SpiceJet has operated its first-ever B737 cargo freighter flight to China carrying medical supplies from Shanghai to Hyderabad on April 15.

The Indian carrier said the flight is part of its continuous efforts to mitigate the shortage and supply disruption of essential supplies and medical equipment.

To date, SpiceJet has already transported over 2,700 tons of cargo on more than 300 flights since the nation-wide lockdown began.

Apart from China-bound freighters, Ajay Singh, chairman & managing director, SpiceJet said, the airline is also operating flights to Singapore and Sri Lanka in addition to its regular cargo service.

“SpiceJet freighters have begun ferrying crucial medical supplies from China. In addition to Shanghai, we are also operating freighters to Singapore and Sri Lanka. Regular SpiceJet cargo flights are also being operated to Hong Kong, Kuwait, Abu Dhabi, Ho Chi Minh City and other places,” Singh said. 

He noted that SpiceJet's domestic cargo operations have been"significantly boosted" by its passenger aircraft fleet where both its B737 and Q400 aircraft have been deployed to operate cargo-on-seat flights. 

Freighter flight to Colombo, Singapore

SpiceJet is also operating a freighter flight to Colombo carrying farm produce from West Bengal and another cargo flight to Singapore.

On April 10, the airline also operated its first-ever cargo flight from Hyderabad to Ho Chi Minh City carrying medical supplies while another cargo freighter brought in critical medical equipment to Bengaluru from Singapore.

The airline operated its first cargo freighter on the Chennai-Singapore-Chennai route on April 9 to bring critical medical equipment and devices to India.

SpiceJet said it has been regularly been using its Boeing 737 and Bombardier Q400 fleet to carry cargo in the passenger cabin. The airline operated the country’s first cargo-on-seat flight on April 7.

SpiceXpress, SpiceJet’s dedicated cargo arm, has been regularly transporting surgical supplies, sanitizers, face masks, etc. and providing doorstep deliveries of essential supplies, medicines and medical equipment to various cities in India.

SpiceJet has helped the Indian government with its efforts to transport coronavirus rapid test kits within India, as well as in the repatriation of Indian passengers evacuated from COVID-19 hit Iran.

The airline has also operated special cargo flights to Abu Dhabi, Kuwait and other countries taking fresh fruits and vegetables and helping Indian farmers maintain continuity of their supply chains in addition to operating dedicated services from Chennai & Vishakhapatnam to Surat and Kolkata.