The 10th edition of Air Cargo India 2024, held from February 14–16 at Mumbai’s Jio World Convention Centre, showcased industry innovations and partnerships. Media partner Cargo Insights conducted exclusive interviews during the event. With 6,100 attendees, including global leaders, discussions revolved around expanding capacity, digitization, and sustainability, with a focus on key sectors.
Sanjiv Edward
CEO, GMR GroupAt GMR Group, our primary focus is on enhancing India’s airport infrastructure, specifically in the cargo sector, to propel industry and national growth. We’re actively expanding Tier 2 infrastructure in Delhi and Hyderabad to meet increasing demands, particularly in pharmaceuticals. The recent addition of Mopai Airport in Goa further solidifies our commitment to comprehensive logistics support. Technological innovation is key, with initiatives like eAWB360 compliance and truck slot management ensuring streamlined processes and improved visibility. Our experience at Air Cargo India has been highly positive, as the event effectively facilitates collaboration and knowledge exchange. We remain dedicated to providing essential capacity for India’s cargo and logistics industry, thereby ensuring sustained growth and efficiency.
Kamesh Peri
Chief Executive Officer, Celebi Delhi Cargo Terminal ManagementReturning to Air Cargo India is always a pleasure for us. We’ve been part of this event since the beginning, finding it a valuable platform for engaging with industry stakeholders, from customers to airport operators and beyond. Efficiency is key for Celebi, and we continually benchmark ourselves against global standards, leveraging our international expertise. Through process optimisation and technological advancements like digitization and automation, we strive for constant improvement. Recently, we’ve introduced an automated cargo stickering process, enhancing transparency and efficiency in line with security guidelines. In terms of collaboration, we approach our customer relationships as partnerships, ensuring alignment of initiatives for mutual benefit and anticipating future needs. This approach fosters transparency, trust, and readiness to adapt, ultimately enhancing our ability to serve our customers effectively.
Satyaki Raghunath
Chief Operating Officer, BLR AirportParticipating in Air Cargo India annually has been an incredible journey for us, reinforcing our commitment as the cargo and passenger gateway to southern central India. Despite industry challenges, our expansions at Bangalore Air Cargo Airport reflect our resilience and strategic partnerships with global leaders like WFS and Menzies. We’re set to significantly increase cargo and cold chain capacity, along with developing state-of-the-art logistics infrastructure.
Our success stems from foresight, technological innovation, and a steadfast commitment to sustainability. We invest in capacity ahead of demand, leverage cutting-edge technology for efficiency, and prioritise renewable energy to reduce our environmental footprint. Positioned amidst India’s economic growth and stability, we’re ready to capitalise on opportunities, driving towards a greener and more prosperous future for the air cargo industry.
Amar More
Co-Founder & CEO, Kale Logistics SolutionsAt Kale Logistics Solutions, we’re honoured to have been a part of Air Cargo India since its inception. With a vast clientele spanning over 5,000 customers across 38 countries, events like these provide invaluable opportunities for networking and engagement. Our primary mission is to digitalize global logistics, effectively addressing industry-wide challenges like congestion. We’re proud that our pioneering efforts have been recognized by the United Nations for significantly reducing container dwell time by 75%, showcasing our commitment to sustainability and operational excellence. Through our innovative technological solutions, we empower airports and ports worldwide to optimise throughput, allowing them to meet ambitious cargo targets without extensive infrastructure investments. At Kale Logistics Solutions, we’re dedicated to shaping the future of the industry through ongoing innovation and collaborative partnerships.
Sudhir Dhavan
Chief Executive Officer, R E Rogers IndiaWith over a decade at R.E. Rogers and three decades in the industry, my journey has been deeply intertwined with Air Cargo India’s evolution. From its inaugural edition at the Bombay Exhibition Centre to its current status as a global expo, facilitated by Massim Unik, the show has witnessed tremendous growth.
In the digital era, our industry has undergone significant changes, emphasising digitization, sustainability, and efficiency. Notably, innovations like onboard courier services have reshaped our operations, fostering partnerships with airlines, handling agencies, and charter operators.
At R.E. Rogers, our commitment to excellence extends beyond Air Cargo India. As exclusive logistics service providers, we optimise traffic management and offer diverse services, from organising exhibitions and live events to managing free trade warehousing zones. Our recent focus on sustainability aligns with our vision for a net-zero carbon future by 2050, ensuring we deliver top-notch services while minimising environmental impact.
Ashok Rajan
Sr. VP and Global Business Head, IBS SoftwareAt IBS Software, we’re deeply entrenched in the digital transformation of the travel, transportation, and logistics sectors. Our flagship platform, iCargo, has revolutionised cargo operations for top carriers globally. Over the years, the perception of digital has shifted from being a mere cost centre to becoming the core of business strategy. Collaboration and data-driven decision-making have emerged as pivotal shifts, driving industry-wide transformation. Our recent launch of iPartner platforms aims to bridge industry divides, facilitating seamless collaboration among airlines, handlers, and customers. However, a significant challenge persists: the lack of standardised, robust technology platforms across the industry. Establishing such foundations is crucial for widespread technology adoption and driving future advancements. Ultimately, technology will continue to drive business evolution and shape the future of the air cargo industry.