Latest news with #ASLAviationHoldings
Zawya
6 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Saudia Cargo and ASL Aviation Holdings bolster global logistics with two A330-300 freighters
Saudia Cargo, a leading global cargo carrier, today announced the addition of an Airbus A330-300P2F cargo aircraft, MSN 1272, to their fleet under a wet lease agreement with ASL Aviation Holdings, a global aviation services company. This strategic expansion underscores both companies' commitment to strengthening global air cargo capabilities and connectivity. The aircraft arrived at Shannon Airport (SNN) in mid-June following P2F conversion, where it was painted in the Saudia cargo livery. Formerly registered as N810CM the aircraft will operate for ASL Airlines Ireland as EI-LKD. This is the first of two aircraft under this wet lease agreement. The initial A330-300P2F is expected to begin service with ASL Airlines Ireland in September 2025 before being delivered to Saudia Cargo in the fourth quarter. The second aircraft is also scheduled to arrive in Q4. This ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) lease agreement includes comprehensive operational support, such as dedicated crews, a robust maintenance program, and insurance. The introduction of this aircraft marks the return of the A330F type to ASL Airlines Ireland's operated fleet. The aircraft will join the airline's global fleet, providing air cargo services on an extensive network of more than 50 regular destinations across Europe, North America, and Asia, supported by a fleet of 40 aircraft. The A330-300P2F will complement ASL Airlines Ireland's existing fleet of B737 and ATR72 freighters, offering cost-efficient new opportunities to air cargo customers in global markets. With its capability to move both express parcels and larger cargo, the aircraft can cover distances of up to 6,850 kilometers (3,700 nautical miles) and carry up to 62 tonnes (115,808 pounds) of revenue payload, with 26 pallets available on the main deck and a further 11 pallets (32 LD3) available in the lower hold. Mashabi, CEO and Managing Director of Saudia Cargo, said: "Expanding our capacity and global reach is a strategic imperative for Saudia Cargo, ensuring uninterrupted supply chains for our customers. The integration of this A330-300P2F, in partnership with ASL Aviation Holdings, will significantly support our network capabilities, enabling us to connect markets with greater agility and efficiency. This pivotal addition directly supports our vision to solidify our position as a leading global air cargo carrier and solidifies the Kingdom's role as a global logistics hub." Andrew, Chief Executive of ASL Aviation Holdings, said, 'We are delighted to partner with Saudia Cargo to welcome an A330-300P2F to the ASL fleet. This partnership is a positive statement for ASL as we continue to strengthen and grow. The new A330-300P2F aircraft is ideal for Saudia Cargo's express shipping and e-commerce services, providing a flexible solution to meet the diverse shipping needs of its customers and deliver reliable, high-quality cargo services." About Saudia Cargo: Saudia Cargo stands as a leading national cargo carrier, headquartered in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Leveraging the strategic advantage of the country's location, it serves as a highly efficient aerial bridge connecting the East and the West, seamlessly bridging continents. Our extensive reach encompasses approximately 100 airport destinations and 250 customer destinations across four continents, establishing us as a pivotal player in the global air cargo industry. With a legacy spanning over seven decades and a commitment to a 'human-first' approach, Saudia Cargo has consistently upheld its esteemed reputation as one of the world's most dynamic cargo carriers. This reputation is underpinned by a rich history of innovation and resilience. Our robust alliance with SkyTeam Cargo, the world's largest consortium of air cargo carriers, connects us to an impressive network of 150 freighter destinations in addition to nearly 800 passenger destinations worldwide. Saudia Cargo's access to a modern fleet of Boeing freighter aircraft expedites the transportation of diverse cargo types, including e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, high-value shipments, hazardous materials, and perishables. The company's enduring dedication to humanity, reliability, and agility has been instrumental in driving its remarkable growth trajectory, which continues to expand significantly. For further information, please visit About ASL Aviation Holdings: ASL Aviation Holdings, a global aviation services company with five airlines based in Europe and Australia and three associate and joint-venture airlines in South Africa and Asia. ASL is a world leader in ACMI airline operations, and both scheduled and charter cargo and passenger services. Headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, ASL's airlines include ASL Airlines Ireland, ASL Airlines Belgium, ASL Airlines France and ASL Airlines United Kingdom in Europe and ASL Airlines Australia, formerly known as Pionair. ASL also has an associate low-cost passenger airline, FlySafair, in South Africa and joint venture cargo airlines K-Mile Asia in Thailand and Quikjet Airlines in India. ASL Aviation Holdings airlines operate cargo services for the world's leading express parcel integrators and eCommerce retailers. Group airlines also operate scheduled and charter cargo and services under its own airline brands on domestic, international, and intercontinental routes in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, North America and Africa. ASL has a global team of 3,000 people of 51 nationalities. The Group has a fleet of 150 aircraft that includes seven aircraft types ranging from the turbo-prop ATR 72 to the Boeing 747. For more information, visit
The Citizen
