Interview – Keku Bomi Gazder, Chairperson, ACFI’s ‘Knowledge & Research Task Pillar’ and MD & CEO, AviaPro Logistics Services
The Air Cargo Forum India (ACFI) has launched its unique andlandmark Air Cargo Awards 2023-24, aimed to recognize and acknowledge the most innovative initiatives, ideas and solutions addressing the challengesfaced by the air cargo supply chain and logistics industry. Keku Bomi Gazder, Chairperson, ACFI’s ‘Knowledge &Research Task Pillar’, Governing Board Member – ACFI and MD & CEO, AviaPro Logistics Services, who has created the layout of the awards, speaks exclusively with Apace Digital Cargo about the awards and lots more.
To begin with, what prompted Air Cargo Forum India (ACFI) to launch Air Cargo Awards? What is the objective behind that?
In a world that is constantly evolving, innovation is the driving force behind progress. The ACFI Innovation Awards recognize those who not only embrace change but actively contribute to shaping the future. The objective behind ACFI’s Award is to stimulate growth to achieve the target of 10 MMT cargo by 2030-31 and for the best solutions/ideas to the challenges being faced by the Air cargo supply chain and logistics industry to recognize and encourage innovative ideas and research in the Air Cargo Logistics arena. This would promote the use of new technology and best practices for improving operational efficiency in the whole air cargo logistics chain. By adopting new technologies and global good practices operational excellence can be achieved in Air Cargo operations.
Why is “Innovation” the keyword for the awards? Could you please throw light on the word “INNOVATOPIA”?
Innovation is often synonymous with progress and excellence. Many industries, including air cargo, are continually evolving, and recognizing innovation can highlight the advancements and achievements that push the industry forward. As for the term “Innovatopia,” it is a combination of “innovation” and “utopia.” This suggests an ideal or visionary state achieved through innovative practices. The use of such a term may indicate a vision of a future in the air cargo industry where innovation plays a central role in creating an optimal, ideal, or utopian state of operations.
What are the categories of Awards and who will be the jury members to decide the winners? What would be the parameters to select the winners?
The categories are selected based on main challenges which are faced by the industry currently. There are five categories of awards which are as follows:
- Enhanced Customer Service – This award will be given to an innovative idea of concept to enhanced Customer experience via increased quality, visibility, simplified processes & modernized systems in the air cargo industry.
- Competitiveness – This is for a concept or idea to improve competitiveness via optimization of costs, enhance efficiency and improve capacity utilization.
- Air Cargo Safety and Security– This will be given to an individual or group whose idea or concept will improve the safety and security in Air Cargo via latest technology advancement.
- Digitization – This innovatopia award is to use an innovative idea by which we can speed up the digitization in the Air Cargo Industry.
- Go Green Efforts – This is to use an innovative idea to address the concept of Sustainability challenges and contributes to any “Go-Green” project in the Air Cargo Industry.
How will these awards serve as a beacon of inspiration and encouragement for the industry stakeholders?
Industry awards can act as a catalyst for positive change, motivating stakeholders to pursue excellence, embrace innovation, and contribute to the overall growth and success of the air cargo sector. Awards provide a platform to recognize and celebrate excellence in the industry. Awards provide a platform to recognize and celebrate excellence in the industry. Recognizing and rewarding innovative practices can inspire industry stakeholders to invest in research and development, adopt new technologies, and find creative solutions to challenges. Winning or even being nominated for an award can boost the morale of employees and teams. It validates their hard work and dedication, fostering a sense of pride and accomplishment. Awards ceremonies often bring together industry leaders, professionals, and experts. This creates valuable networking opportunities, fostering collaboration and the exchange of ideas.
