newstodate.aero
Jun 21, 2013 (newstodate): Operating a cargo ACMI carrier means walking on a thin line these days..
-The ACMI market is indeed highly competitive and volatile in 2013, and we do not foresee this to change significantly in 2013, says Skuli Skulasson, Bluebird Cargo managing director.
-On a cautiously positive side, we can at least say that we are probably at the low of the curve, with hopes for a slight recovery ahead. But cargo rates are strongly depressed while the loads are increasingly flown in passengers aircraft belly holds rather than on freighters.
-Bluebird Cargo still operates five Boeing 737 freighters, and since the early spring we have at least seen a development from having half of the fleet idly on ground to now having all aircraft in the air, primarily on assignments with integrators.
-That does not, however, translate into an increase in revenues, rather an improved coverage of the costs.
-On the basis of this development we expect not only to keep our current aircraft fleet, but also to expand it gradually as warranted by customers in the market. To stay in the market you have to grow with the market. But competition is extremely strong so we have to move very cautiously, says Mr Skulasson.
-The ACMI market is indeed highly competitive and volatile in 2013, and we do not foresee this to change significantly in 2013, says Skuli Skulasson, Bluebird Cargo managing director.
-On a cautiously positive side, we can at least say that we are probably at the low of the curve, with hopes for a slight recovery ahead. But cargo rates are strongly depressed while the loads are increasingly flown in passengers aircraft belly holds rather than on freighters.
-Bluebird Cargo still operates five Boeing 737 freighters, and since the early spring we have at least seen a development from having half of the fleet idly on ground to now having all aircraft in the air, primarily on assignments with integrators.
-That does not, however, translate into an increase in revenues, rather an improved coverage of the costs.
-On the basis of this development we expect not only to keep our current aircraft fleet, but also to expand it gradually as warranted by customers in the market. To stay in the market you have to grow with the market. But competition is extremely strong so we have to move very cautiously, says Mr Skulasson.