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May 29

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May 29

Cathay Group expands freighter fleet through additional order with Airbus

Amely Mizzi 29 May 2026 05:08

Hong Kong-based Cathay Group has finalized its logistics fleet plans, signing a firm order for two additional Airbus A350F freighters. This brings the total number of ordered aircraft of this type to eight. The new aircraft will operate under the Cathay Cargo division and aim to increase operational efficiency within the airline's global cargo network. Ronald Lam, Chief Executive of Cathay Group, explained the investment as driven by long-term confidence in the company's growth prospects and the strategic importance of Hong Kong as a leading air freight hub. Technically, the A350F is based on the modern architecture of the A350 passenger family, offering the airline significant advantages through commonality. The shared technical specifications allow for greater flexibility in the deployment of pilots and maintenance crews, thus reducing operating costs. The freighters will be powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, specifically optimized for high payloads. Compared to older cargo aircraft, the model promises a reduction in fuel consumption of up to 20 percent, which represents a crucial competitive advantage, especially given the volatile energy costs in the aviation sector. This agreement further strengthens the market position of the Airbus A350F. By the end of April 2026, Airbus had secured a total of 101 firm orders from 14 different customers worldwide for the new cargo model. Cathay Cargo plans to deploy the new aircraft to replace older Boeing 747 freighters, modernizing capacity on key trade routes between Asia, Europe, and North America. The use of advanced composite materials in the aircraft construction also reduces its weight, enabling greater range at maximum payload.

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Ground handling at Schiphol Airport: Transavia withdraws lawsuit against license reduction

Stephen Steiner 29 May 2026 04:38

Legal opposition to the planned restructuring of ground handling services at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol has taken an unexpected turn. Dutch airline Transavia, a subsidiary of the Air France-KLM Group, withdrew its lawsuit against the airport operator shortly before the scheduled hearing in Haarlem. The legal dispute centered on Schiphol Airport's decision to drastically reduce the number of licensed ground handling companies. Instead of the current six, only three service providers will be granted licenses for operations on the apron. While Transavia initially feared operational disadvantages and restricted competition, the company has now announced that it has reassessed the situation after a further review. This decision paves the way for a comprehensive reform of ground handling at one of Europe's most important air traffic hubs, aimed at increasing efficiency and stabilizing the often-criticized working conditions of baggage handlers. Strategic Reorientation of Ground Handling in Amsterdam: Schiphol Airport's decision to halve the number of ground handling service providers is the result of a long-term strategy to consolidate airport operations. In recent years, the airport has faced repeated criticism due to excessive price competition among the six existing providers, which had negatively impacted service quality and staffing levels. Particularly during peak travel seasons, there were recurring and significant problems with baggage handling, leading to flight delays and frustrated passengers. By reducing the number of licensees to three, airport management anticipates more stable conditions. The remaining companies will be enabled, through larger contract volumes, to create more attractive working conditions and invest in modern equipment.

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International civil aviation maintains flight operations despite Ebola outbreak

Jan Gruber 29 May 2026 04:02

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has confirmed that international air traffic continues to operate safely despite the current Ebola outbreak in Central Africa. In an official statement, the UN agency emphasized that there is currently no need for general travel or trade restrictions. The ICAO bases this on the latest assessments from the World Health Organization (WHO), which classifies the global transmission risk as low. Governments and aviation industry stakeholders are urged to strictly adhere to established health protocols to ensure the safety of passengers and staff without disrupting global connectivity. The current outbreak in parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda is caused by the Bundibugyo virus. Medical experts point out that, unlike respiratory viruses, this pathogen is not transmitted through the air, but exclusively through direct contact with infected bodily fluids. This medical fact significantly reduces the risk of uncontrolled spread in aircraft cabins. To take preventative action nonetheless, the ICAO is relying on its CAPSCA program (Collaborative Arrangement for the Prevention and Management of Public Health Events in Civil Aviation), which coordinates cooperation between states and health authorities and implements evidence-based protective measures. A crucial factor for the current stability of air traffic is the infrastructure modernized after the COVID-19 pandemic. The introduction of digital health declarations, contactless border processes, and improved information exchange systems now enables authorities to identify potential risks much faster and more accurately than during previous outbreaks. Aviation industry experts emphasize that these technological advances have permanently strengthened the sector's responsiveness. Air traffic hubs in the affected region remain under heightened surveillance but continue to operate regular scheduled flights.

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