Bhat was speaking to the STAT Times on the sidelines of Air Cargo India 2022. Asked about the challenges facing cargo operators these days, Bhat responded by saying that these obstacles are universal.

“The biggest issue, I would say, is talent. We see the big quit happening everywhere. It’s clearly something we have to work on as an industry, but also as Lufthansa Cargo. None mark, no matter how strong, is immune to what happens.”

Another challenge highlighted by Bhat was gender diversity when it came to hiring talent. “We need to talk about diversity because when you talk about talent, 50% just don’t talk about gender diversity. We need a different mindset when it comes to diversity, and that’s going to be important.

Bhat also commented on the importance of sustainability. “In total, 99% of sustainability measures happen in the air. Over the past few years, we have invested in new low-carbon aircraft. We are also investing heavily in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) .”

He also highlighted the need to adopt data collaboration practices and embrace digitization. “What we have faced in recent years in terms of different crises is that they are getting closer and closer. To manage this, we need an open collaborative communication relationship which is required by all stakeholders with our customers to offer them solutions. There is not a silver bullet. Leadership is going to play a big role in how we can bring it all together.

Commenting on IATA’s March 2022 cargo market analysis showing a global decline in air cargo volumes since March this year, Bhat confirmed the data, saying a certain “softness” had been observed in terms of demand worldwide. However, he added that there is a global consensus that the drop was temporary.