India needs more freighters to boost cargo segment

New Delhi: Highlighting the growth potential of India’s civil aviation space, Union minister K Rammohan Naidu on Tuesday pitched for having more freighters and cargo-centric airports to tap the air cargo opportunities.

India is one of the world’s fastest growing civil aviation markets and airlines are expanding their fleets to meet rising air traffic demand. Belly cargo movement is also on the rise. The civil aviation minister said Indian airlines should explore having freighters as air cargo is also a significant revenue contributor. In the US, there are more than 200 dedicated aircraft freighters whereas there are just 17 registered freighters in India, the minister said.