Korean Air will launch cargo flights between Incheon and Delhi, the business and commercial hub of northern India, from 17 July 2018.
Korean Air currently operates direct passenger flights between Incheon and Mumbai three times a week and between Incheon and Delhi five times a week. The decision to introduce cargo flight accompanies the new strategy the South Korean government’s diplomatic efforts to strengthen the partnership with India. Korean Air will operate its Boeing 777F cargo three times a week (Tuesday / Thursday / Saturday) on this route.
The flight will leave Incheon at 23:10, stop in Hanoi and arrive in Delhi at 6:15 the next day. From Delhi to Incheon, there will be two stops in Vienna and Milan.
The Boeing 777F is a new generation light cargo aircraft with a maximum payload of over 100 tons. Once filled with fuel, it can travel more than 9,000 kilometres (5,593 miles). Its fuel efficiency allows the aircraft to be used on long-haul freight routes such as Europe.
« Demand for air freight from Asia to India has shown renewed momentum recently with an average annual increase of 6.5 % over the past three years, » said Korean Air spokesman. « We anticipate new demand and improved profitability through optimized freight routes. »