All About Cargo

[Guest1]

FedEx Has Retired The World’s Last Active Commercial MD-10-10F

• byJake Hardiman
• June 19, 2021
• 3 minute read

 

Memphis-based logistics giant FedEx has closed the book on a chapter of airfreight history. Earlier this month, the company retired the last of its, and indeed the world’s, aging McDonnell Douglas MD-10-10F cargo aircraft. Let’s take a look back at the plane’s history.

The aircraft in question was more than 43 years old. Photo: Tomás Del Coro via Flickr

The last retirement

The world’s last remaining McDonnell Douglas MD-10-10F made its final journey earlier this month, having been retired by cargo heavyweight FedEx. According to ch-aviation.com, the aircraft flew from Memphis to Victorville for storage on June 4th.

Data from RadarBox.com shows that its last revenue-earning cargo-carrying deployment was a round trip from Memphis International (MEM) to Puerto Rico’s San Juan Luis Muñoz Marín International (SJU) on June 2nd. According to the flight-tracking site, its final flight across the US for storage took three hours and eight minutes, arriving at 16:20 local time.

 

The plane is the last of FedEx’s final four MD-10-10Fs to have been retired this year. According to ch-aviation, the company withdrew the first in January, and the other two last month. It originally planned to wrap the process up by late May, but just missed out.

The aircraft’s final journey from Memphis to Victorville took just over three hours. Image: RadarBox.com

 

The aircraft in question

The registration of the plane that proved to be the world’s last commercially active MD-10-10F was N562FE. It is an aircraft that has had an interesting and diverse operational history that spans more than 43 years. According to ch-aviation’s data, it began life as a passenger-carrying DC-10 with US legacy carrier American Airlines back in February 1978.

 

It spent more than two decades with American under the registration N126AA, before joining Hawaiian Airlines in March 2001. However, its time here was short-lived, and FedEx acquired the aircraft in March 2003. At this time, it re-registered the plane as N562FE, before converting it to a cargo-carrying DC-10-10F, in line with its operational requirements.

American Airlines introduced the DC-10 in 1971. Photo: Dean Morley via Flickr

In January 2005, it was redesignated as an MD-10-10F. According to Boeing, this conversion offered operators benefits such as “a two-person flight deck, weight savings, increased reliability, and commonality with the MD-11 fleet.” During its time at FedEx, N562FE also bore two different names. These were Janai (2003-2013) and Rosalie (2013-2021).

 

All MD-10s gone by 2023

While FedEx (and indeed the world as a whole) is now without the last of its MD-10-10Fs, the MD-10-30F variant remains active. Indeed, the company presently has 13 of this long-range variant in its fleet. However, with a whopping average age of 39 years old, they also have limited time left before they follow their MD-10-10F counterparts into retirement.

Specifically, as Simple Flying reported in January, FedEx has targeted 2023 as the year by which all of its remaining MD-10s will have been retired. Moving forward, FedEx is placing an increasing emphasis on widebody twinjets to keep its large-scale logistical operations ticking over. Its former President and CEO David Cunnigham stated in 2018 that:

[Fido]

On 6/19/2021 at 11:58 AM, Kargokings said:

the world’s, aging McDonnell Douglas MD-10-10F cargo aircraft

from the minute they come off the assembly line they are aging

Just like as soon as we come out of the womb

[Guest1]

22 minutes ago, Fido said:

from the minute they come off the assembly line they are aging

Just like as soon as we come out of the womb

"But some enjoy longevity (DC3) and others are reborn after a life of transporting SLF. 

[Guest1]

Qatar Airways Is Seeking A New Freighter – Will It Be Airbus Or Boeing?

• byLuke Bodell
• June 23, 2021
• 3 minute read

Earlier this month, Qatar Airways CEO, Akbar Al Baker, revealed that the airline is looking to order approximately 30 cargo planes as part of a fleet renewal program. With Qatar Airways’ current cargo fleet consisting of all-Boeing planes, Al Baker claims the airline will consider both Boeing and Airbus freighter options.

