AirBridgeCargo volumes surge 16% in first half 2017

The Moscow-based all-cargo airline also saw volumes rise to 20 percent in its Asia Pacific network, a strong factor in its overall volume increase for the period.    AirBridgeCargo Airlines (ABC) posted a 16 percent increase in volumes in the first half of 2017 to 335,000 metric tons thanks in part to strong demand across the Asia Pacific region.
   The Moscow-based all-cargo airline saw a 13 percent rise in freight tonne-kilometres (FTK) and its load factor increase to 71 percent during the first half of 2017.
   ABC also took delivery of its tenth latest generation Boeing 747-8 Freighter during the first half, increasing its fleet of 747F aircraft to 17. The airline also expanded its network in Asia Pacific with the addition of twice-weekly services to Taipei, carrying an estimated 1,000 metric tons a month on the route.
   Overall, the airline’s business to and from Asia Pacific rose by more than 20 percent year-over-year during the first six months of 2017, said ABC.
   In addition to regional volume increases, AirBridgeCargo’s pharmaceutical volumes and Off-size Cargo product saw increases during the period as well. The airline saw development in Moscow’s Sheremetyevo international airport as its global pharma hub.
   “We have a very clear strategy that is all about listening to the needs of our customers in terms of the routes and products they want us to offer. This is reflected in their support of our growing network in Asia Pacific as well as their increasing use of our special products for pharma and off-size cargoes,” said Sergey Lazarev, general director of AirBridgeCargo.
   “In addition, through continued investment in our modern fleet, we are demonstrating to our customers that ABC is a high quality, long-term partner,” said Lazarev.