Copying and distributing are prohibited without permission of the publisher
Cargo calling
01 April 2008
Freighters are proving attractive in an unsteady market. Alex Lennane reports.
Read more:
freighters
cargolux
intrepid aviation
cargo carrier
In these dark financial days of sub-prime lending, failing banks and unstable labour markets, one asset, previously neglected by the banking market, is starting to look more attractive: the humble freighter aircraft.
Until recently these were ignored by all but the biggest lessors, with bank financing given only to those carriers with strong track records. But now, say freighter owners and operators, a combination of a more stable cargo cycle than passenger cycle, plus increasing demand for aircraft as hundreds go into retirement, has sparked new-found interest in the market.
Last year Intrepid Aviation placed the largest order – 20 A330-200Fs – Airbus has received for freighters by a leasing company. Between 2005 and 2007, about 14% of the total order value for Boeing commercial aircraft was for freighters. The US manufacturer has orders for 66 aircraft on its books to operating lessors alone, including new customers such as Dubai Aerospace Enterprise.
Access to this content is denied because you are not logged in. Please login to view this content
Already have an account?
Subscribe
Subscribers have unlimited access to all current and archive content. Start your
subscription today - click on the button below.
Free trial
Taking a free trial will give you access to the current issue for two weeks (excluding
some surveys and articles). Start your free trial today.
