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
Carriers
Italy’s ‘reborn’ Cargoitalia takes to the skies
With the ongoing severe downturn in the air cargo market punishing carriers with impunity, the obvious starting point for a discussion of the new carrier centres on timing. “We hope it’s the right time,†says Cargoitalia S.p.A.’s commercial director Roberto Gilardoni with evidentoptimism. The original plan was somewhat delayed, he says – a result of hiccups with the acquisition and issues relating to the AOC. “Originally we were supposed to … [Read more...] about Italy’s ‘reborn’ Cargoitalia takes to the skies
Air Cargo Germany commences line haul flights
Air Cargo Germany (ACG) is set to begin its first line haul services to Shanghai and Hong Kong following approval from the Chinese authorities for traffic rights to both destinations, according to the carrier. The flights will begin in early October said senior managers of the airline. “In future we plan to utilise 70 per cent of our two jumbo freighters' B747-400SF capacity for line haul flights and 30 per cent for charter missions,†said managing director Thomas Homering. … [Read more...] about Air Cargo Germany commences line haul flights
Vietnam gets first private air cargo carrier
Trai Thien Air Cargo Joint Stock Co., a unit of Trai Thien Group, is expected to start providing air cargo services from March 2010, a company executive said Thursday, according to Dow Jones. The company will provide air cargo transport services on East Asian routes using a converted Boeing 737 plane initially, said James Herron, strategic planning manager of the group. Vietnam's Prime Minister, Nguyen Tan Dung has agreed in principle to allow Trai Thien Air Cargo the company to provide air … [Read more...] about Vietnam gets first private air cargo carrier
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
