SpiceJet ensuring Indian supply chain remains intact amid Covid-19

Five dedicated freighters of SpiceJet have been carrying supplies including medicine, medical equipment, cold chain medical supplies and farm produce for various governments, medical and pharmaceutical companies, international retailers and farmer bodies.

The airline has transported close to 4,000 tons of cargo on more than 430 flights since the nation-wide lockdown began in India three weeks ago, said a press release issued on Friday.

SpiceJet, India's second-largest airline, has been ferrying crucial medical supplies to and from Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Kuwait, Abu Dhabi, Ho Chi Minh City, Colombo, Kabul, Dubai and a host of other places. 

Its cargo operations have been significantly boosted by the airline's passenger aircraft fleet where both its B737 and Q400 aircraft have been deployed to operate cargo-on-seat flights.

MGH Group, the global cargo GSA of SpiceJet, has been instrumental behind the airline's freighter flights from Singapore to Chennai and Bengaluru, carrying crucial medical supplies while extending full support to the airline's regular cargo operations to Hanoi and Bangkok.

Headquartered in Singapore, MGH Logistics is a Bangladesh-born diversified conglomerate with presence in 18 emerging markets.

"Ajay Singh's [SpiceJet owner] bold and farsighted move to set up an independent cargo arm for SpiceJet has paid rich dividends by not only ensuring that the key supply chain remains intact but also providing healthy cash flows for the company when air passenger operations have been completely grounded," said Anis Ahmed, founder and CEO ofMGH Group.

SpiceJet, along with MGH Group, has been planning to expand its freighter operations and add multiple global routes to its fast-growing network considering the surge in demand for essentials and medical supplies globally.

SpiceJet has helped transport tons of essential supplies including face masks, sanitisers, essential surgical supplies, infrared thermometers, hazmat suits, and coronavirus rapid test kits within and outside India.