Astral Aviation’s Sanjeev Gadhia inducted to TIACA Board of Directors

September 21, 2017: The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) has expanded its global reach by appointing two more members to its Board of Directors. Sanjeev Gadhia of Nairobi- based Astral Aviation along with Celebi Delhi Cargo’s Ramesh Mamidala are the latest members of the TIACA Board.

The new board members, representing the ground handling and cargo carrier sectors joined the Board at a time when TIACA prepares to host its Executive Summit.

Sanjeev Gadhia is Founder and CEO of Astral Aviation Ltd, as well as vice chairman of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) Cargo Task Force.

Ramesh Mamidala is CEO of Celebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management Pvt and brings over 22 years’ air cargo experience to the post.

“TIACA represents the air cargo supply chain globally, and Ramesh and Sanjeev will help to expand the links with the regions which are fast developing and are very important for the air cargo industry – Asia and Africa,” said Vladimir Zubkov, secretary general, TIACA.

Gadhia launched cargo carrier Astral Aviation in 2000, which has grown to become the largest private cargo airline in Eastern Africa, boasting a fleet of B747-400F, DC9F, B727F and F27 freighters. Gadhia is also Vice Chairman of the Cargo Task Force for AFRAA, which is Africa’s largest airline association and promotes co-operation in operational, commercial, technical, and training fields.

"I am extremely honoured and privileged to be appointed, as the only member from Africa, to the Board of TIACA, which is an association that I have been a member of for the past 17 years. My appointment will enable AFRAA members and especially the Cargo Task Force, to embrace the opportunities that TIACA will bring aboard in areas such as networking, education and training, industry relations, and participation in TIACA cargo events as a group. For TIACA, my appointment will enable the organisation to reach out to the air cargo fraternity in Africa and also to assist AFRAA in its lobbying efforts to a global level. I also plan to promote TIACA’s air cargo development program to African airlines and foster greater participation from African airlines at TIACA event,” said Gadhia.

The TIACA Executive Summit will take place at the Turnberry Isle Resort and Golf Club in Miami, USA, fromOctober 18-20, and features a track on Latin America.

“I am delighted to welcome two very great additions to the Board; Sanjeev and Ramesh each bring valuable insight and rich experience of managing cargo businesses in diverse areas,” said Sanjiv Edward, chairman TIACA.

Mamidala previously worked as senior manager Qatar Aviation Services (QAS) Cargo for Qatar Airways and manager Cargo Hub and Product Development at Emirates SkyCargo.

Prior to that, he was senior management consultant for Eicher Consultancy Services Ltd, based in Mumbai, India.

“The Indian air cargo market is experiencing one of the fastest growth rates in the world with significant potential, expected to double the current rate in the near future. I am so honoured and feel privileged to serve on the TIACA Board, which I believe will give me an opportunity to integrate the Indian air freight industry with the global market through TIACA. TIACA will be able to reach out to the industry players in India, which I am confident, will lead to several of them joining the organisation,” said Mamidala.

Earlier this year, Zubkov attended the 2nd Meeting on Air Cargo Development in Africa in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, which culminated with TIACA and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) pledging to work together to support further air cargo growth in the region.