#INTHEAIREVERYWHERE
Monday
December 2,
2024
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#INTHEAIREVERYWHERE |
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| Vol. 23 No. 50 | Monday
December 2,
2024 |
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CK Govil An Open Book |
Chandra Kant Govil, the President of The Air Cargo Agents Association of India (ACAAI) comes across as a leader with a difference. As Chairman and Managing Director of Activair, C K Govil loves to talk – not so much about his work as a forwarder -- but about his “other” pursuit: a social worker. Speaking to FlyingTypers, C K Govil said, “My full-time focus is on ACAAI, now that I am the President.” And he does not take that lightly. In addition, to organizing the annual convention – that will be held December 5-8 in Baku – Govil has been able to convince FIATA to hold its RAP meeting in Delhi from May 21- 24 2025. However, in addition to his duties as President, he finds solace at Nehru Bal Samiti (NBS). “It is a responsibility that my father, S P Govil, left me with and wanted me to run.” The Nehru Bal Samiti is a not-for-profit organization that was founded in 1963 by S P Govil. The senior Govil was a multi-faceted man. He was a freedom fighter (at the forefront of the Indian freedom struggle), a bureaucrat, and a do-gooder. He knew most of India’s political leaders, having worked closely with people like Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister, Gulzari Lal Nanda among others. NBS works for the welfare, education, and empowerment of underprivileged children, youth, and women in urban India. The organization focuses on providing support and opportunities to deprived sections of society living in urban slums, rehabilitation colonies, and socially backward areas. Unlike many in the freight forwarding community in India, who have inherited family businesses, C K Govil began his career in 1984 as a Management Trainee in a cargo organizaton. He worked for three years and cleared his Basic DGR Training, which was required as per IATA regulations. From the very beginning, Govil showed his determination and commitment for the job. He was always the first one to reach office and also the last to leave. Later, an IATA applicant Cargo Agency approached him; they wanted a person with DGR qualifications so that they could apply for their IATA membership. Govil switched jobs and after working for a year and a month, his previous employer approached him for the job, for which he had been originally hired. He started work as Import Manager in 1989 with Robinson Air Services. It is there that his interest in books egged him on to find out how they were being brought into India from the UK and the U.S. as the Publishing trade was not happy with the existing agents and were complaining to their publishers in the UK and U.S. about the poor services they were being given. That interest in books led to the start of Activair Airfreight India on June 13, 1994. Before that, Activair was part of a company with its headquarters in the UK. In those days, the Indian Government did not permit Foreign Direct Investment and Govil walked a tightrope, managing the business. It was an impressive act and the boss in UK was so satisfied with Govil’s work that he gifted the company to him. Until a few years ago, the 30-year-old, Delhi-based Activair specialized in servicing the publishing and related sectors. Today, its global footprint spans across key locations worldwide, including the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, and South Africa.  Now,
with his son, Abhiyank and daughter, Chandrima also in the business, Activair
imports and exports a variety of commodities: from books, general cargo,
stones to machinery parts. It offers comprehensive logistics solutions,
covering import/export facilitation, customs clearance, warehousing, and
transportation, tailored to a multitude of industries.Today, C K Govil is referred to as the “uncrowned king of book imports”. It is a title that did not come easily. Govil worked hard, built contacts, and offered bespoke solutions. All this has taken his initial twenty tons per month to a whopping 300 tons per month by airfreight. And, the feather in his cap, Govil remembers, was when the Harry Potter books were first imported to India. “It was on June 26, 2000, and the whole of India was waiting for Harry Potter. I had signed a bond with the publishers that restricted me from speaking to anyone about the books. My lips were sealed but I was apprehensive. The books had landed in Mumbai and were in the process of being customs cleared when I got a call from my staff, who had been sent to Mumbai to oversee the clearance process. He was asked by one of the top Customs officials to provide him with copies of the book before the release date. “I told my staff that it would not be possible. However, once the book was officially released, we would be in a position to give copies of the book. I also asked my staff to speak with the Customs official and tell him about the bond which I had given to the Indian publisher. Fortunately, the Customs boss understood my plight and waited for his copies of the Harry Potter book till we started our distribution. “At that time we did not have the modern means of communication and everything was dependent on the telex/fax and to supply the book in every nook and corner of India on a specific date and time was a daunting challenge which we accomplished with our teamwork.”
