Cross-strait chartered cargo flight utilisation reaches 70pc

TAIWAN carriers have registered a utilisation rate of nearly 70 per cent since mainland-Taiwan commenced cross-strait chartered cargo flights, according to Taiwan's Economic Daily.

But the carriers said the business during the first two months this year slid 40 per cent comparing to the same period a year ago because of the economic downturn. But they estimated that cross-strait routes would gain more profit after scheduled services are launched.

According to statistics from the Taiwan aviation authority, utilisation of five carriers in Taiwan between March 9 and April 5 have reached 69.3 per cent, with a total cargo volume of 1,940 tonnes, while on the mainland side, utilisation has reached 73.3 per cent with a volume of 1,499 tonnes.

Taiwan's China Airlines now offers eight cargo flights to Shanghai per month using 747-400. Each flight can carry 100 tonnes. Almost all mainland-bound flights are fully loaded, while return flights are 70 per cent full. This has resulted in a cargo movement of about 1,360 tonnes a month.

Taiwan's media reported that even the plunge of oil prices could not make up for the fall in exports. The cross-strait cargo routes could not earn profits despite high utilisation with the 40 per cent decline in Taiwanese exports since the beginning of this year.

China Airlines said the number of cargo flights to mainland it approved is not enough. The airline hopes frequency can be increased to at least daily after the commencement of scheduled services and estimates cargo movement will be fourfold of what it is today.

In addition, Taiwanese carriers also hope to be able to apply for operating licences on the mainland in a bid to offer a wider range of services.

There are currently 60 chartered cargo flights between mainland and Taiwan every month, 30 offered at each side with 15 to Shanghai and 15 to Guangzhou on the mainland side.

But China Airlines and Evergreen's Eva Airways have suspended cargo service to Guangzhou because most freight forwarders prefer Hong Kong airport which is close and has better facilities than Guangzhou.

Source:Schednet