A 'resurrected' Quikjet takes wing

E-commerce has given a new life to India’s fledgling dedicated cargo carrier Quikjet. The Bangalore-based carrier -- it has been around from 2007 -- has faced more downs than ups in its more than a decade-long journey. In fact, Quikjet’s history has put paid to the theory that dedicated freighter carriers have potential to do business in India. On average, in the last three decades, at least one domestic airline -- and that includes cargo carriers -- have shut shop. Among them were Aryan Cargo Express (went down in 2011), Deccan Cargo & Express Logistics Pvt Ltd (2014) and Quikjet Cargo Airlines Pvt Ltd (2017).

- TIRTHANKAR GHOSH

Today, there are only a handful of domestic freight carriers in India: Blue Dart, SpiceXpress (the cargo wing of low-cost carrier SpiceJet), Pradhaan Air and Quikjet which has got a new lease of life largely due to the dogged persistence of Quikjet CEO Capt Preetham Philip -- aided by e-commerce. The number of freighters of all the carriers combined is 14 (Chennai-based Blue Dart Aviation 8; Delhi-based SpiceXpress 3 and Pradhaan Air Express 1; and, Quikjet Airlines 2).

The Quikjet saga goes back a long way. And, it is Capt Philip’s passion for angling on the high seas that has, perhaps, made him patient and taught him to be persistent in his desire to see the carrier achieving a firm footing. It is his persistence that has helped Quikjet to virtually “rise from the ashes”. The obstacles have come in many forms: the economy, the rivalry and the slow, creaking, often deaf official machinery.

Today, operating two freighters for Amazon India for the last eight months or so, Quikjet has established its credentials as a reliable partner. As a young company, it is doing well. Reports indicate that Amazon honchos were so pleased with Quikjet’s on-time performance and 60 minutes packet delivery that they want some of their best practises replicated in their other operations.