Eyeing up a Boeing 777X freighter

Although Boeing has not officially confirmed plans for a 777X freighter variant, interest has been high among potential customers, including Qatar Airways. With the passenger 777X set to enter service in 2023, Simple Flying explored the possibility of a 777X freighter that would take advantage of the plane’s improved efficiency and engines.

Boeing has discussed the possibility before, with internal communications from 2015 suggesting a freighter variant would utilize the frame of the smaller 777-8. According to Boeing, a 777X freighter would likely follow 18-24 months after the passenger variant enters service. The passenger 777X is expected to enter service in 2023, which would make a freighter variant likely to hit the market by 2025.

Given Qatar Airways’ existing all-Boeing cargo fleet, staying loyal to Boeing would make sense. At the 2019 Paris Air Show, Al Baker expressed interest in a 777X freighter and also claimed Qatar Airways’ current cargo fleet would be reaching 10 years old by the time a 777X freighter might enter service, making perfect timing.

Al Baker said,

“Hopefully, Boeing will launch a 777X-based freighter. I hope that Boeing will do what the customer wants, so it will have more efficient freighters. We would also like to be the launch customer, because of the confidence we have in Boeing.”

he Airbus A350F is a strong option

Despite its confidence in Boeing, Qatar Airways is by no means dismissing other options. Like Boeing, Airbus has yet to formally announce plans for a new freighter plane but is strongly rumored to be working on an A350 cargo variant. The proposed A350-950F would be sized between the -900 and -1000 A350 variants but will allegedly draw heavily from the design of the -1000 in particular.

Should the A350F materialize, it is projected to hit the market around 2025, around the same time as a potential 777X freighter. During Simple Flying’s webinar with Al Baker last month, the CEO expressed strong interest in the A350F.

 

Al Baker said,

“Definitely, we will be at the front of the queue. We will be soon replacing our current fleet of freighters, and we would want to replace it with the best freighter that is available. We would be very happy to be the launch customer of the new variant.”

Qatar Airways’ current cargo fleet

Qatar Airways is presently working with a freighter fleet of 24 Boeing 777-200Fs and two Boeing 747-8Fs. Additionally, the airline has another two 777-200Fs that it is awaiting delivery. Given the airline’s faith in Boeing, which has helped it rise to become the world’s largest cargo operator, there are many factors in favor of choosing the 777X freighter should it be announced.

However, an A350F would likely come at a cheaper price than the 777X and be cheaper to operate in terms of fuel efficiency. CEO Al Baker has emphasized investing in newer, efficient planes for sustainability, which would favor going with Airbus in this case. However, the airline is currently embroiled in a dispute with Airbus, which may play a part in any decision.

 

So will Qatar Airways go with Airbus or Boeing for its freighter renewal program? We simply don’t know, but the odds are slightly in favor of Boeing at this point. Even Al Baker is in two minds, with attractive possibilities offered from both sides.

Al Baker said this week,

[Guest1]

Westjet Cargo Announces Dedicated Freighters to Better Serve Canada

23 June 2021Canadian Aviation News

CALGARY, AB, June 23, 2021 /CNW/ – WestJet today announced that it is launching a new dedicated cargo service, using 737-800 Boeing Converted Freights (BCF), as dedicated aircraft, to fulfill the larger-scale needs of Canadian businesses, freight forwarders, shippers and individual customers. The first of these dedicated 737-800BCFs are expected to be in service by the second quarter of 2022.

(CNW Group/WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership)

“Our new dedicated commercial cargo aircraft are a natural evolution of the competitive guest services WestJet has successfully provided over our 25-year history. It will provide cargo customers with the reliable on-time performance and competitive cost advantage synonymous with WestJet,” said Charles Duncan, WestJet, Executive Vice-President, Cargo and President, Swoop.

Throughout 2022, WestJet Cargo will grow its fleet of 737-800BCFs, to work in tandem with the current offering of WestJet’s existing Cargo business. The 737-800 narrow body aircraft is quick to load and fly, enabling WestJet Cargo to offer greater fuel efficiency, flexibility and frequency for its customers. WestJet Cargo routes and scheduled services will accommodate the diverse needs of cargo customers using WestJet’s existing network and highly skilled 737 pilots.

