BRITISH AIRWAYS CARGO SALES UP 13%

BRITISH AIRWAYS CARGO SALES UP 13%

   British Airways World Cargo said revenue during the carrier’s first fiscal quarter ending June 30 rose 13 percent to 140 million pounds ($225 million) over last year’s quarter.

   Cargo traffic also increased 13 percent in the quarter to 232,000 metric tons, led by shipment growth in Australasia and the Far East, particularly Japan.

      “The introduction of twice weekly 747-400 freighter services between London and Osaka in May also enhanced our bottom line,” said Gareth Kirkwood, BA World Cargo’s managing director.

      “Europe has shown strong growth year-on-year in all markets and we are continuing to see a good return from our established perishables handling capability,” Kirkwood said.

   BA also credited the improvement to the opening of its new World Cargo Centre at London’s Heathrow Airport. Some 60 percent, or all of the airline’s containerized freight business, is now handled at the center. Bulk shipments will be transferred into the facility this fall.

   Flown-as-booked performance for U.K. exports exceeds 96 percent, taking into account circumstances outside of the building’s control, such as late aircraft changes, BA said.