Paul Phelan/CAIRNS
Australian cargo start-up Transpac Express has received outline approval to launch cargo services to Pacific islands, using widebody freighters.
The draft approval from Australia's International Air Services Commission will allow the Brisbane-based company to operate separate weekly freight services from Brisbane to Nauru, New Caledonia, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.
Transpac will begin operations with a Boeing 767-300 wet-leased from Qantas, which will fly overnight return services, using its belly hold for freight. In the longer term, the carrier aims to obtain its own Australian air operator's certificate, and plans to acquire an Airbus A300B4 freighter.
Established shipping line Pacific Direct Line (PDL) holds a 25% stake in Transpac, and has pledged monetary support until Transpac achieves financial independence. Transpac also has a sales agreement with PDL, which is expected to provide it with immediate access to an established customer base and marketing network.
Source: Flight International
