unrestricted 24×7 truck access, being outside heavy vehicle no-entry zones. This enables faster turnaround times and seamless distribution across Delhi NCR and adjoining markets. The facility offers multi-temperature storage across frozen, chilled, and air-conditioned zones, and operates on box-in/box-out, unit-in/unit-out, and pallet-in/pallet-out models with a pay-as-you-use commercial structure. This enables customers to flex capacity and throughput in line with evolving business requirements, particularly in time-sensitive and high-velocity supply chains. The Taj Nagar belt has emerged as a key logistics hub due to its proximity to NCR (Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad, Ghaziabad as well as Jaipur) and the growing concentration of quick commerce operations, making it well-suited for efficient, last-mile- distribution. Commenting on the expansion, Mr. B. Sumit Kumar, CEO, TCI Cold Chain Solutions Ltd. said, “The expansion of our Gurugram cold chain facility reflects the growing need for dependable, scalable and compliant infrastructure in the region. With strong connectivity and a flexible operating model, this warehouse strengthens our ability to support fast-moving and regulated supply chains across NCR”. Built with a strong focus on safety, operational efficiency and sustainability, the facility includes a 500-kW rooftop solar power installation, energy-efficient refrigeration systems, SCADA-based monitoring, VESDA Panel for early smoke detection, and more than 600 CCTV cameras for real time monitoring. The fully gated, access-controlled campus also offers ample truck parking to support smooth inbound and outbound movement. (News is published unedited based on the Press release)

Cargo

Royal Air Maroc appoints Rita Chraibi as VP Cargo

France, 16 December 2025: Royal Air Maroc has appointed Rita Chraibi as its new VP Cargo, succeeding Yassine Berrada. With nearly 20 years of experience within Royal Air Maroc, Ms. Chraibi has held several key leadership positions that have shaped her strong understanding of the airline’s strategic priorities and operational challenges. In her new role, Rita Chraibi will be responsible for advancing the cargo division’s commercial development strategy through 2037, with a focus on strengthening customer experience and supporting the expansion of the network through new cargo route openings. “I am deeply honored by this appointment and the trust placed in me. The cargo division is a strategic pillar for Royal Air Maroc, and I am committed to driving its development with ambition and determination. Together with our teams, we will continue expanding our network, enhancing our services, and ensuring that customer experience remains at the core of our mission,” says Rita Chraibi. “I would like to warmly congratulate Chraibi on her appointment. Her extensive experience, leadership skills, and deep knowledge of Royal Air Maroc make her the ideal person to continue guiding the cargo division’s expansion. This transition reflects the continuity and strength of a company with 68 years of history, and I am confident she will lead the next phase with success,” says Yassine Berrada.

Cargo

AISATS commences ground handling at CIAL

Kochi, 3rd December, 2025: Air India SATS Airport Services Pvt. Ltd. (AISATS) has expanded its national footprint with the commencement of full-scale ground handling operations at Cochin International Airport. With plans to scale its manpower as traffic grows, AISATS has deployed an initial team of 150 trained professionals at its second station in Kerala and eighth airport across India. The launch brings future-ready technology, globally benchmarked safety systems, and sustainable ground handling solutions to one of India’s most strategically important aviation hubs. AISATS has launched operations at Cochin International Airport to support its airline customers, starting with Batik Air and Thai Lion Air, and all other international and domestic carriers planning to fly through this key aviation hub. With over 28 airlines operating at the airport, nearly 60,000 tonnes of cargo handled, and more than 10 million passengers recorded in FY24, Kochi represents a high-potential market where the need for efficient, technology-driven, and safety-focused ground operations is rapidly increasing. AISATS’ entry brings globally benchmarked systems and next-generation passenger service platforms, automated workforce management tools, and end-to-end baggage tracking technologies. Speaking on the commencement of operations, Ramanathan Rajamani, Chief Executive Officer, AISATS, said, “Our entry into Kochi marks a pivotal step in AISATS’ commitment to supporting India’s fast-evolving aviation landscape. Kerala continues to witness strong growth in passenger movement, cargo demand, and global connectivity, and Kochi stands at the centre of this transformation with its strong connectivity, especially with Gulf and Southeast Asian markets. As we begin operations here, our focus is to bring world-class safety, technology, and service excellence to the airport while creating meaningful employment and skilling opportunities for the local workforce. With CIAL, we look forward to building a future-ready operational environment and deliver a superior experience to airlines and passengers alike.” S Suhas, Managing Director, Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) added, “The core of CIAL’s operations lies in its focus on efficient passenger handling and delivering services on par with international standards. An association with Air India SATS, a company with a proven track record, will further strengthen our mission to achieve operational excellence. This collaboration will contribute to Kerala’s aviation growth, open up new employment opportunities and keep CIAL among India’s most efficient and passenger-friendly airports.” AISATS’ expansion into Kochi comes at a time when India’s aviation sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, with Kerala playing an increasingly strategic role in the Gulf–India–Southeast Asia air corridor. AISATS is also the first ground handler in India to receive the DGCA Safety Clearance under the newly implemented national framework.

