sanjeev gadhia
A
ccording to you, how is the air cargo industry reacting and responding to the COVID-19 pandemic? This crisis is profoundly affecting our industry but also demonstrates the vital importance of air cargo. Firstly, I would like to pay tribute to the commitment of every single stakeholder in the chain, who have all proven they are up to the task and have helped to provide countries around the world with essential goods. The medium- and long-term consequences remain uncertain, especially the economic consequences, but like the most visible aspect of our industry (airlines), the air cargo industry has reacted positively in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Freighter airlines have increased the number of flights especially for the airfreight of PPEs and ventilators from China to E u r o p e , U SA , S o u t h America and Africa. Most of the freighter airlines have mobilised ext ra crews to avoid crew quar-
Digitalisation is a priority now more than before for air cargo stakeholders antine restrictions. In some cases, freighter operators have re-commissioned freighters from storage to meet the demand for charters, while some operators have restarted freighter operations after having suspended their operations. Low fuel prices have 52 |
July 2020
Since the outbreak of COVID-19 worldwide, industry airline associations and governing bodies are leaving no stone unturned to support the global economy and ensuring the air cargo industry emerges as a winner in this global pandemic. Sanjeev Gadhia, Vice Chairman, The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) in a tête-àtête with Ritika Arora Bhola, talks about the urgent need to re-evaluate risk management policies, the importance of digitalisation, and TIACA’s strategies for ensuring expedited global cargo operations.
