FREIGHT IN FLIGHT

In 2023, Indian airports handled over 3.15 million metric tonnes of cargo, with international freight dominating. As the sector aims to meet the government's ambitious annual target of 10 million metric tonnes (MMT) by 2030, this goal will require dedicated freighter aircraft, technological integration, infrastructure development, and regulatory improvements, among other things. By JAIDEEP MIRCHANDANI, Chairman, Sky One

- JAIDEEP MIRCHANDANI

A Statista report estimates the total cargo tonnage handled at Indian airports in 2023 to be over 3.15 million metric à tonnes, the majority of it being international freight. Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai and Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru handled nearly half of the country's air cargo.

This shows a clear transitional shift to air cargo, a more reliable and stable option than the traditional sea route for cargo. As the demand for cargo increases, we find the sector poised for unprecedented growth.

To achieve the government's ambitious annual target of 10 MMT cargo by 2030, Indian airlines are likely to include a greater number of dedicated freighters in their fleet, mainly because belly capacity alone will not be enough to meet the surge in demand. At present, Indian airlines collectively own 17 freighter aircraft, while the remaining volume is met by utilising the belly space of passenger airplanes. Currently, the distribution between belly and freighter is at 70 per cent and 30 per cent, respectively.

Here are some other factors that will play a key role in defining the future trajectory of India's air cargo sector:

Technological Integration