Pradeep Panicker, CEO, Hyderabad International Airport, and former President, ACFI, reflects on key milestones achieved during his tenure, the importance of effective collaboration among stakeholders, and the evolving landscape of India’s cargo industry, offering valuable advice for aspiring professionals.
Insights
Panicker, a seasoned professional with a remarkable career spanning three decades, has been an integral part of the GMR Group for nearly 20 years. His journey is a testament to his dedication and expertise in the fields of cargo, logistics, and airport operations.
Professionalism and a commitment to continuous learning are key to success in the ever-evolving cargo industry.
With a diverse portfolio at Delhi International Airport, including the prestigious roles of Executive Vice President (EVP) and Chief Commercial Officer for Aeronautical Business, Pradeep has been at the forefront of shaping the aviation industry. Currently, he serves as the CEO of Hyderabad International Airport, where his visionary leadership continues to drive growth and innovation.
A pivotal moment in his career came in 2008 when he assumed the role of Dy CCO of DIAL, responsible for both cargo and airline marketing. At that time, Delhi Airport had a single cargo terminal. Recognising the untapped potential in the air cargo sector, Panicker embarked on a mission to accelerate growth with a specialised approach and well-crafted strategies. His ambitious goal was to increase cargo volume from 350,000 tons to a staggering 1 million tons by 2018.
His journey also led him to the realisation that success hinged on creating a conducive ecosystem, which required policy changes from the Government of India. Inspired by his visit to Amsterdam and witnessing the success of Air Cargo Netherlands (ACN), Panicker proposed the establishment of the Air Cargo Forum of India (ACFI) in 2011. He brought together various stakeholders from the airport ecosystem and served as its president from 2012 to 2016.
Pradeep Panicker’s career is a testament to his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to advancing the cargo and logistics landscape within India’s airports. His legacy as a “Cargo Visionary” is sure to inspire future generations in the industry.
Visionary
Panicker, often regarded as an industry visionary, shared his perspective on the evolving landscape of cargo, logistics, and airport operations in India. He highlighted the transformation of the Indian aviation sector, showcasing remarkable post-COVID recovery rates that exceeded pre-pandemic levels in many segments. The pandemic accelerated technology adoption, especially in passenger processing, shaping the sector’s future.
Furthermore, he emphasised the paradigm shift in the cargo industry, driven by supply chain disruptions, surging e-commerce demand, time- and temperature-sensitive products, safety measures, digital technologies, and sustainability concerns. This transformation positioned the industry as a vital component of the global logistics landscape.
Yet, the sector grappled with macro-economic challenges, including tight labour markets, inflation, and global supply chain disruptions. The IMF’s prediction of a 2023 recession in certain European countries added complexity. Despite these challenges, India’s cargo industry remained a significant global player, recording domestic cargo growth of approximately 10 percent YoY in FY23.
Panicker noted the Indian government’s ambitious goal of achieving $2 trillion in exports by 2030, supported by favourable factors like competitive labour rates, improved manufacturing capabilities, abundant raw materials, and untapped Tier II markets. Government policies and initiatives, such as Export Promotion Schemes, Make-in-India, Free Trade Agreements, and Export Promotion Councils, created an enabling environment for Indian exporters.
This positive outlook positions India to leverage opportunities arising from increased imports and exports, particularly in e-commerce and manufacturing. As global trade diversifies away from China, India has the potential to play a pivotal role, contingent on the development of high-tech manufacturing capacity.
His insights as an “Industry Visionary” shed light on the promising trajectory and challenges of India’s cargo and logistics sector, offering a glimpse into its potential to reshape the global trade landscape.
Recommendation
Panicker offers sage advice to aspiring young professionals. He emphasises agility, staying informed, embracing technology, and the ability to tackle unforeseen challenges. Professionalism and a commitment to continuous learning are key to success in the ever-evolving cargo industry.