“WestJet Cargo will enhance economic benefits through competitive product for shippers as well as new employment opportunities,” continued Duncan. “Dedicated, cost efficient and nimble narrow body freighters will make WestJet Cargo a dynamic and strong competitor.”

WestJet Cargo’s ability to ship on dedicated freighters or in the cargo hold on commercial routes provides cargo customers with increased reliability, flexibility and capacity to transport their diverse shipments to their chosen destination.

“Since our inception, 25 years ago, our collective goal at WestJet has been to provide competitive prices and superior service levels,” said Ed Sims, WestJet, President and CEO. “As we launch our dedicated cargo service, into a market that maintains an even greater need for competitive choice than what we saw in 1996, it is our commitment to provide customers with more choice, decreased costs and exceptional customer service.”

As WestJet Cargo expands, so too, will its team, network and flight plans. To learn more about how WestJet Cargo can fulfill shipping needs, or to discover incredible employment opportunities, visit WestJet Cargo.

About WestJet 

[North of You]

Boxes don’t talk.  

[Specs]

20 hours ago, North of You said:

Boxes don’t talk.  

Most of the time anyways
https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2021/04/16/stowaway-crate-1965-robson/

 

[Guest1]

The AN-225 is a one-of-a-kind aircraft, capable of moving things that no other cargo aircraft can. But even the Mriya is challenged sometimes, and stretched to its limit with the task it is required to undertake. Simple Flying caught up with Antonov Airlines to find out all about its most difficult mission to date.

12 Generators, 12 Flights – Inside The An-225’s Biggest Challenge - Simple Flying

[Guest1]

Air Canada Flies Its 10,000th Cargo-Only Flight Since Start Of Crisis - Simple Flying

Canada’s flag carrier has completed a milestone of 10,000 cargo-only flights since the start of the pandemic. As the carrier was hampered by the overall reduced travel demand environment, coupled with travel restrictions in effect, it moved over to start flying cargo in the early days of the crisis. In fact, the airline has gone very far in its cargo-only flights, including removing seats on several aircraft to create more cargo capacity on its widebody jets, and is preparing to induct dedicated freighter aircraft this fall.

[Guest1]

Curious, are the crews junior or senior? AC Mainland  or Rouge? Air Canada Cargo – New Flights to Fort Lauderdale, Europe and Added Capacity For July!

[Guest1]

Lufthansa Enters The Narrowbody Freight Market With 2 A321s - Simple Flying

Lufthansa is entering the narrowbody freight market by permanently converting two of its Airbus A321 aircraft into freight-only aircraft. The aircraft will receive cargo doors on the main deck, in addition to the relevant fixtures for cargo to be placed on the floor of the aircraft.

[boestar]

19 hours ago, Kargokings said:

Lufthansa Enters The Narrowbody Freight Market With 2 A321s - Simple Flying

Lufthansa is entering the narrowbody freight market by permanently converting two of its Airbus A321 aircraft into freight-only aircraft. The aircraft will receive cargo doors on the main deck, in addition to the relevant fixtures for cargo to be placed on the floor of the aircraft.

anad of course the mandatory reinforcement of the floor strucure and the installation of the appropriate 16g bulkheads etc etc etc   .

[Guest2]

 

[st27]

Translation———-

“ I thought you closed the door!”

[dagger]

 

https://aircanada.mediaroom.com/2021-10-01-Air-Canada-Begins-Work-to-Enhance-Cold-Chain-Handling-Capabilities-at-its-Toronto-Pearson-Cargo-Facility

[Guest1]

Cargojet order launches Mammoth 777-200LR freighter programme

17 November 2021Canadian Aviation News

From Flight Global – link to source story

By David Kaminski-Morrow | 17 November 2021

Canadian carrier Cargojet Airways has emerged as the launch customer for the Boeing 777-200LR freighter conversion initiated by US-based Mammoth Freighters.

