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Air Hong Kong
(AHK) has signed a contract for six Airbus A300-600 Freighter aircraft as part of its fleet expansion programme. The all-cargo
carrier, in which Cathay Pacific and DHL Worldwide Express hold a 70 per
cent and 30 per cent stake respectively, has also taken options for a further
four aircraft of the type.
AHK is the launch customer for the A300-600F "General Freighter" variant,
which differs from A300F4-600R aircraft currently offered by Airbus in that it has a
loading system and side door capable of handling large items of general freight in addition to small packages.
The six wide-body aircraft are scheduled for delivery between 2004 and
2005.
AHK Air Hong Kong Chairman Tony Tyler said: "This is a great step
forward in Air Hong Kong's development and its partnership with DHL. This very
significant fleet expansion demonstrates Air Hong Kong's commitment to enhancing Hong Kong's position as Asia's leading air cargo hub, and to
strengthening the scope and quality of service that we already provide
DHL."
"With this order, Air Hong Kong launches a new variant of Airbus' most
successful freighter, an endorsement of the strength of the Airbus product
line," said Noël Forgeard, Airbus Chief Executive Officer. "The freighter
market continues to grow for Airbus aircraft and this new variant is the result
of Airbus listening and reacting to market demands." |
