India’s airlines and airports need more international cargo to meet the country’s ambitious throughput targets, say stakeholders.
The goal for India’s airports is to handle 10m tonnes of cargo a year by 2027 – almost triple the current rate.
And Sanjiv Gupta, CEO of cargo carrier SpiceXpress, cautioned that domestic cargo alone wouldn’t be enough, adding on a webinar by Transport Logistic: ““We have to change our approach and become the preferred transhipment hub between South-east Asia and and the west.”
SpiceXpress, the cargo arm of low-cost carrier Spicejet, has rapidly expanded operations this year, claiming to have emerged as “India’s largest cargo airline” after lifting 50,000 tonnes during its first financial quarter, ending June.
With a fleet of nine freighters, the carrier is making inroads with international cargo, recently adding several long-haul routes to Europe, Africa, China and Central Asia, but Mr Gupta said Indian airlines were still “punching well below their weight”.
He explained: “They really have to wake up and understand the potential of international cargo; it’s the hidden jewel of cargo business in terms of profit. However, right now 95% is handled by international carriers.
“But we can change that to a 50:50 split in two-three years if Indian carriers do their fleet planning for cargo. Then we can become a formidable player in international cargo markets.”
Indeed, in September, India’s civil aviation department restricted non-scheduled freighter flights by international carriers to six airports, hoping to ensure “equal opportunity” for national airlines.
13/11/20 Sam Whelan/Loadstar
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