Cargojet is to take a pair of the converted twinjets, and will hold options on another pair – as well as options for two conversions of the larger 777-300ER.

The first aircraft to be delivered to Cargojet will be a modified 777-200LR with serial number 29742, originally delivered to Delta Air Lines in 2009.

Mammoth says the twinjet, fitted with General Electric GE90 engines, will enter the conversion process in mid-2022 and be delivered in the second half of 2023.

The company unveiled its conversion programme for the two 777 models in September, noting it had acquired access to a feedstock of Delta 777-200LRs.

Source: Mammoth Freighters

Mammoth has access to ex-Delta 777-200LR feedstock for its initial freighters

Mammoth’s freighter conversions will carry the -200LRMF and -300ERMF designations.

Cargojet’s agreement will enable Mammoth to “demonstrate the significance” of its product, says Mammoth co-chief Bill Tarpley.

“This is the next generation of converted freighters that have improved on-wing performance while using less fuel and emitting less carbon than the current ageing widebody fleet.”

Cargojet, which operates from Hamilton airport near Toronto, has a fleet of over 30 freighters, mainly based on Boeing 767-200, -300 and 757-200 platforms.

It had stated earlier this year that it intended to acquire 777 freighters but, at the time, had not signalled whether they would be new-build or converted aircraft.

Cargojet said it would use the 777s on long-haul Asian routes, integrating them with the airline’s domestic network

[Guest1]

Boeing Opening Two New Freighter Conversion Lines at KF Aerospace in Kelowna

16 November 2021Canadian Aviation News

(Release via Boeing)

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Nov. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — As global demand for freighters continues to soar, Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced plans to add three conversion lines for the market-leading 737-800BCF across North America and Europe. The company also signed a firm order with Icelease for eleven of the freighters as the launch customer for one of the new conversion lines.

In 2022, the company will open one conversion line at Boeing’s London Gatwick Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) facility, its state-of-the-art hangar in the United Kingdom; and two conversion lines in 2023 at KF Aerospace MRO in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada.

“Building a diverse and global network of conversion facilities is critical to supporting our customers’ growth and meeting regional demand,” said Jens Steinhagen, director of Boeing Converted Freighters. “KF Aerospace and our Boeing teammates at London Gatwick have the infrastructure, capabilities and expertise required to deliver market-leading Boeing Converted Freighters to our customers.”

“We’re very excited to be expanding our relationship with Boeing,” said Gregg Evjen, chief operating officer, KF Aerospace. “We’ve been working with the Boeing product line for more than 30 years. With our cargo conversion experience, our highly skilled workforce and all the technical requirements already in place, we’re ready to get to work and help serve Boeing’s customers.”

For Icelease, which recently expanded its cooperation with Corrum Capital through a joint venture called Carolus Cargo Leasing, the order for eleven 737-800BCF will be their first converted freighter order with Boeing. The lessor will be the launch customer for conversions at Boeing’s London Gatwick MRO facility.

“We are confident in the quality and proven record of Boeing’s 737-800 converted freighter, and pleased to be the launch customer for their new London MRO facility,” said Magnus Stephensen, senior partner at Icelease. “We look forward to bringing the freighter into our fleet to serve our growing global customer base operating domestic and short-haul routes.”

Earlier this year, Boeing announced it would create additional 737-800BCF conversion capacity at several sites, including a third conversion line at Guangzhou Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Company Limited (GAMECO), and two conversion lines in 2022 with a new supplier, Cooperativa Autogestionaria de Servicios Aeroindustriales (COOPESA) in Costa Rica. Once the new lines become active, Boeing will have conversion sites in North America, Asia and Europe.

Boeing forecasts 1,720 freighter conversions will be needed over the next 20 years to meet demand. Of those, 1,200 will be standard-body conversions, with nearly 20% of that demand coming from European carriers, and 30% coming from North America and Latin America.
The 737-800BCF is the standard body freighter market leader with more than 200 orders and commitments from 19 customers. The 737-800BCF offers higher reliability, lower fuel consumption, lower operating costs per trip and world-class in-service technical support compared to other standard-body freighters.

