G. Sambasiva Rao elected as Air Cargo Forum India’s A.P. chapter chairman

Former president of A.P. Chambers G. Sambasiva Rao has been elected as the Chairman of the Air Cargo Forum India (ACFI), Andhra Pradesh Chapter, headquartered at Visakhapatnam. The registered office of ACFI is located at Terminal-2 Arrival block of IGI Airport in New Delhi.

In a statement on Saturday (October 11, 2025), A.P. Chambers president Potluri Bhaskara Rao said that the election of Mr. Sambasiva Rao as the Chairman of ACFI, Andhra Pradesh Chapter, will enable A.P. Chambers and ACFI work closely for improving international air cargo facilities in the State.

Pointing out that Andhra Pradesh presently has four international airports–Visakhapatnam, Rajahmundry, Vijayawada, and Tirupati–offering immense potential for air cargo operations, Mr. Bhaskara Rao said that the A.P. Chambers has been working closely with airports authorities for the development of air cargo facilities in Andhra Pradesh.

The Chambers has been seeking development of international cargo facilities with the necessary infrastructure at Vijayawada, Rajahmundry, and Tirupati airports to meet the growing demand for air cargo. “Major opportunities exist for exports of perishable food items including marine products, flowers, pharmaceuticals, plants, industrial and ship spares, as well as for imports of gold, silver, and diamonds, which will enhance economic and employment opportunities, especially for local youth and women in the logistics sector,” he said, adding that currently, perishable food items and pharmaceutical exports are routed through airports in Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Chennai as adequate infrastructure for air cargo is not present at major airports within Andhra Pradesh.

He said strengthening air cargo connectivity within Andhra Pradesh will benefit industries, MSMEs, women entrepreneurs, and start-ups in the State. To develop a robust air cargo ecosystem in the State, ACFI will work closely with A.P. Chambers and collaborate with the State and Central governments, the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Airports Authority of India, GMR, Customs, GST, air cargo carriers, and other stakeholders to promote ease of doing business in Andhra Pradesh, he said.