Global airline capacity for September 2009 is showing positive growth for the second consecutive month, reports OAG. The world’s airlines have scheduled 296.9 million seats, a rise of 1.4 per cent (4.1 million more seats) over September 2008 levels. Air cargo capacity is closely linked to passenger seat numbers as over 80 per cent of air cargo is carried in the bellies of passenger aircraft. “As the [northern] summer season winds down, the steady upward trend we have seen … [Read more...] about EUROPE & CIS: Global carrier capacity growing again

Lufthansa Cargo and Croatia Airlines have decided to continue their cooperation that started in January 2007. Effective 15 September the cargo management of Croatia Airlines flights to Croatia, including handling, sales and accounting, will be provided by Lufthansa Cargo’s local offices. Lufthansa Cargo will be responsible for flights from Germany and Europe to Croatia, while Croatia Airlines will continue marketing their flights out of Croatia themselves. Shipments marketed by … [Read more...] about EUROPE & CIS: Lufthansa and Croatia Air continue cargo cooperation

TUI Travel has said it is in “extensive” discussions with Boeing regarding its 787 Dreamliner order, with both parties agreeing so far, that 10 out of 23 firm orders will be canceled and 13 purchase rights added. This latest cancellation brings the total number of 787 canceled this year to 83. … [Read more...] about EUROPE & CIS: TUI axes 10 of its Dreamliner firm orders

MNG Airlines, the largest Turkish all-cargo operator, has placed a follow-on order with Airbus for two more A330- 200Fs to support its expanding cargo operations. These aircraft are in addition to the two firm orders for the A330-200F which the carrier placed in 2007, bringing its total orders for the type now to four aircraft. According to Airbus, the A330F programme is on track with the first A330-200 Freighter now assembled and others nearing completion. First flight is anticipated later … [Read more...] about EUROPE & CIS: MNG ups its order for A330 freighters

The European Commission (EC) has delayed, for the second time, the formal announcement of its baseline aviation sector CO2 emissions standard until mid-2010, Bloomberg reported. The EC had originally set a 2 August 2009 deadline for publishing a CO2 baseline necessary for its emissions cap for flights into and out of the EU and its related Emissions Trading Scheme, both of which are scheduled to come into effect in 2012. The Commission postponed the date after Europe’s main … [Read more...] about EUROPE & CIS: EC postpones emissions standard until 2010

Air Cargo Germany (ACG) is set to begin its first line haul services to Shanghai and Hong Kong following approval from the Chinese authorities for traffic rights to both destinations, according to the carrier. The flights will begin in early October said senior managers of the airline. “In future we plan to utilise 70 per cent of our two jumbo freighters’ B747- 400SF capacity for line haul flights and 30 per cent for charter missions,” said managing director Thomas … [Read more...] about EUROPE & CIS: Air Cargo Germany commences line haul flights