Nippon Cargo Airlines aims to triple revenue

Nippon Cargo Airlines aims to triple revenue    Japan’s only all-cargo air carrier Nippon Cargo Airlines Friday announced details of a business plan designed to triple its operating revenue to Yen310 billion ($2.8 billion) by 2015.
   NCA’s principal shareholders are the NYK Group, Global Logistics Investments Co. Ltd. and Nippon Express Co. In its fiscal year 2005, NCA posted operating revenue of Yen96.5 billion ($876 million).
   “The ‘Phoenix Project’ details NCA’s aim to establish independent flight and maintenance operations, introduce 14 advanced Boeing 747-8 freighters into the company’s fleet, and establish a global business for NCA as an independent all-cargo airline, all while guaranteeing safe and swift operations and dramatically improving the business structure on both sales and cost sides,” NYK said in a statement.
   “At the same time, NCA will further develop its air cargo business by utilizing its global network, high-performance aircraft, and the most advanced IT system in order to precisely respond to customers’ needs.”
   In the first phase of the plan, scheduled between its fiscal years of 2006 and 2008, NCA plans to reform its business structure and establish its own flight and maintenance operations. The second phase, slated between fiscal years 2009 and 2011, will see the B747-8Fs join NCA’s fleet along with the resumption of international operations at Haneda Airport. For the third phase (FY 2012-2015), NCA plans to operate a fleet of 22 to 24 aircraft including the 14 B747-8Fs.
   “By accomplishing its objectives, NCA will pursue growth opportunities throughout all phases of the project. NCA will expand its network while simultaneously collaborating with other companies as a globally expanding network based in Asia,” NYK said.
   “NCA will also develop a direct charter-flight business to the United States and Europe, departing from Asia and taking advantage of growth in the Asian market,” the company said.