The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported international scheduled traffic results for October 2009 showing continued improving conditions, although yields remain under serious pressure. Demand for both International cargo and passenger demand both rose to 0.5 per cent below October 2008 levels which is significantly better than the 5.4 per cent decline recorded in September. Load factors for cargo and passengers continue at pre-recession levels of 54.1 per cent and 78 per cent … [Read more...] about IATA: Slow improvement continues
Air & Cargo Services
Avient MD-11 freighter crashes killing three
A Zimbabwe-registered MD-11 freighter belonging to UK-based Avient Aviation crashed in flames on takeoff from Shanghai Pudong International Airport early Saturday morning, killing three crew members, and wounding four others, including one who remains in serious condition. The charter freight flight from Shanghai to Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, was carrying general consumer products, items such as electrical goods and clothing, Avient said in a statement. Early reports indicated the tail … [Read more...] about Avient MD-11 freighter crashes killing three
Long-awaited BA/Iberia merger signed
British Airways has confirmed Thursday that its proposed merger with Spanish carrier Iberia will go ahead after concluding a £4.2 billion (US$7 billion) deal. The merger – 18 months in the making – creates the world's third largest airline group and will see BA take control of 55 per cent of the combined group, rising to 56 per cent when cross shareholdings held by the two companies are cancelled next year. Willie Walsh, BA's chief executive will become the head of the … [Read more...] about Long-awaited BA/Iberia merger signed
First B747-8 Freighter emerges from assembly
Boeing towed the first 747-8 Freighter – destined for launch customer Cargolux – out of its Everett, Washington assembly hangar on Thursday in preparation for painting and flight testing. The 747-8 Freighter is 76.3 metres long, which is 5.6 metres longer than the 747-400 Freighter. The stretch provides customers with 16 per cent more revenue cargo volume compared to its predecessor, which translates to four additional main-deck pallets and three additional lower-hold … [Read more...] about First B747-8 Freighter emerges from assembly
Reinforcements on first Boeing 787
Dreamliner completed Boeing has announced it has completed installing reinforcements within the side-of-body section on the first 787 Dreamliner. The modification entails installing new fittings at 34 stringer locations within the joint where the wing is attached to the fuselage. Installations were completed Thursday. Boeing expects to complete the installations on the static test airframe and the second flight-test airplane in the coming days, it said. … [Read more...] about Reinforcements on first Boeing 787
Emirates posts 1H net profit of US$200M
Emirates posts 1H net profit of US$200M Emirates airline produced a net profit of Dhs 752 million (US$205 million), for the first six months of its current financial year ending 30 September 2009. This represents a 165 per cent improvement compared to Dhs 284 million (US$77 million) net profits for the same period in 2008. During this period Emirates SkyCargo carried 700,000 tonnes of cargo, which it said was “in line with last yearâ€Â. Emirates carried a total of 13 million … [Read more...] about Emirates posts 1H net profit of US$200M