‘Prioritise implementation of Air Freight Policy to improve cargo efficiency’

Vipin Vohra, Chairman, Continental Carriers shares, “As we transition to a new government, it is imperative to realize the ambitious target to achieve 10 million metric tons (MMT) of annual cargo throughput by 2030, aligning with India’s aspirations to become a global logistics hub. Central to this vision is the National Logistics Policy (NLP) under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan (NMP). One strategic move that the new government should prioritize is implementation of the Air Freight Policy, circulated on 28th October 2014, in letter and spirit ,so as to ensure the development/operationalising of off-airport locations and Air Freight Stations (AFS) in time stipulated manner unlike operationalization of India’s 1st Greenfield Air Freight Station which, even after more than a decade, is yet to take off commercially. To encourage the establishment of off-airport locations and AFS across India, government support in the form of subsidies and incentives will be crucial. Providing subsidies for the construction and operation of off-airport AFS will attract investment from the private sector and expedite the development process. As the new government steps into office, it carries the mantle of driving India towards becoming a global logistics powerhouse. By focusing on the development of off-airport Air Freight Stations, the government can address the space constraints at major airports and pave the way for a robust, efficient, and scalable air cargo infrastructure.”