Cargo

Air India appoints the Aviation Management Ltd as Passenger GSA in Mainland China

New Delhi, 1st Dec 2025: Air India has announced the appointment of The Aviation Management Limited (a TAM Group Company) as its General Sales Agent (GSA) for passenger sales in Mainland China.Effective 1 December 2025, The Aviation Management Limited will facilitate reservations & ticketing, marketing initiatives, and provide comprehensive passenger sales services across mainland China on behalf of Air India. The appointment strengthens Air India’s presence across the China market and enables seamless access for travel agents and customers to the airline’s global network. “We are happy to extend our partnership with the TAM Group into mainland China, which will help us to tap into opportunities in one of the world’s most important travel markets. Their strong market knowledge and established distribution capabilities will support our growth plans, deepen customer outreach, and help us serve our customers and trade partners with greater convenience and confidence,” said Manish Puri, Head of Global Sales, Air India. Air India recently announced the resumption of non-stop flights between Delhi and Shanghai (PVG) from 1 February 2026, after nearly six years. The airline also intends to begin non-stop flights from Mumbai to Shanghai in 2026 (subject to approvals). The restored air link would boost exchanges in pharmaceuticals, technology, education and several other sectors of cooperation between the two countries.

Cargo

TCI unveils one of its largest warehouses for East & Northeast India

• Situated in Kolkata, the new facility spans across about 3 lakh sq. ft. on 10.5 acres of land. • It is positioned as a hub for Eastern and North-eastern India, and supports cross-border trade with neighbouring Bhutan, Bangladesh and Southeast Asia. • It is equipped to serve a diverse range of industries including automotive, e-commerce, FMCG, retail, textiles and others. It also offers cold-chain solutions. Gurugram, 25th September 2025: Transport Corporation of India Limited (TCI), one of India’s leading warehousing, multimodal logistics and supply chain solutions provider, has announced the opening of one of its largest warehouses in Kolkata. The new facility,situated in CGTA Nagar,spans across about 3 lakh sq. ft. on 10.5 acres of land. It is positioned as a hub for Eastern and North-eastern India, and supports cross-border trade with neighbouring Bhutan, Bangladesh and Southeast Asia. It is equipped to serve a diverse range of industries including automotive, e-commerce, FMCG, retail, textiles and others. It also offers cold-chain solutions. “Our new warehouse in Kolkata reflects the growing economic activity in the region fuelled by positive policies by the respective state governments, as well as by the increased connectivity with Northeast India at the back of various strategic investments in infrastructure by the Government of India. This state-of-the-art facility will have modern features that prioritise sustainability and will help serve a diverse range of industries, supporting their operations across Eastern and Northeastern India as well as the country’s neighbourhood. It has a futuristic design and is one of the most eco-conscious facilities of its kind, thus also making it an optimum choice for the industry to make their supply chains relatively greener,” said Manoj Kumar Tripathi, CEO, TCI Supply Chain Solutions. “TCI shares a very special bond with Kolkata as the company was established in the city by our founder Shri Prabhu Dayal Agarwal Ji in 1958 and it has since grown to become one of the largest multimodal logistics players in the country,” he added. The warehouse has a fly ash brick construction, rainwater harvesting, natural lighting, low-VOC paints and other eco-conscious features. It also incorporates ultra-flat laser screed flooring, robotics-compatible infrastructure and energy-efficient designs for high-volume and future-ready operations. (This news is published unedited on as shared basis)

