ACFI launches Innovatopia Awards 2026 for aviation innovation

Air Cargo Forum India (ACFI) has launched the ACFI Innovatopia Awards 2026, a recognition platform aimed at honouring excellence and innovation across the aviation and air cargo industry. The awards were officially launched during a press conference held at the DIAL Auditorium, New Udaan Bhawan, New Delhi.

According to ACFI, the awards have been instituted to recognise outstanding achievements in innovation, technology adoption, operational excellence, customer-centricity, safety, security, sustainability and business transformation across the aviation and air cargo ecosystem.

The launch event was attended by industry leaders, aviation and logistics stakeholders, innovation experts and members of the media.

Addressing the gathering, ACFI President Sanjiv Edward, Vice President Ramesh Mamidala and Chairman of the Task Pillar on Knowledge, Innovation and Research, Keku Gazder, said innovation has become a key factor in building a future-ready, resilient, efficient and globally competitive aviation and logistics sector.

Now in its third year, the awards aim to encourage organisations and professionals to develop and implement innovative solutions that improve service delivery, optimise operational performance, strengthen safety standards, improve sustainability outcomes and create greater value for customers and stakeholders.

ACFI leadership said the rapidly evolving aviation and air cargo sector requires continuous innovation and collaboration to address emerging challenges and seize new opportunities. They added that the Innovatopia Awards will serve as a benchmark for excellence and support the wider adoption of best practices and transformation initiatives across the industry.

Nominations are open under five categories: Enhanced Customer Experience, Competitiveness, Air Cargo Safety and Security, Digitisation, and Sustainability and Go Green Efforts.

The awards are open to organisations, institutions, start-ups, professionals and industry stakeholders that have demonstrated measurable impact through innovative initiatives and excellence in their respective fields.

The last date for submitting nominations is June 30, 2026. ACFI has invited interested participants to submit their entries and showcase innovations that contribute to the advancement of India's aviation and air cargo industry.

ACFI also thanked the media fraternity for its continued support in promoting industry development initiatives and reaffirmed its commitment to fostering innovation, knowledge-sharing, collaboration, skill development and sustainable growth across the aviation and logistics ecosystem.

The winners of the ACFI Innovatopia Awards 2026 will be honoured during the ACFI World Conclave 2026, scheduled to be held in August 2026. The conclave is expected to bring together policymakers, industry leaders, global experts and stakeholders from across the air cargo and logistics value chain.

Karanjit Singh Wadhwa, Chairman of ACFI's Event Management Task Pillar and Director of Grace Group, announced that the ACFI World Conclave 2026 will be held in New Delhi on August 12-13, 2026. He said the conclave will once again bring together industry leaders, innovators, policymakers and stakeholders from across the air cargo industry and supply chain. Reflecting on previous editions, Wadhwa said the participation, discussions and collaborations that emerged from the conclaves had been remarkable and highlighted the value of industry-wide engagement. He added that the response to this year's event has been highly encouraging, with strong enthusiasm and interest already being received from across the sector.

Air Cargo Forum India (ACFI) is a national association representing stakeholders across the aviation and air cargo logistics value chain, including airports, cargo terminal operators, airlines, freight forwarders, customs brokers, express operators, technology providers and allied service organisations. The association works with government agencies and industry stakeholders to promote policy advocacy, innovation, skill development, capacity building and sustainable growth.