Source: Flight International Author: Graham Dunn 06/26/2008
Subject Concerned: Aircraft Airlines Cargo
Upgrading its fleet with more fuel-efficient aircraft remains central to the long-term business plan for MK Airlines, the UK cargo carrier that resumed flights on June 20 - 10 days after being forced into administration.
The resumption was made possible after a deal on initial funding for the carrier was reached with Transatlantic Aviation - an owner of widebody aircraft and part of the Belfair Management Group of companies. Transatlantic Aviation is set to move ahead with investing in the long-term future of the carrier once agreement is reached with creditors.
Before entering administration MK Airlines had been seeking to refinance and reposition itself with more fuel-efficient aircraft. The carrier now operates a fleet of nine Boeing 747-200s and a pair of McDonnell Douglas DC-8s.
MK Airlines founder and chief executive Mike Kruger, who together with the administrators has been leading talks with investors, says financial backing will enable it to move ahead with a renewal of the fleet. "More fuel-efficient aircraft are key to this plan. We are talking to numerous parties in terms of 747-400s, possibly 747-8s and also to see what Airbus has to offer," he says.