Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) is all set to operate a cargo terminal at BLR Airport. The ground handler’s current focus is to ensure its success and a smooth transition of operations before embarking on a large-scale rehabilitation and enhancement of the facilities and capacity expansion, says Anupama Kachhap, Head, Commercial.
Ritika Arora Bhola
You have been associated with air cargo and logistics sector since the past 20 years. How has the journey been?
Exciting. The cargo industry is the most dynamic and important industries and in the past two decades, I have been a witness to the rollercoaster ride the industry has gone through in terms of growth and challenges. The journey has been fantastic with immense learning and personal growth, while working with premium carriers and global leaders in aviation logistics services.
What are the major transformations you have observed in the air cargo sector since the time you stepped in. Do you think the industry is ready for a revolution?
The air cargo industry has come a long way since the beginning of this millennium, specifically in terms of aircraft capability and efficiency. The enhancement of airport cargo infrastructure, digitalisation, special focus on premium cargoes such as pharmaceuticals, and, of course, the 24×7 for 365 days focus on safety and security as well as the drive for greater sustainability. There are some significant and positive developments in all these areas. I don’t feel we need a revolution, but we need constant evolution, and I would say the pace of improvements and implementations is accelerating, which will benefit all stakeholders.
What were the major challenges you faced in your career of 20 years?
One major challenge previously was simply the lack of women working in the cargo and logistics sector—the entire operating structure, the facilities, everything seemed to have been designed in a way that did not expect women to be a part of the workplace. As a woman, one is concerned about individual safety and security, especially when you talk about working in shifts, transportation issues for night shifts, basic health, hygiene, and facilities issues at terminals. But I am glad to see the situation has been getting better and we are seeing a positive transformation, which again, is gaining in momentum. In terms of the role and opportunities for women in the cargo industry, we are in a much better position now from what we were 20 years ago, and I expect to continue to see more progress.
With increased foreign participation, do you think India has the potential to become an investment destination?
India has become one of the favourite investment destinations over the years owing to its status as one of the fastest growing economies in the world, its large and growing consumer market, and abundant pool of people skills and talent. WFS is proud to be entering the aviation market in India through our partnership at Bangalore airport and we are making a strong commitment to important market. Our current focus is to ensure the success of our project at Bengaluru and a smooth transition of operations before we embark on a large-scale rehabilitation and enhancement of the facilities and capacity expansion.
How, according to you, are things shaping up in the new normal post pandemic? How was 2020 for WFS?
The pandemic caused a paradigm shift in the aviation industry, disrupting the growth trajectory of the passenger market. While demand for freighter space for vital shipments of PPE and vaccines soared, passenger airlines had to refocus their business models to remain viable, resulting in the emergence of cargo-only passenger aircraft ops. Cargo’s role throughout the pandemic increased its importance to most combination carriers. The demand vs capacity was highly imbalanced in the past few years, but it is now coming back to normal with most carriers back to their pre-COVID schedules and capacities. Last year was challenging for WFS as it was for everyone globally. But as the global leader in air cargo handling and having shown agility to adapt to the shifting operating models of our airline clients, WFS was able to leverage its strengths and capabilities to emerge stronger than ever from the pandemic with an expanded operating footprint, increased volumes, revenues, and profitability.
As per IATA, the industry is under distress and recovery will take 3-4 years. What could be the potential reasons for this distress?
Economic, geopolitical, or environmental disruptions have impacted the industry on many occasions in the past, and we have experienced the impact of a global health risk. Currently, the conflict in Russia-Ukraine is contributing to inflation, higher interest rates and higher energy costs; this on top of the financial legacy of COVID. Hopefully, the industry recovery will come at a much faster rate than IATA has forecast. This is an important and resilient industry, critical to the success of so many other industries, and I am confident in its long-term future.
Tell us about the recent advancements and investments done by WFS in infra and tech?
As a company serving 300 customers at 160 airports in 18 countries on five continents, WFS is seeking opportunities to hike productivity and efficiency, and to lessen our industry’s impact on the planet, alongside our priority of safety and security. This apart, WFS is investing in new cargo terminals in Europe, Scandinavia, and North America, including the first new cargo terminal to be built at New York JFK in 20 years. We are embracing digitization faster pace. For example, CargoKiosks, reduce truck handling times, new warehouse management systems, and a new maintenance solution to ensure that our large fleet of equipment can achieve optimal utilization to support our customers’ service requirements.
In May 2022, WFS launched ‘Our Sustainable Flight Path’ to steer the next level of its Environmental, Social and Government strategy and support the responsible growth of its global airport and aviation services ops. This currently includes building sustainability solutions into new-build cargo terminals to the implementation of LED lighting in warehouse ops, the introduction of 1,000 electric ramp and warehouse vehicles and the introduction of biodegradable plastics to wrap airfreight pallets. We are collecting annual data in most countries on energy, waste, and water consumption, seeking ‘greener’ energy suppliers, reusing equipment, extending the lifecycles of equipment, and carbon footprint tracking. Solar panels are fitted at some WFS locations and trials of electronic ground support equipment and hydrogen-powered vehicles are ongoing. WFS is participating in ‘green’ projects at airports where it operates.
WFS will come up with a terminal at BIAL. Enlarge on the cargo ops, ground handling, and infra?
WFS will operate a cargo terminal facility at India’s third largest cargo hub in Bangalore (BLR) in a JV with BIAL. WFS will be the exclusive operator of BLR’s cold chain facility. Our operation in Bengaluru represents WFS’ first foray into cargo handing in India. As the market leader in global air cargo handling ops, WFS looks forward to adding value to Indian air cargo ops by leveraging its world class operating practices, ensuring better efficiency, and driving productivity to align with the India’s National Air Cargo Policy and related ambitions. WFS will deliver the highest global standards for safety, security, and excellence, supported by investments in expanding BLR Cargo’s infra. WFS’ partnership will be extended to BLR Airport, underpinned by a focus on service in all that we do.
