More Airbus freighters ordered for future expansion

MNG Airlines, the largest Turkish all-cargo operator, has placed a follow-on order with Airbus for two more A330-200Fs to support its expanding cargo operations. These aircraft are in addition to the two firm orders for the A330-200F which the carrier placed in 2007, bringing its total orders for the type now to four aircraft and reaffirming its confidence in the type to expand its network as the freighter market gradually rebounds.

Established in February 1996, MNG Airlines initially began to provide scheduled cargo services in November 1997 to Hahn (Germany) and Stansted (UK). Today, MNG Airlines has a fleet which includes nine Airbus A300Fs. Moreover, the new A330-200Fs will enable MNG Airlines to supplement its A300s while expanding operations on its trunk routes with lower cost-per-tonne, not only within Europe, but also to Middle East, Asia, China and USA.

“We are pleased to add to our previous order for the A330-200F, so we can start implementing our growth strategy when the worldwide freighter market recovers from the recession,” said Mehmet Nazif Günal, founder and Chairman of MNG Companies Group. “We are fully convinced that the A330-200 Freighter aircraft, the newest member of the A330/A340 family, is the right aircraft to contribute to achieving our goals, and allow us to operate the most modern and efficient fleet of cargo aircraft in Turkey.”

Airbus Chief Operating Officer – Customers, John Leahy said, “The A330-200F is the right aircraft at the right time. We are at the eve of a market recovery, and now is the time for airlines to prepare for future freight growth.”

With a superior payload than initially anticipated, the A330-200F offers two operational configurations depending on the planned mission. The aircraft can carry up to 64 metric tonnes over 4,000 nautical miles / 7,400 km, or more than 69 metric tonnes up to 3,200 nautical miles / 5,930 km – non-stop. These range and payload capabilities will enable operators to grow their business by opening up or extending cargo routes they currently operate. Thanks to an optimized fuselage cross-section, it has the interior flexibility to carry a wide variety of pallet and container sizes for maximum interlining capability, offering 30 per cent more volume than any freighter in its class.

Programme on Track
The first A330-200 Freighter is now assembled and others are nearing completion. Fast progress is being made towards its first flight later this year and overall, the programme is fully on track for certification, followed by first deliveries in 2010.

Source: Boeing