Cargo

AISATS commences cargo handling service at Raipur Airport

Raipur, September 23, 2025: Air India SATS Airport Services Pvt. Ltd. (AISATS), has commenced domestic cargo handling operations at Swami Vivekananda Airport, Raipur, as the airport’s official Operator & Management (O&M) service provider. AISATS facility will feature cutting-edge workforce planning, real-time cargo tracking, and digitised documentation processes to accelerate freight movement, reduce dwell times, and improve operational predictability. As the certified Regulated Agent (RA) at Raipur Airport, AISATS will ensure rigorous security screening, precise labelling, and secure dispatch in compliance with global safety, security, and quality benchmarks. Equipped to handle a diverse cargo portfolio including pharmaceuticals, perishables, high-value goods, and industrial machinery, AISATS operations will enable Chhattisgarh’s industries a quicker access and seamless connectivity to national and international trade hubs. The expansion is expected to deliver significant regional economic benefits by strengthening supply chains for industrial sectors such as steel, mining, agro-processing, and manufacturing. It will further create new skilled employment opportunities in cargo handling, security, and operations. Ramanathan Rajamani, CEO of AISATS, said, “Raipur’s central location offers immense potential to become a key cargo gateway for regional industries. In FY 2024–25, the airport handled approximately 5,079 tonnes of cargo — registering a 2.3% growth — a clear indication of rising demand and the region’s untapped potential. We aim to bring AISATS’s hallmark service excellence, operational efficiency, and sustainability practices to Raipur, ensuring faster, more reliable cargo movement. This expansion represents our commitment to advancing India’s logistics transformation, strengthening trade corridors, and creating meaningful employment opportunities in the region.”

Cargo

SolitAir signs agreement with World Star Aviation for two Boeing 737-800 freighters

Dubai,September 16, 2025: SolitAir, UAE based B2B, airport-to-airport cargo airline has signed an agreement with World Star Aviation (WSA) for the acquisition of two Boeing 737-800 freighter aircraft.The first of these aircraft was delivered earlier this month and the second will join the fleet in October.The addition of both these aircraftwill significantly boost the cargo airline’s fleet and operational capabilities. SolitAir airport operates daily scheduled and charter services and offer bespoke solutions between Dubai and key trade routes across the Global South. “Partnering with World Star Aviation marks an important milestone in SolitAir’s growth journey,” said Hamdi Osman, Founder & CEO of SolitAir. “These additionalaircraft will significantly strengthen our operational capacity and enable us to expand our reach across critical trade routes. As we scale, our focus remains firmly on providing fast, efficient and reliable cargo solutions that meet the evolving needs of the Global South and beyond.” Yoram Allalouf, a Partner at World Star Aviation, said: “We are proud to support Solitair in this exciting growth phase. This agreement underscores the confidence placed in SolitAir’s vision and we at WSA are thrilled to continue to develop this partnership.” By the end of October, SolitAir’s operational fleet will include seven Boeing 737-800 BCF freighters which operate out of the air cargo carrier’s 220,000-square-foot cutting-edge logistics facility at DWC. SolitAir aims to have a fleet of 20 aircraft by 2027, facilitating its goal of connecting over 50 cities within a six-hour flight radius from Dubai. The airline’s versatile fleet is optimised for reliability, efficiency and the safe transport of specialised cargo, including temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals, e-commerce shipments and hazardous materials.

Cargo

Air Cargo Forum India (ACFI) launches its Andhra Pradesh Chapter in Visakhapatnam

