Dr. Gadagottu Sambasiva Rao, former president of AP Chambers, has been elected as the chairman of the Air Cargo Forum India (ACFI) – Andhra Pradesh Chapter, headquartered in Visakhapatnam.
Andhra Pradesh, with its four international airports—Visakhapatnam, Rajahmundry, Vijayawada, and Tirupati—offers significant potential for the expansion of air cargo operations. AP Chambers has been actively working with airport authorities to develop air cargo infrastructure across the state and has been advocating for international cargo facilities at Vijayawada, Rajahmundry, and Tirupati airports to meet rising demand.
The state presents major opportunities for exports of perishable goods, including marine products, flowers, pharmaceuticals, plants, and industrial and ship spares. Imports such as gold, silver, and diamonds also offer scope for economic growth and employment, particularly for local youth and women in the logistics sector. Currently, perishable and pharmaceutical exports from Andhra Pradesh are routed through Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Chennai due to inadequate infrastructure at local airports.
Strengthening air cargo connectivity within the state is expected to benefit industries, MSMEs, women entrepreneurs, and startups, promoting inclusive growth.
Under Dr. Rao’s leadership, ACFI will collaborate closely with AP Chambers, the State and Central Governments, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Airports Authority of India, GMR, Customs, GST authorities, air cargo carriers, and other stakeholders to build a robust air cargo ecosystem and promote ease of doing business in Andhra Pradesh.
