Stansted to welcome British Airways jumbo set

FOLLOWING the Civil Aviation Authority's award of Code F status to Stansted, the UK's third busiest airport, which now accommodates the Airbus A380 and the new Boeing 747-8 to land, British Airways World Cargo is the jumbo base at the airport.

The cargo airline will operate schedules to destinations such as Hong Kong, Atlanta, Houston and Shanghai - and could be ready to touchdown by early 2011 said an airport release.

"We're delighted British Airways World Cargo has selected Stansted as the UK base from which three of its new generation 747-8 will operate," said commercial and development director for the airport Nick Barton.

"Obtaining Code F status was vital to opening the doors for next generation aircraft to operate at Stansted and we're delighted with this announcement which is already sparking interest from other carriers," he added.

Steve Gunning, British Airways World Cargo managing director said its investment in new Boeing 747-8 underlines the importance the carrier places on cargo and its commitment to Stansted following its recent Code F status, "a significant boost to the operational capacity of the airport."

"In addition, the increased range, noise reduction and environmental benefits that the 747-8 provides will significantly benefit our customers. Long-haul freighters and our freighter hub at Stansted form an integral part of our overall business strategy - providing flexibility and capacity on resilient and growing lanes - as we strive for continued excellence in all key areas of the business, including product range, customer service and, of course, network offering.

"I am also pleased to be continuing our relationship with our long-term freighter partners, GSS and Atlas Air," Mr Gunning added.
(Source:www.schednet.com)