Indian low-cost-carrier SpiceJet gets certification for cargo operations

Indian low-cost-carrier SpiceJet has announced that it has received certification, which allows it to handle cargo of airlines flying in and out of the UK and EU. Cargo has played a crucial role in the overall operations of SpiceJet, offering much-needed revenue during the stressful COVID years. The current permissions for Europe can be seen as part of its larger cargo-centric plans.

SpiceJet has announced that it has acquired two essential certifications that would allow it to move mail and cargo not just on its own planes but also those of other airlines for transporting to or via the European Union and the United Kingdom.

The carrier has received certificates that allow it to carry out operations into the EU and UK. The airline has secured two certifications — the Regulated Agent Third country (RA3) and the Air Cargo or Mail Carrier operating into the Union from a Third Country Airport certifications (ACC3), both essential to carry out the operations mentioned above. RA3 and ACC3 are supply chain initiatives by the EU to regulate inbound cargo and mail from other countries.

Ajay Singh, Chairman and Managing Director, SpiceJet, commented, “These certifications are an attestation of our commitment to aviation safety and adherence to the highest and most stringent security standards in our operations. The new certifications will help SpiceJet gain new business opportunities from international airlines, freight forwarders, cargo agents, and international couriers as it allows us to seamlessly carry cargo both to and via the European Union and the United Kingdom.”

Security audit cleared
The carrier had to undergo a strict cargo security audit and an on-site verification in compliance with the latest EU and UK standards. SpiceJet confirmed fulfilling all requirements to receive the clearance.

SpiceJet will carry out these operations at airports in Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Thiruvananthapuram, Ahmedabad, and Kochi, which have all been ACC3 certified for both EU and the UK. Kolkata was recently approved for the EU and is expected to receive certification for UK operations soon, according to the airline.

SpiceJet has been swift in tapping the potential of cargo for revenue generation.

SpiceJet has been swift in tapping the potential of cargo for revenue generation. Its cargo subsidiary, SpiceXpress, currently operates a fleet of five freighters – two 737-800Fs and three 737-700Fs. All of these are converted freighters, and hence have years of flying time behind them but are still fit enough to carry cargo.

Follow Simple Flying for all the latest aviation news.

Last year, the airline decided to transfer its cargo and logistics business to SpiceXpress so it could have its own Air Operators Certificate (AOC) and operate as a separate carrier. SpiceXpress is valued at more than $300 million, and separating its cargo business makes SpiceJet eligible for dividends and contracts from SpiceXpress, providing a steady stream of revenue for the debt-saddled passenger business.

For a short while, the airline also temporarily leased widebody airplanes such as the Boeing 767 and Airbus A330 last year to cash in on the surging cargo demands. simpleflying.com