Amazon has launched Amazon Air, a dedicated air freight fleet in India, as the e-commerce giant beefs up its logistics infrastructure in a key foreign market with more than $6.5 billion.
The retailer has partnered with Bangalore-based cargo carrier QuickJet to launch the country’s first air cargo service. Amazon uses Boeing 737-800s for this service.
Amazon launched Air in the United States in 2016, with over 30 Boeing cargo planes. I also briefly tested the program in the UK. India is her third market where Amazon has launched freight services.
The move follows Amazon opening up its transportation and logistics network to third-party merchants, businesses and direct-to-consumer brands late last year.
“Amazon India uses its own service for delivery of about 80-85% of its orders, opening up its delivery sector to other sellers. Delivery itself can achieve massive scale in India. It’s a business, so it makes sense to launch this in India,” said Satish Meena, an independent analyst who tracks the country’s e-commerce sector.
(This is a work in progress)
