About Air India Cargo Airlines
Having detailed information about Air India Cargo airlines is crucial for every import-export business owner, as it is the busiest cargo airline that stands out in excellence. Launched in 1932 with both cargo and passenger services, and within a few decades, it became a key player in the cargo division of India. As a result of an increase in trade volume over time, Air India Cargo emphasised expanding its domestic and international network. Consequently, it bolstered economic growth through seamless cargo movement. Remarkably, the airline has also contributed to the GDP of India through imports and exports. Furthermore, it has played a significant role in the export of key sectors such as textiles, perishables, and pharmaceuticals.
Moreover, with cargo throughput bridging the gap between producers and the international market, it has also surpassed thousands of metric tons annually. However, despite being a powerhouse, it faces many challenges. Stiil, the airline has bagged many accolades for its excellence and dependability. Presently, Air India Cargo is owned by the Tata Group. The group plans for its modernization and expansion. The aim is to continue to deliver the best and support more cargo movement. This blog delves into its history. Furthermore, it also explores the significant economic benefits that it brings to India. The blog covers its fleet composition and throughput milestones. It highlights the challenges, accolades, and expansion plans.
This blog delves into its history, the economic benefits it brings to India, its fleet composition, throughput milestones, challenges, accolades, and expansion plans.
History of Air India Cargo airline
Founded in 1932 as Tata Airlines, it started facilitating cargo movement in a small Douglas DC-3 aircraft. Notably, Air India was the first Asian airline to operate freighters. Subsequently, during the 1980s and 1990s, Air India Cargo gradually expanded its operations; furthermore, it strengthened its global presence by increasing its fleet with the introduction of 747 and Douglas DC-8 freighters on international routes.
Infrastructural dynamics
Moreover, Air India Cargo has strategically designed its infrastructure to support efficient cargo movement at both the domestic and international levels. Primarily, it makes the use of the belly-hold capacity of Air India’s passenger aircraft. It transfers cargo to 40 international and 38 domestic cities. Its leading cargo hubs are in Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. These hubs are equipped with advanced features, including automated cargo handling systems. They also have specialised storage zones and cold chain amenities. This makes them ideal for handling high-value, perishable, and pharmaceutical goods.
Moreover, global logistics firms such as WFS and SATS have partnered with it to advance cargo terminals and warehousing processes. It has also partnered with the iCargo IT system to confirm untroubled documentation and tracking. In addition, it provides end-to-end visibility. Furthermore, Air India Cargo has invested in a real-time dashboard. It has also invested in GDP-certified cold storage. AI-powered planning has been adopted to improve the excellence of its services. Its vision is to expand with exclusive freighter terminals. In addition, it also aims to establish 24/7 control centres to reduce turnaround time and increase cargo throughput.
Air India Cargo Fleet: Belly Cargo via Passenger Aircraft
- Airbus A319 with a payload of 1500 Kg per flight.
- Airbus A320‑200 with a payload of 2500 Kg per flight.
- Airbus A320neo with a payload of 2500 kg per flight
- Airbus A321‑200 & A321neo with Payload 3500 kg per flight.
- Boeing 737‑800 (NG) with a payload of 1200 kg per flight.
In addition to other freight methods, Air India Cargo also utilizes the belly holds of its widebody long-haul jets—B777 (200LR/300ER), B787, and the upcoming A350/777X—for cargo, thereby maximizing capacity and enhancing operational efficiency.
Throughput Benchmarks
Air India Cargo Airline has shown consistent growth in throughput, which is well implied by the following recent figures-
- Approximately 137,000t of international cargo for financial year 23. Whereas for financial year 24, throughput was 1,67,000t. And for financial year 25, the throughput was 216,000t. Showing an increasing trend.
- Moreover, perishable volume increased by 37% over the last two years, amounting to 57,530t in FY25.
- Subsequently, Pharmaceutical logistics amounted to 4,000 tons in FY 25 after GDP certification.
Accolades of the leading cargo airline in India
Numerous recognitions acknowledge performance, resilience, excellence, and efficiency-
- In April 2025, it procured the GDP certification, acknowledging it as the first Indian airline.
- It received cargo airline awards in 2009 for its excellence.
- Additionally, its services in the transportation of sensitive items are praised.
Challenges
Despite the expansion and growth of Air India Cargo, it still, however, continues to battle with numerous challenges on various fronts –
- Physical expansion constraints – despite appraisal of throughput and airport amenities, the hubs of metropolitan cities cannot expand to pursue an expansion plan, and their operations remain limited due to congestion.
- Shortage of aircraft– Limited Boeing and Freighters are a challenge that restricts the quick delivery of cargo.
- Rival global players– competition with global players and Indian startups in the realm is a hindrance to its full growth.
- Capital investment: A significant amount of capital investment is needed to strike a balance between freighter services, belly cargo, and IT. Coordinating between belly cargo, freighter services, and IT infrastructure (iCargo, GDP compliance).
Expansion Plans
Moreover, Air India Cargo looks to expand strategically—not just in logistics, but also in services—with a broader and more comprehensive network of routes.
- Fleet expansion – Through fleet expansion, it aims to triple its throughput potential within 5 years through the orders for 34 A350-1000, 6 A350-900, 20 Boeing 787, and 10 Boeing 777X.
- Increased IT reliance – introduction of AI, drone tech, blockchain, and next-gen iCargo system to add on transparency and connectivity with partners.
- Infrastructure investments: funding is planned to develop and enhance logistics capacity across leading cargo airports.
- Network growth: Currently, Air India operates to 38 domestic and international destinations, which is expected to open new cargo routes and partnerships.
- New subsidiary: It is being planned to establish a new freighter cargo subsidiary with full freighter operations along with belly calibre.
Furthermore, Air India Cargo looks to expand strategically, not just in logistics but in services as well, with a broader network of routes.
Conclusion:
Air India Cargo airlines is a key player in the international air freight sector. With a growing network, strategic expansion of fleet, and innovation of logistics, it possesses the potential to accomplish the escalated demands. Air India Cargo aims to incorporate the latest technology to enhance its efficiency, reliability, and be the proud provider of world-class cargo solutions.
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FAQs
Air India Cargo operates through major hubs in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bengaluru, equipped with advanced systems like automated cargo handling, cold chain storage, and GDP-certified facilities. It partners with global logistics firms and uses the iCargo IT system for seamless tracking and documentation.
The airline utilizes belly-hold cargo capacity in passenger aircraft, including Airbus A319, A320, A321, and Boeing 737-800. It also uses widebody jets like B777, B787, and the upcoming A350/777X for long-haul cargo transport.
The airline facilitates seamless cargo movement, bridging the gap between producers and international markets. It supports key sectors like textiles, perishables, and pharmaceuticals, contributing significantly to India’s GDP through imports and exports.
Air India Cargo offers reliable, efficient, and innovative cargo solutions. With a growing network, advanced infrastructure, and strategic expansion plans, it ensures safe and timely delivery of goods, making it a trusted choice for air freight services.
For more details, contact Falcon Freight at +91-9311595648 or [email protected].