newstodate.aero
Jun 01, 2012 (newstodate): Air cargo handling seems to be a tricky business at one Lithuanian airport: Siauliai International Airport.
One latest example is the handling of an AN-12 freighter from the Ukrainian carrier Ukraine Air Alliance landing at the airport on May 31, 2012, and carrying 18 tonnes of Turkish shipments.
-On behalf of the operator we guaranteed payment for aircraft handling, cargo handling and fuel. The request was sent to the airport that, however, never confirmed this in writing, says a spokesman for the handling company.
-Eventually, the airport refused the handling of the aircraft as well as its re-fueling, but later off-loaded part of the cargo on behalf of an own partner company while still refusing the re-fueling of the aircraft.
-This behavior runs against any perception of service and is also in strict conflict with established business procedures. We are of course protesting strongly against this, and the case has immediately been reported to the relevant political levels, he says.
According to sources, the airport's director is currently on a prolonged leave after allegations of vested interests colliding with his office, and in the meantime a working group has been established by the airport owner, Siauliai Municipality and headed by Daiva Matoniene, a deputy mayor of Siauliai.
Despite repeated emails and phone calls, newstodate has still not succeeded in obtaining any comments from Ms Matoniene.
One latest example is the handling of an AN-12 freighter from the Ukrainian carrier Ukraine Air Alliance landing at the airport on May 31, 2012, and carrying 18 tonnes of Turkish shipments.
-On behalf of the operator we guaranteed payment for aircraft handling, cargo handling and fuel. The request was sent to the airport that, however, never confirmed this in writing, says a spokesman for the handling company.
-Eventually, the airport refused the handling of the aircraft as well as its re-fueling, but later off-loaded part of the cargo on behalf of an own partner company while still refusing the re-fueling of the aircraft.
-This behavior runs against any perception of service and is also in strict conflict with established business procedures. We are of course protesting strongly against this, and the case has immediately been reported to the relevant political levels, he says.
According to sources, the airport's director is currently on a prolonged leave after allegations of vested interests colliding with his office, and in the meantime a working group has been established by the airport owner, Siauliai Municipality and headed by Daiva Matoniene, a deputy mayor of Siauliai.
Despite repeated emails and phone calls, newstodate has still not succeeded in obtaining any comments from Ms Matoniene.