Air India, owned by Tata Group, is expanding its cargo operations in India to capitalize on the positive market outlook. The airline has established new bonded transhipment service locations in smaller cities, increasing its reach. One of the latest routes from Pune to Kuwait brings the carrier’s domestic transhipment station network to 12 locations.
“This marks Air India Cargo’s entry into international business from Pune, solidifying its position in the global air cargo industry,” the airline stated. The move allows for seamless cargo movement to Mumbai and Delhi and improves connectivity to Europe and the US. By making Pune a hub for international transhipment, Air India aims to create opportunities in air cargo logistics.
The carrier plans to aggregate cargo at Pune and connect loads on daily direct flights from Mumbai. Pune, known for its industrial sector with a focus on automotive verticals, presents an opportunity for Air India to target cargo sources in the interior regions amidst rising competition. Additionally, the airline has introduced new strategies, including a bonded trucking solution for cargo aggregation and a specialized temperature-controlled service for the domestic pharmaceutical industry.
Tata Group’s acquisition of new aircraft for Air India is expected to enhance its operations, with the carrier set to receive six A350s by June. Industry experts see this move as capitalizing on the growth of India’s air cargo sector, driven by manufacturing and e-commerce activities. Other airlines are also exploring similar strategies to consolidate cargo flows.
The government’s efforts to expand airport infrastructure are expected to further promote industry growth and enable faster movement of goods. Airlines like Virgin Atlantic are increasing their direct services to India, providing more belly capacity for cargo transportation. Additionally, partnerships with Indian carriers like IndiGo are expected to boost freight operations in the country.
Overall, the air cargo sector in India is experiencing growth and innovation, with airlines and logistics providers adapting to meet the increasing demand for efficient transportation services.
