Cathay Cargo targets Indian logistics growth with an 11% tonnage rise and a push for a co-terminalisation freight pact.
Cathay Cargo is accelerating its expansion in India, reporting an 11 per cent year-on-year increase in tonnage. The carrier is now seeking regulatory approval for “co-terminalisation” to further streamline the nation’s supply chain operations.
The airline currently operates 13 weekly freighters to Chennai, Delhi, and Mumbai. Under the proposed co-terminalisation framework, a single freighter would be permitted to serve multiple Indian cities, such as linking Hyderabad, Bengaluru, or Ahmedabad, before returning to the Hong Kong hub. This move is designed to maximise payload efficiency and provide better connectivity for regional manufacturing clusters.
Sector growth has been primarily sustained by high-volume shipments of mobile phones, automobile components, and pharmaceuticals. Director Cargo, Dominic Perret, noted that India has become one of the top three global markets for the carrier in terms of profitability and capacity.
The airline is also exploring partnerships with Indian carriers to utilise passenger aircraft belly space. With the normalisation of trade ties between India and China, the carrier expects a further boost in logistics demand throughout 2026.
Key Milestones:
- 15 December 2025: Official confirmation of 11 per cent tonnage growth in the Indian market.
- 31 March 2025: Resumption of direct services to Hyderabad, enhancing regional logistics.
- October 2025: Tonnage handled at the Hong Kong hub exceeded 150,000 tonnes, supported by Indian exports.
SOURCE – TOI
