Keen on expanding footprint in India, Cathay Pacific Cargo is considering setting up two new freighter ports this year in Ahmedabad and Hyderabad.
The freighter ports would add to the airline's existing operations from Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Bangalore.
"We are working on new freighter ports in India. We are Considering Hyderabad and Ahmedabad. We are studying the potential of these markets both from import and export point of view...In 2012, we should be online in more ports than we are right now," Cathay Pacific Airways Regional Cargo Manager, South Asia, West Asia and Africa, Ashish Kapur said.
At present, the company handles 33 departures a week from its four ports. It operates direct freighters from Chennai to Frankfurt, Bangalore to Honk Kong and Delhi to Zaragoza and Amsterdam, among others.
He further said that expansion plan is part of the airline's vision of creating India as a strong hub for cargo operations even as the turmoil in the global economy has affected India's external trade.
"I am quite optimistic that despite these difficult times cargo has good potential in India. We see good potential in pharmaceuticals and auto," Kapur said.
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He added that in 2010, Cathay Pacific had carried 53,000 tonnes of cargo. Cargo comprises about 30% of Cathay Pacific Airways' overall revenue.
Besides, he said, the company has recently placed order for eight 777 freighters from Boeing, deliveries of which are expected to be completed by 2014.
In November, Cathay Pacific Airways began taking delivery of new fleet of Boeing 747-8 Freighters. The airline is expected to receive 10 new-generation aircraft, with four being delivered by the end of this year.