Cargoitalia gets new MD11 after Singapore conversion

MILAN-based all-cargo carrier Cargoitalia received Boeing's completed MD-11 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF) under a long-term lease following conversion at its Singapore subcontract SASCO facility with plans to assign it to the thrice weekly Milan/Shanghai route from October.

The third BCF will join an existing fleet on routes begun under new management in 2009 to Hong Kong, Dubai and the US from Italy in line with plans to increase Italian air freight trucked from other European air cargo hubs.

The addition of the freighter is "a fundamental tool for developing our cargo network and putting our growth strategy into place," said managing director Giacomo Manzon. But American Shipper also reported that the company aims to phase out MD11 operations and acquire new freighters from 2012.

"For our longer-term future, we must look at every available aircraft option, and maximum fuel efficiency is predictably top of our agenda. New generation aircraft with their leaner fuel burn are essential if we are to maintain successful growth, and realise our full potential," Mr Manzon said.
(source:www.schednet.com)