New Delhi, 11th August 2026:
At a time when geopolitical uncertainties, shifting manufacturing bases, expanding e-commerce and rapid digital transformation are redefining global trade, India is preparing to host one of the country’s largest gatherings of the air cargo and logistics industry. Beginning tomorrow, Air Cargo Forum India (ACFI) will convene the 7th ACFI World Conclave 2026 on 12–13 August at Taj Palace, New Delhi, bringing together more than 700 delegates from across the global aviation, logistics, and supply chain ecosystem.
With Logistics Shakti as the Strategic Partner, Cathay Cargo as the Title Partner, SkyDrive as the Powered by Partner, and Freightos, Menzies Aviation, WFS and BLR Cargo as Gold Partners, the conclave will bring together policymakers, regulators, airlines, airports, cargo terminal operators, freight forwarders, logistics companies and technology leaders to deliberate on the theme, “Reimagining Global Trade: India at the Forefront of Developing Resilient Supply Chains.” Discussions will focus on strengthening India’s position as a global logistics hub through digital innovation, infrastructure expansion and policy reforms to build resilient, future-ready supply chains.
The two-day conclave will feature discussions on AI-enabled logistics, automation, digital air waybills, multimodal connectivity, sustainability and next-generation supply chain technologies, while fostering industry collaboration to accelerate the growth of India’s air cargo ecosystem. The conclave will be graced by Shri Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, Hon’ble Minister of Civil Aviation, Government of India, as the Chief Guest, alongside senior government officials, regulators and industry leaders.
Sanjiv Edward, President, Air Cargo Forum India (ACFI) and CEO, Cargo & Logistics, GMR Group, said, “Global trade is entering a defining phase where resilience, digital integration and trusted partnerships are becoming the new drivers of competitiveness. As supply chains evolve, India has an unprecedented opportunity to emerge as a strategic gateway connecting global markets. The ACFI World Conclave 2026 is designed to bring together policymakers and industry leaders to exchange ideas, forge partnerships and identify practical pathways that can strengthen India’s air cargo ecosystem while supporting the country’s long-term trade and economic ambitions.”
Ramesh Mamidala, Vice President, Air Cargo Forum India (ACFI) and Head of Cargo, Air India Limited, said,”Air cargo today sits at the intersection of global commerce, manufacturing, e-commerce and technology. The sector is witnessing rapid transformation driven by digitalisation, automation, changing trade routes and increasing customer expectations. This conclave will provide an important platform to deliberate on policy reforms, operational excellence, technology adoption and multimodal integration that will enhance efficiency, improve resilience and position India among the world’s leading logistics economies.”
Karanjit Singh Wadhwa, Chairman, Event Management, Air Cargo Forum India (ACFI), said, “The objective of the World Conclave is to create meaningful outcomes that extend well beyond the conference hall. By bringing together global decision makers, regulators, airlines, airports, logistics companies, technology providers and investors on one platform, we aim to facilitate knowledge exchange, business partnerships and collaborative solutions that will accelerate innovation and strengthen India’s role in shaping the future of global supply chains.”
India’s air cargo sector continues to grow despite global disruptions, with cargo volumes rising 6.2 percent in FY26 to 39.63 lakh tonnes. International shipments accounted for nearly 64 percent of total freight, while Delhi remained the country’s largest cargo hub and Chennai recorded 11.7 percent growth, driven by electronics and engineering exports. Pharmaceuticals, perishables, automotive components and cross-border e-commerce continue to fuel cargo growth.
The sector is also witnessing rapid adoption of AI-driven logistics, automation, digital documentation and paperless cargo processes, supported by initiatives such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. Against this backdrop, the 7th ACFI World Conclave 2026 aims to bring together key stakeholders to advance policy dialogue, innovation and collaboration, strengthening India’s position as a leading global air cargo and logistics hub.
