As India positions itself to become an air cargo and logistics hub, the industry is witnessing a surge in infra investments, digital adoption, and sustainable practices. With govt initiatives such as PMGS and DFCs setting the pace, focus is shifting from cost to quality, says Sandeep Datta, MD, Total Solutions.
CT Bureau
How do you see the air cargo industry evolving in terms of opportunities, competitiveness, and infra growth?
The industry is undergoing a transformation, driven by initiatives, policy reforms, and private investment in logistics infra. With the rapid expansion of e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, perishables, and manufacturing exports, cargo volumes are poised for growth in the coming years. We are witnessing a shift toward integrated multimodal connectivity with projects, such as PMGS and DFCs, which are strengthening the supply chain ecosystem. Competitiveness has increased, which is a healthy sign — it pushes all players to innovate, improve turnaround times, and offer value-added services. India is transitioning from being a cost-driven market to a quality and efficiency-driven one, and that is promoting for sustainable growth.
What are the focus areas for your organisation to enhance service efficiency and customer experience?
We focus on combining data-driven decisions, digitalisation, and market analysis to enhance efficiency and customer satisfaction. We provide our partner airlines with wider market reach and value-added services beyond traditional sales. Our partnership with eCargoWare has digitalised our ops, ensuring faster communication, transparent bookings, and improved visibility for customers. We work on building responsiveness, reliability, and measurable results for our airline partners — delivering efficiency through experience, expertise, and technology.
How are you integrating tech, automation, or digital tools into your air cargo ops?
Tech is at the centre of our operational evolution. We integrate digital tools for real-time cargo tracking, electronic documentation, and performance analytics to improve decision-making and visibility. Automation in routine processes, such as booking and shipment monitoring, allows us to reduce manual dependencies and errors. We are exploring AI-based tools for capacity management and route optimisation. Our goal is to create a smart and data-driven ecosystem where efficiency, transparency, and agility go hand in hand.
In what ways are sustainability and compliance shaping your business strategies?
Sustainability and compliance are no longer optional — they are pillars of responsible business. We align our operations with international standards and promote environmentally responsible practices. We work with our airline partners in order to optimise load factors and minimise carbon footprint.
We are digitising documentation, reducing paper use, and encouraging eco-friendly initiatives within our offices and partner facilities. We believe sustainability is not about being green — it is about long-term business resilience and trust building.
What are your views on India’s vision to become an air cargo and logistics hub?
India’s vision to position itself as an air cargo and logistics hub is ambitious as well as achievable. With investments in airports, cargo terminals, and logistics parks, combined with policy support and private sector participation, the ecosystem is maturing fast. India’s geographic advantage — being at the crossroads of major international trade routes — gives it an edge.
How do you foresee future growth and collaboration opportunities within the logistics ecosystem?
The logistics ecosystem’s future lies in collaboration — between airlines, forwarders, tech providers, and regulatory bodies. We foresee growth in integrated solutions that combine air, surface, and express logistics.
