Critics of London Heathrow Airport’s third runway have launched a legal challenge based on what they say are flaws in the runway consultation process. Governmental approval for Heathrow Airport Runway 3 was given at the start of 2009, along with approval for a future Terminal 6 to support it. Supporting its original Runway 3 decision, the Department for Transport said it intended to offer a “robust†defence to the legal challenge. … [Read more...] about New legal challenge to Heathrow's third runway
Cathay and Air China ink air cargo JV
Cathay Pacific Airways and Air China have set up an air-cargo joint venture in China, according to a joint statement by the carriers on Thursday, finalising an agreement after discussions lasting nearly four years. The joint venture will be 51 per cent owned by Air China and make use of the mainland Chinese carrier's existing air-cargo unit, Air China Cargo, as a platform. Cathay will have a 25 per cent equity stake and an indirect 24 per cent stake through an offshore trust. The agreement will … [Read more...] about Cathay and Air China ink air cargo JV
Lufthansa and Austrian to merge cargo units
Lufthansa Cargo and Austrian Airlines have agreed to step up cooperation between their two companies in the airfreight sector with a new agreement, that will see their global distribution activities merged and their product portfolios and production processes harmonized. Sales and production to be integrated with effect from 1 July 2010. In future, the two companies will jointly route their cargo traffic through the Vienna hub and boost freight flows. Lufthansa Cargo and Austrian Cargo will also … [Read more...] about Lufthansa and Austrian to merge cargo units
AA Cargo opens LAX cargo terminal
American Airlines Cargo Division (AA Cargo) today opened its relocated cargo terminal at the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The facility will offer streamlined handling capability—including a 3,000-square-foot cooler for perishables and expanded areas for courier cargo, mail processing and a designated holding area for live animals. “AA Cargo’s new facility is designed to enhance our customers’ shipping experience by increasing our cargo handing … [Read more...] about AA Cargo opens LAX cargo terminal
First B777 freighter for Southern Air
Wet-lease operator Southern Air Holdings has taken delivery of its first B777 freighter, which will provide capacity under a block-space agreement for Thai Cargo. The second, also for use by Thai, will be delivered on 2 March. CEO Daniel McHugh said: “The addition of these two B777s is a defining moment in the history of Southern Air that begins the next phase of the company’s growth. The combination of the B777s and our 16 B747s makes Southern Air the first ACMI operator to … [Read more...] about First B777 freighter for Southern Air
AAPA 2009 cargo traffic down 11%
The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) has released preliminary traffic figures for the full 2009 calendar year showing AAPA member’s international air cargo traffic down 11 per cent for the year. With carriers making corresponding reductions in cargo capacity, the average cargo load factor was 66.1 per cent - almost unchanged from the previous year. Looking ahead, Andrew Herdman, AAPA director general said: “The cargo business is regaining some of its dynamism, and … [Read more...] about AAPA 2009 cargo traffic down 11%
