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ECS Group’s subsidiary, Globe Air Cargo India, has been appointed as the GSSA for Thai Airways in Bangalore and Cochin. This partnership, effective since September 1, 2024, aims to strengthen Thai Airways’ operational capacity and connectivity in India, facilitating access to key markets in the Far East, Europe, and Australia.
Under the new contract, Globe Air Cargo India oversees daily A350-900 flights from Bangalore, each providing a cargo capacity of 15 tons. Initially operating 3 weekly flights, Cochin has now expanded to daily operations, contributing an additional 2.5 tons per flight approximately. This strategic move significantly bolsters Thai Airways’ cargo network within India, with Globe Air Cargo India now managing four of the airline’s eight major stations nationwide, and handling over 40% of its total exports. The primary commodities expected to benefit from this agreement include pharmaceuticals, perishables, garments, spices, and automotive parts, supported by improved logistics and streamlined connections.
Jean Ceccaldi, CEO of ECS Group, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration: “Our partnership with Thai Airways underscores the trust in our expertise and operational excellence. Expanding our footprint in India through this contract enables us to support Thai Airways in optimising its reach and enhancing trade flows between India and international markets.”
Girish Kunder, Managing Director of Globe Air Cargo India, echoed these sentiments: “This partnership marks an exciting chapter for Globe Air Cargo India as we join forces with Thai Airways to boost cargo capacity and connectivity across key routes. Leveraging our resources and experience, we are dedicated to delivering a seamless experience for our customers and positively impacting the air cargo industry in India.”
Veera-Anong Pookgaman, Team lead of Cargo and Mail Sales at Thai Airways also emphasised the importance of the collaboration: “Partnering with Globe Air Cargo India aligns perfectly with our strategy to strengthen our presence in the Indian market. Their extensive experience and commitment to service excellence assure us that this collaboration will enhance the reliability and efficiency of our cargo services, meeting the diverse needs of our clients.”
This contract marks a significant milestone for ECS Group as Globe Air Cargo India assumes a pivotal role in supporting Thai Airways’ expansion and operational success in India’s dynamic cargo sector.
Kenya Airways has been selected by FedEx as its ground handling partner, marking the first time the American logistics and cargo carrier has appointed the airline for such operations. The partnership represents a significant milestone for Kenya Airways’ cargo and airport services business as international airlines and logistics operators continue expanding strategic collaborations across African markets. According to Kenya Airways, the agreement reflects growing confidence among global carriers in the airline’s operational capabilities, service standards and airport handling expertise. The collaboration is also expected to strengthen the airline’s role in supporting cargo connectivity between Africa and key international trade corridors. In an official statement shared on LinkedIn, Kenya Airways described the development as a proud milestone, noting that FedEx had become the first American airline to select the carrier as its ground handling partner. The agreement comes amid increasing focus within the air cargo industry on strengthening regional handling infrastructure, improving turnaround efficiency and expanding integrated logistics partnerships to support rising freight demand across Africa and global supply chains. The development further highlights Africa’s growing strategic relevance in international cargo networks as airlines and logistics companies seek stronger operational partnerships across emerging trade and distribution hubs.
Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl) is intensifying its sustainability and cargo safety initiatives as global supply chains increasingly demand greener, more resilient and technology-enabled logistics infrastructure. According to Hactl’s annual Sustainability Report 2025, the company’s latest investments in intelligent cargo screening, autonomous electric vehicles and sustainable terminal operations signal a broader transformation of air cargo handling from a traditional warehouse function into a critical supply chain resilience strategy. At the centre of Hactl’s latest move is the Phase 2 rollout of its intelligent cargo thermal detection system at SuperTerminal 1 in Hong Kong. The enhanced system now scans cargo during acceptance as well as prior to aircraft loading, creating what the company calls a “double layer” of protection against high-risk shipments such as lithium batteries. The technology combines thermal imaging, artificial intelligence, data analytics and fluid mechanics to detect abnormal temperatures in real time and trigger alerts before incidents escalate. For global supply chains, the implications are significant. Lithium battery shipments continue to rise sharply due to booming electric vehicle, electronics and e-commerce sectors. However, battery-related fires remain one of the biggest operational risks in air freight logistics. By investing in predictive monitoring and dedicated storage infrastructure, Hactl aims to reduce disruption risks across the cargo chain while improving reliability for airlines, freight forwarders and shippers. Hactl’s sustainability strategy extends well beyond cargo safety. Under its Green Terminal Programme, the company has committed to reducing Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by more than 50 percent by 2030 against a 2018 baseline. The company has already deployed renewable diesel initiatives, energy-efficient lighting systems, digitalisation projects and terminal-wide waste reduction programmes as part of its decarbonisation roadmap. Automation is also emerging as a major pillar of Hactl’s supply chain strategy. The company recently introduced Autonomous Electric Tractors (AETs) for ramp operations at Hong Kong International Airport. The vehicles, equipped with LiDAR sensors, HD cameras and AI-powered navigation systems, are designed to improve operational efficiency while reducing emissions and labour dependency in airport logistics. Industry analysts note that sustainability in air cargo is no longer limited to carbon reduction alone. Supply chains today require terminals that can simultaneously deliver operational continuity, cargo integrity, digital visibility and regulatory compliance. Hactl’s integrated approach reflects this shift, particularly as pharmaceutical cargo, perishables, lithium batteries and cross-border e-commerce place greater pressure on air logistics infrastructure. The company’s long-term strategy aligns with Hong Kong’s broader ambition to reinforce its position as a leading global air cargo hub amid intensifying regional competition. Investments in multimodal logistics connectivity, automation and green infrastructure are expected to strengthen Hong Kong’s role in Asia-Pacific supply chains over the coming decade. As supply chains become increasingly time-sensitive and sustainability-driven, Hactl’s latest initiatives highlight how cargo terminal operators are evolving into strategic enablers of secure, resilient and environmentally responsible global trade. 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐰𝐞𝐛𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞: https://cargoconnect.co.in/ for latest news!
London Gatwick Airport has acquired control of the World Cargo Centre, reinforcing its long-term cargo growth strategy and strengthening freight resilience across the South East logistics network. Located adjacent to the airfield, the 1,747 sq m cargo facility plays a critical role in facilitating cargo movement through the airport, particularly for freight transported in the bellyhold of long-haul passenger aircraft serving key trade markets across Asia, Africa and the Middle East. The acquisition brings one of Gatwick’s most strategically important cargo assets fully under airport management, enabling closer operational integration while supporting future infrastructure development linked to the airport’s Northern Runway expansion programme. The move comes amid rising demand for air freight and follows government approval for the airport’s Northern Runway project, which is expected to increase annual flight capacity to 389,000 movements and raise cargo throughput to 161,500 tonnes by the late 2030s. According to independent economic projections, expanding cargo operations at Gatwick could significantly enhance the UK economy’s trade ecosystem while supporting substantial employment growth nationwide.
