India Post to induct more freighter aircraft

New Delhi: Competition would appear to have initiated increased action at the government's postal service, India Post. With private courier services already eating into their core business, India Post has now made plans to induct another four freighter aircraft by the end of 2008. The new inductions will add extra muscle to its speed post services that deliver 'faster' mail to about 15 major cities in India.

The department is said to be in dialogue with the government to ensure that the leased aircraft would indeed be pressed into service by the end of the year. India Post is still in the midst of negotiations with Air India for leasing four of its Boeing aircraft, but is keeping its options open by holding talks with other agencies in case the deal does not come through.

However, with Air India currently sinking under a sea of red ink, any suitor willing to take over some of its capacity in terms of aircraft would be welcome. The beleaguered Indian flag carrier is seeking a large quantum of financial assistance from the government to make ends meet.

India Post had launched its first aircraft on 29 August 2007, dedicating the service to the 'seven sisters', or the seven states in the north east of the country. The service uses Guwahati as its hub.

The aircraft has a 15-tonne load capacity, and carries Speed Post, mail and parcels to a number of destinations across the north-eastern states.