‘Industry needs skilled workforce, widebody freighters’

Pradeep Panicker, CEO, GMR Hyderabad International Airport says, “Indian EXIMs heavily depend on international carriers, presenting a growth opportunity for domestic airlines to enhance freighter connectivity. However, challenges persist, including inadequate infrastructure for cold chain logistics operations, limited adoption of advanced technologies, scarcity of pharma skilled workforce, and post-Covid regulatory hurdles. The absence of dedicated wide-body freighter aircraft impedes access to long-haul destinations, while time-consuming regulations and lack of coordination among industry stakeholders exacerbate delays and inefficiencies in air cargo operations. Achieving seamless coordination among stakeholders and addressing infrastructure deficits are crucial steps towards optimizing India’s air cargo industry.”