Fletcher Samuel, Assistant General Manager and Senior Lead for Cargo Business at Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), was felicitated with the DDP Face of the Future Award. At BIAL, he plays a pivotal role in driving strategic initiatives and fostering innovation in air cargo operations. With a focus on efficiency and collaborative partnerships, Fletcher has successfully led key projects that have enhanced cargo movement and strengthened infrastructure at Kempegowda airport. In addition to his role at BIAL, Fletcher serves as the Chairman of the ACFI-BLR Chapter, actively contributing to industry-wide dialogue and development. His diverse global experience across major logistics hubs, including Singapore, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Mumbai, Delhi, and Hyderabad, brings a unique perspective on cargo operations and airport logistics, further strengthening his leadership.    

Reshma Zaheer, Chief Operating Officer, TT Logistics & Cargo, was felicitated with the DDP Game Changer of the Year Award. With over three decades of experience in the air cargo industry, Zaheer combines deep expertise with a forward-looking leadership approach. As COO of TT Logistics for the past 15 years, she has been pivotal in expanding the company’s GSSA operations and in establishing global capability centres that create long-term strategic value for partners and customers.

Vikramjit Singh Ahluwalia, Managing Director, Air Logistics Group India, was presented the DDP Trailblazer Award at the India Cargo Awards 2025. Having over three decades of experience in global aviation cargo and logistics, Ahluwalia is widely recognised for his vision and execution. He has been instrumental in launching and establishing operations for leading global carriers, including BMI Cargo, Ocean Airlines, Jade Cargo International, All Nippon Airways, Garuda Indonesia, Brussels Airlines, Alitalia, American Airlines, DHL Aviation, and Sichuan Airlines across India. Under his stewardship, Air Logistics Group India has become a trusted strategic partner for global airlines, setting benchmarks in service quality, operational excellence, and customer-centric solutions. Known for his integrity, innovation, compliance, and commitment to sustainable growth, he established the company as one of the most respected names in the industry.

J. Krishnan, Partner, S. Natesa Iyer, Logistics and Past President, The Air Cargo Agents Association of India (ACAAI), entered the Gallery of Legends in recognition of his outstanding contribution and leadership in the air cargo and logistics industry.

The India Cargo Awards 2025 took place on 8 September 2025 at Le Méridien, New Delhi. Marking a significant milestone, this edition celebrated its 10th year of recognising excellence in the cargo and logistics sector. Known as the ‘Oscars of the Industry,’ the awards united leaders, innovators and stakeholders from across the cargo and logistics sector. The prestigious event celebrated excellence, resilience, innovation, honouring organisations and individuals for their contributions to the industry. Piyush Srivastava, Senior Economic Advisor, Union Ministry of Civil Aviation, was the Chief Guest, while Pankaj Kumar, Joint Secretary Logistics, DPIIT, Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry was the Guest of Honour. Jivisha Joshi Gangopadhyay, Deputy Secretary, International Cooperation, Ease of Doing Business and Salt, Sagar Kadu, Director, Logistics, DPIIT, Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry, were the other distinguished dignitaries present at at ceremony. Together with industry stalwarts, they performed the ribbon-cutting ceremony and unveiled a coffee table handbook. With categories recognising trailblazers, gamechangers and future leaders, the awards underscored the role of air cargo and logistics in driving India’s economic growth and strengthening global connectivity. The evening was a celebration of achievements and an inspiration for the industry’s next chapter of progress.

Balfour Manuel, Managing Director, Blue Dart, said, “The GST Council’s decision to rationalise tax slabs is a progressive step for India’s consumption-driven economy. By easing tax rates on freight services, with multimodal transport within India at 5 per cent (down from 12 per cent) and road haulage rentals reduced to 5 per cent, the move will directly lower logistics costs and simplify compliance. We anticipate household demand across FMCG, durables and automobiles, and this momentum will drive higher shipment volumes across our networks, as we approach the festive season. We welcome this reform as it allows us to streamline logistics planning, reduce operating costs and strengthen the ecosystem for growth. We see this as an opportunity to enhance our role as the logistics partner of choice, delivering greater value, while continuing to innovate for the future of India’s logistics industry.”  

Air cargo continued to grow in August as volumes grew again, but the outlook for remainder of the year remains uncertain, according to the latest data by Xeneta, said Niall van de Wouw, Chief Airfreight Officer. The latest figures show air cargo demand to have increased by a ‘surprise’ 5 per cent year-on-year in August, the second month in a row demand has grown at this level. “Air cargo’s higher demand is the result of the modal shift we witnessed in July, with a bit of support from e-commerce. It is not an indicator of increased economic activity,” van de Wouw added. Xeneta stated the increase in demand is likely to reflect as businesses look to move goods quickly by air rather than sea to avoid the impact of tariffs. Capacity also increased by 4 per cent year-on-year in August and the DLF was down slightly at 56 per cent. It was not all good news for air cargo as the average spot rate for the month declined by 3 per cent year-on-year to US$ 2.55 per kg. Xenata stated air freight spot rate performance was a better indicator of the underlying economic conditions than the volumes.

Rizwan Soomar, CEO & Managing Director, Middle East, North Africa & India Subcontinent, DP World said, “The Union Finance Minister’s new GST structure streamlines tax rates, benefiting daily essentials and key sectors, which will stimulate consumer demand and domestic consumption. This uptick in market activity directly translates into increased trade volumes leading to heightened demand for logistics across supply chains and offering opportunities to optimise operations and scale efficiently. The landmark reform will catalyse the central government’s thrust on reducing logistics costs by lowering GST on trucks, tyres, cement, steel, reducing freight, and infrastructure costs and creating efficiencies across supply chains. The transformative move to strengthen India’s supply chain backbone and accelerate infrastructure growth will reinforce confidence in India’s growth story and position the economy for sustained momentum. DP World is equipped to support this momentum through our integrated end-to-end solutions. Spanning ports, terminals, pan-India rail freight link, cold chain warehousing, digital trade enablement, and trade finance expertise, we drive seamless and efficient movement of goods across sectors that stand to benefit directly from the tax rate rationalisation.”

The wait is over as Delhi plays host to the much-awaited India Cargo Awards, a platform that celebrates the professionals of the cargo and logistics industry, on 8 September. The awards ceremony recognises outstanding contributions, pathbreaking innovations that continue to drive growth and resilience in India’s supply chain ecosystem. India Cargo Awards is an all-India platform to recognise the achievers of the air cargo industry. It is India’s first internet voting based award hence the results are fair and unbiased. These awards are supported by the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation, trade bodies, Air Cargo Agents Association of India (ACAAI), Domestic Air Cargo Agents Association of India (DACAAI), Express Industry Council in India (EICI), Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) and Federation of Freight Forwarders’ Association in India (FFFAI).

The much-anticipated India Cargo Awards are set to take place this Monday, bringing together the stalwarts of the cargo, logistics and air freight industry under one roof. Known as the ‘Oscars’ of the sector, the awards recognise outstanding achievements, innovation and leadership that continue to drive growth in India’s logistics ecosystem. From air cargo operators and freight forwarders to ground handling agents, shipping companies and logistics service providers, industry leaders will be felicitated for their contribution to efficiency, connectivity and global trade competitiveness. The event will serve as more than just a celebration — it will also be a platform to network, exchange ideas and acknowledge the vital role played by cargo and logistics professionals in strengthening India’s position in global supply chains. With the presence of distinguished guests, policymakers and industry veterans, the evening promises to be a memorable one as we honour those who are shaping the future of India’s cargo and logistics sector.