Volga-Dnepr Airlines transported two Southern White Rhinos from Tel Aviv, Israel, to Russia where they will reside in one of the largest Russian zoos in Rostov-on-Don. The rhinos were transported on the airline’s modernised IL-76TD-90VD freighter to ensure the correct temperature and pressure environments were maintained during the flight. The aircraft’s low-noise engines also contributed to the comfort of the rhinos during their journey, during which they were closely monito

Heathrow led a UK airport cargo filip in January 2018, with a record a 6.9% rise to 133,000 tonnes compared with the same month in 2017. The UK's top cargo hub saw export volumes grow by 10.6% in January, while the top destinations for cargo growth were the US (1,214 tonnes), Spain (1,070 tonnes) and China (966 tonnes). Heathrow chief executive John Holland-Kaye said: “Heathrow is off to a flying start, with record passenger numbers and cargo volumes and the start of our pub

Montreal-based trade association Airports Council International (ACI) has reported year-on-year growth in air cargo volumes of 7.8% for November, putting the industry on track for a record-breaking 2017. ACI said that the cargo business “continued to benefit from a strong growth in volumes in November thanks to global trade” and that this was “reflected in gains in export orders”. African airports saw the highest rise in volumes, at 14.7%. North America and Europe followed, a

ASL Aviation has confirmed that it will withdraw its Spanish airline in order to expand capacity on the market and reduce duplication. The lessor said that ASL Airlines Spain will cease operation with its BAe146 aircraft withdrawn from service. ASL said it would progressively introduce B737-400F aircraft to the Spanish-European market to meet increasing capacity requirements with existing aircraft and only a very small number of additional aircraft will be required. ASL said

Western Global Airlines (WGA) has applied to US authorities to expand its scheduled cargo operations beyond its current flights between the US and China/Hong Kong. In documents seen by Air Cargo News and filed with the US Department of Transport, the Florida-headquartered airline applied for permission to operate flights between the US and countries with existing open skies agreements with the country. The application also asks for permission for flights to transit intermedia

A report from global investment bank Jefferies says that while European freight forwarders are benefiting from accelerating global trade, the resulting inflationary freight rates are putting “unprecedented” pressure on yields and increasing the performance divide. Airfreight volumes rose by 10% year on year in 2017, while seafreight was up by 6% and road freight by 4% for the same period – and the outlook for 2018 remains positive, with the concomitant yield issue likely to p

Emirates SkyCargo has begun operating two Boeing 777 Freighter flights per week between Dubai World Central airport and Maastricht – its second destination in the Netherlands after Amsterdam. Nabil Sultan, Emirates divisional senior vice president, cargo, commented: “The Netherlands is one of our most important cargo markets globally and the freighters to Maastricht will allow us to build a stronger presence to respond to customer needs in the region.” General cargo, e-commer

Sweden’s Telair International has received certification for its new Flexible Loading System (FLS) for all current production and in-service Boeing 737 aircraft – and lessor GECAS will offer the system to its B737-800 freighter conversion customers on aircraft entering service this year. Allowing 737 operators to carry containerised freight along with bulk-loaded bags in the lower hold of the aircraft, the FLS “improves loading efficiency and adds flexibility, especially for

Luxembourg-based all-cargo carrier Cargolux transported more than 2.4m tonnes of fresh produce last year, up 3.3% compared to 2016 as demand for airfreighted fruits and vegetables booms. Of the total fresh produce the airline carried in 2017, 1.1m tonnes (46%) comprised fruit. The main consumer markets for these goods are in Europe, the US and some parts of Asia, while key points of origin include Chile (blueberries), Peru (asparagus) and Kenya (beans). Cargolux operates clos

Expanding SF Airlines adds new route to Lhasa B757-200F Fast-expanding SF Airlines has launched its second new service of the year, this time connecting Chengdu with hard to reach Lhasa. The first flight took place on January 22 with regular services due to start in April. SF Airlines said the service would largely cater for perishables, such as Yangcheng Lake hairy crab, Yantai Cherry, Wuxi Peach. The service utilises a Boeing B757-200F. SF Airlines said: "The Lhasa-Chengdu