The latest International Air Transport Association (IATA) figures for air cargo show a decline of 9.6 per cent year-on-year (y-o-y) in August compared to declines of 11.3 per cent in July and 16.5 per cent in June. But that improving trend is not quite as good as it seems. Remember that it was this time last year when cargo traffic first dipped into negative territory, and so y-o-y comparisons are starting to get better. Comparing traffic figures to 2007 – the peak of the market - … [Read more...] about IATA growth not quite as good as it seems
Aircraft Manufacturers
MNG ups its order for A330 freighters
MNG Airlines, the largest Turkish all-cargo operator, has placed a follow-on order with Airbus for two more A330-200Fs to support its expanding cargo operations. These aircraft are in addition to the two firm orders for the A330-200F which the carrier placed in 2007, bringing its total orders for the type now to four aircraft. According to Airbus, the A330F programme is on track with the first A330-200 Freighter now assembled and others nearing completion. First flight is anticipated later this … [Read more...] about MNG ups its order for A330 freighters
Cathay signs leaseback deal for six B777s
Cathay Pacific has signed an agreement with aircraft leasing company BOC Aviation for the sale and leaseback of six of the 19 Boeing 777-300ER aircraft it has on order. CEO Tony Tyler said the move was consistent with the airline's "cash-preservation" strategy saying Cathay had no intention of cancelling aircraft orders. … [Read more...] about Cathay signs leaseback deal for six B777s
DHL adds B767 freighters to trans-Atlantic
DHL Express has added the first of six 53.5 tonne capacity Boeing 767ER Freighters into its fleet replacing the shared capacity of its MD-11F aircraft that are currently in use through a joint venture with Lufthansa Cargo. The new 767ERF aircraft will serve daily direct flights between the US and Europe, including daily direct flights between DHL Express' major European hub in Leipzig, Germany, and New York JFK, and a daily direct flight between DHL Express' major international Americas regional … [Read more...] about DHL adds B767 freighters to trans-Atlantic
FedEx Express takes delivery of first 777 Freighter
FedEx Express has taken delivery of its first of 15 Boeing 777 Freighters it has on order with at least four of these serving Asia to US routes by April 2010. By 2014 the express company will have a total of 15 B777 freighters in its fleet, it said. "The 777F is a game changer," said FedEx Express, president, International, Michael L Ducker. "Our customers around the world will benefit from more point-to-point routes and the shorter flight times, increasing their competitiveness in the global … [Read more...] about FedEx Express takes delivery of first 777 Freighter
Air cargo upturn underway, but “fragileâ€Â
Signs of a clear, but fragile recovery in air cargo demand are being driven by companies restocking inventories which have run low, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said on Thursday. But this pick up would remain “fragile†as long as economic recovery is driven by the inventory cycle, and not by increased consumption and business investment, IATA warned. International air freight demand was 11.3 per cent lower in July than the same month in 2008, a considerably … [Read more...] about Air cargo upturn underway, but “fragileâ€Â