New Delhi, Feb 01: State-owned Indian Airlines (IA) is hoping to clock a turnover of Rs 320 crore this fiscal from its cargo division, up from Rs 291.61 crore in 02-03. This will comprise 7 to 8 per cent of its total revenue earnings, said IA's deputy managing director T S Chandrasekar. The flagship carrier's fleet of 57 aircraft can carry over 600 tonnes of cargo daily, he said.
But only half of the cargo capacity is currently being utilised. ''IA can send cargo to 58 destinations in India and 17 in West Asia, Southeast Asia and Saarc sectors,'' Chandrasekar said.
The airline's interline cargo is supported by special pro-rate agreements for trans-shipments facilities at major metros. IA has interline agreements for cargo with 20 international airlines including air India, British Airways, China Airlines, Emirates and Federal Express.
IA has now launched a dedicated website IA-Cargo.Com for providing comprehensive data to shippers. ''The areas of opportunities are huge,'' said Anita Khurana, IA director for cargo operations. Bureau Report