The long-running saga over the future of Alitalia looks like it may be finally nearing a resolution, with an Italian 16- strong consortium, named CAI and led by Roberto Colaninno, poised to take over. The final piece in the jigsaw will be the selection of a foreign minority shareholder partner. The Italian carrier was placed into receivership in September, and has been allowed to carry on operating, despite breaking EU financial rules on both government aid and cash reserves. The takeover … [Read more...] about Europe & CIS : Alitalia saga may be near a conclusion
Carriers
Europe & CIS : Lufthansa Cargo boosts NA capacity
Lufthansa Cargo is further expanding airfreight capacity for shippers and forwarders at the start of the winter flight schedules on 26 October 2008. The cargo carrier’s customers will have a greater choice of destinations and frequencies especially on routes to North America, the carrier said. Aside from an additional MD-11 freighter connection on Fridays to New York (JFK), a further flight from Frankfurt will be added to Chicago on Wednesdays. Additional direct freighter connections … [Read more...] about Europe & CIS : Lufthansa Cargo boosts NA capacity
Middle East : Saudia Arabian joins Cargo 2000
One of the leading Middle East-based air cargo carriers, Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudi), has become the 26th major international airline to join Cargo 2000. Cargo 2000 is an IATA-backed (International Air Transport Association) initiative established to develop and implement a new quality management system for the worldwide air cargo industry. Commenting on Saudi’s involvement, the carrier’s Vice President Cargo Sales & Services, Fahad Ali Hammad, said: “The expectations of … [Read more...] about Middle East : Saudia Arabian joins Cargo 2000
Middle East : Etihad extends codeshare with Sri Lankan
Etihad Airways has extended its existing codeshare agreement with Sri Lankan Airlines from the current agreement covering only flights between Abu Dhabi and Colombo to also cover all of Sri Lankan Airlines’ services between the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo and Mahe, the main city in the Maldives. “Etihad’s codeshare with Sri Lankan Airlines has worked well during the last year and we are pleased to extend the deal and provide our customers with flights to the Maldives … [Read more...] about Middle East : Etihad extends codeshare with Sri Lankan
Middle East : Emirates Skycargo eyes LA cargo traffic
With the inaugural Emirates non-stop flight between Dubai and Los Angeles now underway, Emirates SkyCargo is anticipating a robust cargo route. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the 12th busiest cargo airport in the world, handling 1.9 million tonnes of cargo last year. Dubai International Airport (DXB) finished one place behind LAX in the rankings at 13th, with 1.7 million tonnes. Initially operating three times a week, Emirates will fly a Boeing 777-200LR on the route, … [Read more...] about Middle East : Emirates Skycargo eyes LA cargo traffic
Middle East : Etihad Cargo moves to self-handle in Thailand
Etihad Crystal Cargo has begun selfhandling in Thailand, in a move aimed at benefiting the airline’s growing presence in the rapidly expanding Far East cargo market. The locally-based Etihad team took sole charge of all cargo sales and customer service activities in Thailand on 1 October, duties previously carried out by local cargo general sales agent, United Kargo Kare, since 2004. Des Vertannes, Etihad Airways’ executive vice-president cargo, said: “United Kargo Kare … [Read more...] about Middle East : Etihad Cargo moves to self-handle in Thailand
