How Goa’s Mopa airport could become the next big transshipment hub

The Air Cargo Forum India (ACFI) launched its Goa Chapter on June 21, 2024, marking a significant milestone in advancing the state's logistics and air cargo industry. During the launch at the Goa Chamber of Commerce, Thakur Purushottam Singh, Business Head of Goa Air Cargo at Manohar International Airport (GOX) Mopa, was appointed Chairman of the ACFI Goa Chapter. The launch aims to enhance the state's logistical capabilities and leverage its unique multi-modal connectivity to drive economic growth.

The event witnessed the presence of industry leaders including Manoj Singh, ACFI Governing Board Member and Chief Cargo Officer, Adani Airport Holdings; Cyrus Katgara, ACFI Past President and Partner – Jeena & Company; Ramesh Mamidala, Head Cargo, Air India; Keku Bomi Gazder, ACFI Governing Board Member and MD & CEO – Aviapro Logistic Services.

In his address at the press conference, Singh emphasised the importance of this development for Goa's logistics sector. "It's a great milestone for us – for the Goa logistics industry to be on the map of ACFI. I think it's a great opportunity for us to take as a single voice from all the stakeholders here. We have different collaborative partners," said Singh.

Vision for Goa's logistics industry
Singh shared his vision for the future of Goa's logistics industry, emphasising the state's unique advantages. "As chairman, my vision is to elevate the Goa logistics industry to new heights. We are the only state with two airports within 100 km, an Inland Container Depot (ICD), and a marine port. I don't believe any other state in India boasts such multi-modal connectivity within 100 km. Looking ahead, we will focus extensively on skilling and upskilling."

Additionally, Singh highlighted the economic growth potential associated with enhanced logistics capabilities. "We also see significant opportunities for economic growth," he remarked.

Air cargo is not about cost. Air cargo is what drives your business.
Yashpal Sharma, ACFI

Air cargo operations and achievements
During an exclusive interview with The STAT Trade Times, Singh shared insights into the operations and achievements of the Goa air cargo sector. "We have handled around 300 metric tonnes since our inception in September of last year, crossing 4000 tonnes of cargo transported by air. We have been transporting pharmaceuticals and perishables. During the last season, we handled 140 metric tonnes of mango shipments exported to Europe and other parts of the world," he said.

Karan Mange, Head of Air Freight and Supply Chain Manager at Kay Bee Exports, shared his experiences and plans during an exclusive interview with The STAT Trade Times. "We have been utilising Qatar Airways services from Dabolim Airport for quite some time now. On June 20, 2024, it had its first flight from Mopa airport. We exported guavas on the first flight, around 1.5 tonnes, destined for London's Heathrow airport via Doha. We are already regularly exporting vegetables like okra, bottle gourd, and others," said Mange.

Mange noted the advantages of the new Mopa airport over the older Dabolim airport. "Dabolim is a small airport, so managing large volumes from there is always difficult. Also, ULD (Unit Load Device) loading has always been challenging at Goa's Dabolim airport. However, the Mopa airport offers better opportunities and facilities, enabling us to increase our cargo throughput," he explained.

Enhancing connectivity and infrastructure
During the interview, Singh highlighted the strategic importance of GOX in the global logistics network. "GOX will also be an important transshipment, with Goa being a major tourism hub, connecting to all unique destinations like Karachi, Dhaka, Cairo, and Salalah – which we are doing through Oman Air. With the addition of operations with Qatar Airways from June 20, we are planning to ship around 100-150 tonnes of cargo from Goa," he stated.

He also discussed plans to enhance GOX's capabilities. "Going forward from September, we will also add new carriers to the winter schedule in the winter schedule. This addition is expected to take this new Mopa cargo terminal to new heights with monthly shipments of 1000 plus metric tonnes. We are also coming with new ecosystems like building up warehousing facilities at the airport, along with a packhouse, so that entire agri-produce, which is a golden catchment for Goa-like produce from Belgaon, Setadur, can also feed into our terminal," Singh added.

We are the only state with two airports within 100 km, an Inland Container Depot (ICD), and a marine port.
Thakur Purushottam Singh, Manohar International Airport (GOX)

Direct international connectivity
Singh mentioned that GOX currently has direct connectivity to Europe via Air India; Muscat and onward destinations through Oman Air; and to Doha through Qatar Airways. Singh also announced plans to expand this network in the future. He stated, "Starting in September, we will add direct flights to CIS countries via airlines such as Aeroflot Russian Airlines, Uzbekistan Air, and other carriers and non-schedule general aviation as part of Goa. This will significantly boost the air cargo industry for both exports and imports. Soon, we will be connected to Dubai with Emirates onboard." Singh also emphasised the importance of engaging major carriers to enhance connectivity. We are currently chasing all big carriers like Turkish and Emirates. Through this, we will be connecting our pharma market to the US via the Middle East hub. So that work is going on," he mentioned.

Air cargo is not always about international cargo but also domestic cargo, as we have a big country, a big landmass to cover, and a big population to serve.
Sanjiv Edward, GMR Group

Industry support and future prospects
The launch event saw support from various industry leaders and government officials. ACFI President Yashpal Sharma addressed the shippers, emphasising the strategic importance of air cargo. "Air cargo is not about cost. Air cargo is what drives your business. The world today is about speed; the world today is about efficiency. And, the cheapest things don't need to win. This is for the shippers; if you want to be known among the top peers of your relevant product, choose air cargo, to be at the front of your transportation means," said Sharma.

Sanjiv Edward from GMR Group highlighted the broader impact of air cargo on the economy. "35% of the value of anything that moves worldwide is air cargo. Air cargo is not always about international cargo but also domestic cargo, as we have a big country, a big landmass to cover, and a big population to serve. We need to penetrate tier II and III cities. So, domestic air cargo is again our focus," he said.

Swetika Sachan, CEO of Goa Investment Promotion and Facilitation Board, emphasised the government's support for the air cargo industry. "With the launch of the ACFI Goa Chapter today, we see a lot of opportunities again to collaborate. In terms of policy advocacy, we will be happy to hear what kind of support is needed from various governments, including GIDC (Goa Industrial Development Corporation), to help increase the growth of the air cargo industry," said Sachan.

With the launch of the ACFI Goa Chapter today, we see a lot of opportunities again to collaborate.
Swetika Sachan, Goa Investment Promotion and Facilitation Board

She also mentioned upcoming infrastructural developments. "In terms of infrastructural developments, because of the Mopa airport, road connectivity and infrastructure have improved, and many developments are underway. We will happily address and escalate any issues and make infrastructural changes like building a truck terminal. We would also love to collaborate to improve the training and development in the air cargo sector," Sachan added.

Abhishek Pravimal, MD of Goa Industrial Development Corporation, discussed innovative solutions to improve efficiency. "Autonomous vehicles can smoothen processes, reduce time and improve efficiency. We welcome anyone from authoritative bodies to individual organisations who would like to experiment with this autonomous vehicle proposal and see how it results in reality," he said.

Towards the future
The establishment of the ACFI Goa Chapter represents a significant advancement for the state's logistics and air cargo industry. With substantial backing from industry leaders and government officials, the initiative seeks to harness Goa's exceptional multi-modal connectivity to stimulate economic growth and bolster the state's standing in the global logistics network. The emphasis on infrastructure development, improved connectivity, and skill enhancement bodes well for the future of Goa's air cargo sector.