Air cargo and logistics is in the middle of a major transformation, driven by tech, infra upgrades, and initiatives such as PM GatiShakti and NLP. As the sector moves toward global competitiveness, the gap between tech and talent is becoming evident. Building a digitally skilled and future-ready workforce is now the industry’s top priority. With programmes such as Skill India and Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, the focus on developing domain-specific and digital skills has never been stronger. As digitalisation redefines logistics, the question is no longer if the workforce needs reskilling — but how fast it can adapt.
Ritika Arora Bhola
India’s air cargo and logistics sector is evolving at an impressive pace, majorly driven by growing trade volumes, digital transformation, and a push toward becoming a global logistics hub. Thanks to PM GatiShakti Masterplan aligning and strengthening the state-wise logistics action plans, the performance is clearly visible.
Despite this momentum, one persistent challenge continues to hold the sector back — the widening skill gap across the value chain. From warehousing, freight forwarding, ground handling, and last-mile delivery, there is a noticeable disconnect between the skills available in the workforce and abilities today’s industry demands.
Skill gap – A persistent challenge
Even as operations shift toward automation, digital documentation, and integrated IT systems, many logistics and air cargo companies still rely heavily on manual and paper-based processes. Big cargo agents claim that paperwork is required even after having digital documents ready at the terminals and at customs. Training is vital in areas, such as e-AWB (electronic airway bills), Artificial Intelligence-based cargo tracking, and data-driven performance analysis.
Time-sensitive commodities, such as cold chain, dangerous goods, and pharma shipments demand trained and experienced staff, but there is a clear shortage of trained personnel who understand temperature-sensitive handling, and compliance requirements. As per experts, the industry also faces a gap in essential soft skills such as communication, customer management, and adaptability, which are highly crucial for managing all sorts of cargo, and ensuring seamless coordination among airlines, freight forwarders, and regulatory bodies. The lack of structured training programmes, and limited collaboration between academia and industry have further widened this gap.
The sector needs to prioritise upskilling through hands-on training, digital learning modules, and partnerships with global logistics education platforms. Creating a workforce that blends operational know-how with technological agility will not only enhance efficiency but also help India achieve its vision of becoming a logistics hub.
Building Digital Literacy
The industry in India has now woken up to the fact that automation and AI are not just buzzwords anymore — they are becoming part of everyday operations. To keep up with it, logistics, and air cargo companies are now putting in serious efforts into helping their teams adapt to digital tools rather than replacing them. AI, IoT, Data Science, blockchain, and ML have become an integral part of day-to-day operations.
Many organisations are providing hands-on training sessions, introducing staff to cargo management systems, real-time tracking platforms, and AI-driven analytics that make their jobs smoother and faster. The focus is not just on learning new software, but on changing the mindset — encouraging people who have worked for decades in traditional setups to see technology as an enabler, not a threat. Airlines, airports, and freight forwarders are partnering with technology firms and training institutes to roll out reskilling programmes that blend classroom learning with on-the-job exposure.
Younger professionals are being encouraged to explore data handling, automation tools, and predictive logistics, while senior employees are being guided through digital adoption at a comfortable pace.
The goal is simple — to build a future-ready workforce that feels confident, not intimidated, by the next wave of digital transformation sweeping through the logistics world. That said, companies are embracing these technologies and investing into it in synchonisation with the govt’s plans — National Skill Development Council, Skill India Mission Operation, Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, Skill India Programme, Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, and ULIP.
Collaboration vital
In the past decade, many logistics companies in India, have either started their own training institutions, or have partnered with academia and skill universities in effective ways in a bid to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world operations — Softlink Global’s Softlink Academy, Om Group’s OM Institute of Logistics & Supply Chain Management, Skyways Group’s MyLogistics Gurukul, and TCI Group’s TCI Institute of Logistics (TCIIL), to name a few.
Many associations have come forward in promoting skilling and collaborated with stakeholders to promote skilling, such as BCBA, ACAAI, AMTOI, ACFI, FFFAI, FIATA, WAI, and AITWA.
Logistics companies are collaborating with institutes in co-designing course modules that reflect current needs — digital freight management, cold chain logistics, sustainability practices, and warehouse automation. By offering internships, live projects, and guest lectures, they can give students hands-on exposure that traditional courses often lack.
Not only universities but also skill councils are inviting industry experts to serve on advisory boards, ensuring their inputs shape training content. Joint research programmes, and internships also help students experience real logistics challenges in a controlled environment. When air cargo and logistics industry and academia work hand in hand, students graduate with job-ready skills and companies benefit from a talent pool that understands both the operational and technological realities of modern logistics — a win-win for the sector.
CARGOTALK discusses with industry experts about the progress under Skilling India scheme, challenges and private initiatives to boost skill development in the country.
