Panel Discussion: Sky's the Limit for Indian Air Cargo

A liberator for Indian airlines in the chaos of the pandemic, the cargo segment is deemed to grow and further ascend India's globalized future. With the Launch of the New Logistics Policy, the air cargo industry is poised for high growth with increased dedicated capacity, sectoral reforms and investment toward additional infrastructure. With the boom for express logistics, demand preferences tilt toward air cargo. However, it is important to administer rising fuel costs and invest in carbon emissions to meet global competition. Automating cargo terminals to meet global standards and developing multimodal connectivity with reduced emissions - digitalization and sustainability is the future of the industry. Driven by digitization and propelled by sustainable initiatives, Sky's the limit for Indian Air Cargo.

Panel Discussion: An Ocean of Opportunities: Leveraging Global Shipping Network with Ease and Reliability

Strategically located on the world's busiest shipping routes with a long coastline, the Indian Shipping industry will achieve remarkable growth and become a major global player over the next few years. However, delayed end-point logistics, port congestion, mismatch in import-export volumes, cost of finance, tax regime and the age profile of Indian flag merchant shipping vessels are the major factors affecting the competitiveness of Indian shipping. Often regarded as a less costly and more environmentally friendly freight choice, maritime transportation poses an opportunity for the Indian economy with all-time-high exports of about $418 billion during 2021-22. Progressive policy interventions, shipbuilding improvements, infrastructure expansion with 100% FDI and the ease of doing business through inland waterways are transforming the sector. To boost overall volumes and efficiency it will also require a comprehensive ramp-up of the entire ecosystem including technology, insurance, arbitration and dispute resolution, training and management, maritime finance and commercial skilling.

Break

Panel Discussion: The E-commerce Revolution for Express Logistics

The rise of the eCommerce industry has directly influenced the logistics ecosystem, it has reshaped supply chains and increased air cargo volumes, all while altering infrastructural development. The pandemic only accelerated this growth into a logistics revolution. From consumer expectations to fast-evolving marketplaces, from cost to speed, from lack of manpower to adopting digital transformation - India's e-commerce logistics is truly at a pivotal crossroads. The eCommerce industry is also flourishing in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities in India, posing a huge opportunity for the growth of logistics companies as well as infrastructures. Laced with AI, ML, IoT, automation and other technologies to manage error-free deliveries, logistic companies are also working toward sustainability goals, especially in the area of last-mile deliveries. With increased consumer demands, digital transformation, and rapid growth of the eCommerce business, the Indian logistics sector will only thrive in the future.

Panel Discussion: Need of the Hour: Collaborating and Empowering Sustainable Practices for Cargo Movement

Climate change is undisputed with impact beyond environmental effects. Green Cargo is not just confined to logistics and transportation. It is equally important to consider sustainable operations for warehouses, airport terminals, and packaging, distribution, material handling & even disposal. A fuel-driven industry for more than a century will not transform overnight. It will require a collective commitment and action from companies, shippers, the government as well as technology providers. Technological measures, like smart warehousing and digitization, can improve energy efficiency and storage; while using alternative fuels like renewable energy or biofuels can reduce emissions. It is indispensable to invest in infrastructural reforms to design sustainable cargo facilities and invest in electric fleets for intra-city transport, and last ~ mid-mile delivery. Carbon offsets along with research in new techniques can help the cargo industry bridge the gap between the efficiency and sustainability of direct operations.

End of Day 2