In week 13 of PLA’s global wrap, we feature a couple of firsts, including Corsair’s brand new A330neo, Emirates’ vaccine delivery milestone, IAG Cargo’s record airlift from Kenya, and the launch of a new cargo airline operating the EMA-BFS route in the United Kingdom.
ASL Airlines UK becomes newest cargo carrier
ASL Airlines United Kingdom received its air operator certificate (AOC) and its operating licence from the UK Civil Aviation Authority. The first flight was operated by an ATR72-200 freighter, registered G-OASL, from East Midlands Airport to Belfast International Airport. The AOC of ASL Airlines UK is for the operation of cargo flights on a single route, but the airline is applying for an EASA third country operator (TCO) authorisation for flights from the UK to Europe. ASL Airlines United Kingdom’s ICAO 3 letter designator is ABV and its call sign is CARGOBLUE.
Emirates: first to deliver 50 million vaccine doses
In the run up to World Health Day on 7 April, Emirates SkyCargo has reached a pivotal milestone in vaccine delivery at it became the first airline in the world to have transported more than 50 million doses of Covid-19 vaccine on its flights, including more than 100 tonnes of syringes across the world to support the delivery of vaccines. The Dubai-based carrier has transported over 220 tonnes of vaccine shots, of six different brands, on more than 150 flights from manufacturing locations to 50 destinations on its network through Dubai.
IAG Cargo uplifts record shipment from Kenya on B777-300
IAG Cargo recorded its largest uplift—53,793 kilos of cargo—from Kenya on a B777-300 operated by British Airways, from Nairobi (NBO) to London Heathrow (LHR) on 31 March. The record cargo-only flight comprised a mix of perishables, textiles and courier packages. IAG Cargo currently operates four weekly rotations on the route. The record uplift comes a week after the start of the UK-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement, which is expected to provide the Africa nation unrestricted access to the UK market—free of duty and quota restrictions.
HK Express, CASL forge closer ties with new contract
China Aircraft Services Limited (CASL) has signed a new contract with HK Express at Hong Kong International Airport to provide cabin cleaning service to the airline’s A320 fleet. Starting 2 April, CASL will provide cabin cleaning and cabin disinfection services, contributing to aviation’s commitment in safeguarding the health and well-being of passengers and crew, especially uncertain times
TIACA launches 3rd Air Cargo Sustainability Awards
The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) announced that the third edition of the Air Cargo Sustainability Award is now open for applications. The competition aims to recognize outstanding businesses and industry initiatives demonstrating positive change in supporting social welfare, economic development, environmental impact, innovation and partnership. Two categories will be awarded for both established and upcoming companies, with finalists to present their solutions at the Executive Summit in San Francisco, CA, on September 21-24.
Geodis recognised as ‘core carrier’ by Arkema China
Geodis received the award “core carrier of Arkema China” at the 2021 Arkema China Carrier Annual Conference held in Shanghai, China. It currently manages the customs clearance for Arkema’s general cargo, as well as pre-carriage and on-carriage. The logistics company actively partners with the manufacturer of specialty chemicals and advanced materials to ensure effective management of the supplier’s performance, including the adherence to agreed standards via an auditing process. Geodis is currently participating in a full container load (FCL) freight sourcing exercise for non-core destinations, which is estimated to encompass 1,000 TEUs of export volume in Asia Pacific.
Pharma.Aero, HLA to explore use of UAVs for crisis scenario
Pharma.Aero and Humanitarian Logistics Association have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU), citing the importance of developing air cargo supply chains to handle and transport pharmaceuticals, especially for the last mile delivery, in humanitarian context or in crisis situations. The collaboration aims to improve quality in the global air cargo industry, with a focus on crisis-prone countries, as well as emergencies and humanitarian projects. The duo is looking at the use of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology for hard to reach places, as one if its first joint projects.
Corsair has taken delivery of its first A330-900, on lease from Avolon, according to Airbus. Corsair, which already operates an Airbus fleet of five A330 Family aircraft, had orders for five A330neos, as it aims to become an all-A330 operator. Corsair’s newest aircraft is the first A330neo to feature an increased maximum take-off weight of 251 tonnes, allowing it to fly long-haul destinations up to 13,400 km (7,200nm) with ten tonnes more payload on board.
