Air Cargo Forum India (ACFI) launched it’s Goa Chapter under the chairmanship of Mr. Thakur Purushottam, Business Head – GMR Goa Air Cargo on 21st June 2024 at Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI). Mr. Ahmad Raza Khan, Partner, Samuel Dias & Co., Vice Chairman of ACFI Goa Chapter was also present at the prestigious launch.
Mrs. Swetika Sachan IAS, Secretary Industries, Govt. of Goa was the Chief Guest of the event. The event was also graced by Mr. Abhishek Pravimal, IAS, MD, GIDC, Dr. Pravin Khullar, President, GPMA and Mr. Manguirish Pai Raikar, Chairman, Goa State Council of ASSOCHAM.
Other key dignitaries present at the event included: Mr. Yashpal Sharma – ACFI President and Managing Director, Skyways Group, Mr. Sanjiv Edward, ACFI Vice President and CEO – Cargo & Logistics, GMR Group, Mr. Satish Lakkaraju, Chairman, ACFI Event Management Task Pillar and Global Head – Air Freight & Pharma- WIZ Freight, Mr. Cyrus Katgara, ACFI Past President and Partner– Jeena & Co., Mr. Ramesh Mamidala – ACFI Secretary and Head Cargo – Air India Limited, Mr. Prasad Gengussetti, ACFI Governing Board Member and COO – GMR Hyderabad Air Cargo, Mr. Manoj Singh, ACFI Governing Board Member and Chief Cargo Officer, Adani Airport Holdings, Mr. Keku Bomi Gazder, ACFI Governing Board Member and MD & CEO – Aviapro Logistic Services Pvt Ltd., Mr. Kamesh Peri, ACFI Governing Board Member and CEO at Celebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management India Pvt. Ltd., Mr. Satyajit Bhattacharjee, Member ACFI Goa Chapter and Business Development Manager Cargo & Commercial -GMR Goa Air Cargo, along with Mr. K.S. Kunwar, Director General – ACFI.
The event witnessed participation from 140 delegates from across Air Cargo & Aviation industry, key ACFI members and senior leaders from Customs, Goa Chamber of Commerce, Goa CHA Association, ASSOCHAM, GCCI, GPMA, and FFFAI, etc.
The Goa Chapter is poised to achieve success under the leadership of Mr. Thakur Purushottam who brings with him rich experience of 2 decades in the Air Cargo & Aviation vertical. The entire ACFI Governing Board is of the view that he will be a valuable member of the association as he has versatile sectoral knowledge in Cargo Handling, Operations, Business Development, Project Management, Documentation and more.
Over the coming weeks, the ACFI Governing Board and ACFI Secretariat will select the Goa Chapter Board members with the goal of boosting air cargo trade in the region. This initiative will focus on advocating regulatory changes with authorities, upskilling our industry colleagues, organizing curated events, as well as workshops, and driving collaboration with fellow trade bodies to advance the Air Cargo Logistics sector both in Goa and nationally. The primary aim of the Goa Chapter is to align with the ACFI Head Office and work towards common goals, promoting the air cargo industry to achieve standards comparable to the best global air cargo ecosystems.
The newly elected Chairman, Mr. Thakur, stated, “As Chairman of the Goa Chapter, I am dedicated to closely collaborating with every single vertical under the ACFI umbrella. This collaboration will ensure the successful implementation of our regional initiatives, fully supported by our ACFI President and esteemed members. My vision is to build strong connections between the ACFI Goa Chapter and key players in the Air Cargo and Supply Chain sector in Goa and adjoining region. I firmly believe that managing the complexities of supply chain management and distribution networks effectively in this evolving landscape calls for building a strategic roadmap for air cargo logistics. I assure that the entire Goa Chapter will strive towards bolstering development initiatives to boost trade not only within this chapter but across the country.”
