General Sales and Services Agents (GSSAs) have a crucial impact on the expansion and progress of the air cargo industry. Their role has evolved beyond being solely sales and marketing agents responsible for selling air cargo space. Airlines are now seeking entities that can oversee the complete spectrum of air cargo business operations.

GSSAs are involved in a variety of functions, including field and market studies, research and consulting, sales, customer service tasks, space management, cargo loading and flight planning, as well as operational support. Their multifaceted roles and commitment to innovation ensure that they continue to drive growth and efficiency, positioning the industry for a prosperous and sustainable future.

Apace Digital Cargo interviews prominent players in the GSSA industry to discuss the evolving landscape of GSSA in the air cargo sector. They delve into topics such as digitalisation, sustainability, expansion strategies, and the industry’s future outlook.

In a special interview with Apace Digital Cargo, Sakshi Gupta, Country Manager – India, Air Logistics Group, vividly elaborates on the factors driving the growth of the air cargo industry. She also discusses how Air Logistics Group is enhancing its position and impact in the Indian air cargo GSSA market. The company is dedicated to minimising its environmental impact and embracing digital innovations. Explore more insights from her interview excerpts –

Perception on Evolving Landscape of GSSA in Air Cargo Logistics Industry & Role of Air Logistics Group: –

When you aim for perfection is when you achieve excellence – from digital transformation to transforming dreams to realities, the skies of Air Logistics Group is brimming with innovations and ever evolving solutions to reach new horizons and ensure seamless and uninterrupted services to our customers.

In today’s times of geopolitical unrest and unforeseen circumstances like the pandemic and subsequently growing e-commerce demand – all this has had a deep seeded and profound impact on the air freight industry. Transparency, Speed, & Prompt doorstep deliveries have become the essence and nucleus of the air logistics supply chain; thus, we as a GSA, together with our airline partners must be agile and creative with a customer centric approach, strategic plans and predictive analysis to absorb vulnerability and mitigate risks. 

At Air Logistics Group (ALG), we believe that we are the extended arms of our partner airlines. With our local presence spread across 76 countries worldwide and strong business ethics, ALG sees logistics not just as planes, processes & packages but as “PEOPLE” -BEING THE FULCRUM OF THE AIR LOGISTICS SUPPLY CHAIN.

We believe that ALG wears the ‘halo’ of commitment, efficiency and transparency adorned by the gems of innovation; thus becoming a POWER Propeller for our partner airlines. We as a GSA thrive to embrace change and be a solution-provider. Data driven decision making, dynamic pricing & investments in digitisation to enhance operational efficiency and customer satisfaction, are the core of Air logistics Group. Being a leading global GSA company, we believe that challenges arise, but so do opportunities. 

Talking about our country, today with PM Modi’s vision and emphasis on “Viksit Bharat”, we would say, ‘India Unleashed’, a country which has and is organically growing to become a factory of Asia – being a leading manufacturer of pharmaceuticals, ready-made garments, auto parts, mobile phones , semiconductors, spares cotton, raw materials,  etc.

The growing network of International airlines in India, the bouquet of multinationals blooming in India, the government’s initiatives to invest in airports, tech-driven warehouses, freight corridors, is testament of India’s endeavours to scale its air logistics vertical to new heights and has already made a mark for itself on the Logistics World Map.

Expansion and Marketing Strategy of Air Logistics Group:-

Our focus is on leveraging our established global network and expertise to cater to the burgeoning Indian market. We aim to build strong partnerships with local carriers and stakeholders to ensure a seamless integration of services. Additionally, Air Logistics Group plans to invest in advanced technology and infrastructure to enhance operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Marketing efforts will include targeted campaigns to raise brand awareness and highlight their unique value proposition, emphasising reliability, speed, and comprehensive service offerings. We actively participate in industry events and forums to engage with potential clients and showcase our capabilities. By combining strategic alliances, innovative technology, and effective marketing, Air Logistics Group is poised to significantly strengthen its presence and influence in the Indian air cargo GSSA market.

Adapting to Industry Trends:-  

Sustainability Initiatives:

Air Logistics Group is committed to reducing its environmental footprint. They plan to optimise routing to minimise fuel consumption, and adopt greener ground operations. Additionally, we are exploring partnerships for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and investing in carbon offset programs to balance out their emissions.

Digitalisation Efforts:

To stay ahead in the rapidly evolving logistics landscape, Air Logistics Group is embracing digital transformation. This includes implementing state-of-the-art tracking systems, utilising AI and machine learning for predictive analytics, and enhancing our digital platforms to improve customer experience. By leveraging big data, we aim to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and provide real-time visibility into the supply chain.

Competitive Environment & the Future Outlook: –

The Indian air cargo GSSA (General Sales and Service Agent) market is experiencing robust growth due to increased demand for air freight services, driven by the expansion of e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, and perishable goods sectors. Despite stiff competition, there is ample room for innovation and improvement in services to meet the diverse needs of customers.

Air Logistics Group plans to further solidify its presence in the Indian market by expanding its network and enhancing service offerings. Key steps taken include investments in advanced technology to streamline operations, improving customer experience through personalised solutions, and forging strategic partnerships with airlines and other stakeholders. Additionally, we aim to focus on sustainability initiatives to reduce our environmental footprint, aligning with global standards and contributing positively to the logistics ecosystem.