RUSSIA's AirBridgeCargo saw cargo volumes in 2018 climb by a modest two per cent to 700,000 tonnes on the back of higher demand for special cargo airlift and the addition of new destinations to its service network, ending growth of 13 per cent in 2017.
However, the airline registered a 25 per cent increase in the volume of special commodities, while pharma shipments rose by 60 per cent year on year, dangerous goods shipments were up 40 per cent; demand for oversize and heavy cargoes grew by 20 per cent; and the e-commerce business delivered via the abc e-com product expanded by six per cent.
The airline said that the traffic increase is also due to the introduction of new destinations, especially Ho Chi Minh City, Shenzhen, Budapest and Columbus, reported London's Air Cargo News, which said the carrier is positive about the coming 12 months.
AirBridgeCargo Airlines general director Sergey Lazarev said: '2019 will be an exceptional year for ABC - the year of our 15th anniversary - and we are delighted to achieve another company milestone supported by the consistent results of 2018.
'New challenges are ahead of us, but that's what makes the air cargo industry an exciting place to be. We are all set and ready for new plans and accomplishments as we continue to follow our growth strategy.'
One of the main areas for further progress this year will lie in the development of digital solutions for customers.
The airline has invested in equipment to improve the monitoring of a cargo's condition, temperature, shocking sensors, Bluetooth transmitting devices - and partnered with companies, such as Unilode and SITAONAIR, to guarantee 100 per cent traceability of shipments and continue the move towards an Internet of Things (IoT) platform.
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However, the airline registered a 25 per cent increase in the volume of special commodities, while pharma shipments rose by 60 per cent year on year, dangerous goods shipments were up 40 per cent; demand for oversize and heavy cargoes grew by 20 per cent; and the e-commerce business delivered via the abc e-com product expanded by six per cent.
The airline said that the traffic increase is also due to the introduction of new destinations, especially Ho Chi Minh City, Shenzhen, Budapest and Columbus, reported London's Air Cargo News, which said the carrier is positive about the coming 12 months.
AirBridgeCargo Airlines general director Sergey Lazarev said: '2019 will be an exceptional year for ABC - the year of our 15th anniversary - and we are delighted to achieve another company milestone supported by the consistent results of 2018.
'New challenges are ahead of us, but that's what makes the air cargo industry an exciting place to be. We are all set and ready for new plans and accomplishments as we continue to follow our growth strategy.'
One of the main areas for further progress this year will lie in the development of digital solutions for customers.
The airline has invested in equipment to improve the monitoring of a cargo's condition, temperature, shocking sensors, Bluetooth transmitting devices - and partnered with companies, such as Unilode and SITAONAIR, to guarantee 100 per cent traceability of shipments and continue the move towards an Internet of Things (IoT) platform.
WORLD SHIPPING