ITALY's AlisCargo has confirmed that it is in talks with the Mediterranean Shipping Co (MSC), the world's No 1 container carrier, indicating that the shipping line is considering it in its air cargo plans, reports London's Loadstar.
'AlisCargo can confirm that the negotiations with msc Group are ongoing,' said the carrier in a statement. 'At the moment, it's not possible to provide further information until the discussions and authorisations of the competent bodies will have been successful.'
Italy's AlisCargo was founded during the pandemic and used its AOC to operate four 777-200ERs as 'preighters'.
However, when EASA rules banned preighters, AlisCargo looked to switch its operations to 767 freighters and began advertising for 767 pilots in December.
It also asked Italian authorities to suspend its AOC in a bid to save costs, and sources said the carrier was also looking for finance to tide it over.
AlisCargo had expected the new aircraft to arrive in March or April, but none came. This indicates that the value of the carrier to MSC is purely its AOC - plus management knowhow.
Ulrich Ogiermann, previous head of Cargolux and Qatar Airways Cargo, was appointed chief commercial officer when AlisCargo launched.
MSC currently is operating just one 777-200F on ACMI from Atlas Air, but a further three are expected this year. According to the Italian media, MSC said next year would see it boost its fleet again, to eight or nine aircraft. It signed a 'long-term' ACMI agreement with Atlas Air for the four 777-200Fs in September.
Said MSC chief executive Soren Toft: 'This strategic partnership with Atlas Air is the first step into this market and we plan to continue exploring various avenues to develop air cargo in a way that complements our core business of container shipping. Atlas Air's fleet of 777 freighter aircraft is well-suited to support our entry into air cargo and this strategic initiative will ensure we meet the cargo requirements of our customers.'
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'AlisCargo can confirm that the negotiations with msc Group are ongoing,' said the carrier in a statement. 'At the moment, it's not possible to provide further information until the discussions and authorisations of the competent bodies will have been successful.'
Italy's AlisCargo was founded during the pandemic and used its AOC to operate four 777-200ERs as 'preighters'.
However, when EASA rules banned preighters, AlisCargo looked to switch its operations to 767 freighters and began advertising for 767 pilots in December.
It also asked Italian authorities to suspend its AOC in a bid to save costs, and sources said the carrier was also looking for finance to tide it over.
AlisCargo had expected the new aircraft to arrive in March or April, but none came. This indicates that the value of the carrier to MSC is purely its AOC - plus management knowhow.
Ulrich Ogiermann, previous head of Cargolux and Qatar Airways Cargo, was appointed chief commercial officer when AlisCargo launched.
MSC currently is operating just one 777-200F on ACMI from Atlas Air, but a further three are expected this year. According to the Italian media, MSC said next year would see it boost its fleet again, to eight or nine aircraft. It signed a 'long-term' ACMI agreement with Atlas Air for the four 777-200Fs in September.
Said MSC chief executive Soren Toft: 'This strategic partnership with Atlas Air is the first step into this market and we plan to continue exploring various avenues to develop air cargo in a way that complements our core business of container shipping. Atlas Air's fleet of 777 freighter aircraft is well-suited to support our entry into air cargo and this strategic initiative will ensure we meet the cargo requirements of our customers.'
SeaNews Turkey