“ACFI is dedicated to building a world-class air cargo ecosystem in India that adheres to the highest international standards. I am convinced that India’s air cargo infrastructure has the potential to be a global benchmark, admired for its scale, efficiency, and speed, even by the most advanced economies. Our Goa Chapter, in particular, will be crucial in achieving this vision. Overall, the establishment of Goa as the ninth ACFI regional Chapter is a landmark achievement as it solidifies the strides that we are making for the advancement of Air Cargo. It exemplifies our commitment to advancing the air cargo logistics industry and underscores our proactive approach to supporting the nation’s trade and economic growth. I am confident that this chapter, along with GOX International Airport will add substantial value to the shippers in the catchment area, paving the way for a more integrated, efficient, and dynamic air cargo logistics landscape in India,’’ said Mr. Yashpal Sharma – ACFI President.
About Major Airports of Goa
Dabolim Airport
Dabolim Airport is an international airport serving Panaji, the capital of Goa, India. Managed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), it functions as a civil enclave within the INS Hansa naval airbase operated by the Indian Navy. The airport is situated in Dabolim, South Goa district, 4 km from Vasco da Gama, 23 km from Margao, and approximately 30 km from Panaji, the state capital.
The airport is spread over 1,700 acres and consists of a civil enclave of nearly 35 acres. The integrated terminal building at Dabolim Airport handles both international and domestic passengers and was inaugurated in December 2013. The terminal’s design showcases aesthetic glass, large steel span structures, and frameless glazing. Covering 36,000 square meters, the terminal is designed to accommodate five million passengers annually and is equipped with eight aerobridges. Additionally, the terminal features an in-line baggage scanning system and a state-of-the-art sewage treatment plant.
During the fiscal year 2022-2023, the airport handled around 8.5 million passengers. European charter airlines typically operate seasonal flights to Goa between November and May. As of 2024, several seasonal charter flights to various Russian cities are also available.
Manohar International Airport
Manohar International Airport (GOX) is an international airport located in Mopa, Pernem Taluka, in North Goa district, Goa, India. GOX started its International Air Cargo operations from 8th September 2023, and as on date it has handled 3000 MT of International Cargo and 2000 MT of Domestic Cargo. Geographically GOX being closer to the border of Maharashtra & Karnataka, this Airport can serve Goa, Maharashtra & Karnataka. It is geared to develop into 2nd largest Air Cargo hub of Western India. The cargo volume has been increased drastically, as many pharma companies of Goa and Mumbai area have validated the facility and started cargo movements. Additionally, automobile sector is also being extended to Goa’s industrial belt and the catchment area that will give a boost to Air Cargo.
Developed by GGIAL, the airport was constructed at a cost of Rs. 3,000 crore (approximately US$380 million in 2023). During the fiscal year 2023-24, it handled over 4.4 million passengers, nearing its current maximum capacity of 4.5 million passengers annually. On an average, the airport manages around 100 aircraft movements and about 15,000 passengers daily.
About Air Cargo Forum India (ACFI)
Air Cargo Forum India (ACFI) was established on 14th September 2012 with a powerful and forward-looking vision. “The Air Cargo Forum India (ACFI) envisages to build world class environmental-friendly air logistics industry by innovation, allied action with credibility and providing business facilitation to boost the Indian economy.”
ACFI is a common platform for each stakeholder in the air cargo sector who can work collectively in a positive direction for addressing major industry challenges. This prestigious body consists of stakeholders from across the industry including Airlines, Airport Operators, Cargo Terminal Operators, Courier and Express Operators, Custom Brokers, Freight Forwarders, Bonded Truck Operators, General Sales Agents, Integrators, Domestic Cargo Operators, etc.
All stakeholders work in complete alignment with various Government agencies and Ministries. ACFI is progressing well on its path to develop India’s major airports as cargo gateway airports and promote them as major international transit cargo hubs.
ACFI has been working very closely with the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) on its vision to achieve the goal of taking Indian air space to 10 million MT by 2030-31 from the current 3.1 million MT. It’s endeavour is to facilitate trade in air mode of transport and ensure ease of doing business in the processing of EXIM trade through simplified air cargo processing. It also aims to bring best industry practices to the Indian air cargo landscape.
