COVID-19: SpiceJet operates first cargo-on-seat flight

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Budget airline SpiceJet on Tuesday operated the country's first cargo-on-seat flight carrying vital supplies in the passenger cabin and belly space from Delhi to Chennai. Accordingly, 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.

According to the airline, the flight carried 11 tons of vital supplies in passenger cabin and belly space from Delhi to Chennai

The aircraft will do five rotations today ensuring that vital supplies are delivered in the shortest possible time.

"Since the lockdown began, we have carried more than 1,400 tons of cargo operating around 200 domestic and international cargo flights," Ajay Singh, Chairman & Managing Director, SpiceJet said in a statement.

"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."

As per the statement, special covers made from flame-proof material were used to cover the seats and the cargo on seat was secured with restraints.

"To ensure optimum utilisation of space, the overhead bin, were also used," the statement said.

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