JUPITER SEA & AIR
SERVICES PVT. LTD, EGMORE – CHENNAI, INDIA.
E-MAIL : Robert.sands@jupiterseaair.co.in Mobile : +91 98407 85202
Corporate News
Letter for Thursday May 14,
2026
Today’s
Exchange Rates
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PRICE |
CHANGE |
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95.7 |
0.059998 |
0.062733 |
95.60 |
95.64 |
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1.171 |
-0.0029 |
-0.24704 |
1.1739 |
1.1739 |
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129.3788 |
-0.106201 |
-0.082018 |
129.4062 |
129.485 |
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112.037 |
-0.310295 |
-0.276193 |
112.2149 |
112.3473 |
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157.788 |
0.15799 |
0.100228 |
157.62 |
157.63 |
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1.3518 |
-0.0022 |
-0.162482 |
1.354 |
1.354 |
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0.6065 |
-0.0002 |
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0.6068 |
0.6067 |
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/// Sea Cargo News ///
CMA CGM Adds Kobe Call
to Boost Japan–US EX1 Service
CMA CGM has enhanced its
Japan–US EX1 service by introducing a maiden call at Port of Kobe,
strengthening its transpacific network and port coverage.
The addition of Kobe to the EX1
rotation is expected to improve connectivity for Japanese exporters, offering
more direct access to the US market while reducing transit times and
transshipment requirements.
The move also provides greater
flexibility and reliability for customers shipping cargo across the Pacific.
Industry sources indicate that the enhanced service will support rising trade
volumes between Japan and North America, particularly in sectors such as
automotive, machinery, and consumer goods.
The Kobe call is likely to
boost cargo throughput at the port while reinforcing its role as a key
logistics hub in Japan. The upgrade reflects CMA CGM’s broader strategy to
optimise its service network and respond to evolve demand pattern in global
shipping.
By strengthening its Japan-US
route, the carrier aims to offer more efficient and competitive solutions to
its customers. With the EX1 service enhancement, CMA CGM continues to expand
its presence on major east-west trade lanes, supporting smoother cargo flows
and improved supply chain performance.
MSC Unveils New Europe–Gulf Shipping Route
MSC has unveiled a new
Europe–Red Sea–Gulf Express service, strengthening connectivity across key
trade corridors linking Europe with the Middle East. The new service is
designed to provide faster transit times and improved schedule reliability,
connecting major ports across Europe, the Red Sea, and the Gulf region.
It is expected to support
growing trade volumes and offer customers more flexible shipping options.
Industry sources say the route will enhance MSC’s network coverage,
particularly for cargo moving between European markets and key hubs in the
Middle East.
The service is also likely to
benefit sectors such as energy, manufacturing, and consumer goods, which rely
on efficient maritime logistics. The launch comes amid evolving global shipping
dynamics, with carriers reshaping networks to address demand shifts and
geopolitical challenges impacting traditional routes.
With the addition of the
Europe-Red Sea-Gulf Express, MSC continues to expand its global footprint and
strengthen its position in strategic east-west and north-south trade lanes.
India Coffee Shipments
Rise 27% in Jan–Apr
The growing popularity of
instant coffee products has further supported the surge in outbound shipments.
The increase also reflects improved harvest availability and steady supply
chain operations, enabling exporters to meet rising international demand.
Traders noted that India’s
robusta variety is increasingly preferred for blends, particularly in
price-sensitive markets. Industry stakeholders expect export momentum to remain
strong in the coming months, supported by favourable global consumption trends
and stable production levels.
However, they caution that
fluctuations in international prices and logistics costs could influence
shipment volumes going forward.
India remains one of the
world’s key coffee exporters, with Robusta and instant coffee forming a
significant share of its outbound trade.
Seafood Exports Touch
$8.28bn Despite Global Headwinds
Seafood exports from India
reached a record $8.28 billion in FY2025–26, demonstrating resilience despite
challenging global market conditions and trade disruptions.
The growth was driven by steady
demand from key markets such as the United States, China, and Japan, where
Indian shrimp and other marine products continue to enjoy strong consumer
acceptance.
Exporters managed to maintain
shipment volumes even as freight costs, geopolitical tensions, and currency
fluctuations posed hurdles. Industry sources attribute the strong performance
to diversified export markets, improved processing capabilities, and adherence
to stringent quality standards.
Value-added seafood products
and frozen shrimp remained major contributors to export earnings during the
period. Government support measures, including export incentives and
infrastructure improvements, also played a role in sustaining growth.
Exporters benefited from better
cold chain logistics and streamlined certification processes, enabling smoother
trade flows.
