SpiceJet becomes India's largest cargo airline, expects further expansion

SpiceJet reported (15-Sep-2020) the following cargo highlights for Q1FY2021, ended Jun-2020, during which the airline "emerged as India's number one air cargo airline":

• Transported 50,000 tonnes of cargo on more than 7000 services since 25-Mar-2020. 40% of services were to international destinations;
• Handled a record 9662 tonnes of shrimp and farm produce in support of the Indian Government's Krishi Udan and Marine Krishi Udaan initiatives to assist Indian farmers during the lockdown period;
• Cargo network covers more than 63 domestic and 44 international destinations. The airline has been actively using Ras Al Khaimah International Airport as a cargo hub;
• Commenced transporting cargo in the cabins of passenger aircraft on 07-Apr-2020;
• Commenced long haul cargo operations with widebody aircraft;
• Fleet of 13 cargo aircraft, including two widebody aircraft. The airline modified six Q400 aircraft for cargo operations to second and third tier Indian cities and remote and hilly areas;
• SpiceXpress received permission from India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation to commence drone trials.

SpiceJet chairman and MD Ajay Singh commented: "I expect our cargo business to continue to expand in the coming quarters". [more - original PR]