The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), an office of the US Department of Defense, will soon – possibly in a matter of months, not years as previously thought – be producing jet fuel made from algae at a price comparable to that of petroleumbased fuel, the UK’s Guardian newspaper reported recently. “Oil from algae is projected at US$2 per gallon (3.8 litres), headed towards $1 per gallon,” said DARPA’s energy special … [Read more...] about AMERICAS: Commercial algae biofuel nearer than expected

Wet-lease operator Southern Air Holdings has taken delivery of its first B777 freighter, which will provide capacity under a block-space agreement for Thai Cargo. The second, also for use by Thai, will be delivered on 2 March. CEO Daniel McHugh said: “The addition of these two B777s is a defining moment in the history of Southern Air that begins the next phase of the company’s growth. The combination of the B777s and our 16 B747s makes Southern Air the first ACMI operator to … [Read more...] about AMERICAS: First B777 freighter for Southern

WestJet Airlines Ltd. has signed an agreement for Exp-Air Cargo to handle the sales and marketing aspects of the Calgary-based airline’s cargo business, the companies announced recently. “With their vast experience in the cargo industry, their global reach and their relationships with international carriers, Exp-Air fits extremely well into WestJet’s growth strategies,” said WestJet vice-president of sales, Duncan Bureau. The agreement will have the … [Read more...] about AMERICAS: WestJet signs GSSA deal with Exp-Air Cargo

Delta Air Lines has conducted an audit of Sheremetyevo-Cargo, including the technical procedures of cargo acceptance, terminal infrastructure, security systems and information systems available in the company, as well as assessing different aspects of the company’s business, including aviation safety, electronic document management, etc. Sheremetyevo said the audit found no violations. … [Read more...] about MIDDLE EAST: Delta conducts audit of Sheremetyevo-Cargo

Direct flights between Turkey and Australia are now possible following the signing of the first-ever air services agreement between the two countries. Under the new arrangements Australian and Turkish airlines can immediately begin operating up to five direct flights per week. Up until now, Australians wanting to visit Turkey or send freight there had to travel via a third country such as Singapore. The agreement also allows the carriers of both countries to enter into code-share … [Read more...] about MIDDLE EAST: Turkey/Australia direct flights now possible

Martinair, part of the Air France- KLM Group has launched a new air cargo service to Sheremetyevo International Airport on the route Amsterdam – Moscow (Sheremetyevo) – Hong Kong, from 3 February. The service will be provided twice a week utilising a Boeing 747F. … [Read more...] about MIDDLE EAST: Martinair starts new service to Moscow