Turkish Cargo reports significant Q1 airfreight growth
Total airfreight volume for Turkish Cargo jumped 17.4 percent in the first quarter of 2011
The first quarter of 2011 was rather prolific for Turkish Cargo — the European carrier reported a 34.1 percent jump in total freight tonne-kilometers from 2010. This is 23.5 percent higher than Association of European Airlines averages.
Total airfreight volume for Turkish Cargo grew by 17.4 percent in the first quarter of 2011. International and domestic traffic accounted for 89 percent and 11 percent of this growth, respectively. Turkish Cargo officials said Frankfurt, Germany; Maastricht, Netherlands; New York; Hong Kong; Shanghai and Tel Aviv were among the most popular international destinations.
The airline also launched new routes to Guangzhou, China; Los Angeles; Toulouse, France; Shiraz, Iran; Valencia and Malaga, Spain; and Arbil, Iraq, during the first three months of 2011. Additionally, 10 new aircraft joined the Turkish Cargo fleet during this period.
Turkish Cargo officials anticipate the airfreight growth trend to continue throughout 2011, thanks to the addition of new routes and the procurement of another A330-200F freighter and 11 new passenger planes. In fact, Basra, Iraq, will join the ranks of Turkish Cargo destinations later this month.
Beginning May 11, the carrier will operate freight service to Basra through four weekly passenger flights.
