India is witnessing a significant growth in airport sector and as per MoCA 100 more airports will be developed in the next 10 years. This foresees an opportunity for both public and private investments towards new airport terminals and airlines to scale their operations to cater to the rising passengers and cargo volumes, the role of ground handling grows equally crucial. To share insight about the growing sector and its expected needs, Mr. Murali Ramachandran, President- India & Southeast Asia, Celebi Aviation in an interaction with Vishal Kashyap, Managing Editor, Aviation World highlights the practices and measures ensured at Celebi to provide seamless experience to the travellers. Excerpts…

What are the services that Celebi Aviation provides and at which all airports it serves in India?

Çelebi has been part of India’s aviation transformation story for 15 years, witnessing the sector’s growth from the inflection point in 2007. Currently, we handle around 100,000 flights annually, a substantial increase from the 10,000 flights we began with in Mumbai. We have a presence across nine key airports covering approximately 65% of India’s air traffic, which include major airports like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Cochin, Kannur, Ahmedabad, Chennai, and Goa (MOPA).Çelebi provides a comprehensive range of services aimed at improving passenger satisfaction and airport efficiency. The range of services we offer under ground handling include ramp operations, passenger and crew transportation, aircraft towing, and interior and exterior cabin cleaning. We also offer cargo services such as logistical support, freight handling, and warehouse management. We are known in the industry for professional general aviation services for private and business aircraft, guaranteeing customised solutions for passengers.

Additionally, we are also recognised for being the first airport ground handling service provider to have introduced the ‘TaxiBot’ services in India, deploying semi-robotic technology to tow aircraft during taxiing phases, minimising delays and boosting fuel efficiency.

There is huge surge in Int. pax numbers and has crossed pre-covid numbers. As GHA of many foreign carriers, how do you see such growth how pattern and how is Celebi up geared up to cater to them?

The return of foreign carriers post-COVID has contributed positively to both passenger and cargo volumes, which have surpassed pre-COVID levels. This growth has created strong development prospects for ground handlers like Çelebi Aviation, as highlighted by the increase in foreign passenger numbers. Celebi has thus far invested around 250 million dollars into this sector in India and intends to invest another 100 million in the next 5 years with an intent to further upgrade and grow in its ground handling and cargo capabilities in order to fulfil this growing demand.

With plans to oversee 150,000 flights over the next four years, we intend to expand in three primary ways: entering new airports, refreshing existing assets, and penetrating new market segments.Typically, an airport like Chennai, Bangalore, or Hyderabad requires about €8-9 million in investment and 800-900 employees. Currently, we have 10,000 people on our payroll. We’re also investing heavily in electrifying our equipment fleet—Chennai, for example, already has 70% electric equipment. Our investment in TaxiBot technology further optimises aircraft turnaround by lowering fuel consumption and taxiing time. By implementing this calculated strategy, Çelebi is positioning itself to handle the increase in international travel in an economical and sustainable manner.

Cargo Handling is one of your core work segment. What’s the present volume of cargo that’s being handled in India by air and what’s the expected growth in next 5 years?

Çelebi Aviation places a lot of emphasis on cargo handling, and the air freight industry in India is expanding rapidly. Nearly 90% of the 3.7 million tonnes of cargo that Indian airports currently handle each year is handled in major hubs like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata. By 2029, volumes are anticipated to reach between 5 and 5.8 million tons, with the sector growing at an annual growth rate of 6%-8%. A significant share of this growth is being fuelled by the rise of domestic and international cargo. However, were India to focus on achieving double digit % growth, in line with its aspiration to handle 10 million tonnes by 2030, transshipment cargo would have a substantial role to play, more so as India positions itself as a strategic logistics hub between East and West.

Enhanced infrastructure, liberalised policies, and growing investments in dedicated freight corridors and multi modal logistics parks can enable India to capture a larger share of global transshipment traffic. Çelebi Aviation is strategically aligning with this trend by enhancing its cargo handling capabilities and leveraging its presence in major airports to support this evolving demand.

What’s your take on the National Logistics Policy and how much it has achieved its purpose?

