Afcom Holdings and AISATS Join Forces to Revolutionize Freighter Operations at Noida Airport

Afcom Holdings Ltd has entered a strategic partnership with Air India SATS Airport Services (AISATS) to operate freighter services at the upcoming Noida International Airport (DXN). This collaboration aligns with broader efforts to establish Noida as North India’s premier cargo gateway, strengthening the region’s logistics ecosystem and enhancing international trade connectivity.

 

Key Takeaways From The Strategic Partnership

Afcom Holdings and AISATS have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to jointly launch freighter operations at Noida International Airport, leveraging the airport’s strategic location and advanced infrastructure.

 

This partnership is part of the AISATS Noida Cargo Terminal Private Limited (ANCTPL) initiative, focusing on developing a world-class multi-modal cargo hub (MMCH) at Noida covering 87 acres of land.

 

The cargo terminal includes a 30-acre Integrated Cargo Terminal with an annual handling capacity of 250,000 metric tonnes and a 57-acre integrated warehousing and logistics zone.

 

Afcom’s entry into Noida’s freight operations is expected to expand capacity across key cargo verticals such as perishables, pharmaceuticals, e-commerce shipments, auto components, and high-value express consignments.

 

AISATS, a joint venture between Air India and Singapore’s SATS Ltd, brings extensive infrastructure and operational expertise, while Afcom contributes its fast-growing freighter network and logistics capabilities.

 

This collaboration will facilitate seamless, efficient, and competitive logistics solutions, making Noida International Airport a central node for global supply chains serving North India and beyond.

 

Strategic Importance Of Noida Airport Cargo Hub

Noida International Airport is strategically positioned to complement existing major cargo hubs in Delhi and Mumbai, filling a critical gap in Northern India’s freight infrastructure. The airport’s logistical capabilities are bolstered by multi-modal transport connections, enabling efficient global trade linkages that benefit exporters and importers alike.

 

The integrated cargo hub is designed to handle diverse temperature-sensitive and time-critical cargo, essential for sectors like pharmaceuticals and perishables. It supports India’s larger vision under the “Viksit Bharat 2047” initiative to emerge as a global trade powerhouse.

 

Operational & Market Impacts

The partnership broadens freight capacity options for businesses, promoting trade growth in the region.

 

Enhanced cargo handling capabilities at Noida airport reduce turnaround times, cut logistics costs, and boost supply chain reliability.

 

Improved cargo infrastructure attracts domestic and international investors and businesses, stimulating economic activity and job creation in related sectors.

 

The collaboration reinforces India’s position in global supply chains, particularly for high-growth sectors such as e-commerce and pharma exports.

 

Afcom Holdings’ Growth Strategy And Role

Afcom Holdings, headquartered in Chennai, operates a robust air cargo and logistics network with a focus on expanding its freighter operations. The tie-up with AISATS allows Afcom to leverage Noida’s infrastructure and geographic advantages, accelerating its growth and service reach in North India.

 

Managing Director Deepak Parasuraman emphasized the strategic expansion enables Afcom to serve growing markets more efficiently, enhancing competitive advantages and customer satisfaction.

 

Future Outlook And Expansion Potential

With the freighter operation launch, Noida International Airport is poised to become a major cargo distribution center, driving forward India’s infrastructure development and export ambitions. The partnership sets a strong precedent for further collaborations and capacity enhancements, helping India integrate more deeply with global trade networks.

 

The cargo hub is expected to scale operations steadily, complementing Air India SATS’s infrastructure investments and upgrading freight services to meet increasing demand.

 

In summary, Afcom Holdings partnering with AISATS to operate freighter services at Noida International Airport is a strategic move that strengthens logistics infrastructure, offers sustainable solutions for diverse cargo verticals, and elevates North India’s role in global trade corridors. This partnership represents a crucial building block in the development of a modern, efficient logistics ecosystem aligned with India’s economic growth objectives.

 

Sources: Economic Times, UNI India, Angel One, AISATS official statements.