The Hindu Business Line : Flyington plans Chennai-China cargo service

Chennai May 10 Flyington Freighters is likely to start a Chennai-China air cargo service in July or August, according to the Chennai Airport Director, Mr Dinesh Kumar.

Talks are on between the company and airport officials on the service. Flyington is likely to lease aircraft for the China service, Mr Kumar told Business Line.

Chennai Airport

A privately-owned firm promoted by the family of Deccan Chronicle Holdings Ltd, Flyington is likely to fill the vacant slot in the Chennai-China sector, which was till recently operated by Great Wall Airlines, said a source.

The Chennai airport handles around 8,000 tonnes of cargo a month. Fourteen airlines operate freight services between Chennai and destinations such as Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Hong Kong, the US and Singapore. Some of the operators are Air France, Lufthansa, Cargolux, Alitalia, Transmile, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, Ethiad Airways and Kuwait Airways, the source said.

Flyington has signed for six A330-200F aircraft, the newest freighter from Airbus and the newest member of the A330/A340 family. It is the first cargo airline to order the A330-200F, and the first aircraft will join the fleet in the second half of 2009, according to information available in the Airbus Web site.

The A330-200F is a mid-size, long haul all-cargo aircraft capable of carrying 64 tonnes, and offers 30 per cent more volume than any freighter in its class. One of the advantages of the A330-200F is the main-deck cargo loading system that can accommodate both pallets and containers, Airbus said in its Web site.