The theme of the summit was “Sustainable Future Growth of Air Cargo-Focus on Gati Shakti Master Plan”
29th March 2022, New Delhi:
PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry organized its annual AIR CARGO SUMMIT -2022 with the theme “Sustainable Future Growth of Air Cargo-Focus on Gati Shakti Master Plan”. The summit witnessed participation of the policy makers and industry stalwarts and students.
At the summit, Amrit Lal Meena, IAS, Special Secretary, Logistics Division, DPIIT focused on Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP) as a tool to ease the process and surmount the challenges of Air Cargo Sector.
He further highlighted three issues which need to be addressed in time bound manner. First, to reduce logistic cost second, system and processes to be in place in which ULIP will play an important role as it will facilitate a user with the information and access to all 24 systems as per their convenience and third, the most important is to put user convenience at the top priority. ULIP will ease the process in most of the ways and will be an enabler in increasing visibility and reduction in cost. He emphasised that a framework of resolutions will be prepared to address these issues, if required will take further steps and will solve it in time bound manner.
On behalf of MoCA, Piyush Srivastava, Sr. Economic Advisor, MoCA mentioned some of the key ideas under PM Gatishakti master plan. He said that ultimate focus should be on the planning and formulation of policies so that wastage of resources are avoided. PM Gatishkati is a blueprint of Amritkaal with target to develop a multi modal approach in logistics.’ Sabka Prayas’ will empower this program in coming future. He said industry and ministry should join hands to fast forward the implementation f policies. Some of the issues related to cargo lands has also been addressed, he added. In his concluding remarks he suggested that Power Cargo Airports to be developed to become international transshipment hub which is futuristic and inclusive.
On policy side, Sudhendu J. Sinha, Adviser (Infrastructure Connectivity – Transport and Electric Mobility), Niti Aayog suggested steps for sustainability in the logistic sector. He said that very solid ,logical and precise approach is required to make India’s position globally strong in this sector. Amritkaal is a window available for preparation and to explore every possibility in infrastructure sector. Policies formulated by the government have the vision of alignment to push forward the sectors towards a national goal. He mentioned PM Gatishakti shall be a game changer in infrastructure development as it will provide a digital framework for all the projects under this flagship programme. All details and information are precisely covered under it which will further enhance the performance and transparency of the projects.
Vipin Vohra Chair- PHD Civil Aviation Committees with his insightful presentation shared his views on Collaboration and communication, as well as harnessing the most advanced models and technologies, with facilitation and flexibility of rules, will help the sector manage costs and improve efficiencies to keep it sustainable through this difficult time. Though the air cargo industry has demonstrated how resilient and fast-moving it can be when under pressure, the pandemic’s impact has disrupted air cargo flows , while revealing some weaknesses in the global supply and with opportunities for handling and delivering cargo in a different way. To ensure faster revival to previous volumes, the Indian air cargo industry also has to overcome some of the multitude challenges faced globally and also some of the bottlenecks it still faces domestically. This crisis is a critical wake-up call for the India Air cargo industry. Digitization across the sector resulting in a more enterprising industry and end-to-end adaptation of AI & IT tools, to propel this industry into a sustainable & secure future is the need of the hour, he said.
Michael Jain, Co-Chair, PHDCCI in his vote of thanks extended his sincere thanks to the Industry stalwarts for gracing the occasion and for always being a constant support in the chambers endeavours. He also expressed sincere thanks to all the Distinguished guests from the Industry for their presence, which has definitely added further value to our summit and also grateful to all the Air Cargo Associations representing the industry for their presence. The enriching perspectives shared by all the eminent dignitaries have truly been enlightening and informative in nature for today’s summit.
Saurabh Sanyal, Secretary General, PHDCCI, talked about that how pandemic while having had a detrimental impact on the air transport industry, has also offered an opportunity for the Industry to rethink their future strategies and operations in a way that shapes a greener & sustainable future. This vital & resilient Air Cargo sector is currently set for a huge transformation and the current need is to adopt sustainable strategies for its future growth. Digital technology adoption, ensuring adequate dedicated freight capacity, implementation of air freight stations, increased stakeholder collaboration, innovation, agility, real-time collaboration, enabling seamless air cargo partner integration and connectivity for efficient and transparent end-to-end operations, along with focus on infrastructure investments are the major prerequisites for the Industry’s resilient and sustainable future growth, he said.
