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Aramex has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GMR Airports Limited (GAL) to strengthen its express cargo and freight infrastructure across GMR-operated airports in India, with a focus on improving cross-border logistics, customs clearance and international trade connectivity.
The proposed collaboration aims to support micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), exporters, importers and other businesses by enabling more efficient movement of international shipments through key airport gateways.
Signed at GMR Hyderabad Air Cargo (GHAC) in Hyderabad, the agreement will explore opportunities to enhance Aramex’s operational infrastructure at GMR Airports’ express cargo terminals. The proposed facilities include dedicated truck docks, screening systems and designated operational space, subject to mutually agreed terms and conditions under a definitive agreement.
The infrastructure is expected to facilitate integrated customs clearance capabilities for multiple international products, helping streamline cargo processing, improve operational efficiency and support smoother movement of shipments across borders.
Exploring Warehousing and Airside Connectivity
Under the proposed arrangement, GMR Airports will maintain the identified infrastructure at the express cargo terminal in accordance with the terms to be finalised by both parties. Aramex and GAL are also exploring the development of a warehousing facility close to the express cargo terminal, with dedicated airside corridor access to support cargo movement. GMR Airports may additionally facilitate engagement with relevant authorities and share its technical expertise and operational experience to support the proposed development.
The initiative is intended to strengthen Aramex’s logistics network in India while enhancing the capabilities available to businesses using GMR-operated airports for international shipments. The collaboration places particular emphasis on supporting trade flows between India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.
The two companies are working towards developing the proposed infrastructure by March 2027. Investment requirements, project timelines and other implementation details will be explored jointly as discussions progress.
Strengthening India's Global Trade Connectivity
Commenting on the partnership, Amadou Diallo, Group CEO, Aramex, said, “Our focus on India goes beyond expanding our footprint; it is about building the capabilities and infrastructure needed to support the country's next phase of growth in global trade. At Aramex, we are committed to strengthening our network, investing in local capabilities and working with strategic partners to create more efficient channels for businesses to access international markets. Our collaboration with GMR Airports Limited reflects this long-term commitment to India and will further strengthen our ability to support businesses across the country with efficient logistics solutions.”
Veena Bhogaonkar, Managing Director, Aramex India, said, “We are pleased to partner with GAL to strengthen our logistics capabilities across GMR-operated airports. By enhancing our infrastructure and operational capabilities at the express cargo terminal, we aim to provide businesses, including MSMEs, with more efficient and seamless express and freight services to support their domestic and international trade requirements.”
Abbas Panju, Regional CEO GCC and Indian Subcontinent, Aramex, said, “India is a strategically important market for Aramex, and we continue to see significant opportunities to strengthen our logistics network and support the country's growing international trade. Our collaboration with GAL will help us enhance our capabilities through GAL’s key international gateways and further support businesses looking to connect with global markets.”
Therefore, this MoU reflects the companies’ intent to build stronger airport-linked logistics capabilities as India’s international trade and cross-border shipment requirements expand. Subject to the final agreements and implementation plans, the proposed infrastructure could help businesses access more integrated express and freight services while supporting the efficiency of international supply chains.
𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
Air France KLM Martinair Cargo has initiated a project to expand and automate its perishables centre at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), in partnership with Lödige Industries, to increase storage capacity, improve operational efficiency and strengthen its handling capabilities for temperature-sensitive shipments. The project reflects the growing importance of automated infrastructure in maintaining efficient and reliable cold-chain logistics. The dedicated cargo business of the Air France-KLM Group is implementing an elevating transfer vehicle (ETV) system to enable automated, multi-level storage and retrieval of unit load devices (ULDs) and pallets. The solution is designed to maximise the use of available building space while accommodating future growth in cargo volumes. By automating storage and retrieval operations, the system is expected to reduce manual handling, streamline internal cargo movements and improve the utilisation of existing storage capacity. It will also support consistent handling processes within dedicated temperature-controlled areas, which are critical for preserving the quality and integrity of perishable goods throughout their journey through the cargo facility. “Expanding our temperature-controlled cargo capabilities at Paris-Charles de Gaulle is an important step in strengthening our cold-chain operations. The new automated storage solution will enable us to handle growing volumes more efficiently and further enhance the cargo handling flow for temperature-sensitive shipments at CDG,” the project team at Air France KLM Martinair Cargo said. The installation will feature a 10-foot-wide edge ETV serving 58 storage decks, of which 17 will be located within temperature-controlled areas. This configuration will allow the facility to combine high-density storage with dedicated temperature-managed space, supporting the operational requirements of perishable cargo. Lödige Machine Warburg and Lödige Machine Romania are supplying the system, which is scheduled to become operational at the end of September 2027. The installation is expected to provide a scalable foundation for further automation as cargo volumes and cold-chain requirements evolve. Commenting on the project, Björn Ussat, Director Airport Logistic Solutions at Lödige Industries, said: “Cold-chain logistics place particularly high demands on reliability, efficient use of space and consistent handling processes. This project demonstrates how automation can help cargo operators optimise storage capacity and internal material flows while supporting the stringent handling requirements of temperature-sensitive shipments. We are delighted to support Air France KLM Martinair Cargo with an efficient and scalable solution that also provides a solid basis for future expansion of automated storage processes at Paris-Charles de Gaulle,” The investment will reinforce Paris-CDG's role in the group's cargo operations by improving how temperature-sensitive shipments are stored and transferred within the facility. Automated storage systems can help cargo operators manage space constraints, reduce unnecessary handling and establish more predictable internal workflows. For Air France KLM Martinair Cargo, the project forms part of the broader effort to strengthen specialised cargo-handling capabilities as supply chains increasingly demand reliable infrastructure for perishable goods. Efficient cold-chain operations are particularly important for shipments such as fresh produce, flowers and other temperature-sensitive commodities, where handling conditions and transit efficiency can influence product quality. As air cargo facilities face growing pressure to improve throughput without proportionate increases in their physical footprint, automation offers a way to enhance capacity and operational consistency. The Paris-CDG project combines these objectives with dedicated temperature-controlled storage, positioning the facility to accommodate future demand while maintaining the handling standards required for perishables. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
