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Air India SATS Airport Services Private Limited (AISATS) has entered into two separate Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with Spicexpress Logistics Private Limited (Spicexpress) and Totsol Aviation Private Limited (A Total Solutions Group Company) to explore and develop freighter operations at the AISATS Multi Modal Cargo Hub (MMCH) at Noida International Airport (NIA). The agreements were signed at the ACFI World Conclave 2026 in New Delhi.
The agreement with Spicexpress lays the groundwork for livestock freighter operations from AISATS’ cargo terminal at NIA, where the company is planning to operate approximately 200 freighters between September 2026 and August 2027. The initiative leverages the AISATS Cargo Terminal’s strategic proximity to major livestock-producing regions, like Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, thus enabling cargo to reach its final destinations in a shorter time span. The integrated infrastructure of the hub further enables faster and digitally coordinated cargo movement, acting as a gateway to international markets.
Under the MOU with Total Solutions, AISATS plans to explore the feasibility of scheduled and non-scheduled cargo freighter operations from Noida International Airport. It's a timely move for the AISATS Multi Modal Cargo Hub, adding freighter capacity and connectivity at NIA just as cargo operations there start to ramp up.
Mr. Ramanathan Rajamani, CEO, Air India SATS, said: "The AISATS Multi-Modal Cargo Hub is positioned to support more efficient and predictable movement of livestock consignments to both domestic and international markets. The hub also offers the flexibility needed in handling non-scheduled operations. Livestock freighter capacity is central to the growth of the overall industry, and we will act as a catalyst to further enhance it by reducing the timeframe. Our technology-led infrastructure automates multiple processes which make it a reliable gateway for all sorts of cargo needs.”
He Further added, “The specialised infrastructure at our state-of-the- art facility has been designed to ensure optimal cargo conditions and uphold the highest quality standards across the supply chain. With digitally integrated operations and advanced automation at its core, the facility is equipped to provide a dependable and efficient gateway for specialised as well as general cargo. With partners like Spicexpress, Total Solutions and Noida International Airport, we are confident that this hub will strengthen the link between India’s livestock-producing regions and global destinations and play an important role in connecting North India’s cargo markets to global destination.”
Mr. Amit Chadha, Head of SpiceXpress & VP - Spicexpress and Logistics Private Limited, added: "This MOU partnership with AISATS is about creating a dependable operating model for a category of cargo where consistency matters as much as connectivity. Livestock movements require careful coordination across the journey, and dedicated freighter capacity gives us greater control over how these shipments are planned and handled. Our objective is to build a sustainable operation from the AISATS MMCH, with the right processes and scale to serve the requirements of customers across the region. The dedicated and specialized facilities at terminal will enable safe and healthy storage & carriage of livestock”.
Sandeep Datta, Managing Director, Total Solutions Group, added: " Our focus is on developing cargo propositions that are commercially viable, responsive to market demand and supported by strong engagement with airlines, freight forwarders and the wider cargo community. Through this collaboration with AISATS, we aim to bring our market knowledge, cargo development capabilities and operational experience to help build sustainable freighter connectivity from Noida International Airport. We will work closely with our partners to identify viable trade lanes, aggregate cargo demand and develop both scheduled and non-scheduled freighter opportunities that can progressively strengthen connectivity for customers across North India."
Christoph Schnellmann, Vice Chairman, Noida International Airport, further mentioned: “The AISATS Multi-Modal Cargo Hub brings world-class cargo infrastructure and operational capabilities to Noida International Airport. A strong cargo ecosystem is built on infrastructure, partners and connectivity. The proposed livestock freighter operations with Spicexpress highlight the versatility of the facility and its ability to support specialised cargo segments. As cargo demand continues to evolve, initiatives such as this will help maximise the potential of the hub and strengthen Noida International Airport’s strategic importance for cargo operators seeking efficient and reliable logistics solutions. This collaboration with Totsol Aviation highlights the versatility and capability of the facility to support a wide range of cargo operations while creating additional connectivity options for customers. We believe initiatives such as these will contribute meaningfully to the long-term growth of air cargo traffic through NIA.”
The collaboration between AISATS and Spicexpress and Total Solutions is expected to strengthen cargo operations at Noida International Airport (NIA) by establishing robust cargo handling protocols, streamlined terminal processes, and an efficient operating framework to support seamless movement of goods. It also supports the development of the AISATS Multi Modal Cargo Hub (MMCH) as a leading freighter hub capable of handling specialised and general cargo, including livestock. As NIA continues to attract additional cargo carriers, freighter volumes are expected to witness steady growth with freighter volumes are expected to increase steadily over the next few years, further strengthening the airport's role in India's air cargo landscape.
About Air India SATS Airport Services Pvt. Ltd (AISATS)
AISATS is a 50:50 joint venture between Air India Limited (TATA Group entity), and SATS Limited, one of the world’s largest providers of air cargo handling services and Asia’s leading airline caterer. As part of the Indian Government's initiative to upgrade its airports to world-class facilities and attract more airlines to fly into India, AISATS was formed with the vision to provide world-class airport services in ground and cargo handling that exceed customers’ expectations.
Since the start of its operations in 2008, AISATS has provided hassle-free and comprehensive solutions to its customer airlines in airports at Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, Mangalore, Ranchi, Raipur, Cochin, Noida and Trivandrum. Currently employing approx. 17,000+ staff, AISATS offers end-to-end ground handling services such as passenger and baggage handling, ramp handling, aircraft interior cleaning, load control and flight operations, and cargo handling services for general, perishable, transshipment, express courier and special cargo.
Totsol Aviation Private Limited (A Total Solutions Group Company)
Totsol Aviation Private Limited, a Total Solutions Group company, is a prominent aviation services company providing integrated support across airline representation, cargo GSSA, cargo charter and digital cargo services. The company works with airlines, freight forwarders, airports and other industry stakeholders to support cargo sales, market development, operational coordination and network development across domestic and international markets.
With a strong understanding of local cargo markets and international aviation operations, Total Solution focuses on connecting airline capacity with market demand and developing commercially sustainable cargo opportunities. Its capabilities span both scheduled and non-scheduled operations, enabling the company to support airlines across market entry, route development, cargo capacity utilisation and ongoing commercial representation.
About Noida International Airport
Noida International Airport (IATA code - DXN) connects the greater Delhi area and Western Uttar Pradesh with other cities in India and the world. This world-class airport offers rich experiences and comprehensive commercial attractions to its passengers. NIA is committed to an ambitious net zero emissions goal supported by sustainable design and operations principles.
Yamuna International Airport Private Limited (YIAPL) was established for the development, construction and operation of the greenfield project - the Noida International Airport. The company, a 100% subsidiary of Zurich Airport International AG, is responsible for the implementation of the public-private partnership project in close partnership with the Government of Uttar Pradesh and the Government of India. The concession period for Noida International Airport commenced on October 01, 2021, and will run for 40 years. The airport’s masterplan provides for further development over the duration of the concession to serve over 70 million passengers annually.
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