Delta Cargo is set to increase its cargo capacity by utilising storage areas in the passenger cabin.

The carrier received approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to utilise overhead bin space of widebody aircraft for cargo. This measure allows the airline to maximise capacity on its cargo-only charters to better meet customer demand.

These flights, using idle aircraft that would otherwise be parked, are keeping vital supply chain lines open during the global pandemic.

Vice president of Delta Cargo, Shawn Cole, said: “We thank the FAA for their cooperation in allowing us to increase our cargo capacity.

“This really has been a joint effort across our business and will enable us to utilize the overhead bin space to move even more vital medical and protective equipment on each flight for the Covid-19 pandemic efforts.”

Earlier this month, Delta began operating cargo-only services, along with a host of other airlines including Virgin Atlantic and American Airlines, to safely and expeditiously transport essential goods and medical supplies, among other items.

Delta will continue to explore solutions for cargo-only transport, including options to carry more goods in the passenger cabin by utilising and removing seats.

Visit deltacargo.com/Cargo for more information.