Indian, A-I may integrate cargo operations, post merger

New Delhi: Post merger, Indian and Air-India (A-I) will look to integrate their cargo operations to generate combined turnover of around Rs 1,000 crore, and to give the unified company seamless reach across domestic and international markets. By mid-2007 both the carriers plan to have six dedicated cargo freighters in their portfolio, with at least two of them deployed in international routes. A-I is also planning to lease extra belly space in other international carriers and freighters to augment its existing cargo capacity.
Currently, Indian has a cargo belly space of around 1,000 tonnes a day, and generates business of around Rs 300 crore annually. This is expected to get augmented by another 150 tonnes by mid-2007.
08/12/06 Sudipto Dey/Economic Times