India’s Air Cargo Sector Ready for Transformation by 2025

Shaping a New Era for Air Cargo

On June 20, 2025, the Air Cargo Forum India (ACFI) presented a comprehensive strategic blueprint aimed at solidifying India’s position as a leader in global logistics and air cargo. The unveiling occurred during a curtain raiser event that set the stage for the ACFI Annual Conclave scheduled for July 11 at the Taj Palace in New Delhi. This confluence, themed “Air Cargo Leadership in a Changing World – India at the Forefront of Global Transformation,” centers on leveraging advanced policies, embracing technological innovations, and developing sustainable logistics infrastructure.

Projections indicate that air cargo volumes in India could surpass 10 million tonnes annually by 2030, necessitating a robust recalibration of infrastructure, policy frameworks, and digital ecosystems to accommodate this rapid expansion.

A Shift from Transactional to Strategic Enablement

During the event, Sanjiv Edward, ACFI President and CEO of GMR Cargo & Logistics, emphasized the importance of transforming India’s air cargo narrative. Edward suggested that India is transitioning from being mere participants in the global supply chain to becoming a “center of gravity” for air cargo innovation. Such a transition calls for a re-evaluation of traditional methods and a pivot towards thinking digitally, sustainably, and securely.

This realistic vision coordinates with India’s ongoing trade goals under the National Logistics Policy and the PM Gati Shakti initiative. The integration of the fragmented cargo processing ecosystem with international digital and environmental compliance standards will be critical to realizing these ambitions.

The Role of Technological Advancement

The event also spotlighted the ACFI Tech Arena, a special initiative aimed at showcasing advancements in fields like artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), warehouse automation, and eco-friendly logistics practices. Far more than operational tools, these technologies represent the new foundational infrastructure essential for meeting internationally competitive air cargo standards.

India’s current position at 38th in the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index (2023) signifies an urgent need to advance domestic cargo processing standards. Aligning with global benchmarks like IATA’s ONE Record and e-AWB standards can dramatically improve aspects such as cargo reliability, shipment traceability, and expediency of customs clearance.

Strategic Discussions at the 2025 Conclave

The upcoming Conclave is set to host four themed sessions, each focused on crucial operational and policy elements that will lead to a successful transition for the air cargo sector:

• From Turbulence to Triumph – India’s Air Cargo Rise in a New World Order: In the first session, Satish Lakkaraju called for adaptable policies to address geopolitical shifts, underlining the need for air corridors designed in sync with emergent trade routes, like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).
• Tech-Driven Cargo: Accelerating Express, E-Commerce & Data-Led Operations: Lakkaraju further stressed the necessity for interoperability between private data systems and public platforms like ULIP to facilitate cross-border e-commerce, which has been growing exponentially.
• Green Corridors & Sustainable Trade Lanes – Air Cargo’s ESG Imperative: This session, moderated by Keku Bomi Gazder, featured discussions on the imperative of policy clarity surrounding Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and emission tracking infrastructures relevant to cargo terminals.
• Securing India’s Cargo Future: Compliance, Risk & Resilience by Design: Gazder also led discussions on regulatory fortification, warning that an increase in high-risk dual-use cargo heightens the need for compliance readiness as a competitive differentiator.

Engaging Global Stakeholders

The recognition of Cathay Cargo as the Title Sponsor highlighted increasing interest from Asia-Pacific stakeholders in India’s air freight dynamics. This engagement indicates potential commercial alignments between Indian airports and regional carriers eager to tap into India’s cargo potential, particularly from fast-growing manufacturing hubs in smaller cities.

ACFI Vice Chairman Dhiren Lakkaraju emphasized the necessity for synchronized policy frameworks to fully unlock the ecosystem’s value. He noted that without collective efforts, building cargo leadership would be nearly impossible.

The event’s significance is magnified given the rising global scrutiny over supply chain diversification. Recent discussions across various trade bodies and platforms have heightened expectations for India’s logistical contributions in the context of global obligations.

A Pivotal Transformation in India’s Air Cargo Policy

The forthcoming ACFI Annual Conclave 2025 stands as a critical juncture in the evolution of India’s air cargo policy landscape. As the country gears up for significant shifts marked by digital tool utilization and infrastructure investment, the ongoing policy discussions will shape not only domestic challenges but also India’s strategic role in global cargo value chains.

For industry regulators, air transport policymakers, and leaders throughout the Asia-Pacific region, insights from India’s evolving logistics model might provide valuable lessons in developing resilient, sustainable cargo systems to navigate today’s fragmented global economy.

Záver

The evolving landscape of India’s air cargo represents a beacon of innovation and transformation. The discussions framed at the ACFI Conclave provide crucial insights into regulatory structures, technological integration, and sustainability initiatives that are set to redefine logistics and air freight. Engaging with this transformation enables stakeholders to adapt to changing market dynamics and fulfill burgeoning transportation needs effectively.

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