AirBridge Cargo has announced anorder for five 747-8 freighters with fiveoptions, for delivery between 2010 and2013. The order was in fact confirmedin November, but had been kept underwraps for political reasons, due to adispute between the Russian governmentand Aeroflot over whether toorder Boeing or Airbus aircraft for itspassenger fleet. AirBridge is also due to get the firstof three B747-400ERFs in November,with the others coming in Februaryand April 2008. These will be usedto launch the … [Read more...] about Russia: AirBridge orders 747-8s
Express
MIDDLE EAST: Privatisation imminent for Saudi Arabian Cargo
An announcement on the proposedprivatisation of Saudi Arabian AirlinesCargo is imminent, according to vicepresident cargo sales and service, FahadHammad, with November being set asa deadline for this. He insists separating from the parentairline will have a major positive impacton the cargo business, giving it greaterflexibility and control over its destiny."Cargo will be able to evolve its ownbusiness instead of being part of thelarger airline. We will be able to takequicker … [Read more...] about MIDDLE EAST: Privatisation imminent for Saudi Arabian Cargo
MIDDLE EAST: New cargo head for Qatar Airways
John Batten ¨C currently managingdirector global network and air cargosales for TNT ¨C is to become the latestair cargo professional to try his hand atrunning Qatar Airways Cargo. The airline has had a series of aircargo managers in recent years, someonly staying a few months. Batten insiststhat things will be different this time,though he was remaining tight-lippedabout why ahead of taking up his poston 1 April. The appointment is an unusual one,since Batten has been with TNT for … [Read more...] about MIDDLE EAST: New cargo head for Qatar Airways
MIDDLE EAST: Saudia, Gulf Air expand code-share
Saudi Arabian Airlines and Gulf Airhave agreed to further strengthen andexpand their code share alliance. Thismonth, the two companies will add newservices between Riyadh ¨C Kathmanduvia Bahrain International Airport,making the code share alliance thelargest between any two carriers in theMiddle East. The two airlines will have 41 flightsa week per direction operated togetherwith the addition of the new Riyadh¨C Bahrain - Kathmandu services. Saudia and Gulf Air are also in discussionto … [Read more...] about MIDDLE EAST: Saudia, Gulf Air expand code-share
MIDDLE EAST: Gulf Air returning B767s to service
Gulf Air has announced that five of itsBoeing 767 fleet are back in service. The remaining four aircraft, awaitingslot allocation for planned maintenancechecks, will gradually re-enterservice. The B767s were taken out of serviceby Gulf Air to conduct a thoroughcheck, following the detection of tracesof corrosion in one of them during aplanned maintenance inspection. … [Read more...] about MIDDLE EAST: Gulf Air returning B767s to service
MIDDLE EAST: Gulf Pearl starts Ostend freighter service
Libyan charter carrier Gulf PearlAirlines has announced a new regularweekly freighter service between Ostendand Tripoli in Libya. A DC10-30, wet leased from DASAir Cargo, will depart every Monday. AHeathrow trucking link will be establishedto connect with the service. Agreements have been set up with anumber of transatlantic carriers to offerinterline feed from the US. Gulf Pearl Airlines has appointedANA Aviation Services as GSSA inthe UK and North America. NetworkAirline Services … [Read more...] about MIDDLE EAST: Gulf Pearl starts Ostend freighter service