Jade Cargo ready to fly to new destinations

With four of its six 747-400ERFs in operation and the pilot shortage issue resolved, Jade Cargo is set to take off for new destinations in Europe and the Asian region. Correspondent Ian Putzger reveals the carrier's plans
After treading water for a year, Jade Cargo International is finally back on the expansion path. As the Shenzhen-based airline is getting close to having a full complement of pilots, its idling freighters are headed for the runway to launch new services to Europe and within the region.
After a flying start, Jade's expansion plans were forced into neutral a year ago as a result of unexpected staffing problems. The carrier took delivery of its final two B747-400ER freighters but found itself unable to put them into action on account of a pilot shortage. Against this background, Jade's first chief executive officer left and was replaced by Kay Kratky, a former 747 pilot who was senior vice-president of transportation management and flight operations of Lufthansa Cargo prior to his move to Shenzhen.
At that time, Jade had 22 pilots in service. Today the number is close to 100, of whom 75-80 are fully licensed in China, according to Reto Hunziker, executive vice-president of sales and marketing.
He added that Jade benefited from the collapse of Hong Kong-based budget airline Oasis, as it could snap up about 20 of Oasis' experienced pilots.
In August, Jade plans to launch flights to India and Vietnam. The former operation will be routed from Shenzhen via Shanghai to Chennai, returning to Shenzhen, while the Vietnam service will originate in Tianjin and serve Ho Chi Minh City, returning to Shenzhen.
26/05/08 Cargonews Asia, Hong Kong

To Read the News in full at Source, Click the Headline

Categories: Cargo May 2008, Foreign May 2008