The freight industry has welcomed the initiative by IAG Cargo to introduce specialised air conditioning capabilities for the cargo hold in the new Airbus A380, which began services between London and Johannesburg this week (February 12). “We transport mainly pharmaceuticals, which are temperature-sensitive, and the fact that it is now possible to maintain and hold temperature to within one degree celsius accuracy is a big plus for us,” Denzil Nair, chief executive at DBSchenker South Africa, told FTW on the launch f light last week. “We always welcome additional capacity,” said Leanne de Klerk, operations manager at SkyServices. Tony Snell, regional commercial manager: Africa and Middle East for IAG Cargo, noted that Johannesburg represented a large f low of perishable produce for the company and with the A380’s precision temperaturecontrolled holds, he believes the new aircraft will be a welcome addition to the perishables market. “At this time of the year fruit, such as lychees, are a major part of the business,” he added. Snell said IAG was the first carrier in the world to receive an A380 with an improved maximum takeoff weight 12 tonnes heavier than other A380s currently f lying, allowing it to carry more cargo. CAPTION 1 The A380 flew over Cape Town as part of its launch event last week. Photo: British Airways CAPTION 2 Some freight industry players onboard the A380 for its official industry launch on February 6. From the left (front) Dagmar Mertens (Uti) and Leanne de Klerk (Skyservices). At the back Jan Morgan (Morgan Air); Milton French (Air Menzies International); Stephen Bishop (CFR Freight) and Bernd Julicher (SkyServices). CAPTION 3 The cargo hold of the new Airbus A380 has an improved take-off weight12 tonnes heavier than standard A380s. Photo: Airbus/IAG Cargo
