The 10th edition of PHDCCI Aviation & Air Cargo Summit 2024, under the theme ‘Skies of Change – Shaping a New Futuristic Aviation Ecosystem’, was held on September 4, 2024, at PHD House in New Delhi. The event welcomed Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu as the Chief Guest, who shed light on aviation sector development and initiatives related to infrastructure, air cargo, and MROs.

Naidu expressed that India’s aviation sector is currently undergoing a transformative phase, noting that the number of airports in the country has increased from 74 in 2014 to over 157 presently. He also highlighted Prime Minister Modi’s initiative to promote one product per district and urged industry players to establish connections with and incorporate these districts into their networks.

An important topic discussed was the impact of drone technology on revolutionizing logistics and delivery services. In his closing statements, Naidu reiterated the government’s vision of positioning India as a global aviation hub. He called upon industry stakeholders to actively engage in realizing this vision, emphasizing that collaboration and innovation were essential for success.

During the session titled ‘Delivering the Future: Revolutionizing Air Cargo Sector’, moderated by Keku Bomi Gazder, Managing Director & CEO of Aviapro Logistic Services, various experts shared insights. Vandana Aggarwal, Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Developing the Aircraft Leasing and Financing Ecosystem in GIFT-IFSC, discussed government initiatives and strategies for enhancing the supply chain ecosystem. Ramesh Mamidala, Head Cargo at Tata Air India, provided the airline’s perspective, while Sakshi Gupta, Country Manager-India at Air Logistics Group, highlighted the increasing role of women in air cargo alongside technological advancements in the sector. Satish Lakkaraju, CEO of Nexgen Logistics Private Limited, delved into the E-commerce sector, and Gautam Mandal, CEO of Octoloop.com, emphasized the growing significance of technology.

The 10th edition of PHDCCI Aviation & Air Cargo Summit 2024 concluded on a positive note, leaving participants motivated and eager to contribute to the ever-evolving landscape of Indian aviation.