[conehead]

3 hours ago, Kargokings said:

Boeing Opening Two New Freighter Conversion Lines at KF Aerospace in Kelowna

16 November 2021Canadian Aviation News

(Release via Boeing)

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Nov. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — As global demand for freighters continues to soar, Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced plans to add three conversion lines for the market-leading 737-800BCF across North America and Europe. The company also signed a firm order with Icelease for eleven of the freighters as the launch customer for one of the new conversion lines.

In 2022, the company will open one conversion line at Boeing’s London Gatwick Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) facility, its state-of-the-art hangar in the United Kingdom; and two conversion lines in 2023 at KF Aerospace MRO in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada.

“Building a diverse and global network of conversion facilities is critical to supporting our customers’ growth and meeting regional demand,” said Jens Steinhagen, director of Boeing Converted Freighters. “KF Aerospace and our Boeing teammates at London Gatwick have the infrastructure, capabilities and expertise required to deliver market-leading Boeing Converted Freighters to our customers.”

“We’re very excited to be expanding our relationship with Boeing,” said Gregg Evjen, chief operating officer, KF Aerospace. “We’ve been working with the Boeing product line for more than 30 years. With our cargo conversion experience, our highly skilled workforce and all the technical requirements already in place, we’re ready to get to work and help serve Boeing’s customers.”

For Icelease, which recently expanded its cooperation with Corrum Capital through a joint venture called Carolus Cargo Leasing, the order for eleven 737-800BCF will be their first converted freighter order with Boeing. The lessor will be the launch customer for conversions at Boeing’s London Gatwick MRO facility.

“We are confident in the quality and proven record of Boeing’s 737-800 converted freighter, and pleased to be the launch customer for their new London MRO facility,” said Magnus Stephensen, senior partner at Icelease. “We look forward to bringing the freighter into our fleet to serve our growing global customer base operating domestic and short-haul routes.”

Earlier this year, Boeing announced it would create additional 737-800BCF conversion capacity at several sites, including a third conversion line at Guangzhou Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Company Limited (GAMECO), and two conversion lines in 2022 with a new supplier, Cooperativa Autogestionaria de Servicios Aeroindustriales (COOPESA) in Costa Rica. Once the new lines become active, Boeing will have conversion sites in North America, Asia and Europe.

Boeing forecasts 1,720 freighter conversions will be needed over the next 20 years to meet demand. Of those, 1,200 will be standard-body conversions, with nearly 20% of that demand coming from European carriers, and 30% coming from North America and Latin America.
The 737-800BCF is the standard body freighter market leader with more than 200 orders and commitments from 19 customers. The 737-800BCF offers higher reliability, lower fuel consumption, lower operating costs per trip and world-class in-service technical support compared to other standard-body freighters.

Awesome! That's a lot of work coming for Kelowna.

[Guest1]

Cargo planes and air carriers won big at the Dubai Airshow thanks to the shipping crisis and pandemic

Thomas Pallini 

20 hours ago

 

 

Workers load a shipment of cargo onto a flight.  Sean Gallup/Getty Images

• Air cargo was one of the big winners from the Dubai Airshow thanks to the shipping crisis.
• Airbus and Boeing landed orders for cargo jets, both new and converted, to meet rising demand.
• Boeing held off on launching the 777X Freighter while Airbus launched its A350 Freighter. 

 

International airshows are typically a time for airlines to show off their latest and greatest innovations that seek to improve the flying experience for travelers. But this year's Dubai Airshow saw big wins not just for passengers but also packages. 

Air cargo has been riding high for most of the pandemic and its importance has only been strengthened by the current shipping crisis. Companies that may have relied on ocean shipping in the past and now loosening the purse strings and paying up to send their items in the shipping equivalent of first class. 

And the conversation among the world's leading aircraft manufacturers including Airbus and Boeing is shifting to include cargo aircraft, for which there was no shortage of orders in Dubai. 

