The ACFI Annual Conclave 2024 unites air cargo leaders to unlock growth, featuring top dignitaries and innovative sessions.
The Air Cargo Forum India (ACFI), a leading catalyst for promoting India’s air cargo logistics industry and trade, held its annual conclave on July 5, 2024. The event, themed “Unlocking Potential: Paving Way for a Developed India,” aimed to foster collaborative brainstorming sessions to unlock the potential of international and domestic freight movements.
The conclave featured prominent dignitaries, including Mohan Yadav, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh; Dr. Surendra Ahirwar, Joint Secretary (Logistics and Trade), DPIIT; Piyush Srivastava, Senior Economic Advisor, Ministry of Civil Aviation; and Jivisha Joshi Gangopadhyay, Deputy Secretary, DPIIT.
The event brought together all relevant stakeholders from the air cargo community, including airports, GSAs, carrier partners, shippers, regulators, policymakers, and government authorities. Key figures such as Yashpal Sharma, President of ACFI, and other industry leaders shared insights and strategies for driving the sector’s growth.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav highlighted the importance of fast and efficient delivery in today’s globally connected world, especially post-COVID-19. He emphasized Madhya Pradesh’s role in advancing logistics and the potential for the state to develop air cargo facilities akin to Delhi.
Senior Economic Advisor Piyush Srivastava underscored ACFI’s dedication to building a world-class, environmentally friendly air logistics industry that supports India’s aspirations for economic growth. He stressed the importance of e-commerce and express delivery cargo in driving future growth and the need for continuous regulatory improvements.
The conclave included three business sessions focusing on building India’s air cargo capacity, unlocking customer expectations, and transforming air cargo through technology, innovation, and sustainability. Moderated by key ACFI Governing Board members, these sessions provided a platform for discussing opportunities, challenges, and strategies within the air cargo sector.
Prominent speakers from various sectors, including Peter Penseel of Delta Air Lines, Manoj Singh of Adani Airport Holdings, and Capt. Nikhil B. Ved of Blue Dart Aviation, addressed the audience, offering their perspectives on the industry’s future.
The event also featured the launch of two significant books: “Wings of Trade,” detailing the journey and growth of air cargo, and the “ACFI Training Manual,” focusing on skill development within the sector.
The conclave culminated in an exclusive gala dinner and the ACFI Innovation Awards night, celebrating groundbreaking ideas in the air cargo sector. Awards were given in various categories, including enhanced customer experience, competitiveness, safety and security, digitization, and sustainability.
The ACFI Annual Conclave 2024 set a new benchmark for industry collaboration and strategic foresight, reinforcing ACFI’s commitment to elevating the air freight industry by harnessing its strengths and navigating the complexities of international and domestic air cargo.
