Category Archives: Aviation

  Tej Contractor, Director, Mayur C. Contractor Logistics, MCC Container Lines and Transcargo India is a quintessential visionary industry leader, known for his forward-thinking approach and innovative mindset. He was felicitated with Gold Award under the category, ‘DDP Game Changer’, at the recently held India Cargo Awards 2024, the country’s topmost awards which helps create a platform to recognise and honor heroes of logistics and air cargo industry. Chief Guest Unmesh Sharad Wagh, Chairman, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) and Guest of Honour P K Rout, Deputy Director General, MoS, GoI presented the award. He has over two decades of experience in the logistics industry, his academic background includes a Bachelor of Commerce from H.R College of Commerce and Economics and an MBA from the S.P Jain Institute of Management and Research. In his professional journey, he has embraced various roles, including being a dedicated trainer with Bombay University’s Garware Institute, JBS Academy in Ahmedabad, and the Indian Institute of Freight Forwarders. My skills span across information technology, a continuous quest for learning, and a passion for networking and meeting new people.

Industry veteran H. K. Vithalani, the Founder Chairman of Global Aviation Services, was felicitated with Gold Award under the category, ‘Gallery of Legends’, at the recently held India Cargo Awards 2024, the country’s topmost awards which helps create a platform to recognise and honor heroes of logistics and air cargo industry. Chief Guest Unmesh Sharad Wagh, Chairman, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) and Guest of Honour P K Rout, Deputy DG Shipping, Ministry of Shipping, GoI presented the award. Vithalani, boasts a celebrated career spanning nearly five decades in the aviation industry. Renowned for his innovative and visionary leadership, he has established The Global Group as a beacon of excellence in the Indian air cargo sector, garnering international acclaim. In 1975, he founded The Global Group with the first Airline GSSA, establishing its first office in Bangalore, laying the groundwork for a dominant presence in Indian air cargo. Throughout his illustrious career, Vithalani has consistently set the highest standards of service, creating a community founded on ethics, goodwill, and relationships. His commitment to nurturing a robust network has ensured the company’s growth and success, demonstrating his belief in the power of people and enduring connections.

Seasoned professional Dushyant Mulani, President, Brihanmumbai Custom Broker Association (BCBA) and Chairman, Federation of Freight Forwarders in India (FFFAI) who has been an inspiration for many was felicitated with Gold Award under the category, ‘DDP Trailblazer’, at the recently held India Cargo Awards 2024, the country’s topmost awards which helps create a platform to recognise and honor heroes of logistics and air cargo industry. Chief Guest Unmesh Sharad Wagh, Chairman, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) and Guest of Honour P K Rout, Deputy DG Shipping, MoS, GoI presented the award. Mulani is a director of Khimji Poonja Group which is in existence for more than 100 years. He has worked actively pursuing the measures of Ease of Doing Business with CBIC, DGFT, DPIT and Ministry of Civil Aviation, Ministry of Shipping, etc. He has worked proactively with Customs for effective rolling out various Trade Facilitation Measures, digitalization, integration of various stakeholder in the process of custom clearance and logistics movement of import and export cargo. He has been member of Board of Trade set up by DGFT, Special Interest Group (SIG) set up under Secretary (Logistics), Ministry

  To celebrate and honour those who never stop striving, “India Cargo Awards 2024, known as the ‘Oscars of the Cargo Industry,’ were held in Mumbai on 12 August. The awards acknowledged and appreciated the hard work of the Cargo and Logistics Heroes, who are the driving force behind the success of the Indian air cargo and logistics sectors. Hosted by Cargo Talk (DDP Group Publication) served as an all-India platform created with a vision to recognise excellence in the Cargo-Freight-Logistics Industry across various domains, including Rail, Road, Air, Sea, Allied Services, Warehousing, Technology, 3rd Party Logistics, and more. Unmesh Sharad Wagh, Chairman, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) graced the event as a Chief Guest, P K Rout, Director DG Shipping, MoS, GoI was invited as the Guest of Honour.   The India Cargo Awards hold a significant position within the sector. In these challenging times, the cargo and logistics industry has proven its paramount importance to the world. The India Cargo Awards serves as an all-India platform with a vision to acknowledge and honour those who have contributed to the success of the Cargo and Logistics Industry. These awards are unique as they are the first internet voting-based awards, ensuring fairness and impartiality. We are proud to have CargoTV.news, CargoTalk, and Cargo Breaking News as our premier media partners, who will provide extensive coverage of the event.  

