New Delhi. The Air Cargo Forum India (ACFI) successfully hosted its Curtain Raiser & Press Conference on June 20, 2025 at Pullman New Delhi Aerocity, offering an exclusive preview of the Annual Conclave 2025, which is scheduled for July 11, 2025 at the Taj Palace, New Delhi.
With the theme “Air Cargo Leadership in a Changing World – India at the Forefront of Global Transformation,” the event brought together prominent stakeholders, industry leaders, media, and sponsors to showcase the conclave agenda, launch new initiatives, and highlight key focus areas for the sector.
Highlights of the Event Included:
- Welcome Address by Karanjit Singh Wadhwa, Chairman – ACFI Event Management Task Pillar
- Context Setting by Sanjiv Edward, President – ACFI and CEO – Cargo & Logistics, GMR Group
- Introduction of the ACFI Tech Arena, a unique showcase of innovation across AI, IoT, automation, green logistics, and smart warehousing
- Acknowledgment of Cathay Cargo as Title Sponsor and appreciation for all supporting partners
The Curtain Raiser also introduced the four business sessions that will take place during the Conclave:
From Turbulence to Triumph – India’s Air Cargo Rise in a New World Order
Moderator: Ramesh Mamidala, Vice President – ACFI & Head – Cargo, Air India Ltd.
In Mamidala’s absence, Satish Lakkaraju stepped in to explain the core themes of this session, including India’s emerging role in global air cargo and the factors driving that momentum. He emphasised the shift from reactive to proactive cargo strategies in a dynamic trade environment.
Tech-Driven Cargo: Accelerating Express, E-Commerce & Data-Led Operations
Moderator: Satish Lakkaraju, Chairman – ACFI Regional Outreach Task Pillar & CEO – NexGen Logistics Pvt. Ltd.
Lakkaraju addressed the session, focusing on the rapid evolution of digital platforms, data integration, and the scaling up of e-commerce and express cargo solutions.
Green Corridors & Sustainable Trade Lanes – Air Cargo’s ESG Imperative
Moderator: Keku Bomi Gazder, Managing Director & CEO – Aviapro Logistics Services Pvt. Ltd.
Keku Bomi Gazder shared insights on sustainability best practices and ESG-aligned operations. He independently referenced the importance of regulatory readiness and risk planning, echoing themes from other planned sessions.
Securing India’s Cargo Future: Compliance, Risk & Resilience by Design
Moderator: Yashpal Sharma, Chairman & Managing Director – Skyways Group
In the absence of Yashpal Sharma, Gazder also spoke on the session “Securing India’s Cargo Future”, outlining the critical importance of compliance, resilience, and regulatory preparedness in futureproofing cargo operations. He touched upon the growing need for system-wide risk mitigation and strategic planning.
The event concluded with an open media interaction and a Vote of Thanks delivered by Dhiren Lakkaraju, Vice Chairman – ACFI Event Management Task Pillar, followed by networking over high tea.
The ACFI Annual Conclave 2025 is set to be a milestone event for the Indian air cargo and logistics industry—bringing strategy, innovation, and leadership into sharp focus.
