Indian low cost carrier, SpiceJet, has become the first airline in India to deploy SmartKargo’s cloud-based air cargo management solution for its in-house and international cargo operations. SmartKargo, based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, US offers an advanced air cargo management solution, leveraging three signficant IT advances: Cloud computing, mobile platforms and data analytics.

Unlike older cargo systems that require expensive, dedicated hardware and software, SmartKargo – built by MIT-trained engineers – is a 100 per cent Cloud-based solution running on Microsoft’s Azure platform and is accessible 24/7 from any Internet browser.

SmartKargo Founder and CEO, Milind Tavshikar said: “SmartKargo’s robust capabilities will help SpiceJet further build its cargo business, and enable it to deliver even better customer service to shippers across its growing network. More and more airlines and other companies in the air cargo ecosystem are discovering what we deliver: Improved revenues and better customer service. Greater efficiency and more flexibility. And instant information for better decisions.”

India will be Asia’s second fastest-growing market with a CAGR of 6.8 per cent, according to Amit Srivastava, SpiceJet’s VP, business development, adding that India’s second-largest low fare airline, “is poised to play a leading role in the freight-delivery chapter of the India growth story. With advanced booking and handling tools like SmartKargo, SpiceJet will not only replace a legacy system, but will also deliver a much higher standard of customer satisfaction.”

SpiceJet operates a fleet of 20 B737-800s and B737-900ERs, two A319s, and 14 Bombardier Q400s, with 252 daily flights from principal hubs in Delhi, Chennai, and Hyderabad to 34 Indian and seven international destinations, including Dubai, Kathmandu, and Colombo. Daily cargo capacity is about 300 tonnes.