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Hong Kong Air Cargo has launched a dedicated freighter service from Mumbai, expanding its India network and strengthening cargo connectivity between India, Hong Kong and onward global markets. The new service adds dedicated inbound cargo capacity to India while giving exporters in the country greater access to Hong Kong and international destinations. The launch comes within two months of Aeroprime Group being appointed as Hong Kong Air Cargo’s Cargo General Sales and Service Agent (GSSA) in India. Abhishek Goyal, Executive Director, Aeroprime Group, said Mumbai is one of India’s strategic cargo gateways and that the new service would provide customers with greater capacity, improved connectivity and reliable cargo solutions. He added that the launch reflects the commitment and agility of both teams. Raymond Chen, Vice President and Commercial Spokesperson, Hong Kong Air Cargo, said the Mumbai freighter service marks an important step in the airline’s India growth strategy. He highlighted Mumbai’s importance as a key export hub and credited Aeroprime Group with supporting the airline’s expansion in the Indian market. The Mumbai launch strengthens Hong Kong Air Cargo’s focus on India while expanding Aeroprime Group’s role in the carrier’s market development and commercial activities. Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such updates
Saudi Arabia's Riyadh Air has commenced daily flights between Riyadh and Mumbai, marking its entry into the Indian market while adding new air cargo capacity to one of the region's busiest trade corridors. The new Boeing 787-9 service is designed to support both passenger travel and belly-hold freight, strengthening commercial links between India and Saudi Arabia. The Mumbai route forms part of Riyadh Air's international network expansion as the airline continues to build connectivity across South Asia. The carrier is also scheduled to introduce additional services to Dhaka, Islamabad and Lahore during August, further extending its regional footprint. For the air cargo sector, the new service increases available capacity for shipments moving between the two countries. The daily widebody operation is expected to benefit industries that rely on time-sensitive logistics, including pharmaceuticals, perishables, engineering products, e-commerce and high-value manufacturing goods. India and Saudi Arabia have witnessed steady growth in bilateral trade in recent years, driving demand for additional passenger and cargo connectivity. Mumbai, one of India's largest commercial and logistics hubs, is expected to serve as a key gateway for freight moving between South Asia, the Middle East and onward international markets. The launch also aligns with Saudi Arabia's broader aviation strategy to position Riyadh as a global air transport hub by expanding international connectivity and increasing cargo handling capacity. For Indian exporters and freight forwarders, the additional daily service provides greater scheduling flexibility and network options for shipments destined for Saudi Arabia and other markets accessible through Riyadh. Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such updates.
Lufthansa Cargo reported a 47% year-on-year increase in adjusted EBIT for the first half of 2026, reaching €199 million, as stronger cargo demand and higher network capacity supported improved financial performance. Revenue also increased 16% during the period. The cargo carrier benefited from continued demand across key international markets while expanding available freight capacity through the broader Lufthansa Group network. The company said improved operational performance and network optimisation contributed to the earnings growth. During the first half, Lufthansa Cargo also advanced strategic initiatives under its LCCevo and GlobeCross programmes, which are focused on operational efficiency, digitalisation and network development. The company indicated that both programmes achieved key milestones during the reporting period. Despite the strong cargo performance, the wider Lufthansa Group has highlighted continued uncertainty in the aviation sector due to geopolitical developments, fuel price volatility and broader market conditions. These factors remain potential risks for airline profitability during the remainder of the year. Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such updates.
Qatar Airways has restored approximately 85% of its flight network as the airline accelerates its operational recovery, while also announcing two senior executive appointments aimed at strengthening customer service and operational performance. The carrier said the network recovery reflects continued progress in reinstating services across key international markets following recent disruptions. The restored schedule is expected to improve connectivity for both passenger and cargo operations as demand stabilises across its global network. To support the next phase of its recovery, Qatar Airways has created two new executive positions. Abdulla has been appointed Chief Operating Officer (COO), while Calum will assume the role of Chief Customer Officer (CCO). Both executives will join the airline on 1 November and report directly to Group Chief Executive Officer Hamad Al-Khater. According to the airline, the appointments are intended to strengthen operational oversight while placing greater emphasis on customer experience as services continue to expand. The COO will oversee operational efficiency and network execution, whereas the CCO will be responsible for enhancing the end-to-end passenger experience across the airline's global operations. The latest developments come as Qatar Airways continues rebuilding its international network through the phased restoration of destinations and flight frequencies. The airline has gradually resumed services across several markets while adapting schedules to changing operational conditions and airspace availability. For the broader air cargo and logistics sector, the recovery of Qatar Airways' network is expected to increase available capacity on key trade lanes, supporting supply chain resilience and improving freight connectivity through its Doha hub. As one of the world's largest international carriers, the airline plays a significant role in facilitating global cargo movements alongside passenger operations. Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such updates.
