Indian road express company launches parallel domestic air services

ONE of India's major road express players, Spoton, is to launch domestic air cargo services alongside its extensive road delivery network in the first quarter 2013.

According to parent company, Mauritius-based India Equity Partners its launch follows on from the second phase of the private equity company's acquisition of TNT Domestic Road Express rebranded to Startrek Logistics and than Spoton, said its managing director Abhik Mitra.

The company will aim to tie-up with airlines' capacity in passenger bellyhold such as its competitor DTDC does, and cover up to 30 locations in the country in one-day delivery guarantee, Mr Mitra added in a report from the Indian daily Hindu Business Line.

Spoton ranks itself as one of three major players with Gati and Safex in a road express industry worth INR25 billion (US$450 million). It aims to grow its revenue by 10 to 15 per cent or INR2.2 billion. Since acquisition its clients remain unchanged at 4,000 customers and around 900 employees, vendors and business associates.