Originally Posted by
SWBKCB
Before the PPE blip (and lets all hope it is a blip), wasn't the dedicated freighter business in decline? At the very least it was getting concentrated in the hands of the integrators/'parcel companies", so unless you want to invest a lot of money in becoming a hub for the big guys (like EMA has...) wouldn't you be chasing a declining market?
My understanding is that demand has grown, but the main driver for increased freight demand is the loss of passenger freight capacity, which will be temporary, to some degree. The loss of passenger cargo capacity is why MANs cargo figures have declined so dramatically, so quickly, rather than a foreseeable issue with the business model.
MAN has become very dependant on passengers spending money in the terminals, on lounges and parking, fast track, etc. The refusal/reluctance to accept diversions and other general aviation and as-hoc charters has frequently been a source of frustration on the board. Scheduled passenger activity is clearly MANs focus.