Noida International Airport is set to begin dedicated cargo operations on June 17, marking a significant milestone in the development of North India's newest aviation and logistics hub. The first cargo flight is scheduled to depart two days after the airport commences commercial passenger services on June 15. Airport officials said the launch of cargo services will strengthen the airport's role as a multimodal logistics gateway for the National Capital Region (NCR), western Uttar Pradesh and neighbouring industrial clusters. The airport has been designed to handle both passenger and freight traffic from the start of commercial operations, with cargo expected to become a key growth segment. The initial cargo movement is expected to support industries across electronics, pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, perishables and e-commerce, sectors that rely heavily on time-sensitive transportation. Logistics stakeholders view the airport as an additional capacity source for the region's air freight market, which has traditionally depended on Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport. Located in Jewar, the airport is positioned near major industrial and manufacturing zones across Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan. Its proximity to the Yamuna Expressway and upcoming logistics developments is expected to improve cargo connectivity between production centres and international markets. Industry observers believe the addition of a new air cargo gateway could help reduce pressure on existing freight infrastructure in the NCR while creating new opportunities for freight forwarders, express operators and supply chain service providers. The airport's long-term development plans include expanding cargo handling capacity as freight volumes increase. Commercial operations at Noida International Airport will begin on June 15, with domestic passenger services operated by airlines including IndiGo and Akasa Air. Cargo flights are expected to follow shortly thereafter, supporting the airport's ambition to establish itself as an integrated passenger and freight transportation hub. Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such updates.
Global air cargo rates have begun to stabilise after weeks of sharp increases triggered by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, offering cautious relief to shippers and logistics providers navigating volatile supply chains. According to recent market data from the TAC Index, the overall Baltic Air Freight Index (BAI00) declined by 4.9% in the week ending May 18, signaling the first notable easing in freight prices since conflict-related disruptions tightened global air cargo capacity earlier this year. Despite the weekly correction, rates remain significantly elevated compared to last year, underlining the fragile balance between supply and demand in the air freight sector. The softening trend has been largely attributed to a decline in jet fuel prices during early May. Fuel costs, which account for a substantial share of airline operating expenses, had surged amid fears of prolonged disruption around major Gulf transit corridors. However, easing oil prices and improving market sentiment have reduced immediate pressure on carriers and shippers alike. Freight rates from major Asian export hubs, including Hong Kong, Shanghai, India and South Korea, registered week-on-week declines. Outbound Hong Kong rates fell 2.4%, while Shanghai slipped 1.7%. India-origin air freight rates also eased after experiencing some of the steepest increases during the height of the disruption. Nevertheless, pricing on many trade lanes remains well above year-ago levels due to ongoing capacity constraints and rerouting challenges. Industry analysts note that the recent moderation does not necessarily indicate a return to pre-crisis stability. Earlier this year, Middle East airspace disruptions forced carriers to reroute flights, cut frequencies and absorb higher fuel burn, leading to severe capacity shortages across Asia-Europe and India-Europe corridors. In some cases, spot rates doubled within weeks as demand outpaced available lift. The easing of rates is also being supported by gradual network adjustments and the return of limited capacity into the market. Airlines have started introducing alternative routings and additional freighter services to stabilize operations, although backlogs continue to affect several global gateways. Market observers believe air cargo demand will remain resilient through the second half of 2026, particularly for high-value and time-sensitive shipments such as electronics, pharmaceuticals and e-commerce goods. However, uncertainty surrounding fuel markets, geopolitical risks and supply chain disruptions could continue to drive periodic volatility in freight pricing. For logistics providers and shippers, the latest decline in air freight rates may offer temporary cost relief, but the broader market remains highly sensitive to global economic and geopolitical developments. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 https://cargoconnect.co.in/ 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
