Dhaka: Thailand’s national carrier Thai Airways (THAI) is now offering a cargo-in-cabin service in an effort to meet the demand of cargo that requires special handling.

Lieutenant Junior Grade Supoj Charoensuk, Chief of Operations at Thai Airways International, said, the carrier, in collaboration with the commercial and postal sectors, on February 1, shipped roughly three metric tons of Antigen Test Kits (ATKs) to Sydney, Australia.

The cargo, which requires special handling, was kept in the cabin of Boeing 777-300ER aircraft TG-300ER. He further added that the service is focused on ensuring the cargo’s safety as well as the transportation’s efficiency.

The service also allows the aircraft to carry more cargo by utilising the cabin as extra storage. It is suitable for transporting sensitive commodities such as pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, food, and electronic parts.

Supoj also noted, the service is likely to help the airline make much more revenue. He claimed, a number of clients, including the Thai Fresh Fruit Traders and Exporters Association, have already shown interest in the service.

THAI also flew its first cargo-in-cabin flight in January, and a shipping a batch of 2.6 tons of ATKs from Bangkok to Guangzhou in China.

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has granted Thai Airways a license to provide the service till the end of March. At the end of the current term, the carrier will request a renewal, said THAI in a statement.