New Indian cargo carrier Quikjet Airlines will launch 4X-daily freight services serving Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad using a Boeing 737-400SF. Quikjet received an air operator’s certificate this month.

The company is a joint venture between Mumbai-based aircraft and services company Sovika Aviation, and the Dublin-based leasing company ASL Aviation Group. ASL recently agreed topurchase courier service TNT’s airlineoperations as part of recent moves to extend its presence in the cargo business.

Quikjet says it is aiming to fill the gap unserved by existing passenger aircraft belly cargo capacity in India, and is targeting the express cargo, e-commerce and motor industries. It also plans to extend services to Mumbai and Kolkata as its business develops.

Quikjet CEO Preetham Phillip said the airline would concentrate on time sensitive cargo, and would concentrate on “premium business.” Quikjet said India currently has only seven dedicated local air freighters despite a rapid expansion of its economy.

Phillip said the carrier would aim to gain business where passenger belly space was ruled out through oversize units or for regulatory reasons, and from the expanding Indian e-commerce sector.

“Quikjet will … serve multiple customers, airlines, business and industry [and plans to] expand its operations in the months and years ahead,” ASL Aviation Group CEO Hugh Flynn said.

Sovika already handles cargo business for Vistara, Air Costa, and GoAir from its hub in Mumbai, and says the new venture will enhance its existing specialist airport-to-airport air cargo connectivity.