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Spicejet Limited launched its first cargo aircraft in Delhi, as seeks to increase its cargo capacity to 40,000-50,000 tonnes a month to counter losses. The private airline said it will launch its air-cargo services on 18 September.
It plans to have a fleet of four aircraft by March 2019. The operations will initially cover Hong Kong, Kabul, Delhi, Bengaluru, Guwahati, and Amritsar.
Ajay Singh, Chairman and Managing Director of the airliner said, “We believe that we still have the margins in a dedicated freighter market and as an airline, it’s important to increase ancillary revenue,” at a press conference. He added, “With the increase in cost pressures, it’s important to introduce ancillary revenues.”
Singh said, “Currently, there are only five freighters in India, and we felt the need for dedicated air-cargo freighters.” “The cargo for overnight delivery in sectors such as e-commerce, fruit and vegetables, high-value and electronic goods and pharmaceuticals is significant.”
He also added that “Our current cargo capacity is about 15,000 tonnes per month, which we expect to take to 27,000 tonnes per month with the addition of these four freighters.”
SpiceJet incurred a net loss of Rs 38.1 crore in the June-end quarter of the current fiscal year, on higher fuel costs, declining rupee and a one-time provisioning of Rs 63.5 crore.
