Delhi, April 07: Boosting the government's Lifeline UDAN initiative, SpiceJet has become the first domestic airline to be operated as India's first cargo-on-seat flight, carrying 11 tons of vital supplies in the passenger cabin and belly space from Delhi to Chennai. The airline operated B737 passenger aircraft to conduct five rotations on Tuesday.

 

 

 

According to the source, the airline deployed a Boeing 737 NG aircraft after taking approvals from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

 

"Since the lockdown began, we have carried more than 1,400 tons of cargo operating around 200 domestic and international cargo flights. Today, for the first time in the country, we used a passenger aircraft to transport cargo where in addition to the belly space the passenger cabin was used to safely carry essential supplies," Ajay Singh Chairman & Managing Director, SpiceJet said in a statement.

 

"We are honored to be a part of the government’s ‘Lifeline Udan’ initiative. We have also put our five freighters to maximum use to transport cold chain medical supplies, medicines, medical devices for various state governments, medical and pharma companies,” he further added.

 

Special seat covers made from flame-proof material were used to cover the seats and the cargo on the seat was secured with restraints. To ensure optimum utilization of space, the overhead bin was also used. The aircraft flew from Delhi to Chennai. From Chennai, it operated to Surat and from Surat, it operated back to Chennai.