Delhi, 3rd Sept. 2025: The Air Cargo Forum India (ACFI) formally launched its Andhra Pradesh Chapter in Visakhapatnam, in the presence of the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Nara Chandrababu Naidu. The event had also presence of B.C. Janardhan Reddy, Minister for Infrastructure & Investment, and i T.G. Bharat, Honourable Minister for Industries & Commerce, Government of Andhra Pradesh. The launch witnessed an overwhelming response, bringing together over 350 delegates, including senior leaders from the air cargo, logistics, trade, and industry bodies. The formation of the Andhra Pradesh Chapter marks a significant milestone in strengthening the State’s position as a growing hub for air cargo and logistics in India. As part of the proceedings, the ACFI Board actively participated in the CEO Roundtable, where critical industry issues such as the Open Sky Policy and Double Dipping were raised. On behalf of ACFI, Mr. Sanjiv Edward, President of ACFI, and Mr. Satish Lakkaraju, Chairman – Outreach Pillar & Partnerships, made strong representations on these matters. The discussions were well received by the Honourable Chief Minister, reflecting the government’s commitment to supporting the industry. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sanjiv Edward, President of ACFI, said: “The launch of the Andhra Pradesh Chapter is a major step towards enhancing the State’s role in India’s air cargo growth story. With ACFI’s vision of acting as a catalyst for air cargo growth and the Govt’s focus on developing integrated logistics hubs, we are confident that Andhra Pradesh will emerge as a leader in logistics on the Eastern side “ Adding to this, Mr. Satish Lakkaraju, Chairman – Outreach Pillar & Partnerships, ACFI, said:“Our discussions with the Hon’ble Chief Minister on critical issues like the Open Sky Policy and Double Dipping reflect ACFI’s commitment to addressing industry challenges and enabling sustainable growth.The support shown today is highly encouraging.” ACFI – Committed to leading the Indian Air Cargo Logistics Industry to Greater Heights the Andhra Pradesh Chapter of ACFI will serve as a collaborative platform to promote air cargo growth, strengthen multimodal logistics connectivity, and support trade facilitation in the region.

Cargo

AISATS becomes India’s first ground handler to receive DGCA safety clearance

Mumbai, 02nd September 2025: Air India SATS Airport Services Pvt. Ltd. (AISATS) has become the first ground handling company in India to be awarded the newly mandated Safety Clearance by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The DGCA introduced this mandate in line with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) recommendations, requiring ground handlers to demonstrate robust Safety Management Systems (SMS), risk controls, staff training programs, and infrastructure readiness. This mandate was in response to increasing air traffic and the need for standardized safety protocols, DGCA introduced mandatory safety clearance requirements for Ground Handling Service Providers (GHSPs). Under the new Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR), GHSPs must appoint accountable managers, station managers, and safety and quality managers, while ensuring recurrent training for ground personnel. With this regulation, India becomes the second country globally to formally regulate ground handling services. AISATS has become the first and only Ground Handler in India to receive the Safety Clearance Certificate No. GHSP/001, issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) under these newly established safety regulations. This milestone follows months of rigorous documentation review and operational inspections conducted by DGCA across all AISATS-managed airports. The Quality Management, Risk & Compliance, and Safety teams at AISATS developed a comprehensive suite of Operations and Training Manuals, which were highly commended by DGCA officials for setting a new industry benchmark. Speaking on the achievement, RamanathanRajamani, CEO, AISATS, said,“We are honoured to be the first ground handler in India to secure DGCA’s Safety Clearance. Safety and quality have always been the cornerstone of AISATS’ operations. This recognition reflects our strong culture of accountability, continuous training, and operational excellence. As India’s aviation sector expands at record pace, AISATS remains committed to building a safety-first environment that inspires trust among our airline partners, passengers, and the global aviation community.” AISATS currently operates at six major airports Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, Mangalore, Ranchi, and Trivandrum providing comprehensive ground and cargo handling services. Its cargo arm manages the BLR Logistics Park in Bengaluru, one of South India’s largest on-airport logistics hubs, and is also developing the 87-acre Multi-Modal Cargo Hub at Noida International Airport, poised to become India’s largest integrated cargo facility.

