Air India (AI, Delhi International) is looking to triple its annual cargo capacity by 2028, with CEO Campbell Wilson saying he sees enormous potential in the cargo ecosystem.
"Our cargo division is implementing a series of strategic measures aimed at fostering growth and strengthening our market presence," he said in a statement released on July 26. "The large passenger belly capacity addition will be augmented with the launch of value-added products and services across the network.”
Wilson says the belly capacity of the Air India fleet will grow significantly over the next few years, given the carrier's expected influx of new wide-body aircraft to its fleet this year. In addition to pre-existing orders, deliveries from its 470-strong aircraft order in February are expected to start later this year. Wilson says the extra aircraft will add two million tonnes annually (a 300% increase) to Air India's cargo capacity within five years.
Additionally, the CEO adds that "initiatives" including the adoption of new technologies, investments in infrastructure, developing a more integrated cargo market, expanding network reach, and broadening the airline's capacity to carry diverse products will also help increase Air India's cargo carrying capacity.
However, while Wilson happily pumped up Air India's cargo tyres last week, he did not revisit comments made earlier this year by an Air India spokesperson earlier about the potential for Air India to acquire dedicated freighters.
“We are exploring the possibility of inducting freighter capacity into the network, both directly and in collaboration with partners," the spokesperson told India's Business Standard newspaper. “Air India could buy up to 80 freighters over the next 20 years to capitalize on the fast increase in e-commerce demand.”
Wilson said his incoming widebody fleet, when fully delivered, will comprise A350-900s, A350-1000s, B787-8s, B787-9s, and the not-yet-in-production B777-9, will offer "non-stop connections to key export markets globally."
After its acquisition by Tata Sons in early 2022, Air India initiated a five-year upgrading and restructuring plan. The plan's first stage, the so-called taxi stage, which "focused on fixing the basics," has recently concluded. According to Air India, this included "bringing back to service many long grounded aircraft, addition of talent across flying and ground functions, rapid upgradation of technology and strengthening of customer care initiatives."
