World
air cargo
Air X Aviation launches operations in the USA
Air X Aviation, US based aircraft lessor,
has appointed Darren Banham as president of
its USA operations. This expansion is a part of
its strategic launch in the Western Hemisphere. Darren has been a leading broker in
the industry for many years.
Roberto Berrios will head the marketing
and public relation activities.
Joining the AirX America team are some
familiar faces to the air cargo and passenger air
charter industry some of whom are previous
brokers from world recognised charter specialists; David Livingstone, Jack Burt, Peter Obre,
Simon Edwards, Daniel Frisch and Jose Torres.
In addition to AirX America operations,
Florida acquisitions and the new office
location in the USA, AirX appointed Chris
Chapman and Carol Norman as brand ambassadors.
AirX opened its Fort Lauderdale office, and
is preparing for the launch of the executive
jets and airliners fleet that will add to an
existing line of luxury jetliners and highly
demanded freighters.
AirX has purchased a stake in Via Airlines,
a Part 121 operator of larger aircraft; and Elite
Aircraft Management, a Part 135 operator of
standard VIP charter operating approval.
John B. Mathews, chairman of AirX, said,
“The process of completing this agreement
has been ongoing for many months with
regards to negotiations and the setup of such
entities. Joining myself in the shareholding
group of Via are 3 other parties, one of whom
is in the top 20 aircraft leasing companies in
the world. With the combined expertise of
the shareholders, we will produce a company
that will set a new standard of aircraft operation in America.”
Elite Air will become AirX America and
begin the operation of Challenger 850s,
Citation Xs and Gulfstream IVSPs, all of which
will have brand new interiors throughout
including repaint, lower and upper sidewall,
Cargolux starts direct cool chain
services from Europe to Puerto Rico
All cargo carrier Cargolux introduced a
new direct flight from Luxembourg to Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, from October 2.
The Luxembourg based carrier has already
established four successful weekly service
from Aguadilla to Europe that are strongly
supported by shippers and forwarders in the
South and Central American perishables and
flower industry.
The carrier utilises 747-8F freighter that is
ideally suited for perishable and cool chain
shipments with its four independently adjustable climate zones, superior range and speed.
In addition, Cargolux already operates four
indirect weekly flights from Luxembourg to
Aguadilla.
“Our long-standing experience in the
cool chain transport field, coupled with our
new seats, divan, re-stained wood work and
the latest Airshow, together with internet and
USB charging ports.
Over the next 15 months, AirX America
fleet will grow to around 10 aircraft. The Citation Xs will begin to service the coast to coast
market; the Gulfstream IVSPs will set a new
price low in transatlantic travel and the Challenger 850s will be servicing the 5hr radius
from our hubs in New York and LA.
The company adds, “With regards to the
operation of Via Airlines, we will be mirroring
our VIP A340 onto the larger certificate and
producing both VIP and 737 Freighters, which
will have dual role and the ability to change
from the 9H-YES Bentley style interior to the
120/148 economy seat interior, depending on
ACMI and Tour Operator contracts.”
“In addition, we will be growing our fleet
of Embraer 145s at Via, of which we presently
have 6, whilst continuing to service the EAS
routes that we have recently negotiated with
the government. These contracts already
cover our break even requirement whilst
AirX/Via offers hub and spoke transfers at
costs no other carrier can match.”
The first commercial aircraft will be a
Challenger 850, which will be online by the
end of September along with the Citation Xs
and Gulfstream IVSPs. Both are presently in
our joint venture facility in Great Falls going
through internal refurbishment and respray.
Matthew says, “I also aim to allow us
to wet lease our European aircraft with
our EASA crew into America during our
European winters to take advantage of the
American peak.”
dedicated, customer-oriented mentality,
makes the Cargolux service to Aguadilla
a superior offering for our partners in the
pharma and perishables industry,” notes
Niek van der Weide, EVP Sales & Marketing,
Cargolux.
Cargolux was the world’s first GDP-certified cargo airline and utilises Luxair’s modern
pharma and healthcare center at Luxembourg airport, itself a GDP-certified facility.
“Gaining an early GDP certification has underlined our constant quest for the highest
quality standards,” adds van der Weide.
www.stattimes.com
| OCTOBER 2016
27