TIACA is expanding its global reach by welcoming the CEOs of Celebi Delhi Cargo and Astral Aviation to the board of directors.
Ramesh Mamidala is the chief executive officer (CEO) of Celebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management, and has over 22 years of air cargo experience, having previously worked for companies including Qatar Airways and Emirates SkyCargo.
Astral Aviation CEO, Sanjeev Gadhia founded the carrier in 2000, which has grown to become the largest private cargo airline in Eastern Africa, boasting a fleet of Boeing 747-400Fs, DC9Fs, Boeing 727Fs and F27s.
He is also the vice chairman of the Cargo Task Force of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA).
The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) secretary general, Vladimir Zubkov says: “TIACA represents the air cargo supply chain globally, and Ramesh and Sanjeev will help to expand the links with the regions which are fast developing and are very important for the air cargo industry – Asia and Africa.”
TIACA chairman, Sanjiv Edward adds: “I am delighted to welcome two very great additions to the Board; Sanjeev and Ramesh each bring valuable insight and rich experience of managing cargo businesses in diverse areas.”
Mamidala says the Indian air cargo market is experiencing one of the fastest growth rates in the world and has significant potential, and he hopes TIACA will be able to reach out to industry players in India and encourage them to join the organisation.
He says: “I am so honoured and feel privileged to serve on the TIACA Board, which I believe will give me an opportunity to integrate the Indian air freight industry with the global market through TIACA.”
Gadhia says it is a privilege to join the board of the association he has been a member of for the past 17 years, and he is the only member from Africa.
He says: “My appointment will enable AFRAA members and especially the Cargo Task Force, to embrace the opportunities that TIACA will bring aboard in areas such as networking, education and training, industry relations, and participation in TIACA cargo events as a group.”
Gadhia adds that for TIACA, his appointment will enable the organisation to reach out to the air cargo community of Africa and assist the AFRAA in its lobbying efforts to a global level.
He also says he plans to promote TIACA’s air cargo development program to African airlines and foster greater participation from African airlines at TIACA events.
