In this episode, Cargo Facts Editor Jeff Lee and Associate Editor Robert Luke discuss the highlights of ISTAT Americas conference, which featured a session on the cargo market and another on mergers and acquisitions among lessors. Luke and Lee also talk about Cargojet selling two of its 777-300ERs, ANA acquiring NCA, and Canadian North adding two ATR-72 500Fs to its fleet for Arctic operations. Tune in for a discussion of these topics and more for the week ended March 10, 2023....
Mar 11, 2023•30 min•Ep. 88
In this week’s episode of the “Cargo Facts Connect” podcast, Cargo Facts Editor Jeff Lee and Associate Editors Andrew Crider and Robert Luke kick off the discussion with Universal Hydrogen’s first flight of its modified Dash 8-300, which features the addition of a hydrogen-powered engine to replace one of the conventional Pratt & Whitney turboprops. Luke provides a breakdown of recent earnings calls. Companies in the freighter industry reported drops in revenue without drops in optimism as t...
Mar 04, 2023•23 min•Ep. 87
In this episode, Cargo Facts Editor Jeff Lee and Associate Editors Andrew Crider and Robert Luke kick off the discussion with the unveiling of a new cargo drone in Israel that is manufactured by Heven and uses hydrogen power to enhance its range. And as another A330 arrived in Dresden for conversion with EFW, the company announced that it will open a second A321 conversion location in China. Meanwhile, Qantas will add more A321 conversions, and SmartLynx earned approval from the Australian gover...
Feb 25, 2023•15 min•Ep. 86
In this episode, Cargo Facts Editor Jeff Lee and Associate Editors Andrew Crider and Robert Luke kick off the discussion with a watershed moment in the cargo industry: the news that Ameriflight will purchase the Sabrewing Rhaegal-A. Additionally, the drone space saw a series of milestones from medical drone operator Spright, unmanned aircraft developer Reliable Robotics and Canada-based Volatus Aerospace. On the manned aircraft front, the team looks at Awesome Cargo, which received its first A33...
Feb 18, 2023•13 min•Ep. 85
In this episode, Cargo Facts Editor Jeff Lee and Associate Editor Robert Luke are joined by Cargo Facts Consulting Senior Consultant Jim Edgar live in Dubai to discuss Cargo Facts EMEA 2023, the direction of the air cargo industry and potential movements and transactions to come. The trio provide an impartial outlook of the current market, including feedback from industry leaders who attended the conference In addition there is a discussion of Zero Petroleum's new synthetic aviation fuel and the...
Feb 10, 2023•15 min•Ep. 84
In this episode, Cargo Facts Editor Jeff Lee and Associate Editor Robert Luke are joined by Cargo Facts Consulting Senior Consultant Jim Edgar to discuss the departure of the final 747 to be produced — and the legacy of the large quad-engine jet. Edgar shares some of his memories from his days at Boeing — including a conversation with the “Father of the 747,” Joe Sutter — and the editors revisit the competition in the large-widebody segment. Tune in for a discussion of these topics and more for ...
Feb 04, 2023•18 min•Ep. 83
In this episode, Cargo Facts Editor Jeff Lee and Associate Editors Andrew Crider and Robert Luke discuss Mammoth Freighters, which this week inducted its first, conformity 777-300ERMF at the Aspire MRO facility in Fort Worth, Texas. In addition, Lee talks about his tour of ANA’s maintenance facilities, and Crider discusses Ameriflight’s order of twenty Natilus cargo drones. The unmanned Kona drone, powered by sustainable aviation fuel, will be able to carry as much payload as a Saab 340, using a...
Jan 27, 2023•15 min•Ep. 82
In this episode, Cargo Facts Associate Editors Andrew Crider and Robert Luke discuss Central Airlines launching its European operations and hinting that it would soon add a second 777F to its freighter fleet. The editors also discuss the anticipated news of a relatively new entity that has placed a lease order for widebody aircraft. More details will follow on this Asia-based company and will be covered in the next podcast installment. Tune in for a discussion of these topics and more for the we...
Jan 21, 2023•18 min•Ep. 81
In this episode, Cargo Facts Editor Jeff Lee and Associate Editors Andrew Crider and Robert Luke discuss the 737-400F, which has already made headlines this year for both retirements and additions. The team reflects on the 737 Classic and how its adoption and retirement fuel the rise of 737-800Fs. Meanwhile, the ARJ21-700CCF received its certification and will enter the market. What disruption will this cause? Tune in for a discussion of these topics and more for the week ended Jan. 13, 2023....
Jan 13, 2023•23 min•Ep. 80
In this episode, Cargo Facts Editor Jeff Lee and Associate Editors Andrew Crider and Robert Luke discuss FedEx’s fleet restructure after the express carrier painted a grim picture for the future of airfreight during its latest earnings call. The team also breaks down news of Aerolineas Argentinas receiving its first two 737-800Fs and the first A321PCF completing conversion at the HAECO facility in Xiamen (XMN). Tune in for a discussion of these topics and more for the week ended Jan. 6, 2023.
