Air India will launch its first freighter service with two A310 aircraft in June-July this year.

The airline is also considering converting eight of its A310 aircraft and five of its 737-200 aircraft into freighters. It plans to lease one or two 747-400 aircraft for cargo operations. With this move, Air India will become the first carrier in India to have its own dedicated freighter service.

"This is the first step towards becoming a serious cargo player in India. As we induct new passenger aircraft into our fleet we plan to convert older aircraft for freighter services," said V Thulasidas of Air India.

Air India intends to deploy the two A310 aircraft on freighter services to Frankfurt, Paris and Shanghai. These aircraft will be converted in Germany.