Low-cost carriers are not yet singing their way to the bank – well, not yet. But they could well be – yes, even in this worldwide season of downturn. And, all this due to cargo.
Take the case of the barely year-old SpiceXpress, the cargo division of SpiceJet. A couple of months ago, when Chairman Ajay Singh announced that he planned in the next one year or so to launch shares in an initial public offering (IPO) of its logistics business, it did not surprise the industry. Air cargo – thanks to the booming e-commerce market helped in large measure by the likes of Amazon and Walmart – provides the much-needed boost in an otherwise difficult passenger market where rock-bottom fares are normal and every rupee has to be fought for.
Witness the figures: Ecommerce sales in India will grow to a whopping $72 billion by 2022 from the $32.7 billion in 2018, according to research firm eMarketer. A large part of that will be taken away by Amazon while Walmart and Reliance of Mukesh Ambani, Asia’s richest man is apparently working on an ecommerce venture that could dwarf many others.
While announcing the IPO, Singh pointed out what was going for SpiceXpress: “We have a country of 1.3 billion people, one of the fastestgrowing economies in the world, and we have very few air logistics players. We think that there’s a good space for us.”
Denne historien er fra November 2019-utgaven av Cruising Heights.
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Denne historien er fra November 2019-utgaven av Cruising Heights.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Jets, Tech, And Green Goals
The key themes at the Farnborough International Airshow 2024 revolved around innovation and sustainability. Sizeable aircraft orders, advancements in eVTOL technology, and a strong commitment to environmental goals underscore an industry that is not only rebounding from past challenges but also setting the stage for a more sustainable and technologically advanced future, reports ATUL CHANDRA.
FREIGHT IN FLIGHT
In 2023, Indian airports handled over 3.15 million metric tonnes of cargo, with international freight dominating. As the sector aims to meet the government's ambitious annual target of 10 million metric tonnes (MMT) by 2030, this goal will require dedicated freighter aircraft, technological integration, infrastructure development, and regulatory improvements, among other things. By JAIDEEP MIRCHANDANI, Chairman, Sky One
ELEVATING PASSENGER EXPERIENCES
Panasonic Avionics Corporation is setting new standards in in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) with the launch of its state-of-the-art software design and development facility in Pune, highlights
CAUGHT IN PAPER JAM
Despite rapid digital advancements in passenger air travel with the airline market expected to surpass $35 billion by end of this decade, the air cargo industry remains bogged down by outdated legacy systems, impeding progress in efficiency and real-time tracking. A special report by
PITCHING FOR SUPPORT
India's air cargo industry is gearing up for a major transformation, aiming to nearly triple its capacity by 2030. Current infrastructure handles about 6.5 million tonnes, but meeting future goals will require significant investments to expand capacity, streamline operations, and adopt cutting-edge technologies. Industry leaders at a recent ACFI Annual Conclave emphasised the need for strong government support to overcome challenges, urging policymakers to address operational constraints and improve connectivity, reports
BATTLE FOR THE SKIES
As India's international air traffic experiences significant growth over the past few decades, the competition between Air India and IndiGo intensifies. Vistara's merger within Air India and the significant aircraft orders position the combined entity as a formidable player, while IndiGo's ambitious expansion plans and international focus set the stage for a competitive future, analyses
"We Aim to Bridge the Training Gap in Indian Aviation"
In a candid conversation with CRUISING HEIGHTS, KHUSHBEG JATTANA, General Manager India of Simaero, discusses the strategic timing of Simaero's entry into the Indian aviation market. He addresses the challenges posed by existing pilot training programmes from major airlines like Air India and IndiGo, and elaborates on Simaero's plans to complement these efforts with state-of-the-art training solutions. Jattana also sheds light on the potential growth in the South Asian region and the company's vision for the future.
POWERING UP
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Transforming Air Traffic Control Training: CAE's Cutting-Edge Approach
In this interview, MARIE-CHRISTINE CLOUTIER, CAE's Vice-President of Performance, Strategy, and Marketing, discusses CAE's air traffic control training program. Highlighting strategic partnerships, advanced technologies, and global initiatives, the interview reveals how CAE addresses the growing demand for skilled air traffic controllers and flight service specialists. From their dedicated Montreal facility to expanding efforts across the globe, CAE is committed to providing tailored, state-of-the-art training solutions for the aviation industry's future.
POWERING A GREEN FUTURE
FIA 2024 witnessed a growing order book for aircraft engine manufacturers and provided important insights into the development of sustainable powerplants.
