‘Indian airlines using full belly capacity to augment air cargo efficiency’

“In India, airlines are strategically leveraging the belly capacity of passenger aircraft to augment air cargo efficiency, says Abhishek Goyal, Executive Director, Aeroprime Group adding, “addressing the booming demand for air freight amidst fluctuating global supply chain dynamics. The belly space of passenger aircraft refers to the unused space in the hold beneath the passenger compartment, which can be used to transport cargo. This space is particularly valuable for transporting goods on routes already served by regular passenger flights, offering a cost-effective solution without the need for dedicated cargo flights.”
He continues. “Indian carriers are increasingly exploring the full potential of this space by accommodating a wide range of cargo, from perishables and pharmaceuticals to e-commerce packages and general cargo. This is facilitated by the ability of modern aircraft, such as the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350, which offer substantial belly cargo capacity alongside passenger loads. The utilization of belly space is enhanced by sophisticated logistics planning and cargo handling systems that allow airlines to maximize load factors, optimize fuel efficiency, and reduce the carbon footprint per unit of cargo.”