FedEx is telling pilots and other personnel to get ready for the return to service of the MD-11 freighter as federal regulators could soon approve a Boeing fix for the grounded aircraft.
Qantas has increased cargo connectivity between Sydney, Australia and Asia with a new freighter service to Singapore.
Air Transport Services Group has hired a new president for its cargo aircraft leasing arm.
FedEx continues to show strong optimism that it will soon begin operating its fleet of MD-11 freighters despite no signs from regulators investigating the deadly UPS accident about when they’ll lift the aircraft’s flight ban.
UPS has accelerated the retirement of its MD-11 freighter fleet because they will likely require extensive repairs to make them airworthy following a fatal crash and there are newer planes in the delivery pipeline.
FedEx expects to eat $175 million in extra costs to replace capacity caused by the temporary grounding of MD-11 aircraft, but that’s a blip for a company that just reported a $1.6 billion operating income and a 19% gain in adjusted earnings per share.
FedEx has adjusted its air network and flying schedule to overcome the loss of grounded MD-11 freighter aircraft, but the changes have overwhelmed staff dedicated to supporting pilots laying over in destination cities.
FedEx has removed MD-11 freighter flights from its December schedule. The carrier could be without the freighters for a long time as aviation authorities investigate the cause of the recent UPS MD-11 crash.
DHL Express has switched to a larger cargo jet operating between Hong Kong and a major manufacturing region in Malaysia to keep up with transport demand.
UPS is making adjustments to keep shipments moving after taking 27 MD-11 aircraft out of service for inspections trying to help customers with stranded goods in a warehouse damaged during the Nov. 4 crash of a UPS flight.
The FAA has prohibited all MD-11 aircraft from flying after the deadly crash of a UPS MD-11 cargo jet this week.
The National Transportation Safety Board will conduct an exhaustive examination of the events leading up to the crash of a UPS MD-11 freighter on Tuesday, but hopes to quickly finish evidence collection on the Louisville airfield so UPS can resume critical shipping activity.
Air China Cargo will be the first mainland Chinese carrier to order the all-new Airbus A350 freighter.
FedEx is responding to a downturn in express parcel and freight demand out of China to the United States by shifting some air assets to Asia.
UPS is readjusting its air freight network in response to high demand within Asia as volumes from China to the U.S. decrease.
The U.S. cancellation of duty-free treatment for de minimis packages cut FedEx income by $150 million and forced the airline unit to reduce flights.
Northern Air Cargo is giving up business with DHL Express to launch scheduled flights between Seattle and Anchorage, but will face stiff competition from incumbent Alaska Airlines.
Startup cargo airline One Air continues to expand its fleet, airport hubs and service offerings.
FedEx is investing heavily to expand its parcel and freight logistics service in Saudi Arabia.
Maersk Air Cargo has introduced service to South America and hired two veteran airfreight executives to lead the business.