DHL Express announced the worldwide expansion of its Time Definite International portfolio with the introduction of Heavy Weight Express (HWX), an express air solution for shipments up to 1,000 kilograms per piece and 3,000 kilograms per shipment. With this launch, DHL Express strengthens its role as leading global integrator capable of moving heavyweight cargo with express speed and reliability across more than 220 countries and territories, supported by a dedicated aviation and ground network that ensures stable uplift, predictable transit times, and globally consistent handling standards. Heavy Weight Express is designed to meet the needs of industries where shipment reliability and timing are critical business drivers. The service integrates fast, time definite delivery with full end to end control, proactive monitoring, and transparent all in pricing that eliminates the rate volatility and cost uncertainties associated with other areas of freight. Customers benefit from guaranteed express transit times, comprehensive shipment visibility at every stage, and DHL's uncompromising operational standards, including stringent handling procedures for shock sensitive, high value, or regulated goods. DHL Express CEO John Pearson said "Heavy Weight Express represents a strategically important step for our business, expanding the value that DHL Express brings to global supply chains. As industries face rising volatility, increasingly complex production cycles, and significant financial exposure from delays and supply chain disruption, DHL's ability to offer express level speed, access to capacity and higher reliability for shipments up to 3,000 kilograms fundamentally changes the service levels that customers can expect from their logistics provider." The introduction of HWX is supported by the introduction of dedicated Heavy Weight Priority Desks around the world. These specialized teams are responsible for proactive tracking, early exception detection, real time intervention, and direct communication with customers to ensure uninterrupted shipment flow. Each heavyweight shipment receives dedicated case ownership, giving customers predictability and personal attention often associated with smaller or specialist logistics providers, but with the additional advantage of DHL's global integrator infrastructure, standardized processes, and 24/7 operational control. The solution directly addresses six critical heavyweight use cases observed across global industries: avoiding production downtime, managing program and product launches with immovable timelines, optimizing working capital by reducing inventory buffers, supporting procurement driven large scale shipping environments, complying with stringent special handling requirements, and stabilizing complex multi-site supply chains. These use cases are especially prominent in the technology sector, automotive manufacturing, engineering and machinery, life sciences, pharmaceuticals, and the oil and gas and energy sectors-industries where even small delays can result in severe financial impacts. Reducing shippers' dependence on fluctuating airline capacity and removing the cost variability of add on fees and handling surcharges, HWX offers customers the stability of a single carrier from pickup to delivery. DHL Express manages its own aircraft fleet, hubs, gateways, customs operations, and last mile delivery-providing customers with predictability even during periods of global disruption or limited air capacity. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 https://cargoconnect.co.in/ 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
The diversification process by Apple continues to progress as India becomes one of the centers for manufacturing operations. Based on an analysis by Smart Analytics Global (SAG), the percentage share of Indian manufacturing of iPhones has increased from 14% in 2024 to 23% in 2025 and further to 28% by 2026, whereas China’s share has decreased from 83% to 74% within the same timeframe. As Apple continues to lower its reliance on China, India is all set to emerge as the major assembly hub for 28 percent of all iPhones exported around the world by 2026, compared to just 23 percent in the prior year. This change is due to the company's overall strategy of spreading its manufacturing operations in order to mitigate potential tariff risks and geopolitical risks, in addition to creating a more flexible manufacturing network beyond China. Based on the estimates of Smart Analytics Global (SAG), China's share in global iPhone production dropped from 83% in 2024 to 74% in 2025, while India's share increased from 14% in 2024 to 23% in 2025. Estimates provided by another market research firm, Counterpoint Research, indicate that India's share in global iPhone manufacturing could increase to approximately 26% in 2026 from 23% in 2025. As per SAG, “India will account for the manufacture of 28 percent of iPhones shipped globally in 2026, rising from 23 percent in 2025. This growth will be fueled by the ongoing diversification of Apple outside China and capacity build-up at existing manufacturers in India like Tata Electronics,” said Abhilash Kumar, an analyst at Smart Analytics Global. According to Tarun Pathak, research director at Counterpoint Research, “Apple's manufacturing partners have substantially increased their manufacturing capacities and assembly lines in India. They have also diversified their product portfolio made in India.” He further stated that the increase in manufacturing capacity of Tata Electronics is another factor aiding the growth. Apple has managed to localize production substantially in India through manufacturers like Foxconn and Tata Electronics. The recent takeover of Wistron and Pegatron in India by the Tata Group represents a huge step forward in Apple’s localization efforts in India. At present, India is assembling a larger number of iPhones, even the latest versions, and has become an important source of exports, targeting countries like the US and European nations. Over the past five years, Apple has manufactured iPhones worth almost $70 billion in India using its PLI scheme, where around $51 billion, or almost 73% of all iPhones manufactured, were exported from India. Moreover, iPhones have become the most exported goods from India during the previous financial year. India has become the biggest beneficiary of Apple’s changing supply chain. From initially assembling iPhones on a smaller scale, it has grown to become a manufacturing cluster for iPhones through government incentives, increased manufacturing capabilities, and the growing presence of suppliers. Several of the most important suppliers and manufacturers for Apple are still highly entrenched within China, allowing the country to enjoy an unrivaled capacity and adaptability when it comes to managing mass-scale productions and product shifts. For more such news and updates, visit CARGOCONNECT.
