CargoLogic Germany gains NCC approval as it taxis for takeoff

New Leipzig-based airline CargoLogic Germany has announced that it recently gained non-commercial (NCC) operations approval from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency.

The airline said the NCC approval means it can begin “route proving flights” this week.

Meanwhile, managing director Ulrich Ogiermann has told Air Cargo News sister title DVZ that he expects the airline to get its AOC in mid-July, adding that there is already great demand for its services.

These flights are used as test runs for new airlines and are required in order to gain an Air Operator Certificate (AOC).

The airline first applied to the German Federal Aviation Authority (LBA) for an operating license in November 2017.

However, some have questioned whether the airline will be granted a license.

Speaking at a press event earlier this year, Lufthansa Cargo chief executive and executive board chairman Peter Gerber questioned who controlled the airline.

He said that in order to gain an AOC in Europe, the airline needs to be European owned and also European controlled.

“I believe, for the moment, it is difficult to get an AOC because you need to be European and it needs to be European controlled and this is what European laws say.

“If it is a [Russia-based] AirBridgeCargo (ABC) subsidiary, then that in itself contradicts the laws – if it is controlled by ABC they can’t get an AOC.

“I’m pretty sure that the German authorities will look at this very thoroughly and do the right thing.”

The airline, which will target the fast-growing intra-European express market, has already taken delivery of its first aircraft – a Boeing 737-400 freighter.

It plans to launch operations with three B737 freighters and have a fleet of 10 aircraft within three years.

The carrier is also busy recruiting and in its latest job advert states that operations will commence in mid-2019.