Vaayu Group Invests in India’s Pradhaan Air Express, Aims for Air Cargo Dominance

In a significant move announced at the Dubai Airshow 2023, Vaayu Group, headquartered in Ras Al Khaimah, is set to acquire a strategic stake in Pradhaan Air Express (6P, Delhi International). The investment underscores Vaayu’s commitment to expanding its presence in the air cargo sector, offering substantial growth opportunities for both entities in the Middle East and beyond.

The partnership builds on Vaayu’s existing collaboration with Pradhaan, which includes leasing an A320-200(P2F). The strategic investment, the details of which were not disclosed, is poised to position Vaayu as a major player in the global air cargo arena.

Vaayu’s Chairman and President, Emad AlMonayea, expressed the group’s vision, stating, “Vaayu’s vision is to become a significant player in the air cargo space in the years to come. This move with Pradhaan is quite strategic considering the opportunities it presents between the two regions.”

Established in 2011, Vaayu Group boasts a diversified portfolio of worldwide aviation investments, spanning leasing, storage, and MRO services. AlMonayea revealed plans to introduce two additional A320-200P2Fs in the coming year, with indications that these could augment Pradhaan’s growing fleet. Pradhaan has plans to expand its fleet by adding two more aircraft in 2024, followed by two aircraft annually thereafter.

Pradhaan Air Express, one of three cargo-only airlines in India, obtained certification last year to operate its aircraft. The airline’s current sole aircraft, VT-PNS (msn 2737), commenced revenue flights in October 2022, demonstrating operational success on both domestic and international routes. Pradhaan CEO Nipun Anand, speaking at the Dubai Airshow, confirmed that the airline’s existing aircraft was performing well. However, he clarified that no additional aircraft would join the fleet until 2024, dispelling previous indications of three aircraft arrivals in 2023.

The strategic collaboration between Vaayu Group and Pradhaan Air Express sets the stage for a transformative period in the air cargo industry, with both entities poised to capitalize on synergies and unlock new opportunities in the evolving aviation landscape. Stay tuned for further developments as this strategic partnership takes flight.