Despite the record performance,
stakeholders remain cautious about ongoing global uncertainties, including
fluctuating demand patterns and regulatory challenges. However, the sector is
expected to remain a key contributor to India’s agri-export basket in the
coming years.
Container Throughput
at Qatar Ports Rises 14% in April
Container throughput at ports
in Qatar rose by 14% in April 2026, reflecting strong trade activity and
improved cargo handling performance. The growth was driven by increased imports
of consumer goods and construction materials, alongside steady export volumes.
Key facilities, including Hamad
Port, played a central role in handling the surge, supported by efficient
terminal operations and enhanced logistics infrastructure. Officials attributed
the rise to streamlined port processes, digitalisation initiatives, and
improved connectivity with regional and global shipping networks.
The expansion of services by
major carriers has also contributed to higher container traffic. The increase
underscores Qatar’s growing importance as a regional logistics hub, with ports
continuing to adapt to rising demand and evolving supply chain requirements.
Industry expect container
volumes to remain strong in the coming months, supported by ongoing
infrastructure development and sustained economic activity.
CMA CGM announced Peak Season Surcharge on Taiwan to Canada
CMA CGM has notified customers
of a Peak Season Surcharge applicable to cargo moving from on via Taiwan to
Canada’s East and West Coast ports, effective from May 15, 2026 until further
notice.
The surcharge covers all cargo
types and is structured at US$ 1,800 per 20 Foot container, US$ 2,000 per 20
Foot container and US4 2,530 per 45 foot container.
Collision Disrupts
Operations at Chittagong Port
Operations at the Port of
Chittagong were disrupted after two container vessels collided within port
limits, raising concerns over navigational safety and traffic management.
Authorities reported that the
incident caused temporary delays in vessel movements and cargo handling, as
port officials assessed the damage and initiated clearance operations. No major
injuries were reported, but both ships sustained structural impact requiring
inspection.
The collision led to congestion
in key berthing areas, affecting turnaround times and creating a backlog of
vessels awaiting entry and departure. Port authorities have since implemented
measures to restore normal operations and minimise further delays.
In a parallel development,
Bangladesh has commenced construction of a long-awaited deep-sea port aimed at
enhancing maritime capacity and reducing reliance on existing facilities.
The new project is expected to
handle larger vessels and ease pressure on Chittagong Port over the long term.
Officials said the deep-sea port initiative will strengthen the country’s trade
infrastructure, improve efficiency and support growing cargo volumes even as
immediate efforts continue to stabilise operations following the collision.
/// Air Cargo News ///
Air India suspends multiple international flights amid rising ATF prices, airspace restrictions
Air India has temporarily suspended multiple international routes, including Delhi-Chicago, Mumbai-New York, Delhi-Shanghai, and Chennai-Singapore, to curb costs amid mounting losses, rising jet fuel prices and airspace closures over certain regions. The airline announced on Wednesday the rationalisation of its services on select international routes between June and August 2026.
Air
India said it will operate more than 1200 international flights every month,
including 33 flights per week to North America, 47 flights per week to Europe,
57 flights per week to the UK, 08 flights per week to Australia, 158 flights
per week to the Far East, Southeast Asia, and SAARC regions, and 07 flights per
week to Mauritius (Africa).
“The adjustments have been made in response to a combination of factors, including continued airspace restrictions over certain regions and record-high jet fuel prices for international operations, which significantly impact the commercial viability of certain planned services,” said the airline in a statement.
Earlier this month, Air India CEO and MD Campbell Wilson highlighted that a massive rise in jet fuel prices, put together with airspace closures and longer flying routes, has caused many of their international flights to become unprofitable to operate. He stated that the situation leaves the airline with no option but to further trim schedules for June and July.
“We very much regret the disruption to our customers' plans and our crew's rosters, and hope that the Middle East situation settles -- and the Strait of Hormuz opens -- soon so that we can get back to a more normal state,” Wilson said in a communication to Air India employees.
Last week, he told employees that they need to focus relentlessly on costs in tough times and there must be a laser-sharp focus on eliminating wastage and leakages.
ATF
prices had more than doubled since the war broke out in West Asia on February
28.
The government in April limited the hike to Rs 15 per litre for domestic operations. However, for international operations, ATF prices have risen twice in two months. ATF prices generally account for about 30-40% of an airline’s operating cost.
Following the April hike, this percentage band increased to 55-60%, as per the Federation of Indian Airlines (FIA).
Owing
to ongoing challenges, Air India is expected to post losses exceeding Rs 22,000
crore for FY26, its highest on record.