Cargo

ATLAS AIR and ETIHAD Cargo announce long-term partnership

White Plains, N.Y., August 28, 2025: Atlas Air, Inc., a subsidiary of Atlas Air Worldwide, the global provider of outsourced aviation logistics,announced a new long-term partnership with Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics arm of Etihad Airways. Under the agreement, Atlas Air will provide Etihad Cargo with dedicated freighter capacity through the operation of a newly delivered Boeing 777 freighter. Beginning in August, the aircraft will initially serve routes connecting Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi and Madrid. The partnership comes at a time of growing demand for general air cargo, e-commerce, automotive, pharmaceuticals and perishable products across Asia, the Middle East and Europe. The 777F offers state-of-the-art, efficient capacity to support Etihad Cargo’s growth and customer product offering. The agreement reflects the strength of the longstanding relationship between Atlas Air and Etihad Cargo, dating back to 2012 when Atlas Air first began providing flight services over a multi-year period. “We are pleased to again partner with Etihad Cargo, one of the industry’s most respected carriers,” said Michael Steen, Chief Executive Officer, Atlas Air Worldwide. “This partnership reflects our strong value proposition and the trust we’ve built with customers over time. We are pleased to tailor this long-term dedicated capacity solution to help Etihad capture growth opportunities. With our global scale and flexible, agile network, Atlas Air is enabling Etihad to expand their operations and serve their customers with confidence. With our industry-leading fleet of widebody freighters and deep operating expertise, Atlas Air is proud to be a trusted partner of choice, and we look forward to supporting Etihad’s continued success.” “Etihad Cargo’s expanded collaboration with Atlas Air represents a strategic step in scaling capacity and extending our global reach,” said Stanislas Brun, Chief Cargo Officer, Etihad Airways. “With Etihad Airways’ passenger fleet continuing to grow, it is essential that our freighter fleet expands in parallel to sustain this momentum and deliver end-to-end network connectivity. By aligning growth across both passenger and freighter operations, Etihad Cargo reinforces its ability to meet evolving customer demand, strengthen high-volume trade lanes and introduce greater flexibility across key markets. This additional capacity further enhances the reliability and agility of our services, ensuring the delivery of seamless and efficient cargo solutions worldwide.” The 777 freighter is the world’s largest, longest-range twin-engine freighter, with a payload of more than 100 tons. With its fuel efficiency and reliability, this aircraft supports Etihad Cargo’s commitment to delivering sustainable, high-quality cargo solutions across its global network.

FOREWORD

Dear Readers,

 

Welcome to the latest edition of Aviation World. This is an incredibly significant issue for us, perfectly timed to align with several prominent aviation events unfolding across the globe.

 

Chief among them is the Farnborough International Airshow, taking place from July 20th to 24th, 2026, in Hampshire, United Kingdom. Ranked as one of the world’s premier events for aviation, aerospace, and defense, this year’s airshow arrives at a crucial moment. Against a backdrop of geopolitical turbulence, Farnborough provides an invaluable platform to engage with global leaders and gain firsthand perspectives on the future of the industry. Inside, you will find our comprehensive curtain-raiser report focusing on the show’s core themes, as well as the highly anticipated static and aerobatic aircraft displays.

 

On our front cover, we are proud to feature Capt. Vaibhav Goutham Suresh, Director of the School of Aviation, Logistics and Tourism Management (SALTM) at Galgotias University. In an exclusive interview, Capt. Suresh highlights how SALTM bridges the gap between academia and the runway, delivering a comprehensive curriculum that ensures graduates are industry-ready from day one. Complementing this, our special feature on SALTM dives deeper into how the institution maintains world-class academic standards and a cutting-edge learning environment.

 

We are also privileged to bring you exclusive insights from a stellar lineup of industry trailblazers in this edition, including:

  • Robin Glover-Faure, Chief Customer Officer of Acron Aviation
  • Karim Makhlouf, CCO of Royal Jordanian Airlines
  • Pallavi Joshi & Vimal Priya, the leadership powerhouse behind AirFleet Managers &Aviatrics Global
  • Wg. Cdr. Prem Kumar Garg (Retd.), CEO of IndiaOne Air

Each shares a detailed perspective on driving innovation, navigating current market dynamics, and establishing progressive frontiers within their respective sectors.

 

Beyond these highlights, this issue is packed with curated features and analytical pieces designed to keep you informed and inspired.

 

Finally, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed advertisers and partners. Your unwavering support empowers us in our ongoing endeavor to make Aviation World a truly world-class publication with global reach and recognition.

 

Happy Reading!

 

The Editorial Team

 

Aviation World

NEWSLETTER

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We have started 2026 on a very positive note and we look forward to increase our footprints to more locations and induct many more new companies in our campaign.. Do write to us at : editor@aviationworld.in

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