Despite the recent disruptions and challenges that have affected the global industry, the Indian air cargo and logistics sectors is performing strongly. Following the pandemic, India has emerged as a global powerhouse for the production and exportation of key goods such as pharmaceuticals, high-tech e-commerce such as mobile phones, and fresh produce.
“There are several factors that set India apart and contribute to its rapid pace of growth. First and foremost, India has positioned itself as a global hub for manufacturing. This is largely due to the country’s fast-growing economy, which has been bolstered by various government initiatives,” Camilo Garcia Cervera, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer at IAG Cargo, said.
“One such initiative is “Made in India”, which aims to simplify business processes, attract foreign direct investment, and create a conducive environment for manufacturing growth. These efforts have been instrumental in promoting India’s manufacturing sector and, in turn, boosting the performance of the air cargo and logistics sectors.”
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Competitive cargo market
The Indian aviation market is growing at a rapid pace. This growth is driven by factors such as an expanding middle class and significant government investments into existing and new airports.
This expansion has led to an extensive capacity infusion by foreign airlines and by Indian carriers. While this growth is expected to remain buoyant in the coming years, the challenge is how this matches the growth in demand.
“By leveraging our strong network, partnerships and our presence in some of the biggest air export origins of India – Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai and Hyderabad, we are well positioned to support the cargo demand and space volatility in the market,” Garcia Cervera outlined.
“Our team on the ground have years of experience and stands as the backbone of our success. Their relationships with our customers cannot be overstated, and are key to supporting them through any challenges they may encounter. The trust and rapport our teams have built, will continue to play a pivotal role in addressing the unique needs of our customers.
“Our digital investments have been instrumental in streamlining our operations in India. Our online booking platform, for instance, has provided our customers with a seamless and fast way to reach our network.
“This digital tool has not only improved our operational efficiency but also enhanced our customer service by making it easier for customers to book our services. In India, we are witnessing high levels of customer adoption of digital booking services, which further emphasises the importance of our technological investments.”
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Opportunity across the board
IAG Cargo has matched the growth in production and exportation of key goods such as pharmaceuticals, high-tech, and fresh produce with 56 widebody flights per week from India across five key routes. Services, such as Constant Climate, Fresh and Courier services, are in high demand.
To support the movement of such goods, New Premia, IAG Cargo’s brand-new state-of-the-art facility in London, has allowed the carrier to manage double the volume of express, pharmaceutical, and specialist cargo every day.
This facility features a cutting-edge Constant Climate Quality Centre (CCQC) with 27 dedicated cool cells for pharmaceuticals to guarantee temperature sensitive shipments are held in the right conditions. It can now also handle passive pharmaceuticals with the capability to break and build loose consignments in a fully temperature-controlled environment.
“We have a dedicated Head of Pharmaceuticals, Jordan Kohlbeck, who oversees the delivery and focus on IAG Cargo’s temperature control pharmaceutical product. Jordan and his team are responsible for setting the vision and strategic direction of our pharmaceutical and life sciences division, ensuring the delivery of outstanding solutions and continuous advancement of the product experience for customers,” Garcia Cervera explained.
“Jordan’s expertise in developing innovative solutions and his customer-centric approach is instrumental in driving and delivering an exceptional offering for customers to meet the unique needs of the industry. Additionally we have a team on ground dedicated to supporting the transportation of pharmaceutical goods.
“We are a business committed to continuous investment, particularly in our digital platforms. By enhancing our online booking capabilities, we can streamline processes and accommodate the increasing amount of cargo from these key sectors. This commitment underscores our dedication to supporting growth and capitalising on the opportunities within these industries.