Jan 07, 2023•22 min•Ep. 79
In this episode, Cargo Facts Editor Jeff Lee and Associate Editors Andrew Crider and Robert Luke are joined by Cargo Facts Consulting Senior Consultant Jim Edgar to look back on an eventful 2022. Major highlights have included new players joining the market and others leaving, new programs and certifications, and intense competition in the large-widebody segment. The group then turns to some of the biggest developments to look forward to in 2023. Tune in for a discussion of these topics and more...
Dec 23, 2022•26 min•Ep. 78
In this episode, Cargo Facts Editor Jeff Lee and Associate Editors Andrew Crider and Robert Luke discuss the launch of Quikjet Cargo Airlines, which has obtained its air operator certificate and may soon start service with an Amazon-branded 737-800BCF. Additionally, Embraer has provided an update on its E-Jet conversion program, cutting the first piece of what will become part of the first large cargo door for the new freighter type. Meanwhile, Drone Delivery Canada is progressing in flight test...
Dec 17, 2022•17 min•Ep. 77
In this episode, Cargo Facts Editor Jeff Lee and Associate Editors Andrew Crider and Robert Luke discuss the rollout of the final 747 at the Boeing assembly line in Everett, Wash. More than twenty operators of older 747Fs have yet to order the next generation of large-widebody freighter, representing a significant opportunity for those in the competition to offer 747 replacements. Meanwhile, as Cargo Facts reported this week, Airbus is making an enhancement to its candidate in the large-widebody...
Dec 10, 2022•17 min•Ep. 76
In this episode, Cargo Facts Editor Jeff Lee and Associate Editors Andrew Crider and Robert Luke discuss news that Rolls-Royce has successfully tested its hydrogen engine platform. What impact will this have on cargo? Meanwhile, Boeing has suspended the testing of its 777-9 passenger aircraft due to an engine issue. Will this also further delay the aircraft’s freighter sibling? How will this and other developments affect the 777-8F vs. A350F battle? Tune in for a discussion of these topics and m...
Dec 03, 2022•17 min•Ep. 75
In this episode, Cargo Facts Editor Jeff Lee and Associate Editors Andrew Crider and Robert Luke discuss a new partnership between Brazilian carrier Azul and e-commerce giant Amazon to provide cargo operations in northern Brazil. Meanwhile, a series of Boeing additions drove freighter transactions in Asia and the 757 platform continues to generate interest. Tune in for a discussion on these topics and more for the week ended Nov. 18, 2022.
Nov 19, 2022•11 min•Ep. 74
In this episode, Cargo Facts Editor Jeff Lee and Associate Editors Andrew Crider and Robert Luke discuss Silk Way West’s intention to use the 777-8F as part of its plan to replace the Queen of the Skies, Asia Cargo Network’s plan to place a number of 737NG and 767 freighters with its Middle Eastern AOC, and more 737-800BCFs joining North American operators. Additionally, the cargo drone industry continues to see more investments and first flights. Tune in for a discussion of these topics and mor...
Nov 12, 2022•19 min•Ep. 73
In this episode, Cargo Facts Editor Jeff Lee and Associate Editors Andrew Crider and Robert Luke discuss a string of new entries into the drone market, with launch orders for products from Dufour Aerospace and Sabrewing. Meanwhile, Global Crossing Airlines is nearing the delivery and entry into service of its first two A321Fs, which will join the fleet before the end of the year, and another lessor is entering the A321F segment. Tune in for a discussion of these topics and more for the week ende...
Nov 05, 2022•12 min•Ep. 72
In this episode, Cargo Facts Editor Jeff Lee and Associate Editor Andrew Crider look back on some of the highlights from Cargo Facts Symposium 2022, and discuss the 777F vs A350F panel, the current state of conversions and the impact of regional freighters on the global air cargo market. Additionally, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has engaged electrical power on its first 777-300ERSF prototype after its conversion, meaning IAI is on track for its anticipated first flight in November. Tune in...
Oct 28, 2022•18 min•Ep. 71
In this week’s episode, Cargo Facts Editor Jeff Lee and Associate Editors Andrew Crider and Robert Luke discuss the upcoming Cargo Facts Symposium taking place at the InterContinental in San Diego on Oct 19-21. This year's Symposium will feature a fireside chat with Peter Corfitsen, chief executive of Maersk Air Cargo. The team gives a glimpse into the most highly anticipated panels on the agenda, including one on the large-widebody segment and another on the state of freighter leasing. Listen i...
