The first recorded cargo flight took place on 7 November 1910 in the USA, transporting 200 pounds of silk 105 km from Dayton to Columbus, Ohio in 57 minutes. This was a landmark event: the first “cargo only” flight, the first commissioned by a client, and the first example of multimodal air transport, as the silk was subsequently moved by road to the store. A few months later, the world’s first official airmail flight took place in British India on 18 February 1911, carrying 6,500 letters 13 km from Allahabad to Naini.
Over a century of trade has followed, and while the sector grew phenomenally in the west, it is now time for India to claim its share of this legacy. The new aviation policy in India is focused on connecting the country by air and includes provisions for Air Freight Stations (AFS). We at Versand Logistics anticipate that air freight will be a major driver of future Indian trade.
Versand Logistics is an accredited IATA Cargo Agent, holding stock agreements with multiple carriers. We offer our clients competitive pricing for both in-bound and out-bound international cargo movements. We are also committed to launching a domestic cargo service soon to provide complete end-to-end solutions.
Our comprehensive service network spans all major airports across the globe, secured through a combination of our own offices, reliable partner agents, and consortium members. This robust structure assures unparalleled quality and reliability in the movement of your valued and time-critical cargo.
Versand Logistics is fully equipped to handle specialized shipments, including project cargo and Dangerous Goods (DG Cargo), based on specific design and regulatory requirements. We have the capacity to arrange charter flights for movement both into and out of Indian airports, ensuring you never have to look far for your special air cargo needs.
Recognizing that time is of the essence in air cargo, we strive to exceed your service expectations. To this end, Versand Logistics maintains special tie-ups and partnerships with Express Air Cargo companies, allowing us to offer prompt Door-to-Door services for smaller packages and documents.
Versand Logistics is proud to be the sole lifetime forwarder member (as of date) of the prestigious Air Cargo Forum of India (ACFI). ACFI is a consortium representing all stakeholders in the Indian air cargo industry, including Airlines, Airport Authorities, Terminal Operators, Customs Brokers, and Transporters. Our Managing Director actively participates on the ACFI Board, working to resolve industry difficulties and enhance air cargo handling practices in India.
Through ACFI, we actively engage with the Government of India via agencies like DGCA, MoCA, and Customs, offering the industry perspective and suggesting a way forward. We are committed to doing everything possible to ease the way business is conducted in India. We believe that standing on the sideline and complaining makes one part of the problem; we take issues head-on to find solutions that benefit the trade and are often adopted by authorities.
Although India has several international airports, the major hubs—Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad—handle the maximum volume of international cargo. As per reports from the first quarter of 2017, these six airports managed 97.25% of Import cargo and 87% of Export cargo. Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai hold the major share: 36%, 31%, and 14% respectively for Import; and 29%, 29%, and 12% respectively for Export.
With Versand Logistics covering all these major airports with our own offices, you are assured of excellent Versand Service Quality, every time without fail.