India has set ambitious goals for air cargo-handling 10 million tonnes by 2030. How realistic is this target, and what role will platforms like ACFI play in achieving it?
India’s target of handling 10 million tonnes of air cargo by 2030 is certainly ambitious, but it’s not unattainable given the current trajectory. In fact, this aspiration was discussed several years ago within ACFI, where members collectively recognised the importance of setting tangible goals and defining the steps necessary to achieve them.
Reaching this target will require a strategic mix of policy reforms, infrastructure enhancements, and, most importantly, digital integration across the air cargo ecosystem. This means seamless connectivity between customs, airports, airlines, freight forwarders, and shippers. Equally crucial is fostering robust public-private partnerships to address operational and policy challenges in a collaborative manner.
Platforms like ACFI play a pivotal role in this transformation. By acting as a catalyst, ACFI facilitates crucial dialogue, aligns industry priorities, and pushes for actionable policy recommendations. The combination of domestic and international cargo growth is key here. With India’s domestic air cargo sector showing strong potential, there’s an opportunity to consolidate gains on both fronts.
A significant area of focus must also be transshipment. Today, global hubs like Dubai and Hong Kong thrive on transshipment cargo-cargo passing through their airports en route to other destinations. This is an area where India has lagged behind the Middle East, but it now has a clear opportunity to reposition itself as a transshipment hub in the region.
How is this edition of the ACFI Annual Conclave different from the previous ones? Could you walk us through some of the key innovations or new elements planned for 2025?
The ACFI Annual Conclave has evolved remarkably over the past 7-8 years from a modest industry gathering to a prominent global event. Last year’s edition was a testament to the scale and significance the conclave has achieved, and the upcoming edition promises to surpass it on every front. It’s returning to the same venue, but with an expanded agenda and new dimensions, making it a much-anticipated gathering for the air cargo community.
One of the key differentiators this year is the addition of a curtain raiser event, which will offer early insights into the conclave’s themes and discussions. From an industry perspective, the timing of this edition is crucial. It coincides with several pivotal initiatives being driven by the government and regulatory authorities, and the conclave aims to address these through dedicated sessions and dialogues.
A significant highlight this year will be the introduction of an exhibition area within the conclave, focused on tech-driven air cargo solutions. This will provide a platform for technology providers to showcase innovations, addressing some of the sector’s longstanding operational challenges. Alongside this, the conclave will feature insightful panel discussions and two fireside chats designed to deep dive into emerging trends.
In terms of content, sessions will explore themes like ‘India as a Global Opportunity’ and ‘From Turbulence to Triumph: Indian Air Cargo’s Rise in the New World Order’, reflecting on the geopolitical shifts affecting global logistics. Another key session will examine how technology and data are accelerating e-commerce and express cargo operations, a timely topic considering the rapid digitalisation across India’s supply chain networks.
Additionally, a fireside chat on ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ will deliberate on building India’s next-generation cargo ecosystem and the government’s role in shaping this future. Sustainability will also feature prominently, with a business session on green corridors, sustainable aviation fuel, and renewable energy integration within air cargo operations. Finally, a session on compliance, risk management, and building resilience by design will address how businesses can navigate a volatile environment while remaining agile and customer-centric.
Collectively, these elements position the upcoming ACFI Conclave as a vital, future focused industry forum.
How has the Annual Conclave shaped policy or industry strategies in the past, and what kind of tangible outcomes are you hoping to see this time?
Over the past 12 years, ACFI has consistently taken strong and meaningful initiatives to address the evolving needs of India’s air cargo industry. One of the significant steps in this direction has been the focused push on the transshipment initiative, which is being actively driven by APFI. The fundamental reason behind prioritising this is that unless transshipment-related challenges are adequately addressed, it will be difficult for the sector to scale up to the next level of growth and competitiveness.
ACFI has maintained a clear and consistent vision that the Annual Conclave must serve as a strategic platform for the industry to engage in open, solution-oriented discussions around its most pressing issues. It is not merely an annual event but a working forum designed to catalyse action and policy direction for the industry’s sustained development.
A hallmark of these conclaves has been the active involvement of government stakeholders. Traditionally, senior officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation have been part of the discussions, and in several editions, the Minister for Civil Aviation himself has participated, reflecting the government’s commitment to the sector’s growth.
In addition, ACFI has made conscious efforts to involve state governments, ensuring regional perspectives and opportunities are represented. For instance, the Government of Madhya Pradesh was actively engaged in last year’s conclave. This year, dialogues are underway with the governments of the Northeast region, the Delhi government, and other states to participate. While final confirmations are pending, the intent is to broaden the conversation to include issues like free trade zones and the enhanced utilisation of airports as integrated logistics hubs.
This inclusive, action-focused approach is what ACFI believes will help shape a progressive and globally competitive air cargo ecosystem for India.
Source: Logisticsinsider
