Surcharges increase across cargo

SEVERAL cargo carriers have announced a rise in fuel surcharges following the recent increase in the aviation fuel price.

Polar Air Cargo/Atlas Air, we will increase its fuel surcharge from North America to destinations other than South America by $0.05/kg commencing Friday, March 28, 2008. From this date the new surcharge will be $0.90/kg. The fuel surcharge from North America to South America will remain the same at $1.10/kg.

The surcharges will continue to be applied to the chargeable weight of the shipment. Likewise the present minimum charge of $5.00 per airwaybill will continue to be applied to small shipments.

“We at Polar Air Cargo/Atlas Air scheduled services apologise for the inconvenience caused by these surcharges; but the fuel market volatility leaves us little choice,” said a spokesperson.

British Airways World Cargo will increase its charge to GBP0.63 / USD0.95 / EUR0.95, with effect from Thursday, 3 April 2008.

Adam Carson, senior manager revenue management, British Airways World Cargo, said: “Fuel prices continue to escalate which makes it necessary to increase our fuel surcharge by two levels, in line with the index.”

Aer Lingus Cargo will increase its fuel surcharge by US$0.05 with effect from Monday, April 7, 2008. The new surcharge will be S0.80 per kilo charged on the actual weight of the consignment. “We will continue to monitor fuel costs and the surcharge will be adjusted or cancelled depending on aviation fuel cost movements.”