A new Indian cargo airline is set to begin operations early next year, serving destinations in Asia, Africa and Europe.
Aryan Cargo Express, a subsidiary of Aryan Cargo and Express Logistics, is targeting to launch its first flight sometime between 15 January and 1 February, says the airline's chairman and managing director Mukut Pathak.
The New Delhi-based carrier will fly to 20 destinations in its first year, he says.
These include Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Frankfurt, Belgrade and Nairobi, he adds. The airline, which was set up with $20 million, will have hubs at Delhi, Bangkok and Sharjah, says Pathak.
Bangkok will serve as a hub for goods bound for southeast and east Asia, while Sharjah will be a hub for the African and European sectors.
Aryan has leased four Airbus A310-300 freighters to launch its operations, says Pathak.
Two are being leased from Air India for three years, while the remaining two are on lease from Turkish carrier ULS Airlines Cargo, previously known as Kuzu Airlines.
Mid next year, Aryan will add two Boeing MD-11 freighters to its fleet, says Pathak.
"We are talking to Boeing Capital about this," he adds.
Aryan has no plans as of now to purchase its own aircraft, he says.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
