Aeroflot opts for Cargospot

AEROFLOT Cargo Airlines announced a five-year deal with CHAMP Cargosystems, which will see the airline migrate to the new generation Cargospot system. The new technology will deliver complete end-to-end control over the sale and management of cargo by integrating the processes of all the airline’s cargo-related business activities.

This comes at a time when Aeroflot Cargo is undergoing a fleet change programme, planning to increase its fleet to six MD-11Fs in 2009 and maximising belly cargo service. The airline has ended its short-lived operations with Boeing 737 freighters and appears to have dumped all plans to operate new-build Il-96 freighters.

Alexey Sumchenko, commercial director of Aeroflot Cargo Airlines, said: “We have worked with CHAMP over the last 10 years and are confident that the migration to this advanced system will deliver huge benefits. “Cargospot will enable us to efficiently manage our full network of multiple destinations, routes and connections. This includes operating seamlessly with our parent company, Aeroflot, delivering goods on all their passenger flights to 100 destinations in 50 countries. We expect that the implementation of Cargospot and the efficiencies it will bring, will deliver a five per cent increase in our load factor within the first year of operation.”

John Johnston, chief executive officer CHAMP Cargosystems, said: “The benefit of the open systems design of Cargospot will ensure that Aeroflot Cargo has the opportunity to extend the application to its sales agencies, handling agents and key customers. In this way, they can provide a seamless flow of information, improving productivity and the carrier’s competitive position.”