The Hindu Business Line : Increase freight services between India, UK: AFL

WITH India and the UK signing a new air services agreement, AFL Pvt Ltd has highlighted the need for starting more freight services between the two countries. It is expected to boost trade between the UK, other European countries and the east coast of the US.

An official statement quoting Mr Cyrus Guzder, Chairman and Managing Director, AFL, said, "We welcome the new air service agreement since it will increase freight capacity that will help Indian exporters and importers. Moreover, it will also lead to a drop in freight rates, again benefiting customers.

"However, the Government and the authorities concerned must focus on starting more dedicated freight services between India and the UK for better planning of freight forwarding to support the growing foreign trade. It will help bring down the waiting period for cargo at airports."

The new air services agreement replaces the 1951 agreement, and would result in a tripling of direct scheduled services between India and the UK. The following year could see a further doubling in passenger services, the statement said.

The entitlement in the India-UK sector would go up to 56 weekly services on the Delhi/Mumbai-London (Heathrow) route by winter this year.

Different industry sectors in India, such as auto components, IT hardware, telecommunications, durables, textiles, pharmaceuticals and light engineering, are growing at a fast pace. Indian companies in these sectors are increasingly exporting their goods to global markets. With adequate freighter services between India and the UK, these companies can ensure seamless, time-bound supply to markets in the European Union as well as to the east coast of the US.

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