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Hyderabad, 16 December 2025, GMR Hyderabad Air Cargo (GHAC) has recently been conferred the CII SCALE 2025 Award for Terminal Operator Air Cargo, recognizing its performance in operational excellence, technology adoption, inclusivity, and sustainable cargo handling practices.

Instituted by the  CII Institute of Logistics  in 2014, the SCALE Awards are among India’s key benchmarks for excellence in supply chain and logistics performance. The awards evaluate organizations on competitiveness, operational efficiency, innovation, sustainability, and the adoption of best practices. Over the past 11 editions, more than  1700 organizations  have been assessed, with over  575 recognized  across the logistics and manufacturing sectors. The recognition is valued across the industry as it enhances credibility with customers, partners, regulators, and investors, while encouraging knowledge sharing and standardization of best practices.

GHAC participated in the Terminal Operator Air Cargo category through a comprehensive submission detailing its operational capabilities, innovation led initiatives, and sustainability practices. Following a rigorous evaluation, GHAC was shortlisted for the final jury round.

During the final presentation, GHAC showcased key initiatives including:

  • Increase in gender diversity from 1 Percent in Financial year 2019 to 14 Percent in Year 2025
  • Implementation of advanced systems such as the  Automated Vertical Carousel System  in the Import Terminal and the ETV Mezzanine Floor
    • Execution of strategic expansion projects to enhance cargo handling capacity and operational efficiency

These initiatives were evaluated by a jury panel comprising industry experts, based on defined metrics and category specific criteria.

Commenting on the achievement,  Mr. Pradeep Panicker, CEO, GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd. (GHIAL),  said, This recognition is a direct reflection of the disciplined execution, process rigor, and operational consistency that our teams bring to the cargo business every day. Over the years, we have focused on building scalable infrastructure and strengthening digital capabilities. We have also focused on building a more inclusive workforce with steady progress in gender diversity. The CII SCALE Award reinforces our long-term approach to creating a reliable, technology-led and sustainable air cargo ecosystem at Hyderabad.

Winning the  Terminal Operator Air Cargo  category at the  CII SCALE 2025 Awards  reinforces GHAC’s continued focus on customer centric operations, regulatory compliance, digital transformation, and sustainable cargo handling practices. The recognition further strengthens its position as a  trusted cargo gateway  and validates its efforts toward building a resilient and future-ready air cargo

About GMR Airports Limited (Formerly GMR Airports Infrastructure Limited)

GMR Airports Limited (GAL) is a leading global airport platform company with over two decades of experience in designing, constructing, and operating world-class sustainable airports. Under the brand name GMR AERO, it offers pioneering aviation solutions in retail, aero services, and real estate. Groupe ADP joined the journey in 2020 as a strategic partner and is now a co promoter in GAL.

As a platform business, GAL also provides a range of aero services including Duty Free, Retail, F and B, Cargo, Car Parking, O and M, and PMC services. Through its innovative Aerotropolis concept, it develops cutting edge airport cities giving shape to best in class real estate developments in South Asia. GAL operates India's largest third party Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility through its subsidiary, GMR Air Cargo and Aerospace Engineering Limited ensuring operational excellence across the Asia Pacific region.

GMR Innovex, a GMR Group entity, is developing and introducing a range of digital solutions to enhance the passenger journey and airport experience. Through GMR Aero Academy and GMR School of Aviation, the company is creating the talent pool necessary to drive the growth of the aviation sector in India (the third largest in the world).

As the largest private airport operator in Asia and the second largest globally, GAL served over 121 million passengers in Year 2024 with a steadfast commitment to excellence in airport management as reflected in its consistent rankings for services by ACI and Skytrax. With a robust presence in India and Southeast Asia, the company operates key gateways such as Delhi, Hyderabad, Goa and Medan airports, while extending its technical services to Mactan Cebu International Airport in the Philippines. GAL is also developing transformative projects like the greenfield airports in Bhogapuram (Visakhapatnam), India, and Crete, Greece.

GMR Group, the promoter of GAL has a significant presence in Energy, Transportation, Urban Infrastructure, and Sports. Through its CSR arm, GMR Varalakshmi Foundation, GMR supports local communities, reflecting its commitment to improving quality of life by enhancing skills, providing education, and developing healthcare infrastructure and services.

Groupe ADP develops and manages airports, including Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Paris Orly, and Paris Le Bourget. In 2023, the group handled through its brand Paris Aéroport 99.7 million passengers at Paris Charles de Gaulle and Paris Orly, and nearly 336.4 million passengers in airports in France and abroad. Boasting an exceptional geographic location and a major catchment area, the Group is pursuing its strategy of adapting and modernizing its terminal facilities and upgrading the quality of services, the group also intends to develop its retail and real estate businesses. In 2023, group revenue stood at Euro 5,495 million and net income at Euro 631 million.

For further information about GMR Group, visit https://www.gmrgroup.com

For Further Information, please contact:

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  • Sangeetha CR
  • Aditi Basak
  • Head - Corporate Communications (GHIAL)
  • Lead – PR & Communications (GHIAL)

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