new freighter
Airbus test crew prepares to take the A330-200F into the skies on its maiden flight
like Etihad Crystal Cargo the best product for maximising returns.” He particularly noted that while the new freighter is based on the A330-200 passenger aircraft: “It is anything but an old aircraft; it is state-of-the-art.” MNG Airlines has ordered four A330 freighters, originally
signing for two in 2007 and then extending the order in September last year. Commenting, Mehmet Nazif Günal, founder and chairman of MNG Companies Group, said the expanded order would enable the airline to “start implementing our growth strategy when the worldwide freighter market recovers from the recession”. The A330-200F has built up a solid customer base
since its formal launch in January 2007, accumulating an order book of 69 firm orders from operators around the globe. As well as the cargo-carrying airlines, the aircraft leasing and service companies have been quick
First delivery in Etihad Crystal Cargo livery
to note its potential, with those placing orders to date including US-based Aircastle, Guggenheim Aviation Partners and Intrepid Aviation Group, which has ordered 20 A330-200Fs for an undisclosed customer; Asia’s BOC Aviation (previously known as Singapore Aircraft Leasing Enterprise); and Iceland’s Avion Aircraft Trading (which has already signed an A330-200F lease agreement with Icelandair Cargo). Remarking on the decision, an Icelandair Cargo spokesman said: “The A330-200F is the right aircraft for our fleet as it enables us to offer increased cargo capacity to our customers. With more payload and range than any other freighter currently operated in the Icelandair Group, it will enable us to further expand our business by opening up new cargo routes.” MatlinPatterson Global Advisers placed a firm order
for six A330-200 freighter aircraft through an investment fund affiliate that plans to lease the aircraft to certain of its airline portfolio companies, such as Varig Logistica in Brazil and Global Aero Logistics in the US. Paul Newrick, managing director of Guggenheim
Aviation Partners said he expects the market for medium range and long-haul freighters to grow and “we believe this is a market that is currently under-served and is expected to benefit from near-term industry growth”. Leahy of Airbus concluded: “The A330-200F is the right
aircraft at the right time. We are at the eve of a market recovery, and now is the time for airlines to prepare for future freight growth.” And nowhere is the time so right as in the competitive Chinese market, where operators are looking for more efficient airliners with more range, more capacity and lower operational costs.
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