newstodate.aero
Feb 01, 2017 (newstodate): The world's first operator of the Bombardier CS300 aircraft, Latvia's airBaltic is now gaining first-hand practical experience from operating the new aircraft type on its route net.
On the cargo side, initial impressions are favorable as well.
-The loading tables and weight restrictions initially received were not very inspiring. But after inspections of the cargo compartment, our VP Cargo Toms Andersons initiated a loading tables review with Bombardier and the latest approved restriction rules and loading tables are now significantly better for our cargo product, says Ilja Seliverstovs, airBaltic Cargo Sales Manager.
-In general, cargo compartment volume and weight restrictions are similar to the Boeing 737-300 currently in our fleet. However, the CS300 cargo compartment is narrower and longer, which means we can load longer pieces, but have more strict restrictions on width. However, the most popular way to pack cargo in the region is on EUR-pallets with base dimensions of 120x80, which perfectly fits our new aircraft.
-What excites me the most about CS300 cargo opportunities is its long range, which allows us to reach destinations we couldnt reach before and thus potentially providing us with opportunities for our cargo product improvement and business growth, provided there will not be unexpected payload restrictions. So I hope that our network planning will include some interesting destinations for cargo in future development plans.
-Regarding cargo handling processes, cargo and baggage are loaded bulk, using belt loader. No special equipment or instructions for loading staff seem to have been needed. The cargo compartment is longer so loading staff will generally have to push loaded pieces farther than they used to, but that doesnt seem to be an issue at the moment. So far, we have not had any problems with CS300 cargo loading at outstations.
-These are our first impressions with the CS300, but we have to take into consideration the very short period we have actually operated it,says Mr Seliverstovs.
So far, airBaltic has placed orders for a total of 20 Bombardier CS300 aircraft, the first of which entered commercial services on December 14, 2016.
Two CS300 aircraft have now been delivered, a third aircraft will follow in March 2017 and by the end of the year airBaltic plans to have a total of six CS300 aircraft in the fleet.
On the cargo side, initial impressions are favorable as well.
-The loading tables and weight restrictions initially received were not very inspiring. But after inspections of the cargo compartment, our VP Cargo Toms Andersons initiated a loading tables review with Bombardier and the latest approved restriction rules and loading tables are now significantly better for our cargo product, says Ilja Seliverstovs, airBaltic Cargo Sales Manager.
-In general, cargo compartment volume and weight restrictions are similar to the Boeing 737-300 currently in our fleet. However, the CS300 cargo compartment is narrower and longer, which means we can load longer pieces, but have more strict restrictions on width. However, the most popular way to pack cargo in the region is on EUR-pallets with base dimensions of 120x80, which perfectly fits our new aircraft.
-What excites me the most about CS300 cargo opportunities is its long range, which allows us to reach destinations we couldnt reach before and thus potentially providing us with opportunities for our cargo product improvement and business growth, provided there will not be unexpected payload restrictions. So I hope that our network planning will include some interesting destinations for cargo in future development plans.
-Regarding cargo handling processes, cargo and baggage are loaded bulk, using belt loader. No special equipment or instructions for loading staff seem to have been needed. The cargo compartment is longer so loading staff will generally have to push loaded pieces farther than they used to, but that doesnt seem to be an issue at the moment. So far, we have not had any problems with CS300 cargo loading at outstations.
-These are our first impressions with the CS300, but we have to take into consideration the very short period we have actually operated it,says Mr Seliverstovs.
So far, airBaltic has placed orders for a total of 20 Bombardier CS300 aircraft, the first of which entered commercial services on December 14, 2016.
Two CS300 aircraft have now been delivered, a third aircraft will follow in March 2017 and by the end of the year airBaltic plans to have a total of six CS300 aircraft in the fleet.