EGSAC – the independent cargo GSSA network – has appointed SNTTA Cargo as its exclusive member for Sharjah in the UAE. Established in 1976, Sharjah-based SNTTA represents Emirates, Iraqi Airways, Kuwait Airways, Royal Jordanian, Singapore Airlines, Saudi Arabian Airlines and Sudan Airways. “Airfreight remains an important mode of transport in this region, despite the introduction of extensive trucking services between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) … [Read more...] about MIDDLE EAST: EGSAC appoints SNTTA Cargo in Sharjah

The Sri Lankan government is negotiating the purchase of Emirates’ 43.6 per cent stake in SriLankan Airlines UL. Emirates opted out of its management contract with UL two years ago saying it would look to sell its stake. Emirates president Tim Clark told Reuters that discussions with the Sri Lankan government are at a preliminary stage and that Emirates would consider a deal if the “price is right.” Sri Lanka CEO Manoj Gunawardena said the carrier expects to narrow its … [Read more...] about SRI LANKA: Sri Lanka in talks to acquire stake held by Emirates

Jet Airways has announced that it will commence daily non-stop flights from Mumbai to Johannesburg from 14 April. The airline will utilise Airbus 330-200 aircraft for the service. The launch of this route marks the first time that Jet Airways is adding destinations to Africa on its international route network. “Given the strong linkages between India and South Africa, and the large number of people of Indian origin living in and/or working in South Africa, we believe that there is … [Read more...] about INDIA: Jet Airways to begin daily to South Africa

Kingfisher Airlines has announced it will commence flying its daily nonstop flights from New Delhi to London Heathrow from 28 March. The flights on the New Delhi-London sector will be operated using a brand new Airbus A330-200. … [Read more...] about INDIA: Kingfisher to London from end-March

India and Nepal have agreed to a new air services agreement (ASA) with a view to modernise and update the existing ASA based on the ICAO template, following discussions last year. Both the countries are now entitled to designate any number of airlines for operation of mutually agreed services for which the respective country shall grant appropriate authorisation and permission. The new ASA also includes various specified fifth freedom traffic rights. The designated airlines of each … [Read more...] about INDIA: New ASA between India and Nepal

Air India – which is phasing out Boeing B747-400s and Airbus A310 freighters – has terminated the service contracts of 30 of its pilots who fly the freighters with more cuts expected at the loss-making carrier. Air India currently has six B747-400s and two A310 freighters and recently leased out two other A310 freighters to the Delhibased cargo upstart, Aryan Cargo. … [Read more...] about INDIA: Air India cuts freighter pilots