Aviation

Is Air India Introducing Dedicated Freighter Services and Optimizing Its Cargo Network?

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As the eCommerce platform rapidly expands, airlines are facing increased demand to transport cargo between various global locations, necessitating faster shipping routes.

As per the sources Economic times. Air India Group is currently consolidating its cargo operations and is considering the creation of a separate entity with dedicated freighters, according to officials. This restructuring will enable the Tata-owned airline to better focus on the growing air cargo market, driven by an expanding economy and increased trade activity.

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Regarding Air India’s cargo strategy, an official mentioned plans to introduce dedicated freighters to accommodate rising cargo volumes. “Additionally, we may spin off the cargo segment into a subsidiary to fully realize its potential,” the official said, though no specific timeline was provided. An Air India spokesperson declined to comment on the potential spin-off or the addition of freighters.

Recent surveys indicate that India is becoming a major hub for imports and exports, with international airlines like DHL, Qatar Airways, and FedEx operating significant cargo operations in this region.

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IndiGo is also planning to establish its own dedicated cargo fleet by converting A320 passenger aircraft. Currently, IndiGo has expanded its network between China and India.

Air India, aiming to enhance its profitability, is adding a dedicated cargo fleet and separating its cargo operations into a distinct entity. This move is expected to address the growing demand for air cargo services.air india a350 interior

According to a second company official, Air India plans to partner with additional sales agents, freight forwarders, and last-mile delivery providers.

Aviation

COMAC Unveils Plans for the C929 to Rival Airbus and Boeing

After the success of China’s first C919 aircraft, the country is setting its sights on developing a larger plane. COMAC (Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China) has officially confirmed plans to build a widebody aircraft, marking a significant step in its aircraft lineup.

Traditionally, Airbus and Boeing dominate the widebody aircraft market, with decades of expertise in developing planes and engines capable of carrying heavy payloads. China, which currently relies on imported engines, is now aiming to challenge these giants with its own widebody jet, the C929, designed to compete with the Airbus A350 and Boeing 777.

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The C929 will be China’s first independently developed long-range widebody aircraft. It adheres to international airworthiness standards and boasts independent intellectual property rights. The baseline version is designed to seat 280 passengers and offers a range of 12,000 kilometers, catering to global demand for both regional and international air travel.

Russia, which also needs reliable narrowbody and widebody aircraft, could become a key customer for the C929. Additionally, China plans to target the broader Asian market as it continues to expand its aviation capabilities.

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China’s aviation progress includes the ARJ21 (now called C909), a regional jet with 100 seats for shorter routes, and the C919, a narrowbody jet with 180 seats designed to rival the Boeing 737 MAX and Airbus A320. Both models have found increasing demand in the domestic market.

At China’s largest air show in Zhuhai, COMAC announced that Air China will be the launch customer for the C929 widebody jet, though details about order size and delivery timelines were not disclosed.

Other major deals announced by COMAC include:

Hainan Airlines: Firm orders for 60 C919 and 40 C909 regional jets.
Colorful Guizhou Airlines: 30 C909 jets, with 20 firm orders and 10 provisional agreements.

The C929, renamed from the CR929 after Russia withdrew from the joint development project in 2023, is expected to carry 280–400 passengers with a range of 12,000 kilometers, competing directly with Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner.

According to COMAC’s deputy general manager, Tong Yu, the first fuselage section of the C929 is expected by September 2027, with prototype test flights anticipated soon after.