Turkish Airlines recently published its overall results for the period covering January to April of this year. Much of what was written reflected on the results within the passenger
division, but cargo also gets a complimentary mention.
On top of this the Turkish national airline has announced two new interesting all-cargo routes.
The overall results were positive
This is not unexpected considering the rapid growth of Turkish during the past two years.
They carried a total of 17,8 million passengers which is a 7,3% increase on the same period last year.
Domestic passengers flown rose by 7,8% and international by 7,0%.
The overall load factor for this period sank by 1% down to 77,3%. This however can be attributed to the fact that the carrier operates considerably more aircraft than last year.
Cargo is steadily rising
Whereas in the period January to April 2014, 213.153 tons were flown, this rose by 2,3% this year up to 218.148 tons.
Much of this cargo was flown on the Turkish Cargo‘s fleet of Airbus A330-200F‘s as well as in the belly holds of their fleet which rose from 247 aircraft in 2014 and now totals 274 units.
Cargo revenues in the first quarter of this year were said to be slightly below those of the same period in 2014. Namely, US$ 224 million compared to US$ 229 million.
Belly revenues increased whereas all freighter results were slightly lower.
The long haul passenger fleet has risen from 46 to 62 aircraft, thereby giving Turkish Cargo considerably more belly capacity on long haul flights.
Turkish also now operates a total of ten all-cargo A330 aircraft.
Shannon- Chicago freighter operations begin
No, not Istanbul to Chicago, but Shannon, Ireland to Chicago.
Turkish Cargo has started the first direct all-cargo operation from Ireland to North America after being granted permission to carry air cargo from Shannon to Chicago.
Turkish Cargo is no stranger to Shannon as it has been using the airport for fuel stops on its Istanbul to the United States operations.
The new all cargo flight, using a modern A330-200F, from Shannon operates once weekly on Fridays.
A service which is seen as a boost for Irish exporters to the USA for consumer goods, industrial equipment and the lucrative thoroughbred horse market from Ireland to America.
In a further announcement, Turkish cargo introduced their tenth African all cargo service with the A330-200F.
Dakar has been added to the list of destinations on the African continent.
It is interesting to note that the routing is Istanbul - Los Angeles - Dakar- Istanbul.
The 10 freighter aircraft which each have a capacity of up to 70 tons are showing a strong utilization.
It remains to be seen as to when Turkish Cargo will increase the fleet further.
John Mc Donagh
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