Aramex has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GMR Airports Limited (GAL) to strengthen its express cargo and freight infrastructure across GMR-operated airports in India, with a focus on improving cross-border logistics, customs clearance and international trade connectivity. The proposed collaboration aims to support micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), exporters, importers and other businesses by enabling more efficient movement of international shipments through key airport gateways. Signed at GMR Hyderabad Air Cargo (GHAC) in Hyderabad, the agreement will explore opportunities to enhance Aramex’s operational infrastructure at GMR Airports’ express cargo terminals. The proposed facilities include dedicated truck docks, screening systems and designated operational space, subject to mutually agreed terms and conditions under a definitive agreement. The infrastructure is expected to facilitate integrated customs clearance capabilities for multiple international products, helping streamline cargo processing, improve operational efficiency and support smoother movement of shipments across borders. Exploring Warehousing and Airside Connectivity Under the proposed arrangement, GMR Airports will maintain the identified infrastructure at the express cargo terminal in accordance with the terms to be finalised by both parties. Aramex and GAL are also exploring the development of a warehousing facility close to the express cargo terminal, with dedicated airside corridor access to support cargo movement. GMR Airports may additionally facilitate engagement with relevant authorities and share its technical expertise and operational experience to support the proposed development. The initiative is intended to strengthen Aramex’s logistics network in India while enhancing the capabilities available to businesses using GMR-operated airports for international shipments. The collaboration places particular emphasis on supporting trade flows between India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. The two companies are working towards developing the proposed infrastructure by March 2027. Investment requirements, project timelines and other implementation details will be explored jointly as discussions progress. Strengthening India's Global Trade Connectivity Commenting on the partnership, Amadou Diallo, Group CEO, Aramex, said, “Our focus on India goes beyond expanding our footprint; it is about building the capabilities and infrastructure needed to support the country's next phase of growth in global trade. At Aramex, we are committed to strengthening our network, investing in local capabilities and working with strategic partners to create more efficient channels for businesses to access international markets. Our collaboration with GMR Airports Limited reflects this long-term commitment to India and will further strengthen our ability to support businesses across the country with efficient logistics solutions.” Veena Bhogaonkar, Managing Director, Aramex India, said, “We are pleased to partner with GAL to strengthen our logistics capabilities across GMR-operated airports. By enhancing our infrastructure and operational capabilities at the express cargo terminal, we aim to provide businesses, including MSMEs, with more efficient and seamless express and freight services to support their domestic and international trade requirements.” Abbas Panju, Regional CEO GCC and Indian Subcontinent, Aramex, said, “India is a strategically important market for Aramex, and we continue to see significant opportunities to strengthen our logistics network and support the country's growing international trade. Our collaboration with GAL will help us enhance our capabilities through GAL’s key international gateways and further support businesses looking to connect with global markets.” Therefore, this MoU reflects the companies’ intent to build stronger airport-linked logistics capabilities as India’s international trade and cross-border shipment requirements expand. Subject to the final agreements and implementation plans, the proposed infrastructure could help businesses access more integrated express and freight services while supporting the efficiency of international supply chains. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
Navi Mumbai International Airport Limited (NMIAL) has announced a series of corrective measures to address operational concerns raised by customs brokers and other air cargo stakeholders over cargo handling at Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA). The measures include additional manpower, improved cargo updates, a 24/7 customer helpdesk and a waiver of additional demurrage charges until October 15, 2026. The move follows a letter from the Brihanmumbai Customs Brokers' Association (BCBA) to Customs authorities highlighting operational challenges at the airport's cargo terminal. The concerns emerged as freighter operations transitioned from Mumbai's primary airport to NMIA. Challenge Group had also suspended its freighter operations to the airport, citing operational difficulties. In its October 3 response to BCBA, NMIAL acknowledged the difficulties experienced by the trade during the transition and apologised for the inconvenience. The airport operator said it would provide freight forwarders with more timely information on flight clearances and clearer delivery timelines, enabling consignees and logistics partners to plan cargo collections more effectively. NMIAL will also work more closely with Customs House Agents (CHAs) to address system-related issues and provide additional assistance to customers during the transition. To improve cargo turnaround, the airport operator plans to deploy more experienced personnel across its existing workforce. As an immediate relief measure, NMIAL has decided to waive additional demurrage charged after the applicable free period until October 15. The waiver is intended to reduce the financial impact on stakeholders affected by cargo processing and delivery delays. The airport has further established a 24/7 helpdesk for import and export customers at the CHA Lobby on the ground floor of the Gate Block Building at the NMIA Cargo Terminal. The facility includes Level 1 and escalation-level contacts for resolving customer issues. The corrective measures come as NMIA scales up its international cargo operations and works towards establishing itself as a major air cargo gateway for the Mumbai region. Industry stakeholders are expected to closely monitor improvements in cargo processing, customs coordination, manpower deployment and delivery timelines as operations stabilise. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
