Budget carrier IndiGo’s First A321ceo freighter aircraft will launch in the first half of 2022, said William Boulter, Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), IndiGo. The aircraft is capable of carrying 27 tonnes of cargo. According to CCO, the launch will indicate the industry about the airline’s serious plans about expanding its cargo wing. The airline has leased at least four A321ceo freighter planes for this purpose.
IndiGo witnessed huge success for its cargo wing during the pandemic. The airline operated nearly 8000 cargo-in-cabin charter flights carrying PPE kits and testing kits, among other things, during peak pandemic time. The carrier delivers services to 71 cities across India, which also have cargo capability.
Singapore Technologies Engineering Limited, the global technology, defence and air group, is currently transforming IndiGo’s A321ceo freighter aircraft from a passenger flight to a cargo carrier. As the revenue of IndiGo’s cargo wing picks up, the airline will order more aircraft for the purpose.
Among the routes, the India-China cargo route has high potential. The airline operated services to Chengdu and Guangzhou in China before the pandemic, and they proved successful in a short span. During the second wave of the pandemic, IndiGo operated 70 charter flights between Kolkata and Guangzhou to bring oxygen concentrators. Currently, the borders are closed for passenger services, but the potential remains viable.
IndiGo will Launch More Co-Branded Credit Cards
Meanwhile, IndiGo may not be foraying into its own frequent flyer program. Instead, the airline service provider will collaborate with banks and launch partnership programs. IndiGo recently partnered with Kotak Mahindra Bank launching a co-branded credit card. The customers can gain 6E rewards points by booking flight tickets using the card, which they can later use to book tickets on IndiGo flights. The passengers can also purchase items or services from partner companies. Earlier, IndiGo had launched a similar card in partnership with HDFC bank.
According to Boulter, the co-branded credit card provides plenty of benefits to the flyers. “The passengers come back to avail those low fares. Our focus is very much on co-branded arrangements,” he confirmed.
