Although the Middle East has avoided much of the global decline in airfreight traffic, regional airlines are still feeling pressure on their freight yields, according to a senior airfreight executive. “Airfreight charges are always market driven and pressure on yield during the global recession has been plainly evident,” Des Vertannes, executive VP, Etihad Airways Crystal Cargo said according to an Emirates Business report. “It is therefore important we, and the industry at … [Read more...] about MIDDLE EAST: Gulf carriers feel the burn of freight yields

Maximus Air Cargo, the UAE’s largest dedicated cargo aircraft operator, has announced the appointment of Avanti Consult to further develop its business strategy. The aim is to support Maximus’ continued growth as a charter cargo operator as well as its anticipated expansion into the arena of scheduled flights. The heavy lift specialist said business has been robust over the last couple of years with growth and profit margins which “far exceeded” its targets. … [Read more...] about MIDDLE EAST: Maximus appoints Avanti Consult

Etihad Crystal Cargo will be the first carrier to fly the new freighter version of the Airbus A330-200. The launch customer was to be India-based cargo start-up, Flyington Freighters, who had placed an order for a dozen of the aircraft. Etihad has three of the aircraft on order and will receive its first aircraft in mid-2010. To date, Airbus has booked orders for 69 planes from 10 customers. Turkish Airlines recently signed a memorandum of understanding for two A300-200Fs. Airbus expects the … [Read more...] about MIDDLE EAST: Etihad to be first to fly A330-200F

Nepal’s national carrier, Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) is modernising its international fleet with one A330-200 wide-body and one Airbus A320 single aisle aircraft. The new Airbus aircraft will be deployed on international services to Japan and will for the very first time connect Nepal to Europe with direct flights. The A320, will be deployed on regional routes and operate as far as the Middle East as well as in South East Asia. “The A330 and A320 will open … [Read more...] about NEPAL: A330s for Nepal’s int’l expansion

The Indian government is set to consider a proposal to allow foreign airlines pick up to 49 per cent equity in Indian carriers. The government now allows 49 per cent foreign direct investment (FDI) in domestic carriers but bars foreign airlines from holding any stake directly or indirectly. Initially, the civil aviation ministry had recommended that foreign airlines be allowed to take up to 25 per cent in domestic airlines, because any stake above 26 per cent would give foreign airlines a … [Read more...] about INDIA: India to consider upping limit on foreign airline stake

Jet Airways has begun a new, daily service from Mumbai to Kathmandu from 2 December using Boeing 737 aircraft. The airline currently operates two services on the Delhi-Kathmandu sector, two daily flights and the other operating six days a week, totaling thirteen weekly frequencies on this sector. … [Read more...] about INDIA: Jet Airways enhances connectivity to Nepal