Cargoitalia to add third MD11 freighter for China service

CARGOITALIA, Italy's all-cargo airline, re-launched under new ownership in April 2009, has announced that it is scheduled to take delivery of its third MD11 freighter aircraft in June.

Cargoitalia plans to deploy its latest aircraft on a twice-weekly service from its Milan hub to Shanghai Pudong. In October, the service will increase to three times weekly.

The latest aircraft, a new conversion leased from Boeing Capital, has a larger 90-tonne payload than the airline's first two MD11 aircraft and a forward cargo door, making loading easier.

The aircraft is slated to enter service in July, and is expected to operate a programme of charter flights. It will then provide operational cover for Cargoitalia's other aircraft when they receive C-checks in August, before entering scheduled service in September, said a statement from the carrier.

Commercial director Roberto Gilardoni said: "We greatly look forwards to the arrival of our latest aircraft, the opportunities opened up by its improved design and enhanced capabilities, and the expansion of our network to include the important mainland China market."

Cargoitalia said it plans further fleet expansion from 2012, and is currently evaluating various aircraft types to take it through its next development phase.

Source: www.schednet.com