JAPAN'S KAWASAKI Kisen Kaisha ("K" Line) has launched its fourth European feeder service. To be marketed as Ibesco Service Loop D, the new shuttle service will provide a weekly link between Rotterdam and Leixoes, Portugal. "K" Line will deploy the chartered 234-TEU Camira on the new service, which made its first sailing from Rotterdam on September 29.
- PR
Martinair maxes out
MARTINAIR WILL deploy maximum capacity on cargo routes during the upcoming winter season, starting in November.
A total of 33 flights per week will be operated out of Amsterdam. Six McDonnell Douglas MD-11s and three Boeing 747s will carry some 2,700 tonnes a week to destinations worldwide, breaking last year's record by more than 10 per cent. The increased B747 capacity will be deployed in the Far East and Australia. MD-11 capacity will operate on North American, Latin American and African routes.
Taiwan and Philippines fly high
TAIWAN AND the Philippines finally inked an air agreement in Taipei last month, paving the way for the resumption of flights that were suspended twice over the past year. The breakthrough in the negotiations came with the lifting of restrictions on sixth freedom rights.
Both China Airlines and EVA Airways, Taiwan's two big air cargo carriers, welcomed the new air accord. EVA intends to start a twice-weekly dedicated cargo service from Taipei to the Philippines, in addition to daily combi flights, as early as possible, according to Bruno Chang, deputy senior vice president of EVA's cargo division.
He added that he expected a lot of cargo to be moved by EVA to and from the Philippines over the next two years, and that EVA hoped this would further boost cargo revenues that are up 22 per cent over last year.
Cargo imported into the Philippines from the US had to be routed through Hong Kong, raising costs to Philippine companies by as much as 30 per cent, according to one report.
- GH