The Hindu Business Line : Cargoitalia adds Chennai and Delhi to its network

Cargoitalia, Italy's international all cargo carrier, added Chennai and Delhi to its network early this month. This is the second Italian carrier, after Alitalia, to operate out of Chennai.

Mr Noble Vaz, Vice-President - Sales, (Sub continent), Cargoitalia, told Business Line that the airline started operations to Mumbai in June. He said that the airline had opted to operate DC10 aircraft, with the capacity to carry about 65 tonnes. This capacity would be sustainable even during the lean months, Mr Vaz said. Currently, about 40 tonnes would be earmarked for Chennai, he said.

Direct Connection

The aircraft would fly in from its hub in Milan Malpensa to Chennai and Delhi before returning to Milan. This aircraft would then go on to New York. Mr Vaz said that this would provide a direct connection for Chennai exporters to the primary markets. The aircraft would operate twice a week.

Mr Vaz said that the airline would also operate two flights on the Milan, Mumbai, Dhaka, Milan sectors.

The airline would target pharmaceuticals, leather goods and garments for exports. On the inbound, the cargo would be telecommunication equipment, electronics and chemicals.

He said at present the airline has two DC10s and plans to add six more by 2007.