Noticing a surge in demand for logistics operations within the aviation industry during COVID times, AirAsia is planning to establish its operations within the micro-sector.

Teleport, AirAsia’s freighter arm which will induct its first Boeing 737-800 in the third quarter of 2021, aims to induct six more narrowbody aircraft for its operations in the near future.

Teleport forecasted that demand for cargo flights would only continue due to forecasted COVID-19 prolonging. Therefore, to stay ahead of the curve, the logistics company intends to expand its fleet.

“The Teleport chief executive is telling me he needs six in the near distance,” says AirAsia Group chief executive Tony Fernandes, referring to Teleport. “We might need a couple of slightly longer, slightly bigger ones as well; to connect bigger cities.”

Given that AirAsia’s fleet comprises of Airbus aircraft, Fernandes suggested that the converted Airbus A320 would be a better choice, although Teleport will initially operate a dedicated Boeing 737 freighter.

Fernandes also indicated that the planned induction would all be leased.