Shortage of trained staff impacts growth
Keku Bomi Gazder, CEO and MD, Aviapro Logistic Services
The industry faces skill gaps in handling, dangerous goods operations, and cold chain logistics due to limited technical training. There is a lack of digital literacy and poor adoption of technologies, such as e-AWB, and IoT. Soft skills, regulatory knowledge, and certified trainers for specialised handling remain insufficient, impacting operational efficiency, and growth. The industry is upskilling its workforce through targeted training in automation, AI, and digital tools — warehouse management systems, and e-documentation. Firms are partnering with tech providers and institutions to offer certification programmes, among others.”
Industry suffers from weak soft skills
Kunal Maheshwari, Chief Growth Officer, Softlink Global
The gap lies in the alignment of traditional logistics knowledge with digital capabilities. While expertise exists, there is a shortage of professionals who can handle technology-driven logistics functions, such as e-AWB processing, EDI integrations, data analytics, and process automation. Soft skills, such as analytical thinking, compliance awareness, and customer-centric problem-solving are underdeveloped. The sector needs talent that understands the physical and digital flow of goods to match the pace of air cargo transformation. The logistics industry is transitioning from manual ops to digital ecosystems.”
Staff training aligned with global best practices
Abhishek Goyal, CEO & Executive Director, Aeroprime Group
The industry is driving digital transformation through AI-based cargo management, and process automation. We train the teams on smart cargo systems, digital documentation, and data-driven operations, enabling the staff to evolve from manual processes to tech-enabled ones — aligned with global best practices. The team is geared up to automate every possible manual process, enhancing efficiency, and accuracy. We offer internships to elevate knowledge and practical exposure. By sharing insights in conducting workshops, we help academia design courses aligned with real-world aviation.”
Need workforce with global outlook
Amit Tandon, CEO and MD, Asia Shipping India
Though the cargo sector is expanding at an unmatched pace, while skills are falling behind. The gap lies in digital awareness, data interpretation, and regulatory precision. We need professionals who bring operational excellence together with digital agility and a truly global outlook. Technology is as powerful a tool as the people wielding it. The sector is investing in digital literacy, automation training, and AI-led ops. The goal is to empower people to grow alongside tech, foster adaptability across every level. Academia and industry must work hand in hand, theory must meet tarmac.”
Many firms investing in upskilling programmes
Ralph Van Eijk, Chief Airline & Marketing Officer, Group Concorde
The sector is evolving quickly, but skill gaps persist: Digital process mgmt, cargo ops planning, and revenue optimisation. Experts often lack expertise in data analytics, e-AWB handling, and yield management systems. These capabilities are must for efficiency, sustainability, and competitiveness in logistics ecosystem. To embrace automation and AI, firms are investing in training, system integration, and upskilling programmes, and predictive analytics. Structured, standardised, and industry-aligned learning initiatives are essential to ensure the workforce adapts to the ongoing digital transformation.”
Now, logistics firms need modular courses
Jalpa H Vithalani, Group Managing Director, Global Aviation Services
The value chain faces a shortage of technical and behavioural skills. At the operational level, there is a shortage of trained manpower in DG, pharma handling, ULD build quality, warehouse safety, documentation accuracy, revenue, and yield analytics. At the commercial end, the sales teams require consultative skills to engage with SME exporters. Most industries are now focusing on digitisation — building comfort with tools. The players are focusing on processing discipline first and digitisation next — e-AWB, CCS, tracking dashboards, and WMS — through structured on-the-job learning.”
It is a must for firms, varsities to collaborate
Rajen S Bhatia, Managing Director, Tulsidas Khimji
The air cargo and logistics industry stands at an inflection point, where technology adoption is accelerating, but workforce readiness trails behind. The most significant skill gaps today lie in digital systems integration, data analytics, regulatory expertise, and cross-functional problem-solving. Automation, AI, and predictive tech have enhanced efficiency, but their impact is limited sans digital fluency. Players must address this gap through re-skilling, simulation-based training, and exposure to global best practices. Industry and academia must collaborate to co-design competency-based programmes.”
Skilling vital to achieve 10MMT by 2030
Dinesh Krishnan, Chairman, ACAAI Southern Region
The current skill gap is a major bottleneck to India’s goal of reaching 10 MMT of cargo by 2030. The industry is implementing a multi-pronged approach to upskill existing talent and attract the next gen. Programmes are being rolled out to upskill the workforce in modern tech such as data analytics, using Cargo Community Systems, and AI-driven processes. The goal is to move staff from manual tasks to value-added decision-making. ACAAI lobbies for standardisation of DGR training. There is a need to promote globally recognised qualifications, such as IATA Diplomas, and FIATA certifications.”
Students must gain hands-on exposure
Malcolm D’Souza, COO, Air Freight, Jeena & Company
For logistics to stay future-ready, firms must collaborate with academia or skill varsities to co-create curriculum that goes beyond theory and reflects real operational needs. Modules with practical case studies, industry-standard tools, and regular guest lectures from practitioners must be developed. We should ensure students gain hands-on exposure through internships, live projects, site visits, and interaction with forwarders/handlers to attract new talent. The integration of technologies, such as digital documentation, data analytics, automation, and IoT-based tracking should be the focus.”
