Air India targets for 300% cargo growth in 5 years

Air India is set to witness substantial growth in the belly capacity of its passenger fleet in the coming years. The addition of new wide-body aircraft to the fleet, expected this year and beyond, will complement India’s thriving manufacturing and export sectors.

Air India has placed firm orders for 34 A350-1000, six A350-900, 20 Boeing 787 Dreamliner, and 10 Boeing 777X wide-body aircraft, which will lead to a remarkable 300% increase in the airline’s annual cargo capacity, reaching an impressive 2 million tonnes within the next five years.

The CEO and MD of Air India, Campbell Wilson, envisions tremendous potential in the air cargo industry, in alignment with the Indian Government’s goal to grow the sector to 10 million tonnes by 2030. To achieve this vision, the cargo division is implementing strategic measures aimed at fostering growth and strengthening their market presence.

The increase in passenger belly capacity will be complemented by the introduction of value-added products and services across the Air India network. The airline is actively adopting the latest IT solutions, such as blockchain, AI, and drones, to optimize productivity. These technological advancements will enhance efficiency in various areas, including electronic data interchange, seamless connectivity with trade partners, and real-time updates on flight and shipment status.

Air India aims to offer a wide range of cargo services, including pharmaceutical logistics, door-to-door delivery with global partners, e-commerce, carriage of valuables, pets, cold chain solutions for perishables, mail, and trans-shipment with connection windows.

Recognizing the significance of robust infrastructure, Air India is partnering with SATS to invest significant capital expenditure in developing airport and logistics facilities. The airline is also exploring opportunities to increase freighter capacity through collaborations with partners.

Air India is preparing to launch three 24×7 control centers to improve customer interface, customer service, and operational efficiency. With its expanding domestic network, the airline’s integrated cargo market will provide efficient, streamlined, and cost-effective connectivity for point-to-point transportation to short and long-haul destinations throughout the network.

As India’s Tier-2 and Tier-3 markets experience a surge in domestic e-commerce and other businesses, Air India’s presence is expected to gain momentum. To bolster exports, the airline is actively expanding its reach through strategic partnerships and collaborations. By strengthening interline partnerships and trucking network connections, Air India aims to enhance its export capabilities.

Currently, the carrier serves over 40 international and 38 domestic destinations for cargo transportation. It has also established partnerships with offline trucking points worldwide and coordinated with service providers at major Indian airports, such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, to enhance trans-shipment efficiency and volume.

With increased capacity and technological adoption, Air India’s diverse range of cargo products and services will thrive on the global stage. The airline will cater to the movement and delivery of various items, including pharma logistics, door-to-door logistics through global partners, e-commerce, express services, general cargo, valuables, sensitive goods, pet transportation, personal effects, and strengthened cold chain solutions for perishables, among others.