Western India Air Cargo Conclave & Awards 2025 takes off with resounding success

 

The Western India Air Cargo Conclave & Awards 2025, the maiden Exim India ACE event in Mumbai, held at Hotel Aurika, Sahar Airport Road, Mumbai, on August 13, 2025, was a stupendous success, soaring high with stellar participation, pertinent insights, worthy recognitions, and the exhilaration of the entire fraternity coming together under one roof.

The leading lights of the industry were all there, representing well-known logistics service providers, GSSAs, airports and terminals, domestic and international airlines, e-commerce companies, technology firms, trade bodies, as well as shippers & consignees, participating in a thought-provoking and wide-ranging deliberation on the event theme, ‘Air Cargo Network in Western India – All Set to Soar High’, soaking in the appreciation of a full house at the awards, and availing of the chance to network with industry colleagues.

CONCLAVE AND PANEL DISCUSSIONS

The Conclave comprised two sessions, reflecting  the scope of the topics to discuss regarding this key segment of cargo and logistics:

*   Airports and Air Cargo Infrastructure

*   The Logistics of Air Cargo – Challenges and Best Global Practices

Both saw participation from stalwarts across the sectoral spectrum, with insightful keynote and special addresses, and sharp and relevant opinions on the current scenario and the future during the panel discussions, complemented by some expert moderating. The broad consensus was that air cargo in the Western Region, and India, is on the ascent and set to climb higher. 

KEY INSIGHTS FROM INDUSTRY LEADERS 

Session 1: Airports and Air Cargo Infrastructure

* Mr Manoj Singh, a seasoned Air Cargo professional, in his welcome address and opening remarks, set the tone by underscoring discipline as the cornerstone of success in the air cargo business. He emphasised that meticulous planning, coupled with disciplined execution, is vital for sustainable growth. Mr Singh also highlighted the robust development of airport infrastructure across Western India, citing capacity enhancements in Ahmedabad, Goa, Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Pune.

* Mr Keku Bomi Gazder, Managing Director & CEO of Aviapro Logistic Services Pvt. Ltd, theme presenter and moderator, affirmed that Western India’s air cargo network is already on an upward trajectory. He projected a 7% growth in the region over the next three years. Addressing concerns over US tariffs on Indian goods, he urged calm, noting India’s proven resilience in navigating complex global trade challenges.

* Mr Dushyant Mulani, Chairman of the Federation of Freight Forwarders’ Associations in India and Director at Khimji Poonja Freight Forwarders Pvt. Ltd, in his keynote address, expressed optimism about the sector’s future. However, he flagged the challenges in Customs clearance processes. Import clearances currently take up to 24 hours, while exports require 12 hours. He advocated for reducing clearance times to six hours to accelerate industry growth.

* Mr Pradeep Sonar, Head of Cargo at Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL), panelist, shared that Mumbai Airport is evolving to meet future cargo demands. He noted that pharmaceuticals account for nearly one-third of the airport’s cargo throughput. He emphasised the need to transform airports into cargo hubs and spoke on the importance of automation, digitalisation and sustainability in future-proofing airport operations.

* Mr Suresh Nair, Head of Cargo at Navi Mumbai International Airport Pvt. Ltd, panelist, spoke about the high expectations surrounding the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport. He outlined a phased development plan aimed at scaling cargo capacity from 0.5 million tonnes to 3.2 million tonnes in the final phase. He assured that the infrastructure is being designed with a 10-15 year horizon, ensuring long-term viability and adaptability.

* Mr Harish Shetty, CEO of Mumbai Cargo Service Center Airport Pvt. Ltd, panelist, highlighted the transformative role of technology in enhancing service delivery. He noted that blockchain is being leveraged to enable cargo delivery within four hours and reported an 80% reduction in paper usage—underscoring the Center’s commitment to sustainability and operational efficiency.

H Mr Venkatesh Iyer, Vice President – Commercial at Sharaf Cargo Pvt. Ltd, panelist, reflected on the sector’s resilience and growth potential. He recalled how air cargo emerged as a lifeline during the Covid-19 crisis. The sector facilitated the movement of essential commodities both domestically and internationally, demonstrating its critical role in global supply chains.

