CARGOCONNECT-OCTOBER2024 - Flipbook - Page 55
AIR FREIGHT MARKET : FEATURE
Mehrotra highlights, “Our team comprises industry experts from
various sectors, including airlines, customs, and freight forwarding. They help present and advocate for these issues e昀昀ectively to
relevant authorities.” This expertise ensures that ACFI’s advocacy
e昀昀orts are well-informed and impactful.
Future Outlook and Strategic
Directions
Looking ahead, India’s air freight sector is poised for continued
growth and transformation. The alignment of infrastructure
development, regulatory improvements, technological advancements, and evolving consumer demands will be crucial for driving
this growth. The sector’s ability to address current challenges
and leverage emerging opportunities will determine its success
in achieving long-term goals.
The Indian government’s focus on enhancing infrastructure
and streamlining logistics processes will play a pivotal role in
supporting the sector’s growth. Investments in airport facilities,
logistics hubs, and freight corridors are expected to improve
e昀케ciency and capacity, positioning India as a key player in the
global air freight market.
Sector leaders like Yashpal Sharma, K S Kunwar, Vipan Jain,
and B K Mehrotra acknowledge that the industry stakeholders
are at the forefront of this transformation, driving innovation
and strategic initiatives to meet the sector’s evolving needs. Their
insights highlight the importance of addressing current challenges,
embracing technological advancements, and adapting to changing
market dynamics.
For instance, Sharma’s focus on a broader vision of enhancing
the air cargo ecosystem re昀氀ects a commitment to long-term growth
and improvement. Kunwar’s call for comprehensive policy and
infrastructure reforms underscores the need for a robust framework
to support domestic freighter operations and attract investment.
Jain’s emphasis on technological adaptation and training highlights
the importance of staying current with industry developments and
regulatory changes. Meanwhile, Mehrotra’s insights underscore
ACFI’s role in effectively representing stakeholder interests by
addressing and resolving industry-related issues.
As India continues its economic ascent, the air freight sector
will play a critical role in supporting this growth. By focussing on
comprehensive strategies, fostering collaboration, and leveraging
technological advancements, the sector is well-positioned to meet
When issues are validated
as genuine and relevant,
ACFI engages with the
appropriate ministries or
departments. We address
local issues where possible
and escalate national or
policy-related matters to
higher authorities such
as CBIC, MoCA, or DGCA.
Our approach includes
detailed discussions
and explanations of air
cargo intricacies and
international practices to
ensure informed decisionmaking.
The air cargo industry is
constantly evolving with
new developments emerging
regularly. For example, the
ability to transport cargo in
passenger seats—a practice
that gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic—
demonstrates the sector’s
capacity for rapid adaptation
in response to emerging
challenges. Similarly, addressing the transportation
of lithium batteries, which
are essential for many electronic devices, has become a
significant focus.
B K MEHROTRA
VIPAN JAIN
Deputy Director General, Air
Cargo Forum India (ACFI)
Director Business Development,
Ethics Group of Companies
the demands of a rapidly evolving global market and contribute
signi昀椀cantly to India’s economic development.
In conclusion, India’s air freight sector is navigating a transformative period marked by signi昀椀cant investments, technological
innovation, and changing consumer behaviours. The sector’s
ability to adapt and respond to these changes will be crucial for
its continued success and growth. With a focus on enhancing
infrastructure, improving regulatory frameworks, and embracing
technology, India’s air freight industry is set to play a vital role in
the country’s economic future and global logistics landscape. As
the industry continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly shape the
future of logistics and contribute to India’s ongoing development
as a global economic powerhouse.
CARGOCONNECT OCTOBER 2024 | 55
