CARGOCONNECT-OCTOBER2024 - Flipbook - Page 52
F E A T U R E
Air Freight
As India ascends as a global
economic powerhouse, its air
freight sector is undergoing
a profound transformation.
This evolution is not merely
a response to the nation’s
economic growth but also a
strategic adaptation to global
trends, technological advancements, and shifting consumer
behaviours. Government investments, regulatory updates,
technological innovations, and
the rise of e-commerce are
all driving this transformation.
Industry experts are leading
the charge, providing critical
insights into how the sector can
meet its ambitious goals and
navigate the challenges of a
rapidly evolving market, writes
UPAMANYU BORAH…
ADAPTING TO INDIA’S ECONOMIC CENTRICITY
AND MARKET ADVANCEMENTS
overnment Investments
and Infrastructure
Development
The foundation of India’s evolving air
freight sector is its robust investment in
infrastructure. The Indian government
has prioritised the development of airport
facilities and logistics hubs to bolster the
country’s cargo handling capacity. Major
projects like the Noida International Airport,
Navi Mumbai International Airport and
the expansion of Delhi’s Indira Gandhi
International Airport are set to transform the logistics landscape.
These developments are crucial in supporting the anticipated
increase in air cargo tra昀케c and improving operational e昀케ciency.
Yashpal Sharma, Managing Director of Skyways Group and
Immediate Past President, Air Cargo Forum India (ACFI) emphasises
the signi昀椀cance of these investments. “Achieving a milestone of 10
million tonnes in air cargo is not just a target; it represents our
52 | CARGOCONNECT OCTOBER 2024
commitment to signi昀椀cantly enhancing the air cargo ecosystem,
both in India and globally.”
Sharma’s statement re昀氀ects the sector’s ambition to not only
meet but exceed benchmarks, ensuring that India’s air cargo
capabilities evolve in tandem with its economic growth.
In addition to expanding airport facilities, the Indian government is investing in the creation of dedicated freight corridors
and logistics parks. These initiatives are designed to streamline
transportation processes, reduce turnaround times, and enhance
the overall e昀케ciency of the logistics network. For example, the
Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) is expected to facilitate
smoother freight movement between two major economic hubs,
reducing logistical bottlenecks and improving connectivity.
Furthermore, the government’s National Logistics Policy (NLP)
aims to create a uni昀椀ed logistics network by integrating various
modes of transport and streamlining processes. This policy is
expected to reduce logistics costs, enhance supply chain e昀케ciency,
and provide a more cohesive framework for the air freight sector.
By aligning infrastructure development with strategic policy
initiatives, the government is laying the groundwork for sustained
growth and competitiveness in the global market.
