ACFI Annual Conclave 2024: Pioneering Pathways for a Developed India in Air Cargo Logistics

The Air Cargo Forum India (ACFI), India's leading catalyst for promoting Air Cargo Logistics Industry & trade, held their Annual Conclave on July 5, 2024. Themed "Unlocking Potential Paving Way for a Developed India", the event aimed to foster collaborative brainstorming sessions to unlock the potential of international and domestic freight movements.

"The ACFI Annual Conclave 2024 served as a prestigious gathering of the most brilliant minds in India's air cargo sector, offering a platform for addressing the industry's most pressing challenges and exploring its most promising opportunities. This distinguished event showcased ACFI's commitment to elevating the air freight industry by harnessing its inherent strengths, navigating the complexities of international air cargo, and unlocking the vast potential of the domestic market," remarked Satish Lakkaraju, Chairman of ACFI's Event Management Task Pillar and esteemed Governing Board Member.

"The conclave's thought-provoking discussions and innovative insights have set a new benchmark for industry collaboration and strategic foresight, making it an indispensable event for leaders shaping the future of air cargo in India and beyond," he added.

At the ACFI Annual Conclave 2024, the air cargo community was invigorated as all relevant stakeholders came together, including airports, GSAs, carrier partners, shippers, regulators, policymakers, and government authorities. The event aimed to collectively shape a vision spanning from shippers to buyers and other stakeholders in the supply chain ecosystem. The conclave brought together the entire Governing Board of ACFI, past presidents of the forum, and various stakeholders in the air cargo logistics and supply chain trade. This included senior government dignitaries, airlines, airport operators, cargo terminal operators, freight forwarders, sales agents, other trade associations, and express industry professionals.

Mohan Yadav, Chief Minister, Madhya Pradesh said, “In this globally connected world, there is a crucial need for fast and efficient delivery, especially after COVID-19 which has taught us how unpredictable the future can be. Earlier, it used to take months to travel abroad, but today with the help of air cargo we are able to deliver goods to the farthest corner of the world, benefiting businesses and society simultaneously.

Speaking at the event, Piyush Srivasata, Sr. Economic Advisor, Ministry of Civil Aviation said, “Air Cargo Forum India (ACFI) is dedicated to building a world-class environmentally friendly air logistics industry that facilitates business and supports the aspirations of the new and advanced Viksit Bharat. Going forward, e-commerce and express delivery cargo will drive the future, making it crucial to maintain an airline clientele that is both high-value and low-volume. Additionally, stakeholders must remain cognizant and aware of optimizing processes and reducing turnaround times. Regulatory improvements have increased the ease of doing business and I strongly believe that the government will do what needs to be done to maintain this upward trajectory. As we leapfrog to achieve a $ 5 trillion economy by 2024-25, we need to adopt the best practices as per our need for rapid and sustainable growth of the Indian Economy.”

Yashpal Sharma- President ACFI said, “A developed India requires significant advancement from our current state of growth. However, it is important to remember that this growth must be unanimous, driven by elevating skill sets, job opportunities, infrastructure, and regulatory frameworks. The Indian aviation sector is poised to witness a 3X growth, leveraging the robust supply chain we have established. To fully capitalize on this opportunity, we must continuously innovate in our businesses and upskill our workforce. I truly believe that Air Cargo has the right potential and scope for empowering businesses worldwide. I am certain that this holistic approach will not only strengthens the industry's current capabilities but also lay a strong foundation for future growth and success.”