Boeing kicked off the air show with orders for its Boeing Converted Freighters, including nine 767-300BCFs for DHL Express and 11 737-800BCFs for leasing company Icelease. Three new conversion lines in the UK and Canada announced at Dubai will also increase Boeing's capacity to transform the aircraft from airliners to freighters, a process that can take months depending on the size of the aircraft. 

 

A DHL Express Boeing 767-300F.  A Periam Photography / Shutterstock.com

Airbus then launched the Airbus A350 Freighter project with a seven-aircraft order from Air Lease Corporation, marking the first next-generation Airbus aircraft to enter the cargo realm. The A350 Freighter, slated to arrive around 2026, boasts a 109-tonnes payload capacity with reduced fuel burn and emissions. 

Boeing, however, held off on launching the freighter variant of its upcoming 777X aircraft, which will soon become the largest certified twin-engine passenger plane in the world and was on hand in Dubai.

Mike Fleming, senior vice president in charge of commercial customer support and commercial derivative programs, cited the backlog that Boeing is experiencing with three commercial aircraft currently working towards certification. 

"Now, if all we had to do all fall, that was going on in our world was the freighter, we could get it done," Fleming told reporters in Dubai of the 777X Freighter. Boeing's 777-900, 737 Max 7, and 737 Max 10 aircraft have yet to be certified and the 777X project has already been delayed past its initial projections. 

 

The Boeing 777X at Dubai Airshow 2021.  Thomas Pallini/Insider

Fleming didn't give an estimate on how long a 777X Freighter project would take but also did not foresee any potential challenges with the project. Boeing has introduced freighter variants of nearly every jet aircraft in its staple, including the 727, 737, 747, 757, and 767 aircraft flying today. 

"We've developed a lot of freighters, that's something we do with almost all of our airplane models, Fleming said. "There's always a freighter in the plan when we launch the airplane and it's pretty straightforward."

Israel Aerospace Industries earned a new client with Emirates committing to convert four of its Boeing 777-300ER passenger aircraft to freighter aircraft. It's a natural fit, according to Nabil Sultan, Emirates SkyCargo's divisional senior vice president, as Emirates has an extensive fleet of Boeing aircraft with some nearing the end of their passenger life. 

The "Big Twin," as IAI calls the project, will be the largest twin-engine cargo plane in the skies and is among the replacement solutions to the Boeing 747. But Emirates isn't diving completely headfirst into the conversion market as it also placed an order for two new Boeing 777-200 Freighter aircraft in an order valued at $704 million.  

 

Israel Aerospace Industries' Boeing 777-300ER "Big Twin" cargo plane.  Israel Aerospace Industries

"When you have the mix, you're able to address your market needs much [better] and I think that's why we continue to buy new aircraft while we grow our converted equipment also, " Sultan told Insider. 

Airbus gained its second customer for the A350 Freighter one day after the Dubai Airshow wrapped, announcing an impending deal with CMA CGM. Four A350F aircraft will join the shipping magnate's fleet of five A330-200 Freighter aircraft and 545 seafaring vessels. 

FOR YOU

[Guest1]

ACC965_configA-G_info_FULL_ENG-2021-12.pdf (aircanada.com)

New all cargo conversion specs. 

[mrlupin]

 

 

[Guest1]

WestJet Cargo and SmartKargo partner on innovative digital transformation to better serve customers

---

NEWS PROVIDED BY

WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership 

Dec 07, 2021, 11:00 ET

---

CALGARY, AB, Dec. 7, 2021 /CNW/ - WestJet Cargo and SmartKargo today announced a partnership that will provide extensive digital solutions to enhance and transform the airline's air cargo business. In 2022, SmartKargo, a comprehensive cargo information management solution, will implement innovative software that will provide a streamlined user experience for WestJet Cargo customers.

"As we witness record-setting cargo volumes, we are making strategic investments in our technology, our aircraft ad our people," said Charles Duncan, WestJet Executive Vice-President, Cargo. "Our partnership with SmartKargo signifies an integral step forward in the digital transformation of our business. We look forward to working in lockstep with SmartKargo to digitize our business and deliver an improved user experience to our valued customers."

