The latest variant of Airbus' A330 – the new 242 tonne MTOW A330-300 – has achieved certification from the European airworthiness authorities (EASA) following a 100 hour flight-test campaign. Certification from the US authorities (FAA) is also expected soon. Airbus said that in the near future, the smaller A330-200 model will follow the -300 by benefiting from the 242t take-off weight capability. To date 11 customers have selected their new A330s to have a 242t capability. Eric … [Read more...] about EASA certifies 242t MTOW A330 version
GSA/GSSAs
Thai to exit freighter services, sell off 22 aircraft
Thai Airways has announced the latest step in its major restructuring plans that will see it sell off 22 of its aircraft and terminate freighter services as it struggles to overcome seven straight months of losses. The carrier - with nearly US$5.9 billion in debts - will cease operating its final two B747-400BCF services by end of the month. Thai Airways was once a leader in the cargo market, but the company has stopped and started its freight services multiple times in recent years. The … [Read more...] about Thai to exit freighter services, sell off 22 aircraft
Cargo Committee urges criminalisation for DG abuses
The chairman of IATA’s Cargo Committee, James Woodrow has called for strong action to secure the safe transport of lithium batteries by air, including the criminalization of blatant dangerous goods abuses. “Government authorities must step up and take responsibility for regulating producers and exporters and ensure compliance by those who are responsible for initiating the transportation," Woodrow, who is also director of Cargo at Cathay Pacific Airways, said. … [Read more...] about Cargo Committee urges criminalisation for DG abuses
SIA Cargo sees improving cargo traffic
Singapore Airlines (SIA) Cargo has reported a 5.2 per cent growth in overall cargo load factor (CLF) in February, year-on-year, as cargo traffic (measured in freight-tonne-kilometres) was 17.1 per cent higher against an overall capacity increase of 7.6 per cent. Total freight carried for the month rose 14.7 per cent y-o-y to 84,800 tonnes. Load factor improved on all route regions as the capacity changes were closely matched with demand, SIA said adding that CLF improved for South West … [Read more...] about SIA Cargo sees improving cargo traffic
EVA to replace B747-400Fs with new B777Fs
Taiwanese carrier EVA Air has indicated it plans to trim its freighter fleet and replace its eight existing B747-400 freighters (three production and five converted freighters) with five new B777Fs, according to a report in the China Times quoting EVA chairman Chang Kuo Wei. Outlining his airline's overall fleet renewal and expansion plans, Chang told the newspaper that the airline is aiming to grow its fleet from the current 62, to just under 100 aircraft. The first phase of the plan … [Read more...] about EVA to replace B747-400Fs with new B777Fs
World Cargo Symposium picks innovation winners
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) concluded the 9th World Cargo Symposium (WCS) in Shanghai with the announcement of the winners of its inaugural Air Cargo Innovation Awards. In a public vote on three finalists – all from the Netherlands coinicidently according to IATA - by WCS delegates, Floris Kleijn from CHEP Aerospace Solutions, was declared the winner for his CanTrack idea to bring smart technology to the ULD environment, harnessing solar energy and implementing smart … [Read more...] about World Cargo Symposium picks innovation winners