Oct 14, 2022•12 min•Ep. 70
In this episode, Cargo Facts Editor Jeff Lee and Associate Editors Andrew Crider and Robert Luke discuss a week of milestones for the freighter aircraft industry. The first milestone was the first flight of an all-new aircraft type. with Eviation’s Alice aircraft becoming the world's first fully electric aircraft to take flight. The aircraft promises to have a cargo variant and has secured DHL as a launch customer. The editors then turn to Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Xtreme Aviation, w...
Oct 01, 2022•9 min•Ep. 69
In this episode, Cargo Facts Editor Jeff Lee and Associate Editors Andrew Crider and Robert Luke discuss FedEx reactivating vintage trijet airframes ahead of peak season. The once-parked freighters will step in for several 757s, which will take their place in the desert. The editors then discuss a number of new aircraft — both manned and unmanned — that have passed, or are approaching, major milestones in their development, representing the future of the air cargo market.
Sep 24, 2022•13 min•Ep. 68
In this episode, Cargo Facts Editor Jeff Lee and Associate Editors Andrew Crider and Robert Luke discuss a potential new regional cargo operator in South Korea, with Hi Air planning to use as many as six ATR 72-500Fs. The airline will pair up with a company called Caelum that is looking to convert ATRs to start, but which may even move on to A321s and A330s. The team then turns to regional growth in Southeast Asia, with Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia all featuring in Cargo Facts stories this we...
Sep 16, 2022•15 min•Ep. 67
In this episode, Cargo Facts Editor Jeff Lee and Associate Editors Andrew Crider and Robert Luke discuss the state of the used-aircraft market, and how current market conditions are affecting business in the freighter conversion space. The team addresses the certification this week of a new A330 Class E modification product and evaluate it alongside another program currently in development. Listen as the editors assess the two programs, their customers and how much business can be expected for b...
Sep 09, 2022•17 min•Ep. 66
In this week’s episode, Cargo Facts Editor Jeff Lee and Associate Editors Andrew Crider and Robert Luke discuss a week of growth for both UPS and FedEx, which continue to expand their freighter fleets with Boeing widebody aircraft. Elsewhere, e-commerce has led to further 737 freighter adoption in China, with two airlines joining the maindeck market and announcing the start of 737-800BCF operations. The team also takes a quick look at some upcoming A321F redeliveries. Meanwhile, the mysterious u...
Sep 02, 2022•13 min•Ep. 65
In this episode, Cargo Facts Editor Jeff Lee and Associate Editors Andrew Crider and Robert Luke discuss 737-800 freighter transactions involving companies like GOL, Texel Air and Northern Air Cargo. The team then turns to Boeing’s medium widebody, with SF Airlines, DHL and Cargo Aircraft Management continuing their conversions and a new player moving into 767 freighters. Meanwhile, two different airlines are supplementing their regional fleets by taking delivery of Saab 340B aircraft.
Aug 26, 2022•13 min•Ep. 64
In this week’s episode, Cargo Facts Editor Jeff Lee and Associate Editors Andrew Crider and Robert Luke discuss an incident involving a Qatar Airways 777F, which took damage after colliding with a pole at Chicago’s O'Hare Airport (ORD). The team then turns to AerCap’s placement of 95% of its twenty 777-300ERSF conversions, as well as a series of A321 developments before looking at a breakdown of Q2’s transactions and the new Alia eVTOL aircraft from Beta Technologies.
Aug 12, 2022•13 min•Ep. 63
In this week’s episode, Cargo Facts Editor Jeff Lee and Associate Editors Andrew Crider and Robert Luke discuss the breaking news of Atlas Air’s acquisition by Apollo Global Management and others. The team then looks at other developments involving major operators or large widebody freighters, including UPS holding two more options for the venerable 747-8F and Air Canada ordering the 777F.
Aug 06, 2022•10 min•Ep. 62
In this episode, Cargo Facts Editor Jeff Lee and Associate Editors Andrew Crider and Robert Luke discuss a couple more tidbits from Farnborough. They then look at recent 767 developments before turning to the Queen of the Skies.
Jul 30, 2022•15 min•Ep. 61
In this episode, Cargo Facts Editor Jeff Lee speaks with Jim Edgar, senior consultant of Cargo Facts Consulting, about Edgar’s memories from previous versions of the Farnborough International Airshow. Listen as the two also discuss some of the week’s major highlights, like Cargolux endorsing the 777-8F, De Havilland’s new freighter conversions, 737-800BCF orders and more.
Jul 22, 2022•15 min•Ep. 60
In this week’s episode, Cargo Facts Editor Jeff Lee and Associate Editors Andrew Crider and Robert Luke discuss hype leading up to this year’s Farnborough Airshow, which Cargo Facts will be attending to provide breaking news coverage for our readers and listeners. The editorial team then look at the potential for more 777-8F and A350F orders, as well as continued interest in the 757 and A330, both having a number of interesting developments this week.
Jul 15, 2022•12 min•Ep. 59
