Italy's air freight carrier Cargoitalia signs Hactl

ITALY's new all-cargo carrier, Cargoitalia, has appointed Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl) as its ground handler in Hong Kong.

Cargoitalia and Hactl held an inaugural ceremony at Hactl headquarters at SuperTerminal where more than 100 guests including dignitaries and members of the Hong Kong air cargo community attended.

Cargoitalia's first scheduled service came after a trial charter flight to Hong Kong in late July. Cargoitalia will now operate twice-weekly scheduled MD-11SF freighter services between Milan and Hong Kong on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Hactl is providing Cargoitalia with physical cargo handling, air cargo documentation, ramp handling and crew transportation services at the Hong Kong International Airport, said a joint statement.

Said Hactl marketing manager Lilian Chan: "We are very proud to have been appointed by Cargoitalia, we extend our warmest welcome, and we congratulate the carrier on its successful launch.

Said Cargoitalia commercial director Roberto Gilardoni "We are delighted to have Hactl as our physical handling partner in Hong Kong. Its well-deserved reputation for efficiency, security and customer service will make a major contribution to the future success of our business in the region."

The new Cargoitalia is the result of amalgamating the original Cargoitalia (which suspended operations in 2008) with assets of the Alitalia full cargo business in April 2009. In May 2009, the airline took delivery of its first MD11 freighter. In July, it received its AOC, and in August it took delivery of a second MD11F, and commenced ad hoc charter operations.

(Source:www.schednet.com)