‘Electronics, pharma, perishables driving air cargo growth’

Pradeep Panicker, CEO, GMR Hyderabad International Airport (GHIAL) said, “Growth in both domestic and international air cargo is being propelled by three major sectors, electronics, pharmaceuticals and perishables. In the international segment, electronics have shown strong momentum. India’s electronic goods exports grew nearly 40 per cent year-on-year. Hyderabad Air Cargo recorded a 53 per cent surge in electronics shipments, with this segment contributing to 8 per cent of Hyderabad Airport’s total cargo tonnage — highlighting the city’s rising importance in global electronics manufacturing and distribution. In pharmaceuticals, while the national export growth remained moderate at 2.37 per cent, Hyderabad Air Cargo posted a robust 13 per cent year-on-year increase. Pharma now accounts for 68 per cent of Hyderabad Airport’s tonnage within this category, reaffirming the airport’s position as a key pharma export hub. Perishables, such as fruits and vegetables, are also gaining significant traction. National exports of perishables rose by 30.72 per cent, whereas Hyderabad Air Cargo experienced a striking 58 per cent growth in this segment, which now makes up 10 per cent of the airport’s total cargo tonnage — a reflection of growing global demand for Indian fresh produce.”