In North America, Air India has temporarily suspended the Delhi-Chicago route while reducing Delhi-San Francisco flights from 10x weekly to 7x weekly through August. The Delhi-Toronto sector has been reduced from 10x weekly flight to 5x weekly through July, increasing to daily operation from August.
Delhi-Vancouver is reduced from 7x weekly to 5x weekly. Mumbai-Newark service has been increased from 3x weekly to 7x weekly and Delhi-New York (JFK) remains a 7x weekly service while Delhi-Newark and Mumbai-New York (JFK) services will be temporarily suspended.
In Europe, Delhi-Paris services have been reduced from 14x weekly to 7x weekly while Delhi-Copenhagen, Delhi-Vienna, Delhi-Zurich and Delhi-Rome have been reduced from 4x weekly to 3x weekly. Delhi-Milan has been reduced from 5x weekly to 4x weekly. In Australia, Delhi-Melbourne and Delhi-Sydney flight frequency has been reduced from 7x weekly to 4x weekly.
In the Far East, Southeast Asia and the SAARC region, Delhi-Shanghai, Chennai-Singapore, Mumbai-Dhaka and Delhi-Malé flights have been temporarily suspended through August. Flights between Delhi-Singapore have been reduced from 24x weekly to 14x weekly while flights between Mumbai-Singapore are downsized from 14x weekly to 7x weekly.
Delhi-Bangkok is reduced from 28x weekly to 21x weekly from July, Mumbai-Bangkok is reduced from 13x weekly to 7x weekly from July, Delhi-Kuala Lumpur is reduced from 10x weekly to 5x weekly, Delhi-Ho Chi Minh City is reduced from 7x weekly to 4x weekly in July and August, Delhi-Hanoi is reduced from 5x weekly to 4x weekly in July and August, Delhi-Kathmandu is reduced from 42x weekly to 28x weekly in June, and further to 21x weekly in July and August, Delhi-Dhaka is reduced from 7x weekly to 4x weekly, Mumbai-Colombo is reduced from 7x weekly to 4x weekly, Delhi-Colombo is reduced from 14x weekly to 12x weekly.
Turkish Cargo Upgrades Online Portal to Simplify Logistics
Turkish Cargo has upgraded its corporate website to streamline air freight processes and enhance the overall customer experience, as part of its ongoing digital transformation strategy.
The revamped portal introduces a more user-friendly interface, enabling customers to access key services such as booking, shipment tracking, and rate enquiries with greater ease. Improved navigation and faster response times are expected to reduce operational complexity for freight forwarders and logistics partners.
The new platform also integrates advanced digital tools designed to optimise cargo management, offering real-time updates and improved transparency across the supply chain. These enhancements aim to support more efficient planning and execution of air cargo operations.
With global demand for seamless logistics solutions rising, Turkish Cargo’s digital upgrade is positioned to strengthen its competitiveness in the international air freight market. The move reflects a broader industry trend toward automation and customer-centric platforms.
The company said the updated website will continue to evolve with additional features, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and service excellence in the air cargo sector.
Emirates Restores 96% Network, Capacity Hits 75%
Emirates has restored 96% of its global network following recent disruptions, marking a strong operational recovery as the airline works to stabilise services across key routes.
The carrier also reported that its overall capacity has rebounded to 75% of pre-crisis levels, reflecting a steady increase in flight frequencies and seat availability. The gradual return of demand across passenger and cargo segments has supported the recovery.
Emirates has been progressively reinstating services to major international destinations, focusing on optimising schedules and improving connectivity through its hub in Dubai. The airline has also enhanced operational efficiency to manage the surge in travel demand.
The near-complete network restoration underscores Emirates’ resilience and its ability to adapt quickly to changing market conditions. The airline continues to monitor demand trends and adjust capacity accordingly to maintain service reliability.
Industry observers note that while capacity is still below pre-crisis levels, the pace of recovery indicates strong momentum, with further improvements expected in the coming months as global travel demand continues to rebound.
LATAM Cargo Adds Caracas to Network Expansion
LATAM Cargo has expanded its network by adding Caracas as a regular cargo destination, strengthening connectivity between the United States and the Venezuelan market.
The new service operates on a Miami–Caracas–Bogotá route, with two weekly frequencies and a total capacity of around 100 tonnes per week. It is designed to handle general cargo and courier shipments, while also supporting specialised segments such as pharmaceuticals and oversized freight.
The move comes amid a gradual recovery in air connectivity to Venezuela, with demand rising for cargo transport between North and South America. By incorporating Caracas into its network, LATAM Cargo aims to better serve supply chain needs and improve access to goods in the region.
