The apex body of express companies, engaged in movement of goods through documents and parcels, on Friday demanded industry status and an independent regulator for the Rs 2,493-crore (Rs 24.93 billion) sector.
Blue Dart, the express cargo carrier, is planning to expand its fleet. It intends to add two new aircraft at an estimated cost of Rs 60 crore (Rs 600 million), company chairman Tushar Jani said.
Courier rates in the country may be hiked by 35-40 per cent within 15 days following imposition of 67 per cent on-board courier rates by domestic airlines, the apex organisation of courier companies said on Wednesday.
The government is considering setting up air freight stations to enable direct movement of vaccines from pharmaceutical factories to the aircraft.