24-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
FlySafair under fire for offshore payouts amid staff wage freezes
Audited records reveal FlySafair transferred millions abroad while denying workers cost-of-living increases. Amid a pilot strike due to protracted wage negotiations and along with domestic and international licensing compliance deadlines, it is now alleged FlySafair, South Africa's only budget air carrier, transferred substantial cash to its shareholders in Ireland. A source said more than R1.31 billion was transferred abroad at the tail-end of the Covid pandemic, during a time when FlySafair reportedly told employees it could not afford basic cost-of-living salary increases. The allegations are supported by the audited financial statements of Safair Aviation (Ireland) DAC, a holding company with no employees and minimal expenses, which reports to parent company ASL Aviation Holdings. FlySafair reportedly transferred over R1.3bn offshore According to the statements, Safair Aviation (Ireland) DAC received $54.5 million (about R956 million) in 2022, and a further $20.3 million in early 2023, from its South African subsidiary, Safair Holdings (Pty) Limited – the parent company of FlySafair. In total, over $74.8 million was transferred abroad in just over a year. FlySafair did not respond to requests for financial data covering earlier or later periods. ALSO READ: FlySafair cancels more than 20 flights, offers refunds as pilots' strike continues [VIDEO] 'This is not just executive hypocrisy; it is a textbook case of pandemic profiteering,' the source said. 'Employees were told to sacrifice because the company was apparently struggling, yet foreign shareholders were enriched with sums that dwarf what would have been needed to treat staff fairly.' At the time the funds were expatriated, pilots and other staff faced wage freezes and reduced benefits. Pilots, staff faced wage freezes Relating the cash exit, another source said that a 10% salary increase for pilots would, in contrast, have cost about R45 million a year. 'That is less than 4% of what was sent offshore in one financial period. There was no real inability to pay, just a decision to prioritise foreign shareholders over the people who keep the airline running,' said the source. Earlier this year, FlySafair came under fire after questions about its ownership structure and control led to a sanction by the Domestic and International Air Licensing Councils. ALSO READ: Here's how much FlySafair pilots are earning as increase offer rejected It was found the airline was controlled by its Irish parent and thus in violation of the law. Requirements in South Africa demand that 75% control of an airline remains in local hands, while the balance may be held internationally. Aviation attorney and private pilot Emile Myburgh said, despite allegations from the source, this is not directly a profit issue, but it raises other questions. Not directly a profit issue 'It certainly raises questions when significant profits go offshore. The fact that such significant sums go abroad is at least a red flag,' Myburgh said. FlySafair has long argued that its ownership meets the legal thresholds, but Myburgh said regulators look beyond the paperwork. 'The law looks at the de facto, real situation,' he said. ALSO READ: FlySafair pilots down tools, travellers warned of delays and cancellations 'It doesn't matter how you structure the 75% South African shareholding. If the tests laid down by the Air Services Licensing Act and Companies Act show that control lies with a non-South African resident, then it doesn't matter what the de jure situation is.' Myburgh said South African aviation law does not tolerate simulation. 'Even if the airline shows 75% local shareholding on paper, if the 25% foreign shareholder effectively controls the airline through voting rights or board appointments, then the airline is in breach of the Act,' he said. Near all of FlySafair controlled outside SA's borders The Citizen previously reported that near all of FlySafair is controlled outside South Africa's borders. The department of transport confirmed the carrier has appealed the domestic ruling but not the international sanction. FlySafair has about six months left to correct its control structures. Businessman Robert Gumede was purportedly approached to invest in the company but, according to sources, the deal fell flat. Gumede's office did not respond to questions from The Citizen at the time of publication. ALSO READ: Pilots at this airline may strike starting next week A department of transport spokesperson responded to questions about the dividend export, FlySafair's licensing status and progress of same. 'These matters are part of the agenda to be discussed in the upcoming meetings of both councils. The outcomes of the meetings will be made available in the next coming two to three weeks.' Myburgh said current wage negotiations between FlySafair's pilot body and the company could be impacted by the offshore dividend evidence. Wage negotiation could be impacted by offshore dividend evidence 'Huge dividends being paid to shareholders while employees are told to take the financial brunt of the risk has often been used, successfully, against employers who plead poverty while living the good life during wage negotiations,' he said. FlySafair did not acknowledge or respond to questions from The Citizen. The carrier failed to respond to questions over the large dividends paid to its parent via a third party, how it justified these in the light of imposing wage austerity, or provided any additional annual financial statements that showed or didn't show similar activity in other years. ALSO READ: Planning to Fly? Acsa warns of flight delays at OR Tambo International Airport The airline also avoided responding to questions about local investment, shareholding, the status of acquiring a B-BBEE partner and licensing council sanctions.
