WDL Aviation plans launch of cargo operations in 4Q

Cologne-based WDL Aviation, an ACMI specialist owned by Zeitfracht Group, is set to begin freighter operations in November. WDL’s managing director told ch-aviation that it plans to use its freighters for ad-hoc cargo charters as well as long-term ACMI lease operations on behalf of other customers.

Zeitfracht acquired the three ex-ASL Airlines Spain BAe 146-300QT freighters (150, 151, and 153) in WDL’s fleet earlier this year, and all three aircraft are currently undergoing maintenance at Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN). WDL also operates four additional aircraft owned by Zeitfracht Group – three BAe 146-200s and a BAe 146-300. Historically, those aircraft have been operated for customers including Air France, EasyJet, and SAS Scandinavian Airlines.

The Berlin-based Zeitfracht Group has made several moves to increase its focus on air cargo in 2018. The Group also recently acquired the all-cargo virtual carrier Leisure Cargo, which offers cargo space with fourteen carriers and began offering bookable capacity through digital cargo booking platform cargo.one in July.

Learn more about trends in freighter operations 10-12 October at Cargo Facts Symposium, where a roundtable panel discussion will be dedicated to the topic. For more information, or to register, visit www.cargofactssymposium.com.