As global supply chains face increasing turbulence and complex regulations, India’s air cargo industry is turning to a powerful ally—digital intelligence. This shift took center stage at a recent logistics session titled “Importance of Digital Intelligence and Data Management,” where experts and industry leaders came together to chart the digital future of Indian air cargo.

Data: The new runway

Opening the session, Prof. Jayendran V of IIT Bombay set the tone by declaring, “Data is the new runway for air logistics.” His message was clear: if India wants to become a global logistics powerhouse under initiatives like PM Gati Shakti and the National Logistics Policy, it must invest in smart, scalable data systems. From predicting cargo demand with AI to reducing energy use at airports, real-time data is the key to unlocking efficiency and resilience.

Platforms into powerhouses

Adding to this, Parvinder Singh, MD of Hans Infomatic, spotlighted the potential of the Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP). He called ULIP the “digital backbone” of India’s logistics network but emphasized that it needs to evolve. “To work for air cargo, ULIP must connect everyone—from airlines and ground handlers to global freight forwarders—with open APIs and consistent data standards,” he said. He also proposed expanding ULIP to track critical milestones like tarmac time and customs status in real-time.

Staying ahead of global rules

Trade compliance is another area where digital tools are becoming essential. Meera Kumar, CEO of Diabos FZE, warned that new international regulations—from EU security protocols to global carbon reporting—are raising the bar. “Without automated systems and digital links to customs worldwide, Indian cargo will struggle to stay aligned with fast-moving global trade corridors,” she noted.

Kumar stressed that digital tracking, faster customs clearances, and better data sharing are now vital to keeping cargo moving and avoiding regulatory bottlenecks.

Building smart communities

For Vineet Malhotra, CMD of Kale Logistics, the next big step is building Airport Cargo Community Systems (ACCS)—shared digital platforms where everyone in the logistics chain can access and exchange critical information. Highlighting successful deployments in Mumbai and Hyderabad, he shared that these systems led to a 28% improvement in cargo dwell time and 35% fewer documentation disputes.

He also advocated for creating digital trade corridors between India and key regions like ASEAN and the Middle East, especially for fast-moving goods like perishables and electronics.

Data to decisions

The conversation then turned to how digital tools can improve business outcomes. Kunal Maheshwari, Chief Growth Officer at Softlink Global, said freight forwarders need more than just operational data—they need predictive analytics to manage customer churn, shifting freight rates, and emissions costs. “Data shouldn’t be a luxury only for big players,” he argued. “If we want India’s export economy to thrive, we must ensure even small and mid-sized logistics firms have access to smart tools.”

A national data strategy

As the session wrapped up, one message rang loud and clear: India needs a national air cargo data strategy. With air freight volumes expected to top 10 million tonnes a year by 2030, digital infrastructure must grow alongside physical capacity.

Key recommendations included:

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Mandating industry-wide data-sharing based on global standards like IATA’s ONE Record,

• Offering incentives to join international cargo community platforms,

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Developing homegrown AI solutions tailored to India’s logistics environment,

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Creating a secure, neutral digital platform for trade compliance and performance monitoring.

The warning was stark: without a clear digital vision, India could risk building air cargo capacity it doesn’t know how to fully use. But with the right investments in digital intelligence, the sector can become a powerful engine for global trade—and a cornerstone of India’s economic ambitions.