The National Logistics Policy (NLP), has definitely increased India’s competitiveness in the global market. Through legislative reforms, infrastructure improvements, and digital integration, the NLP has significantly advanced since its inception. While initiatives like Bharatmala and Sagarmala have boosted connectivity, platforms like the Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP) have improved supply chain visibility. Cargo transportation has been made even more efficient with the advent of Multi-Modal Logistics Parks (MMLPs).Businesses have also benefited from the policy’s streamlined regulatory procedures due to its single-window approval system. The NLP has established a solid basis for long-term advancements, even though issues like infrastructural deficiencies and stakeholder coordination still exist. Ground handlers such as Çelebi Aviation benefit from these advancements because they improve cargo flow, increase operational efficiency, and improve transparency in the logistics environment. The NLP has the potential to drastically alter India’s logistics sector with continued investment.

What are the major announcements at the Union Budget for the logistics sector and how do you see the real benefit of it coming?

Çelebi Aviation’s dedication to improving logistics efficiency is in line with the strategic initiatives introduced in the Union Budget 2025. With 434 projects listed, the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan will increase connection between ports, highways, and railroads, facilitating greater throuput and speedier cargo movement. This is a significant benefit for Çelebi’s cargo handling activities. Inclusion of cargo on key gateways like the Bharat Trade Net (BTN), a single digital platform that combines GSTN, DGFT, and customs, would streamline paperwork, increase cargo clearing efficiency and improve efficiency.

Furthermore, by enhancing port infrastructure and promoting more seamless multi modal connections, the ₹25,000 crore Maritime Development Fund will compliment and enhance air freight operations. Higher cargo volumes are anticipated as a result of the Export Promotion Mission’s emphasis on increasing exports in important industries. When taken as a whole, these actions make the logistics ecosystem more robust, economical, and efficient. With its proven experience in cargo handling services and freight handling, Çelebi Aviation is ready to assist this expansion and provide its airline partners in particular and air cargo industry in general with more value.

AI has really made things easier in many ways today. What’s the current usage of tech in your working systems and how do you see its outcome?

At Çelebi Aviation, we are harnessing AI to drive innovation and efficiency across our operations. Our IT teams are deeply involved in projects integrating AI into our services, ensuring we stay ahead in the tech landscape. AI enhances our cyber security measures, safeguarding systems and data against emerging threats. Our digital transformation benefits from AI supported coding, streamlining processes and speeding up software development, boosting internal efficiency and customer experience.

We utilize AI driven OCR/ICR technologies for accurate document processing, reducing manual effort and errors. AI augmented RPA initiatives accelerate data capture and processing, improving operational accuracy. In HR, AI powered tools optimise recruitment and onboarding, enhancing new employees’ experience and productivity. Machine learning and predictive analytics optimise workforce management and resource allocation. AI chatbots provide real-time support in training, IT Service Desk, and HR processes, improving efficiency and user satisfaction.

We are also actively engaged with several of our existing technology partners like SAP, Salesforce, Microsoft and AWS to see how they could potentially help us solve real world problems. SAP’s generative AI automates data analysis, Salesforce’s tools personalise interactions, Microsoft’s Azure AI enhances cloud infrastructure, and AWS’s machine learning models aid predictive analytics. Our strategic investments in AI are transforming the way we work and positioning us for future growth and innovation. Çelebi Aviation’s journey with AI is one of continuous improvement and innovation, ensuring we remain industry leaders.

What steps are required to modernize the logistics sector and also enhancing air cargo efficiency in India?

A deliberate combination of policy changes, digital integration, and infrastructure development is needed to modernize India’s logistics industry and increase the effectiveness of air cargo. While updating warehouses with automation can increase productivity, expanding Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs) and Multi-Modal Logistics Parks (MMLPs) will boost connectivity. Bharat Trade Net (BTN) and the Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP) are two digital technologies that will expedite shipment tracking and cut down on documentation delays.

While switching to electric vehicles and sustainable practices would lessen the impact on the environment, AI and IoT integration can further enhance predictive maintenance and supply chain insight. The National Logistics Law and the National Logistics Policy (NLP) must be put into effect if logistics expenses are to be reduced to 8% of GDP by 2030.

Investments in RFID tracking technologies, cold chain infrastructure, and specialised terminals will increase capacity and expedite handling times for air freight. By taking these steps, India may establish itself as a major global logistics hub, promoting trade expansion and improving operational effectiveness.