AIR CARGO INDIA REVIEW


FROM FREIGHT TO PLATE I


ndia, a leading exporter of perishable goods, produces more than 400 metric tonnes of perishable cargo, with that figure forecast to rise to reach a value of US $563 billion by 2030. Accounting for over 14% of India’s GDP, the sector employs over 25 million people.


Kamesh Peri, CEO of Celebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management


India, told air cargo India that the nation is responsible for over 4% of global cargo export of perishable goods, with a prime focus on Middle East markets. Delhi International Airport handles 80% of meat exports to the


Middle East. As a hub of perishable goods in the Northern Indian region,


the airport faces hurdles in dealing with these goods,


including mishandling of the cargo and temperature control system failure challenges in both warehouse and ramp side transportation while loading onto aircraft. To overcome these potential issues, the cargo eco-system needs to develop a robust transparency model to keep stakeholders in the loop. John Batten, CEO - EMEAA of Worldwide Flight Services added his


views on topic, explaining that the cargo handler has established a goal of moving 150,000 metric tonnes of perishable cargo, investing heavily in developing 50 dedicated cargo centres across its facilities. Batten also agreed with Peri’s views on the challenges of


temperature control, stating that efficiency in the perishable cargo industry is key to building a sustainable model in the industry, bringing all stakeholders together to engage to ensure maximum effectiveness. Richard Theknath, Chairman & Managing Director at Jet Freight


claimed that, to achieve its full potential, immense investment in the overall infrastructure is needed to capitalise on moving perishable cargo goods out of India. Theknath pointed to Dubai International Airport (DXB) as a model for handling perishables, warning that infrastructure challenges are hitting India’s cargo volumes, with a sharp drop in flowers from India. Previously moving 10-15 tonnes per day, this has dropped down by a quarter, as the market has moved to


the African continent where the cost is comparatively less. The Jet Freight chairman “fears this could happen to other


products too if the challenges in the perishable cargo industry are not addressed as a top priority.” He was clear that government support is needed if India is to compete with the hubs in Asia and the sub-continent, through subsidies and an incentive model. Milton De La Paz, Vice President of Airline Relations and Cargo


Business Development at Dallas Fort Worth (DFW), addressed the conference by stating that the American airport has positioned itself in the sector through strong connections. Linking South America and the United States, DFW has created a value chain between key locations. De La Paz further asserted that “the implementation of new


advanced technology can further enhance the airport’s temperature- sensitive cargo, taking it to new heights.” DFW is currently investing in a new ultra-modern facility with complete and strict control of the facility with temperature and sanitisation. Mark Alzawahra, Founder & MD of Catch of Norway Seafood,


reiterated that cold chain facilities for perishables, such as sea food, are required across India. Similarly looking at DXB and Saudi Arabia’s King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED), Alzawahra pointed to how both have managed to ensure timely movement of cargo, encouraging customers to fly goods through their hubs. For example, he explains how the cargo lands at DXB or JED at 11:30 PM from Norway and the cargo has reached its final destination by 6 AM, ready for the market. Kaushal Khakhar, CEO of Kay Bee Exports, called on the


government “to intervene to ensure India’s position as a perishable goods hub is established in coming years.” Khakhar proposed that the solution is to stop differentiating between pharmaceutical and perishable cargo, giving equal importance to both. On behalf of the cargo community, Khakhar added that


“benchmarking in quality, movement and handling is necessary across the network to ensure its growth.”


ACW 26 FEBRUARY 2024 11


“Benchmarking in quality, movement


and handling is necessary across the network to ensure its growth”


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