The air cargo industry has emerged as a critical driver of economic growth and business success in India, especially as the country positions itself as a global hub for manufacturing and trade. A recent discussion with prominent industry leaders explored how companies – particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs) – can leverage air freight to gain a competitive advantage in an increasingly dynamic market.
A pillar of economic growth
India’s air cargo industry has seen a transformative shift over the past decade, supported by infrastructure upgrades, policy reforms and growing demand for efficient logistics solutions.
Speaking about the potential of the industry, Yashpal Sharma, Managing Director of Skyways Group noted, “Air cargo is no longer just a means of transport – it is a strategic enabler for businesses. With its speed, reliability and ability to connect even remote markets, it offers Indian companies a path to expand both locally and globally.
Optimizing operations
One of the key takeaways from the session was the importance of optimizing freight operations to drive efficiency and reduce costs.
Manoj Singh, Head of Cargo at Adani Airport Holdings, highlighted how advanced infrastructure at India’s leading airports is facilitating this transformation: “Airports are no longer just transit points; they develop into integrated logistics hubs. With state-of-the-art facilities for cold chain, express freight and high-value goods, we enable businesses to move their products faster and more reliably.”
Use innovation to stay competitive
Innovation emerged as a recurring theme during the discussion, with speakers emphasizing the need for businesses to adopt modern logistics solutions to remain competitive.
Yasir Verimli, vice president of Cargo Operation (Hub) at Turkish Airlines, shared insights on how international airlines are supporting Indian businesses: “We are seeing an increasing demand for specialized cargo services, such as temperature-controlled shipments for pharmaceuticals and express solutions for e-commerce .By offering tailored solutions, airlines like ours help businesses adapt to the complexities of modern commerce.”
Growth engine
SMEs are often referred to as the backbone of the Indian economy, accounting for a significant share of exports and employment. However, many SMEs struggle with logistical inefficiencies that limit their ability to scale.
Venkat S, Country Head Air Cargo at Hermes Travel and Cargo, highlighted the role of air cargo in overcoming these challenges: “For SMEs, the ability to deliver goods quickly and reliably can be a game-changer. Air freight not only shortens delivery times but also opens doors to new markets, enabling SMEs to compete on a global stage.”
Sector specific applications
Certain sectors, such as pharmaceuticals and e-commerce, have been particularly reliant on air freight to meet their operational requirements.
Tejas Mehta, head of logistics and marketing support services at Reliance Life Sciences, spoke about the critical role of air cargo in the pharmaceutical industry: “Pharmalogistics requires precision, especially when dealing with temperature-sensitive products. Air cargo ensures that medicines and vaccines reach their destinations quickly and under controlled conditions, protecting patient safety.”
Future trends
As India’s air cargo industry continues to evolve, the focus is shifting to creating an ecosystem that supports long-term growth and resilience.
Devang Vyas, general manager and global head of logistics at Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, called for greater collaboration between stakeholders: “Whether it’s airports, airlines or freight forwarders, every player in the ecosystem has a role to play to drive innovation and drive efficiency. By working together, we can create a supply chain that is agile, scalable and aligned with the needs of Indian businesses,” said Vyas.
By adopting innovative logistics models, optimizing operations and leveraging the expertise of industry leaders, businesses – especially SMEs – can harness the full potential of air freight to achieve sustained growth and success.
As Sharma aptly concluded, “Air cargo is not just about transportation; it’s about transformation. It is the bridge that connects businesses to opportunities and fuels economic progress.”
