SpiceJet plans domestic freighter service

The carrier is exploring this service in order to tap into the growing e-commerce business in India

SpiceJet is exploring dedicated cargo operations to tap the growing e-commerce business in India. The airline operates 36 planes, including a mix of Boeing 737s, Bombardier Q-400s and Airbus A319 passenger aircraft, and, like other domestic airlines, it carries cargo in the belly of these aircraft.

SpiceJet is yet to finalise an aircraft for the freight service and planning is in a preliminary stage.

“A lot of ideas are being considered, but there is nothing more to say at this point,” SpiceJet Chief Operating Officer Sanjiv Kapoor said in a text message response to a query.

Sources said SpiceJet’s cargo uplift and yields have improved as a result of growth in domestic e-commerce business. Domestic air freight volume grew 18 per cent in 2014-2015 and airlines carried 9.8 lakh tonne cargo in the year ended March. Blue Dart is the only scheduled cargo airline in India with five Boeing 757 planes and is a market leader in air freight segment.

Ireland-based ASL Aviation plans to revive QuickJet Cargo, a Bengaluru-based freighter, and has increased its stake in it from 50.9 per cent to 72.6 per cent. QuickJet suspended operations in 2013. It plans to resume service with Boeing 737 freighter.

Jet Airways had plans to launch dedicated international freighter service with wet-leased Airbus A330 aircraft from April but it has put plans on hold due to commercial and operational reasons.

“Domestic cargo was up 18 per cent last year and we expect it to grow 20 per cent each month till January. Domestic airlines are inducting aircraft and there is an increase in belly hold cargo capacity. Airlines are finding it difficult to fill up the space. Those who want to launch freight service will have to factor these concerns and make significant investments,” said Bharat Thakkar, past president of Air Cargo Agents Association of India.