Optimism is not so difficult an attitude these days – at least not when the cargo front is looking better all the time. In a recent television interview Lufthansa’s Chief Financial Officer Stephan Gemkow commented: “The cargo business is currently absolutely booming. For the first time in over 10 years we are seeing not just strong imports out of China, but also strong exports to China. And when he was asked about the immediate future, Gemkow said: “As far as a … [Read more...] about Airframers see huge ongoing market for freighters

Etihad has taken delivery of the first two of Airbus’ new A330- 200 freighter, as the United Arab Emirates-based carrier became the default launch customer after India-based Flyington Freighters encountered delays in getting an operator certificate. Etihad’s A330-200 freighter aircraft – which can carry up to 64 tonnes of cargo and can fly up to 7,400 kilometres non-stop – will allow the airline’s cargo business to increase frequencies and … [Read more...] about Etihad gets first pair of new A330-200 freighters

Asked whether the A380’s market entry and the pending 787’s introduction will impact passenger aircraft supply in the freighters business, Wolfgang Schmid, vice president Sales, Marketing & Customer Support at EADS EFW (Elbe Flugzeugwerke GmbH), says: “In the past, the late B787 may have had some influence on the availability of widebody airframes”, but he does not see any impact at present. The Boeing-licensed Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company … [Read more...] about Freighter conversion business to improve soon

Fundamental shifts are taking place in the structure of aviation market that is seeing the Asian markets become stronger and have more capability to enhance routes and fleets. Ultimately this will mean a transition from predominantly belly capacity to regional freighters, according to the head of M&B Conversions. DonaldUrquhart has the story. While forecasts indicate the intra-Asian trade will soon exceed that of the transpacific, the regional cargo trade still lags behind in its growth, … [Read more...] about Intra-Asian ripe for transition from belly to maindeck

The industry clearly ‘appears’ to be turning the corner on the disaster named ‘2009’, but like a freight train, some carriers are further out ahead with others still making the corner and some yet to turn. But what is interesting to watch is just how the different players come through after making that turn. Some come out looking much worse for the wear, whereas others like Lufthansa (the subject of this issue’s cover story) are emerging smelling like … [Read more...] about Clearing the corner