Together with SmartKargo, WestJet Cargo customers will realize an enhanced experience through paperless shipment documentation, ease of booking, and the ability to track their shipments in real-time as well as access important information and updates through a mobile and browser-friendly cloud platform.

"On behalf of the SmartKargo team, we are very excited to add WestJet to our list of valued airline clients, who have placed their trust in us to transform their cargo business," said Milind Tavshikar, Chief Executive Officer, QuantumID Technologies, SmartKargo. "We look forward to supporting their growth and enabling new opportunities in the marketplace as they arise."

In the coming months, the two businesses will work expediently, to integrate and implement SmartKargo's digital solutions with WestJet Cargo's existing systems and supply chain providers.

As WestJet Cargo continues to grow, so too will its team, network and flight plans. To learn more about how WestJet Cargo can fulfill shipping needs, or to discover incredible employment opportunities, visit WestJet Cargo. 

About WestJet 

[Guest1]

Chrono Aviation Offers First Boeing 737-800 SF Service in Canada with New Operations in Western Provinces

7 December 2021Canadian Aviation News

QUEBEC CITY, Dec. 7, 2021 /CNW Telbec/ – In April, Chrono Aviation announced the addition of a Boeing 737-800. It has now been revealed what this aircraft will be used for, as the Quebec company will be the very first in Canada to offer the 737-800 SF. With this new addition, Chrono Aviation now has an aircraft exclusively dedicated to cargo, with service starting in January 2022. This also marks Chrono Aviation’s first presence in Western Canada, with the new aircraft to be based in Winnipeg.

More Cargo, Further, Faster and Greener

Chrono Aviation’s 737-800 SF, exclusively dedicated to cargo, will be based in Winnipeg starting from January 2022 (CNW Group/Chrono Aviation)

The range of the new cargo aircraft is 2,000 nautical miles and can transport up to 52,000 pounds of cargo. Not only can the Boeing 737-800 SF carry more cargo further and faster, it is also more environmentally friendly, with 20% less emissions per tonne of cargo carried compared to previous generations of Boeing cargo aircraft.

“With this next-generation aircraft, we will be able to respond to a whole new market that is experiencing phenomenal growth. We are making our entrance into the international air cargo industry with the acquisition of this new Boeing cargo aircraft. It is with the continued objective for innovating and conquering new markets that Chrono Aviation, one of Quebec’s largest air carriers, is once again setting itself apart by becoming the first in Canada to introduce a Boeing 737-800 SF,” noted Vincent Gagnon, President of the Chrono Aviation Group.

He also added: “With this aircraft, we will be able to transport any cargo to about any destination, both in Canada and around the world. Adding the 800 SF was part of our growth strategy, but increased demand in the international market and from some of our current customers has advanced our long-term expectations.”

A First Presence in Western Canada and the Creation of 20 New Jobs

The addition of this aircraft also means establishing Chrono Aviation in Western Canada for strategic reasons and to meet strong demand in the area. The aircraft, which will be based in Winnipeg, marks another milestone in the company’s history. Along with the new aircraft, the company will be creating 20 new jobs.

About the Chrono Group

The Chrono Group has a fleet of 15 aircraft, including 4 Boeing. Based at the Quebec City and Saint-Hubert airports, where the company also operates LUX, Montreal’s largest FBO, Chrono employs 280 people. Founded in 2012, it is the Quebec company with the most diversified fleet and one of the largest charter companies in the province.

