Airlines around the globe lost more than US$6 billion during the first half of the year due to the economic crisis, even as fresh figures showed some signs of recovery in the passenger and freight business, International Air Transport Association (IATA) said this week. A sample of more than 50 airlines found their losses declined to $2 billion in the second quarter from $4 billion in the first quarter, according to IATA. The April-June period is usually a strong one for the industry. … [Read more...] about US$6 billion 1H losses for airlines
asia cargo news
Boeing’s new 747-8 Freighter gets its engines
While woes continue to beset its 787 Dreamliner project, Boeing is continuing to mark the numerous milestones in the assembly of its first 747-8 Freighter. Earlier this week Boeing announced that mechanics completed the installation of the new GEnx-2B engines on airplane No. 1 in final assembly at the factory in Everett, Washington. "We are another step closer to bringing the 747-8 Freighter to market," said Mo Yahyavi, vice president and general manager of the 747 programme. "This production … [Read more...] about Boeing’s new 747-8 Freighter gets its engines
Garuda latest to be fingered for price fixing
As part of the on-going global investigation into price fixing within the air cargo industry, Australia’s consumer watchdog has this week started proceedings against Garuda, accusing the Indonesian carrier of participating in a global cargo fuel surcharge cartel. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) earlier initiated proceedings against Singapore Airlines Cargo in December 2008, Cathay Pacific Airways in April of this year and Emirates in August. The three have … [Read more...] about Garuda latest to be fingered for price fixing
Former SAS cargo director on run from Interpol
Former SAS Cargo sales director Jan Lillieborg, who is charged with the obstruction of justice in connection with the airline’s involvement in the globe-spanning cargo price fixing scandal, is said to be on the run after being fired from his new job, according to the Copenhagen Post. Lillieborg - indicted on three counts by the US Department of Justice - was reportedly fired from his job with Swedish company Green Cargo on Tuesday and has been uncontactable since then. Timothy Pfiel, … [Read more...] about Former SAS cargo director on run from Interpol
American jumps onto perishables bandwagon
American Airlines Cargo Division (AA Cargo) has joined a swath of other airlines seeking to tap the higher yield perishables and pharma market, announcing recently the launch of its express temperature-controlled service – ExpediteTC. The airline is now offering ExpediteTC to its customers worldwide; following what it said was a highly successful trial in the early summer across 10 international origin and destination city pairs. AA Cargo said it worked closely with specialist … [Read more...] about American jumps onto perishables bandwagon
AFRICA: Afriqiyah Air gets first of three A330s
Libyan-based Afriqiyah Airways has taken delivery of its first Airbus A330- 200 aircraft for long-haul operations on routes from Tripoli to Africa and Europe. The new A330-200, the first of three ordered in 2006, will join Afriqiyah’s existing all Airbus fleet of two A319s and five A320s. The airline will take delivery of a further 10 A320 family aircraft in the coming years, and has also selected the A350 XWB, with six A350-800s ordered in 2007. We are looking forward to … [Read more...] about AFRICA: Afriqiyah Air gets first of three A330s