GJEPC and AAICLAS join hands to explore air cargo facility at Surat Airport

Surat | Gujarat — In a crucial move to strengthen export infrastructure for India’s gems and jewellery sector, the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) held a high-level meeting with Shri Ajay Bhardwaj, CEO of AAI Cargo Logistics and Allied Services Company Limited (AAICLAS), to discuss the establishment of a dedicated air cargo facility at Surat Airport.

The meeting brought together leading industry representatives, customs house agents, and logistics partners, reflecting the industry’s collective commitment to improving trade logistics and export efficiency in the diamond hub of Surat.

AAICLAS assures full support for Surat’s air cargo project

During the meeting, Shri Ajay Bhardwaj expressed AAI’s full support for setting up the cargo terminal and assured that AAICLAS will take custodianship responsibilities to ensure smooth implementation.

“The Airports Authority of India is committed to establishing this facility at the earliest. We will work closely with GJEPC, logistics partners, and exporters to develop a world-class air cargo ecosystem,” said Bhardwaj.

He also guided officials from the Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB) on completing the required formalities and encouraged GJEPC to present the proposal to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, assuring his assistance in facilitating the meeting.

Boosting Surat’s global trade potential

The proposed air cargo facility is expected to transform Surat Airport into a major export gateway for gems, jewellery, and diamonds, enabling faster shipments, reduced logistical costs, and greater international competitiveness for exporters.

Industry experts believe the initiative will significantly strengthen Surat’s position as a global diamond trading hub, complementing the upcoming operationalisation of the Surat Diamond Bourse.

Stakeholder collaboration and gratitude

GJEPC extended special thanks to Shri Linesh Shah, SGCCI aviation and airport committee chairman, and Shri Nikhil Madrasi, President of the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI), for their active collaboration in organising the meeting and driving the initiative forward.

“This discussion marks a significant step toward realising a long-pending vision — a world-class air cargo facility that will power Surat’s exports and reinforce India’s global leadership in the gems and jewellery trade,” a GJEPC spokesperson said.