Shadowfax is significantly expanding its quick commerce infrastructure, announcing plans to scale its dark store network from 15 facilities to 100 by FY27. The move underscores the company’s growing focus on hyperlocal deliveries, same-day fulfilment, and direct-to-consumer (D2C) logistics as competition intensifies in India’s fast-evolving quick commerce ecosystem. The Bengaluru-based company plans to add 85 new dark stores over the next fiscal year, targeting metro cities with delivery radiuses of approximately seven kilometres and fulfilment timelines of around 30 minutes. The expansion is expected to support rising demand from vertical quick commerce platforms and D2C brands that increasingly rely on third-party logistics (3PL) partners for rapid deliveries. According to company executives, vertical marketplaces are emerging as a profitable segment because of their dependence on outsourced logistics infrastructure rather than captive fulfilment networks. Shadowfax believes this trend creates a strong opportunity for scalable 3PL-led quick commerce models. The dark store expansion will account for nearly 10% of Shadowfax’s planned capital expenditure of ₹180–190 crore in FY27. The company is simultaneously strengthening its automation and artificial intelligence capabilities to improve operational efficiency. AI-led demand forecasting, automated slotting, and smarter sorting centre operations are expected to reduce overhead costs while accelerating breakeven timelines for new facilities. Shadowfax’s aggressive expansion comes on the back of strong financial performance. The company reported a consolidated net profit of ₹55.8 crore in Q4 FY26, compared to a net loss of ₹9.9 crore during the same period last year. Revenue from operations surged 73.6% year-on-year to ₹1,237 crore, reflecting growing order volumes and increased adoption of quick commerce delivery services. Founded in 2015, Shadowfax has evolved into one of India’s largest logistics and last-mile delivery networks, serving over 2,500 cities and more than 15,000 pincodes. The company currently handles millions of shipments daily through a technology-driven delivery ecosystem that supports e-commerce, grocery, hyperlocal, and D2C brands. Industry analysts believe the dark store expansion reflects a broader shift within India’s logistics sector, where speed, proximity-based fulfilment, and automated operations are becoming central to supply chain competitiveness. As quick commerce adoption accelerates beyond groceries into categories such as fashion, electronics, and personal care, logistics providers like Shadowfax are positioning themselves as critical enablers of ultra-fast retail fulfilment. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 https://cargoconnect.co.in/ 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
India’s two largest container gateways, Mundra and Nhava Sheva, are facing mounting congestion as rising cargo volumes, truck driver shortages and rerouted shipments from the Middle East strain operations across the country’s logistics network. Shipping lines and logistics operators are reporting worsening turnaround times at both ports, with vessel delays averaging nearly two and a half days and some unscheduled ships waiting up to five days for berthing. The disruptions are slowing cargo movement, tightening yard space and forcing carriers to make last-minute operational changes. According to industry reports, a shortage of truck drivers has become a major bottleneck for container transfers between terminals and inland transport hubs. The issue has reduced the pace of cargo evacuation from ports, adding pressure on already crowded container yards. Terminal operators have intermittently restricted gate access to control container inflow, while export gate schedules continue to shift frequently. These changes are complicating truck planning and increasing uncertainty for exporters and freight forwarders. The congestion is being intensified by cargo diversions linked to disruptions in the Middle East, particularly around Gulf trade routes. Shipping lines have increasingly redirected transshipment cargo to Indian ports as alternatives to facilities in the Persian Gulf, sharply increasing container volumes in recent weeks. The pressure has begun affecting carrier schedules. Some shipping companies are rerouting vessels between terminals at short notice to avoid yard congestion. Danish shipping giant Maersk recently shifted several sailings from its regular terminal at Nhava Sheva to PSA Mumbai after facing space constraints and a growing container backlog. Industry stakeholders say these sudden terminal changes are creating operational and financial challenges for shippers, including higher handling costs and difficulties coordinating customs clearance and inland transportation. The latest disruption comes at a time when India has been positioning itself as a major global manufacturing and logistics hub. Over the past decade, the country has expanded port capacity, improved freight corridors and modernised customs processes to strengthen supply chain efficiency. However, the current congestion highlights the vulnerability of port infrastructure during periods of sudden trade realignment and geopolitical disruption. Logistics experts warn that prolonged delays could increase freight costs, extend delivery timelines and place additional pressure on exporters already dealing with volatile global shipping conditions. Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such updates.
