ACFI to Host 7th World Conclave 2026 in New Delhi, Focus on Building Resilient Global Supply Chains

Organised with Logistics Shakti as the Strategic Partner, the two-day conclave will convene policymakers, global industry leaders, airlines, airport operators, freight forwarders, customs officials, technology providers, investors and supply chain stakeholders to discuss the future of air cargo, logistics and resilient global trade.   The conclave will be held under the theme “Reimagining Global Trade: India at the Forefront of Developing Resilient Supply Chains,” focusing on India’s growing role as a strategic logistics hub amid evolving geopolitical dynamics, shifting trade routes, digital transformation and sustainability challenges.   The event will feature discussions on emerging technologies and industry trends, including AI-enabled logistics, digital air waybills, automation, multimodal connectivity and sustainable aviation solutions. Shri Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, Union Minister of Civil Aviation, has been invited to attend the conclave as the Chief Guest, alongside senior government officials and regulators.      Speaking on the announcement, Sanjiv Edward, President of ACFI and CEO – Cargo & Logistics, GMR Group, said global supply chains are increasingly being shaped by resilience, reliability and digital connectivity in addition to cost and speed. He noted that India’s expanding airport infrastructure, growing manufacturing base and supportive government policies position the country to emerge as a preferred global logistics hub. He added that the conclave would provide a platform for global leaders to exchange ideas, forge partnerships and shape the future of the air cargo ecosystem.

Ramesh Mamidala, Vice President of ACFI and Head of Cargo at Air India Limited, said the industry is witnessing significant transformation driven by changing trade patterns, rapid e-commerce growth and increasing demand for faster, more transparent and sustainable logistics solutions. He said the conclave would facilitate discussions on digitalisation, multimodal integration, regulatory reforms and operational efficiencies aimed at enhancing India’s competitiveness in global logistics.

Karanjit Singh Wadhwa, Chairman of Event Management at ACFI, said the objective of this year’s conclave is to move beyond dialogue and generate tangible industry outcomes. He said the event has been designed to promote collaboration, knowledge sharing and business networking among stakeholders from across the global air cargo ecosystem, helping create partnerships that will drive the sector’s next phase of growth.

According to ACFI, India’s air cargo sector recorded 6.2 per cent growth in FY26, handling 39.63 lakh tonnes despite geopolitical uncertainties. Delhi retained its position as the country’s largest air cargo hub, while Chennai registered 11.7 per cent growth, supported by strong exports of electronics and engineering goods. International cargo accounted for 64 per cent of total freight volumes, with pharmaceuticals, perishables, automotive components and e-commerce continuing to fuel demand.      The organisation highlighted that India’s logistics sector is increasingly adopting AI-powered predictive routing, warehouse automation and digital documentation to improve efficiency and reduce transit times. Government initiatives such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme have also accelerated exports of mobile phones and electronics, strengthening the importance of air freight for time-sensitive cargo.

Industry experts remain optimistic about the long-term growth prospects of India’s air cargo market, supported by continued investments in airport infrastructure, multimodal logistics integration and increasing participation from global players. The ACFI World Conclave 2026 is expected to play a key role in shaping policy discussions and industry collaboration that will support India’s ambition to become a leading global logistics and supply chain hub.