IndiGo begins freighter operations

Indian low-cost airline IndiGo has commenced operations of its first A321 passenger to freighter (P2F) aircraft between Delhi and Mumbai.

Part of the airline’s CarGo business, the aircraft will be used for general freight on the inaugural Delhi- Mumbai flight, while carrying general and e-commerce on the return leg.

These inaugural flights will carry a payload of more than 20 tons on each leg.

IndiGo took delivery of the leased A321P2F last month. This aircraft, and the next aircraft of the same type, which is expected to arrive later this year, will be deployed on international routes too.

Mahesh Malik, chief commercial officer – CarGo, IndiGo said: “We are excited at kicking off a new chapter in IndiGo’s journey with the inaugural CarGo flights.

“Delhi and Mumbai are the two biggest commercial hubs in the country, and the response we have received from customers for our service offering is very encouraging.

“We expect the business to grow over the coming few months, as we expand our fleet of freighters and add new destinations to our CarGo network.”

IndiGo has leased the aircraft from funds serviced by Castlelake Aviation Holdings (Ireland) Limited.

The A321P2F supports a payload of up to 27 tonnes. The aircraft are being converted through a programme involving ST Engineering and Airbus with their joint venture, Elbe FlugzeugWerke (EFW).