As India’s aviation and air cargo industry evolves rapidly, airlines are looking to make strides in the market to cement their status in a region that presents substantial potential. 

Looking at how best to serve this market, IndiGo Cargo has placed its focus on segmenting operations into three distinct areas: domestic belly cargo, international cargo (narrow-body and wide-body), and freighter operations. 

“Our domestic belly cargo operation has been integral to IndiGo since its early years, giving us a significant market share. Each of our routes offers a unique opportunity to transport cargo efficiently, even on narrow-body aircraft,” Mark Sutch, COO of IndiGo Cargo explained, citing how 85 percent of the airline’s overall airfreight business is carried by passenger aircraft.

IndiGo’s freighter operations have emerged as a promising avenue for niche cargo services, including a fleet of three converted A321 freighters and, while this segment only comprises about 4 percent of the total cargo operations, it plays an increasingly critical role: “We are focused on using freighters to serve high-demand routes like China and Myanmar, where we operate independently of our passenger flights,” he added

Enhancing connectivity

IndiGo’s focus on India’s Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities is central to its domestic cargo strategy. These cities, which often face limited logistics options, offer a growth opportunity as IndiGo connects these regions through competitive pricing and a robust air network. However, airlines still face competition from road and rail services for short-distance journeys.

Strategic expansion 

IndiGo Cargo’s international operations cover more than 30 destinations from Hong Kong to the Middle East. In recent years, the introduction of wide-body aircraft like the Boeing 777 on routes to Istanbul has been a game-changer. 

“The wide-body aircraft allows us to offer extensive cargo capacity, aligning with the rising demand on major routes,” Sutch noted. 

As IndiGo moves toward incorporating Airbus A350s and A321 XLRs, the potential for further expansion is clear.

“This is an exciting time for IndiGo Cargo, with countless growth opportunities ahead,” Sutch declared.

The India advantage

With India’s economy and consumption growing rapidly, Sutch highlighted the emerging China Plus One strategy as a key factor for India’s industry.

“This region is increasingly recognised as a viable manufacturing hub, not just for domestic consumption but also for exports,” Sutch pointed out, adding that the nation’s proximity to major global markets enhances its appeal as an air cargo hub. 

e-commerce, particularly, is also driving air cargo demand, with IndiGo Cargo having stepped up its role in this sector: “Our aim is to provide a top-tier airport-to-airport service for e-commerce giants, many of whom are now significant clients in India.”

Paving the way forward

IndiGo Cargo is embracing digital transformation to streamline operations. The introduction of tracking systems for large clients like India Post and warehouse apps for enhanced cargo visibility demonstrates the airline’s commitment to optimising its cargo management. 

“These innovations are about providing real-time visibility and ensuring operational efficiency, which ultimately enhances customer satisfaction,” Sutch explained. 

Sustainability, another major focus area, is integrated into IndiGo’s core operations. The airline operates one of the youngest passenger fleets globally, but its freighter fleet, though consisting of older, converted aircraft, is positioned for gradual greening. 

“We align closely with IndiGo’s sustainability goals, especially as we grow our cargo operations on wide-body, fuel-efficient aircraft,” Sutch stated. 

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