The expansion also reinforces Miami’s role as a key cargo hub for Latin America, enabling more efficient distribution and flexible logistics solutions for shippers operating across the corridor.
Industry observers note that the launch reflects growing confidence among carriers in rebuilding routes to Venezuela, as trade flows and logistics demand continue t stabilise.
Air China Cargo to order more A350 freighters
Air China Cargo is to firm up another four Airbus A350 freighters by exercising options it acquired through an order for the type last year.
The carrier had previously agreed to take six firm aircraft.
But
it has been newly disclosed that the carrier now intends to sign a
“supplementary agreement” to convert options on four more.
Air China Cargo said the decision is intended to “accelerate the introduction of cargo aircraft” and expand the fleet.
“This
transaction aligns with the company’s development plan and market demand, and
will help optimise the company’s fleet structure and long-term capacity
replenishment,” the carrier stated.
“It will build a large and medium-sized freighter capacity structure that meets market and customer needs, contributing to the company’s long-term stable operation.”
The cargo carrier had previously indicated that the originally-ordered aircraft would be delivered between 2029 and 2031.
The
extra four are set to arrive over 2032-33, the carrier said.
The
airline puts the value of the additional aircraft at $1.86bn at catalogue
prices, but added that Airbus had “granted the company a price discount”.
Air China Cargo’s revised agreement also includes options on a further six A350Fs, with an exercise deadline at the end of next year.
The airline first customer to order the 111-tonne capacity A350F in the Chinese mainland.
According to fleet tracking site Planespotters.net, Air China Cargo currently has a fleet of 23 freighters consisting of eight Airbus A330-200Fs, two Boeing 747-400Fs and 13 Boeing 777Fs.
The carrier began taking delivery of its A330 converted freighters in 2024.
IAI completes “primary structural work”
on A330-300P2F
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has completed primary structural work on its Airbus A330-300 passenger to freighter (P2F) conversion prototype and expects certification by the end of the year.
The Israel-headquartered freighter conversion company has taken the aircraft off jacks and is now entering the ground and flight test phase with the first flight of the A330-200P2F scheduled to take place in the upcoming weeks.
Boaz Levy, president and chief executive of IAI, said: “This achievement marks another step in executing IAI’s long-term vision to expand its role in the global air cargo market.
“By continuously advancing our technological and industrial capabilities, we are positioned to deliver scalable and reliable solutions that align with our customers’ evolving operational needs, while reinforcing our leadership in the conversion arena.”
The Airbus A330-300BDSF conversion offers cargo capacity of up to 30 containers and a payload of up to 61 tons.
Designed for regional and medium-haul cargo missions, it enhances loading efficiency through an advanced cargo handling system and optimised cargo flow.
The forward positioning of the main deck cargo door further reduces operating time by enabling faster loading and unloading, said IAI.
IAI completed the door cutting phase in its A330-300BDSF freighter conversion programme last July.
Yaacov Berkovitz, executive vice president & general manager, IAI’s Aviation Group, said: “This milestone reflects IAI’s ability to transform decades of experience and advanced engineering expertise into long‑term value for our customers.
“Our A330-300 passenger-to-freighter conversion has been purpose-built to meet evolving market demand, delivering a highly competitive value proposition and strong market appeal.”
IAI began work on the first Airbus A330-300 passenger to freighter conversion in September 2024.
Aircraft
leasing firm Avolon became the
launch customer for
IAI’s A330-300 programme after signing a deal for 30 of the conversions in 2021.
In addition to its A330 conversions, IAI was the first company worldwide to achieve an STC for the conversion of a Boeing 777-300ER.
Further, IAI currently performs conversions of the Boeing 767-200 and 767-300, as well as narrowbody conversions of the Boeing 737-700 and 737-800.
I hope you have
enjoyed reading the above news letter.
Robert Sands
Joint Managing Director
Jupiter Sea & Air Services Pvt Ltd
Casa Blanca, 3rd Floor
11, Casa Major Road, Egmore
Chennai – 600 008. India.
GST Number : 33AAACJ2686E1ZS.
Tel : + 91 44 2819 0171 / 3734 / 4041
Fax : + 91 44 2819 0735
Mobile : + 91 98407 85202
E-mail : robert.sands@jupiterseaair.co.in
Website : www.jupiterseaair.com 1Branches : Chennai, Bangalore,
Mumbai, Coimbatore, Tirupur and Tuticorin.
Associate Offices : New Delhi, Kolkatta, Cochin &
Hyderabad.
Thanks to : Container News, Indian Seatrade, Cargo Forwarder Global & Air Cargo News.
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