US-based FastShip, Inc., in partnership with industry consultants Triangle Management Services, has issued an open invitation to bid on cargo capacity on a planned new cargo service between the ports of Philadelphia and Cherbourg in France. In a statement, the company said that its JetShip service will fill the untapped middle market in the shipping industry between air and sea freight, enabling door-to-door delivery time that is comparable to standard air freight at half the cost. … [Read more...] about EUROPE: FastShip issues tender for cargo capacity
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RUSSIA: Ruslan International aids A380 tests
Ruslan International, using an AN- 124-100 freighter supplied by Volga- Dnepr Airlines, has helped to play a pivotal role in the latest stage of testing of the new Airbus A380. The giant Airbus aircraft had to undergo further cold weather tests in Iqaluit, Canada's northernmost city, last month as part of its certification programme. Iqaluit's cold weather conditions attract major aircraft manufacturers and military groups as part of the certification process for new aircraft and … [Read more...] about RUSSIA: Ruslan International aids A380 tests
MIDDLE EAST: Dubai DCA starts restructuring
The Dubai Department of Civil Aviation has commenced implementation of a project to restructure its organisational set up, the Khaleej Times reported. The proposal, which is linked to the Dubai Strategic Plan 2007-2015, was approved late last year by Shaikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, president of DCA and chairman of Emirates Group. The implementation of the restructuring project began late last year under an internal project team and will be completed over the next three months. … [Read more...] about MIDDLE EAST: Dubai DCA starts restructuring
AUSTRALIA: Qantas take-over $91m for executives
Qantas executives will reportedly receive a A$91 million pay-out, including $8 million for chief executive Geoff Dixon, on their last day of employment with the ¡°old¡± airline if the controversial $11.1 million Airline Partners Australia take-over goes ahead. The executives will cash into the new airline with cash and share incentives from the new private equity owners, including bonuses of up to 200 percent of their cash salaries; a stake in the new company of up to 4.5 percent; and a … [Read more...] about AUSTRALIA: Qantas take-over $91m for executives
JAPAN: JAL to launch new routes with B767Fs
Japan Air Lines (JAL) has announced that following the introduction of new B767 freighters this summer, it will launch cargo flights to Tianjin and Qingdao from July 2007 and to Jakarta from October 2007. During the coming year JAL will also retire older B747 freighters and increase the number of B747-400Fs in its fleet. By operating B747-400F aircraft on US West Coast routes, JAL will discontinue stopovers at Anchorage, Alaska and will fly non-stop in order to shorten time and reduce … [Read more...] about JAPAN: JAL to launch new routes with B767Fs
JAPAN: ANA to wet-lease freighters from ABX Air
All Nippon Airways (ANA) has applied for Japanese government's permission to wet-lease two Boeing 767-200SF freighter aircraft, on ACMI contracts, from US-based ABX Air. The aircraft, each with a payload of 40 tonnes, will be used on China routes and short-haul routes to other parts of Asia, the Japanese carrier said in a statement. In line with its "Mid-Term Corporate Plan 2006-2009," ANA intends to grow cargo operations into the third pillar of its business ¨C along with … [Read more...] about JAPAN: ANA to wet-lease freighters from ABX Air