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FedEx plans to establish India’s first fully automated air cargo hub
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FedEx plans to establish India’s first fully automated air cargo hub

India could be the next destination for Federal Express Corporation (FedEx), the world’s largest express transportation company, to establish its air cargo, its first fully automated platform, to connect intra-Indian and regional markets with trade routes global.

FedEx is working with the government on regulatory changes to establish the hub, said its president of FedEx Middle East, Indian Subcontinent and Africa (MEISA), Kami Viswanathan.

“We are studying the possibility of creating an air hub in India that would connect Indian cities to international markets more quickly. It will also serve as a sub-regional hub for South Asia and other markets adjacent to India. We are working on it very actively. I don’t have a specific timetable at the moment,” she added.

“We are working with the government on the regulatory changes needed to make this a reality as well as with airport operators. This could be a game changer for India because something like this doesn’t exist today,” she told reporters.

One of the regulatory changes that will be necessary is the ability to transship a cargo that’s coming from one country but heading to another country to get it through the hub without having to spend time or, you know, go through hours in the field, she said. said.

“Airport infrastructure is another important area, and it is important in our business to have the right infrastructure, airside, landside, ample space for automated sorting equipment and X-ray screening,” a- she declared. FedEx has hubs in Memphis, Guangzhou, Dubai and Charles de Gaulle, she added.

FedEx is seeing good growth in the e-commerce, B2B, pharmaceutical and automotive sectors. “We experienced strong double-digit growth last year. We plan to double our activity in three years,” she said without giving figures.

Regarding the possible investment in the aviation hub, Richard W. Smith, president and CEO of FedEx Express, airlines and international, said in February that FedEx had launched a hub in Dubai with an investment of $350 million. “It’s just to give you an idea of ​​the size and scale of the type of hub we’re talking about,” he added.

On India as a market for FedEx, Smith said: “India is a growing country and is expected to play a much larger role in global trade in the future. We are seeing global companies expressing interest in setting up manufacturing and export operations. In India, to serve the Indian market, but also as an alternative source of supply for their global markets, we also see Indian companies internationalizing further by acquiring overseas assets and developing markets in other regions .

“We are investing in capacity to India from Asia and from India westwards to Europe and the US. We are also expanding our infrastructure at our gateways in Delhi and Bangalore. Earlier this year, we launched a hub in Dubai, which facilitates Indian exports and imports,” he said. FedEx has added two dedicated flights to India and plans to add more in the future as the market grows, he added.

India, Vietnam and Mexico are among the three fastest growing markets in the world. India is one of the most dynamic and fastest-growing markets on the planet, Smith said.

When asked what steps the company was taking against cybercrime using the FedEx name, Viswanathan said the company was working closely with the cybercrime department to address these complaints and help them track down the gangs behind it. they.