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Tag: cargo (Page 7 of 18)

DHL Express and SmartLynx Malta Partner to break new ground in cargo transportation

Bonn, Birkirkara – DHL Express, the world’s leading express service provider, and SmartLynx Malta announce the signing of a new partnership agreement for the introduction of two newly converted Airbus A321-200 freighters joining DHL’s European air fleet.  The new technically advanced narrow-body fleet type is adding capacity to meet the increasing demand for express cargo transportation worldwide combined with further improving DHL’s unit Co2 emissions by introducing the most fuel efficient narrow-body aircraft in its class.

SmartLynx is a family member of Avia Solutions Group, the largest aerospace business group from Central & Eastern Europe, and has extensive experience operating the A321 family of aircraft. This agreement sets a new hallmark as SmartLynx’s Malta subsidiary enters into the freighter market.

The partnership comes as both a confirmation and a recognition of SmartLynx Malta’s standing in the aviation industry, and its place in supporting the growing demand for air cargo capacity.  Increasing demand for e-commerce shipments and also highly important protective and medical goods, require additional air cargo capacity. The fuel-efficient Airbus A321-200 achieves superior unit reductions in CO2 emissions compared to similar class freighter models.  By investing in these aircraft, SmartLynx Malta illustrates its commitment towards embracing a future focused on cleaner, more sustainable air freight carriage.

Smartlynx Malta is planning to add two additional A321Fs during 2021 and up to four units during 2022, with a business target of becoming one of the largest narrow-body cargo freight carriers within the next three years.

Pilatus Aircraft Offers PC-24 With 10-Seat Commuter Interior

A first PC-24 with high-utility 10-seat commuter configuration has been delivered to a customer in the western United States, allowing the Super Versatile Jet to prove yet again how it is an excellent fit for the widest of mission profiles.

Pilatus now offers a commuter configuration for up to ten passengers, delivering a safe, efficient, private, cost-effective corporate travel solution for company employees. Each seat is installed with a quick-release mechanism allowing easy cabin reconfiguration for all transportation requirements.

Passengers and cargo transport 

The PC-24’s payload capacity of 1,134 kilogrammes and standard large cargo door enable operators to load large, bulky items that no other business jet is capable of carrying with such flexibility. The cabin features a private lavatory which can be serviced from the exterior. Unlike many other light and midsize jets in this category, the lavatory seat is not used as a passenger seat: the loss of comfort for the passenger is simply too great.

Seat pitch in the commuter configuration varies from 34 (86) to 40 inches (102 centimetres). Each seat features a side storage compartment and cup holder as well as one USB charging port. On top of that, four 115-volt power outlets in the cabin enhance in-flight productivity. The PC-24’s entirely flat floor also adds to comfort on long trips.

Delta Airlines Resumes New York-JFK to São Paulo flights

Delta will resume flights between John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York and Guarulhos International Airport in São Paulo beginning Feb. 12, 2021. The route will operate four times per week with Boeing 767-400 aircraft featuring the latest Delta OneDelta Premium SelectDelta Comfort+ and Main Cabin service. Flights will depart from Terminal 4 at JFK and Terminal 3 in São Paulo, where Delta and its partners offer easy and convenient access to Delta Sky Clubs or partner lounges. The route also complements Delta’s daily service between its Atlanta hub and São Paulo, providing significant connection opportunities through two of Delta’s major hubs.

Delta has added more than 100 layers of protection through its Delta CareStandard, and has extended middle seat blocking through April 30, 2021 – the only U.S. airline to do so. To make the travel planning experience easier, Delta has created an interactive travel map to help customers understand where Delta flies and the latest travel requirements or restrictions at their destination, including more information on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control requirement that customers entering or transiting the U.S. present a negative COVID-19 test result.

Even as Delta has doubled down on its investment in safety and cleanliness, it also continues to invest in offering a superior customer experience and award-winning hospitality, including refreshing more than 300 new in-flight entertainment options and recently announced plans to bring high-speed Wi-Fi on board this year.

Transport of essential goods and services

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Delta Cargo kept the supply chain flowing with cargo-only flights. With the return of service more widely to the Brazilian market, the company’s flights will also offer larger cargo capacity – allowing Delta Cargo’s customers to transport essential goods, perishable products and supplies between Brazil and the U.S.

The cargo division also supports the delivery of vaccines in the U.S. and, since December, has been distributing shipments of COVID-19 vaccines as part of the global effort to combat the pandemic.

Detailed information on how to book a vaccine shipment is obtained from Delta Cargo’s Pharma Desk, which can be contacted by e-mail at DeltaCargoPharma@delta.com or by phone at +1 (800) 352-2746 (valid for calls originating in the U.S.). In addition, the Cargo Charters team can help with this Charter request form or by email at DeltaCargoCharters@delta.com. Additional information about Delta Cargo is available at deltacargo.com.

Delta’s flight schedule remains subject to change due to the evolving nature of COVID-19, customer demand and government travel regulations. For more information on Delta’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, visit delta.com.

Delta schedule for New York (JFK) – São Paulo (GRU) flights*

Flight #Departure Arrival Days of the week 
DL 471JFK: 9:35 p.m.GRU: 9:40 a.m.+1Mon, Wed, Fri and Sun
DL 472GRU: 9:15 p.m. JFK: 5:20 a.m.+1 Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat

*The first flight from GRU departs on Feb. 13.

LGSTX Services Wins U.S. Postal Service Contract for Orlando, Florida Sort Center

WILMINGTON, Ohio – (BUSINESS WIRE) – Air Transport Services Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATSG) said today that its subsidiary, LGSTX Services, Inc., was recently awarded a five-year contract with the U.S. Postal Service to install and operate a Surface Transfer Center (STC) in Orlando, Fla., where postal products are sorted and consolidated for further distribution.

