Cargoitalia’s third MD11 freighter arrives
Cargoitalia’s third MD11 freighter arrives Cargoitalia has taken delivery of its third MD11 freighter aircraft, marking the satisfactory conclusion of the airline’s first phase of development that began with its re-launch under new ownership and management in 2009. Cargoitalia’s latest MD11 aircraft has been newly converted by Boeing subcontractor, SASCO of Singapore. After an initial program of charter flights during July and August, and providing cover for other aircraft during routine maintenance, the third aircraft will enter scheduled service in September, operating the airline’s recently announced twice-weekly Milan-Shanghai flights. This will be stepped up to three-times-weekly frequency from October. Cargoitalia is now turning its attention to its next development phase from 2012, when it intends to acquire a number of new freighter aircraft and phase out MD11 operations. Since its re-launch of scheduled operations in September 2009, Cargoitalia has already achieved substantial shares of the Italy – Hong Kong, Italy – Dubai and Italy – US markets. However, with a substantial proportion of Italian airfreight still being trucked to other European gateways, the airline has much greater potential as the country’s only indigenous freighter operator. Cargoitalia was re-launched under new ownership in April 2009. In May 2009, the airline took delivery of its first MD11SF freighter, in July it received its AOC, in August it took delivery of a second MD11SF and commenced ad hoc charter operations, and in September 2009 it started scheduled operations to Hong Kong and New York. Earlier this year, the airline added Dubai and Chicago to its destination network. Quelle: eyefortransport |