Amazon edges closer to the launch of air network in India

After nine years of business in India, it appears that India will be the next country that Amazon Air will call home. As reported by Jeff Lee of Cargo Facts , Quikjet Cargo Airlines has obtained its Indian air operator certificate (AOC) and could soon begin scheduled freighter operations. Quikjet is part of ASL Aviation Holdings and previously operated freighters in India, before a brief hiatus. Analysis of Fligthradar24.com data shows that VT-AAZ, operated by Quikjet, was active between December 4th and 9th, but the aircraft has not flown since. We speculate that these flights were part of the certification process but may offer a hint at Amazon's planned network in India, with multiples legs flown between four destinations: Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR), Jaipur International Airport (JAI), and Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD), all cities which are home to existing Amazon infrastructure. [caption id="attachment_57280953" align="aligncenter" width="493"] A map outlining VT-AAZ's movements between December 4th and 9th, 2022.[/caption] VT-AAZ, is a Boeing 737-800BCF (MSN 30643), that will operate in full Amazon colors. VT-AAZ is just shy of 21 years old and was converted in early 2022 at Jinan Yaoqiang International Airport (TNA). Another Quikjet 737-800BCF (MSN 28382) was ferried from TNA to HYD, however, it is unclear which role this aircraft will serve as, unlike VT-AAZ, it will wear Quikjet's livery. So why India? The easy answer is population, with a population of nearly 1.4 people India offers a lot of potential for Amazon. The New Indian Press reports that India is one of few large and under-penetrated e-commerce markets with retail penetration of 5% compared to the global average of 14%. Amazon also faces stiff competition in India, Walmart/Flipkart, and JioMart, something that they do not experience in other markets. It may be this stiff competition that is driving Amazon to further its service but introducing an air network that they hope to grow to rival those in the USA, Canada, and Europe. The reward is huge, e-commerce spending is expected to approach $130 billion in gross merchandise value (GMV) by 2025. We will be keeping a close eye on these developments in the months to come.

Amazon edges closer to the launch of air network in India

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