India’s Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs) are rapidly reshaping the country’s logistics landscape, with the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC) between Dadri and Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) emerging as a game-changing infrastructure project for supply chains and multimodal freight movement. Designed exclusively for cargo operations, the corridor is significantly reducing transit times, improving reliability, and easing congestion on conventional rail routes. Stretching nearly 1,500 km from Dadri in Uttar Pradesh to JNPA near Mumbai, the corridor forms the backbone of India’s western logistics artery, connecting manufacturing centres, inland container depots, industrial clusters, and ports. With dedicated tracks for freight trains, the network allows uninterrupted cargo movement at higher average speeds, eliminating delays caused by mixed passenger and freight operations. One of the biggest outcomes has been a sharp reduction in transit time. Freight movement between Dadri and JNPA that traditionally took close to 72 hours on congested rail routes is now being completed in nearly half the time, improving turnaround efficiency for exporters, importers, and logistics operators. Industry stakeholders believe the reduction in transit duration will strengthen India’s competitiveness in global trade and support the government’s target of lowering logistics costs as a percentage of GDP. The DFC network has also enabled the operation of longer and heavier freight trains, including double-stack container services on electrified routes. This has increased carrying capacity while lowering per-unit transportation costs. According to sector estimates, rail freight on dedicated corridors is considerably more energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable than road transport, aligning with India’s broader decarbonisation goals. Beyond operational efficiency, the corridors are catalysing the growth of integrated logistics ecosystems. Regions such as Dadri, Greater Noida, and Jewar are witnessing accelerated development of multimodal logistics parks, warehousing zones, and industrial hubs due to their strategic connectivity with both the Eastern and Western DFCs. The emerging “rail-road-air” logistics triangle around the National Capital Region is expected to attract substantial investments in manufacturing and distribution infrastructure. The Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India (DFCCIL) has reported rising freight train volumes on the operational stretches, indicating growing industry adoption. The completion of key links on the western corridor is expected to further enhance throughput and reduce dependency on road transport for long-haul cargo. Analysts say the dedicated rail network could become central to India’s ambition of creating faster, greener, and more resilient supply chains. As India continues investing in additional freight corridors across the country, the success of the Dadri-JNPA route demonstrates how infrastructure modernisation can directly influence trade efficiency, logistics performance, and industrial growth. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 https://cargoconnect.co.in/ 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬
In a strategic warehousing move, the South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), the second largest coal-producing subsidiary of Coal India Limited, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC) for collaboration in coal logistics, railway rake provisioning under GPWIS and similar schemes, and integrated transportation services. Guided by the Union Ministry of Coal, SECL is rapidly working to improve India’s energy security and coal logistics infrastructure. The company is taking steps to boost coal evacuation efficiency and ensure a steady fuel supply to essential sectors. This partnership with CWC is a significant move in that direction. The goal of the partnership with CWC is to strengthen SECL’s coal evacuation capabilities by providing reliable and efficient rail logistics solutions to meet the rising demand from the power, steel, cement, and other sectors. The MoU outlines collaboration in various areas, including dedicated railway rake operations, integrated coal transportation solutions, multimodal logistics, first-mile and last-mile connectivity, and the deployment of digital systems for logistics monitoring and operational efficiency. Under the agreed framework, both organizations will explore provisioning and operation of GPWIS and equivalent racks, integrated rail logistics services, and long-term transportation solutions aimed at improving dispatch efficiency and reducing logistical obstacles. The MoU was signed in the presence of Harish Duhan, Chairman-cum-Managing Director of SECL, and Santosh Sinha, Managing Director of CWC. Functional Directors and senior officials from SECL, as well as representatives from CWC, attended the signing ceremony. SECL plays a vital role in meeting the country's growing coal demand. In the current financial year 2026-27, Coal India Limited has already surpassed the 100 million tonne production mark, with SECL contributing more than 26.8 million tonnes. Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC), a Navaratna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Government of India, is a leader in integrated logistics and warehousing services. It has extensive experience in rail-linked cargo movement and multimodal transportation solutions. For more such news and updates, visit CARGOCONNECT.
