As global supply chains navigate geopolitical uncertainty, fluctuating capacity, and shifting trade patterns, air cargo operators are being challenged to deliver more than just capacity. Reliability, agility, and digital visibility have become critical differentiators in an increasingly complex market. Against this backdrop, India has emerged as a key growth engine for the global air cargo industry, driven by expanding exports, a thriving e-commerce ecosystem, and rising demand for specialised logistics solutions.
Vijayant Vikram Malik, Area Manager – Cargo, Indian Subcontinent, Etihad, talks about how the carrier is responding to evolving market dynamics, from safeguarding supply chain continuity amid Middle East airspace disruptions to strengthening its presence across India. He shares insights into Etihad Cargo’s investment priorities, its approach to serving SMEs and e-commerce exporters, the growing role of digitalisation and realtime visibility, and why resilience and agility will be more important than sheer capacity in shaping the future of air cargo.
With recent geopolitical challenges impacting Middle East airspace and driving up freight rates, how is Etihad Cargo ensuring reliability and continuity for Indian exporters operating through Gulf hubs?
The global air cargo landscape is growing more complex, driving Indian exporters to prioritise reliability and continuity. Etihad Cargo has responded by leveraging diversified networks, multi-hub connectivity, and agile routing to maintain operational stability. Abu Dhabi anchors this strategy, acting as a gateway linking the Indian subcontinent with Europe, Africa, and the Americas. As exports shift toward high-value, sensitive goods—pharmaceuticals, perishables, electronics, and semiconductors—we are aligning specialised products and capacity to protect and sustain these critical flows.
India is becoming central to Etihad Cargo’s global network strategy. What specific investments or network expansions are you prioritising in the ISC region over the next 12–24 months?
India is a key growth market for Etihad Cargo, driven by strong UAE trade ties and expanding sectors, including pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, perishables, and e-commerce. Our multi-gateway presence positions us to support its rising role in global supply chains. We are strengthening connectivity via Abu Dhabi by optimising belly and freighter capacity, increasing frequency, and working closely with local partners to enhance service quality. At the same time, we are aligning our network to capture growth in tier 2 and 3 cities, where export activity is accelerating.
E-commerce and SME-led exports are reshaping air cargo demand. How is Etihad Cargo adapting its product and capacity strategy to capture this fast-growing segment?
E-commerce and SME-led exports are reshaping air cargo demand, and Etihad Cargo is responding with a focus on accessibility, digitalisation, and reliability. As yields shift higher, we are prioritising e-commerce and express, alongside pharmaceuticals, perishables, and high-tech goods. For SMEs, enhanced CRM and CMS platforms, an upgraded booking portal, and SmartTrack visibility simplify access, reducing friction, accelerating processes, and delivering the same transparency as larger customers. Etihad Cargo’s Joint Business Agreement with SF Airlines further strengthens e-commerce links between India, China, and global markets.
With increasing volatility in capacity and demand, how are you balancing freighter deployment, belly capacity, and pricing to remain competitive while maintaining service reliability?
Managing volatility demands flexibility, strong partnerships, and disciplined planning – and these are the core of Etihad Cargo’s capacity strategy. A balanced mix of freighter and belly capacity, combined with strategic partnerships, allows us to scale and redirect capacity as demand shifts. Etihad Cargo has seen strong performance across volumes and revenue from this approach. Our partnership with Atlas Air secures dedicated Boeing 777 freighter capacity on key routes, while our Joint Business Agreement with SF Airlines strengthens connectivity across China and key East–West corridors, giving us the agility to respond while maintaining consistent service.
This is an abridged version of the story, published in the July edition of the Logistics Insider Magazine. To read the complete interaction, click here.
