Express giant UPS is adding an extra weekly freighter flight to its operation between Europe and India in line with the growing demand for Indian goods in European and American markets.
The extra flight will operate from Delhi to its Cologne hub utilising one of the express firm’s Boeing 747-8 freighter aircraft.
UPS said the expansion will double its airfreight capacity on the route and capitalise on growing demand for fast-moving and time-sensitive shipments.
The company said the move is also in line with expanding demand from sectors such as automotive, industrial manufacturing, retail and healthcare.
UPS pointed out that from Cologne, cargo can be transported to the US, one of India’s largest trading partners.
Daniel Carrera, president, UPS Europe, Middle East, Africa & India, said: “Across Europe and worldwide, there is growing demand for high-quality goods from India from a range of sectors.
“This expansion of our global air network will create new opportunities for European consumers, as well as for Indian businesses looking to export.”
UPS said that a surge in demand from India was driven by policy reforms, a push for manufacturing competitiveness, and improved access to international markets.
Europe is now India’s largest trading partner, with trade in goods totalling $137.4bn in the last fiscal year.
UPS has been investing in its India business in recent years. In 2022, it opened an air express operation at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (BLR), while it has also doubled capacity at its Delhi facility and opened a temperature-controlled cross-dock facility in Hyderabad.
It has also teamed up with India-based travel conglomerate InterGlobe Enterprises to launch delivery firm Movin.