He also stated: "The strategic addition of Ho Chi Minh City into MASkargo's route network signifies the growing importance of the Vietnamese market and its trade with Asian countries." Malaysian Airlines has embarked on major route rationalization this year to reduce its losses. MASkargo, which operates four A330-200s mid-range freighters, said it is using interline partners and trucking options to serve destinations previously served using the group's belly hold capacity.

In other action, Cargolux Airlines International launched service to Manaus, Brazil. The airfreight service began May 19 from Luxemburg with a stop in Sao Paulo. From Manaus the flight will take off to Quito and Bogota where it will then head for Luxemburg with a stop in Maastricht. Manaus is the capital of the federal state of Amazonas and counts nearly two million citizens. It is a free trade zone that has developed into one of Brazil's major industrial centers for electronic and consumer goods. Manaus International Airport is Brazil's third-largest cargo service airport in terms of freight movements. Frank Reimen, president and CEO of Cargolux, said: "Brazil is an important market for Cargolux as it is the economic engine of the region. The presence of multinational companies has stimulated demand for fast and reliable air cargo transport, which is precisely what we offer our customers."  Brazil, the largest country in Latin America, has been served by Cargolux since 1997. The country plays an important role in world trade as a major exporter of transport equipment, footwear, cars and iron ore. On the demand side, rapid economic growth has fueled imports of machinery, chemical products, oil, electronics and automotive spare parts.

Alaska Air Cargo announced that it has delivered the season's first shipment of Copper River salmon, marking the start of the summer salmon season throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Alaska Airlines plays a major role in supporting the Alaska seafood industry. The airline flew nearly 25 million pounds of fresh Alaska seafood to the Lower 48 states and beyond last year, including nearly 1.8 million pounds of Copper River salmon.

Source: Aviation News Weekly