Air Canada cargo revenues stronger than passenger for the first time

Air Canada’s cargo revenues have exceeded passenger revenues for the first time, the carrier said in its second quarter results, which were released on July 31.

Total operating revenue in the second quarter fell 89% to C$527 million. Of that, C$269m came from cargo — a 52% year-on-year increase from the same period last year — and $207m came from passenger transport. 

The airline also achieved ebitda of C$-832m in the second quarter compared with C$916m in the same period last year. 

Since March, Air Canada Cargo has operated more than 2,000 cargo-only flights across its network, which includes cities in Europe, Asia, South America and the US, as well as New Zealand and Australia. These flights were both scheduled and on-demand flights.

The carrier also plans to operate up to 100 all-cargo flights per week in the third quarter using a combination of Boeing 787 and Boeing 777 aircraft, as well as four recently converted Boeing 777 and three converted Airbus A330 aircraft that have had their passenger seats removed.

“These aircraft currently operate on international routes, carrying personal protective equipment (PPE), mail and perishables loaded in the cabin,” the company said in a statement.

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Air Canada Cargo vice president, Tim Strauss, commented: “All of us are incredibly grateful to our cargo customers for allowing us to serve them in ways we never anticipated in the midst of this global disaster.

“Equally, we are proud of the teamwork , creativity and focus of our employees around the world who have given their very best every day and allowed us to grow a North America best 52% year over year.”