The Air France-KLM group has signed a letter of intent to sell two new 777 freighters to FedEx as it downsizes its all-cargo operation. “This sale is in line with the current slump within the global air cargo industry,” the carrier said. The sale of the freighters, which have yet to be delivered by Boeing, will not affect the cargo operations of the group, it said. Air France Cargo currently operates five aircraft – two 777-200 extended range freighters and three … [Read more...] about MIDDLE EAST: Air France-KLM unloads B777Fs to FedEx

London-based Air Partner has expanded into Turkey and Hong Kong as part of its on-going geographical growth plans to enter new and emerging markets. The new ventures began trading in January with a focus on developing the company’s freight charter business to meet the needs of a client base which continues to grow, despitethe recession. Air Partner Turkey, located in Istanbul, also offers the international air charter company’s private jet and commercial airliner … [Read more...] about MIDDLE EAST: Air Partner opens in Turkey and HK

Despite early signs of a recovery, Lufthansa Cargo is reportedly planning to reduce its workforce by 10 per cent in 2010 in response to the steep declines in freight revenue and traffic in 2009 which pushed Lufthansa Cargo US$300 million into the red in the first nine months of the year from a $240 million profit in the same period in 2008. Europe’s second largest scheduled cargo carrier said it will trim around 450 jobs worldwide through voluntary early retirement, severance … [Read more...] about EUROPE & CIS: Lufthansa Cargo to see more job cuts

Pegasus Airlines has appointed Leisure Cargo as the carrier’s cargo GSA for sales within Germany. Leisure Cargo will focus on the marketing of belly capacity to, and in transit via the carriers’ hub in Istanbul. Based at Istanbul Sabiha Gökcen airport, Pegasus Airlines provides direct scheduled services from Germany to five destinations in Turkey with a fleet of three Airbus A319-100, two Airbus A320-200, two Boeing 737-400, three Boeing 737-500 and 14 Boeing 737-800. … [Read more...] about EUROPE & CIS: Pegasus appoints Leisure Cargo in Germany

The Middle East Aerospace Consortium (MEAC) has opened a new Asia-Pacific headquarters in Shanghai, complementing its existing presence in the UAE, UK, Saudi Arabia and Switzerland. Launched in November 2009, the Middle East Aerospace Consortium is a membership association of Middle East and international companies working in the aerospace sectors. The consortium members offer products, services, training and expertise to companies wishing to do business in the rapidly growing Middle East … [Read more...] about MIDDLE EAST: ME Aero Consortium opens Asia Pac office

Royal Jordanian has announced a net profit of JD28.6 million (US$40.3 million for the financial year 2009 against net losses of JD24.7 million experienced in 2008. Operational revenues decreased from JD700 million in 2008 to JD598 million achieved in 2009, a decline of 15 per cent, which Royal Jordanian president and CEO, Hussein Dabbas attributed to the impact of the global economic crisis on travel and also to what he described as “a remarkable regression in cargo” which saw … [Read more...] about MIDDLE EAST: Royal Jordanian turns profit in tough year