[dagger]

On 12/6/2021 at 11:24 PM, mrlupin said:

Air Canada's First Boeing 767-300ER Freighter Enters Service; Deployed to British Columbia to Support Canadian Supply Chain

Aircraft with nearly 58 tonnes of capacity put into commercial service  First of eight aircraft that will make up Air Canada Cargo freighter fleet Editor's Note: A timelapse video showing the work involved in the conversion of a passenger aircraft into our first freighter is available here. Video b-roll of our crews training on the first freighter is available for download here. MONTREAL, Dec. 9, 2021 /CNW Telbec/ - Air Canada's first dedicated Boeing 767-300ER freighter aircraft was put into service today and operated its inaugural flight from Toronto to Vancouver. Originally scheduled to first fly to Frankfurt, Air Canada Cargo deployed the aircraft early to provide capacity where needed. "Our first freighter is being deployed earlier than initially planned in order to provide additional cargo capacity needed into and out of Vancouver to meet ongoing demand as a result of the flooding that disrupted British Columbia's transportation network. The freighter is planned to operate 12 trips between our Toronto and Vancouver cargo hubs. Our teams have also worked extremely hard over the last several days to get our freighter into service early to aid in the transport of goods to Vancouver," said Jason Berry, Vice President, Cargo, at Air Canada. Prior to its  first freighter operation, Air Canada and Air Canada Cargo had boosted cargo capacity by 586 tonnes into Vancouver from Toronto, Montreal and Calgary in November to allow for the transport of more critical supplies to and from British Columbia. Freighters part of Air Canada Cargo's growth strategy The first freighter aircraft is currently planned to operate between Toronto and Frankfurt for the remainder of 2021, in addition to the flights to Vancouver. In 2022, primarily out of Toronto, it will also serve Miami, Quito, Lima, Mexico City and Guadalajara. With additional airports including Madrid, Halifax and St. John's planned when the second aircraft is delivered in the first half of 2022. The Boeing 767-300ER freighters will allow Air Canada Cargo to offer five different main deck configurations, increasing the overall cargo capacity of each aircraft to nearly 58 tonnes or 438 cubic metres, with approximately 75 per cent of this capacity on the main deck. The addition of freighter aircraft to Air Canada's fleet will allow Air Canada Cargo to provide consistent capacity on key air cargo routes, which will facilitate the movement of goods globally. The freighters will allow Air Canada Cargo to increase its capabilities to transport goods such as automotive and aerospace parts, oil and gas equipment, pharmaceuticals, perishables, as well as handling the growing demand for fast, reliable shipment of e-commerce goods. Given the immediate demand for cargo capacity, the first freighter entered service without its final livery. At a later date, it will be painted in an Air Canada Cargo variation of the Air Canada livery introduced in 2017. Since March 2020, Air Canada has operated more than 13,000 all-cargo flights globally using its wide-body passenger aircraft as well as certain temporarily modified Boeing 777 and Airbus A330 aircraft, which have additional available cargo space due to the removal of seats from the passenger cabin.

 

 

[Guest1]

Air Canada Cargo announces key appointments to senior leadership

12 January 2022Canadian Aviation News

From Air Cargo Week – link to source story

By Yasmin Turner – January 12, 2022

Air Canada Cargo yesterday announced the appointment of four industry veterans to key leadership positions within the organisation as it further positions itself for continued growth after a successful 2021.

Peter Laub has been appointed senior director, cargo – USA & Latin America, while three long-standing members of the Air Canada Cargo team have received promotions: Janet Wallace is now senior director, cargo transformation, Milt Fenske becomes director, cargo sales – USA, and Barb Johnston has been named director, cargo operations Canada.

“I am thrilled to be strengthening our senior leadership team at Air Canada Cargo just as we launch our dedicated freighter operations and build on the early successes of our ‘Rivo’ e-commerce platform. These trusted leaders will play a pivotal role in our continued growth and expansion,” said Jason Berry, vice president, cargo, at Air Canada.

Janet Wallace has 28 years of experience with Air Canada. She is skilled in operations management with diverse experience in call centres, airports, inflight and cargo. She will focus on strengthening areas related to engineering, quality management systems, learning and development, procurement and e-commerce at Air Canada Cargo.

Peter Laub brings with him more than 30 years of cargo sales and operations experience from the passenger and freighter markets. His vast experience in freighter operations will be beneficial to Air Canada Cargo’s launch of all-cargo operations with the recent introduction of its Boeing 767-300 freighter aircraft.

In a previous role as vice president of business development at Aloha Air, he oversaw the introduction of Aloha Air Cargo’s Boeing 767-300 freighters.