Charting the Future: ACFI's Vision for 2025

As reported by the Air Cargo Forum India (ACFI), on June 20, 2025, India took a important leap towards becoming a key player in global logistics and airfreight. During an event that set the stage for the upcoming ACFI Annual Conclave 2025, the focus was on “Air Cargo Leadership in a Changing World – India at the Forefront of Global Transformation.” This gathering emphasized crucial elements like forward-thinking policies, tech advancements, and enduring logistics infrastructure as vital components of IndiaS aviation future.

The ACFI Conclave is slated for July 11 at New Delhi’s Taj palace and aims to foster collaboration between industry stakeholders and government entities. With projections indicating that India’s airfreight volumes could surpass 10 million tonnes annually by 2030, there’s an urgent need to rethink infrastructure and policy frameworks.

A Vision for change

Sanjiv Edward, president of ACFI and CEO of GMR Cargo & Logistics, opened with a call to transform India’s airfreight narrative. He stated that “India is not just part of the global supply chain; it’s becoming its epicenter.” This shift from reactive strategies to proactive logistics planning aligns with national initiatives like PM Gati Shakti aimed at enhancing trade efficiency. The goal is to unify India’s fragmented cargo processing landscape into a cohesive system compliant with international standards.

The Role of Technology

A standout feature was the launch of the ACFI Tech Arena showcasing innovations in AI, IoT, warehouse automation, and eco-friendly logistics practices. Here technology isn’t just an accessory; it’s integral to achieving competitive airfreight standards globally.

Currently ranked 38th on the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index (2023), aligning domestic operations with international benchmarks such as IATA’s ONE Record could significantly enhance shipment tracking and customs processes.

Policy Discussions: Shaping Future directions

The upcoming Conclave will host four focused sessions addressing critical areas necessary for sector advancement:

1. Navigating Challenges: Satish Lakkaraju discussed how geopolitical shifts are reshaping India’s airfreight landscape. He advocated for adaptive policies that create new trade corridors like those connecting India with Europe through Middle Eastern routes.
2. Cargo Innovation: with e-commerce booming across borders at impressive rates, Lakkaraju stressed interoperability between public platforms such as ULIP and private systems while suggesting incentives for predictive analytics in demand forecasting.
3. Sustainable Practices: Keku Bomi Gazder led discussions on advancing environmental goals within air cargo operations. He highlighted policy needs around sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) adoption which remains crucial despite current gaps in regulation.
4. Cargo Security: Also moderated by Gazder, this session focused on regulatory measures needed due to rising dual-use cargo volumes globally—emphasizing resilience through modular designs and real-time risk assessments.

Ecosystem Engagement

The event also featured Cathay Cargo as title sponsor—a signifier of growing interest from asia-Pacific stakeholders in India’s evolving freight scene. Dhiren Lakkaraju from ACFI pointed out that synchronized policies are essential if we want extensive ecosystem benefits rather than piecemeal actions.
/>/>/>/>The curtain-raiser comes amid heightened expectations from global trade bodies regarding India’s role in supply chain diversification….