Colombia's Tampa Cargo is aiming to establish itself as one of South America's leading cargo carriers after moving its headquarters to a 3,600m2 (38,750 ft2) hangar at José Maria Córdova de Rionegro international airport. The Colombian airline is meanwhile preparing to renew its fleet with four converted Boeing 767 freighters.
With delivery of the first 767-200SF due in June 2004, Tampa's fleet renewal will see the gradual withdrawal of its four McDonnell Douglas DC-8-71 freighters - although it will retain its single DC-10-30F. The carrier announced in September 2002 it was to be the launch customer for Israel Aircraft Industries' 767 freighter conversion programme.
The four ex-Varig 767-200ER airframes will be leased from GE Capital Aviation Services and all will be handed over by November of 2004. The eight-year leasing agreement is believed to be valued at $100 million.
Tampa Cargo chief executive Frederik Jacobsen says the arrival of the 767-200SFs will allow the airline to add services in the second half of 2004, including to Manaus, Quito and S‹o Paulo. A second US gateway may also be added, with Dallas and Los Angeles under consideration.
Forecasting 2003 revenues of $95 million and an operating profit of $1.6 million, Jacobsen believes cargo traffic will increase from 129,000t this year to 165,000t by 2005.
Source: Flight International
