Air Cargo News.

All Nippon Airways

ANA said it concluded a cargo codeshare agreement with Star Alliance partner Asiana to take effect April 1. It covers 18 weekly flights--10 operated by ANA, eight by Asiana--between Japan and Korea and is the first such accord between the two countries. ANA also agreed to link frequent-flier programs with future Star member Swiss International Air Lines as the first step in a strategic partnership set to begin April 1 when Swiss becomes a member. Mar 16, 2006

Boeing, Cargolux

Cargolux emerged as the unidentified customer that placed an order for two new 747-400Fs this month. The Luxembourg-based all-cargo airline simultaneously confirmed it canceled the introduction of a used dash 400F scheduled to join its fleet this year, as that aircraft has been sold in the meantime. The new aircraft, valued at $450 million at list prices, will be delivered in summer 2007 and summer 2008 and will fill the gap until delivery of the carrier's 747-8F fleet starting in September 2009. Cargolux is the new freighter's launch customer and has announced firm orders for 10 and purchase rights for an additional 10. It currently operates 14 747-400Fs. "The 747 freighters play an important part in our business model," President and CEO Ulrich Ogiermann said. "The performance level of the 747-400 freighter within our worldwide network is a cornerstone of our results these last years. With the introduction of the 747-8 freighter by the end of 2009, Cargolux will enter a new era of increased operational efficiency, of further improved environmental performance and of an enlarged potential for better products to benefit our customers." Mar 13, 2006

Cargolux

Cargolux will add a third weekly frequency to its Hong Kong-Barcelona-Luxembourg service from March. Mar 17, 2006

Cathay Pacific 

Cathay Pacific Airways is looking at a variety of options for its growing freighter fleet, according to COO Tony Tyler, who said that the airline likes the 747-400BCF and may convert six options to firm orders. "If and when we do, we are likely to convert some of our own 747-400s but not all, because we will still need the passenger lift," he said. In the longer term, he said Cathay will "look at the 747-8F as well as other options such as the A380F and the 777-200F." The carrier has been considered a prime candidate for the 747-8, although its interest in the intercontinental version appears to have waned somewhat in favor of the 777-300ER. Mar 14, 2006

Empire Airlines

Empire Airlines of Idaho flew 4.31 million freight lb. in February, a 17.49% increase over the year-ago month. Mar 17, 2006

Lufthansa Cargo 

Lufthansa Cargo announced that Executive Board Chairman Jean-Peter Jansen resigned effective March 31 for health reasons. Deutsche Lufthansa Chief Officer-Aviation Services and Human Resources Stefan Lauer was appointed interim chairman. Lauer will step down as chairman of the Lufthansa Cargo Supervisory Board and be replaced temporarily by Wolfgang Mayrhuber. The LCSB appointed MD-Lufthansa CityLine Karl-Heinz Kopfle to the LCEB. He will take charge of Lufthansa Cargo operations beginning April 1. Mar 15, 2006

Precision Conversions

Precision Conversions said it entered into a "long-term cargo conversion program" with Cargo Aircraft Management, a subsidiary of Orlando-based Cargo Holdings International. Agreement covers completion of two 757-200 passenger-to-freighter conversions in 2006 "with plans to support multiple aircraft conversions over the next five years." Mar 14, 2006

Swissport

Swissport said its new 17,600-sq.-m. Air Freight Terminal at Singapore Changi officially opened for business March 15 with an initial capacity of 250,000 tons per year and future potential expansion to 400,000 tons. Mar 16, 2006

Tampa Cargo

Tampa Cargo President and CEO Fred Jacobsen is resigning for "professional reasons" after eight years, the company said earlier this month. His departure becomes effective March 30. The search for a successor is underway. Mar 17, 2006