India's limited air cargo market is finally showing signs of opening up, with Air India and Indian Airlines seeking to begin freighter operations and domestic express freight company Blue Dart coming under new ownership.
India's air cargo market remains in its infancy, with Blue Dart Aviation having for years been the country's only dedicated cargo airline. It operates Boeing 737-200Fs for its former parent, courier company Blue Dart Express.
Blue Dart Express was recently acquired by DHL, which separated Blue Dart Aviation from the operation, although the airline company still operates its flights on behalf of the express freight firm. Blue Dart Aviation is now owned by former Blue Dart Express directors, and it has five 737-200Fs that it operates on domestic routes.
Air India in January began searching the market for Airbus A310 and Boeing 747-400 freighters to lease for a return to dedicated cargo operations after a hiatus of several years. It has had trouble finding suitable aircraft, however, and has instead looked to have some of its own A310s converted into freighters.
Although Air India's planned return to freighter operations has been delayed, it says it wants to start such operations next year and, in the meantime, will seek to buy block cargo space from other carriers as an interim measure in response to cargo demand outstripping current capacity.
Fellow state-owned carrier Indian Airlines, meanwhile, has said it hopes to convert some of its Boeing 737-200 passenger aircraft into freighters after it takes delivery of ordered Airbus A319s.
Source: Airline Business
