CFA: Five factors to consider before putting a freighter into a new market [VIDEO]

Next summer, ANA Cargo plans to introduce its first of two 777Fs on order with Boeing. During a roundtable panel discussion at the 8th annual Cargo Facts Asia symposium held last month in Shanghai, Toshiya Tamada, EVP, Global Sales, ANA Cargo discussed some of the key factors his airline considers before putting freighters into a new market.

“We try to make sure wherever we fly into that we can secure five conditions,” said Tamada.

Those five conditions include

• Securing appropriate slots
• Dedication from cargo handling facility and work force
• Safety of the facility and operations
• Cost competitiveness
• Smooth regulatory processes

“Those key conditions cannot be fulfilled by the airline alone,” Tamada Stressed. “We need to work with airport authorities and handling companies.”

As for ANA’s incoming 777F, the carrier plans to utilize the first freighter for six-times-weekly service on a Tokyo Narita (NRT) – Kansai (KIX) – Shanghai Pudong (PVG) – Tokyo Narita rotation. Following route approval, ANA plans to later reposition the aircraft to boost trans-Pacific capacity ahead of peak season, with the launch of long-haul flights between Tokyo Narita and Chicago (ORD), which could begin as soon as 27 October.

Check out highlights from the discussion below, which is part of a special video series sponsored by ATR.