India’s SpiceJet operates A340F to Sudan carrying 40 tonnes of cargo

August 25, 2020: India’s SpiceJet operated its A340 freighter from Mumbai to Khartoum carrying 40 tonnes of cargo. This was the airline’s first non-stop flight to Africa. Earlier, the airline has flown to Sudan via Ras Al-Khaimah.

On August 22, SpiceJet has operated the first-ever long-haul cargo flight carrying 13 tonnes of cargo supplies from Amsterdam to Mumbai using an A340. The airline then operated from Mumbai to Sudan on August 23. SpiceJet is the first and only Indian carrier to operate non-stop cargo services from Europe on a dedicated freighter.

Ajay Singh, chairman and managing director, SpiceJet said, “It is a proud moment and a huge milestone in SpiceJet’s remarkable journey as India’s leading cargo operator as we successfully operated our first wide-body long-haul flight from Europe. The induction of our first Airbus A340 cargo aircraft has significantly enhanced our operational capability and will allow us to operate non-stop cargo services across the globe to destinations in Europe, Africa and CIS countries.”

The airline has operated over 5,764 cargo flights and transported over 31,800 tonnes of cargo – this is more than double of all domestic airlines combined together – carrying medicines and medical equipment and fruits and vegetables to all corners of India and the world since March 25, 2020.

SpiceJet operated the country’s first cargo-on-seat flight on April 7 carrying vital supplies in passenger cabin & belly space. Since then, the airline has been regularly deploying its B737 and Q400 passenger aircraft to carry cargo in the passenger cabin.

SpiceJet’s international cargo network now spans over 42 international destinations. The airline has also been actively using Ras Al-Khaimah airport as a hub for its cargo operations.