SHORT SHOTS

Swiss WorldCargo handling partner CEIV certified
Cargologic the Zurich based ground handling company which also handles Swiss WorldCargo at the airport has just received certification as a “Centre of Excellence for Independent Validators” (CEIV) from IATA for the handling of pharma products at Zurich Airport.
Global regulators conditions and wishes for the proper handling of pharmaceuticals are increasing almost day by day and the CEIV certification is one which is in the meantime being hard sought after by various airports and handling entities.
It was Brussells Airport which kicked off with the certification program and in the meantime others have followed. The CEIV Pharma Certification was initiated by IATA and BRUCargo with the aim of supporting the air transport industry in meeting and complying with requirements laid down by the pharma producers.

Cargolux happy with 2015 tonnages
The Luxembourg based all-cargo carrier which recently confirmed the founding of Cargolux China as of 2017, has announced that the figures for 2015 are looking good.
The airline carried a total of 889,746 tons in 2015 which represents a 7.4 percent increase over 2014.
The load factor remained however at 66 percent, but this is attributed to the fact that the carrier has a larger fleet than the year before.
Staff numbers also increased to 1,879 by the end of 2015.
Cargolux operates with 25 Boeing 747 freighters and more are being planned for the Cargolux China daughter company.
Annual financial figures will be published at the end of April.

Air Astana doubles 2015 net profit
The Kazakhstan national carrier has more than doubled their 2015 net profit to US$47.4 million. The figure for the previous year was US$19.3 million.
Much of the profit generated was made up through various cost cutting measures introduced by the carrier.
Revenues in 2015 fell quite sharply, but compensation, among others, was on hand due to lower fuel prices said the company President and CEO, Peter Foster.
This is Air Astana’s thirteenth year of consecutive profitability.
Revenues fell by 21 percent to US$738.1 million, whereas passenger numbers increased by a marginal 2 percent and capacity on offer increased by 6 percent.
Air Astana’s CEO sees many challenges for 2016 due to weaking markets and currency fluctuations.
Cargo figures were so far not revealed.
Air Astana will add a new route to Tehran and the Mongolian capital of Ulan Bator this year.

TIACA joins regulators in Advance Data talks
Lately TIACA members joined with regulators, ICAO and WCO in Geneva in a “Joint Working Group” to discuss finalizing of a common framework for the Pre-Loading Advance Cargo Information (PLACI) system.
The meeting was also joined by representatives of countries interested in introducing Advance Data as well as members from FIATA and the Global express Association (GEA).
It is expected that an interim report on progress made so far will be released in the not too distant future.

Armenia’s South Airlines gets B747 Freighters
South Airlines Armenia, with its main base in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, has acquired a pair of Boeing 747-200F‘s which once belonged to TCA - The Cargo Airlines who were then based in Tbilisi. The two aircraft have UAE registration numbers - EK74786 and EK74787.
The Armenian registered carrier operates cargo flights on ACMI and charter basis and also has a Boeing 737-200M on its books.

Iran’s Saffatt Air leases AN-26 Freighter
Saffatt Airlines, based in Tabriz, Iran, and which offers domestic and regional cargo operations in the region has acquired an Antonov AN-26 freighter from Bangladesh’s True Aviation. This is the second AN-26 freighter they have bought from True Aviation.
Saffatt already operates a mixed fleet of small Antonov turboprop freighters.

John Mc Donagh