SCAN HERE TO RECEIVE OUR NEWS Did You Know ...


AWAY from the Arctic itself, the transport industry has to deal with some extreme climatic


conditions. Although mostly predictable, some ... I these are 2


ndia’s airfreight industry is moving into a new growth phase, driven by technology adoption, infrastructural expansion, and rising domestic consumption. Operational efficiencies that once took weeks to achieve now takes hours, highlighting a structural transformation in the sector.


The government’s focus on digitisation has accelerated the adoption


of electronic air waybills and customs automation, putting India among the top five nations globally in air cargo digital capabilities. Infrastructure expansion, including 160 planned airports and aircraft orders exceeding 600 units from domestic carriers, underlines the scale of capacity growth. India’s large, increasingly affluent population further enhances demand for both inbound and outbound cargo. The pharmaceutical sector exemplifies India’s global relevance. “Forty


percent of generic drugs of the world is produced in India. United States buys 60 percent of the generic drugs out of India,” Tushar Jani, Chairman of Cargo Service Center Group, said. The rapid expansion of India’s logistics sector is underpinned by a


deeply embedded entrepreneurial ethos and resilience among operators. Indian business culture is characterised by a “do or die” mentality, with innovation and risk-taking central to market participation. Operators combine historical experience with modernisation, leveraging decades of expertise to scale airfreight services from domestic hubs to international networks. Education and language skills in emerging regions, particularly in the


northeast, are contributing to trade potential. Strategic investments in infrastructure are creating corridors that link India with Southeast Asia, supporting the “China plus one” strategy for global manufacturers. Multimodal


development, integrating ports, airports, and inland


transport, is becoming a critical enabler of cargo efficiency. “Take Navi Mumbai airport… It will have a potential of multimodal use, as JNPT port is about 50 kilometres from this airport,” Jani observed. The cultural and operational mindset has direct implications for


market participants. Forwarders and integrators can expect an ecosystem that rewards efficiency and innovation, while shippers gain from faster delivery cycles and improved reliability. Regional hubs in the northeast and the east are likely to attract new investment, supported by government-led infrastructure projects. “The government is focusing a lot of infrastructure in the northeast… Building bridges, airports,


The weekly newspaper for air cargo professionals No. 1,358 15 December 2025


Revisiting the Cargo


EIGHTY years after its signing, the 1944 Convention on International Civil Aviation, known as the Chicago Convention, continues to underpin the governance of ...


... 5


Follow Us: 60 Seconds With ...


Yap Wei Bin began his career in the air cargo industry in 1996, following a period in his family-operated business. His first exposure to ...


11


INDIA’S RAPID GLOBAL ASCENDANCY


seaports,” he continued, underlining the ongoing development across the country.


Policy, infrastructure and integration Government policy and regulatory reforms are central to India’s logistics trajectory. Digitisation initiatives, FinTech adoption, and infrastructure incentives are making the country more competitive globally. These policies are complemented by investment in aviation, road, and port infrastructure, enabling an integrated multimodal logistics network. Domestic and international cargo flows are benefiting from cost-


effective transportation. Trucking rates are among the lowest globally, at around US$8 per ton over long distances, supporting efficient intermodal transfers. Airfreight and sea cargo volumes are projected to grow consistently, with domestic transport driving multimodal synergy. “Air cargo would show consistent growth of four to five percent, sea cargo would be about seven to eight percent,” Jani outlined. Global trade positioning is strengthened by India’s manufacturing


capacity and consumption base. Pharmaceuticals, electronics, and defence equipment production are scaling rapidly, while e-commerce growth supports high-frequency shipments. India’s role as a production hub for global brands highlights the strategic importance of domestic logistics improvements. “We are going to be the world’s production house… The world’s biggest iPhone production is in India today,” Jani expressed, laying out the scale of manufacturing-driven cargo demand. The industry faces policy and operational challenges alongside


opportunities. Integrating multimodal infrastructure across regions, aligning regulatory frameworks with international standards, and supporting emerging hubs in the northeast will be critical. Shippers, forwarders, and carriers must navigate a market undergoing rapid transformation, where investment in technology, human capital, and infrastructure will determine competitiveness. “India’s growth will be much faster than what is happening today, because our infrastructure is becoming more growth-oriented,” Jani concluded.


www.aircargoweek.com

Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14