'Our Duty Is To Facilitate Infrastructure Even Where There Is Little Commercial Viability'
Cruising Heights|September 2017

Realising the importance and growth of the air cargo industry and its impact on the Indian economy, AAI incorporated an integrated logistics network entity last year: AAICLAS. After almost a year of operations, AAICLAS has a new Chief Executive Officer, Keku Bomi Gazder, a veteran in the aviation industry. With close to three decades of experience in airlines operations and having worked with several international airlines across the Middle East, South Asia and the Indian sub-continent region, Gazder is enthusiastic and passionate about his new role. He is positive and believes that AAICLAS will be benchmarked against the best in the world. Excerpts from a conversation:

'Our Duty Is To Facilitate Infrastructure Even Where There Is Little Commercial Viability'

What are AAICLAS’ key priorities?

AAICLAS is a 100 per cent subsidiary of AAI. The vision of the Chairman of AAICLAS, Guruprasad Mohapatra, and that of the AAICLAS Board is very clear. We will be focusing on Cargo Handling, Security and Documentation Handling, Supply Chain, Transshipment facility provider, Airport Free Zones Developer and Project Logistics. We would also work as a multi-modal interface linking air, surface and water transport as well as connecting to hinterland points in India, thus, becoming the largest networked and fastest growing logistics solution provider in India.

We are going to benchmark ourselves on best practices worldwide and on the Ease of Doing Business index. We are in 2017 and now we need to plan where we want to reach by 2022. This five-year vision document with details on our verticals, a blueprint on how and where the company will go forward along with timelines is being currently worked on.

You have spent a lot of time working in the private sector. How is it different to work in a public/government sector?

I have been here for just over a couple of months and I can say that the government sector has its own merits and positives. The government and the various divisions in the Ministry have the technical, financial, operational and knowledge resources combined with the vision to be an agent of change. I have had the privilege to be present at senior level meetings at various ministries and I can say with complete confidence that there is an air of expectation, enthusiasm and change that will be driving results in businesses.

So, at the end of the day, it really does not matter where one comes from as long as one can deliver the desired numbers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM CRUISING HEIGHTSView all
Adani Airport Thales Forge Strategic Partnership to Improve Airport Operations and Passenger Experience in India
Cruising Heights

Adani Airport Thales Forge Strategic Partnership to Improve Airport Operations and Passenger Experience in India

Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL), the largest private airport operator in India, and Thales, a global leader in advanced technologies, today announced a strategic partnership to revolutionise AAHL’s international airport operations and passenger experience across the country.

time-read
1 min  |
November 2024
ADVANCING AIR MOBILITY OVERCOMING CHALLENGES, SEIZING OPPORTUNITIES
Cruising Heights

ADVANCING AIR MOBILITY OVERCOMING CHALLENGES, SEIZING OPPORTUNITIES

Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), as analysed by M P RAJASEKHARAN, explores solutions for reducing urban congestion and enhancing access to remote locations through sustainable, automated air transport systems, addressing key challenges and future opportunities in this evolving sector.

time-read
10+ mins  |
November 2024
ON THE CUSP OF GROWTH
Cruising Heights

ON THE CUSP OF GROWTH

The growth of regional airlines in India will increase the market for regional jetliners.

time-read
10 mins  |
November 2024
BOEING STRIKE DISRUPTS INDIAN CARRIERS' EXPANSION PLANS
Cruising Heights

BOEING STRIKE DISRUPTS INDIAN CARRIERS' EXPANSION PLANS

The Boeing machinist strike has stalled aircraft deliveries, directly affecting Akasa Air and Air India Express, both of which are now facing delays in their fleet expansion efforts, highlights

time-read
6 mins  |
November 2024
REGIONAL AIRPORTS MUSHROOMING WITH CHALLENGES GALORE
Cruising Heights

REGIONAL AIRPORTS MUSHROOMING WITH CHALLENGES GALORE

Karnataka's push for regional air connectivity has led to a surge in airport infrastructure, yet many of these airports face challenges like fluctuating demand and limited flight frequencies. While the UDAN scheme has supported growth, the long-term viability of several regional airports remains uncertain, highlights

time-read
8 mins  |
November 2024
'PHARMACY OF THE WORLD' SUPPLY CHAIN WOES
Cruising Heights

'PHARMACY OF THE WORLD' SUPPLY CHAIN WOES

India's pharmaceutical sector, has achieved remarkable growth, but faces significant supply chain hurdles, including high logistics costs and limited cold chain facilities. Addressing these challenges is essential to sustain its global impact and future expansion, reports

time-read
6 mins  |
November 2024
BUMPER WINTER AHEAD FOR INDIAN CARRIERS
Cruising Heights

BUMPER WINTER AHEAD FOR INDIAN CARRIERS

The DGCA's winter 2024 schedule approves 25,007 weekly flights, marking growth for Indian carriers, with Air India Express leading in expansion and Vistara set to merge with Air India, analyses

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
AIRPORT ADVANCEMENT
Cruising Heights

AIRPORT ADVANCEMENT

Indian airports are placing a greater emphasis on digitalisation and enhancing their eco-friendly credentials, updates

time-read
8 mins  |
November 2024
THROTTLING AHEAD
Cruising Heights

THROTTLING AHEAD

The situation with the grounding of Pratt & Whitney GTF engines is now trending downwards, a report

time-read
10 mins  |
November 2024
Connecting cities to airports HELI-TAXIS ARE OUT, AIR TAXIS ARE IN
Cruising Heights

Connecting cities to airports HELI-TAXIS ARE OUT, AIR TAXIS ARE IN

As heli-taxis falter, electric air taxis promise to transform urban connectivity. Yet, scalability, regulations, and operational challenges must be overcome for them to deliver efficient, affordable city-airport travel, reviews

time-read
8 mins  |
November 2024