IndiGo CarGo commences operations with A321F
First freighter flight between Delhi & Mumbai to carry more than 20 tonnes on each leg
IndiGo has commenced operations of its first A321 Freighter aircraft between Delhi and Mumbai, effective November 15, 2022.
"The aircraft converted from passenger jet to a full freighter configuration will be used for general freight on the inaugural Delhi-Mumbai flight while carrying general and e-commerce CarGo on the return leg. These inaugural flights will carry a payload of more than 20 tonnes on each leg," says an official release.
IndiGo welcomed its first 321F last month and the next aircraft, which is expected to arrive later this year, will also be deployed on international routes.
"We are excited at kicking off a new chapter in IndiGo's journey with the inaugural CarGo flights," says Mahesh Malik, Chief Commercial Officer - CarGo, IndiGo. "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."
The A321P2F (Passenger-to-Freighter conversion) is the most efficient narrow-bodied freighter available, offering 24 container positions and supporting a payload of up to 27 tonnes, the release said. "The aircraft are being converted through a programme involving ST Engineering and Airbus with their joint venture, Elbe FlugzeugWerke (EFW). "
IndiGo has leased the aircraft from funds serviced by Castlelake Aviation Holdings (Ireland) Limited, part of a global alternative investment firm with 17 years of tenure investing in, financing, and managing aviation assets, the release added.