LGSTX Services has hired approximately 150 full-time employees at the center, with further hiring possible as product volumes increase. The company manages a similar facility for the Postal Service in Aurora, Ill., and has managed several others over the last two decades.

“To be awarded this contract for a second STC is a testament to the level of service the LGSTX team has provided,” said Jim Pradetto, president of LGSTX Services. “Our extensive history of managing these centers for the Postal Service gives us a unique advantage in understanding and anticipating their needs, allowing us to continually deliver the speed and operational support they require.”

Boeing’s First KC-46 Tanker for Japan Takes Flight

EVERETT, Wash., Feb. 9, 2021 – The first Boeing [NYSE: BA] KC-46 tanker destined for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) took to the skies on its maiden flight yesterday. This successful flight highlights an important milestone as the aircraft now transitions into the certification phase of development.

“This is an exciting milestone for the JASDF and Boeing,” said Jamie Burgess, KC-46 program manager. “Japan is getting closer to receiving the most advanced air refueling tanker in the world.”

Japan is the KC-46 program’s first international customer and is scheduled to receive its first jet this year.

“Boeing’s KC-46 and its robust defensive systems will play an invaluable role in the security alliance between our two countries,” said Will Shaffer, president of Boeing Japan. “This tanker’s ability to carry cargo and passengers also makes it a critical tool to support humanitarian relief efforts across the Pacific region and beyond.”

The KC-46 refueling certification encompasses U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and JASDF aircraft.

The U.S. Air Force awarded Boeing a $279 million contract for the JASDF’s first KC-46A tanker in December 2017. The agreement was completed through the Foreign Military Sale process between the U.S. government and Japan. Japan is now on contract for a total of four KC-46 tankers.

Boeing is assembling KC-46A aircraft for both the U.S. Air Force and Japan on its 767 production line in Everett, Washington. Boeing’s Japanese partners produce 16% of the KC-46 airframe structure.

SpiceJet Adds Two More Wide-Body Aircraft to Cargo Fleet

SpiceJet of India (SPICEJET.BO) has added two more wide-body planes – a Boeing 767 and Airbus A330 – to its cargo fleet. With the latest induction, SpiceJet will have a dedicated fleet of 19 cargo aircraft, including five wide-body jets. Other than the wide-body aircraft, SpiceJet’s cargo fleet includes five Boeing 737 freighters and nine Q-400’s.

The two wide-body cargo aircraft that have been inducted would primarily be used for transporting cargo goods, medical and essential supplies on long-haul routes including to destinations in Europe and North America. With the latest induction, SpiceXpress, the airline’s cargo arm, aims to further strengthen its cargo fleet while providing a seamless and secure transportation of Covid-19 vaccine.

SpiceJet had recently tied-up with Brussels Airport for providing seamless transportation of Covid-19 vaccine between India and Europe and beyond.  

With a network spanning 54 domestic and 45 international destinations and a fleet of 19 cargo planes, SpiceXpress is capable of flying over 600 tonnes of cargo per day to both domestic and a wide list of international destinations. The airline has also tied up with global leaders in cold chain solutions offering active and passive packaging with dedicated equipment to perform seamless cold chain operations.

Ever since the lockdown began, SpiceJet and its cargo arm, SpiceXpress, has played a critical role and worked relentlessly to ensure that the country’s supply chain remained intact. The airline has helped in the transportation of vital goods and medical supplies to all corners of India and the world. SpiceJet has operated 12,950 cargo flights since the lockdown began and carried around 105,200 tonnes of cargo.

SWISS Reduces Geneva Flight Operations to Minimum Due to Travel Restrictions

In view of the tighter travel restrictions announced by the Swiss Federal Council on 27 January and the resulting decline in demand for air travel, SWISS has been compelled to temporarily reduce its flight operations to an absolute minimum at Geneva Airport until the end of February. SWISS remains fully committed to its Geneva business and operations in the longer term, and will continue to strive to keep Western Switzerland as well connected as possible with its global Zurich-based network. Further changes are also being made to SWISS’s Zurich flight schedules. Travellers affected by flight cancellations can rebook free of charge or have the price of their ticket refunded.

Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) is temporarily reducing its already-downsized flight operations in Geneva to an absolute minimum until the end of February with effect from today (Monday 1 February), in view of the tighter travel restrictions announced by the Swiss government. The action is being taken because SWISS’s Geneva services are point-to-point operations that do not generate additional business through a feeder function (as is the case at SWISS’s Zurich hub). Geneva Airport also currently lacks traveller testing facilities. The 13 weekly services between Geneva and SWISS’s Zurich hub will continue to operate, as will the seven weekly frequencies between Geneva and the Frankfurt hub of Lufthansa. So SWISS will continue to keep Western Switzerland connected with its global route network in these still difficult times. 

SWISS remains fully committed to its long-term strategy of maintaining a strong presence in Geneva and further expanding its present range of point-to-point air services. “Geneva is and remains an extremely important location for us,” confirms SWISS CEO Dieter Vranckx. “And as soon as conditions permit and the demand for air travel returns, we will steadily expand our services from Geneva again, as we will from Zurich, too.” 

Zurich schedules also affected

Many of the short- and long-haul SWISS services that are currently being offered from and to Zurich can continue to be operated, in view of their feeder function and/or their cargo-carrying role. But the already substantially diminished range of flights here, too, is being further reduced with effect from 1 February. As a result, SWISS will only be operating some 10 per cent of the February services which it provided in 2019. 

Travellers whose flight is cancelled as a result of these developments can rebook free of charge or have the price of their ticket refunded.

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