Cargoitalia – Italy’s sole freighter operator – has taken delivery of its third MD11 freighter aircraft. The aircraft’s arrival marks the conclusion of the carrier’s first phase of development, which began with its successful re-launch under new ownership and management in 2009. Cargoitalia’s latest MD11 aircraft has been newly-converted by SASCO of Singapore, a Boeing sub-contractor. It embodies a number of design enhancements … [Read more...] about EUROPE & CIS: Third MD11 for Cargoitalia

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reacted sharply to the announcement made by the German government of a EUR 1 billion annual burden on aviation with a new departure tax in Germany, which the government branded as an environmental initiative. “This is the worst kind of shortsighted policy irresponsibility. It’s a cashgrab by a cash-strapped government. Painting it green adds insult to injury. There will be no environmental benefit from the economic damage … [Read more...] about EUROPE & CIS: IATA slams German “cash-grab”

In our cover story this month, Payload’s US correspondent takes a look at the impending US deadline for screening 100 per cent of cargo carried on passenger aircraft. Since the mandate was announced in 2007, the requirement has been the talking point of many a conference and conversation around the air cargo world. The mandate was clearly part of a larger knee-jerk by US politicians and security chiefs; an annoying unilateralist foible that the rest of the world has become all-too … [Read more...] about ‘R’ is for reciprocity

Angola’s TAAG Linhas Aereas de Angola (Angola Airlines) announced it has ordered two 777-300ERs in a deal that also includes purchase rights for two additional 777-300ER aircraft. TAAG, the flag carrier for Angola, will use the airplanes for route expansion to additional European destinations. TAAG currently flies Boeing 777-200ERs 10 times weekly from Luanda, Angola, to Lisbon, twice weekly to Beijing via Dubai and four times weekly to Rio de Janeiro. … [Read more...] about AFICA: Angola Air orders two B777-300ERs

Sahara Air Cargo Ltd. has announced it has expanded into Tanzania and it will be operating in several parts of Africa. Sahara is set to begin operating scheduled freighters from Dar es Salaam to airports in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Comoros, Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda and Kenya. “Sahara cargo is determined to offer Dar es Salaam as one of the Africa’s air cargo hub,” said the carrier’s general manager, Solomon David. “More destinations in the … [Read more...] about AFICA: Sahara Air Cargo expands from Dar es Salaam

The South African arm of AMI – the world’s largest trade-only airfreight wholesaler – is relocating its Johannesburg headquarters to new, larger premises in early June. The new facility – located 50 metres from AMI’s current base, and five minutes from Oliver Tambo Airport – will double the existing warehousing space, incorporating a designated dangerous goods holding area, strong room, four loading bays, and a dock leveller. The … [Read more...] about AFICA: AMI expands its Jo’burg base