Air India will begin domestic cargo service this month after an eight-week delay, using the central city of Nagpur as a central hub. The airline plans to operate its service to Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkota and Chennai using four freighter-confi gured B737-200 aircraft and one A310-200 freighter, with an A310-300 freighter expected to be acquired by year-end.
The move comes after several international carriers have exited the Indian cargo market this year. Etihad Crystal Cargo discontinued service to Mumbai and Bangalore but picked up Chennai and Kozhikode. Cargolux terminated service to Chennai, and China Airlines pulled out of Delhi. Meanwhile, Cathay Pacific increased flights to Delhi and Mumbai.
Air India was among the cashstrapped Indian carriers to receive government funding in a mini-bailout last month.