LAST MILE-

Terra raises USD 2 mn in seed round: UAE-based electric mobility startup Terra has raised USD 2 mn in a seed funding round that saw participation from angel investors, according to a statement released on Thursday. The raised funds will be funneled towards upgrades to the firm’s e-motorbike and battery swapping operations ahead of an upcoming Series A funding round, the statement noted.

Why is this important? Terra’s drop-in replacement battery swapping solution — which can be completed in about five minutes (watch, runtime: 1:56) depending on EV and battery make — offers a quick fix to poor EV charging infrastructure globally, and can help accelerate the transition to green mobility by enabling replenishment of EV driving range on the go instead of lengthy recharge durations.

AVIATION-

Oman Air launches freighter service connecting Hyderabad and Muscat:Oman Air has kicked off a freighter service linking Hyderabad International Airport to its hub at Muscat International Airport, according to a statement released last week. The new line will operate two weekly flights on Tuesday and Saturday using a newly delivered Boeing 737-800 converted freighter which can haul 22 metric tons one way. The service is expected to add 88 mn metric tons of inbound and outbound weekly capacity at Hyderabad, boosting exports of pharma, fruit, vegetables, and hatching eggs from Hyderabad to Oman.

Menzies implements new cargo management system by Wipro: UK-based Menzies Aviation has launched a new cargo management system, dubbed Menzies Aviation Cargo Handling (MACH), using software from technology and Indian IT consulting services company Wipro, according to a statement released last week. Menzies, a subsidiary of Kuwaiti logistics company Agility, plans to implement the MACH system across its global network by the end of 2024. The company is launching MACH systems at 10 air cargo locations in five countries: Jordan, China, New Zealand, Jamaica, and Canada. MACH uses cloud-based architecture to provide real-time insights and data that can be accessed from anywhere at any time.

ALSO WORTH KNOWING-

  • KSA gets its first hydrogen truck: KSA’s General Authority for Transport and Al-Majdouie Logistics Company have launched Saudi Arabia’s first hydrogen truck on a trial basis. The truck can travel 400 km on 35 kg of hydrogen. (Statement)
  • Etihad Airways to boost safety with AI solutions: The UAE’s Etihad Airways is partnering with Mohamed bin Zayed University of AI to create AI-powered safety solutions, develop joint training programs, and conduct research. (Statement)
  • Lufthansa resumes Beirut route: Lufthansa is planning to resume its flights to and from Beirut following a suspension in October amid the Israel-Gaza war. The carrier will also add a total of 20 weekly connections to Tel Aviv starting from 8 January 2024. (Statement | NNA)
  • More flights between Mumbai and Doha:Indian airline Vistara has launched four flights per week between Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai and Doha Hamad International Airport, Qatar. (Simple Flying)
  • Menzies switches to eco-friendly cargo operations:Menzies Aviation has switched to the environmentally friendly BioNaturPlastics for its cargo operations at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), San Francisco International Airport (SFO), and Miami International Airport (MIA) in a bid to enhance sustainability. (Statement)
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