The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) has warned that a rumored move by the UK government to replace the existing Airline Passenger Duty with a new per-aircraft flight fee would result in higher taxation across the air cargo supply chain, increased costs for manufacturers and consumers and deliver no new environmental benefits. TIACA is adding its voice to those of national associations in the UK, stating that such a change is legislation would see all flights assessed, including … [Read more...] about TIACA warns UK against new flight fee
Carriers
Private investors buy CAL Cargo Air Lines
A group of private investors have signed a recent agreement to buy the controlling interest in CAL Cargo Air Lines for NIS38 million (US$9.9 million). CAL is a cargo airline based in Tel Aviv, Israel and operates scheduled cargo flights carrying perishable goods and general cargo to Europe and the rest of the world. Its main base is Ben Gurion International Airport,Tel Aviv, and it has a hub at Liège Airport (Belgium). The airline carries approximately 100,000 tonnes of cargo annually, … [Read more...] about Private investors buy CAL Cargo Air Lines
China pushes for air cargo carrier merger
China's central government has intensified its pressure on Air China, China Eastern Airlines and China Southern Airlines to merge their cargo operations to compete with foreign carriers who dominate the market, the South China Morning Post reported, citing sources close to the matter. The news comes shortly after Payload Asia reported on an air cargo blueprint unveiled by government officials in Beijing in April aimed at securing a larger share of China's air cargo market by domestic players, … [Read more...] about China pushes for air cargo carrier merger
Swire, Cathay sell stakes in HACTL
Swire Pacific Limited and its Cathay Pacific Airways subsidiary have announced an agreement to sell their entire interests, 19.998 and 10 per cent respectively, in Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (HACTL) and HACTL Investment Holdings Limited (HIHL). The interests in HACTL and HIHL are being purchased by existing HACTL and HIHL shareholders, namely Jardine Matheson & Co., Limited, The Wharf (Holdings) Limited, Mosgen Limited (a wholly owned subsidiary of Hutchison Whampoa Limited), … [Read more...] about Swire, Cathay sell stakes in HACTL
Canada to screen cargo in passenger bellies
In a move mirroring steps already well underway in the US, the Canadian government has announced a C$96 million (US$88.8 million) plan aimed at improving the security of Canadian air cargo, citing the potential for terrorist attacks within the commercial cargo system. The new measures, to be phased in over five years, include additional screening technologies and more stringent security checks for companies that screen cargo. While all cargo will be subject to the new measures, screening methods … [Read more...] about Canada to screen cargo in passenger bellies
Singapore Airlines’ Q4 net profit up six-fold
Singapore Airlines (SIA) has said its fourth quarter net profit soared more than six-fold as the global economic rebound boosted travel and cargo demand. Net profit in the three months to March was S$278 million (US$197.5 million), up from $42 million in the same quarter the year before, the company said in a statement. Together with the $404 million net profit in the third quarter, the fourth quarter earnings reversed $466 million in losses recorded in the financial first half. The airline … [Read more...] about Singapore Airlines’ Q4 net profit up six-fold
