Cathay to increase its freighter services in India

MUMBAI: Hong Kong based carrier Cathay Pacific will add Indian city Bengaluru to its freighter route network, the airliner said in a statement today. The Bangalore services will target markets to Japan and North America with auto, textiles and pharma goods from India and expects the Northeast Asian markets like China for electronic goods and hardware.

The Bangalore service will start from August and will operate two flights a week, every Monday and Thursday on the Hong Kong- Delhi – Bengaluru route. Cathay Pacific also recently boosted cargo ties between India and Europe by launching a twice-weekly direct freighter service from Chennai to Frankfurt, the airline said.

One of the largest freighter airlines in the world, Cathay is slowly increasing its presence in India. Cathay currently has dedicated 20 flight operations from India. The Bangalore service will be operated by a Boeing 747-400F aircraft. It already has freighter services from Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai.

“India is an increasingly important market for our cargo business and we are pleased to be able to extend our coverage in the country through the launch of a freighter service to Bengaluru. This new service will enhance Cathay's presence in India,” said Nick Rhodes, director, Cathay Pacific Cargo.

Cathay is also building a HK$5.5 billion cargo terminal at Hong Kong International Airport, due to open in early 2013.