FlyingTypers met C K Govil to find out his plans for the ACAAI conference at Baku. FT: Over the years in logistics, what are the major changes that you have seen and brought into your company? CK: I’ve seen several transformative changes, both globally and within Activair Airfreight India. The industry has evolved from manual processes and paperwork to a tech-driven, digital ecosystem. What were time-consuming clearances are now being done in a matter of hours. This is one of the greatest things that we have seen over the years. FT: Let’s talk about the coming ACAAI convention in Baku from December 5-8, 2024. This year’s convention is themed “Wings of Innovation: Charting New Paths in Logistics”. What does ACAAI aim to chart out in the logistics sector? CK: This theme was the obvious choice since innovation is constantly on our minds. Creativity is essential for progress and breakthroughs, and we are witnessing many innovative initiatives being taken in our industry. The air cargo industry timely identified the need to lean on advanced technology for evolution. It started around a decade ago with the adaptation of digitization and automation through e-AWBs and real-time shipment tracking. The industry eventually also embraced robotics in warehousing and operations. Today, we depend on AI, Machine Learning, Data Analytics, and Blockchain technology for efficient operations and data management. Moreover, industry players are widely adopting sustainable technologies and practices to comply with global goals and fulfil their duty to the environment. FT: You mentioned to me that ‘change is here, and we better be ready to embrace it. AI has entered and revolutionized all industries, and we have to ensure that air cargo isn’t left behind’. Can you give our readers some idea how you wish to bring in change in the industry? CK: To bring AI-driven change in the air cargo industry, it’s essential to approach it strategically. For me, there are six points: The first is Automation and Efficiency: We have to implement AI to automate manual tasks like sorting, packing, and documentation. Use machine learning algorithms to streamline operations, reduce delays, and improve accuracy in cargo handling. Predictive Analytics comes next: ACAAI members have to leverage AI for demand forecasting, helping predict cargo volumes, optimize fleet management, and ensure better load distribution. This will improve decision-making and reduce inefficiencies in resource allocation. Then comes Real-Time Tracking and Monitoring: We have to integrate AI-powered tracking systems to provide real-time visibility of cargo, enhancing security and transparency. This can also help predict and mitigate delays, improving customer satisfaction. We then have to bring in Dynamic Pricing Models where we have to use AI algorithms for dynamic pricing based on supply and demand patterns, route optimization, and fuel consumption, which can increase profitability and reduce costs. All this would Enhance Customer Experience through AI-driven chatbots and automated customer support systems can provide quick resolutions, personalized services, and real-time updates to improve the overall client experience. And lastly, we have to look at Sustainability for which we have to use AI to optimize routes for fuel efficiency, minimizing emissions and reducing environmental impact, aligning with global sustainability goals. By incorporating AI, the air cargo industry can improve efficiency, lower costs, enhance customer experiences, and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving landscape. FT: India aspires to achieve a target of USD 1 trillion exports by FY30 – that’s just a few years away. First, how is the forwarders’ body preparing for the goal? CK: India’s goal of achieving USD 1 trillion in merchandise exports by FY30 is ambitious, and forwarders play a critical role in supporting this target. Here’s how the forwarders’ body is preparing. We are going in for Digital Transformation where the forwarders’ body is promoting digitalization across the industry to streamline operations, reduce paperwork, and ensure faster, more efficient cargo movements. By adopting electronic data interchange (EDI) systems and leveraging AI and automation, forwarders are cutting down transit times and improving supply chain efficiency. We are also keen to Build Capacity. Forwarders are investing in building infrastructure and technology capabilities to handle larger export volumes. This includes expanding warehousing, cold chains, and last-mile delivery solutions to cater to the needs of various industries and improve the overall logistics ecosystem. Additionally, we are keen to boost training and skill development to meet future demands. Forwarders are focusing on upskilling the workforce in areas like digital logistics, data analytics, and compliance. This ensures the industry can handle sophisticated processes and emerging technologies effectively. Also, forwarders are actively working with the government and trade associations to simplify export procedures, remove bottlenecks, and enhance ease of doing business. Collaborative efforts aim to improve policies, reduce costs, and facilitate faster clearances at ports and customs. Additionally, we forwarders are emphasizing multimodal transport solutions, integrating air, sea, rail, and road logistics for seamless export operations. This reduces transit times and enhances global competitiveness by providing cost-effective, flexible options for exporters. These strategies are designed to build capacity, enhance efficiency, and strengthen India’s global trade position, ensuring forwarders contribute effectively towards achieving the USD 1 trillion export goal by FY30. FT: ACAAI as the prime forwarders’ body has a responsibility to rope in the whole fraternity for the benefit of the industry and the nation. How do you plan to enthuse your members? CK: As the president of ACAAI, my goal is to foster collaboration and innovation within the freight forwarding community, ensuring we contribute meaningfully to both the industry and the nation. I plan to enthuse and engage our members by initiatives in knowledge sharing and training, advocacy and representation, collaboration with trade bodies and digital transformation. FT: As the president of the Convention, what is your message to the ACAAI members and to the fraternity regarding the Convention? CK: As the president of the ACAAI Convention, my message to all members and the freight forwarding fraternity is one of unity, growth, and forward momentum. This Convention is an opportunity for us to come together, share knowledge, and explore innovations that will shape the future of our industry. We are at a pivotal moment in logistics and air cargo, where technology, sustainability, and global trade dynamics are evolving rapidly. This Convention will not only provide insights into these trends but also serve as a platform to strengthen collaborations and build a cohesive network that can navigate the challenges ahead. I encourage every member to participate actively, engage with peers, and take back actionable strategies that will enhance your business and contribute to the broader goals of the industry and the nation. Together, we can ensure that ACAAI continues to be a key player in driving the growth of Indian exports and positioning our community as leaders on the global stage. Tirthankar Ghosh |
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Publisher-Geoffrey Arend • Managing
Editor-Flossie Arend • Editor Emeritus-Richard Malkin |
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