SpiceJet has operated its first-ever B737 freighter flight to China carrying Covid-19 related essential medical supplies from Shanghai to Hyderabad.
The airline said the flight, which took place on April 15, was part of efforts to mitigate the shortage and supply disruption of essential supplies and medical equipment.
SpiceJet has transported more than 2,700 tons of cargo on more than 300 flights since India’s nationwide lockdown began.
Ajay Singh, chairman and managing director, SpiceJet, said: “From today, SpiceJet freighters have begun ferrying crucial medical supplies from China. In addition to Shanghai, we are also operating freighters to Singapore and Sri Lanka today.
“Regular SpiceJet cargo flights are also being operated to Hong Kong, Kuwait, Abu Dhabi, Ho Chi Minh City and other places while our domestic cargo operations have been significantly boosted by our passenger aircraft fleet where both our B737 and Q400 aircraft have been deployed to operate cargo-on-seat flights. We have put our resources to maximum use transporting over 2,700 tons of cargo on more than 300 flights since the nation-wide lockdown began.”
SpiceJet is also operating a freighter flight to Colombo (Sri Lanka) carrying farm produce from West Bengal and another cargo flight to Singapore.
This is one of a number of cargo flight operated by the airline over recent weeks.
On April 10, the airline operated its first-ever cargo flight from Hyderabad to Ho Chi Minh City carrying medical supplies while another cargo freighter brought in critical medical equipment to Bengaluru from Singapore.
SpiceJet has been regularly using its Boeing 737 and Bombardier Q400 fleet to carry cargo in the passenger cabin. The airline operated the country’s first cargo-on-seat flight on April 7.
The airline has also operated special cargo flights to Abu Dhabi, Kuwait and other countries taking fresh fruits and vegetables and helping Indian farmers maintain continuity of their supply chains in addition to operating dedicated services from Chennai and Vishakhapatnam, to Surat and Kolkata.