Session 2: The Logistics of Air Cargo – Challenges and Best Global Practices

* Mr Radharamanan Panicker, Managing Director of Dangerous Goods Management India Pvt. Ltd, in his special address, highlighted the scale and complexity of transporting dangerous goods by air, with over 3 million shipments annually. He emphasised the critical need for regulatory compliance, proper classification and certified training. He cautioned against the practice of jugaad in handling dangerous goods, calling it a serious risk that could lead to major incidents. 

* Mr Shantanu Bhadkamkar, Managing Director of ATC Global Logistics Pvt. Ltd, moderator, offered a historical perspective, asserting that the strategic importance of air cargo predates the Covid-19 pandemic. He cited its pivotal role during World War II and during the Kashmir aggression, when air transport was used to mobilise troops and essential supplies—underscoring air cargo’s enduring relevance in national logistics.

* Mr Rajesh Menon, Regional Head of Cargo – South Asia, Middle East & Africa at Cathay Cargo, panelist, acknowledged the growth potential of Mumbai and Western India’s air cargo market. However, he stressed the need for greater adoption of technology, referencing advanced systems in Hong Kong and Singapore. Mr Menon urged Indian stakeholders to “walk the talk” in streamlining cargo clearance and highlighted Artificial Intelligence as a key enabler in this transformation.

* Mr M. Afzal Malbarwala, Managing Director and Founder of Galaxy Freight Pvt. Ltd, panelist, spoke candidly about the constraints faced by air cargo agents. While technology offers clear advantages, he warned of its limitations, citing a case where DG classification fluctuated within minutes due to system inconsistencies. He projected new highs for Indian air cargo volumes provided systemic challenges are addressed.

* Mr Keshav Tanna, Director of Links Forwarders Pvt. Ltd and Secretary General of FIATA, panelist, identified infrastructure as the biggest bottleneck in air cargo operations. He advocated for the development of Cargo Villages at airports to streamline transportation and clearance processes. He also emphasised the importance of transhipment hubs, freight villages and cargo community systems to build a more integrated logistics ecosystem.

* Mr Vivek Kele, Director of Teamglobal Logistics Pvt. Ltd, panelist, called for seamless multimodal movement of goods, supported by robust infrastructure. He spoke of a paradigm shift where airports are being planned specifically for cargo operations. He also stressed the urgent need for implementing electronic airway bills to modernise and simplify air cargo documentation.

* Mr Parvinder Singh, Managing Director of Hans Infomatic Pvt. Ltd, panelist, showcased advancements in IT solutions for the cargo industry. He introduced iCaffe, a multi-user, web-based ERP platform designed for Customs clearance and freight forwarding. The software offers a single-window solution for managing operations and accounts, enhancing workflow efficiency across the logistics chain.

* Ms Chaitaly Mehta, Director of EKF Global Logistics Pvt. Ltd, panelist, emphasised the importance of continuous learning and skill development to meet the evolving demands of the air cargo sector. She advocated for upskilling not just staff but also entrepreneurs, citing training modules from BCBA and ACAAI as valuable resources for professional growth.

FLYING HIGH AT THE AWARDS

Most of the prominent companies and individuals shared the limelight at the awards, basking in the glory and the acclaim for their performance excellence, innovation and foresight.

Mr Vinod Seth of Allied Aviation Private Limited was the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award.

DESERVING FELICITATIONS

Besides, a number of trade bodies and companies were felicitated on the occasion for their contributions to the growth and development of the air cargo logistics sector.

The Awards Jury, chaired by Mr Dushyant Mulani, was also felicitated. 

A Lucky Draw added to the excitement, with two winners taking home an exciting prize.

As the Western India Air Cargo Conclave & Awards 2025 drew down with networking cocktails and dinner, the attendees had high praise for this launch event in Mumbai, lauding the high-profile participation, engrossing topical sessions and well-defined awards. All eagerly await the next edition.

Elaborate coverage of the event will follow soon.

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