Ayesha Katgara, Head – Corporate Strategy, Jeena & Company was conferred with DDP Face of the Future Gold Award at the recently concluded India Cargo Awards 2024 in Mumbai on Monday night. Chief Guest Unmesh Sharad Wagh, Chairman, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) and Guest of Honour P K Rout, Deputy Director General of Shipping, MoS, GoI presented the award. With a rich background in marketing and corporate strategy, Ayesha has a remarkable ability to drive business success. Her proficiency stems from her hands-on experience within her family’s 124-year-old business, renowned for its expertise in logistics and supply chain management. Passionate about all marketing facets, her focus lies in crafting robust business strategies that fuel revenue growth and market expansion. Ayesha’s leadership philosophy is rooted in inclusivity and collaboration. She leads by example, taking her colleagues with her towards shared goals, striving for excellence, and driving impactful change.

  Afzal Malbarwala, MD, Galaxy Freight, “The ongoing crisis in Bangladesh, including political unrest and economic instability, has significantly impacted India’s EXIM (Export-Import) trade. Exports to Bangladesh, India’s largest trading partner in South Asia, have declined due to reduced demand and disrupted supply chains. Majority of suppliers to various buyers have their factory in Bangladesh and many fabric suppliers also. Additionally, India’s imports from Bangladesh, such as readymade garments and seafood, have also been affected. The crisis has resulted in increased trade costs, delayed shipments, and reduced revenue for Indian exporters and importers. This has had a ripple effect on overall trade balance and economic growth, highlighting the need for a stable and secure trading environment. Many forwarders who have contract with airlines for transshipment cargo via airports in india also suffered.”

Prediman Koul, CEO, Jeena and Company says, “The ongoing situation in Bangladesh is causing significant concerns within the industry, given the strong trade ties between the two nations. With India’s exports spanning a diverse range of sectors such as agriculture, textiles, machinery, and more, any disruption poses a substantial risk. The current challenges, particularly the shortage of foreign exchange in Bangladesh, are already affecting export operations. The situation is further complicated by difficulties in the timely transport of perishable goods across the border. As the crisis continues, there is apprehension about potential border closures or increased security measures that could further impact bilateral trade. Despite these challenges, there remains a cautious optimism that normalcy will be restored, ensuring the continuity of trade relations.”

C K Govil, President Air Cargo Agents Association of India (ACAAI) and CMD, Activair Airfreight says, “The ongoing political crisis in Bangladesh has significantly disrupted Indian export cargo transshipments. This turmoil is causing delays and increasing logistical costs particularly affecting sectors like agriculture and textiles. Internet disruption and security concerns at borders are further complicating trade operations.”

Sunil Kohli, Managing Director, Rahat Cargo says, “The ongoing political turmoil in Bangladesh has brought an abrupt halt to the exports of several commodities such as cotton, iron, steel, vegetables – particularly onion, automobiles & assorted auto products. Also severely affected are seafood exports and imports of high-quality jute that are re-exported as value-added jute products. However, the impact will likely be for the short-term, while the textile and jute sectors may gain in the long term as buyers abroad look for a safe destination for timely delivery. The political turmoil in Bangladesh has also impacted some Indian businesses who set up manufacturing bases there. An industry source expects the country may gain from exports of jute products too as Bangladesh’s situation could force buyers to turn to India. Let’s hope the situation gets back to normalcy soon in Bangladesh”

Xerrxes Master, President, Association of Multimodal Transport Operators of India (AMTOI) says, “The ongoing political crisis in Bangladesh, marked by severe civil unrest and economic instability, is significantly disrupting air cargo and EXIM trade with India. Flight cancellations and logistical challenges have created a backlog in air cargo shipments, particularly affecting perishable goods and key exports like textiles. Additionally, disruptions at key border points and the Dhaka airport are further complicating trade operations. Indian exporters are concerned about delays and increased costs, which are expected to persist until the situation stabilizes​.”