Oman Air has begun its first ever freighter service between its home hub of Muscat International Airport and GMR Hyderabad International Airport in India, using its recently delivered 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF).
The freighter service will encompass two weekly flights, on Tuesday and Saturday. With a one-way capacity of 22 metric tons, the 737-800BCF will add an additional combined inbound and outbound weekly capacity of 88 metric tons at Hyderabad Airport, said the airport.
Hyderabad Airport chief executive Pradeep Panicker said: “The Oman Air freighter services from Hyderabad Airport will not only link our diverse industries and the thriving market within the city but will also provide opportunities for the businesses in the surrounding regions access to the global market.
“As global cargo demand continues to grow, we have emphasised and developed infrastructure and innovative capabilities, digital solutions, and added multiple value additions. We look forward to adding more cargo routes in the coming years.”
This service is expected to boost the export of pharmaceuticals and hatching eggs shipments from the city, added Hyderabad Airport.
Oman serves as a large importer of hatching eggs from India. With this new freighter route, Oman Air anticipates a substantial surge in exports of hatching eggs from Hyderabad , leveraging the large hatchery infrastructure in the city, explained the airport.
This new connectivity will also boost pharma exports to Oman and further to the US and Europe with Muscat serving as a transhipment base. The Middle East is also a major importer of fruits and vegetables, Hyderabad Airport pointed out.
Oman Air’s 737-800BCF is its first dedicated cargo aircraft. With the ability to carry up to 23.9 tonnes of freight at a range of 3,750 km, the 737-800BCF will contribute to continued capacity growth at the airline.