New Delhi: Mukesh Ambani-controlled Reliance Industries , sources said, has set its sights on establishing a captive cargo airline venture to meet the logistics needs - particularly for transporting farm and dairy products - for its pan-India retail venture.
Sources told The Times of India that Reliance has roped in Air India's director (engineering) VK Mehra to spearhead its fleet of cargo planes, which will be used to transport perishables, like fruits and vegetables, from its warehouses to the various retail outlets spread across the length and breadth of India.
Reliance plans to induct around 40 35-40 tonner cargo planes to create a high-speed supply chain a crucial backbone for its food and beverage supplies.
The possibility of extending this business into a full-fledged cargo airline operation at a later date is not be ruled out.
12/07/06 Byas Anand/Times of India
