Indian takes charge of TIACA
Sanjiv Edward, Head of Cargo Business, DIAL has formally taken over as Chairman of TIACA (The International Air Cargo Association) from Oliver Evans at the annual general meeting held in Miami on May 21, 2015. With an aim to give a direction to the organi
Q How are you feeling being elected as the Chairman of The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA)?
I am delighted to be taking up this position, as it is a matter of pride for me, my country and my company. TIACA has a rich history and bright future, contributing to the global cargo industry. It is an honour to head an international association, particularly in the logistics sector. It represents India as an emerging leader. The tenure is two years, from May 21, 2015 – May 21, 2017.
Q What role did you play as a member in 2013? And what will be your responsibilities as the chairman now?
I am involved with TIACA since 2008 and I have served on the Industrial Affair committee. There, the primary focus is to establish TIACA as the principal representative of the air cargo industry. The committee looks at TIACA’s involvement while addressing customs simplification, security issues, e-freight to name a few things.
In 2013, I took over as a board member. Since then I have been involved with lots of strategic initiatives, specifically member base. And, now taking over as the chairman, my aim is to give direction to the organisation. Fortunately the board is also active and committed, so we always plan to do at least two face-to-face meetings in a year and talk things over at least once a month.
Q You are the first chairman of TIACA who represents India, so Indian air cargo fraternity has high expectations from you. What are your comments on this?
India is definitely a very promising and emerging market and I see a lot can be done in terms of bringing efficiency in the logistics trade, reducing logistics cost, improving the time we usually take and giving our exporters and importers the edge in the logistics. We need to interact with global organisations.
India is a promising and emerging market and lots can be done increase the efficiency
TIACA also talks to World Custom Organisation (WCO) and different UN organisations for bringing simplification in processes and I will play my part in making sure that India gets benefits from me heading as the association as a Chairman. TIACA has a very strong education base which has global experts and I think that can also contribute to improving the knowledge base in India. This is another area where TIACA can add value.
TIACA will be willing to take a step ahead to help if there is any specific issue which needs to be risen at global level. Putting a person from India as a head of TIACA itself shows the importance of the Indian market at the international platform.
Q What is your first and foremost objective as the chairman of TIACA?
My priority will be to strengthen the membership base. I have been talking to many other people of Indian air cargo fraternity and they are very keen to join the board and here TIACA can add a lot of value by taking the voice of Indian trade on a global platform.
Q There is a committee by the name of Council of Chairmen in the association. Could you share the details about this? What role do they play in the association?
It’s a mentoring group and TIACA values the experience. They don’t get involved in the day-to-day activities of the board. Also, they are the ones who play a very important role in choosing the ‘Hall of Fame’ awardee. The TIACA ‘Hall of Fame’ honours air cargo professionals who have played a role in the progress of aviation and have helped to shape and in the growth of the industry.
Q What are the current international issues on TIACA’s table?
Currently, we are looking at how to simplify the security processes by making sure that whatever information is being used is accurate and goes on time. Secondly, we are looking at standardisation of security equipments because there is diversity of equipments and standardisation brings manufacturing and utilisation cost down.
eFreight is another important thing wherein I want to invest my tenure by emphasising more on embracing technology to achieve speed.
Q You represent DIAL and now are the chairman of TIACA. With this portfolio, do other Indian airports expect your support?
My only request to other people of airport fraternity in India is that they should see me as an Indian representative and my commitment to them is to do everything that is possible to make sure that the Indian logistics trade grows.
Q Your message to the Indian air cargo fraternity.
You have the potential, embrace the change and make sure you realise your true position in the world.