The MDLR group, which operates MDLR Airlines, plans to launch a cargo airline, MDLR Cargo, by the end of the year, its Vice President, Mr Rajendra Dubey, said on Wednesday.

“We intend to start operations with one aircraft and would scale up to have a fleet of 10-15 aircraft in the next few years. We are examining both the Airbus A-300 and the MD-8 for the operations. Initially, the airline would operate between India and South East-Asia and have operations at least four times a week. The company is in dialogue with one or two leasing companies for acquiring the aircraft. We should freeze discussions in the next few days,” Mr Dubey added.

Second phase

The cargo airlines plans to expand its operations to south India and would look at operating from Chennai, Kochi and Bangalore in the second phase of its expansion plans, Director, Mr Harsh Vardhan, said.

Heliport

The group also has plans to set up a heliport and a flying training academy. “We have applied to the Directorate-General of Civil Aviation for a licence to set up a heliport in Gurgoan. The heliport would occupy an 11 acre area. The planned facility would be used by not only our helicopters but also by helicopters operated by other companies,” said the Group Chairman and Managing Director, Mr Gopal Goyal.

The company which has a non-scheduled operators permit has applied to the Ministry of Civil Aviation seeking approval to operate as a regional scheduled airline.