AIR TO WATER

The contribution of the air and water transport

While the waterways are mainly used for international shipment of goods, the aviation industry’s role in the logistics system is as of now miniscule. Despite expectations of air freight growing 20 per cent in India by 2012 1, Air India, Kingfisher Xpress and Jet Airways say the business is stalled by a lack of infrastructure and industrial know-how. The sheer infancy of the India air cargo sector, needs atleast another three to four years to mature.

Entrants like Deccan 360 or Kingfisher Xpress are still trying to understand the real dynamics of the business. Kingfisher Xpress includes a same day offering it claims is India’s first such product with a money-back guarantee. The airline collects shipments up to 175 kilos (386 lbs.) in Mumbai, New Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai and Kolkata with guaranteed same day delivery to Bagdogra, Bangalore, Chennai, Coimbatore, Delhi, Kochi, Goa, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Indore, Kolkata, Mumbai, Raipur, Ranchi, Lucknow, Nagpur, Pune and Srinagar.Foreign investment is also important and more is sorely needed at airports at Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Bangalore as well as other across the country.