While India accounts for only three per cent of an estimated 27-million-tonne global air freight market, foreign carriers continue to expand their presence in the country.

Malaysia Airlines Cargo (MASkargo) plans to expand its services to various destinations, including an additional service to its existing one to Chennai, once it receives a new A300-600 freighter. Leased for one year from Air Atlanta Icelandic, the freighter caters to seasonal cargo on specific routes and may also be used for charters.

SAS Cargo has also announced the launch of a new service between Copenhagen and New Delhi with three flights every week in each direction and each flight can carry approximately 16 tonnes of payload. SAS Cargo has appointed InterGlobe as its general salesagent in Delhi.

India: BA may be looking tofranchise in India

UK flag carrier British Airways is said to be considering a franchise agreement with an Indian domestic carrier and to be in discussions with multiple Indian airlines, according to a report by India’s Business Standard.

Current foreign direct investment (FDI) policy does not allow foreign carriers to hold equity, directly or indirectly, in domestic airlines. The franchise model that BA follows globally involves no equity, but allows the franchisee airline to use its livery, brandand code, the Standard said.